Page 9 - Canine-Diseases

idiopathic furunculosis of German Shepherd Dogs, pyotraumatic equally affected.
folliculitis, and callus dermatitis, among others. In both dogs and
cats, allergic skin disease is perhaps the most common cause of Bladder cancer: The most common type is transitional cell
bacterial folliculitis. Parasitism and fungal infection of the skin are carcinoma (TCC). It is an aggressive, malignant cancer of the
also common causes. urinary bladder that affects dogs and cats. It often invades into
the urethra and/or ureters, causing obstruction of the urinary tract
Bacterial skin disease: Depth of bacterial infection within the and disruption of normal urine flow. Animals usually present to
skin ranges from surface infection (pyotraumatic dermatitis, their veterinarian for an inability to urinate or difficult urination,
body fold pyoderma), superficial infection (impetigo, superficial blood in the urine, or urinary incontinence. Approximately 20%
pyoderma, superficial folliculitis), deep infections (localised deep of canines with bladder cancer have metastases at the time of
folliculitis and furunculosis, generalised deep pyoderma, cellulitis diagnosis. Breeds at a higher risk for developing TCC include
and mycobacterial infections) to subcutaneous (abscess, mycoses, Scottish Terriers, Beagles, West Highland White Terriers, Shetland
Nocardiosis). Sheepdogs, and Wirehair Fox Terriers.

Balanoposthitis: Is the medical term used to describe Blastomycosis: Is a systemic fungal infection caused by the
inflammation of the penis and prepuce. There are a variety of dimorphic fungus Blastomyces dermatitidis that affects both dogs
causes of balanoposthitis - most often bacterial infection, although and humans. Dogs are ten times more likely to be infected than
viral and even fungal infections can also be the cause. Trauma, humans. The infective form of the organism, the mycelial phase,
lacerations, neoplasia, foreign bodies, urinary tract infection, is most likely to be found in sandy, acidic soil near bodies of
urolithiasis, or phimosis may result in development of more severe fresh water. High organic matter content in the soil from decaying
balanoposthitis. A mucopurulent preputial discharge is the most wood byproducts or animal waste together with moist conditions
common clinical sign. Excessive licking of the prepuce may also promotes growth of the organism. Blastomyces dermatitidis has a
be noted. relatively wide distribution in North America, including southern
Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Quebec, and Ontario. Infection most
Bartonellosis: Is a group of emerging infectious diseases caused commonly occurs after inhaling spores from contaminated soil.
by bacteria belonging to the Bartonella genus. Bartonella includes The disease in dogs can affect the eyes, brain, lungs, skin, or
at least 22 named species of bacteria that are mainly transmitted by bones. Symptoms of blastomycosis infection in dogs include loss
carriers (vectors), including fleas, lice, or sandflies. Both domestic of appetite, fever, weight loss, inflammation of the iris of the eye,
and wild animals can be infected with Bartonella species by coughing, and pus-filled skin lesions. More serious symptoms can
these vectors. Among the Bartonella spp, at least 14 have been include sudden blindness, lameness, and seizures.
implicated in diseases that can be transmitted from animals to
people (zoonotic disease). Of these zoonotic species, several may Bleeding disorders: A bleeding disorder is any irregularity that
be transmitted to humans by companion animals (dogs and cats), disrupts a dog’s hemostasis, or its body’s natural process to cease
typically through a bite or scratch. bleeding. For hemostasis to function, the dog’s body requires
appropriate blood clotting factors, constriction of blood vessels,
Basal cell tumors: Are disordered overgrowth of cells of and number of platelets. In dogs, the causes for bleeding disorders
the epidermis, or outer layer of skin. It gets its name from its include congenital clotting protein disorders, hypofibrinogenemia,
resemblance under the microscope to the basal cell layer of deficiency of Factor VII and Factor VIII (hemophilia A), acquired
epithelium. This category of tumor includes both benign and clotting protein disorders, platelet disorders, thrombocytopenia,
malignant tumors, although most are benign and only occasionally canine thombopathia, Von Willebrand’s disease, blood vessel
is a malignant tumor diagnosed. Basal cell tumors are relatively disorders, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, and Rocky Mountain spotted
common in middle-aged to old cats but are less common in dogs. fever.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH): Also known as cystic Blepharitis: Any condition that can cause irritation of the
hyperplasia, is the most common prostatic disorder and is found eyelids can lead to blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelids). In
in most intact male dogs >6 yrs. old as a result of androgenic most cases, the inflammation affects the outer two layers of the
stimulation or altered androgen: estrogen ratio. In some dogs, eyelids; in some cases it may spread to involve the inner lining or
hyperplasia may begin as early as 2.5 yrs. of age and, after 4 yrs. palpebral conjunctiva. Blepharitis can affect one or both eyes. The
of age, cystic hyperplasia tends to develop. Common clinical affected eyelid will be usually be red, swollen, and itchy, and the
symptoms include serosanguinous urethral discharge, haematuria, dog will squint or blink spasmodically (called ‘blepharospasm’).
flattened faeces, constipation and tenesmus. There may be a discharge from the eye which may be clear,
mucoid, or purulent, and there may be loss of pigment or hair.
Bilious vomiting syndrome (BVS): Is a condition historically The skin covering the eyelids may have dry crusts or flakes on its
associated with early morning vomiting of bile in response to bile- surface or small papules or pustules may develop on the surface.
induced inflammation of the stomach. Bile salts interfere with the Breeds that are more likely to develop blepharitis include Shih-
gastric mucosal barrier, allowing acid to irritate the stomach lining Tzus, Pekingese, English Bulldogs, Lhasa Apsos, Pugs, Golden
and cause gastritis. The presence of bile is indicated by a watery, Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, Poodles, Chinese Shar-Peis,
yellow-green substance in the vomit contents. BVS is commonly Chow-Chows, Rottweilers, and Collies.
seen in older dogs but can occur at any age. Both genders are

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