Liver Cancer (Hepatocellular Carcinoma) in Dogs .

Liver cancer is a tumor of the epithelial tissues of the liver, that lines the surfaces and the cavities of dogs' body structure. It is one of the most dangerous forms of the disease and is a silent killer. Because many dogs do not even show any distinct symptoms until it is too late. Liver cancer in dog affect mostly older dogs ( around 10 years and above ) more than younger dogs. So dog parents and all animal lovers need to be educate themselves as much as they can and be careful of this disease.

Types of Dog liver cancer :

There are two types of liver cancer in dogs.
1- Primary Liver Cancer, arises within the liver. It is the result of primary liver tumor that originates in the liver. The most common primary liver tumor usually does not spread to other parts of the body. It mostly occurs in older dogs ( specially in male dogs ). In rare cases Primary liver cancer in dogs can metastasize to other parts of the body.

2- Secondary / Metastatic Liver Cancer, is one that spread to the liver from other organs and common in dogs. Because the liver is the largest organ in the dog's body. It is involved in bodily functions and processes. Medications are metabolized in the liver and putting a lot of stress on the liver. This is the reason of all secondary/ metastatic cancers. Metastatic liver tumors are generally multiple aggregation of cells.

Symptoms of Dog liver cancer :

 

Sadly in the early stage of dog liver cancer, symptoms are not distinctive until the disease reaches an advanced stage.

Some of Symptoms are :

Appetite loss, anemia as a result of appetite loss/ internal bleeding, pale gums as a sign of anemia, jaundice as a result of anemia and liver disease, blood in stools as a sign of internal bleeding, lethargy, diarrhea, vomiting, weight loss, excessive urination and thirst, abdominal haemorrhage, weakness, behavioural symptom, etc.

Causes of dog liver cancer :

 

Causes of dog liver cancer are unknown. May be related to environmental factors such as chemical driven liver damage or causes may be toxins. Because dogs are exposed on a daily basis to such toxins and chemicals which may be contained in household cleaners/ pesticides.

If dog is being fed a low-quality commercial dog food, is constantly being exposed to harmful and some dangerous chemicals contained in the food such as artificial flavors and colouring.

Diagnosis of dog lever cancer : 

This is difficult to diagnosis early enough liver cancer in dog. If dog shows some of symptoms, do not do late to take him to a veterinarian for an immediate examination. Veterinarian will perform a physical examination on dog to see some other conditions. If dog liver cancer is suspected then it may require some following tests.

Biochemical profile, complete blood count test, urinalysis, liver biopsy, clotting tests, abdominal ultrasound, abdominal and chest x-rays. Also a microscopic test of fluid will be taken from dog liver by needle to detect a pre-cancerous change in tissues and cells. A hepatic biopsy may need to be done to make a conclusive diagnosis. 

 

Treatment in dog lever cancer :

 

Liver cancer in dog is a tough battle of life and is not easily treated. The treatment depends upon the severity of the condition. Very first veterinarian will work to stabilize dog's condition and to ease his discomfort and pain.

Disease is usually not diagnosed in the early stage. So options of treatment go down when the cancer is in an advanced stage. Dog may require a blood transfusion. If the dog has a primary liver tumor, there is possibility of a surgery to remove part of the liver. Surgery of this type is a dangerous procedure and only should be attempted when the exact location of the tumor is known. But not in all dogs. And If cancer is metastatic then radiotherapy or chemotherapy may be tried for removing cancer cells.

 

Natural remedies, herbs and diet for liver cancer in dog:

 

Though dog liver cancer has a poor worsen prognosis but one should not give up. Try various treatment options such as homeopathic, herbs, natural supplements, home made diets, etc.

Herbs are good for strengthening the immune system. They support the liver, kidneys and make the body stronger to fight against cancer.

AHCC, Avemar, Astragalus, Echinacea, red clover, burdock root, alfalfa, dandelion, essiac, milk thistle, green tea, garlic, ginger mashrooms, are good suggestions for dog with liver cancer.

Mostly veterinarians suggest homemade diet for liver cancer dog patient which should be low in carbohydrate and high in fat, high quality proteins, amino acids, beneficial vegetables.  

