Aug 26, Old Dog's Incontinence -- Causes and Cures

Many owners find themselves wondering how to deal with their old dog's incontinence problem. Fortunately, it can usually be treated quickly and easily.

Urinary incontinence in dogs is simply a loss of your pooch's ability to control his bladder.

It may be as minor as a few dribble spots on the carpet or as serious as a soaked bed.

The urine simply trickles out while he's asleep or lying down.

In fact, most dogs are just as surprised as their owners when they notice the wet spot.

The look on his face seems to ask, "Did I do that?!"

As dogs age, they may develop incontinence for a variety of reasons.

It's important to find out what's causing the problem so you can get started on an appropriate treatment.

The most common reason an old Golden Retriever starts having accidents in the house is known as hormone-responsive incontinence, which is caused by a hormone deficiency.

The hormones (testosterone in males and estrogen in females) affect a dog's ability to control the urethral sphincter, a band of muscular tissues near the base of the bladder. The sphincter acts as an on/off switch, either holding urine in or letting it flow out through the urethra.

The production of these hormones naturally decreases as a dog ages, which is why this type of old dogs' incontinence may show up sometime after your dog's eighth birthday.

Spayed or neutered dogs are more likely to develop the condition because their reproductive organs (which are responsible for the production of hormones) have been removed.

For this reason, female dog incontinence is often called "spay incontinence."

It's actually a common problem, affecting one out of five older female dogs.

When hormones aren't the problem, often the sphincter is weak because it's just plain wearing out. (Many of us older folks can relate!)

No problem--this one's really easy to take care of.

Besides those two most common reasons for an old dog's incontinence, the underlying problem can also be a disorder or disease such as:

If your dog is on diuretics for another problem, his body may produce more urine than his bladder can hold. Also, some dogs drink so much water that their bladders hit "overflow" before they can get outside. Conditions that can cause him to drink excessively might include:

Painful conditions that make it difficult for a dog to go outside--such as arthritis or hip dysplasia--can also contribute to the problem. Treating your dog for these problems might take care of the incontinence, too.

An old dog's incontinence can also be caused by neurological disorders.

To see if that's the case, watch for other signs of nerve-related symptoms.

These may include loss of coordination, fainting, epileptic episodes, weakness or paralysis in one or both rear legs, improper foot placement or a drooping tail.

Canine cognitive dysfunction (senility) can make our precious old pooches forget basic things like housetraining. You could think of it as extreme forgetfulness.

Some of the less common causes of canine incontinence include: Congenital anatomic abnormalities Tumors or polyps in the bladder Injury of nerves going to the bladder Cancer in the urinary tract Prostate disease in males
Because there are so many possible causes for an old dog's incontinence, your vet will need to do some investigation.

He'll probably start with a full physical exam on your dog, then run a urinalysis and urine culture to check for bacteria that might be causing an infection.

Further tests, including blood work and X-rays, can rule out other health issues that may be causing the problem.

You can help your vet by observing your dog's behavior and routines, and providing as much information as possible.

Once the diagnosis has been made, treatment for the most common causes of an old dog's incontinence is usually not difficult.

If your dog is plagued with a worn-out sphincter, your vet will probably prescribe Phenylpropanolamine (PPA).

It helps increase the sphincter contractions, and works for both ladies and gents.

If your female dog is suffering from a hormone deficiency, your vet will likely prescribe diethylstilbestrol (DES) to replace the missing estrogen.

In the tiny amounts used to treat urinary incontinence in dogs, side effects are extremely rare.

For neutered males, your vet will probably prescribe testosterone to accomplish the same thing.

Keep an eye on your pooch afterwards, as some dogs develop aggression issues or begin urine marking their territory as side effects of the therapy.

If you're looking for a natural remedy for incontinence, many people have found corn silk to be quite helpful for their dogs. You might check with a holistic veterinarian in your area to find out what he suggests.

While you're waiting for your dog's medication to take effect, or in case his problem isn't as easily solved, there are some ways to help manage the effects of an old dog's incontinence.

Keep your lady Golden's rear-end fur trimmed short and, after a bout with incontinence, rinse the fur.

You don't have to give her a bath every time--just use a fine-mist spray bottle with warm water, and dry well.

You want to keep her as clean and dry as possible, to avoid skin irritation from the ammonia in the urine.

Areas in the house where the dog has urinated should be cleaned with an enzymatic cleaner.

