DOG HEALTH CHART

When you welcome a dog into your home, the last thing on your mind is dogs health problems. However, illnesses, dog diseases, and injuries are a fact of life. From skin and hair to major organs like the heart, you really have to keep an eye on everything. 

As part of your pet parenting responsibilities, it’s wise to learn more about what could go wrong, how to spot the signs, and what you can do about it. Or, perhaps your dog seems off-color, and you need answers.

This is why we’ve put together a list of all the health problems for dogs we can think of. In our dog health chart, you’ll find over 90 canine conditions — each one detailing the symptoms, treatment/s required, and tips for prevention.

Dog Health Issues Contents

Skin/Coat

Blood

Eyes

Ears

Gastroenterology

Neurological

Major Organs

• Heart
• Lungs
• Liver
• Kidneys

Joints/Bones

Teeth/Mouth

Other

Skin/Coat

Like humans, the skin is the largest organ of a dog’s body. Think of it as special gift wrap. This sensory organ, combined with the coat, is your dog’s body barrier — providing protection from the elements, helping regulate body temperature, and much more. So, please take care of it.

Alopecia (Hair Loss) caused by Follicular Dysplasia

Symptoms

• • Episodes of hair loss particularly on the torso

Treatment

• • Oral medications to stimulate hair growth
  • Topical solutions and shampoos

Prevention

• • Check the puppy’s parents for hair loss
  • Though not necessarily preventable, environmental stressors such as illness or surgery may trigger it.

Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema)

Symptoms

• • Itching
  • Rubbing on the carpet
  • Hair loss
  • Greasy or flaky skin with a foul odor
  • Excessive chewing on paws, under the arms, or around the groin
  • Commonly affected areas: Ears, muzzle, around the eyes, wrists/ankles, armpit, groin, in-between the toes

Treatment

• • Steroids
  • Anti-itch shampoo
  • Antihistamines
  • Fatty acid therapy
  • Nutritional Changes

Prevention

• • Dogs are usually genetically predisposed to this disease, however there is currently no known way to avoid it.
  • Limit your pet’s exposure to smoke, chemicals, and other common allergens.
  • Pets with symptoms should have underlying allergies identified if possible.

Hyperkeratosis (Thickening of the Skin)

Symptoms

• • Thickening/hardening of footpads or nose
  • Painful cracks — make it hard to move and can lead to infections.
  • Nail growth problems or alteration of hair morphology.
  • Unable to walk in a straight line.
  • Possible limping.
  • Lameness.
  • Scar tissue accumulation on nose or footpads.
  • Raised or crusted mounds that get worse, pain and swelling in those areas.
  • Excessive dryness of nose or footpads.
  • Irritation signs on nose and paws
  • Cracked or splitting skin on nose/feet and surrounding areas
  • Infection of nose/paws/nails.

Treatment

• • No cure.
  • If it is a genetic abnormality that isn’t caused by something else, it can be treated (pain relief, softening of calluses, removal of hardened skin, management of secondary infections).

Prevention

• • There is now a genetic test for this (HFH-A.)

Hyperplastic Dermatosis (Abnormal Skin Cell Growth)

Symptoms

• • Flaky skin.
  • Greasy Coat.
  • Skin Lesions.
  • Lumps on skin.
  • Darkening of the skin.
  • Red, itchy patches of skin.
  • Red, itchy ears.

Treatment

• • Dietary Changes.
  • Medicated Shampoo.
  • Topical Anti-fungal.
  • Topical cleansing agents.

Prevention

• • Uncommon.
  • Likely genetic.
  • Yeast infections and allergies probably aggravate the disease and cause symptoms to manifest. Have allergy symptoms seen by a vet so they can be controlled at an early stage.

Sebaceous Adenitis (Inflammation of the Sebaceous Glands)

Symptoms

• • Hair Loss.
  • Musty odor.
  • Clumps of waxy matted hair.
  • Intense itching.
  • Silver-white scales on skin.
  • Clusters of lesions on the head or body.
  • Bacterial infection of the hair follicle.
  • Scabs and sores.

Treatment

• • Topical therapy.
  • Oil baths.
  • Oil sprays.
  • Supplements.

Prevention

• • This is a hereditary disease.
  • Select your puppy from a reputable breeder that can provide you with a health record to prove that the parent dogs do not suffer from this condition.

Blood

Dog diseases are a little more serious when their blood is involved. That said, there are also lots of distinctive symptoms that can make them relatively easy to diagnose.

Von Willebrand’s Disease (Blood Clotting Disorder)

Symptoms

• • Nosebleeds.
  • Blood in the feces.
  • Bloody urine.
  • Bleeding from the gums.
  • Bleeding from the vagina (excessively).
  • Bruising of skin.
  • Prolonged bleeding after surgery or trauma.
  • Blood loss, anemia if there is prolonged bleeding.

Treatment

• • Blood transfusions.
  • No cure.

Prevention

• • Choose a puppy from genetically healthy parents

Thrombopathia/Thrombocytopenia (Blood Clotting Disorder)

Symptoms

• • Excessive bleeding.
  • Frequent nose bleeds.
  • Hematomas on the ears.
  • Skin is easily bruised.

Treatment

• • None

Prevention

• • Choose a puppy from genetically healthy parents.

Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (Immune System Disorder – Destroys Red Blood Cells)

Symptoms

• • Lethargy.
  • Excessively pale gums.
  • Disorientation.
  • Rapid Heart Beat.
  • Bruises on the skin.
  • Black, tarry stools.
  • Blood in the dog’s vomit.

Treatment

• • Medications.
  • Chemotherapy.
  • Surgery to address underlying issues.
  • In severe cases, blood transfusions may be given.

Prevention

• • Keep your pet on flea and tick preventatives.
  • Always be cautious of using medications long-term. Ask your vet about whether they may cause anemia.
  • Feed your dog high quality dog food (we recommend Canidae).
  • Keep your dog fit and active.
  • Keep your dog away from toxins and chemicals, such as rat poison.

Hemangiosarcoma (Malignant Cancer of Blood Vessel Walls)

Symptoms

• • No discernable symptoms until tumor bursts.
  • Owners may note excessive bleeding.

Treatment

• • Chemotherapy.
  • Splenectomy

Prevention

• • None

Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar (Glucose) Levels)

Symptoms

• • Loss of appetite.
  • Increased hunger.
  • Visual abnormalities.
  • Disorientation.
  • Confusion.
  • Weakness.
  • Low Energy.
  • Loss of consciousness.
  • Seizures (rare).
  • Anxiety.
  • Restlessness.
  • Tremor/shivering.

Treatment

• • Oral Medication.

