Dilated Cardiomyopathy - Heart Failure In Dogs

Cardiomyopathy refers to disease of the heart muscle (the myocardium) without malformation of the heart or its valves. The term cardiomyopathy literally means "sick heart muscle." There is a breed predisposition to dilated cardiomyopathy in giant breeds, as well as in Doberman pinschers and boxers. Dilated cardiomyopathy is not the most common cause of heart failure in dogs in general. However, this is the most common cause of heart failure in large breeds of dogs. Small breeds are only occasionally affected. The most commonly affected breeds are Boxers, Doberman Pinschers, and Great danes. Occasionally, medium sized breeds, notably Cocker Spaniels and English Springer Spaniels, are also affected. Cardiomyopathy can also develop as a result of some toxins or infections. Heart failure occurs when the blood returning to the heart from the rest of the body cannot be pumped out fast enough to meet the demands of body tissues. Heart muscle disease is one of the potential causes of heart failure. Dilated cardiomyopathy is a condition characterized by a variety of changes in the heart muscle that result in pump failure. As the name implies, the heart chambers are usually dilated or enlarged, and the heart muscle itself is usually thin and weak, contracting with much less vigor than normal. The heart works harder to compensate for the loss of contractility, eventually leading to congestive heart failure. The abnormalities in the heart muscle cells give rise to irregular heart rhythms which may cause sudden death so proper petsafe is necessary.

Dilated cardiomyopathy is by far the most common type in the dog. There is dilation of the chambers of the ventricles of the heart with some increase (hypertrophy) in the heart muscle mass, and a loss of the normal contracting abilities of the ventricles. Dilated cardiomyopathy, or DCM, occurs when the heart muscle is thin, weak, and does not contract properly. DCM most commonly affects large or giant purebred dogs, but it also can be seen in smaller breeds such as cocker spaniels, and in mixed breed dogs. The condition can lead to congestive heart failure, in which fluid accumulates in the lungs, the chest or abdominal cavities, or under the skin. Because of reduced blood flow to the rest of the body, DCM also can result in weakness, fainting, and exercise intolerance. Abnormal heart rhythms, or arrhythmias, frequently accompany DCM, and can complicate the treatment of dogs with this disease. It is also common for dogs with DCM to show signs of both right and left heart failure. These signs can include weakness and exercise intolerance, and difficulty breathing with increased activity. Weight loss is common in dogs with DCM that do not retain fluid. Some animals exhibit signs due to reduced blood flow to tissues, including pale mucous membranes, bluish color to the mucous membranes, and cold feet and legs. Fainting may occur if abnormal heart rhythms are present, or if the heart's output is severely reduced. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a form of cardiomyopathy, there is a tremendous increase in the mass of the heart muscle in the ventricles, with a resultant decrease in chamber size. Relatively few cases of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in dogs have been reported, and no significant breed predisposition has been identified. Most of the dogs affected have been male.



Blood and urine tests do not give direct information about heart function, but they allow an understanding of other disorders in the body that may impact on heart function and treatment of heart disease. Chest radiographs (x-rays) provide the best look at the lungs and a view of the size and shape of the heart. In most cases, dilated cardiomyopathy causes tremendous enlargement of the heart. These changes are usually very apparent on x-rays.lectrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) is an assessment of the electrical activity of the heart. It accurately determines the heart rate and to more accurately identify any arrhythmias which might be present. Ultrasound examination (Sonogram, Echocardiogram) uses sound waves which bounce off the structures of the heart and are read on a TV-like monitor. It gives the most accurate determination of the size of each heart chamber, and permits measurement of the thickness of the heart walls. This is seen on the monitor in actual time so the contractions of the heart can be evaluated. Certain measurements can be taken which allow the actual strength of the heart's contraction to be measured as a number and compared to the normal animal. Ultrasound may not be available in all private veterinary practices because of the additional training needed to learn how to perform the examination and because of the cost of the equipment.



