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Canine Health Glossary

The information provided in this glossary is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a licensed veterinarian for any health concerns regarding your pet.

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Eye Conditions

Entropion

Eyelid abnormality where the eyelid rolls inward, causing eyelashes to rub against the cornea.

Symptoms:
  • Eye irritation/redness
  • Excessive tearing (epiphora)
  • Squinting (blepharospasm)
  • Corneal ulcers (in severe cases)
  • Eye discharge
Treatment:

Surgical correction (blepharoplasty), lubricating eye drops, temporary tacking sutures (in puppies).

Ectropion

Eyelid abnormality where the lower eyelid droops or rolls outward, exposing the conjunctiva.

Symptoms:
  • Drooping lower eyelids
  • Chronic conjunctivitis
  • Recurrent eye infections
  • Dry eye (keratoconjunctivitis sicca) in some cases
Treatment:

Surgical correction (blepharoplasty), artificial tears, antibiotic ointments for infections.

Cataracts

Clouding of the eye's natural lens, leading to progressive vision impairment and potential blindness.

Symptoms:
  • Cloudy or bluish-gray appearance to pupil
  • Bumping into objects
  • Reluctance to jump or climb stairs
  • Increased eye shine at night
Treatment:

Surgical removal (phacoemulsification) when vision is significantly affected, antioxidant supplements for early stages.

Genetic: Yes (Hereditary cataracts are common, often autosomal recessive)
DNA tests available for certain breeds through specific laboratories
Glaucoma

Increased intraocular pressure causing optic nerve damage and potential blindness.

Symptoms:
  • Eye pain (squinting, rubbing)
  • Reddened sclera (white part of eye)
  • Cloudy cornea
  • Dilated pupil unresponsive to light
  • Vision loss (advanced cases)
Treatment:

EMERGENCY: Immediate pressure reduction with medications (dorzolamide, timolol), surgery (gonioimplant, cyclophotocoagulation), or enucleation if blind and painful.

Genetic: Yes (Primary glaucoma is strongly hereditary)
DNA tests available for primary glaucoma in some breeds

Ear Conditions

Otitis Externa (Ear Infection)

Inflammation of the external ear canal, commonly caused by bacteria, yeast, or allergies.

Symptoms:
  • Head shaking or tilting
  • Ear scratching or rubbing
  • Redness and swelling of ear canal
  • Foul odor from ears
  • Discharge (yellow, brown, or black)
Treatment:

Ear cleaning with appropriate solutions, topical medications (antibiotic/antifungal), oral antibiotics for severe cases, and addressing underlying causes like allergies.

Heart Conditions

Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM)

Heart muscle disease characterized by enlarged chambers and reduced pumping ability.

Symptoms:
  • Persistent coughing
  • Exercise intolerance
  • Difficulty breathing (dyspnea)
  • Abdominal swelling (ascites)
  • Weakness or collapse
Treatment:

Heart medications (pimobendan, ACE inhibitors), diuretics (furosemide), low-sodium diet, antiarrhythmics if needed.

Genetic: Yes (In breeds like Dobermans, Boxers, Great Danes)
Mitral Valve Disease (MVD)

Degenerative condition where the mitral valve thickens and leaks, leading to congestive heart failure.

Symptoms:
  • Heart murmur (often early sign)
  • Coughing (especially at night or upon waking)
  • Exercise intolerance
  • Rapid breathing at rest (tachypnea)
  • Fainting episodes (syncope)
Treatment:

Medications (pimobendan, diuretics, ACE inhibitors), regular cardiac monitoring, weight management, restricted exercise in advanced cases.

Genetic: Yes (Strong hereditary component, especially in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels)
Subaortic Stenosis (SAS)

Congenital heart defect where a fibrous ring below the aortic valve obstructs blood flow from the left ventricle.

Symptoms:
  • Exercise intolerance
  • Fainting/collapse (syncope)
  • Heart murmur (detected during examination)
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Sudden death in severe cases
Treatment:

Beta-blockers (atenolol), restricted exercise, surgical correction (balloon valvuloplasty) in some cases, regular echocardiograms.

Genetic: Yes (Strong hereditary predisposition in certain breeds)

Kidney Conditions

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

Progressive, irreversible loss of kidney function over months to years.

Symptoms:
  • Increased thirst and urination (polydipsia/polyuria)
  • Weight loss and muscle wasting
  • Bad breath (uremic breath)
  • Vomiting and loss of appetite
  • Poor coat condition
Treatment:

Prescription kidney diet (low protein, phosphorus), subcutaneous fluids, phosphorus binders, anti-nausea medications, blood pressure management.

Genetic: Sometimes (Polycystic kidney disease in certain breeds)

Urinary Conditions

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

Bacterial infection anywhere in the urinary system (bladder, urethra, kidneys).

Symptoms:
  • Frequent attempts to urinate
  • Straining to urinate (dysuria)
  • Blood in urine (hematuria)
  • Accidents in house
  • Crying out during urination
Treatment:

Antibiotics based on culture and sensitivity, increased water intake, urinary acidifiers/alkalinizers as needed, probiotic supplementation.

