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.

Alphabetical index of dog health conditions with symptoms and treatments.

("Filter health risks by area of concern (e.g., Eyes, Ears, Heart)"

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

🆘 Emergency Warning Signs

These symptoms require immediate veterinary attention:

Difficulty breathing
Collapse or inability to stand
Seizures lasting more than 2 minutes
Pale gums
Bloated/distended abdomen with retching

A

Addison's Disease

Hypoadrenocorticism causing insufficient adrenal hormone production.

Symptoms:

Lethargy
Vomiting
Weight loss
Shaking

Treatment:

Lifelong hormone replacement therapy (prednisone, fludrocortisone).

Atopic Dermatitis

Chronic allergic skin inflammation caused by environmental allergens.

Symptoms:

Excessive scratching
Red, inflamed skin
Recurrent ear infections

Treatment:

Allergy testing, immunotherapy, antihistamines, special shampoos.

B

Bloat (GDV)

Life-threatening stomach twisting and gas accumulation.

Symptoms:

Distended abdomen
Unproductive vomiting
Restlessness

Treatment:

EMERGENCY - Immediate veterinary surgery required.

C

Cataracts

Clouding of the eye lens leading to vision impairment.

Symptoms:

Cloudy or bluish eye appearance
Bumping into objects

Treatment:

Surgical removal when affecting vision.

Cruciate Ligament Injuries

Rupture or strain of the knee's stabilizing ligament (common in dogs).

Symptoms:

Sudden lameness
Difficulty bearing weight
Swollen knee joint
"Sit test" abnormality

Treatment:

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

D

Demodectic Mange

Skin disease caused by Demodex mites.

Symptoms:

Patchy hair loss
Red, scaly skin
Skin infections

Treatment:

Medicated dips, oral medications (ivermectin), antibiotics for secondary infections.

Diabetes Mellitus

Insufficient insulin production or insulin resistance.

Symptoms:

Excessive thirst/urination
Weight loss despite good appetite
Cataracts (in dogs)

Treatment:

Insulin injections, dietary management, regular glucose monitoring.

Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) - Heart

Enlarged, weakened heart muscle.

Symptoms:

Coughing
Exercise intolerance
Difficulty breathing
Abdominal swelling

Treatment:

Heart medications (pimobendan), diuretics, low-sodium diet.

E

Ear Infections (Otitis Externa)

Inflammation of the external ear canal.

Symptoms:

Head shaking
Ear scratching
Foul odor
Discharge

Treatment:

Ear cleaners, topical medications, oral antibiotics for severe cases.

Entropion

Eyelid abnormality where the eyelid rolls inward.

Symptoms:

Eye irritation/redness
Excessive tearing
Squinting or rubbing at eyes
Corneal ulcers (severe cases)

Treatment:

Surgical correction, lubricating eye drops, temporary sutures (mild cases).

Ectropion

Eyelid abnormality where the eyelid droops or rolls outward.

Symptoms:

Dry, exposed conjunctiva
Chronic eye discharge
Recurrent eye infections

Treatment:

Surgical correction, artificial tears, antibiotic ointments.

Epilepsy

Neurological disorder causing recurrent seizures.

Symptoms:

Collapsing
Jerking movements
Foaming at mouth
Loss of consciousness

Treatment:

Anti-seizure medications (phenobarbital, potassium bromide).

F

Flea Allergy Dermatitis

Allergic reaction to flea saliva.

Symptoms:

Intense itching
Hair loss (especially near tail base)
Red, inflamed skin

Treatment:

Flea control, antihistamines, steroids for flare-ups.

G

Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV)

Life-threatening stomach twisting (bloat).

Symptoms:

Distended abdomen
Unproductive vomiting
Restlessness
Collapse

Treatment:

EMERGENCY - Immediate veterinary surgery required.

Glaucoma

Increased pressure within the eye.

Symptoms:

Painful eye
Cloudy cornea
Vision loss
Reddened eye

Treatment:

Pressure-reducing drops, surgery in severe cases.

