Articles
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Mastitis is inflammation of a mammary gland (breast). In most cases, mastitis is caused by a bacterial infection. Less commonly, mastitis may occur due to the mammary gland, or prolonged periods of milk accumulation without milk removal, leading to inflammation in the gland. This handout discusses causes, signs, diagnosis, and treatment of this condition.
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Miscarriage (spontaneous abortion) refers to the death of a fetus during pregnancy. It can occur at any time during pregnancy, though the signs vary depending on the stage at which it occurs. This handout discusses signs, diagnosis, and treatment.
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Many herding dog breeds (most commonly collies and Australian shepherds) have a mutation at the ABCB1 (or MDR1) gene that makes them more sensitive to the negative effects of certain medications. A similar ABCB1 mutation can occur in cats, although it is believed to be much less common. This handout explains how this mutation works and how to know if your pet is affected.
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Ovarian remnant syndrome is a condition that occurs when ovarian tissue remains inside the body after a female dog is spayed. This tissue can produce estrogen, triggering signs of heat (estrus) in the dog. Surgical treatment is typically recommended to prevent other health conditions from developing.
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Most pet pregnancies and deliveries go smoothly, but as a caring pet owner, you should be prepared for the unexpected. This handout outlines what you should know about common pregnancy complications.
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Pregnancy in dogs can be diagnosed several different ways including blood tests, radiographs and ultrasound. The benefits and limitations of each test are discussed. Ultrasound is the gold standard for pregnancy detection and assessing viability.
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Pyometra is a serious and life-threatening bacterial infection in the uterus that must be treated quickly and aggressively. It develops due to normal hormonal changes after a female dog's heat cycle. The preferred treatment is to surgically remove the uterus and ovaries.
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Most dogs care for their puppies with little need for human intervention; if they do not, then their caregivers need to step in. It is critical to maintain a warm environment and ensure they receive enough milk. Puppies’ weight should be checked daily in the first two weeks, and any prolonged crying should be investigated. Feeding can be supplemented with commercial milk replacer if needed. Further feeding and vaccination recommendations are discussed. Contact your veterinarian for specific recommendations.
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Cryptorchidism is the failure of one or both testicles to descend into the scrotum. Risks of retained testicles include testicular cancer, spermatic cord torsion, and the development of undesirable male characteristics, so neutering is strongly recommended.
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Spaying is the common term for the surgical procedure known as an ovariohysterectomy. In this procedure, the ovaries and uterus are removed to sterilize a female dog. This operation requires a general anesthetic and complications are rare. Spaying is recommended to prevent ovarian and uterine cancer, prevent unwanted pregnancy, and reduce the risk of mammary cancer and pyometra.