Urolithiasis (Bladder Stones)

Mineral formations (calculi) in the urinary bladder.

Symptoms:
  • Straining to urinate
  • Blood in urine
  • Frequent, small amounts of urine
  • Licking genital area excessively
  • Complete urinary obstruction (EMERGENCY)
Treatment:

Special dissolution diets (for struvite stones), surgical removal (cystotomy), increased water consumption, urinary acidifiers for certain stone types.

Genetic: Sometimes (Breed predispositions for certain stone types)

Digestive/Bowel Conditions

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

Chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract due to abnormal immune response.

Symptoms:
  • Chronic diarrhea (may be bloody)
  • Vomiting (may be bile or food)
  • Weight loss despite normal/high appetite
  • Flatulence and abdominal discomfort
  • Poor coat quality
Treatment:

Hypoallergenic or novel protein diet, immunosuppressants (prednisone), probiotics, vitamin B12 supplementation, metronidazole for bacterial overgrowth.

Pancreatitis

Inflammation of the pancreas, often acute and potentially life-threatening.

Symptoms:
  • Vomiting (often severe and persistent)
  • Abdominal pain (hunched posture, guarding)
  • Loss of appetite (anorexia)
  • Diarrhea (may contain undigested fat)
  • Fever and dehydration
Treatment:

EMERGENCY: Hospitalization, IV fluids, pain management, anti-nausea medications, NPO (nothing by mouth) initially, followed by low-fat diet.

Joint/Mobility Conditions

Hip Dysplasia

Developmental disorder where the hip joint is malformed, leading to osteoarthritis.

Symptoms:
  • Bunny-hopping gait (both hind legs together)
  • Difficulty rising from sitting/lying
  • Reluctance to jump, climb stairs, or exercise
  • Pain when hips are touched or extended
  • Decreased range of motion
Treatment:

Weight management, joint supplements (glucosamine/chondroitin), NSAIDs, physical therapy, surgery (TPO, FHO, or total hip replacement).

Genetic: Yes (Polygenic inheritance with environmental factors)
Elbow Dysplasia

Developmental abnormality of the elbow joint involving multiple growth disorders.

Symptoms:
  • Front limb lameness (worsens with exercise)
  • Stiffness after rest
  • Swollen or painful elbow joint
  • Reluctance to extend leg fully
  • Joint clicking or popping sounds
Treatment:

Weight management, NSAIDs, joint supplements, physical therapy, surgical options (arthroscopy, fragment removal, joint salvage).

Genetic: Yes (Polygenic inheritance)
Luxating Patella

Dislocation of the kneecap from its normal position in the femoral groove.

Symptoms:
  • Intermittent skipping or hopping on affected leg
  • Sudden leg lifting while running
  • Audible clicking or popping sound
  • Abnormal gait (bow-legged stance)
  • Reluctance to jump or climb stairs
Treatment:

Grades 1-2: Physical therapy, weight management, joint supplements. Grades 3-4: Surgical correction (trochleoplasty, tibial tuberosity transposition).

Genetic: Yes (Common in small breeds, hereditary)
Cruciate Ligament Injury

Rupture or tear of the cranial cruciate ligament in the knee (similar to ACL tear in humans).

Symptoms:
  • Sudden hind limb lameness
  • Difficulty bearing weight
  • Swollen knee joint
  • Sitting with leg extended to side
  • Pain when knee is manipulated
Treatment:

Surgical repair (TPLO, TTA, extracapsular), strict rest, physical therapy, joint supplements, weight management.

Blood Disorders

Von Willebrand's Disease

Inherited bleeding disorder caused by deficiency or defect in von Willebrand factor (vWF), essential for platelet adhesion.

Symptoms:
  • Prolonged bleeding after injuries or surgery
  • Spontaneous nosebleeds (epistaxis)
  • Bleeding gums
  • Blood in urine (hematuria) or stool (melena)
  • Excessive bleeding during heat cycles or whelping
Treatment:

Desmopressin (DDAVP) for mild cases, blood/plasma transfusions for severe bleeding, avoidance of NSAIDs, pre-surgical testing and preparation.

Genetic: Yes (Autosomal inheritance, Type I most common in dogs)
DNA test widely available for many breeds

Spine Conditions

Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)

Degeneration or herniation of spinal discs, causing pain, nerve damage, and potential paralysis.

Symptoms:
  • Back or neck pain (yelping when touched)
  • Hunched posture (kyphosis)
  • Hind limb weakness or wobbliness (ataxia)
  • Dragging paws (knuckling)
  • Paralysis (in severe cases)
Treatment:

Strict crate rest, anti-inflammatory medications, pain management, physical therapy, surgical decompression for severe cases.

Genetic: Yes (Strong breed predisposition, especially chondrodystrophic breeds)

Skin Conditions

Atopic Dermatitis (Environmental Allergies)

Hypersensitivity to environmental allergens like pollen, dust mites, or mold.

