Common Illnesses In Dogs

A hematoma is a collection of blood outside of blood vessels, usually caused by trauma or injury. In the case of the ear flap, a hematoma can occur when there is bleeding between the cartilage and skin of the ear. This can happen due to activities such as scratching or shaking the head vigorously, which can cause blood vessels to rupture. The blood then collects between the cartilage and skin, leading to the formation of a hematoma. Therefore, the statement "A hematoma is caused by bleeding between the cartilage and skin of the ear flap" is true.

Allergies to various substances such as pollen, dust, mold, flea bites, flea collars, and certain foods can lead to symptoms of itchy, red, and irritated skin. These allergens can trigger an immune response in some individuals, causing inflammation and irritation of the skin. This can result in symptoms such as itching, redness, and irritation. Therefore, the statement "Allergies to pollen, dust, mold, flea bites, flea collars, and food can cause itchy, red, irritated skin" is true.

Arthritis is a condition that affects the joints and commonly causes pain, lameness, and stiffness. It is more prevalent in larger, older dogs due to factors such as wear and tear on the joints over time. Therefore, the statement that arthritis causes pain, lameness, and stiffness in larger, older dogs is true.

Bloat, also known as gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), is a life-threatening condition that can occur in dogs, particularly large deep-chested breeds. It is characterized by the stomach filling with gas and twisting, leading to a potentially fatal situation. Due to their anatomy, deep-chested dogs are more prone to bloat. This condition can progress rapidly and cause severe complications, including organ damage and death. Therefore, it is true that bloat can rapidly kill an otherwise healthy dog, especially large deep-chested dogs.

Calluses typically appear where skin rubs against hard or rough surfaces, such as concrete. This is because the friction caused by rubbing against these surfaces leads to the thickening and hardening of the skin in order to protect it from further damage. Therefore, it is true that calluses commonly form in areas that experience repeated friction and pressure from contact with hard or rough surfaces like concrete.

Canine Parvovirus is a highly contagious virus that primarily affects dogs, especially puppies. It targets rapidly dividing cells in various parts of the body, including the bone marrow, lymph nodes, heart (in young dogs), and gastrointestinal tract. This leads to severe symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, and even death in some cases. Therefore, the statement "Canine Parvovirus attacks rapidly reproducing cells of the bone marrow, lymph nodes, heart (in very young dogs), and gastrointestinal tract" is true.

Cataracts are indeed any opacity that occurs on the lens of the eye. This means that cataracts cause a clouding or loss of transparency in the lens, which can result in blurred vision or even blindness if left untreated.

Diabetic dogs often experience increased thirst and urination due to the high levels of sugar in their bloodstream. The excess sugar cannot be properly metabolized, leading to increased fluid intake and subsequent frequent urination. This is a common symptom of diabetes in dogs and can be indicative of the condition. Therefore, the statement "Diabetic dogs typically drink and urinate excessively" is true.

Abnormal drooling can be caused by various factors such as drugs, poisons, local irritation or inflammation, nervousness or fear, infectious disease, or a problem with salivary glands. These conditions can affect the normal production and control of saliva, leading to excess drooling. Therefore, the statement "Drugs, poisons, local irritation or inflammation, nervousness or fear, infectious disease, or a problem with salivary glands may cause abnormal drooling" is true.

During a typical seizure, dogs may experience a loss of consciousness and collapse. They may also paddle their limbs, twitch, vocalize, and in some cases, urinate or defecate. These symptoms are commonly observed during seizures in dogs, making the statement "True" accurate.

Hip dysplasia is a congenital inherited defect that affects the hip joints and is most commonly found in larger dog breeds, rather than small dogs. Therefore, the statement that hip dysphasia is most common in small dogs is incorrect.

Hot spots are a common skin condition in dogs that can be caused by various factors such as fleas or impacted anal glands. To treat hot spots effectively, it is important to clip the hair around the affected area, clean it thoroughly, and apply medication promptly. However, simply treating the symptoms is not enough. It is crucial to identify the underlying cause of the hot spots, such as fleas or impacted anal glands, and address it to prevent future occurrences. Therefore, the statement that hot spots need to be clipped, cleaned, and medicated promptly and the source of the problem must be identified and resolved is true.