If the dog has a sudden onset of heart failure, rapid administration of the proper drugs is essential to survival. The following drugs may be used at various stages of treatment. Diuretics drugs stimulate the kidneys to remove excess fluid from the body. Furosemide is most commonly used, although others will be selected in certain circumstances. Nitroglycerin drug is called a venodilator; it dilates the veins throughout the body, especially the ones going to the heart muscle. It decreases the amount of blood returning to the heart by allowing some of it to pool in the veins. This takes some of the workload off the heart. This drug can be very useful for treating pulmonary edema, but it is only effective for a few days. Digitalis drug improves heart function in several ways. It regulates excess hormones that have been released, slows the heart rate, and strengthens each contraction of the heart. Enzyme blockers is a relatively new class of drugs which can directly block the compensation system that has gotten out of control. Vasodilators drugs dilate the arteries and/or the veins of the body so that the heart doesn't have to generate as much pressure to eject blood. They may be used long-term because they continue to be effective, as opposed to the short-term effects of nitroglycerin. Dogs treated with these drugs should be carefully watched for toxity and needs enough rest on dog crates. Loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy should be reported to the veterinarian immediately.

About Basset Hounds

A short-legged, low to the ground, heavily-bodied dog, Basset Hound is a wonderful medium dog breed that will surely capture hearts forever. According to research, the true fame of the Basset Hound began in 1863, when it was presented at the Paris Dog Show. Its popularity spread to England where a lively dispute arose between two factions of breeders. Basset's nose is almost as outstanding as the Bloodhound's. A sweet, docile and laidback dog, Basset Hound is a good and very alert companion with his good tracking skills and keen sense of smells. They are scent hounds, bred to hunt rabbits by scent. Their sense of smell for tracking is second only to that of the Bloodhound. The name Basset derives from the French word "bas" meaning "low;" "basset" (-et attenuating suffix) meaning, literally, "rather low."

The Basset Hound is sweet, gentle, devoted, peaceful and naturally well-behaved. They fit into family life well. They are mild but not timid; very affectionate with its master and friendly with children. It can be a bit stubborn with meek owners and need a firm, confident, and consistent owner who displays natural authority over the dog. The smooth, short-haired coat is easy to groom. Comb and brush with a firm bristle brush, and shampoo only when necessary. Bassets like to do tricks for food. It has a deep musical bark. With proper training, they are obedient, but when they pick up an interesting smell, it's sometimes hard to get their attention, as they like to follow their noses and may not even hear you calling them back. The Basset hound will do okay in an apartment. They are very inactive indoors but outdoors they will run for hours in play if given the chance. They will do okay without a yard, but should be given plenty of opportunities to run and play to keep it healthy and trim.

Do not overfeed these dogs because extra weight places too great a load on the legs and spine. A problem area is possible lameness and eventual paralysis because of short legs and a heavy, long body. As they are prone to bloat, it is also wise to feed them two or three small meals a day instead of one big large meal. The dog should be kept observed for several hours after eating a large meal. Bassets lifespan averaging from 10-12 years.

Deerhound Scottish Deerhound

Resembles like rough-coated greyhounds, Scottish Deerhound, or simply the Deerhound, is a breed of hound (a sighthound), bred to hunt the Red Deer by coursing. Deerhounds, however, are larger in size and bigger in bone, tall and slim sighthound with a saggy 3-4 inch long coat, beard, mustache and mane. Gentle and extremely friendly, Scottish Deerhounds are famed for being docile and eager to please, with a bearing of gentle dignity. It is however a true sighthound which has been selected for generations to pursue game, consequently most Deerhounds will be eager to chase.

The Scottish Deerhound is believed by some to have existed back to a time before recorded history. Scottish Deerhound is very similar to the Greyhound and may have been closely related to the "Highland Greyhound". The Greyhound is a centuries-old inhabitant of the British Isles. The Scottish breed's development closely jockeys its English counterpart's. In Scotland, the Greyhound developed into quite a distinctive dog and became known as the Scottish Deerhound. The environment in which it worked, the Scottish Highland moors, likely contributed to the larger, rough-coated appearance of the breed. The Deerhound was developed to hunt red deer by “coursing”, and also initially in “deer-stalking” until the the end of the 19th century with the advent of the modern rifle and smaller deer-forests, when controllable, slower tracking dogs were preferred to fast and far running Deerhounds.

Scottish Deerhounds are not recommended as indoor pets, although mature Deerhounds can do well in an apartment if they are sufficiently exercised. They are relatively inactive indoors and should have at least a large yard, but do best with acreage so it will have room to run around. The Scottish Deerhound is prone to bloat. It is wise to feed them 2 or 3 small meals a day rather then one big one. Avoid vigorous exercise right after the dog has eaten a big meal. The average life expectancy of Scottish Deerhound is under 10 years.