H

Heartworm Disease

Parasitic worms in heart and lungs.

Symptoms:

Coughing
Exercise intolerance
Weight loss
Difficulty breathing

Treatment:

Adulticide injections, strict exercise restriction during treatment.

Hypothyroidism

Underactive thyroid gland.

Symptoms:

Weight gain
Lethargy
Hair loss
Skin infections

Treatment:

Daily thyroid hormone replacement (levothyroxine).

Heart-Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM)

Enlarged, weakened heart muscle.

Symptoms:

Coughing
Exercise intolerance
Difficulty breathing
Abdominal swelling

Treatment:

Heart medications (pimobendan), diuretics, low-sodium diet.

Heart - Mitral Valve Disease (MVD)

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

Symptoms:

Heart murmur (often detected early)
Coughing (especially at night)
Exercise intolerance
Rapid or labored breathing
Lethargy or collapse (advanced stages)

Treatment:

Lifelong management with medications (e.g., pimobendan, diuretics), regular cardiac monitoring, and diet modification. Severe cases may require specialized care.

Genetic: Yes (Strong hereditary link in Cavaliers)

No definitive DNA test yet�screening via annual echocardiograms recommended.

Valvular Heart Disease

Degeneration of heart valves (common in small breeds).

Symptoms:

Coughing (especially at night)
Exercise intolerance
Difficulty breathing

Treatment:

Heart medications (pimobendan), diuretics, low-sodium diet.

Genetic: Yes (Common in Cavaliers)

Heart-Subaortic Stenosis (SAS)

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

Symptoms:

Exercise intolerance
Fainting/collapse (syncope)
Heart murmur (detected by vet)
Difficulty breathing
Sudden death (in severe cases)

Treatment:

Beta-blockers (atenolol), restricted exercise, surgical correction in some cases. Severe cases may require balloon valvuloplasty.

Hip Dysplasia

Malformation of the hip joint leading to arthritis.

Symptoms:

Limping or bunny-hopping gait
Difficulty rising
Pain when touched at hips
Decreased activity

Treatment:

Weight management, joint supplements (glucosamine), NSAIDs, or surgery (TPO, FHO).

I

Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)

Spinal disc degeneration common in long-backed breeds.

Symptoms:

Back pain
Hunched posture
Hind limb weakness
Paralysis (severe cases)

Treatment:

Rest, pain meds, surgery for severe cases.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

Chronic inflammation of the digestive tract.

Symptoms:

Chronic diarrhea
Vomiting
Weight loss
Flatulence

Treatment:

Hypoallergenic diet, immunosuppressants, probiotics.

Immune-Mediated Hemolytic Anemia (IMHA)

Autoimmune destruction of red blood cells.

Symptoms:

Lethargy
Pale or yellow gums
Dark urine
Rapid breathing

Treatment:

EMERGENCY: Immunosuppressants (prednisone), blood transfusions.

Allergies (Atopic Dermatitis)

Hypersensitivity to environmental allergens.

Symptoms:

Excessive scratching
Red, inflamed skin
Recurrent ear infections
Paw licking

Treatment:

Allergy testing, immunotherapy, antihistamines, special shampoos.

J

No conditions currently listed for this letter.

K

Kennel Cough

Highly contagious respiratory infection.

Symptoms:

Harsh, dry cough
Gagging
Nasal discharge

Treatment:

Antibiotics if bacterial, cough suppressants, rest.

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

Progressive loss of kidney function.

Symptoms:

Increased thirst/urination
Weight loss
Bad breath
Vomiting

Treatment:

Special kidney diet, fluids, phosphorus binders.

L

Luxating Patella

Dislocated kneecap common in small breeds.

Symptoms:

Intermittent skipping or hopping
Leg held up briefly
Audible clicking sound

Treatment:

Grade 1-2: Physical therapy; Grade 3-4: Surgical correction.

Lyme Disease

Tick-borne bacterial infection.

