Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Canine Leukemia

Leukemia is one type of cancer that affects the blood. This disease is characterized by a significant increase of the leukocytes, popularly called white blood cells.

The first symptom is a large number of these cells in the blood marrow or even in the circulation. Leukemia is a result of a genetic malfunction, a mutation that happens inside the bone?s marrow. This disease has several types. It is classified taking into consideration the type of the white blood cells that are involved and also the way in which the disease is progressing.

Leukemia can derive from the bone marrow and it is called myelogenous or granulocytic leukemia and also lymphocytic leukemia when it involves the lymph nodes.

Leukemia disease can either be chronic or acute. It all depends on the kind of white cells that are affected. The chronic one is named chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) or chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). The CLL in pets like dogs and cats has a lot of similarities with the human disease but still some major differences too.

The ALL, or acute lymphoid leukemia is a disease that progresses quite rapidly. A few of the symptoms include fever, anemia, random bleeding, loosing the appetite, swollen lymph nodes, panting, anxiousness, vomiting, pale gums, shifting limb lameness, lack of coordination, some infections that appear because of the week immune system. All these symptoms can cause death if the disease is not treated.

At a clinical examination, if the dog has fever or a bigger than usual spleen or liver, it is a good sign of the disease. Many mature animals develop the acute lymphoid leukemia rather then the young. This is a difference from the human disease which is quite common in children. Another important fact is that this disease can cause some ocular lesions in dogs.

The chronic leukemia has many cancer white cells that are affecting the body?s ability to fight the infections. The disease progresses slowly and it is fatal. It suppresses the immune system and then the bone marrow fails to function. The bag cells then infiltrate the other organs. The disease easily spreads into the blood, the lymph nodes, liver or spleen and into the central nervous system. The disease doesn?t create solid tumors or other solid masses. The death can be quite painful.

Discovering the leukemia can be done ding a simple blood examination and then, if there are suspicions, a bone marrow analysis.

Leukemia is one type of cancer that affects the blood. This disease is characterized by a significant increase of the leukocytes, popularly called white blood cells.

The first symptom is a large number of these cells in the blood marrow or even in the circulation. Leukemia is a result of a genetic malfunction, a mutation that happens inside the bone?s marrow. This disease has several types. It is classified taking into consideration the type of the white blood cells that are involved and also the way in which the disease is progressing.

Leukemia can derive from the bone marrow and it is called myelogenous or granulocytic leukemia and also lymphocytic leukemia when it involves the lymph nodes.

Leukemia disease can either be chronic or acute. It all depends on the kind of white cells that are affected. The chronic one is named chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) or chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). The CLL in pets like dogs and cats has a lot of similarities with the human disease but still some major differences too.

The ALL, or acute lymphoid leukemia is a disease that progresses quite rapidly. A few of the symptoms include fever, anemia, random bleeding, loosing the appetite, swollen lymph nodes, panting, anxiousness, vomiting, pale gums, shifting limb lameness, lack of coordination, some infections that appear because of the week immune system. All these symptoms can cause death if the disease is not treated.

At a clinical examination, if the dog has fever or a bigger than usual spleen or liver, it is a good sign of the disease. Many mature animals develop the acute lymphoid leukemia rather then the young. This is a difference from the human disease which is quite common in children. Another important fact is that this disease can cause some ocular lesions in dogs.

The chronic leukemia has many cancer white cells that are affecting the body?s ability to fight the infections. The disease progresses slowly and it is fatal. It suppresses the immune system and then the bone marrow fails to function. The bag cells then infiltrate the other organs. The disease easily spreads into the blood, the lymph nodes, liver or spleen and into the central nervous system. The disease doesn?t create solid tumors or other solid masses. The death can be quite painful.

Discovering the leukemia can be done ding a simple blood examination and then, if there are suspicions, a bone marrow analysis.

Article Source : http://www.articlewarehouse.com

Read more about canine leukemia , symptoms of canine leukemia and canine leukemia diagnosis at CanineLeukemia.Net.

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

How To Treat Dogs With Hemorrhoids

Dogs are great pets; they are always there when you reach for them with a wagging tail and welcoming face; that must be the reason why they are the number one choice of pet with families in the US. Dogs have the same type of diseases that we do and one of them is hemorrhoids.