Prevention

• • Feed your dog at least twice a day.
  • Dogs that exercise strenuously may need more food.

Pyruvate Kinase (PK) Deficiency (Red Blood Cell Disorder)

Symptoms

• • Symptoms usually begin to show between four months to 1 year.
  • Chronic Anemia (red blood cell deficiency).
  • Weakness.
  • Lack of energy.
  • Rapid heart rate.
  • Heart murmurs.
  • Pale gums.
  • Stunted growth.

Treatment

• • Cannot be treated.
  • Palliative care, care that improves the dog’s quality of life, is the only option.
  • Dogs usually die before 4 years of age.

Prevention

• • Both parents of the dog must recessively carry the gene.
  • Breeders should give parent dogs a “PK Test,” which genetically tests for pyruvate kinase deficiency. Affected dogs should not be bred.
  • Select your puppy from a reputable breeder that can provide you with test results.

Eyes

There are loads of different dog eye problems that could cause your pet discomfort. Some are preventable, while others are harder to top, so it’s always best to check for anything out of the ordinary.

Retinal Dysplasia (Malformation Within the Retina)

Symptoms

• • Bumping into things.
  • Reluctance to jump down.
  • Reluctance to maneuver stairs.
  • Difficulty recognizing people.
  • Color changes in the eye.
  • Behavioral changes.

Treatment

• • None.

Prevention

• • Affected dogs should not be bred.
  • Parent dogs should have an eye clearance from the Canine Eye Registry Foundation.

Proptosis (Protrusion of the Eyeball)

Symptoms

• • Difficulty in fully closing eyes during sleep.
  • Difficulty in closing eyes fully when blinking.
  • Dryness of the cornea.
  • Discomfort.
  • Difficulty in moving the eyes.
  • Eye is bulging.

Treatment

• • This will depend on the severity of the proptosis, if the vet believes that the eye can be saved they will attempt surgery.
  • If they feel the eye can’t be saved, it will be removed, and the eyelids sutured together.

Prevention

• • Prevention involves selective breeding and being more diligent for traits that will increase the risk.
  • Ensuring that your dog is always safe and under control while near traffic.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (Degenerative Disease of the Retinal Tissue)

Symptoms

• • Progressive loss of night vision.
  • Degeneration of day vision.
  • Eyes begin to have a cloudy look.
  • The eyes take on a grey color and may have a slight sheen.

Treatment

• • There is no treatment available for this condition.

Prevention

• • As this is a hereditary disease, selective breeding should be used to eliminate this condition from the gene pool.

Primary Lens Luxation (Lens Dislocation)

Symptoms

• • Acute or chronically painful reddened eye with diffuse corneal swelling.
  • Lens trembling (phacodonesis).
  • Abnormally shallow or deep anterior (front) chamber.
  • Abnormally positioned clear part of the lens.
  • Aphakic crescent — an area of pupil devoid of the lens.

Treatment

• • Sometimes Treatable with Medication, surgery or removal of eye/s.

Prevention

• • Inherited.

Persistent Pupillary Membranes (PPM)(Strands of Tissue Present in the Eye)

Symptoms

• • Swelling around the eye area.
  • Colored strands that cover the iris of the eye — may resemble broken glass, a cobweb, or a spider.

Treatment

• • Most of the time the condition is painless and doesn’t cause vision loss. However, vision loss can be caused if strands go all the way across the cornea (which is likely to happen with Basenjis).
  • In severe cases, a dog may need to undergo surgery.

Prevention

• • Dogs with this defect should not be bred. Purchase your puppy from a reputable breeder, and be sure to meet the parent dogs to confirm that they do not have Persistent Pupillary Membranes.

Lens Luxation (Tibetan Terrier) (Lens Dislocation)

Symptoms

• • Painful, reddened eye with diffuse corneal swelling.
  • Trembling Iris.
  • Trembling Lens.
  • The clear part of the lens is positioned abnormally.
  • Aphakic crescent – an area of the pupil is devoid of the lens.

Treatment

• • When breeds are prone to lens luxation the cause is usually genetic.

Prevention

• • Purchase your puppy from a reputable breeder who has given the parent dogs a PLL genetic test. This tests for primary lens luxation. Dogs that test positive should not be bred.

Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca (Westie) (Dry Eyes Disease)

Symptoms

• • Excessive blinking.
  • Prominent third eyelid (nictitating membrane).
  • Eye discharge.

  • Severe cases.

  • Impaired vision.
  • Loss of vision.

Treatment

• • Medication.
  • Home care by the owner to stimulate tear production.

Prevention

• • There are several potential causes, and this issue is often a consequence of larger medical problems. Although, sometimes it may be genetic. If your dog is prone to this issue, you should read in-depth about the various situations that may cause it.

Keratitis Sicca (Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca) (Dry Eyes) (KCS)

Symptoms

• • Itchy eyes.
  • Dull, dry and opaque cornea.
  • Eye redness.
  • Swollen eyelids.
  • Thick yellow-green ocular discharge.
  • Sensitivity to light.
  • Eyelid twitching.
  • Excessive blinking.

Treatment

• • Medications to stimulate tear production.

Prevention

• • Maintain a healthy weight and active lifestyle.
  • Vaccinate for distemper.

Cataracts (Clouding of the Lens)

Symptoms

• • A bluish, gray, or white layer in the eye.
  • A sudden reluctance to climb stairs or jump on furniture.
  • Clumsiness.
  • Eye irritation/redness, discharge or blinking.
  • Rubbing or scratching of the eyes.

Treatment

• • Surgery (often not necessary).

Prevention

• • Diabetes is the main cause of cataracts in dogs, so maintain a healthy weight and well-exercised lifestyle for your dog.

Juvenile Cataracts (Inherited Form of Cataracts)

Symptoms

• • Bluish, gray, or white layer in the eye.
  • Sudden reluctance to climb stairs or jump on furniture.
  • Clumsiness.
  • Eye irritation/redness, discharge or blinking.
  • Rubbing or scratching of the eyes.

Treatment

• • Surgery (often not necessary).

Prevention

• • The cause of cataracts in young dogs is usually hereditary, so be sure to get your puppy from a reputable breeder who has had the parent dogs assessed by an Ophthalmologist.

Corneal Dystrophy (Rare Hereditary Disorders of the Cornea)

Symptoms

• • There are three different types:
    Epithelial — affects dogs ages 6 months to 6 years.
    Stromal — affects young dogs.
    Endothelial corneal dystrophy — affects middle-aged dogs and older.
  • Samoyeds are at risk for the stromal type.

    Stromal:

  • Oval or circular opacities: white, gray or silver.

