Akita dog

 Akita dog
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The Akita is perhaps the most renowned and venerated of the native Japanese breeds. Although he bears a likeness to dogs from ancient Japanese tombs, the modern Akita traces back to the 17th century, when a nobleman with a keen interest in dogs was exiled to the Akita Prefecture of the island of Honshu, a rugged area with intensely cold winters. He challenged the landowners there to compete in breeding a race of powerful hunting dogs. These dogs distinguished themselves in the hunting of bear, deer and wild boar, holding the game at bay for the hunter. These Akita forebears were called matagi-inu, or "hunting dog." The breed's numbers and quality varied over the next 300 years. In the late 1800s, he underwent a period when he was used as a fighting dog, and some were even crossed with other breeds in an attempt to enhance his fighting prowess. In 1927, the Akita-inu Hozankai Society of Japan was formed to preserve the original Akita, and in 1931 the Akita was designated as one of Japan's natural treasures. The most honored Akita of all time was Haichiko, who greeted his master every evening at the train station to accompany him home. When his master died at work one day, Haichiko waited for him and continued to return and wait for his master every day until he died nine years later on March 8, 1935. Today, a statue and annual ceremony pay homage to Haichiko's loyalty. The first Akita arrived in America in 1937, when Helen Keller returned from Japan with one.


Following World War II, servicemen returned home with Akitas from Japan. The breed's popularity grew slowly until he received AKC recognition in 1972. Since then, he has steadily gained admirers and continues to grow in popularity. The Akita is now used as a guard and police dog in Japan.

Dachshund Dogs

Dachshund Dogs

The dachshund breed of dog is a wonderful breed that comes in six different varieties. The dogs vary in weight from under 5 kilograms (11lbs) which are the miniature versions, to 10-12 kilograms for the standard dogs.The coat type of the dog also comes in variations of smooth haired, longhaired and a wirehaired version.All of the six varieties of dachshund have a fairly similar body shape. They are low to the ground so they can get a better view of their prey, which is thought to be the badger, although they were also used to catch foxes.Many of the different varieties of dachshund suffered from back problems because they were bred to have longer backs without consideration given to them being able to cope with the extra strain on their muscles and structural build.


The dachshunds that are wirehaired do not need much grooming attention; it is the longhaired dachshunds that require a lot of grooming and regular attention given to its coat.None of the varieties of dachshunds require much exercise although it is always readily accepted.


The dachshunds have a load bark with the miniatures and smaller dogs having more of a load yap. They are excellent animals to be used as companions and will show their love in this way. While being protective around the home and around family members they will not hesitate to bite or use their teeth if pushed to far.

German shepherd dog health problems

German shepherd health problems do affect German shepherds, just like any other dog breeds. Despite the fact that this breed is healthy and fit and has a life span of 12-15 years, these can sometimes be expected. That is why it is necessary to purchase only a healthy German shepherd puppy from a reputable breeder.

 Some German shepherd health problems are hereditary while some are non-hereditary or bacterial in nature. If you are a German shepherd owner, you should be alert with any warning signs of diseases or ailments. The veterinarian as well as the breeder can help identify if you are dealing with normal health issues or behavior of your canine.

 You may also consult the vet with the German shepherd health problems that can be vaccinated to protect your pet from common illnesses in the future. Around 8-10 weeks, your German shepherd puppy may undergo vaccinations. Yearly worming and treating ticks or fleas are also recommended.

 To keep your German shepherd fit, provide him a healthy diet. Feed him foods that are only suitable to him. Definitely no sweets and other foods that will rot his teeth. Moreover, German shepherds are sociable dogs so they need to bond with their family and have plenty of exercises. Spend quality time with him to show your love and support to him.

 Here are six illnesses that can be seen in German shepherd dogs that you need to be aware of:

Bone or joint dysplasia

Developmental dysplasia of the hip or elbow joint is a German shepherd health problem that is also common in large dog breeds. Initially, your German shepherd dog may display no symptoms at all. Nevertheless, this can result to severe pain and lameness or difficulty in walking.