Wash damp or wet bedding daily, using bleach.

For dogs who need to urinate more frequently as they get older, owners may need to change their schedules or find a pet sitter who can take the dog outside several times during the day.

Most importantly, never withhold water from your dog, no matter how much you think it affects his incontinence. Water is essential to your dog's health, and withholding it can cause or increase kidney problems.

If you have a "leaky" dog, don't despair--get to your vet!

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Sep 2, Dog Bloat -- Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

What exactly is dog bloat, and why is it an emergency? Let's find out!

Dog bloat is technically known as GDV or gastric dilatation volvulus.

It's caused by a buildup of gas that can't escape from a dog's stomach.

As the gas accumulates, the stomach swells and often twists.

That effectively keeps food from getting in or out of the stomach.

It also blocks blood flow to the stomach and other internal organs.

This life-threatening condition is also known as canine bloat or acute gastric dilatation.

It puts a dog in great pain and on the brink of shock and death within the hour.

GDV in dogs is a true emergency. If you know or even suspect you're dealing with a case of dog bloat, immediately call your veterinarian or emergency service. Don't attempt home treatment.

It would help speed things up if you call ahead. That way, while you two are on your way, the hospital staff can be preparing for your arrival.

Which dog breeds are most prone to bloat? Although any dog can experience this painful and potentially deadly situation, statistics indicate that large, deep-chested breeds like Great Danes, Irish Setters, Saint Bernards, Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers are most prone to bloat. Older dogs (7-12 years) are the highest risk group.

A dog with bloat will appear restless and uncomfortable. But the biggest clue is the vomiting. The dog acts really sick, with lots of gagging, but not much is coming up.

Other symptoms include the following: Swollen belly Excessive drooling Weakness Heavy panting or shortness of breath Humping his back (from the pain)
While it isn't clear exactly why a dog's stomach bloats and twists, there are several common factors leading up to the condition: Drinking too much water before or after exercising Feeding only one meal a day Gulping too much air while eating too quickly Being thin or underweight Eating dry food then drinking too much water afterwards, causing the kibble to swell up in the stomach Feeding from an elevated bowl (which used to be recommended for avoiding bloat, strangely enough) Feeding a dry diet with animal fat listed in the first four ingredients. (The fat seems to cause a slower emptying of the stomach contents.)
As you can imagine, this is definitely a situation where prevention is a really good idea.

Although changing diet and feeding methods won't totally prevent bloat in dogs, you can reduce your canine companion's risk by following these suggestions: Feed Hungry Harry two or three smaller meals a day rather than one large meal. If he tends to wolf down his food, add water to the dry food and let it get soggy. That way, his stomach fills up faster and he won't want to drink as much afterwards. Avoid strenuous exercise for one hour before and two to three hours after a meal.

Immediate surgery is your dog's best chance for survival.

The procedure will quickly decompress the stomach and correct any torsion (twisting) by repositioning the stomach within the abdomen.

Your dog will probably need to stay in the vet hospital for a week or more to speed recovery.

Although it's possible to simply remove the gas from the stomach and take your dog home, that's really not a good idea. Why?

Statistics show that without surgery, the recurrence rate of bloat may be as high as 75%!

If the stomach can be surgically tacked into place, recurrence rate drops to 6%. Survival rate for surgical patients is an encouraging 95%.

So if you value your dog's life, and you don't want him to go through the pain and trauma of dog bloat again, you'd be wise to opt for surgery.

If you own a Golden Retriever or other large dog, your best plan of action is to follow the above guidelines in order to (hopefully) prevent this situation in the first place.

But if your precious pup shows any dog bloat symptoms, don't waste time and don't take chances. Give your vet a call, and then get your dog there fast!

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Aug 14, Pancreatitis In Dogs -- Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Pancreatitis in dogs can be a life-threatening condition, but early recognition and treatment can improve chances of recovery.

Pancreatitis is simply an inflammation of the pancreas.

So what's a pancreas?

It's a little gland located near the stomach.

The pancreas has two main jobs.

Its first job is to produce enzymes that help digest food.

Its other job is to produce insulin, which regulates the blood sugar level.

Pancreatitis in dogs is usually divided into chronic and acute cases.

Symptoms of chronic pancreatitis are milder and are often mistaken for other illnesses.

While chronic pancreatitis is the milder form of the two, it's a continuing inflammatory disease that's often accompanied by slow, irreversible damage.

