Library
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Hypokalemia is a term that refers to a low blood concentration of potassium. Potassium is an important electrolyte within the body and is vital for the normal function of muscles and nerves. Mild to moderate hypokalemia often does not cause clinical sigs, but severe hypokalemia can result in generalized muscle weakness, lack of appetite, and some dogs may become constipated. The underlying cause of hypokalemia is often chronic kidney failure. Hypokalemia and its associated clinical signs may be quickly corrected by potassium supplementation. Depending on the cause, it may be necessary to continue supplementing potassium permanently.
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Hypothyroidism is an abnormality of the thyroid gland leading to a reduction in the dog’s metabolic state. This can cause many systemic changes including weight gain, hair loss, lethargy, and susceptibility to infections – most noticeably of the skin and ears. Diagnosis is made by a series of blood tests. Treatment is oral thyroid hormone replacement and is lifelong. Clinical signs and blood hormone levels must be monitored regularly as thyroid hormone requirements can change.
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Ibuprofen is commonly used to treat fever, pain, and inflammation in humans. Ibuprofen poisoning occurs when a dog ingests a toxic dose of ibuprofen, either through misuse or by accident.
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Ichthyosis is a rare skin disease in dogs and is sometimes also referred to as "fish scale disease". It generally causes the skin to appear rough and covered with thick, greasy flakes. It is the result of a genetic mutation and certain breeds, listed in this handout, seem to be affected more than others.
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Icterus is also known as jaundice. It is an excessive accumulation of a yellow pigment called bilirubin in the blood and tissues, most easily seen in the gums and whites of the eyes. Icterus can be caused by hemolysis, liver disease, or obstruction of the bile duct. Your veterinarian will perform screening tests to determine the root cause of icterus.
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Immune-mediated thrombocytopenia is a condition in which the body destroys its own platelets. Platelets are cells that help the blood to clot. Causes can be primary (autoimmune) or secondary to other underlying conditions. The prognosis is generally good, though relapses can occur.
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Parvovirus in Dogs
La infección por parvovirus canino es una enfermedad relativamente moderna que apareció por primera vez en 1978. Debido a la gravedad del proceso y su rápida propagación en la población canina, la parvovirosis constituye un problema de interés público.
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Infertility in a female dog is defined as the inability to conceive and deliver viable puppies, even when mated multiple times with a known fertile male surrounding the time of ovulation. This handout outlines the varying causes of infertility in female dogs and how they may be diagnosed and treated.
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Infertility in a male dog is defined as the inability to produce a successful pregnancy in a fertile female, even with multiple breedings near the time of ovulation. The causes of infertility fall under three broad categories: failure to copulate or ejaculate, poor semen quality, and prostatic disease. This handout explains the possible causes in detail, as well as methods to diagnose and treat them.
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Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a syndrome affecting the stomach and/or intestines that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and weight loss. It is considered a chronic condition that may have a good prognosis, though the diagnosis is not always easy. Treatment may involve a diet change, medications, or both and will need to be closely followed to prevent relapses.