  • Doughnut-shaped opacity.

Treatment

• • Usually, treatment is not necessary.
  • Dietary Changes.
  • Topical Acid Treatment.
  • Surgery.

Prevention

• • Select your dog from a breeder whose dogs have no history of corneal dystrophy.

Corneal Ulcers (Open Sore on the Cornea)

Symptoms

• • Painful eyes.
  • Watery eyes.
  • Discharge.
  • Scratching and pawing at eyes.
  • Redness of eyes.

Treatment

• • Antibiotics.

Prevention

• • Take dogs who are scratching at their eyes to the vet. 
  • Monitor the health of your dog’s eyes — have their eyes checked once yearly for other eye conditions.

Distichiasis (Eyelash Abnormality/Extra Eyelashes)

Symptoms

• • Stiff cilia (eyelash).
  • Pawing at eye.
  • Abnormal tick or twitch of eyelid.
  • Overflow of tears.
  • Increased blood vessels in the cornea.
  • Change in iris pigmentation.
  • Corneal ulcers.

Treatment

• • Ocular lubricants.
  • Plucking extra eyelashes.
  • Electrolysis (Electroepilation).
  • Cryotherapy (Cryosurgery).
  • Hotz-Celsus procedure.

Prevention

• • Unknown.

Ectopia Cilia (Inward Growing Eyelashes)

Symptoms

• • Eye pain.
  • Severe abnormal ticking or twitching of the eyelid (blepharospasm).
  • Overflow of tears (epiphora).

Treatment

• • Surgery.

Prevention

• • Facial shape and genetics cause this condition.
  • Choose your puppy from a reputable breeder whose dogs have no history of this condition.

Entropion (Inverted Eyelid)

Symptoms

• • Excess Tears.
  • Inner Eye Inflammation.
  • Eye Tics.
  • Discharge of pus from the eye.
  • Eye inflammation.
  • Ruptured Cornea.

Treatment

• • Surgery.
  • Treatment of underlying ailments.

Prevention

• • Select the dog from a reputable breeder.
  • Always bring your dog to the vet to treat eye infections.

Glaucoma (Optic Nerve Damaging Eye Disease)

Symptoms

• • Blinking of the eye.
  • The eyeball may recede back into the head.
  • Redness in the whites of eyes.
  • Cloudy appearance at front of the eye.
  • Dilated pupil – or pupil does not respond to light.
  • Vision loss.

Treatment

• • Medication.

Prevention

• • Avoid the use of tight collars.
  • Provide good quality food, supplemental antioxidants (Vitamins E, C, beta-carotene, lutein, astaxanthin, and rutin) may help prevent glaucoma.
  • Take your dog for regular eye exams.

Double Merle Gene (Inheritance of Merle Gene From Both Parents)

Symptoms

• • Commonly have blue eyes.
  • Or one brown and one blue eye.
  • Irregularly shaped pupils.
  • Increased sensitivity to light.
  • Partial or total vision loss.
  • Hearing problems.

Treatment

• • There is no treatment for the double merle gene, it can only be prevented with careful breeding.
  • Vision and hearing loss means that owners will often have to make changes to their home and lifestyle to accomodate their dog.

Prevention

• • The only way to prevent a dog from having the double merle gene is for breeders to use caution when they breed dogs that carry the merle gene.

Ears

Your dog’s ears are another hot spot for illnesses because they can hold moisture and dirt without us noticing.

Otitis Externa (Swelling of the External Ear Canal) 

Symptoms

• • Head shaking (when given an ear rub). 
  • Inflamed ear (underside).
  •  Repeated scratching of ears.
  • Unpleasant ear smell. 
  • Apparent pain. 
  • Waxy discharge. 
  • Tiredness and irritability.

Treatment

• • Topical ear medication.

Prevention

• • Check the dog’s ear regularly. 
  • Note any temperature changes, a sudden increase in moisture, skin color change, and other changes.

Congenital Deafness (Hearing Loss at Birth)

Symptoms

• • Aggressive — when playing with other dogs.
  • No interest in noisy toys.
  • No response to loud noise.
  • Abnormal amount of sleeping
  • Snapping or jumping when startled.
  • Extremely difficult to train.
  • Not very active.
  • Becoming easily disoriented or confused.
  • Unusual barking or whining.
    *Symptoms may not always be easy to recognize

Treatment

• • None: Affected dogs can be trained with a vibrating collar or hand signals if deafness is severe.

Prevention

• • Genetic Disorder: Select your puppy from a reputable breeder with health records for their dogs.
  • BAER testing is a definitive way to determine if a dog has (and may pass on) congenital deafness. 
  • Additionally, medications, toxins, or other environmental factors exposed to the mother during pregnancy can lead to deafness.

Ear Infections

Symptoms

• • Head shaking.
  • Scratching the affected ear.
  • Dark colored discharge.
  • Foul smell.
  • Redness or swelling of the ear canal.
  • Pain.
  • Itchiness.
  • Crusting or scabs in the ears.

Treatment

• • Beginning by thoroughly cleaning the infected ear.
  • Ear cleanser.
  • If severe antibiotics may be prescribed.

Prevention

• • Rule out things such as allergies.
  • Ensure ears are kept dry.
  • Ears must be kept clean.

Gastroenterology

There are also an array of dog health issues relating to the stomach and intestines that you might not have thought of. If they’re feeling under the weather, or not themselves, this is a good area to check.

Umbilical Hernia (Lump/Bulge at the Navel (Belly Button)

Symptoms

• • A protruding bump just below a puppy’s ribcage that is particularly noticeable when the puppy is standing, barking, crying, or straining.

Treatment

• • Some can be pushed back into the body, those that don’t close by themselves require surgery.
  • These hernias are usually painless, and not a threat to your dog.

Prevention

• • The causes of this birth defect are unknown, but it is not considered a serious condition.

Protein Losing Enteropathy (PLE) (Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier) (Protein Loss via Digestive Tract)

Symptoms

• • Sometimes diarrhea and vomiting.
  • Unexplained weight loss.
  • Malnutrition.

Treatment

• • Identifying and treating the underlying condition using : Endoscopy.
  • Surgery.
  • Ultrasound.
  • Biopsy.
  • Medical treatment.

Prevention

• • Seek veterinary treatment if your dog appears to have any intestinal problems that last for two weeks.

Lymphangiectasia (Enlarged Lymph Vessels in the Intestines)

Symptoms

• • Vomiting.
  • Chronic diarrhea.
  • Loss of appetite.
  • Weight loss.
  • Lethargy.
  • Fluid accumulation in the abdomen and sometimes under the skin.
  • Excessive gas.
  • Difficulty breathing.