Panosteitis Dog Bone Disease - Sign, Diagnose, Care & Prevention

As dogs grown, owners should specifically observe some changes and possible diseases that may occur in their fast growing dogs. One of most common sign is limping, and it can be caused by several problems associated with bones and bone growth. One of most common dog bone disease is Panosteitis or "Pano". Panosteitis is also referred to as growing pains and wandering leg lameness. This lameness can last a day to a few weeks. Pano is characterized by shifting leg lameness; one leg will heal, then another may be affected. There are no long-term ill-effects from pano, but still needs enough attention and proper petsafe and care to prevent such diseases.

Panosteitis is commonly associated with large breed dogs and usually occurs in dogs 5 to 12 months of age, although it has been found in dogs as old as 5 years. Pano most commonly affects males by a ratio of 4:1. Females are most often affected around their first heat. These disease can be considered partially genetic since so many German Shepherd Dogs are prone to it. However, many other factors have been associated with pano: diet, viral diseases, autoimmune problems, hyperestrogen, and vascular problems. Other possible causes include nutritional derangements, immunologic disease, metabolic disease, and other viruses. In other words, no one knows what causes it. Some clinical signs were long bone pain, shifting leg lameness, fever, anorexia, lethargy. The common symptoms of Pano are Lameness that may shift from limb to limb, pain, fever, and loss of appetite.



Like many problems, pano may be difficult to diagnose. The dark patches may not appear on the x-rays. The lameness may not shift to another leg. It can be extremely frustrating with many bouts of radiographs. Assuming that the limping is caused by pano can help delay diagnosis of other more severe problems. Never assume that limping is caused by pano without having it properly diagnosed. This can be very scary to an owner who up until this point has had an agile giant puppy who loves to lope about the house at a full run! Pano is an inflammation of the bone itself and through radiographs (x-rays) a vet can often determine if this is indeed the problem a dog is experiencing. The dog normally limps on the affected limb and only rarely holds the limb to prevent any weight from being placed on it. It is often easily diagnosed with an x-ray; the lesion shows as the tell-tale dark patch on the bone. Pressure applied on the bone elicits a pain response. Currently, treatment consists of reduction of the percentage of protein in the dog's diet and pain management through the use of buffered aspirin, Ascriptin, or Rimadyl, or steroids in severe cases. Restricting the dog's activity has not been shown to have an effect on the healing process. Panosteitis is treated symptomatically. Rest on comfortable dog crates, exercise restriction, and pain medication are prescribed. Pain medication is usually a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, or NSAID, such as aspirin, etodolac, or carprofen. Rarely, severely affected dogs may need more potent pain relief such as narcotic drugs.



Panosteitis is treated symptomatically. Rest, exercise restriction, and pain medication are prescribed. Pain medication is usually a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, or NSAID, such as aspirin, etodolac, or carprofen. Rarely, severely affected dogs may need more potent pain relief such as narcotic drugs. Currently, a common rumor is that low protein, low calcium diets may prevent this condition. It should be noted that the energy level of low protein/calcium diets is often lower as well. If this is the case, a puppy will eat much more of the diet in order to meet its energy needs, resulting in higher total calcium consumption. It may be preferable to feed a puppy diet and restrict total quantity to keep the dog lean than to use a low protein/low calcium adult dog food. Some vets reccommend supplementing dogs with high doses of MSM, glucosamine and vitamin C, others provide anti-inflammatories to keep them comfortable. Whatever route you go, keep exercise to a minimum and know that if it is indeed Pano, your dog will grow out of it and will soon be back to his limber self again! Because of the potential genetic link, breeding animals should be screened to ensure that they are not potential carriers of the disease. Despite the numerous puppy foods catering to large breed dogs, there is no current evidence that confirms that these foods will lower the incidence of the disease when compared to standard commercial puppy food. If an animal shows symptoms of the disease, they should be promptly diagnosed and treated and exercise and activity should be reduced until the symptoms have gone away.



