Canine/Canine Medicine

Morris Animal Foundation-funded researchers are evaluating a new therapy to treat dogs with clinical urinary tract infections (UTI) by comparing a biotherapeutic treatment with conventional antimicrobial therapy.

Pancreatitis causes significant illness in dogs and is considered to be the most common disease of the exocrine pancreas. The diagnosis of acute pancreatitis can be difficult because clinical signs and results of diagnostic testing are often nonspecific. This article addresses the diagnostic approach to patients with signs suggestive of pancreatitis.

Intertrigo, or skin fold dermatitis, is caused by frictional trauma resulting in inflammation and/or microbial overgrowth of closely apposed skin surfaces. Resolution is commonly achieved with topical treatment.

Leptospirosis is an emerging zoonotic disease found throughout most of the United States. Leptospirosis affects many organ systems and varies in severity; clinical signs range from none or mild and self-limiting to severe with acute kidney injury, hepatopathy, and/or vasculitis. Fortunately, the prognosis for most patients is favorable with appropriate medical care.

Immune-mediated polyarthritis (IMPA) is an important condition to recognize in dogs. Treatment of IMPA is significantly different than treatment of many other conditions that may present with similar clinical signs, and protocols may vary between patients. Therefore, making an accurate diagnosis is critical. This article identifies some of the key considerations for establishing the diagnosis and making appropriate treatment plans for dogs with IMPA.

A badly injured dog was rescued after being buried alive on an Oahu, Hawaii, beach by her owner, who was armed with a machete. Rescuers have named her Leialoha, which is the Hawaiian word for “beloved child.”

Primary hypoadrenocorticism, also known as Addison’s disease, is a syndrome caused by bilateral dysfunction of the adrenal cortices. Diagnosis can be difficult and management varies between Addison’s disease and atypical Addison’s disease.

The results from a University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine research project and clinical trial not only benefits dogs with canine hemangiosarcoma, but may be applicable to humans too.

Epilepsy is the most common chronic neurologic disorder encountered in small animal practice and is estimated to affect up to 0.75% of dogs in the general population. Evidence suggests that dietary therapy may have a beneficial effect on seizure control as well.