Acute pancreatitis is usually more severe, but when it's over, there's no remaining damage to organs.

So basically, pancreatitis can be acute and only occur once in a dog's lifetime or it can become chronic and keep returning over and over again. It can be a rapidly life threatening illness or a mild attack of pain that resolves in a few hours or a day or so.

There's another very severe form of this condition called necrotizing pancreatitis, in which the damage is so severe that portions of the pancreas are actually destroyed. Some authors refer to this as hemorrhagic pancreatitis.

This form of pancreatitis can be fatal and requires early intervention and aggressive treatment.

In a large number of cases, the cause of pancreatitis remains unclear.

However, there are certain things that we know are associated with the disease.

The most important factor is what your Golden Retriever eats.

Dogs with diets high in fat, and dogs who have recently gotten into the trash or have been fed greasy table scraps, seem to have a higher incidence of the disease.

A single high fat meal can cause pancreatitis in a dog whose normal diet is moderate or low in fat. That's why there's a rash of pancreatitis cases at vet clinics around Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter every year. People just can't resist sharing their high fat leftovers with the family dog.

Some other factors contributing to the development of pancreatitis in dogs include: Obesity Lack of exercise Certain medications Long-term use of corticosteroids Cushing's disease High calcium levels in the blood High triglyceride and/or cholesterol levels in the blood Blood clotting disorders Liver disease Chronic kidney disease Trauma Recent abdominal surgery
As with most diseases or conditions, certain dog breeds are more susceptible to pancreatitis than others. Miniature Schnauzers have a genetic susceptibility to the disease.

Other dogs that seem to be more predisposed to this condition are Yorkshire and Silky Terriers, Dachshunds, Miniature Poodles, and Cocker Spaniels.

The disease occurs usually in middle aged to older dogs, and overweight dogs are at a higher risk. It seems to affect females a little more frequently than males. Dogs with diabetes are also more at risk than others.

The most common symptoms of pancreatitis are fever, lack of appetite, depression, vomiting, and signs of abdominal pain--such as standing with front legs down on the ground as in a bowing position.

Other pancreatitis symptoms include: Dehydration (sunken eyes, dry mouth, dry skin) Diarrhea or yellow, greasy stool Lethargy Depression Weakness Irritability Rapid heart rate Rapid breathing Difficulty breathing Redness of the gums Signs of shock
Pancreatitis in dogs mimics several other conditions, making diagnosis difficult. Some of these most common "look alike" conditions are: Acute gastroenteritis Inflammatory bowel disease Intestinal obstruction

While there is no definitive test for pancreatitis, your veterinarian will try to make a diagnosis through information obtained from: Medical history (especially what your dog eats) Physical exam Laboratory tests Radiographs (X-rays) Abdominal ultrasound CAT scan Biopsy (occasionally)
The treatment your veterinarian selects will depend on the severity and duration of the illness. Dogs with a mild case of chronic pancreatitis may be treated at home, while those with a severe case of acute pancreatitis will require hospitalization and intensive care.

Resting the pancreas and gastrointestinal system is the most important key to your dog's recovery.

That means no food or water by mouth for at least 24 hours to 48 hours.

The second major part of the treatment is the administration of large amounts of intravenous fluids.

Most dogs with pancreatitis are dehydrated from recurrent vomiting and diarrhea.

Other treatment measures include drugs to control vomiting, pain medications, and sometimes antibiotics to control or prevent bacterial infection.

Once the patient seems to feel better, he's allowed to drink a bit of water. If he doesn't vomit in the next 12 to 24 hours, he can graduate to solid food. He'll probably be given small meals of a bland, easily digestible, low-fat food.

Over the course of a week or more, the amount of food can be gradually increased. Most dogs can go home once they're able to eat and drink again.

Dogs with severe pancreatitis can recover, but may also develop fatal complications, including: Shock Abnormal bleeding and clotting Heart arrhythmias Liver or kidney damage Abdominal inflammation and fluid accumulation Sepsis (internal infection from bacteria and toxins) Breathing difficulties
Pancreatitis can be a very unpredictable disease. In most cases, if the attack was mild and the dog only had one episode, chances of recovery are good. Simply avoiding high fat foods may be all that's needed to prevent another attack and/or complications.

Most vets generally prescribe a low-fat, high-fiber diet for pancreatitis in dogs, to help speed recovery and to prevent future episodes.