Also some beneficial supplements should be given. Vitamin C and E, the minerals selenium, etc.

 

Very Important Note : The goal of treatment for dog liver cancer should be to try to improve his quality of life. A dog with liver cancer is under a lot of stress, physically as well mentally. Always try to help relax the mind of the dog. Do everything for his well being and to keep his mind calm. 

The best thing is always keep the dog with liver cancer in under observation and visit for regular medical checkups.

In advanced stages,there is not so much that can be done to cure the cancer. Vet may bring up the possibility of euthanasia.   

Remember If discovered early, dog liver cancer may be treatable. 

Never give up the hopes.

Arthritis in dogs :

Arthritis in dogs is very painful disease just like in humans. It can develop at any age of dog and can make dog's life miserable. It is an inflammation of the joints. Joints are the site of the junction of two or more bones and the joints of the skeletal system are responsible for co-ordinating the movement of a dog. All activities of dog like jumping, running, etc require the use of him/her's leg joints. Arthritis cause the severe pain for the dog because it causes stiffness in the joints and muscles. So early diagnosis can save dog from discomfort.

Types of Arthritis:There are two types of arthritis in dogs.

Degenerative arthritis (DJD)/ Osteoarthritis - which result from damage to the cartilage cushioning the bones of the joint. Cartilage  protects the bones that make up the joints . Normal stress from years on abnormal joints can cause destruction of the cartilage. Hip dysplasia and malformation of the hip sockets, loose knee caps, trauma are the example of normal stress on abnormal joints. Constant jumping,stretching,injuries because of accident or fall, are the examples. Since cartilage has no nerve, it lost ability to protect the bone surfaces and the damage can progress with no outward symptoms.

Inflammatory Joint Disease ( IJD) - can be caused by infection/ by underlying immune-mediated diseases. Fungal infection, bacteria, tick-borne disease also can be the cause of inflammatory joint disease. It affects multiple joints. It cause fever, stiffness, anorexia ( lack or loss of appetite for food/ desire to lose weight by not eating food.

One more rare type of arthritis is Rheumatoid arthritis. It is rare in dogs.  

Types of arthritis can be distinguished by their causes and symptoms.

Causes :
Age, obesity, hip dysplasia and related to it diseases, injuries, improper nutrition, poor breeding practices, pain in the legs, etc.

Symptoms :
Stiffness, intermittent lameness, swollen joints, reluctance to move/ rise, depression, lethargy, irritability, weight gain, painful joints, sleeps/rest more than usual, loss of appetite, aggression when joints are touched, disinterest in physical activity, visible joint deformities, while walking abnormal stance, limping, lagging behind on walks, yelping when touched, difficulty in changing position, etc.
Dog arthritis usually so mild and appear gradually then slowly worsen over time that's why owners/ animal lover people may miss them. Affected dog may become three-legged lame.

Diagnosis :
Because infectious joint disease and immune-mediated joint disease call for different treatment protocols so no doubt diagnosis must be accurate. A complete physical examination  can help to see the location of dog's joint pain. MRI ( Magnetic Resonance Imaging)  and CT ( Computed Tomography ) will help to diagnosis arthrisis in dog. Also it may be diagnosis by present symptoms, history, sample and analysis of synovial fluid and lubricating inside of the joint capsule may help to diagnosis of infected joints.

 

Treatments :
There are Surgical and non-surgical types of treatment in dog's orthritis. These options can improve in dog's comfort. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug ( NSAID's,drugs like Rimadyl, Deramaxx are the example which may advised by vet), vaccines, surgery, joint fluid modifiers, natural cures, etc.
According to veterinary doctor If surgical/surgery is not advisable then vet may suggest for non-surgical treatments like massage therapy, weight management, diet, supplements, acupuncture, rest, etc. which are the best ways to improve dog's comfort in orthritis.

There are some Natural cure treatments like massage oils, herbs, vegetable's intake, these are the natural remedies which will help in dog's arthritis. But be sure, in dog's arthritis any type of treatment surgical/non-surgical/natural cure, should be given under veterinary care only.

