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
Eyelid abnormality where the eyelid rolls inward.
- Eye irritation/redness
- Excessive tearing
- Squinting or rubbing at eyes
- Corneal ulcers (severe cases)
Surgical correction, lubricating eye drops, temporary sutures (mild cases).
Eyelid abnormality where the eyelid droops or rolls outward.
- Dry, exposed conjunctiva
- Chronic eye discharge
- Recurrent eye infections
Surgical correction, artificial tears, antibiotic ointments.
Clouding of the eye lens leading to vision impairment.
- Cloudy or bluish eye appearance
- Bumping into objects
- Reluctance to jump or climb stairs
- Changes in eye color
Surgical removal (phacoemulsification) when affecting vision, antioxidant supplements for early stages.
Increased eye pressure leading to blindness.
- Eye pain (squinting)
- Reddened eye
- Cloudy cornea
- Dilated pupil
- Vision loss
Emergency pressure reduction (dorzolamide drops), surgery (cyclophotocoagulation), or enucleation if blind.
Ear Conditions
Inflammation of the external ear canal, often caused by bacteria or yeast.
- Head shaking
- Ear scratching
- Redness inside ear
- Bad odor from ears
- Discharge (yellow, brown, or bloody)
Ear cleaning, topical medications, oral antibiotics for severe cases, and allergy management if recurrent.
Heart Conditions
Enlarged, weakened heart muscle.
- Coughing
- Exercise intolerance
- Difficulty breathing
- Abdominal swelling
Heart medications (pimobendan), diuretics, low-sodium diet.
Degenerative heart disease where the mitral valve thickens and leaks, leading to heart failure.
- Heart murmur (often detected early)
- Coughing (especially at night)
- Exercise intolerance
- Rapid or labored breathing
- Lethargy or collapse (advanced stages)
Lifelong management with medications (e.g., pimobendan, diuretics), regular cardiac monitoring, and diet modification. Severe cases may require specialized care.
Congenital heart defect where a fibrous ring below the aortic valve obstructs blood flow.
- Exercise intolerance
- Fainting/collapse (syncope)
- Heart murmur (detected by vet)
- Difficulty breathing
- Sudden death (in severe cases)
Beta-blockers (atenolol), restricted exercise, surgical correction in some cases. Severe cases may require balloon valvuloplasty.
Degeneration of heart valves (common in small breeds).
- Coughing (especially at night)
- Exercise intolerance
- Difficulty breathing
Heart medications (pimobendan), diuretics, low-sodium diet.
Kidney Conditions
Progressive loss of kidney function.
- Increased thirst/urination
- Weight loss
- Bad breath
- Vomiting
Special kidney diet, fluids, phosphorus binders.
Urinary Conditions
Bacterial infection of the urinary system.
- Frequent urination
- Straining to urinate
- Blood in urine
- Accidents in house
Antibiotics, increased water intake, urinary diets.
Mineral formations in the bladder.
- Straining to urinate
- Blood in urine
- Frequent licking of genitals
Special diets, increased water intake, surgical removal if large.
Bowel Conditions
Chronic inflammation of the digestive tract.
- Chronic diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Weight loss
- Flatulence
Hypoallergenic diet, immunosuppressants, probiotics.
Inflammation of the pancreas.
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Loss of appetite
- Diarrhea
Hospitalization, IV fluids, pain management, low-fat diet.
Joint Conditions
Malformation of the hip joint leading to arthritis.
- Limping or bunny-hopping gait
- Difficulty rising
- Pain when touched at hips
- Decreased activity
Weight management, joint supplements (glucosamine), NSAIDs, or surgery (TPO, FHO).
Developmental abnormality of the elbow joint, often involving multiple growth abnormalities.
- Front limb lameness (worsens with exercise)
- Stiffness after rest
- Swollen or painful elbow joint
- Reluctance to extend the leg fully
- Audible joint clicking (in some cases)
Weight management, anti-inflammatory medications, joint supplements (glucosamine/chondroitin), physical therapy, and surgical options (arthroscopy, fragment removal, or joint salvage procedures).
Dislocated kneecap common in small breeds.
- Intermittent skipping or hopping
- Leg held up briefly
- Audible clicking sound
Grade 1-2: Physical therapy; Grade 3-4: Surgical correction.
Rupture or strain of the knee's stabilizing ligament (common in dogs).
- Sudden lameness
- Difficulty bearing weight
- Swollen knee joint
- "Sit test" abnormality
Surgical repair (TPLO, TTA), strict rest, physical therapy, joint supplements.
Bleeding Disorders
An inherited bleeding disorder caused by deficient or defective von Willebrand factor (vWF), a protein crucial for blood clotting.
- Prolonged bleeding after injuries/surgery
- Spontaneous nosebleeds (epistaxis)
- Bleeding gums
- Blood in urine or stool
- Excessive bleeding during heat cycles (females)
Desmopressin (DDAVP) for mild cases, blood/plasma transfusions for severe bleeding, avoidance of NSAIDs, and pre-surgical testing/vWF replacement.
Spine Conditions
Spinal disc degeneration common in long-backed breeds.
- Back pain
- Hunched posture
- Hind limb weakness
- Paralysis (severe cases)
Rest, pain meds, surgery for severe cases.
Immune Conditions
Autoimmune destruction of red blood cells.
- Lethargy
- Pale or yellow gums
- Dark urine
- Rapid breathing
EMERGENCY: Immunosuppressants (prednisone), blood transfusions.
Hypersensitivity to environmental allergens.
- Excessive scratching
- Red, inflamed skin
- Recurrent ear infections
- Paw licking
Allergy testing, immunotherapy, antihistamines, special shampoos.
Parasite Conditions
Tick-borne bacterial infection affecting joints.
- Lameness
- Swollen, painful joints
- Fever
- Lethargy
Antibiotics (doxycycline), pain management.
Parasitic worms in heart and lungs.
- Coughing
- Exercise intolerance
- Weight loss
- Difficulty breathing
Adulticide injections, strict exercise restriction during treatment.
Skin disease caused by Demodex mites.
- Patchy hair loss
- Red, scaly skin
- Skin infections
Medicated dips, oral medications (ivermectin), antibiotics for secondary infections.
Virus Conditions
Highly contagious viral disease.
- Severe vomiting
- Bloody diarrhea
- Lethargy
- Fever
EMERGENCY - Intensive hospitalization with IV fluids, antibiotics.
Highly contagious respiratory infection.
- Harsh, dry cough
- Gagging
- Nasal discharge
Antibiotics if bacterial, cough suppressants, rest.
Endocrine Conditions
Underactive thyroid gland.
- Weight gain
- Lethargy
- Hair loss
- Skin infections
Daily thyroid hormone replacement (levothyroxine).
Insufficient adrenal hormone production.
- Lethargy
- Vomiting
- Weight loss
- Shaking
Lifelong hormone replacement therapy (prednisone, fludrocortisone).
Insufficient insulin production or insulin resistance.
- Excessive thirst/urination
- Weight loss despite good appetite
- Cataracts (in dogs)
Insulin injections, dietary management, regular glucose monitoring.
🆘 Emergency Warning Signs
These symptoms require immediate veterinary attention:
- Bloat (GDV): Distended abdomen, unproductive vomiting
- Seizures: Lasting more than 2 minutes or multiple seizures
- Difficulty breathing: Blue gums, extreme panting
- Paralysis: Sudden inability to use hind legs
- Trauma: After car accidents or falls from height