Depending on your dog's situation, the diet recommendations may be for life or he may be able to gradually return to his former food, if it's low enough in fat.

Although most dogs can eat an occasional high-fat meal without a problem, once a dog develops pancreatitis, a high-fat meal will often cause another episode.

High-fat treats should be avoided. Keeping your dog away from the table during holiday meals can be very helpful, too. And make sure he can't get into the garbage!

In addition to eating low-fat dog food, your Chunky Charlie needs to get on a serious weight loss program and join you on the jogging trail. Keeping him slim and trim will ward off future pancreatitis problems--and make him feel better, too!

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Aug 20, Glaucoma In Dogs -- Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

While glaucoma in dogs probably isn't the first thing that comes to mind when you think of emergencies, the fact is that your quick action could save your dog's vision.

Did you know that glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness in dogs?

Canine glaucoma can strike quickly and without warning.

Sometimes, by the time you get to the vet, there's already permanent damage.

That's why it's important to know the symptoms of this disease.

The more you know about it, the better chance you'll have of getting help in time.

Here's how it works: The eye contains a type of fluid called aqueous humor that maintains the eye's shape.

This fluid is constantly being produced, and if an equal amount can't get out of the eye, the pressure starts to build up.

Simply put, a dangerously high pressure inside the eyeball causes glaucoma.

So why is that a problem?

Just as high blood pressure can damage the heart, too much pressure inside the eye can damage the eye's inner workings.

The retina (a structure at the back of the eye that's essential for vision) and the optic nerve (that carries visual signals to the brain) are especially sensitive to an eye pressure problem.

Glaucoma can also break down the structures holding the lens in place and can cause damage to the iris and cornea.

There are two main types of glaucoma--primary and secondary.

Primary glaucoma is a hereditary disease, and is seen most often in American Cocker Spaniels, English Cocker Spaniels, Basset Hounds, Beagles, Australian Shepherds, Chow Chows, Samoyeds, Shar Peis, Labrador Retrievers and Nordic breeds (Huskies, Elkhounds, etc.).

In primary glaucoma, there's a developmental defect of the drainage structures within the dog's eye.

Since the eye can't drain properly, the pressure inside the eye slowly builds up to dangerous levels--usually by middle age, if not before.

Primary glaucoma usually begins in one eye, but in most dogs it eventually involves both eyes, leading to complete blindness. The second eye is usually affected from 5 months to two years after the first eye.

Secondary glaucoma in dogs occurs when something happens in the eye that prevents normal fluid flow and drainage.

Some of these problems may be: Dislocated lens Detached retina Eye inflammation (uveitis) Cancer in the eye Advanced cataracts Trauma to the eye (scratch or other injury)Although Goldens aren?t on the ?most susceptible? list for primary glaucoma, they can easily scratch an eye as they crash through underbrush, resulting in secondary glaucoma.

So check your Golden Retriever carefully for eye injuries, and take prompt action if you see any of the symptoms explained below.

Glaucoma is believed to be even more painful in dogs than it is in people. Your dog may keep his eye closed, paw at his eye, or rub his head along the floor to try to relieve the pain.

He may lose his appetite, become irritable, and have less desire to play. Here are a few other glaucoma symptoms you can watch for: Inflamed, "bloodshot" eye Squinting or fluttering eyelids Tearing in his eye Cloudy (whitish/blue) cornea (front surface of the eye)

If you notice any of these signs, get your dog to the veterinarian immediately. If it's Friday night, don't wait until Monday. Go now!

As the disease quickly progresses, the result is large, bulging eyes and pupils that won't contract in light. But by the time these symptoms are seen, it's often too late to save your dog's vision in that eye.

Since all this can happen in a matter of a few hours, the earlier the glaucoma is diagnosed, the better the chance of saving your dog's vision.

There's only one way to diagnose glaucoma early enough to get successful treatment--by using a small device called a tonometer that measures pressure within a dog's eye.

It's a simple and quick glaucoma test that can be done in your vet's office.

A drop of local anesthetic is put in your dog's eye, and then the tonometer is gently tapped against the eyeball to get a pressure reading.

The whole test only takes a minute or two.

Even my Husky mix, Molly (pictured here) cooperated beautifully when she had this procedure done while being treated for a scratched eye.