 

Animal lovers and pet lovers should be aware of all diseases of dogs/cats/stray animals. All diseases are painful. Arthritis in dogs is really a worse disease.

 

Make a difference by taking care of not only your pets but be kind to all stray animals and take care of them. They desperately need your help. By helping them every time you will be saving voiceless innocent lives.

Tick fever (Ehrlichiosis) in dogs :

Tick bite fever is generally a chronic disease, although acute deaths may occur. Many people are not aware that this disease is caused by a bacteria Ehrlichia which is a rickettsial bacteria belonging to the family Ehrlichiaceae. In most cases an early diagnosis and treatment will lead to recovery, but diagnosis is difficult in a large proportion of cases. Dog owners and all animal lovers are requested not to delay taking a sick dog to the vet as early, timely treatment is important to keep animals in good shape.

Causes :
Dogs get tick fever from the brown dog tick. When it bites an ehrlichia organism passes into the bloodstream.One another cause of disease is blood transfusion of dog from an infected dog.

Stages :
There are three stages of  Ehrlichiosis. The acute stage, The subclinical (subacute) stage, The chronic stage.
*Acute stage lasts for several days after infection and lasting for upto a month or so. It can lead to fever and low peripheral blood cell counts.
*Subclinical/ subacute stage may last months/ can last for the whole life.During this period dog remains infected with the organism.But during this time some dogs are able to successfully eliminate the disease.
*Chronic stage is the most serious stage of infection. After a period of months/ years the dog's immune system is broken down. So low blood cell counts. In results the chances of bleeding, lameness, bacterial infection, ophthalmic disorders, kidney disease, neurological, etc. It can be fatal.

Symptoms :
During the course of the disease  at any stage, the following symptoms may be seen. 
Partial or total loss of appetite, high fever, vomiting and diarrhea, coughing, weight loss, excessive salivary flow, pussy discharge from the nose and may be from eyes, bleeding from the nose/gums, pale gums due to anemia, lameness, weakness/paralysis, swelling of the hind limbs, acute death due to severe internal bleeding,etc.

Diagnosis :
Very small percentage of cases the organisms are seen in a blood smear. Diagnosis is achieved by serologic testings of the blood, routine tests for the disease. In the mejority of cases, specially subclinical (subacute) and chronic cases, the organisms are seldom seen.The other diagnostic methods are necessary to confirm the disease. The tests should be repeated. Polymerase chain reaction test ( PCR test) can be done to detect genetic material of bacteria. During the subclinical (subacute) and chronic disease many times PCR test shows a negative result. If the disease is present, blood tests may show abnormalities in the numbers of white blood cells, red blood cells and blood platelets. A diagnosis can be made by looking under a microscope at a blood smear for the presence of morula (mulberry). A new DNA test is available which at once looks at 11 different tick borne diseases. This test is extremely sensitive, especially if a biopsy from the lungs or spleen is tested.

Treatments :
Vitamins are prescribed to increasing appetite.Good nutrition is important to give the dog.It is the best chance to fight with the infection.Coagulants may be tried if bleeding occurs.If severe bleeding is there then a fresh blood transfusion is to be done.Antibiotics for a period of at least six to eight weeks can be given but response to the drugs may take one month.So to build dog's strength sometimes steroids may be required. Dog which has clinical signs, must be provided supportive care.

Prevention :
Tick control in dog is the most effective method of prevention . There is no vaccine available against tick bite fever so it is necessary to improve dog's immunity against tick fever.Regular dipping, tick collars, tick sprays is helpful for prevention. As it is generally a chronic disease and it can be fatal so an early diagnosis and treatment only can save dog's life. Do not delay taking a sick dog to the experienced veterinary doctor.
 
Do not care for only your pet. Make a difference by taking care for all animals, specially who are homeless and suffering on the streets. They desperately need our support and help.

Canine (Dog) Skin Diseases.

                  

1-Food Allergies:

Cause : Allergic reaction to something in the diet.

Symptoms : Itching, redness, licking of feet,inflamed ears , hot spots etc.

Diagnosis : Food elimination trails, blood testing for allergies.

Treatment : Must change in diet.