Symptoms:
  • Excessive scratching, licking, or chewing
  • Red, inflamed skin (erythema)
  • Recurrent ear infections
  • Paw licking and chewing
  • Secondary skin infections (bacterial/yeast)
Treatment:

Allergy testing, immunotherapy (allergy shots), antihistamines, corticosteroids (short-term), special shampoos, fatty acid supplements.

Immune Conditions

Immune-Mediated Hemolytic Anemia (IMHA)

Autoimmune disorder where the body destroys its own red blood cells.

Symptoms:
  • Lethargy and weakness
  • Pale or yellow (jaundiced) gums
  • Dark urine (hemoglobinuria)
  • Rapid breathing and heart rate
  • Collapse in severe cases
Treatment:

EMERGENCY: High-dose immunosuppressants (prednisone), blood transfusions, cyclosporine or azathioprine for refractory cases, supportive care.

Parasite Conditions

Lyme Disease (Borreliosis)

Tick-borne bacterial infection caused by Borrelia burgdorferi.

Symptoms:
  • Recurrent lameness (shifting leg lameness)
  • Swollen, painful joints
  • Fever and lethargy
  • Loss of appetite
  • Kidney involvement in severe cases
Treatment:

Antibiotics (doxycycline for 30+ days), pain management (NSAIDs), tick prevention, supportive care for kidney issues.

Heartworm Disease

Parasitic infection caused by Dirofilaria immitis worms residing in heart and pulmonary arteries.

Symptoms:
  • Persistent cough (often mild initially)
  • Exercise intolerance
  • Weight loss and poor condition
  • Difficulty breathing (dyspnea)
  • Caval syndrome in advanced cases (EMERGENCY)
Treatment:

Adulticide injections (melarsomine), strict exercise restriction, doxycycline pre-treatment, monthly preventatives, supportive care.

Demodectic Mange (Demodicosis)

Skin disease caused by overpopulation of Demodex mites (normally present in small numbers).

Symptoms:
  • Patchy hair loss (alopecia)
  • Red, scaly skin
  • Skin infections (pustules)
  • Itching (variable, often minimal in localized form)
  • Generalized form in immunocompromised dogs
Treatment:

Medicated dips (amitraz), oral medications (ivermectin, milbemycin), antibiotics for secondary infections, immune support.

Virus Conditions

Canine Parvovirus

Highly contagious viral disease primarily affecting puppies, attacking rapidly dividing cells in intestines and bone marrow.

Symptoms:
  • Severe, bloody diarrhea (often foul-smelling)
  • Profuse vomiting
  • Lethargy and depression
  • Fever or hypothermia
  • Dehydration and shock
Treatment:

EMERGENCY: Intensive hospitalization with IV fluids, anti-nausea medications, antibiotics (for secondary infections), nutritional support, isolation.

Canine Infectious Tracheobronchitis (Kennel Cough)

Highly contagious respiratory infection, often caused by multiple pathogens including Bordetella bronchiseptica.

Symptoms:
  • Harsh, dry, honking cough
  • Gagging or retching after coughing
  • Nasal discharge
  • Mild lethargy (usually appetite remains)
  • Possible fever in complicated cases
Treatment:

Antibiotics if bacterial component present, cough suppressants, rest, humidification, isolation from other dogs.

Endocrine Conditions

Hypothyroidism

Underactive thyroid gland resulting in insufficient thyroid hormone production.

Symptoms:
  • Weight gain despite normal food intake
  • Lethargy and exercise intolerance
  • Symmetrical hair loss (especially trunk, tail)
  • Recurrent skin infections
  • Cold intolerance
Treatment:

Daily thyroid hormone replacement (levothyroxine), regular blood monitoring, dose adjustments as needed.

Genetic: Sometimes (Autoimmune form has hereditary predisposition)
Hypoadrenocorticism (Addison's Disease)

Deficiency of adrenal hormones (cortisol and often aldosterone).

Symptoms:
  • Lethargy and weakness
  • Vomiting and diarrhea
  • Weight loss
  • Shaking or trembling
  • Addisonian crisis (EMERGENCY: collapse, shock)
Treatment:

Lifelong hormone replacement (prednisone, fludrocortisone), increased doses during stress/illness, regular electrolyte monitoring.

Genetic: Yes (Predisposition in certain breeds)
Diabetes Mellitus

Inability to regulate blood sugar due to insulin deficiency or resistance.

Symptoms:
  • Excessive thirst (polydipsia) and urination (polyuria)
  • Weight loss despite increased appetite
  • Cloudy eyes (cataracts in dogs)
  • Recurrent infections (especially urinary)
  • Lethargy and weakness
Treatment:

Twice-daily insulin injections, consistent feeding schedule, regular blood glucose monitoring, appropriate diet (high fiber, complex carbs).

🆘 Emergency Warning Signs

These symptoms require immediate veterinary attention:

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