The treatment for glaucoma in dogs depends on its cause and severity. Your vet has several goals: Decrease the pressure within the eye Reduce the amount of fluid the eye produces Increase the amount of fluid drainage Control any inflammation within the eye Treat or correct any underlying causes Provide pain relief, as necessary Save the dog's vision, if possible

In many cases, your veterinarian will initiate treatment immediately, but he may also refer you to a veterinary ophthalmologist--a specialist who spends his whole day working with the eyes of animals.

Unfortunately, there are no miracle glaucoma cures. But if it's caught early and treated aggressively, many times primary glaucoma can be managed for at least a while with medication.

Both topical medications (eyedrops for glaucoma, placed directly on the eye) and systemic medications (pills or injections) are available.

It's vitally important that your dog gets his glaucoma eyedrops as many times a day as the vet prescribes, to keep pressure from building up again to dangerous levels.

Unfortunately, the first eye to develop primary glaucoma in dogs is usually already blind by the time the disease is recognized. In these cases, treatment is directed at relieving discomfort in the blind eye and preventing or delaying glaucoma development in the other eye.

When you've unsuccessfully run through the whole gamut of medications and surgery for glaucoma, and the pressure within the eye remains high, when the dog is in constant pain, or when the eye is blind and glaucoma therapy is too expensive to continue, then surgical removal of the eye may be considered.

You can even replace it with a prosthetic eye, if you want to. That's just for your benefit, of course--your dog doesn't really care what he looks like.

Glaucoma in dogs is a very frustrating disease because it requires constant monitoring, may require several different therapies, has a high cost financially, and despite excellent care often still results in permanent vision loss.

Even if your dog is currently on medication, it's best to prepare yourself for the idea that the time might come when your pooch is no longer comfortable with his eye intact.

Having an eye removed is actually not as painful or traumatic for a dog as you might imagine.

Because he relies so heavily on scent and hearing, losing some or all of his sight isn't such a big deal for a dog.

Even without sight, your dog can still lead a happy and fulfilling life. As long as he has you in his life, he'll be totally content.

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Jul 18, Canine Cystitis -- Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

What is canine cystitis and how do you know if your Golden Retriever has it?

The term "cystitis" literally means "inflammation of the urinary bladder" and applies to any disease that causes inflammation in that area.

Most of the time, the inflammation is caused by a bacterial infection.

In that case, it may also be referred to as a urinary tract infection (UTI).

Canine cystitis is one of the most common infections among dogs.

It usually occurs more frequently in females than males. Why?

Well, the ladies have a shorter urethra than the guys, so bacteria don't have to travel as far to get to the bladder.

The bacteria that cause bladder infections in dogs usually come from the dog's own intestinal tract.

The bacteria start out at the skin around the anus, and hitch a ride to the bladder by way of the urethra.

Besides bacteria, other possible causes of canine cystitis include: Bladder stones Tumors or polyps in the bladder A diverticulum--a tiny pocket in the bladder wall that retains urine
Trust me, your dog will tell you she's unhappy--with restless behavior like pacing around the house and whining.

She may want to go outside, even though she just came in. Don't get annoyed with her--get her to the vet!

Here are some specific canine cystitis symptoms to watch for: Blood in the urine (hematuria), the most common sign Foul-smelling urine Urinating more frequently Discomfort or pain when urinating Straining to urinate (dysuria), but producing only a little bit of urine Incontinence--urinating in the house when she's housebroken
Any bladder infection can become a serious health problem if the infection spreads to the kidneys, so it's important to contact your vet right away.

When you call your vet, you'll probably be asked to bring in a urine sample from your dog.

How in the world do you do that?

The easiest way is to hold an old bowl under her as she pees.

Hopefully, she won't be too shy to cooperate.

Then pour the sample into a bottle with a lid and take it to the vet, along with your dog.

Don't let the sample sit for more than a couple of hours, or the test results may not be accurate.

Your vet will first give your dog a thorough physical exam. Canine bladder stones, a common cause of cystitis in dogs, can sometimes be felt within the bladder or the urethra during the exam.

Then your vet will likely run a urinalysis. That will reveal any bacteria, blood, mineral crystals, cancer cells, protein, or inflammatory cells in the urine.

If bacteria are present, the vet will probably proceed with a urine culture and a sensitivity test.

A urine culture is used to identify which bacteria are present.

The sensitivity test then tells your vet which antibiotic will do the best job of killing this type of bacteria.

The vet may want to conduct additional tests, especially if no bacteria were found in the urine sample.

These tests might include an ultrasound scan, an endoscopy or an x-ray.