There is also known method of preventing Panosteitis; however, many veterinarians believe the disease is made worse by calorie-dense diets and over-supplementation with calcium and phosphorus. Thus, a diet change to an adult formula, or a large breed growth formula, is recommended. The dog should be fed an amount that does not promote obesity or overly rapid growth. Calcium and vitamin supplements should also be avoided.

About Adorable Shit Tzu Dog Breed

About Shit Tzu Dog Breed

Shih Tzu ("sheet-sue" or "sure-ds" original Chinese translation) small sturdy dog, like the Lhasa Apso, is covered over with an abundant double coat of long hair lined with a woolly undercoat. The Shih Tzu is a sturdy, lively, alert toy dog with long flowing double coat. Befitting his noble Chinese ancestry as a highly valued, prized companion and palace pet, the Shih Tzu is proud of bearing, has a distinctively arrogant carriage with head well up and tail curved over the back. Although there has always been considerable size variation, the Shih Tzu must be compact, solid, carrying good weight and substance. Even though a toy dog, the Shih Tzu must be subject to the same requirements of soundness and structure prescribed for all breeds, and any deviation from the ideal described in the standard should be penalized to the extent of the deviation.

Sizes ideally, height at withers is 9 to 101/2 inches; but, not less than 8 inches nor more than 11 inches. Ideally, weight of mature dogs, 9 to 16 pounds. Length between withers and root of tail is slightly longer than height at withers. The Shih Tzu must never be so high stationed as to appear leggy, nor so low stationed as to appear dumpy or squatty. Regardless of size, the Shih Tzu is always compact, solid and carries good weight and substance.


Shih Tzu are active and alert, qualities that make them good watchdogs. However, poorly bred dogs of the breed can be excitable, noisy, and snappy. Although he is generally outgoing and friendly, the Shih Tzu definitely has an attitude that cries to be spoiled. If you need help in realizing this fact, the dog will steer you in the right direction with his self-assurance that he should be treated like a king. Indeed, his strong sense of self makes him a poor choice in a household with babies or small children. He is often jealous of babies and toddlers and may snap if bothered by rambunctious children. However, he is a fine companion for older children, particularly those who enjoy combing his hair.

Basically healthy, the Shih Tzu is subject to a kidney disease called renal dysplasia and to slipped stifles or kneecaps. His slightly protruding eyes are prone to injury, and his short muzzle often produces slight wheezing problems. Shih Tzu greatest problems are connected to his profuse coat, or rather to neglect of that coat. A well-groomed Shih Tzu has few if any skin problems; a poorly-groomed Shih Tzu can develop tangles, painful mats, hot spots, skin infections, even maggot infestations. If you do not have time to groom a Shih Tzu at least every other day, select another breed. Shih Tzu need a daily walk. Play will take care of a lot of their exercise needs, however, as with all breeds, play will not fulfill their primal instinct to walk.

Akita / Akita Inu Dog Breed

Akita / Akita Inu Dog Breed

Breed Group: Working
Weight: male: 85-130, female: 65-110 lbs
Height: male: 25-28, female: 23-26 inches
Color(s): any color, including white, pinto, or brindle

A powerful, intelligent, friendly, fearless and spontaneous working dog, Akita is a Japanese Spitz-type breed gain respected and much-loved Japanese breed, well over 3,000 years old. Strong and muscular with a flat, heavy head and strong, short muzzle, Akitas captured the hearts of the citizens of Japan for centuries, and was even declared a National Monument in 1931. The breed was brought to North America by servicemen returning home afer World War II, and also from Helen Keller, who was given an Akita as a gift from a Mr. Ichiro Ogasawara, a local police chief in Odate City, Japan in 1937.

Male Akitass can reach up to 28 inches high, and weigh up to 135 pounds, and females between 23 to 25 inches in height, and 80 to 95 pounds. They DO require some regular exercise to maintain their physic and muscle tone, as well as to keep them becoming over weight, which is bad for their heart and hips. Akitas are quite gentle and tolerant by nature, but they ARE very protective of their home and pack (you, the family!) If they feel that the home or their pack is being threatened, they can become aggressive. A responsible Akita owner must be aware of this at all times.

