Dog Diseases

Kennel Cough is a broad term that is commonly applied to one of the most common upper respiratory problem in dogs. Other names for the disease are Bordetellosis, Bordetella, tracheobronchitis, and canine infectious tracheobronchitis. Infectious…

Lyme Disease in Dogs

Lyme disease is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi. Watch video below for more information on the disease:

Infectious Canine Hepatitis (ICH)

Parvovirus (parvo)

I encourage all dog professionals to watch this webinar on Parvovirus (parvo) in its entirety:

Antibiotic-Resistant Infections in Dogs

Select from our A to Z list to read all about a disease or condition in one comprehensive overview. Find your topic by first letter. MOST READ Parvo in Dogs The canine parvovirus (CPV) infection is…

Arthritis (Septic) in Dogs

Toxic Inflammation of the Joints in Dogs Septic arthritis is a type of inflammation of the joint that is commonly seen after a traumatic injury that has exposed the joint to contamination by environmental microorganism, after…

Bacterial Infection of the Breast in Dogs

Mastitis in Dogs Mastitis is a bacterial infection of one or more lactating (milk producing) glands in the breasts. It is often the result of an ascending infection, trauma to the lactating gland, or an infection…

Abnormal Molar Development in Dogs

Dilacerated Mandibular First Molar in Dogs The abnormal development and formation of the mandibular tooth, a molar located three teeth away from the midline of the jaw, is an oral health issue seen primarily in small…

Antibiotic-resistant Bacterial Infections in Dogs

L-Form Bacterial Infections in Dogs L-form bacteria are formed as a spontaneous variant of bacteria with defective or absent cell walls, or when cell wall synthesis is inhibited or impaired by antibiotics (e.g., penicillin), specific immunoglobulins,…

Abnormal Passage Between Artery and Vein in Dogs

Arteriovenous Fistula in Dogs An arteriovenous fistula is an abnormal, low resistance connection between an artery and a vein. If large enough, the fistula may cause a significant fraction of the total cardiac output to bypass…

Bacterial Infection (Nocardiosis) in Dogs

Nocardiosis in Dogs Nocardiosis is an uncommon infectious disease affecting several body systems, including the respiratory, musculoskeletal, and nervous systems. Both dogs and cats may become exposed to the infectious, saphrophytic organism, which nourishes itself from…

Bacterial Infection (Actinomycosis) in Dogs

Actinomycosis in Dogs Actinomycosis is an infectious disease caused by gram positive, branching, pleomorphic (can change shape somewhat between a rod and coccus), rod-shaped bacteria of the genus Actinomyces, most commonly the A. viscosus species. Able…

Addison’s Disease in Dogs

Hypoadrenocorticism in Dogs Mineralocorticoids and glucocorticoids are hormones normally produced by the adrenal glands, which are located near the kidneys. Both of these hormones are critical to the healthy functioning of the body, and an abnormal…

Abnormal Urine Outflow Due to Urinary Bladder Dysfunction in Dogs

Vesicourachal Diverticula in Dogs Vesicourachal diverticula is congenital condition in which the urachus -- embryological canal or tube connecting the placenta with urinary bladder of fetus -- fails to close. This impairs the animal's normal urine…

Arrhythmias after Blunt Heart Trauma in Dogs

Traumatic Myocarditis in Dogs Traumatic myocarditis is the term applied to the syndrome of arrhythmias – irregular heartbeats – that sometimes complicates a blunt trauma injury to the heart. It is a misnomer, because heart muscle…

Abnormal Protein Production in Dogs

Paraproteinemia in Dogs Plasma cells are white blood cells, which produce large quantities of antibodies, essential to the body's immune response to invasions of bacteria and viruses. Antibodies are also called immunoglobulins, small protein molecules found…

Abnormal Heart Rhythm in Dogs

Sinus Bradycardia in Dogs Sinus bradycardia (SB) is indicated by a slower-than-normal rate of impulses in the sinus node. Also called the sinoatrial node (SAN), the sinus node initiates the electrical impulses within the heart, triggering…

Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) in Dogs

Shock Lung in Dogs Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) refers to a condition of sudden respiratory failure due to fluid accumulation and severe inflammation in the lungs. ARDS is a life-threatening problem, with current mortality rates…