He's looking for any irregular cells, such as microscopic bladder stones or tumors.

Only after performing all of these tests and procedures can the vet analyze the condition correctly and suggest the best treatment for your dog.

Veterinarians determine the best treatment for cystitis in dogs based on the cause of the infection.

If it's caused by bacteria, your pooch will be back to normal in no time with a simple course of antibiotics.

If she develops any side effects from the antibiotics, contact your vet.

If she's diagnosed with one of the other causes of bladder infections in dogs, your vet will use the best possible treatment to help her.

If you're tempted to stop the antibiotics as soon as your dog seems to be feeling better--keep giving them anyway!

If you stop the antibiotics too soon, the infection may come right back. You don't want to put your buddy through that again, do you?

Plus, stopping the treatment early also encourages the growth of antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria. We already have too many of those hanging around.

If your dog comes down with another case of canine cystitis a short time later, it's possible that the original infection was never completely wiped out.

Perhaps you stopped the antibiotics too soon or your vet prescribed an antibiotic that wasn't quite strong enough.

Don't worry. Let your vet know, and you'll probably just need to bring in a fresh urine sample (here we go again!) for a urine culture and sensitivity test to determine a different antibiotic to try.

After treatment is over, the vet can see if it was successful by repeating these tests.

Meanwhile, you can practice good cystitis prevention by making sure your dog has plenty of fresh, clean water to drink.

If her urine gets too concentrated, she can end up with another round of infection. Keep those fluids moving!

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Aug 30, Hip Dysplasia In Golden Retrievers -- Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Hip dysplasia in Golden Retrievers is a disorder that can range from mildly uncomfortable to totally debilitating.

Active sporting dogs, such as Goldens, are more prone to this disease than smaller, less active dogs. It's actually one of the most common inherited conditions in large breed dogs.

The word dysplasia means abnormal development, and was first diagnosed in the 1930s.

Hip dysplasia is caused by looseness in the hip joint that prevents the ball at the top of the thighbone from fitting tightly into the socket in the hip.

The loose fit of the ball-and-socket joint causes the ball to move in and out of the socket, which is a form of trauma.

This trauma causes inflammation and further damage to the joint.

Because the hip joint doesn't work correctly, it's prone to develop arthritis.

It also tends to worsen with age and excessive weight gain.

Hip dysplasia in Golden Retrievers can affect one or both sides of a dog.

It can be aggravated by rapid growth, excessive nutritional supplementation, and obesity.

Extra stress on the joints during a dog's developmental stages (often caused by lots of jumping and running on slick floors or concrete) can also worsen the problem.

The condition covers a broad range of severity that includes mild, moderate, and severe dysplasia.

A severe case can make it difficult for a dog just to get outside to relieve himself.

Even mild hip dysplasia can cause painful arthritis in a sedentary companion animal, although some dysplastic dogs manage to live normal, active lives.

You can't always spot hip dysplasia in Golden Retrievers by watching them walk. In fact, some affected dogs don't show any symptoms until they're several years old.

Signs of the disorder don't generally appear at all until a dog is at least five months old.

Some common symptoms of hip dysplasia in dogs are: Difficulty walking Difficulty getting up from lying down or sitting Difficulty going up and down stairs Looks like he's swaying when he runs Difficulty jumping Doesn't like having his rear legs and hip area touched Tends to sit with both legs together on one side of his body Moves both rear legs together in the characteristic "bunny hop" when running (to keep the pressure off the weak joint)
Hip dysplasia can only be properly diagnosed by x-ray. The best age for a definite diagnosis is between 12 and 18 months.

If x-rays do confirm hip dysplasia, there are several options you can discuss with your veterinarian.

The treatment he'll recommend will depend on the severity of the symptoms.

In mild cases, weight control, moderate exercise, and pain relievers as needed may be enough to keep symptoms under control.

In more severe cases, surgery to correct hip dysplasia can be performed, which will repair some of the damage. And in very serious cases, the hips can actually be replaced with Teflon hips.

Most mild and moderate hip dysplasia in Golden Retrievers can be properly managed to allow the affected dogs to lead relatively normal lives. Here are some ways to make a dysplastic dog more comfortable: Keep your dog at a healthy weight to avoid putting stress and strain on a joint that's already compromised. Avoid rapid growth spurts during adolescence by working with your vet to monitor your young dog's size and weight. Help your dog get reasonable amounts of moderate exercise--especially swimming--to help keep him mobile and limber. Don't be afraid to ask your vet for pain relievers if your dog is in obvious discomfort. It's all about quality of life, after all.

