Monday, December 31, 2012

Cures for Myelopathy in Dogs

The treatment of degenerative myelopathy involves four basic approaches: Exercise; Supportive measures; Medication; Minimization of stress.

Here is a video to help the treatment of Myelopathy.

Dog Conditions

Myelopathy in Dogs

According to the Free dictionary the definition of Myelopathy of large dogs is a slowly progressive ataxia and paresis of the hindlegs in older German shepherd dogs. Marked muscle atrophy is common and fecal and urinary incontinence often develops. The etiology is unknown, but an immune-mediated mechanism is suspected as a depression of T lymphocyte responsiveness has been demonstrated in affected dogs.

demyelinating myelopathy of Miniature poodles
a diffuse demyelination with sparing of spinal gray matter and dorsal and ventral nerve roots. There is a progressive weakness, then paralysis of hindlegs and later forelegs as well, beginning at a few months of age; believed to be inherited.
fibrocartilaginous embolic myelopathy
extrusion of degenerate intervertebral disk material into meningeal or intramedullary blood vessels, which results in an ischemic myelopathy. It occurs  in large breeds of dogs, and is manifested by acute paresis or paralysis.
hereditary myelopathy of Afghan hounds
an autosomal recessive inherited degenerative myelopathy of young Afghan hounds, in which there is ataxia, paresis and eventually paralysis, first in the hindlimbs, then in the forelimbs as well. Called also a leukodystrophy.Next post I will talk about cures for Myelopathy.

Friday, December 28, 2012

IS Your Dog Having A Hard Time Getting Around

According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, the definition of arthritis is “the inflammation of joints.” Arthritis can be caused by a wide variety of conditions, such as infection (especially from a tick-borne disease), immune-mediated disease, trauma, and metabolic issues. The most common form of arthritis in dogs is due to degenerative changes caused by age and overuse.
While all dogs regardless of age or breed can be affected by arthritis, certain factors increase a dog’s risk. Poor conformation can make a dog much more likely to develop arthritis. Large breeds are more prone to arthritis, and obese dogs are more likely to develop it than are their fit counterparts. Additionally, older dogs are prone to arthritis because of the years of wear and tear on their joints.

Prevention
Not all forms of arthritis are preventable, but you can help reduce your dog’s risk as well as the severity of the disease by making sure your best friend gets plenty of exercise and eats properly. Contact your veterinarian early if you think your pet may have arthritis.