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  • Cystine bladder stones appear to be the result of a genetic abnormality that prevents a dog from reabsorbing cystine from the kidneys. While bladder stones in general are somewhat common in dogs, cystine bladder stones are rare. Your veterinarian may be able to palpate the stones or may need to perform imaging studies such as a bladder ultrasound or a contrast radiographic study. There are two primary treatment strategies for treating cystine bladder stones in dogs: dietary therapy to dissolve the stones, or physical removal of the stones. Cystine stones have a high rate of recurrence, despite careful attention to diet and lifestyle.

  • Cystitis means inflammation of the bladder. The most common cause of cystitis in dogs is bacterial infection. Other common causes include bladder stones, tumors or polyps in the bladder, and abnormal anatomy. The most common clinical sign is blood in the urine (hematuria). The first group of tests performed includes urinalysis, urine culture, and bladder palpation. Further diagnostics may include bladder radiographs, ultrasound, and contrast X-rays. Blood tests to look for systemic problems are also sometimes required. Treatment is based on the cause.

  • True cysts are abnormal pockets in tissue that are filled with either liquid or solidified material. There are several types of true cysts, including follicular cysts, apocrine cysts, sebaceous cysts, dermoid cysts, and false cysts. The most common treatment is surgical removal.

  • This handout describes and illustrates this condition, and discusses the causes, clinical signs, diagnosis, and treatment options for degenerative disc disease in dogs. Surgical intervention is specifically outlined and rule-outs for other conditions causing similar signs are also discussed.

  • Degenerative joint disease is arthritis caused by deterioration and degeneration of tissues lining joints. This handout outlines signs, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis, and prevention.

  • Degenerative myelopathy (DM), a disease affecting the spinal cord, results in slowly progressive hind limb weakness and paralysis. DM is like some forms of human amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), more commonly known as Lou Gehrig's Disease. Unfortunately, there is no effective treatment, and it is a progressive, incurable disease.

  • Demodectic mange is a parasitic skin disease caused by microscopic mites (Demodex canis or Demodex injal) that live in the hair follicles of dogs. These mites occur normally in dogs, and cause no harm if the body's immune system is functioning properly. Topical and oral medications are available to treat demodectic mange.

  • Contenido en español actualizado.
    Translated from the original English article: Atopic Dermatitis (Atopy) in Dogs

  • Dermatomyositis is a hereditary, immune-mediated disease of the skin, muscles, and blood vessels that causes dramatic inflammation of these tissues. Signs are usually first recognized in puppies but can present in young adulthood. This handout discusses signs, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis.

  • Testing for diabetes includes confirming hyperglycemia and glucosuria while looking for other conditions by taking a complete blood count (anemia, infection), biochemistry profile (hepatic disease, pancreatitis), and a urinalysis (urinary tract infection). Monitoring includes regular glucose curves and additional exams and testing based on the pet owner's monitoring of their dog's clinical signs at home. Urine glucose testing and fructosamine are sometimes used in diabetic monitoring and urine testing for infection may be recommended.