 German shepherds suffering from hip dysplasia may be cautious with their movement. If you notice your canine having difficulty in moving around, then, take him to the veterinarian right away.

Epilepsy

Sometimes, German shepherd health problems are very hard to deal with as they begin to show symptoms. They may even cause you to panic and feel helpless. Among these terrifying disorders is the epilepsy. It can cause seizures and convulsions to your German shepherd dog and this is seen quite often in this breed.

 Although this can be alarming, epilepsy can be controlled with medications. Therefore, if this happens, contact a dog professional right away to help you with eliminating the seizures and give you advice on proper diet to control the condition.

Visual problems

Always keep an eye on German shepherd problems that may affect your German shepherd’s eyes. Cataract may develop but can be easily removed with surgery. A certain condition called Pannus is an inflammation in the cornea and can be detrimental to your German shepherd dog’s optical health.

 In other cases, the German shepherd’s eyelids may not develop properly which can cause irritation and infection. If you notice your animal squinting, having excessive tearing or discharges, redness or any growth in his eyes, immediately have him checked with a veterinarian.

Bacterial infection

German shepherd health problems may also be brought about by bacteria. Pyoderma is a good example. This is a bacterial infection in the German shepherd’s skin. Its cause is unknown but is said to be due to immune deficiency.Watch your German shepherd dog for any sores, hair loss, redness and other abnormal skin conditions. In serious cases, Pyoderma may cause loss of appetite and lethargy.

Hemangiosarcoma

German shepherd dogs may also suffer from cancer diseases, just like human beings. Hemangiosarcoma is a cancer of the cells in the interior lining of the blood vessels and may affect the skin, heart, liver and spleen. Common symptoms are weakness, light-colored gums, abdominal distention and even unconsciousness.

 Hemangiosarcoma is a fatal disease. Routine dog check-e ups will help you discover the disease at an early stage.

Anal furuncolosis

Anal furuncolosis is a German shepherd health problem which is a deep penetrating infection around the anus of the German shepherd with an unidentified cause. However, it may be partly due to the German Shepherds large bushy tail, which curves down over the anus and prevents ventilation of the area.

Great Dane Dog health problems

DILATED CARDIOMYOPATHY


In January 2004 the Great Dane club of America published a survey which concluded that heart disease had overtaken bloat and cancer as the most frequently occurring fatal condition in Danes. Dilated cardiomyopathy is a degenerative heart muscle condition that gradually weakens the heart’s ability to pump blood effectively. It is usually associated with an enlargement of the left ventrical.If your Dane does develop cardiomyopathy, medication will relieve pain and make your best friend somewhat comfortable. But there comes a time when medication cannot provide relief and it is heartbreaking to watch as the end draws near. This condition is always fatal.


BLOAT


One of the health issues that is most commonly associated with the Great Dane is a condition known as bloat. This is a terrible medical emergency that can cause horrible pain and proves fatal in 40% of all cases.


Bloat is a gastric dilation of the stomach caused by an abnormal accumulation of gas or liquid. This can be dangerous enough in its own right, but sometimes it leads to a second stage called volvulus, which is a stomach twisting or tortion. This shuts the stomach off from the rest of the body and prevents any of the accumulated gas or fluid within to escape. The stomach continues to expand, setting off a catastrophic series of events that in most cases can only be averted with emergency surgery.


The “experts” have not determined the cause of bloat, although many breeders have concluded stress is the number one factor. There are just too many stories of responsible Dane owners returning home after work to find their animal dead. We had a gastropexy done so even though bloat could still occur (although statistically the chances have been greatly reduced because of this procedure), we at least know that our Bismarck will not suffer the volvulus, or stomach twisting .


ORTHOPEDIC CONDITIONS


Given the enormous growth of these beauties, it might be a reasonable assumption that orthopedic issues would be particularly prevalent. And they are.