Treatment

• • Anti-inflammatory drugs.
  • Diuretics.
  • Dietary adjustments.
  • Mild exercise.
  • Therapeutic massage veterinary laser therapy.

Prevention

• • Unknown.

Basenji Enteropathy (Basenji) (Intestinal Disease)

Symptoms

• • Nausea.
  • Vomiting.
  • Chronic Diarrhea.
  • Increased or decreased appetite.
  • Gas.
  • Depression.

Treatment

• • Nutritional management.
  • Antibiotics.
  • Prednisone.

Prevention

• • The causes are unknown. Take your dog to the vet for any digestive problems that last two weeks to prevent an issue from escalating.

Gastric Dilatation & Volvulus (Bloat): More Common in Older Dogs

Symptoms

• • Enlarged abdomen.
  • Excessive drooling.
  • Vomiting.
  • Weak pulse.
  • Paleness in the nose and mouth.

Treatment

• • Gastric Decompression.

  • Note: If your dog is burping or passing gas, they will likely be able to ‘wait it out’. However, inform your vet immediately and be prepared to bring your dog in if their condition changes.

Prevention

• • Causes are unknown, but it is suspected that allowing your dog to eat too much, too fast, drink too much water with their food, and exercise excessively after eating may cause bloat.

Colonic Disease

Symptoms

• • Vomiting.
  • Diarhea.
  • Weight loss.
  • Poor appetite.
  • Some have an increased appetite.

Treatment

• • Diet.
  • Medication.
  • Deworming.
  • B12 supplements.

Prevention

• • Watch what your dog eats.
  • Keep them free of parasites.
  • Up to date on all vaccines.
  • Keep them away from trash and people food.

Neurological

Unfortunately, some dogs are more prone to neurological illnesses than others, so make sure you’re aware of this if you’re planning on getting a new pup.

Degenerative Myelopathy (Gradual Deterioration of Spinal Nerve Fibers)

Symptoms

• • Loss of strength in rear legs.
  • Unsteady when walking or standing. 
  • Hind paws turn under, so the dog is walking on its knuckle.
  • Hindquarters sway when standing still.
  • When pushed from either side, the dog falls over easily.
  • Hind feet scrape the floor when walking.
  • Has difficulty getting up from a lying position.
  • Paralysis (advanced stages).

Treatment

• • There is no cure for this disease, but physical therapy has shown to help preserve muscle and slow down disease progression.
  • Supportive treatment — such as dog booties, dog wheelchairs, or installing ramps can help with mobility issues and improve quality of life.

Prevention

• • Hereditary disease.
  • Parents should be screened for the genetic mutation SOD1.

Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis (NCL) (Tibetan Terrier) (Inherited Degenerative Disorder of the Nervous System)

Symptoms

• • Cognitive deterioration.
  • Visual deterioration.
  • Seizures.
  • Motor function impairment.
  • Jerky muscle contractions.
  • Blindness.

Treatment

• • Currently there is no treatment for this disease, but studies suggest that gene therapy may help to manage symptoms in the future.

Prevention

• • Purchase your puppy from a reputable breeder who has given the parent dogs an NCL genetic test. Dogs that test positive should not be bred.

Lagotto Storage Disease (Metabolic Disorder/Degenerative Neurological Disease)

Symptoms

• • Staggering.
  • Uncoordinated Gait.
  • Involuntary Eye Movements.
  • Behavioral Changes such as aggression.

Treatment

• • None.
    

Prevention

• • Lagotto Storage Disease DNA Test.

GM1 Storage Disease (Degenerative Disease – Destroys Nerve Cells in the Brain and Spine)

Symptoms

• • Affects Puppies.
  • Stunted Growth.
  • Neurological symptoms: impaired vision and coordination.
  • Progressive Lethargy.

Treatment

• • None.

Prevention

• • Selective breeding.
  • Be sure that this puppy’s parents have been tested.

Krabbe Disease (Globoid Cell Leukodystrophy) (GCL) (Severe Nervous System Cell Damaging Disease)

Symptoms

• • Symptoms emerge between 1 and 6 months.
  • Tremors.
  • Staggering.
  • Weakness Incoordination.
  • Loss of control of legs.
  • Vision problems (sometimes).
  • Behavioral Changes.
  • Dementia.
  • Lack of appetite.
  • Inability to eat.
  • Incontinence.
  • Death.

Treatment

• • Euthanasia.
    

Prevention

• • Reputable breeders work to identify parent dogs that are carriers, and will not breed them.
  • Both parent dogs must carry the recessive gene for Krabbe Disease (GCL).
  • Ask your breeder how they work to prevent GCL from occurring in their litters.

Benign Juvenile Epilepsy (Lagotto Romagnolo) (Genetic Seizure Disorder)

Symptoms

• • Seizures between five to nine weeks of age.

Treatment

• • Not established.

Prevention

• • Benign Familial Juvenile Epilepsy DNA Test.

Epilepsy (Seizure Disorder)

Symptoms

• • Frequent Seizures.
  • Unusual head shaking.
  • Collapse.
  • Muscle twitching and spasms.
  • Loss of consciousness.
  • Panic or confusion.
  • Stiff legs.
  • Temporary loss of vision.
  • Vomiting.
  • Weakness.
  • Recurrences of the symptoms listed above.

Treatment

• • This condition is lifelong, but medication can help.

Prevention

• • Keep your dog away from environmental toxins and chemicals.
  • Have your dog examined by a vet yearly, and treat any health issues immediately.
  • Choose a dog from a reputable breeder.

Cerebellar Ataxia (Inability to Control Muscle Movement)

Symptoms

• • Weakness in one or more limbs.
  • Dragging of the feet when walking.
  • Exaggerated linb movements.
  • Swayed gait.
  • Some difficulty in maintaining balance.
  • Falling or stubling.
  • Wobbling or dizziness.
  • Tremors.
  • Unusual eye movements.
  • Excessive head tilting.
  • Loss of hearing.
  • Dizziness, drowsiness.
  • Nausea.
  • Loss of appetite.

Treatment

• • Treatment varies depending on the underlying cause and location of the disorder within the nervous system.
  • If it is due to infection medication may be prescribed.
  • Additional nutrition
  • Where the cause is tumors or cancer chemotherapy, radiation therapy and surgery may be necessary.

Prevention

• • There is no definite way to prevent or ensure that your dog will never suffer from this health problem.

Neuroaxonal Dystrophy (NAD) (Neurodegenerative Disease)

Symptoms

• • High stepping gait.
  • Incontinence.
  • Poor coordination.
  • Tremors.
  • Uncontrolled defecation.
  • Stumbling Head.
  • Deficiency of vitamin E (causes cell damage).
  • Secondary pneumonia.