Adrenal Gland Cancer (Pheochromocytoma) in Dogs

Pheochromocytoma in Dogs A pheochromocytoma is a tumor of the adrenal gland, which causes the glands to make too much of certain hormones. This can cause an increase in heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing rate.…

Anemia Related to the Immune System in Dogs

Immune Mediated Anemia The immune system in a dog is made up of a collection of specialized cells, proteins, tissues, and organs, which all constitute a solid defense system against a variety of infections, including bacterial,…

Anemia Due to Chronic Kidney Disease in Dogs

Erythropoietin (EPO) is a glycoprotein hormone, produced in the kidneys, that controls the production of red blood cells. For development and maturation of red blood cells to take place, bone marrow requires an adequate supply of…

Anemia Due to Bone Marrow Failure (or Toxicity) in Dogs

Aplastic Anemia in Dogs Bone marrow plays a pivotal role in the origination and constant replenishment of important cells like red blood cells (RBCs), granulocytes (or white blood cells [WBCs]), and platelets. Once these cells reach…

Anemia Due to Deformed Red Blood Cells in Dogs

Anemia, Metabolic (Anemias With Spiculated Red Cells) in Dogs Metabolic anemia in dogs occurs as the result of any underlying disease related to the kidney, liver, or spleen by which the shape of red blood cells…

Antibodies that Attack Blood Cells at Lower Temperatures in Dogs

Cold Agglutinin Disease in Dogs The term agglutinin refers to an antibody that causes antigens, such as red blood cells or bacteria, to adhere to each each other. Cold agglutinins with low thermal capacity are usually…

Anal Sac Disorders in Dogs

Image via iStock.com/mpikula Dogs have anal sacs on either side of the anus that fill with fluid produced by the anal glands. This fluid is a scent marker that’s useful for communicating with other dogs, such…

Abortion in Dogs

There are numerous reasons for why pet owners would like to prevent pregnancy in their pets. There are numerous reasons for why pet owners would like to prevent pregnancy in their pets. It is a common…

Abnormal Growths in the Lower Intestines of Dogs

Rectoanal Polyps in Dogs Rectoanal polyps is characterized by the growth of flap-like protrusions in the anal and rectal walls. The polyps may be directly attached to the intestinal wall (sessile), or attached through a stalk-like…

Accumulation of Air Between Chest and Lungs in Dogs

Pneumothorax in Dogs Pneumothorax is the medical term for an accumulation of air in the pleural space, the area between the chest wall and the lungs. It may be categorized as traumatic or spontaneous, and closed…

Bacterial Infection (Pyelonephritis) of the Kidneys in Dogs

Pyelonephritis in Dogs Pyelonephritis is a bacterial infection of the renal pelvis, the funnel-like part of the ureter in the dog's kidney. Normally, if pyelonephritis takes place, it is due to an impairment of the dog's…

Arthritis of Multiple Joints in Dogs

Nonerosive, Immune-Mediated Polyarthritis in Dogs Nonerosive immune-mediated polyarthritis is an immune-mediated inflammatory disease of the diarthroidal joints (movable joints: shoulder, knee, etc.), which occurs in multiple joints, and in which the cartilage of the joint (articular…

Abnormal Development of the Elbow in Dogs

Elbow Dysplasia in Dogs Elbow dysplasia is a condition caused by the abnormal growth of cells, tissue, or bone. The condition is characterized by a series of four developmental abnormalities that lead to malformation and degeneration…

Abnormal Passageway Between the Mouth and Nasal Cavity in Dogs

Oronasal Fistula in Dogs A fistula is characterized as an abnormal passageway between two openings, hollow organs, or cavities. They occur as a result of injury, infection, or disease. A communicating, vertical passageway between the mouth…

Bacterial Infection (Metritis) of the Uterus in Dogs

Metritis in Dogs Metritis is inflammation of the endometrium (lining) of the uterus due to a bacterial infection, usually occurring within a week after a dog has given birth. It can also develop after a natural…

Anticoagulant Poisoning in Dogs

Anticoagulant Rodenticide Poisoning in Dogs The purpose of an anticoagulant is to prevent the coagulation (clotting) of blood. These agents are commonly used in rat and mouse poisons, and are one of the most common household…

Artery Inflammation in Dogs

Juvenile Polyarteritis and Beagle Pain Syndrome in Dogs Juvenile polyarteritis, also referred to medically as beagle pain syndrome, is a systemic disease that is seemingly of genetic origin, affecting only certain breeds. It is most commonly…

