Diseases

Spinal strokes, also known as fibrocartilaginous embolism (FCE) or ischemic myelopathy, are relatively rare but potentially severe health events that can affect dogs. This condition can cause a wide range of symptoms, from mild weakness to complete paralysis, and may require extensive treatment to manage. To ensure your dog gets the appropriate care, it's crucial to understand what spinal strokes are, their causes, and the best treatment options available. In this article, we will delve into the details of spinal strokes in dogs, discussing their causes, symptoms, and treatment options. What is a Spinal Stroke in Dogs? Before we [...]

Dogs can develop trouble with the stance and/or gait for many reasons, from age-related arthritis to traumatic accidents. In some cases, the problem lies not with the structures of the legs themselves, but with the passage of nerve signals to the limbs. If your dog has developed an oddly wobbly, stiff or unstable gait, it may suffer from a condition known as canine wobbler syndrome. The more you understand about this progressive spinal problem, the more effectively you can help your four-legged friend enjoy the best possible quality of life. What Is Canine Wobbler Syndrome? Canine wobbler syndrome is [...]

No animal lover likes to see an animal experiencing pain and suffering, least of all that animal's owner. If your beloved dog can't get around well due to a significant leg injury, you need to know whether that injury constitutes a sprain or a fracture -- and how to react by pursuing the proper evaluation, treatment, and post-treatment care for each scenario. However, you might not be able to tell one type of injury from the other at a glance. With that in mind, let's take a closer look at leg sprains and broken legs in dogs. What Happens [...]

While everyone may love the boundless energy and playfulness of puppies, in many respects old dogs make the best companions of all. When you've lived with your four-legged buddy for years, you have a bond that's hard to explain to anyone not familiar with that feeling. So when your elderly pet starts developing trouble in its hind legs, you can't stand to watch it suffer and struggle. Fortunately, you can take steps to lend strength or stability to an aging dog's hind legs. Take the following information to heart as you seek solutions for your old friend. What Causes [...]

Advancing age can bring many changes for humans and dogs alike, including increased risks for various health disorders. One such disorder, Cushing's syndrome, often affects older dogs (and sometimes cats as well). If your canine family member has developed Cushing's syndrome, it may suffer from a wide range of symptoms and complications, including loss of function in its hind legs. You owe it to yourself, and your dog, in order to gain a solid understanding of this syndrome, from its causes and symptoms to your options for treating and managing the condition's effects. Take a look at this introductory [...]

When your beloved dog's hind legs just don't seem to work properly, both you and your pet may feel considerable distress. Few sights cause owners more sorrow than seeing their best friend hobbling stiffly or wobbling while standing due to a serious injury, congenital defect, or age-related health problem. In addition to the pain that they may cause, unstable or weak hind legs can also make your dog more vulnerable to accidents. Fortunately, modern medicine and assistive technology can help your struggling friend overcome his limitations. Let's take a look at some of the problems that can affect a [...]

A spinal injury can prove to be just as devastating for a dog as it can be for a human. This type of injury may lead to chronic pain, gait problems, or even paralysis, depending on the nature and location of the injury. Whether you're worried about the current state of your dog's spine or you'd like to understand the potential threats to your furry friend's spinal well being, you should learn some key points about spinal injury in dogs, from their symptoms and causes to diagnostic methods, treatment options, and recovery expectations. What Exactly Is Spinal Injury in [...]

Almost any dog owner will agree that their canine friends seem practically human in many ways, including the ways that they process emotions and react to situations. Unfortunately, this fact means that dogs can fall prey to the same kinds of emotional disorders as humans, including the development of a problem known as separation anxiety. Separation anxiety can prove devastating for dogs, with the events of the COVID-19 pandemic only fanning the flames of their emotional distress. The more you understand this common problem, the more easily you can recognize the symptoms of separation anxiety in your own dog, [...]

Dog diapers, also known as dog nappies, are instrumental in assisting our furry friends not to soil themselves and their surroundings. There are various reasons why a dog might require a diaper, and there are different canine diaper sizes and gender specifications to accommodate. Learn more about canine diaper offerings and how they can be chosen to best suit select lifestyles and budgets. What Are the Main Reasons a Dog Would Need a Diaper? Like humans, canines require dog diapers mainly for incontinence symptoms, managing a dog going into heat, or for dogs demonstrating behavioral issues. To help deal [...]