Treatment

• • No cure.

Prevention

• • Hereditary disease.
  • The puppy’s parents should be screened for Neuroaxonal Dystrophy.

Lumbosacral Disease (Degeneration of Spinal Discs)

Symptoms

• • Lower back pain

  • Reluctance to jump

  • Rear leg pain

  • Rear leg lameness or weakness

  • Lack of coordination in rear legs

  • Incontinence

  • Reluctance to wag their tail.

Treatment

• • Anti inflammatory drugs

  • Pain relievers

  • Weight reduction if overweight

  • Strict rest

  • Surgical intervention

Prevention

• • As this is thought to be a congenital or genetic issue. The only way to prevent it would be to scan all dogs that are at risk before breeding from them.

Major Organs

There are also plenty of dog health problems relating to their major organs, so we’ve split them up to make it that little bit easier for you.

Heart

Mitral Valve Insufficiency (a form of heart disease)

Symptoms

• • Earliest sign is a heart murmur.
  • Symptoms are not obvious, dogs may appear to be “slowing down” from age. Therefore, all heart murmurs should be treated with caution and testing.
  • Symptoms include: 
  • Exercise intolerance. 
  • Coughing. 
  • Trouble breathing. 
  • Increased breathing rate. 
  • Collapse. 
  • Weakness.

Treatment

• • Medication.

Prevention

• • Regular exercise.
  • Healthy Diet.

  • Oral Hygiene: Small dogs often suffer dental diseases that can cause bacteria to enter the bloodstream and infect the heart.

Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis (SVAS) (Congenital Heart Defect)

Symptoms

• • Weakness.
  • Breathing difficulties. 
  • Fainting.
  • In extreme cases, sudden death.

Treatment

• • Exercise restrictions
  • Medication
  • Balloon catheterization
  • Minimally invasive surgical procedures

Prevention

• • This condition is genetic — get your dog from a reputable breeder!

Juvenile Cardiomyopathy (Enlarged Heart)

Symptoms

• • Weakness.
  • Lethargy.
  • Tachypnea (abnormal Rapid breathing).
  • Exercise intolerance.
  • Cough.
  • Anorexia.
  • Ascites.

Treatment

• • Medications to control heart function.

Prevention

• • Cause unknown.
  • Proper nutrition and responsible breeding are thought to reduce risk.

Heart Murmur (Heartbeat Abnormality)

Symptoms

*Dogs may show no outward symptoms. 

Affected dogs may display:

• • Breathing difficulties.
  • Congestion or “noisy” breathing.
  • Exercise intolerance (reluctance to exercise).
  • Distention of the abdomen, causing a pot-bellied appearance.
  • Extreme tiredness.
  • Unusual gum color — gray or blue.
  • Collapse.

Treatment

• • Often caused by other conditions which are treatable by a veterinarian. ie: Heartworm.
  • Surgery may be recommended for congenital heart murmurs.

Prevention

• • Purchase your puppy from a reputable breeder.
  • Always keep your pet on heartworm medication, especially during the summer or in regions where heartworm is common (sometimes year round).
  • Have your dog’s health checked at least once a year and treat any conditions immediately.

Sick Sinus Syndrome (Slow/Abnormal Heart Rhythm)

Symptoms

• • Weakness.
  • Fainting.
  • Fatigue.
  • Collapse.
  • Seizure.
  • Abnormally fast or slow heart rate.
  • Sudden death (rare).

Treatment

• • Only dogs that show clinical symptoms need to be treated.
  • Surgical implantation of a pacemaker.

Prevention

• • Causes are unknown but the condition may be genetic.
  • Select your dog from a reputable breeder.

Pulmonic Stenosis (Heart Defect – Narrowing of the Pulmonary Valve)

Symptoms

• • Abdominal distention.
  • Difficulty breathing.
  • Inability to exercise normally.

Treatment

• • Balloon catheter dilation.
  • Surgery.
  • Long-term treatment, including eliminating stress from the environment.

Prevention

• • This disease is present at birth. Before you purchase your puppy, be sure that they have had their health checked by a vet.

Lungs

Pulmonary Fibrosis (Westie) (Westie Lung Disease)

Symptoms

• • Wheezing.
  • Coughing.
  • Increased breathing.
  • Exercise intolerance.
  • Lethargy.
  • Blue tongue.
  • Dizziness.
  • Fainting.

Treatment

• • Not curable.
  • Various medications can help to ease symptoms and improve the dog’s quality of life.
  • Also: exercise reduction, dietary changes, and weight loss can help.

Prevention

• • It is thought that some dogs are genetically predisposed.
  • Take your dog to the vet for medication if they have any respiratory problems.
  • Keep your dog in a clean environment free of smoke and chemicals.

Bronchitis (Chest Cold)

Symptoms

• • Coughing.
  • Wheezing or other unusual lung sounds.
  • Some difficulty breathing.
  • Vomiting.
  • Gagging.
  • Loss of consciousness.

Treatment

• • Steroids — either oral or inhaled.
  • Bronchodilators — although these may only provide temporary relief.
  • Environmental changes.

Prevention

• • There isn’t a sole cause for bronchitis. But exposure to some environmental irritants has been thought to have an impact after long-term exposure.

Liver

Copper Storage Disease (Abnormal Buildup of Copper in the Liver)

Symptoms

• • Nausea.
  • Fatigue.
  • Weakness.
  • Weight Loss.
  • Excessive Thirst.

Treatment

• • Oral Medications.

Prevention

• • OFA copper storage hepatopathy evaluation for parents.

Copper Toxicosis (Westie) (Copper Poisoning — Inherited Metabolic Disorder)

Symptoms

• • Lethargy
  • Anorexia
  • Depression
  • Vomiting
  • Yellowish skin
  • Pale gum
  • Dark urine
  • Blood in urine

    In chronic cases, there also may be :

  • Diarrhea 

  • Excessive thirst and urination
  • A distended stomach
  • Spontaneous bleeding

Treatment

• • Medication
  • Fluids and electrolytes may be administered to help flush out toxins.

  • In some cases, your dog may need a blood transfusion.

  • Dietary changes

Prevention

• • The causes are genetic. Select a reputable breeder when purchasing your puppy, and do not purchase your puppy from a store.
  • In the case of West Highland White Terriers, certain genetic lines are contaminated. Your breeder should prove that their dogs do not have a history of this disease.

Portosystemic Shunt (Abnormal Vein Connection – Blood Bypasses the Liver’s Filtering Process)

Symptoms

• • Poor muscle development.
  • Stunted growth.
  • Disorientation.
  • Staring into space circling, or head-pressing seizures.