In dogs just like in humans hemorrhoids occur due to strain during bowel movement and sometimes, in dogs due to sitting down. Hemorrhoids are formed in the rectum area due to straining of the blood vessels and in dog just like in humans they can also occur due to a medical condition, old age, pregnancy and even due to poor diet; here are a few guidelines that will help you recognize the disorder and get treatments as soon as possible.

symptoms Of Dog Hemorrhoids

Blood in the stool is the first symptoms you should watch for in dog hemorrhoids especially if you take your dog in public places to do his needs and therefore need to clean after him, which will bring you in close proximity of the stool. If the dog has external hemorrhoids then he may face itching, burning and even pain due to the irritation that can occur when the dog will try to deal with the itching and burning by dragging his torso on the ground in an attempt to stop the itching and burning.

Treating Dog Hemorrhoids

If you have the slightest doubt that your dog is suffering from hemorrhoids you need to see a vet right away in order to determine the diagnostic because there are a few other diseases that may have similar symptoms therefore don't try to medicate your dog at home. Dog hemorrhoids are treated very similar to human hemorrhoids and that is through suppository is they are internal and through cream if they are external; you can also get them removed through surgery if the vet suggests it to be the best form of treatment. Hemorrhoids are not a life threatening disease if treated as soon as it is diagnosed however, it can promote cancer when left untreated for long periods of time not to mention the discomfort and pain that can increase in the process.

Other Helpful Tips On Dog Hemorrhoids

A closer look at your dog's diet may help your pet in the future to prevent hemorrhoids; ensure your dog has a healthy diet with the necessary fiber, water and plenty of exercise. Also watching the treats that you feed your dog may help, as often they are the ones that promote constipation and/or diarrhea.

Article Source : http://www.hobbyarticledirectory.com

Scott Goodman writes about many different subjects. For more information and articles about Pets and Hemorrhoids please visit Hemorrhoids Exposed! .

Friday, July 2, 2010

Does Your Dog Suffer From Allergies?

Dogs can get allergies for a variety of reasons, but there are a few culprits that lead to a state of a weakened immune system. Once a dog has a weakened immune system, he may start having allergic reactions to things that would not normally bother a healthy, strong dog. And he may develop a serious autoimmune problem like inflammatory bowel disease or hyperthyroidism.

According to Richard Pitcairn, these things may lead to a dog developing a weakened immune system:

* combination injections used a lot * excessive use of cortisone drugs * commercial dog food diets

The latter is an interesting point, as even in miler cases of allergy, dogs may be allergic to some of the commercial foods we feed them. He suggests switching to a special healing diet, made from food you prepare yourself, for about 2 or 3 months. If after this time there is no improvement, then it is safe to safe that food is not causing the allergy. Dr Pitcairn's recommended allergy diet includes grains like brown rice, bone meal, meat, and vitamins.

Once the dog has been on this diet for a few months, you can start introducing foods that he used to eat, gradually. It's best to introduce the foods one at a time, so you have a chance to see whether a reaction occurs after he eats it. Once a food, or ingredient has been identified, the option exists to find a good quality dog food that doesn't contain those ingredients. There exist special foods that are formulated for dogs with skin conditions, and these might be more suitable.

Foods are not the only substances that can trigger an allergy however. Your dog may be allergic to:

* chlorine or other household chemical agents * cleaning chemicals, either in your house or yard * gases released from chemicals in our furniture or buildings * synthetic carpets * plastic food bowls * some types of grass or plants * regular dog care products like heartworm or flea products * flea bites

The symptoms of a dog suffering from an allergy could be one or more of the following:

* itchy skin * skin eruptions (especially at the base of the tail and on the lower part of his back) * inflamed ears * too much licking of the front feet * problems in the digestive tract including gas, gurgling of the stomach, loose stools or diarrhea * inflammation of the toes * his rear end is irritated * licking and dragging his rear end on the floor

References: Dr Pitcairn, Complete Guide To Natural Health For Dogs And Cats

Article Source : http://www.hobbyarticledirectory.com

If you're interested in feeding your dog a natural diet, learn about dogs and carbohydrates here. Rebecca presents dog tips and articles here.