Diseases
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| Portosystemic shunts(PSS) in dogs |
Most congenital shunts are the extrahepatic (mostly single shunt, this means surgically correctable) type mostly found in small breeds of dogs. The acquired shunt type are generally caused by advancing liver disease in older animals. Clinical signs may include thinness and lethargy. Neurological disorders involve seizures, head pressing, disorientation, personality changes, staggering, wandering, blindness, circling, head pressing, disorientation, finally stupor, and coma. The liver is often small. In some cases, the shunt may be seen on ultrasound examination of the liver.
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Diagnosis & Treatment of Hyperthyroidism in Cats
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Feline hyperthyroidism is mostly an advanced age cat disease in Japan.
Feline hyperthyroidism has recently been reported in Japan. It has become a more common disease, not a rare disease. This disease is the most common endocrine disorder of the cat. The most common clinical signs are weight loss, increased appetite (sometimes decreased appetite), hyperactivity, vomiting, and diarrhea. This disease can cause the development of heart disease. Not only that, but it can also lead to heart murmur, difficulty breathing, and an elevated heart rate. A blood pressure examination is necessary in this case.
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| Canine Hyperadrenocorticism （Canine Cushing's Syndrome） |
Canine Hyperadrenalcorticism (Canine Cushing's Syndrome) is one of the most common endocrine diseases in the dog. This disease usually occurs in middle-aged dogs (slightly more often in females). Any kind of dog can develop Cushing's Syndrome, but in Japan the most commonly affected breeds are Poodles, Pomeranians, Dachshunds (long hair), Miniature Schnauzers, and Boxers. This disease characteristic has a very gradual onset and variable clinical symptoms. Many owners misunderstand these changes, believing them to be a result of the aging process. Cushing's Syndrome is a condition in which there is an excess of cortisol. Also this disease can be caused by treatment (e.g. prednisone) of many diseases. This syndrome is known as iatrogenic Cushing's Syndrome. Clinical signs are similar to the spontaneously occurring disease. Hyperadrenalcorticism has two primary origins. One is pituitary-dependent (PDH) and other one is adrenal dependent (ADH). PDH is the most common form of Cushing's approximately 80-85% of all cases.
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Canine Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM)
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Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) is the most common inherited canine heart disease. Sudden cardiac death can be occur at any time. Mostly cardiomyopathy are influenced by genetic factors, that is to say breed, body size, and sex. Cardiomyopathy are seen in many giant, large, and medium-sized dogs, including some Boxers and Doberman Pinschers, and English cocker spaniels. This commonly leads to atrial fibrillation(arrhythmia ). Therefore, auscultation is of critical importance.
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| Diagnosis and Treatment of Feline Asthma |
Feline asthma has been known by many names, for example, allergic bronchitis, chronic bronchitis, eosinophilic bronchial and bronchitis asthma. Usually we don't know the cause (it depends on each individual cat), but the most common cause is grass and tree pollens, smoke, different kinds of sprays such as hair, flea, deodorants. Inhaled allergens cause a sudden contraction of the smooth muscles around the airways. Typical clinical symptoms include continuous cough and wheeze, and increased respiratory rate. A diagnosis of feline asthma is diagnosed via chest x-rays, a complete blood count, and a feline heartworm test. The diagnosis is confirmed by taking sample cells from the lower airways (transtracheal and bronchial wash). Chest x-rays may sometimes appear normal with asthma, but other signs will be seen such as collapse of the right middle lung lobe, and over-inflation of the lungs. Feline asthma is a chronic progressive disease. Treatment includes antibiotics, bronchodilators, or corticosteroids. Medications can reduce the symptoms. Especially recent years, many veterinarians use inhalers, such as human asthmatics use.
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