Hip Dysplasia


Hip dysplasia is a genetic degenerative joint disease affecting the joints of the hip. The soft tissues surrounding the joints break down and the joints themselves begin to separate. The best way to avoid dealing with this issue is to choose your animal carefully. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) will examine xrays and rate the condition of the hips. Any breeder should be able to provide OFA rated documentation for the parents of your new puppy. This is excellent information. Be wary if this is not offered. Surgery can correct this condition in many cases, however a hip replacement will mean thousands of dollars in vet bills.


Wobbler’s Syndrome (Cervical Vertebral Instability)


Another orthopedic medical problem more frequently associated with Great Danes is cervical vertebral instability, or Wobbler’s syndrome. The symptom is a clumsy, or wobbly gait when walking. This Dane health problem is caused by a malformation in the neck vertebrae that causes pressure to be exerted on the spinal cord.


Wobbler’s is thought to be a hereditary condition, although there may also be a connection between this Great Dane health issue and nutritional deficiencies.


HOD (Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy)


Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy – there’s a mouthful! HOD is an orthopedic condition that occurs due to the rapid bone growth in Great Dane puppies. It causes severe joint pain (usually in the front joints, or pasterns) and is accompanied with fever. If HOD is going to strike, it usually occurs in puppies between four and seven months old.


The danger with this medical problem is that it can lead to severe secondary infections (i.e. pneumonia) that can be fatal.


If your puppy appears to be in pain and develops a temperature, HOD is the most likely culprit. HOD can be treated and provided it does not lead to further complications, is not life threatening.


Pano (Panosteitis)


Pano, is another bone health issue that occurs due to the rapid growth puppies go through during the first year. When the bones develop faster than the soft tissue around them, inflammation will sometimes result. A lump normally appears on one of the legs and although it can be stationary, it is not uncommon to see it migrate to the other one. This condition disappears once the Dane is a year old.


There is no cure for this health condition, although anti-inflammatory medication will manage it. The real secret to preventing pano is to properly feed during the first year. Don’t over feed, watch the protein levels and in particular, the calcium levels of you puppy. Growing your Great Dane too fast always leads to trouble.


OCD (Osteochondritis Dissecans)


Yet another puppy orthopedic condition – if this one shows up it is usually when your Dane pup is between four and eight months of age. It affects the shoulder joints and lower leg joints and occurs when cartilage at the end of the long bones (leg bones) is injured because it is not developed enough to sustain the impacts and stress from vigorous exercise.


There are medications that can manage this condition but in more serious cases, surgery may be required. The best way to approach this health problem is through prevention: try and limit the intensity of your puppy’s physical activity. During that first year of growth in particular, even though they look magnificent, they really are quite fragile!


HYPOTHYROIDISM


Skeletal issues aren’t the only type of condition that shows up in Great Danes. Another medical issue that is seen more often than anyone would like is hypothyroidism.


This is an inherited immune system disorder which inhibits the thyroid gland from producing sufficient hormones to support the Dane’s metabolism. It causes body systems to slow down and your beautiful Dane will display an unhealthy lack of energy and a complete disinterest in everything around him. This is totally unnatural behavior for these canine children! A blood test will determine if this is the problem and there are medications that will treat this condition.


CANCERS


All dog breeds suffer from cancers. Indeed, data is now starting to show that over 50% of ALL DOGS develop some kind of cancer in their lives. And more and more “dog people” are concluding that the processed dog food diets we have been using for the last 60 years may have a large part to do with that shocking statistic.


Great Danes are no exception – they get cancer as well. Fibrosarcoma, a bone cancer, is more common in Danes and usually appears in the jaw or legs. Hemangiosarcoma, an organ cancer, is also prevalent in our breed and in particular, seems to attack the spleen.


It is a good idea to get any new lump checked by a vet as quickly as possible. It may just be a cyst, but breeders generally agree that something like 20% of new “lumps” will be cancerous.


The only precaution a responsible owner can take against cancer is a nutritious and balanced diet. Although no formal studies have been completed, proponents of a raw dog food diet (BARF) say one of the benefits is the dramatic reduction in the instance of cancers as medical problems for their Danes.