Treatment

• • Surgery.

Prevention

• • Parent dogs should not possess this disorder

Kidneys

Kidney Stones (Nephrolithiasis)

Symptoms

• • Blood in urine.
  • Vomiting.
  • Recurrent urinary tract Infections.
  • Painful, difficult urination.
  • Frequent urination, but in small amounts.

Treatment

• • Medication.

Prevention

• • Be sure your dog has access to, and is drinking plenty of water.
  • Feed your dog good quality dog food. Ask your vet about giving your dog supplements.

Addison’s Disease (Hypoadrenalism) (Underactive Adrenal Glands)

Symptoms

• • Lethargy.
  • Lack of appetite .
  • Vomiting.
  • Weight loss.
  • Diarrhea.
  • Shaking.
  • Increased frequency of urination.
  • Increased thirst.

Treatment

• • Injections.
  • Oral Medication.

Prevention

• • Not Preventable. 
  • Dogs with this disease should not be bred.

Cushing’s Disease: (Hyperadrenocorticism) (Overactive Adrenal Glands – Excessive Production of Cortisol Hormones)

Symptoms

• • Increased thirst, urination, or appetite.
  • Reduced activity.
  • Excessive panting.
  • Hair loss.
  • Recurrent skin infections. 
  • Potbelly.

Treatment

• • Surgery.
  • Medication.

Prevention

• • Maintain a healthy weight and lifestyle for your dog.
  • Avoid using cortisol-boosting medications unless necessary (ie: prednisone, dexamethasone, prednisolone)
  • Select your dog from a breeder whose dogs have no recent history of Cushing’s Disease.

Cystinuria (Stones Forming in the Kidney, Bladder, and Ureter)

Symptoms

• • Frequent urination.
  • Blood in the urine.
  • Frequent urinary tract infections.
  • Difficult urination.
  • Scanty or dribbling urination.
  • Evidence of pain when urinating.
  • A reluctance to urinate, or anything about their urinary habits that’s abnormal.

Treatment

• • Incurable genetic disease, but can be managed with proper care: retrograde hydropulsion ro remove obstruction.
  • Cystotomy (removal of stones through surgery).
  • Possible scrotal urethrostomy (create new urinary tract pathway, very difficult and expensive) if hydropulsion doesn’t work, if no surgery is needed when hydropulsion works a drug can be used to dissolve stones.

Prevention

• • No genetic test available for this breed, talk to vet if you suspect this for proper diagnoses.

Fanconi Syndrome (Basenji) (Kidney Filtering Tube/s Dysfunction)

Symptoms

• • (Develops in adulthood)
  • Excessive drinking excessive urination glucose in the urine.
  • Muscle mass depletion.
  • Acidosis.
  • Diarrhea.
  • Vomiting.
  • Lethargy.
  • Weakness.
  • Seizures.
  • Eventual death.

Treatment

• • Nutritional management and supplementation.
  • When detected in early stages, the prognosis is usually positive.

Prevention

• • Buy your dog from a reputable breeder who has had the parent dogs DNA tested for Fanconi syndrome.
  • Get a DNA test done on your dog (if under 10 years of age) to test for Fanconi syndrome, or use Diastix urinalysis test strips to catch the syndrome early.

Renal Dysplasia (RD) (Kidney/s Malformation)

Symptoms

• • Constipation.
  • Vomiting and nausea.
  • Lethargy.
  • Anorexia.
  • Bad breath.
  • Muscle tremors.
  • Neurological signs.

Treatment

• • There is no cure for this disease so treatments are only designed to offer the best quality of life to your dog.
  • Anti-emetics to prevent vomiting.
  • Subcutaneous fluid therapy.
  • Potassium supplementation.
  • Oral bicarbonate.
  • Treatment to manage hypertension.

Prevention

• • Ensure that your dog drinks plenty of water.
  • Restrict any access to potential toxins.
  • Regular vet check ups.
  • Do not breed dogs with hereditary causes of renal dysplasia.

Juvenile Renal Dysplasia (JRD) (Underdeveloped Kidney/s)

Symptoms

• • Excessive thirst.
  • Excessive volume of urine.
  • Weight Loss.
  • Lethargy.
  • Intermittent loss of appetite.

  • In the final stage :

  • Vomiting.
  • Weakness.
  • Dehydration.
  • Death from renal failure.

Treatment

• • None.
  • Low protein diets can sometimes help symptoms.

Prevention

• • There is not much you can do to prevent this health issue, except to choose a dog from a breeder who has no reported cases of JRD in the dogs they have bred.

Joints/Bones

The joints and bones are the framework of your dog’s body. And, with 321 bones and three types of joints, a lot could go wrong. From the common/minor complaints to the rare and severe, take a look through these skeletal dog health issues.

Legg-Perthes Disease (Degeneration of Hip Joint From Poor Blood Circulation)

Symptoms

• • In the hind leg, dogs may experience: 
  • Inflammation/stiffness.
  • Pain.
  • Inability to move or walk.
  • Muscle atrophy.

Treatment

• • Medication.
  • Surgery.
  • Physical Therapy.

Prevention

• • Affected dogs should not be bred.
  • Choose your dog from a reputable breeder.

Atlantoaxial Subluxation (AAI) (Misaligned Vertebrae (Spinal Bones)

Symptoms

• • Stiff neck.
  • Reluctance to turn head.
  • Neck pain.
  • Abnormal head positions.
  • Weakness in legs.
  • Difficulty walking.
  • Uncoordinated walk.
  • Inability to stand.
  • Sudden collapses.
  • Paralysis below neck.
  • Difficulty breathing.

Treatment

• • A splint, cast or brace to immobilize the neck and manage symptoms.
  • Surgery.

Prevention

• • This is a genetic condition. Be sure to select your puppy from a reputable breeder that has no record of Atlanto Axial Subluxation in their lines, or in any of the dogs they have bred.

Canine Hip Dysplasia (CHD) (Deformed Hip/Growth Abnormality)

Symptoms

• • Decreased activity.
  • Decreased range of motion.
  • Lameness in the hind end.
  • Looseness in the joint.
  • Narrow stance.

Treatment

• • Weight loss.
  • Lifestyle modification.
  • Joint injections.
  • Specialized physical therapy.

Prevention

• • Exercise.
  • Maintaining a proper weight.
  • Purchase your puppy from a reputable breeder who has had the parent dogs tested for hip problems.

Elbow Dysplasia  (Growth Abnormalities of the Elbow Joint)

Symptoms

• • Lameness or limping on one or both front legs.
  • Front limb lameness that worsens with activity or exercise.
  • Stiffness when rising from rest.
  • Reluctance to play.

