 
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
Animal Shelter Support
 Show your support with a magnetic ribbon. Recent Pet News, Tips & Info...Choose the Airedale Terrier as a Pet and Say Good-Bye to Boredom“The King of the Terriers”, the Airedale terrier comes from Airedale, Yorkshire, England, and it is the largest of the terrier breeds. It comes from crossing the old and vanished breeds of the Black-and-Tan terrier with the Otterhound. It is also said that they have the Manchester terrier in their blood. They were initially bred to hunt otters (reason for which they are also called the Waterside Terrier) and hares in the valley of the Aire river - that also gave its name to the breed - and to herd sheep, being both shepherd and hunting dogs. The Africanis Dog From the South African Plains to Your Home Dog breeders do not officially recognize Africanis as a breed. Also known as the Bantu Dog or the Zulu Dog, the breed developed in South Africa and it is basically comprised of similar breeds that are originally from the area. However, dog historians have acquired enough evidence to conclude that, originally, the breed lived in the East and Middle East and migrated to Africa in ancient times. The Zulu Dog is a perfect companion for people, whether we are talking about more traditional activities like hunting or herding, or simply about the pleasure of having a dog companion. The Afghan Hound Elegance and Distinction If the old saying that claims that dogs and masters resemble each other is true, then the Afghan hound is surely the dog most likely to be seen in the presence of an aristocrat. Its silky, thick coat will match any of its masters' designer dresses or elegant suits. Distinguished in looks and personality, this is one of the breeds that you can't stop looking at when seeing on the street and that you are very likely to see at a dog show. The Aidi Dog A Perfect Watchdog Of Moroccan origin, the Aidi dog evolved as a watchdog for herds of goats and sheep. For this reason, it has heightened senses that are very good at detecting threats and its instincts are perfectly in tune, resulting in a speedy and efficient reaction. These characteristics are also perfect for a hunting dog - so it is also very good at filling that role. Very courageous, this breed has evolved in the Morrocan mountains, protecting itself and its owners from many vicious predators like wildcats, but also from strangers. Also called the Berber (it was commonly used by Berber tribes), this breed is very similar to Pariah dogs - to which it is believed to be related. |
|
Cushing's disease, or hyperadrenocorticism
Cushing's disease, or hyperadrenocorticism, is caused by an excess of cortisol in the body. It is relatively rare in people, affecting between 10 and 15 of every million people each year. The problem occurs more commonly in the dog than in the cat.A thorough patient work-up is needed to reach a diagnosis."Cushing's disease commonly affects middle-aged to older dogs, It is most commonly seen in poodles, dachshunds, terriers, German shepherds, and golden retrievers. These animals typically present with symmetrical hair loss; excessive eating, drinking, and urination; lethargy; and a distended abdomen. They commonly have other skin abnormalities and secondary urinary tract infections as well. There are three types of Cushing's disease: adrenal cortical tumor, pituitary tumor, and iatrogenic (veterinarian-induced). An adrenal cortical tumor--a tumor of the cortisol-producing cells of the adrenal gland--causes excess production of cortisol. Although there are two adrenal glands, these tumors generally develop in one gland and will lead to one abnormally large adrenal gland and one abnormally small gland. Blood tests are necessary for proper diagnosis of Cushings Disease.Pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism is due to microtumors in the pituitary gland in the brain that produce excessive amounts of a hormone that causes the adrenal glands to produce cortisol. In this form, both adrenal glands are enlarged. Iatrogenic Cushing's is produced by an excess of cortisol being given to a pet by a veterinarian, for example, to treat a skin disorder. The excess cortisol in the body signals the adrenal glands to decrease their normal production of cortisol, leading to a decrease in the size of the adrenal glands. Cushing's disease is first suspected with clinical signs, physical exam abnormalities, and blood tests that are suggestive of this disease. A definitive diagnosis is made using three-stage testing of adrenal challenge gland function. The treatment for an adrenal tumor is surgical removal and supplementation of cortisol until the shrunken adrenal gland returns to normal function, It is uncommon for these tumors to recur on the remaining adrenal gland. The treatment for pituitary-dependent Cushing's is generally Mitotane® (O,P'-DDD), a chemical derivative of the pesticide DDT. This drug destroys the zones of the adrenal cortex that produce cortisol. The drug is administered until a reasonable level of cortisol production is achieved and the pet is then maintained on the drug at that level for life, with periodic rechecks to adjust the dose. The treatment for iatrogenic Cushing's is slow withdrawal from the external source of cortisol. It is extremely important that changes in the medication are not made without first consulting your veterinarian. Quickly withdrawing the source of cortisol before the adrenal glands can recover can lead to dramatic consequences, such as vomiting, diarrhea, vascular collapse, and death. The prognosis for this disease varies depending on the type. Surgery can cure an adrenal cortical tumor that has not spread to other areas of the body. However, about half the adrenal tumors are malignant and therefore may have already spread, in which case, there is a much poorer prognosis. Pituitary-dependent Cushing's has a good short-term prognosis, as the microtumors do not generally cause other problems. Long-term, however, pets with Cushing's disease are predisposed to other diseases, such as diabetes mellitus, urinary tract infections, kidney disease, hypertension, and pancreatitis. Iatrogenic Cushing's disease has a good prognosis, if proper withdrawal times are maintained. It is important to remember two things about this disease. First, two of the most common signs of this disease are excessive drinking and urination. Excessive drinking and urination are also the most common signs of other serious diseases, such as kidney failure, diabetes, and hyperthyroidism (in cats), which need to be investigated prior to testing the adrenal glands. Second, other conditions, such as arthritis and itchy skin, may be masked by the excess cortisol production. These conditions are coincidental but may surface as the Cushing's disease is treated and may require other forms of treatment. If you would like further information about this condition, contact your local veterinarian. |
|
|
|
Animal Shelter Facts