Hip Dysplasia in Dogs
What is often referred to as “Hip Dysplasia” (HD) is really a spectrum of hip abnormalities. Hip dysplasia is a condition where abnormal growth of the hip leads to early degradation of the joint cartilage during weight bearing, which may then progress to arthritis, also known as a degenerative joint disease (DJD) or osteoarthritis. The acronyms DJD, arthritis and osteoarthritis are used interchangeably. HD is a progressive age-related disorder, hence it is not present at birth. Research has linked slackness to the development of DJD.
Generally, HD is regarded to have a hereditary foundation; giving the dog a tendency to the way its hips are formed at birth and how much laxity is present in the joint. Researchers have shown that environmental factors are significant in determining whether or not DJD develops. Predisposed dogs sometimes don’t show signs of DJD unless they’ve been exposed to very specific conditions. Proper diet and the prevention of obesity are crucial. Similarly, excessive or improper activity may be harmful to developing joints. In light of HD’s prevalence on the Cane Corso breed, it’s important for pet parents and prospective breeders to be well-versed in the disease’s symptoms and preventative measures.
Rare Form of Epilepsy Called Idiopathic
Canines often have seizure problems. Though there are various reasons dogs might suffer from seizures, ranging from trauma to brain tumors, to exposure or ingestion of harmful chemicals, arguably one of the most aggravating disorders is idiopathic epilepsy. When the etiology of a seizure is idiopathic, doctors don’t know what brought it on. After a veterinarian has eliminated other potential causes via testing, the diagnosis of idiopathic epilepsy is made. Toxin detection is often accomplished by collecting blood and/or urine. Some instances are mild enough to be managed with medication like phenobarbital, potassium bromide, or levetiracetam, while others are tragically too severe. The genetic test to identify carriers of this illness has not yet been developed, and the genetic link has not been established.
The average beginning age for idiopathic epilepsy in the Cane Corso is 2 years old, while it may occur as early as 9 months and as late as 5 years old. Be careful approaching your dog during and just after a seizure if he or she ever has one. The interval immediately after a seizure, known as the post-ictal period, may be quite disorienting and even blinding for dogs. They might seem timid or even hostile. This might persist for a few seconds to twenty minutes or more. Even if you want to be there for your buddy, it’s best to give them some space until you know for sure that they’re feeling better.
Animal Demodex Itch
Infestations of various Demodex mites are responsible for the skin ailment known as demodicosis, which affects both canines and felines. Demodex mites, which are present on the skin of all normal animals including humans, are particularly intriguing since they typically only reside in very low quantities inside the hair follicles. Since Demodex mites are naturally present on all animals, Demodex mange is not infectious. Mites are not present at birth, but rather are acquired through nursing moms in the first few days of an animal’s existence. Why do only certain animals get demodectic mange if Demodex mites are prevalent on all animals? Demodex mange occurs when an animal’s immune system is compromised, either by birth or by environmental factors. The consequence is a proliferation of mites, which not only causes bacterial infections in the hair follicles due to a lack of space, but also weakens the immune system because of the compounds the mites generate. Therefore, the mite infestation is a symptom rather than a cause of the disease. Rather of focusing just on eliminating the mites, we should investigate what is causing the immune system dysfunction. Demodex mange more typically affects young animals because of their immature immune systems. However, Demodex mange may be triggered in puppies by stressful events (like shipping) and hormonal shifts (like the first heat cycle in females). When these short-term dangers are eliminated, the dog’s immune system recovers and health returns to normal. Mange caused by the mite Demodex may be either localized or widespread. The skin patches of localized demodicosis only appear on the face and the front legs or toes. Stress, such that experienced in the aforementioned situations, might lead to the development of this kind of mange. The most severe type of canine demodicosis, generalized demodicosis affects the whole body and is an indication of a significant issue with the dog’s immune system. Demodex mange causes irritated, red areas where hair has been lost. The veterinarian will scrape some skin to look for signs of mites. Mitaban dipping is used to treat both kinds of Demodex mange, while other methods are also available.
Deficiencies in the Eyelids
As a mastiff, the Cane Corso is predisposed to the same hereditary eye conditions that affect other molosser breeds. Entropion, ectropion, and glandular enlargement are the most frequent abnormalities (“cherry eye”).
Entropion occurs when the eyelid turns inward, causing the eyelash to rub on the cornea, leading to irritation, scarring, and ulceration. It develops when the lids turn in toward the eye, making the eyeball seem much smaller than it really is. Red, itchy eyes, tear streaks on the cheeks, and excessive watering of the eyes are all symptoms. Although the lower lid is more often afflicted by entropion, the upper lid is not immune to this inherited (dominant autosomal gene) condition. The problem might affect either eye. The lid must be surgically adjusted in order to prevent corneal scarring.
In contrast to entropion, which occurs when the lower eyelid turns in, ectropion occurs when the lower eyelid turns out, exposing the eye’s delicate tissues. Exposure conjunctivitis occurs when the tissue of the third eyelid becomes irritated and infected due to being exposed. Facial wrinkles in dogs (particularly older dogs) might be genetic, the consequence of an accident, or the outcome of past surgical treatments. This condition accounts for the glum expressions of the Basset Hound, Bloodhound, and Saint Bernard. Some ectropion is unavoidable while treating entropion. When the top lid folds in and the lower lid droop down, this condition is called entropion, and it may occur in tandem with ectropion. Ectropion is not harmful to a dog’s health until it becomes infected, but it is unsightly.
When the gland of the third eyelid becomes inflamed, swollen, and protrudes from the lower lid, a disease known as the cherry eye develops. Due to its similarity to the cherry, this condition is often known by that name. Typically affecting dogs less than a year, it may affect either eye. When initially seen, it may cause a great deal of panic among pet owners. To remove the gland is the most effective therapy. Attempts to surgically relocate the gland and tack it down are not always effective, and the gland must be removed in certain cases.
Distichiasis refers to the condition when eyelashes grow abnormally on the inner of the eyelid. Besides the dog’s eyes watering excessively, most owners won’t realize that their pet is suffering from this disease. Inflammation, various secretions, and rapid eye closure are further symptoms. The dog may also squint, shut the affected eye, massage it, or paw at it. Ulcers of the cornea may form in more serious instances, making the afflicted area seem blue and less glossy. Drops or ointments may be used to prevent corneal scarring in dogs with chronic or long-standing distichiasis.
Gastric Twist (“Bloat”)
Large-breed dogs are more vulnerable to bloat, which may be fatal. Despite the ease of diagnosis, the pathological alterations in the dog’s body make therapy difficult, costly, and not always effective. Bloat is more common in big, deep-chested dogs that eat infrequently (less than once a day), have poor eating habits (such as rushing through their meal), drink a lot of water after eating, and then immediately engage in rigorous activity. Overeating pups of any age and breed are particularly susceptible to developing simple stomach distention. Pre-bloat is a term used by the general public to describe this stage. If you have any gas or need to throw up, you can typically solve the issue. Prevention is obviously the better option. Serve at least twice a day and try to slow down your guests’ eating pace. Do not engage in strenuous activity for at least two hours after eating. Signs of discomfort include a retroflexed abdomen and outward manifestations of distress. It’ll appear like you have a bloated stomach. For the sake of the dog’s survival, emergency surgery to untwist the bowels and release the pressure from the gas accumulation is necessary.