Treatment

• • Weight loss.
  • Lifestyle modification.
  • Joint injections.
  • Specialized physical therapy.

Prevention

• • Exercise.
  • Maintaining a proper weight.
  • Genetic testing.

Hip Dysplasia (Abnormal Growth/Formation of the Hip)

Symptoms

• • Decreased activity.
  • Decreased range of motion.
  • Lameness in the hind end
  • Looseness in the joint.
  • Narrow stance.

Treatment

• • Weight loss.
  • Lifestyle modification.
  • Joint injections.
  • Specialized physical therapy.

Prevention

• • Exercise.
  • Maintaining a proper weight.

Patellar Luxation (Dislocating Knee)

Symptoms

• Intermittent lameness.
• Loss of range of motion in one or both hind legs.
• Abnormal function of one, or both, hind legs.
• Temporary paralysis of the knee joint.
• Pain when moving.
• Difficulty rising.
• Reluctance to run or jump.
• Swelling at or around the knee joint.
• Weakness.

Treatment

• • Surgery.
  • Leg brace/bandage.
  • Cage rest.
  • Medication.

Prevention

• Patellar Luxation is caused by trauma to the kneecap.
• Small and toy dog breeds are often genetically predisposed.
• Purchase your puppy from a reputable breeder.

Craniomandibular Osteopathy (Lion Jaw) (Abnormal Bone Growth in the Jaw Area)

Symptoms

• • Usually occurs between the ages of three and 8 months.
  • Pain with chewing.
  • Loss or lack of appetite.
  • Fever.
  • Difficulty picking up food.
  • Excessive drooling.
  • Jaw swelling.
  • Symptoms worsen over time.

Treatment

• • It will usually stop progressing around the age of one year, and possibly regress.
  • There is no treatment, but medication can alleviate symptoms.

Prevention

• • There are no known methods of prevention, the causes are genetic.

Intervertebral Disc Disease (Breakdown (of one or more) Spinal Discs)

Symptoms

• • Neck pain.
  • Back pain.
  • Abdominal tenderness.
  • Arched.
  • Sensitivity to touch (possible aggression).
  • Sensitivity to movement.
  • Impaired, incomplete, or inappropriate urination.
  • Lameness.
  • Dragging legs.
  • Weakness.
  • Stiffness.
  • Lack of coordination.

Treatment

• • Medical management of symptoms.
  • Surgery.
  • Confinement.
  • Massage therapy.

Prevention

• • Genetic, be sure that your breeder does not have a history of Intervertebral Disc Disease in any of the dogs they have bred.
  • Prevent your dog from doing extreme jumps, such as jumping over tall objects or down from high places

Teeth/Mouth

Typically, the first sign of dog health issues concerning the teeth and mouth start with smelly breath. If you’ve noticed this recently, you might want to take a closer look at some of the health problems we’ve listed below.

Gingivitis (Advanced Stage Leads to Periodontitis) (Gum Inflammation)

Symptoms

• • Bright red gums.
  • Inflammation of gums.
  • Inflammation of tooth.
  • Receding gums (in later stages).

Treatment

• • Early stages: controlling plaque (teeth brushing, dog treats).
  • Severe cases: bone replacement procedures, periodontal splinting, guided tissue regeneration.

Prevention

• • Maintain good oral hygiene — frequently brushing the teeth, providing your dog with bones to chew on (always monitor chewing).
  • Provide teeth-health treats.

Periodontal Disease (Dental/Gum Disease)

Symptoms

• • Discolored teeth.
  • Excessive drooling.
  • Bad breath.
  • Inflamed or bleeding gums.
  • Irritability.

Treatment

• • Regular dental cleaning.
  • X rays.
  • Checking each tooth for decay.

Prevention

• • Routine dental cleaning.
  • Daily tooth brushing.
  • Special dog toys.
  • Special treats and chews.

Malocclusion (Teeth Misalignment)

Symptoms

• • Avoiding certain types of food.
  • Discomfort.
  • The inability to close their mouth.
  • Noticeable overbite.
  • Abnormal jaw growth.

Treatment

• • Extract teeth that are causing issues.
  • Orthodontic treatment to move teeth to a more comfortable position.
  • Genetic counselling.

Prevention

• • This is usually an inherited condition, although it is more common in certain breeds of dogs.

Other

If you’ve reached this point and haven’t found anything similar to what your dog is going through, don’t stress about it. There are other possible dog health problems that don’t fall into our categories, so we’ve listed them below.

Allergies

Symptoms

• • Itchy red, moist, or scabbed skin
  • Increased scratching
  • Itchy, runny eyes
  • Scratching at the back or base of tail (Often from fleas)
  • Chewing excessively on feet (often a food allergy)
  • Swollen Pads
  • Sneezing
  • Excessive licking
    

Treatment

• • Anti-Allergy Medications
  • Benadryl (ask your vet before administering and do not use as a long-term or permanent solution as it can irritate the stomach lining)
  • If your dog responds severely to an allergy (swollen tongue, difficulty breathing, falling asleep while standing)
  • Bring them to the vet. The vet will give them a cortisone shot.

Prevention

• • Allergy panels can be performed to try to uncover the cause of a dog’s allergies.
  • Try switching your dog to a high-quality food. We recommend Canidae.
  • Wipe your dog’s paws and belly after playing outside.
  • Bathe your dog with anti-itch dog shampoo.
  • Keep chemicals, smoke, and other irritable inhalants at a minimum.

Bladder Stones (Vesical Calculi)

Symptoms

• • Urinary accidents.
  • Frequent attempts to urinate without producing much urine.
  • Straining to urinate.
  • Discolored urine.
  • Licking around the urinary opening.

Treatment

• • Antibiotics to treat underlying causes.
  • Therapeutic dog food administered by a vet.
  • Surgery.

Prevention

• • Be sure your dog has access to, and drinks plenty of water.
  • Once bladder stones have formed in a dog, you can give them special pet food to reduce the chance of recurrence.

Bronchoesophageal Fistula (Abnormal Connection – Windpipe and Esophagus)

Symptoms

• • Coughing after eating or drinking.
  • Regurgitation anorexia.
  • Fever.
  • Lethargy.

Treatment

• • Surgery

Prevention

• • In Cairn Terriers it’s a congenital disease, meaning it’s present at birth. So select a puppy that appears to be healthy and of a good weight.

Cancer (Malignant Tumor)

Symptoms

• • Abnormal swellings/lumps that grow.
  • Sores that do not heal.
  • Weight loss.
  • Loss of appetite.
  • Scratching at swellings/lumps.
  • Abnormal discharge from orifices.