Avoid extreme physical stress from sports involving lots of jumping or jarring, like disk catching or flyball.

Those workouts wouldn't be a problem for a dog with normal hips, but hip dysplasia in Golden Retrievers can sideline an athletic-minded dog in a hurry.

It's always a good idea to have your dog checked out by a vet before starting any new sport or activity, anyway.

And if your Golden Retriever is diagnosed with hip dysplasia, you'll want to switch gears to pursue more gentle activities, like walking and swimming.

Our Goldens are precious--treat them with lots of tender, loving care!

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Sep 2, Dog Bloat -- Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

What exactly is dog bloat, and why is it an emergency? Let's find out!

Dog bloat is technically known as GDV or gastric dilatation volvulus.

It's caused by a buildup of gas that can't escape from a dog's stomach.

As the gas accumulates, the stomach swells and often twists.

That effectively keeps food from getting in or out of the stomach.

It also blocks blood flow to the stomach and other internal organs.

This life-threatening condition is also known as canine bloat or acute gastric dilatation.

It puts a dog in great pain and on the brink of shock and death within the hour.

GDV in dogs is a true emergency. If you know or even suspect you're dealing with a case of dog bloat, immediately call your veterinarian or emergency service. Don't attempt home treatment.

It would help speed things up if you call ahead. That way, while you two are on your way, the hospital staff can be preparing for your arrival.

Which dog breeds are most prone to bloat? Although any dog can experience this painful and potentially deadly situation, statistics indicate that large, deep-chested breeds like Great Danes, Irish Setters, Saint Bernards, Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers are most prone to bloat. Older dogs (7-12 years) are the highest risk group.

A dog with bloat will appear restless and uncomfortable. But the biggest clue is the vomiting. The dog acts really sick, with lots of gagging, but not much is coming up.

Other symptoms include the following: Swollen belly Excessive drooling Weakness Heavy panting or shortness of breath Humping his back (from the pain)
While it isn't clear exactly why a dog's stomach bloats and twists, there are several common factors leading up to the condition: Drinking too much water before or after exercising Feeding only one meal a day Gulping too much air while eating too quickly Being thin or underweight Eating dry food then drinking too much water afterwards, causing the kibble to swell up in the stomach Feeding from an elevated bowl (which used to be recommended for avoiding bloat, strangely enough) Feeding a dry diet with animal fat listed in the first four ingredients. (The fat seems to cause a slower emptying of the stomach contents.)
As you can imagine, this is definitely a situation where prevention is a really good idea.

Although changing diet and feeding methods won't totally prevent bloat in dogs, you can reduce your canine companion's risk by following these suggestions: Feed Hungry Harry two or three smaller meals a day rather than one large meal. If he tends to wolf down his food, add water to the dry food and let it get soggy. That way, his stomach fills up faster and he won't want to drink as much afterwards. Avoid strenuous exercise for one hour before and two to three hours after a meal.

Immediate surgery is your dog's best chance for survival.

The procedure will quickly decompress the stomach and correct any torsion (twisting) by repositioning the stomach within the abdomen.

Your dog will probably need to stay in the vet hospital for a week or more to speed recovery.

Although it's possible to simply remove the gas from the stomach and take your dog home, that's really not a good idea. Why?

Statistics show that without surgery, the recurrence rate of bloat may be as high as 75%!

If the stomach can be surgically tacked into place, recurrence rate drops to 6%. Survival rate for surgical patients is an encouraging 95%.

So if you value your dog's life, and you don't want him to go through the pain and trauma of dog bloat again, you'd be wise to opt for surgery.

If you own a Golden Retriever or other large dog, your best plan of action is to follow the above guidelines in order to (hopefully) prevent this situation in the first place.

But if your precious pup shows any dog bloat symptoms, don't waste time and don't take chances. Give your vet a call, and then get your dog there fast!

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Aug 26, Old Dog's Incontinence -- Causes and Cures

Many owners find themselves wondering how to deal with their old dog's incontinence problem. Fortunately, it can usually be treated quickly and easily.

Urinary incontinence in dogs is simply a loss of your pooch's ability to control his bladder.

It may be as minor as a few dribble spots on the carpet or as serious as a soaked bed.

The urine simply trickles out while he's asleep or lying down.