The tear gland on the inner surface of the dog's nictitating membrane can become displaced, leading to a cherry-like growth in the inner corner of the eye. This is a true statement.

The statement is true because bladder infections can occur in both male and female dogs. Common symptoms of bladder infections in dogs include frequent urination and blood in the urine.

Kennel cough is a highly contagious respiratory infection in dogs that is commonly caused by the Bordetella bronchiseptica bacteria. The symptoms of kennel cough typically include a dry, hacking cough that can be intermittent. This cough is often accompanied by nasal discharge, which can be clear or mucous-like in consistency. Therefore, the statement that kennel cough symptoms include an intermittent dry, hacking cough, sometimes accompanied by nasal discharge is true.

Heartworms are indeed microscopic and they enter a dog's bloodstream through a mosquito bite. Once inside the dog's body, the heartworm larvae develop and grow in the dog's tissues, particularly in the heart and lungs. Therefore, the statement is true.

Ringworm is caused by a fungal infection, not by a worm as the name suggests. It is characterized by circular, scaly lesions on the skin. Hair loss is commonly seen in areas affected by ringworm. Therefore, the statement that ringworm is a fungal infection and hair loss is associated with circular, scaly lesions is true.

Ringworm, a fungal infection, can be transmitted from animals to humans. It is diagnosed by taking skin scrapings and conducting bacterial cultures. These tests help identify the presence of the fungus responsible for causing ringworm. Therefore, the statement is true as these diagnostic methods are commonly used to confirm the presence of ringworm in both humans and animals.

Seborrhea is a chronic skin condition characterized by excessive oiliness or dryness of the skin. While it is typically incurable, regular bathing with a special shampoo can help control the symptoms and manage the condition. Therefore, the statement that seborrhea can be controlled by regular bathing with a special shampoo is true.

This statement is true because the signs listed are commonly associated with respiratory problems. Coughing is a common symptom of respiratory issues, as it helps to clear the airways. Voice change or loss can occur when there is inflammation or irritation in the throat or vocal cords. Nasal discharge and sneezing are signs of nasal congestion or irritation. Noisy or difficult breathing can indicate a blockage or narrowing of the airways. Abnormal sounds within the chest, such as wheezing or crackling, can be indicative of lung problems. Therefore, these signs can be indicators of a respiratory problem.

Hot spots are not a common problem in light-coated breeds. Hot spots, also known as acute moist dermatitis, can occur in any breed of dog and are not specific to light-coated breeds. They are areas of inflamed and infected skin that can be caused by various factors such as allergies, insect bites, or excessive licking and scratching. Therefore, the statement that hot spots are a common problem, especially in light-coated breeds, is false.

The statement is false because the skin is not an insignificant organ. In fact, it is the largest organ in the human body and plays a crucial role in protecting the internal organs and tissues. The skin acts as a barrier against pathogens, helps regulate body temperature, and prevents dehydration by retaining moisture. Therefore, it is incorrect to say that the skin is insignificant.

Rabies is not commonly transmitted by direct contact with the saliva of a cow, rabbit, chicken, or cat. It is primarily transmitted through the bite of an infected animal, typically a dog or a bat. While it is possible for other animals to carry and transmit rabies, it is not common. Therefore, the statement is false.

The given statement is false. Seborrheic skin is not caused by abnormal diet. It is a common skin condition characterized by flaky or greasy skin covered with yellow-brown scales. The exact cause of seborrheic skin is not known, but it is believed to be related to an overgrowth of yeast on the skin, hormonal changes, stress, or a weakened immune system. Diet may play a role in managing the condition, but it is not the direct cause.

Tracheal collapse actually occurs most often in small breeds, particularly toy and miniature breeds. This is because these breeds tend to have weaker cartilage in their trachea, making it more susceptible to collapse. Large breeds, on the other hand, have stronger cartilage in their trachea, reducing the likelihood of tracheal collapse.