Treatment

• • Surgery.
  • Medication.
  • Chemotherapy.

Prevention

• • Cancers are often genetic, so be sure to research your dog’s genetic predisposition to different cancers, and choose your dog from a reputable breeder.
  • Give your dog a fit and active lifestyle; obese dogs are more at risk for cancer.

Lymphoma (Cancer of the Immune (Lymphatic) System)

Symptoms

• • Anorexia.
  • Weakness.
  • Lethargy.
  • Weight loss.
  • Sudden behavioral changes.
  • Enlarged area around the throat.

Treatment

• • Medication.
  • Chemotherapy.
  • Canine Lymphoma is NOT curable, however, of all canine cancers, Lymphoma is one of the most treatable and usually higher life expectancy rates for the dog.

Prevention

• • No known methods of prevention. Good breeding may help avoid Lymphoma.
  • Proper nutrition and keeping your pet away from chemicals, smoke, or other carcinogens may help.

Chondrodysplasia (Canine Dwarfism)

Symptoms

• • Larger than normal head.
  • Underbite.
  • Short nose.
  • Crooked teeth.
  • Abnormal bone shape.
  • Stunted growth.
  • Enlarged joints.
  • Low to the ground.
  • Bowed legs.

Treatment

• • None.

Prevention

• • Genetic Disorder: Caused by breeding a dog that carries the gene. 
  • Select your puppy from a reputable breeder with health records for their dogs.

Congenital Hypothyroidism (Underactive Thyroid Present at Birth)

Symptoms

• • Weakness.
  • Lethargy.
  • Mental dullness.
  • Weight gain.
  • Alopecia.

Treatment

• • Oral medication for life.
  • Hormone treatment.

Prevention

• • Regular check to maintain a healthy weight.

Hypothyroidism (Underactive Thyroid)

Symptoms

• • Lethargy.
  • Generalized weakness.
  • Inactivity.
  • Mental dullness.
  • Unexplained weight gain.
  • Hair loss (alopecia).
  • Excessive hair shedding.

Treatment

• • Lifelong oral replacement hormone administered at home by owner.

Prevention

• • Maintain overall health of the dog with frequent vet visits.

Tracheal Collapse (Collapsed Windpipe)

Symptoms

• • Difficulty breathing.
  • Coughing only when you pick your dog up or apply any pressure to their neck.
  • Vomiting, gagging often associated with coughing.
  • Turning blue episodes or cyanotic.
  • Wheezing.

Treatment

• • Antibiotics.
  • Cough suppressants.
  • Steroids.
  • Sedatives.
  • Surgery as a last resort.

Prevention

• • There is no known preventative measure for a collapsing trachea. But there are some measures that can help such as reducing weight, and changing from a collar to a harness.

(Diabetes Mellitus) (Diabetes – Insulin Deficiency/Resistance)

Symptoms

• • Excessive thirst.
  • Increased urination.
  • Larger volume of urination.
  • Dehydration.
  • Lethargy.
  • Weight loss.
  • Chronic skin conditions.
  • Breath may smell strangely sweet.

Treatment

• • Special diet to help maintain insulin levels. 
  • Oral medication.
  • Insulin injection administered daily by the owner.

Prevention

• • Maintain a healthy weight for your dog. 
  • Do not overfeed them or allow them to become obese.

Myotonia Congenita (Muscle Movement Disorder – Prevents Voluntary Muscle Relaxation)

Symptoms

• • Voice change.
  • Muscle stiffness.
  • Difficulty breathing.
  • Difficulty rising or moving.
  • Difficulty swallowing.
  • Regurgitation, especially after eating.
  • Tongue may protrude from mouth.

Treatment

• • There is no cure for this disease, however certain medications can make symptoms more manageable.

Prevention

• • Choose a dog from a reputable breeder whose dogs have no history of Myotonia Congenita.

Pancreatitis (Inflammation of the Pancreas)

Symptoms

• • Loss of appetite.
  • Vomiting.
  • Tummy pain.
  • Fever or low body temperature.
  • Diarrhea.
  • Lethargy.
  • Difficulty breathing.
  • Dehydration.
  • Irregular heartbeat.

Treatment

• • Prescription dog food.
  • Treatment of underlying ailments.

Prevention

• • Feed your dog good quality dog food.
  • Maintain a healthy weight. Especially do not let your dog become overweight.

Pancreatic Disease, Pancreatitis, or Acute Liver Condition (Inflammation of the Pancreas)

Symptoms

• • Vomiting.
  • Diarrhea.
  • Abdominal pain.
  • Depression.
  • Dehydration.

Treatment

• • Special diet to reduce fat consumption.

Prevention

• • Maintain a healthy weight for your dog.
  • Do not feed excessively fatty foods, especially fatty foods that are very high in sugar like honey-glazed ham.
  • Certain drugs can cause liver toxicity. If you notice pancreatic disease symptoms, ask your vet if medications might have influenced them.

Inspiratory Paroxysmal (Reverse Sneezing)

Symptoms

• • The dog will stand, extend their head and neck, pull back their lips, and inhale repeatedly and forcefully through their nose.
  • Usually makes a distinct “snorting” sound.
  • Episodes can be as long as 10-15 seconds or so.

Treatment

• • Most cases do not need to be treated. For those that are severe, underlying ailments are usually treated.
  • To reduce the length of a sneezing episode: softly blow in your dog’s face, massage their throat, or hold their nostrils closed for a few seconds.

Prevention

• • This condition is caused by facial shape & breed.
  • Keep the dog away from allergens.
  • Prevent dogs from eating too fast by feeding them in low-stress environments.

Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada Syndrome (Autoimmune Disease – Degeneration of Pigmented Tissues)

Symptoms

• • Bloodshot eyes.
  • Excessive tearing.
  • Squinting.
  • Eye inflammation.
  • Sensitivity to light.
  • Whitening of the footpads, lips, skin, nails, and coat.

Treatment

• • Medication.
  • Immunosuppression therapy.

Prevention

• • Genetic.
  • Some researchers believe that it may be caused by a viral infection.
  • Purchase your puppy from a reputable breeder.

White Shaker Dog Syndrome (Westie) (Uncontrollable Shaking)

Symptoms

• • Muscle tremors.
  • Shivering.
  • Uncoordinated movement.
  • Uncontrolled rapid eye movements. 
  • Head tilt.
  • High-stepping gait.
  • Difficulty walking.
  • Paralysis.
  • Seizures.

Treatment

• • Medication – many dogs can recover after several months.
  • Some dogs will need to take low doses for the rest of their lives.

Prevention

• • Unknown.