The Akita is highly intelligent, fearless, and spontaneous. They thrive on human companionship. They are extremely loyal to their family and those they know, but are wary and aloof of strangers. They are exceedingly protective of their family, their territory, and of their food. They are particularly aggressive toward other dogs and pets. They will get along with older, very well behaved children within their family unit, but will not tolerate children they don't know. They make excellent guard dogs, although they are not excessive barkers. The Akita requires intensive and extensive socialization and obedience training. It is absolutely imperative that they know who their master is or they will take charge. They do not respond to harsh or heavy-handed training methods. They do best with patience, kindness, firmness, fairness, and consistency. Akitas typically prefer to be clean and is easier to housetrain than many other breeds.

On health, Akitas are prone to hip dysplasia, thyroid both hypothyroid and autoimmune thyroiditis, immune diseases like VKH and Pemphigus, skin problems like SA and eyes (PRA, Micro, entropion) patella and other problems with the knee.

Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy Bone Disease on Dogs

HOD Bone Disease on Dogs

Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy or HOD is a condition that affects young large breed dogs. HOD is a bone disease that affects the rapid growing bones of giant dog breeds and may occur between ages of 2 and 7 months. The breeds that are at high risk for HOD are Boxers, Chesapeake Shepherd Dog, Golden Retriever, Great Dane, Irish Setter, Labrador Retriever and Weimaraner, although there can be exceptions to this rule. Commonly, large male dog breeds are more affected than females. Inherited or genetic link seen to be affects in occurrence of this disease. They need proper petsafe and care

There is currently unknown or no agreement on the cause of Hypertrophic osteodystrophy. Possible causes maybe considered are; bacterial infections, canine distemper virus infection, vaccination with distemper virus or any other viral infections. Also Vitamin C deficiency is also speculated, hence the decreased uptake of Vitamin C and/or increased uptake of other vitamins and minerals other than vitamin C. The excessive calcium supplementation is also included as one possibility. There may be a link to recent vaccination with a modified live vaccine, but no specific vaccine has been implicated. on Weinmaraner dog breeds, it is recommended for them to receive killed virus vaccines instead of modified live or separate vaccines for canine distemper, parvovirus, and adenovirus to prevent the possibility of vaccine-induced HOD.

The signs and symptoms of HOD strick in often to be mild to moderate painful swelling of the growth plates in the leg bones of dogs. It most commonly affects the ends of the radius, ulna (the long bones from the elbow to the wrist) and tibia (the long bone from the knee to the hock). Lameness may vary from mild to sever, reluctance to stand if multiple limbs are affected. Fever, anorexia, loss of appetite and depressions are noticed. Swelling and heat are commonly present over the affected bones. Some clinical signs also includes diarrhea, discharge from the eyes, tonsillitis, thickening of the foot pads, pneumonia, and abnormal development of the enamel of the teeth.

X-ray signs of HOD are more clearly noticed. A line of lucency where the bone has been destroyed is usually found to be parallel to the growth plates of the affected bones. X-rays show a dark line at the metaphysis, which can progress to new bone growth on the outside of that area. This represents microfractures in the metaphysis and bone proliferation to bridge the defect in the periosteum. Some signs seen on microscope are also clear. The growth plate is normal, but blood vessels adjacent to the growth plate are frequently dilated. Bleeding in the bone adjacent to the growth plate and extensive death of the bone adjacent to the growth plate. Adjacent to the line of lucency is a zone of increased density of bone that corresponds to collapsed of layers of dead bone. The outer layer of the bone (periosteum) is thickened with new bone formation.

The treatment for HOD is generally supportive since this is a very painful condition and these disease is usually self-limiting which can last a few weeks, resting on dog crates. Treatment includes intravenous fluid therapy, anti-inflammatory and painkillers such as buffered aspirin or carprofen (Rimadyl) are given. In addition, the animals are usually given a broad-spectrum antibiotic since bacterial infection is suspected. Since the dog might be too irritable and uncomfortable, strict rest on a comfortable warm pet bed is recommended. Feeding a nutritious, highly palatable food will help to encourage some dogs to eat. In severe cases steroids may need to be given to control the pain, but because of the possibility of this being a bacterial disease their use may be contraindicated due to their immuno suppressive qualities. Supplementation of Vitamin C is contraindicated due to an increase in calcium levels in the blood, possibly worsening the disease. Permanent skeletal deformity can occur, recurrence can be a problem until the dog reaches maturity and dogs usually do not die of the disease rather are euthanize if recovery is poor or if clinical signs are severe.