Abnormal Eyelid in Dogs

Entropion in Dogs Entropion is a genetic condition in which a portion of the eyelid is inverted or folded inward. This can cause an eyelash or hair to irritate and scratch the surface of the eye,…

Acid Reflux in Dogs

Gastroesophageal Reflux in Dogs Gastroesophageal reflux is a condition characterized by the uncontrollable reverse flow of gastric or intestinal fluids into the tube connecting the throat and the stomach (esophagus). This may be due to a…

Anemia, Regenerative in Dogs

Regenerative Anemia in Dogs Blood is made up a cellular portion, and a liquid portion called plasma. This cellular makeup of blood includes the red blood cells, platelets, and white blood cells. When there are not…

Anemia, Nonregenerative in Dogs

Non-regenerative Anemia in Dogs A decrease in red blood cells is called anemia. Typically, bone marrow will respond to this decrease by increasing red blood cell production. However, in non-regenerative anemia, the bone marrow response is…

Anemia Due to Enlarged Blood Cells in Dogs

Anemia, Megaloblastic (Anemia, Nuclear Maturation Defects) in Dogs In this disease, red blood cells fail to divide and become abnormally large. These cells are also deficient in necessary DNA material. These giant cells with underdeveloped…

Anemia Due to Iron Deficiency in Dogs

Anemia, Iron Deficiency in Dogs When the body is deficient in iron, red cells do not develop as they should. The lack of iron causes the cells that are produced by the bone marrow to be…

Bacterial Infection (Streptococcus) in Dogs

Streptococcal Infections in Dogs Streptococcal infection refers to a bacterial infection caused by streptococcus. Puppies and older dogs are most suscetible to developing this disease, as their immune systems are not fully developed or have declined.…

Bacterial Infection (Pyoderma) of the Skin in Dogs

When a dog's skin is cut or wounded, there is an increased risk of infection. Pyoderma refers to an infection of the skin and can be bacterial, fungal or parasitic (mites). Pyoderma in dogs—and pyoderma in…

Acute Vomiting in Dogs

Image via RelentlessImages/Shutterstock.com It is not uncommon for dogs and cats to vomit from time to time. They might have eaten something that upset their stomachs, or just have sensitive digestive systems. However, it becomes acute…

Bacterial Infection (Campylobacteriosis) in Dogs

Campylobacteriosis in Dogs Campylobacteriosis is a bacterial infection prevalent in puppies younger than six months old. The bacteria which causes the disease can even be found in the gut (gastrointestinal tract) of healthy dogs and other…

Aspirin Poisoning in Dogs

Aspirin Toxicity in Dogs Aspirin, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication, has beneficial effects including anti-platelet, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties. However, it can also be toxic. Once ingested, aspirin forms salicylic acid, which is then distributed throughout the…

Anal Gland Cancer in Dogs

Adenocarcinoma, Anal Sac/Perianal in Dogs While anal gland/sac cancer (adenocarcinoma) is not common, it is an invasive disease that does not generally have a positive outlook. Usually seen as a rectal growth (mass) on the animal,…

Abscesses in Dogs

Surface wounds are fairly common in pets, but they can become problematic if they become infected and are left untreated. While most irritations can often be treated with ointments and creams, an abscess can form if…

Anemia (Methemoglobinemia) in Dogs

Methemoglobinemia in Dogs The purpose of hemoglobin in the blood is to carry oxygen from the lungs to other parts of the body. Methemoglobin is the result of iron oxygenation, and while it is a form…

Acne in Dogs

Pustules in Dogs Much like in teenage humans, acne is a benign disorder that typically only lasts a while. It occurs when the hair follicles become irritated. Dogs with short coats such as Boxers, Bulldogs, and…

Allergic Shock in Dogs

Anaphylaxis in Dogs Anaphylaxis is an emergency condition that occurs when an animal reacts adversely to a particular allergen. In extreme situations, this reaction can be fatal. The condition is fairly unpredictable, as almost any substance…

Timing of Spay/Neuter and Cruciate Ligament Disease Risk: New Evidence from 20,590 Dogs

Publication D. Low. Cumulative gonadal hormone exposure is nonlinearly associated with risk of canine cranial cruciate ligament disease: a generalised additive model analysis of 20,590 dogs (1988–2023). Journal of Small Animal Practice (2025), pp. 1–8 in…