So, those are the major Great Dane health problems any owner or prospective owner should be aware of. Despite the muscles and the obvious strength of these dogs, they can be delicate! However, proper screening of the parents, good nutrition, appropriate levels of exercise and lots of love will go a very long way in increasing the odds that your special Dane will not suffer from these health conditions.

Boston Terrier Health Problems

Boston Terrier Health Problems
Several health issues are of concern in the Boston Terrier: cataracts (both juvenile and adult type), cherry eye, luxating patellas, deafness, heart murmur, and allergies. Curvature of the back, called roaching, might be caused by patella problems with the rear legs, which in turn causes the dog to lean forward onto the forelegs.[2] This might also just be a structural fault with little consequence to the dog. Many Bostons cannot tolerate excessive heat and also extremely cold weather, due to the shortened muzzle, so hot or cold weather combined with demanding exercise can bring harm to a Boston Terrier. A sensitive digestive system is also typical of the Boston Terrier. In the absence of proper diet, flatulence is associated with the breed. In some cases, even a proper diet cannot abate flatulence.[8]


Bostons, along with Pug, Shih Tzu and other short-snouted breeds are brachycephalic breeds. The word comes from Greek roots "Brachy," meaning short and "cephalic," meaning head. This anatomy can cause tiny nostrils, long palates and a narrow trachea. Because of this, Bostons may be prone to snoring and reverse sneeze, a rapid and repeated forced inhalation through the nose, accompanied by snorting or gagging sounds used to clear the palate of mucus, but does not harm the dog in any way.[9][10]


Bostons frequently require caesarean section to give birth, with over 90% of litters

Afghani dog health problem

                                                 Afghani dog health problem
Mortality
Afghan Hounds in UK surveys had a median lifespan of about 12 years and 18 years if the dog is taken care of,[3] which is similar to other breeds of their size.[4] In a 2004 UK Kennel Club survey, the most common causes of death were cancer (31%), old age (20%), cardiac (10.5%), and urologic (5%).[5]
Morbidity and health concerns
Major health issues are allergies, cancer, and hip dysplasia. Sensitivity to anesthesia is an issue the Afghan hound shares with the rest of the sighthound group, as sighthounds have relatively low levels of body fat. Afghan hounds are also among the dog breeds most likely to develop chylothorax, a rare condition which causes the thoracic ducts to leak, allowing large quantities of chyle fluid to enter the dog's chest cavity

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[6] This condition commonly results in a lung torsion (in which the dog's lung twists within the chest cavity, requiring emergency surgery), due to the breed's typically deep, "barrel"-shaped chest. If not corrected through surgery, chylothorax can ultimately cause fibrosing pleuritis, or a hardening of the organs, due to scar tissue forming around the organs to protect them from the chyle fluid. Chylothorax is not necessarily, but often, fatal.

Tibetan Mastiff health problem

Tibetan Mastiff health problem

 Life Expectancy Unlike most large breeds, its life expectancy is long, some 10–14 years. The breed has fewer genetic health problems than many breeds, but cases can be found of hypothyroidism, entropion, ectropion, skin problems including allergies, autoimmune problems including demodex, missing teeth, malocclusion (overbite or underbite), cardiac problems, epilepsy, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), cataract, and small ear canals with a tendency for infection. As with most large breeds, some will suffer with elbow or hip dysplasia, although this has not been a major problem in the Tibetan Mastiff. Another concern includes canine inherited demyelinative neuropathy (CIDN), a rare inherited neural disease that appeared in one bloodline in the early 1980s.

 Canine Hip Dysplasia (CHD) takes many forms, e.g., the femoral head ("ball") may not fit well into the acetabulum ("socket"); the ligament connecting the two may be lax, allowing dislocation; there may be no femoral head at all. Not all forms cause clinical signs.
Very active, well-muscled dogs with no femoral heads may show no impairment. Their owners may be unaware of their dogs' "hip dysplasia" unless/until there is a reason to x-ray the hips.