Symptoms:

Lameness
Fever
Lethargy
Swollen joints

Treatment:

Antibiotics (doxycycline), pain management.

M

Mast Cell Tumors

Common skin cancer in dogs.

Symptoms:

Skin lumps (may change size)
Itching at tumor site
Gastrointestinal signs if metastasized

Treatment:

Surgical removal, radiation, chemotherapy depending on grade.

Mitral Valve Disease (MVD)

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

Symptoms:

Heart murmur (often detected early)
Coughing (especially at night)
Exercise intolerance
Rapid or labored breathing
Lethargy or collapse (advanced stages)

Treatment:

Lifelong management with medications (e.g., pimobendan, diuretics), regular cardiac monitoring, and diet modification. Severe cases may require specialized care.

Genetic: Yes (Strong hereditary link in Cavaliers)

No definitive DNA test yet�screening via annual echocardiograms recommended.

N

Nail Bed Infections

Bacterial or fungal infection around nails.

Symptoms:

Licking at paws
Swollen nail beds
Discolored nails
Pain when walking

Treatment:

Antibiotics, antifungals, foot soaks.

O

Obesity

Excess body weight affecting health.

Symptoms:

Excess body fat
Difficulty exercising
Labored breathing

Treatment:

Controlled diet, increased exercise, veterinary weight management plan.

P

Pancreatitis

Inflammation of the pancreas.

Symptoms:

Vomiting
Abdominal pain
Loss of appetite
Diarrhea

Treatment:

Hospitalization, IV fluids, pain management, low-fat diet.

Parvovirus

Highly contagious viral disease.

Symptoms:

Severe vomiting
Bloody diarrhea
Lethargy
Fever

Treatment:

EMERGENCY - Intensive hospitalization with IV fluids, antibiotics.

Q

No conditions currently listed for this letter.

R

Ringworm

Fungal skin infection (not actually a worm).

Symptoms:

Circular hair loss
Scaly skin
Red lesions

Treatment:

Antifungal medications, environmental decontamination.

S

Skin Allergies

Hypersensitivity reactions causing skin inflammation.

Symptoms:

Itching
Red skin
Recurrent ear infections
Hot spots

Treatment:

Allergy testing, immunotherapy, medicated shampoos, antihistamines.

Heart-Subaortic Stenosis (SAS)

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

Symptoms:

Exercise intolerance
Fainting/collapse (syncope)
Heart murmur (detected by vet)
Difficulty breathing
Sudden death (in severe cases)

Treatment:

Beta-blockers (atenolol), restricted exercise, surgical correction in some cases. Severe cases may require balloon valvuloplasty.

T

Tapeworms

Intestinal parasites transmitted by fleas.

Symptoms:

Scooting
Rice-like segments in stool
Increased appetite

Treatment:

Deworming medication, flea control.

U

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

Bacterial infection of the urinary system.

Symptoms:

Frequent urination
Straining to urinate
Blood in urine
Accidents in house

Treatment:

Antibiotics, increased water intake, urinary diets.

V

Valvular Heart Disease

Degeneration of heart valves (common in small breeds).

Symptoms:

Coughing (especially at night)
Exercise intolerance
Difficulty breathing

Treatment:

Heart medications (pimobendan), diuretics, low-sodium diet.

Von Willebrand's Disease

An inherited bleeding disorder caused by deficient or defective von Willebrand factor (vWF), a protein crucial for blood clotting.

Symptoms:

Prolonged bleeding after injuries/surgery
Spontaneous nosebleeds (epistaxis)
Bleeding gums
Blood in urine or stool
Excessive bleeding during heat cycles (females)

Treatment:

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

W

Whipworms

Intestinal parasites causing colitis.

Symptoms:

Chronic diarrhea
Weight loss
Blood in stool

Treatment:

Deworming medication, repeat treatments often needed.

X

No conditions currently listed for this letter.

Y

No conditions currently listed for this letter.

Z

No conditions currently listed for this letter.