2- Allergic and Irritant Contact Dermatitis :

Cause : Reaction of the canine’s skin to something it had contact with such as plastics or wool.

Symptoms : Itching, red skin, blisters on the areas of skin that are sparsely haired and directly exposed to the offending substance or small bumps, etc.

Diagnosis : Exclusion trials, Patch tests, etc.

Treatment : Restrict exposure to the allergen or contact irritant in the pet's environment, steroids, antihistamines,etc.

3- Atopy (Allergic Inhalant Dermatitis)

Cause : Allergic reaction by inhales such as house dust mites, pollen, mould, etc.

Symptoms : Itching, redness, licking of feet, inflamed ears, and may be development of infection or hot spots, etc.

Diagnosis : Serologic ( blood ) or Intradermal testing for allergies.

Treatment : Reduce exposure to allergen (what the canine is allergic to), fatty acid supplements, shampoos, antihistamines, immunotherapy, steroids, etc.

4- Flea Allergy Dermatitis :

Cause : Severe reaction by the saliva of the flea.

Symptoms : Licking of feet, itching, redness, inflamed ears, sometimes may development of infection or hot spots.

Diagnosis : Reaction to intradermal testings, presence of fleas.

Treatment : Steroids and antihistamines for the itching, flea control in the environment and on the canine.

5- Ringworm :

Cause : Infection with several types of fungus.

Symptoms : Itching, hair loss, crusty areas, scaliness, etc.

Diagnosis : Culture

Treatment : Lime sulphur dips, Miconazole, oral griseofulvin or itraconazole

6- Hot Spots ( Acute Moist Dermatitis ) :

Cause : Flea bites, mange, result from allergies, poor grooming, arthritis, ear infections, plant burs, etc.

Symptoms : Licking or scratching, moist –red skin, hair loss,etc.

Diagnosis : History and physical examination.

Treatment : Cleaning of areas, apply solutions at those areas, topical/oral antibiotics, treat underlying condition.

7- Yeast Infection :

Cause :

Primary yeast infection - the ill-making yeast bacteria strike healthy canine skin and the canine’s immune system can’tresist them, contaminated items or other canine.

Secondary yeast infection - penetration of yeast into skin that is damaged by constantly scrating or injuries.

Some factors who can increase the yeast infection are Diabetes mellitus, immune system deficiency,previous medication with antibiotics/steroids.

Symptoms : Redness, itching, dry skin(because of frequently bathing),skin rashes.

Diagnosis : Smear and microscopic examination, culture, skin scraping, etc.

Treatment : Well balanced natural diet (carbohydrates, preservatives and artificial fillers should be avoided), keep canine dry after bathing, after walks in rains, oral ketoconazole, miconazole shampoos,treat underlying disease.

8- Hookworms :

Cause : Infection with the larvae of hookworms, causing blood loss, subsequent anemia, can cause severe illness and sudden death.

Symptom : Skin irritation, most often on the feet between the toes, itching, abnormal nail growth, red bumps, usually on feet, loss of appetite,weight loss, anemia, etc.

Diagnosis : Fecal flotation test, Physical exam, history of poor sanitation.
Treatment : Appropriate de-worming schedule, nutritional support, protein diet, anti-diarrheal medication, move canine to different environment, vitamins and iron supplement may required.

9- Bacterial Infection :
Cause : Staph infection ( staph bacteria lives on the skin of the canine and incase the canine’s skin is cut or wounded,infection is caused).
Symptoms : Loss of hair, dried discharge in the affected area, redness, bumps, sometimes may itching, etc.
Diagnosis : Microscopic examination of smear, culture skin biopsies.
Treatment : Treat underlying condition, topical and/or oral antibiotics.

10- Ear Mites :
Cause : Ear Mites in canine are very contagious, can be picked up through contact with other animal, frequently passed on from mother to her young, Infection with Otodectes,
Symptoms : Intense itching of ears, redness, dark crumbly discharge in ears, sores or hair loss around the ear, etc.
Diagnosis : Microscopic examination of ear discharge or direct visual.
Treatment : Natural Remedies –Garlic, garlic acts as a natural anti-biotic, warmwood, neem, lemongrass, niaoli ( this powerful hurb acts as a tissue stimulant and is used to clean wounds, skin irritation, clean ears, apply medication containing pyrethrin, etc.