In fact, most dogs are just as surprised as their owners when they notice the wet spot.

The look on his face seems to ask, "Did I do that?!"

As dogs age, they may develop incontinence for a variety of reasons.

It's important to find out what's causing the problem so you can get started on an appropriate treatment.

The most common reason an old Golden Retriever starts having accidents in the house is known as hormone-responsive incontinence, which is caused by a hormone deficiency.

The hormones (testosterone in males and estrogen in females) affect a dog's ability to control the urethral sphincter, a band of muscular tissues near the base of the bladder. The sphincter acts as an on/off switch, either holding urine in or letting it flow out through the urethra.

The production of these hormones naturally decreases as a dog ages, which is why this type of old dogs' incontinence may show up sometime after your dog's eighth birthday.

Spayed or neutered dogs are more likely to develop the condition because their reproductive organs (which are responsible for the production of hormones) have been removed.

For this reason, female dog incontinence is often called "spay incontinence."

It's actually a common problem, affecting one out of five older female dogs.

When hormones aren't the problem, often the sphincter is weak because it's just plain wearing out. (Many of us older folks can relate!)

No problem--this one's really easy to take care of.

Besides those two most common reasons for an old dog's incontinence, the underlying problem can also be a disorder or disease such as:

If your dog is on diuretics for another problem, his body may produce more urine than his bladder can hold. Also, some dogs drink so much water that their bladders hit "overflow" before they can get outside. Conditions that can cause him to drink excessively might include:

Painful conditions that make it difficult for a dog to go outside--such as arthritis or hip dysplasia--can also contribute to the problem. Treating your dog for these problems might take care of the incontinence, too.

An old dog's incontinence can also be caused by neurological disorders.

To see if that's the case, watch for other signs of nerve-related symptoms.

These may include loss of coordination, fainting, epileptic episodes, weakness or paralysis in one or both rear legs, improper foot placement or a drooping tail.

Canine cognitive dysfunction (senility) can make our precious old pooches forget basic things like housetraining. You could think of it as extreme forgetfulness.

Some of the less common causes of canine incontinence include: Congenital anatomic abnormalities Tumors or polyps in the bladder Injury of nerves going to the bladder Cancer in the urinary tract Prostate disease in males
Because there are so many possible causes for an old dog's incontinence, your vet will need to do some investigation.

He'll probably start with a full physical exam on your dog, then run a urinalysis and urine culture to check for bacteria that might be causing an infection.

Further tests, including blood work and X-rays, can rule out other health issues that may be causing the problem.

You can help your vet by observing your dog's behavior and routines, and providing as much information as possible.

Once the diagnosis has been made, treatment for the most common causes of an old dog's incontinence is usually not difficult.

If your dog is plagued with a worn-out sphincter, your vet will probably prescribe Phenylpropanolamine (PPA).

It helps increase the sphincter contractions, and works for both ladies and gents.

If your female dog is suffering from a hormone deficiency, your vet will likely prescribe diethylstilbestrol (DES) to replace the missing estrogen.

In the tiny amounts used to treat urinary incontinence in dogs, side effects are extremely rare.

For neutered males, your vet will probably prescribe testosterone to accomplish the same thing.

Keep an eye on your pooch afterwards, as some dogs develop aggression issues or begin urine marking their territory as side effects of the therapy.

If you're looking for a natural remedy for incontinence, many people have found corn silk to be quite helpful for their dogs. You might check with a holistic veterinarian in your area to find out what he suggests.

While you're waiting for your dog's medication to take effect, or in case his problem isn't as easily solved, there are some ways to help manage the effects of an old dog's incontinence.

Keep your lady Golden's rear-end fur trimmed short and, after a bout with incontinence, rinse the fur.

You don't have to give her a bath every time--just use a fine-mist spray bottle with warm water, and dry well.

You want to keep her as clean and dry as possible, to avoid skin irritation from the ammonia in the urine.

Areas in the house where the dog has urinated should be cleaned with an enzymatic cleaner.

Wash damp or wet bedding daily, using bleach.

For dogs who need to urinate more frequently as they get older, owners may need to change their schedules or find a pet sitter who can take the dog outside several times during the day.

Most importantly, never withhold water from your dog, no matter how much you think it affects his incontinence. Water is essential to your dog's health, and withholding it can cause or increase kidney problems.

If you have a "leaky" dog, don't despair--get to your vet!

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