A precise diagnosis of the causes of a skin disease requires a detailed history, physical examination, and appropriate diagnostic tests. Many skin diseases have similar signs and an immediate diagnosis may not be possible. Based on your dog’s history and the physical examination, your veterinarian may order any of a number of laboratory procedures. These may include microscopic analysis of skin scrapings and hair, cultures of hair or skin swabs, specialized skin test
Dermatitis is a general word for any type of inflammation of the skin. It is the word usually used to describe a skin condition until a specific diagnosis is reached. There are many causes of skin inflammation, including external irritants, burns, allergens, trauma, and infection (bacterial, viral, parasitic, or fungal). Dermatitis can also be associated with internal or body-wide disease.
The skin’s response to insult is generically calle
The skin is the largest organ of your dog’s body. It provides a protective barrier against the environment, regulates temperature, and gives your dog its sense of touch. Depending on the species and age, the skin may be 12 to 24% of a dog’s body weight. The skin has 3 major layers: the epidermis or outermost layer, the dermis or middle layer, and subcutis or innermost layer. Other important parts of the skin include skin appendages (such as hair and claws) and subcut
Transmissible venereal tumors are cancerous tumors of the genitalia in dogs. The tumor cells are passed from dog to dog during breeding. They form cauliflower-like masses that range in size from small (less than 5 millimeters wide) to large (more than 10 centimeters wide). The surface is often ulcerated and inflamed and bleeds easily. The tumors may be single or multiple. Although they are almost always located directly on the genitalia, they may be passed on to the adjacent skin or the
Brucellosis is infection with the bacteria Brucella canis. In dogs, it leads to miscarriage, infection of the sexual organs in males, and infertility. The disease occurs throughout the world, and this species of bacteria primarily affects dogs. It spreads rapidly among closely confined dogs. Infection is transmitted through ingestion of contaminated materials or via sexual transmission. Both sexes appear to be equally susceptible. The primary sign
The frequency of mammary tumors in different species varies tremendously. The dog is by far the most frequently affected domestic species, with a rate that is about 3 times that found in women. About half of all tumors in female dogs are mammary tumors. Approximately 45% of canine mammary tumors are malignant (cancerous).
Mammary glands and tumor, dog
There are many reproductive diseases that can affect female dogs. The most common diseases are discussed in this section.
Abnormal or Difficult Birth (Dystocia)
Many factors can cause a difficult birth (dystocia), including uterine problems, a too-small birth canal, an oversized fetus, or abnormal position of the fetus during birth. Some breeds, such as Boxers, are more likely to have difficult births tha
Several reproductive diseases can affect male dogs. This section discusses the most common of these disorders.
Cryptorchidism
Cryptorchidism is a failure of one or both testicles to descend into the scrotum. It is the most common disorder of sexual development in dogs. The condition has a genetic basis and can be inherited from either parent. If both testicles are affected, the dog is sterile. Because the
Proper ovulation in females and ejaculation of fertile and normal sperm by males are regulated through a sequence of events in the brain, nervous system, and sexual organs. For best results, ovulation and deposition of semen into the female genital tract must be closely synchronized. Failure of any step in either sex leads to infertility or sterility. The ultimate result of infertility is the failure to produce offspring. In females, infertility may be due to improper timing of b
Dogs can be bred naturally or artificially. Artificial reproduction techniques include insemination with fresh, chilled, or frozen-thawed semen. Because male dogs are more likely to breed successfully in their home environment, females are generally taken to the male rather than the reverse.
Female dogs usually have estrous cycles twice a year, but the interval between cycles can range from 4 to 13 months. The average interval between cycles is 7