11- Skin Fold Dermatitis :
Cause : Occurs where folds of skin touch each other such as lips, face (in breeds like bulldogs), vulva.
Symptoms : Irritation, redness, oozing, inflammation of the skin in the area of the fold, etc.
Diagnosis : Physical exam, microscopically examine smear for evidence of infection, etc.
Treatment : Clean areas daily, treat any infections, may prescribe a benzoyl peroxide shampoo and gel to be after bath, antibiotic steroid cream , surgical correction if severe, etc.

12- Chiggers (Harvest mites):
Cause : Seasonal disease caused by larvae of the chigger.
Symptoms : Folds at base of ears, itching, bumps usually on feet, abdomen.
Diagnosis : Microscopic examination of skin scraping, Visualization of mite larvae
Treatment : Pyrethrin, Permethrin, etc.

13- Demodectic Mange (Demodectic mange occurs in a localized and generalized forms. The diagnosis is made by taking multiple skin scrapings and looking for the mites) :
Cause : Infection with the Demodexmite (tiny mite which can’t be seen with naked eye ) - occurs when the immune system is deficient .
Symptoms : Scaliness, redness, hair loss, ulcers, pustules, sometimes may itching, etc.
Diagnosis : Microscopic examination and Multiple skin scraping .
Treatment : Amitraz (Mitaban) dips, No steroids
( Localized Demodectic Mange -A mild topical preparation can be used to treat by massaged into the affected area once daily. The medication should be rubbed with the lay of the hair to minimize further hair loss.
Generalized Demodectic Mange - Must be treated under close veterinary supervision. Therapy involves the use of medicated shampoos and dips to remove surface scales and kill mites. Shave or clip hair from all affected areas to facilitate access to the skin.)

14 - Sarcoptic Mange :
Cause : Infection with the Sarcoptesmite
Symptoms : Hair loss, severe itching, specially on the elbows, ears, hocks, chest, ventral abdomen, development of small red pustules along with yellow crusts on the skin, self-trauma, etc.
Diagnosis : The standard method is to perform a skin scraping and then identify the mite under the microscope, most diagnoses are made based on history and response to treatment for scabies.
Treatment : Bathe with a benzoyl peroxide shampoo to cleanse the skin, apply an organophosphate dip (Paramite), Amitraz dips and Mitaban (also organophosphates), and lime sulfur dips (Lymdip)
1
5 - Cheyletiella Mange (Rabbit Fur Mite) :
Cause : Infection with the Cheyletiellamite ( walking dandruff )
Symptoms : Itching, scaliness, rubbing face and sneezing quite regularly.
Diagnosis : Skin scraping and microscopic examination (the mite is often very difficult to find).
Treatment : Pthrinerme or Pyrethrin . weekly bathing in pyrethrin shampoo, lime sulfur dips every five to seven days for three weeks, fipronil spray one spritz/lb body weight repeated again in three weeks, selamectin topically one dose every 15 days for a total of three doses.

16 - Pelodera Dermatitis :
Cause : Accidental infection with larvae from a non-parasitic worm that lives in straw , marshy hay, other grasses that are in contact with damp soil, other organic material.
Symptoms : Raw, crusted, inflamed areas where canine has chewed and scratched the skin,
intense itching, redness.
Diagnosis : Microscopic examination and Skin scraping.
Treatment : Remove bedding; mild antibacterial shampoo; steroids if necessary to control itching, bathe the canine with a benzoyl peroxide shampoo to remove scales and crusts. Follow with an organoph osphate insecticide dip, topical antibiotic ointment to flamed skin areas.

17- Neurodermatitis: Acral Lick Dermatitis :
Cause : Self-licking in canine results in self-trauma; possible causes include boredom, anxiety, stress , new member in household/ moving to a new place, etc.
Symptoms : Acral Lick: red, hairless, well-circumscribed lesion usually on forearm; cats: symmetrical hair loss, sometimes ulcers, on abdomen, groin, along the back.
Diagnosis : Exclude other causes, history important.
Treatment : Relieve underlying cause (anxiety, etc), healthy exercise routine.

