Distemper, Hardpad disease
Overview:
Impossible to cure and sometimes fatal, canine distemper is a serious viral illness that attacks a dog's body on all fronts. The disease may harden the paws and nose, damage the teeth, make breathing difficult and diminish the appetite. Even more disturbingly, canine distemper affects a dog's nervous system, often resulting in seizures and paralysis. Dogs who do not die from this disease usually suffer later in life from recurring neurological problems, such as nervous twitches and seizures.
Dilated cardiomyopathy, DCM
Overview:
The term cardiomyopathy literally means "sick heart muscle." Dilated cardiomyopathy, or DCM, occurs when the heart muscle is thin, weak, and does not contract properly. DCM most commonly affects large or giant purebred dogs, but it also can be seen in smaller breeds such as cocker spaniels, and in mixed breed dogs. The condition can lead to congestive heart failure, in which fluid accumulates in the lungs, the chest or abdominal cavities, or under the skin. Because of reduced blood flow to the rest of the body, DCM also can result in weakness, fainting, and exercise intolerance. Abnormal heart rhythms, or arrhythmias, frequently accompany DCM, and can complicate the treatment of dogs with this disease.
DKA, ketoacidotic diabetes mellitus (KADM)
Overview:
Diabetic ketoacidosis, or DKA, is one of the most serious metabolic disorders seen in both human and veterinary medicine. A severe complication of diabetes mellitus, DKA is characterized by an elevated concentration of blood sugar, the presence of substances called ketones in the urine, and reduced concentrations of bicarbonate in the blood. Some dogs with DKA will be affected mildly, but the majority will be seriously ill and may have severe complications such as neurological problems due to brain swelling, acute kidney failure, pancreatitis, and anemia. DKA will lead to death in many cases, but aggressive diagnostics and treatment can be life saving.
Diabetes, diabetic
Overview:
Characterized by high concentrations of glucose in the blood and urine, diabetes mellitus is one of the more common hormonal disorders of the dog, and the disease almost always requires lifelong insulin treatment. In addition, chronic high glucose in the blood and urine can cause severe complications including infections, cataracts, diabetic ketoacidosis, nervous system disorders, pancreatitis, and kidney disease. If left untreated, diabetic dogs will suffer from complications and an early death.
Dental disease, tooth decay, gum disease
Overview:
Dogs often have problems with their teeth and gums. Unable to brush and floss, they rely on their owners and veterinarians to provide the care they need. Dogs that chew on hard objects occasionally will suffer other forms of trauma that damage teeth. Bad breath, infections, and pain severe enough to deter eating are a few of the symptoms that can occur from dental disease.