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Conjunctivitis is characterized by redness of the conjunctiva with an accompanying eye discharge that may vary from a watery consistency to a creamy accumulation of pus. The animal may rub the affected eye with its paws, and this mechanical irritation will cause further swelling and redness of the conjunctiva and the eyelids. There may be small granular elevations on the conjunctiva, the appearance of a false membrane, or occasionally deeper tissues may become involved. Resistant and neglected cases may become chronic and lead to more serious infections that may ultimately impair vision.
In regard to docking tails, the amount of tail to be removed depends either on show requirements for the particular breed or on personal preference. The best age at which to perform the operation is when the animal is a couple of days old, although it can be done at any time during the animal’s life. At the very early age, however, the operation is very simple, is accompanied by very little pain or hemorrhage, can be performed without anaesthesia, requires no sutures or bandages, results in very rapid healing, and seldom has any undesirable consequences. At a later age at least local anaesthesia is necessary, bandages and sutures are required, some pain and annoyance are invariably encountered, healing is slower, and infection, though quite uncommon, is much more likely.
Diuretics—drugs that will stimulate urination—are given in the form of ascorbic acid and certain arsenicals. The most effective measure is to have the abdominal fluid tapped, giving the animal immediate relief, so that it will get along very well for a period of from two weeks to about two months, depending upon the degree of tissue destruction. Within this period the abdominal fluid will usually return, at which time the animal must be tapped again. The owner is advised that the animal may pass away at any time either during or between tappings.
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Healthy dogs can easily acquire the disease in vaccination clinics, animal shelters, veterinary hospitals, local parks, kennels, dog shows, grooming parlors or animal boarding places with infected dogs. Crowded situations where the air is very warm and ventilation is poor are a potential source of kennel cough.
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Studies show that all 50 US states have reported cases of heartworm infection, a condition that can affect all dogs regardless of sex, age or habitat. The highest incidence for dogs not taking preventive medicine rises to a high of 45%, including areas from the Gulf of Mexico to New Jersey, while some areas record rates of 5% and below for the canine heartworm disease. The difference is due mainly to mosquito, environmental and dog population factors, although all dogs in affected regions are still seen as at-risk animals that need to be monitored regularly by veterinarians and covered by prevention programs.
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More severe lesions and a higher number of dead worms cause greater obstruction, with cough, fever and hemoptysis appearing as symptoms. Dogs showing these clinical signs will have to be strictly limited in terms of treatment and exercise and given corticosteroids to reduce inflammation.
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