18- Cutaneous Lymphoma :
Cause : Majority of Lymphoma cases is unknown, several factors may influence one’s risk of developing lymphoma, medical history.
Symptoms : Itching, redness, ulcers, nodules, etc.
Diagnosis : Combination of diagnostic tests, blood tests, biopsies, x-rays, ultrasound.
Treatment : Chemotherapy, combination of oral and injectable drugs, commonly used drugs includes cyclophophamide, doxorubicin, vincristine,.Usually does not respond to treatment.

Please treat your pets by an experienced and qualified Veterinary Doctor only.

Canine Kidney Problems

Some signs of kidney problems in canine

§  Pale gums

§  Vomiting

§  Loss or decreased appetite

§  Depression and restlessness

§  Change in water consumption

§  Blood in urine

§  Change in volume of urine produced

§  Pale gume

§  Weight loss

§  Mouth ulcers

§  Stumbling

Various forms of canine kidney diseas

§  Acute kidney failure

§  Kidney failure due to Lyme/othertick born diseas

§  Chronic kidney failure

§  Glomerulonephritis

§  Congenital kidney failure

There are three possible outcomes from the first phase of treatment of kidney failure in dogs.

§  The kidneys will resume functioning and continue to function for a few weeks to a few years.

§  The kidneys will resume functioning during treatment but fail again as soon as treatment stops.

§  Kidney function will not return. Unfortunately, there are no reliable tests that will predict the outcome.

The second phase of treatment in dogs is to keep the kidneys functioning as long as possible.

Here are some steps to give your pet the very best chance at recovery.

§  Diet:  The  diet should be low in phosphorus, low in protein and it shoud be not acidified. This type of diet will help you  to keep the blood tests as close to normal as possible, and your pet will feel better.

§  Fluids: Fluids should given at home. Once your  pet is stabilized, fluids can be given under the skin (subcutaneously). It will restart the kidney function and will help your pet function begins to fail again. Initially it should done daily then once weekly. Its  depending on the degree of kidney failure.

§  Pure drinking water: Clean and pure filtered drinking water should be given to  canine.Tap water can be poison for him.

§  Calcium and Phosphorus must remain  in blood of canine. Ratio: approx 2:1, A drug to regulate the parathyroid gland and calcium levels. The increase in blood phosphorus level, as mentioned above, stimulates the parathyroid gland to increase the blood calcium level by removing it from bones. This can be helpful for the sake of the normalizing calcium:phosphorus ratio, but it can make the bones brittle and easily broken.

§  Hydrotherapy: This therapy utilizes alternating hot and cold water on the affected area, which promotes rapid healing. Hydrotherapy is found beneficial in repairing injured and torn muscles more quickly by bringing more blood, oxygen and nutrients to the affected area. This therapy can  heal a canine from chronic sinus infection, repair torn ligaments.

§  Phosphorous should  be removed from the body by filtering through the kidneys ( a phosphate binder). Once the filtration process is impaired, phosphorous begins to accumulate in the blood. Certain drugs will bind excess phosphates in the intestinal tract so they are not absorbed, resulting in lower blood levels of phosphorus.

§  Exercise: This is the thing many neglect when pet is sick. Many owners don’t realize that exercise not only stimulates circulation and strengthens muscles it also strengthens your canine’s organs, intestines and stomach and creates wonderful healing chemicals within the body. But  if your  canine is extremely sick so you should always start off slowly,  with short walks and build up day by day.

§  Many canines in kidney red blood cell count, anemia, synthetic forms of erythropoietin. A drug to stimulate the bone marrow to produce new red blood cells and will correct the anemia in most canine .But  it is sad that for some dogs, the drug cannot be used long termfailure have a low    

If your canine shows any symptoms, please take him/her to see your veterinarian immediately.It does not matter what stage your dog is at, the sooner you start doing everything you can to naturally support his body in the healing process, the better his chances will be for recovery.

Always treat your pets by an experienced and qualified Veterinary Doctor only.