As with all dog breeds, hip dysplasia is caused by the interaction of genes and environment. Inheritance of CHD appears to be polygenic, i.e., it is caused by more than one gene. Mode of inheritance (dominant, recessive, dominant with incomplete penetrance, etc.)has not been determined but may be different in different breeds. Rapid growth and weight gain in puppies may trigger or exacerbate a genetic tendency to all sorts of skeletal problems. Many TM breeders recommend against feeding "puppy food" and especially against feeding "large-breed" puppy food, as these concoctions may contain too many calories, leading to fat puppies. Some breeders and owners believe that supplementation with Vitamin C may prevent the development of CHD even in dogs with the genes for it.

Canine Inherited Demyelinative Neuropathy is an inherited condition that appeared in one of the prominent lines of Tibetan Mastiffs in the early 1980s. CIDN affect the peripheral nervous system. Nerve fibers are unable to transmit impulses from the spinal cord to the muscles because of the breakdown of the myelin sheath. Starting at approximately six weeks of age, affected pups begin to lose the ability to walk or even stand. Progression of the condition can take anywhere from a few days to two weeks.

 Because this condition is inherited as a simple autosomal recessive, it is virtually impossible to completely eliminate it from the gene pool. One known carrier was bred to over 30 times, producing at least 134 direct descendants. Many descendants of this dog are still being bred so there is always the risk—however slim—of producing more affected puppies. Breeders need to be cautious about pairing up any two descendants of this dog.

 Hypothyroidism is fairly common in Tibetan Mastiffs, as it is in many large "Northern" breeds. TMs should be tested periodically throughout their lives using a complete thyroid "panel". (Simple T2/T4 testing is virtually useless.) However, because the standard thyroid levels were established using domestic dog breeds, test results must be considered in the context of what is "normal" for the breed, not what is normal across all breeds. Many TMs will have "low" thyroid values but no clinical symptoms. Vets—and owners—differ on the relative merits of medicating dogs who "test low" but are completely asymptomatic. Some researchers think that asymptomatic hypothyroidism may have been adaptive in the regions of origin for many breeds, since less nutrition is required for the dog to stay in good condition. Therefore, attempts to eliminate "low thyroid" dogs from the TM gene pool may have unintended consequences for the breed.

In affected dogs, symptoms may include decreased activity and playing, increased sleeping, weight gain, poor skin and coat condition such as flaking and scaling, a "yeasty" smell to the coat, frequent ear infections, and negative changes in temperament. Fortunately, this condition is easily treated by the use of daily thyroid supplementation.

Osteochondritis Dessicans is a skeletal defect in which the cartilage lifts off the bone, becomes thickened and cracked, causes inflammation and pain, and in severe cases degeneration of the joint. This conditions strikes males more than females. Keeping an affected puppy lean may help but surgery may be required to relieve pain.

Panosteitis is inflammation of the bones that strikes young dogs. The animal will become lame in one leg and then the inflammation will shift to a different leg. This is one condition that corrects itself over time, and only pain medication is needed.

Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy (HOD) is a condition that affects young large breed dogs. It is very painful and prognosis is fair to poor due to recurring episodes of the condition. Clinical signs of HOD include fever, lack of appetite, and depression. Lameness may vary from mild to severe. With multiple limbs affected, the dog may be reluctant to stand or walk. HOD may be mistaken for Panosteitis without proper diagnosis.

Treatment is only supportive. Intravenous fluids are usually required to keep the patient hydrated. Nutritional support is provided with a feeding tube if the dog refuses to eat for five or more days. Pain is controlled with narcotics and NSAIDs. Antibiotics are used if the dog has signs of pneumonia or other bacterial infections. If the bones become twisted due to growth plate damage, corrective surgery may be indicated. Because the distemper vaccination has been implicated, inoculation should be delayed until the pet has been in remission for a couple of months.

Ear Infections can be serious and the dog should be taken to the vet if you see it shaking its head or scratching more than normal. Tibetan Mastiffs have pendant ears, making them more prone to ear infections. The vet needs to determine the cause, and may prescribe antibiotics and/or ear drops. Some ear infections are contagious to other dogs if they involve mites or some bacteria.