Dogs : Changes in Vocalization Can Indicate Problems

Changes in vocalization in a senior dog are an indication for your dog to see a veterinarian for an examination. There are a number of different types of problems that lead to loss of voice in dogs.

Changes in vocalization in a senior dog are an indication for your dog to see a veterinarian for an examination. There are a number of different types of problems that lead to loss of voice in dogs.

Loss of barking ability may be due to physical problems. For example, an older dog may get a cancer or inflammation affecting the vocal cords or the area/tissues surrounding them. This may lead to discomfort when the dog barks, or an inability to make a barking sound because the flexibility of the cords is lost, or pressure on them leads to loss of function. Changes in the brain due to cancer or inflammation or general medical conditions (hormonal conditions, deafness) may also lead to changes in normal vocalization patterns. If the loss of voice is short lived, it might be due to inflammation in the throat caused by a bacterial infection (ex. strep throat).

Another common reason for change in vocalization is behavior-related. Senior dogs may be affected by what used to be referred to as senility or senile dementia, but is now termed cognitive dysfunction syndrome. Though loss of interest in barking/howling could be the only sign, more frequently more than one of the following types of signs is also noted

• Disorientation
• Change in sleep patterns
• Loss of training (will not come when called, house soiling)
• Loss of interest in family
• Pacing
• Lethargy
• Change of appetite

If dogs experience reduced mental capacity due to cognitive dysfunction syndrome, there is medication and diet therapy now available which can stabilize the condition, at least in the short term.

10 Quick Tips for Keeping Your Dog’s Eyes Healthy

Man’s best friend could use a good eyeballing once in awhile—believe us, your dog won’t take it personally! In fact, giving him regular home eye exams will help keep you alert to any tearing, cloudiness or inflammation that may indicate a health problem. Check out the following ways to help keep your dog’s vision sharp—and that twinkle in his eyes.

1. The Initial Gaze

Face your dog in a brightly lit area and look into his eyes. They should be clear and bright, and the area around the eyeball should be white. His pupils should be equal in size and there shouldn’t be tearing, discharge or any crust in the corners of his eyes.

2. A Closer Look

With your thumb, gently roll down your dog’s lower eyelid and look at the lining. It should be pink, not red or white.

3. What to Watch Out For

The following are signs that something may be wrong with one or both of your dog’s eyes:

• Discharge & crusty gunk
• Tearing
• Red or white eyelid linings
• Tear-stained fur
• Closed eye(s)
• Cloudiness or change in eye color
• Visible third eyelid
• Unequal pupil sizes

4. A Clean Sweep

A gentle wipe with a damp cotton ball will help to keep your pooch’s eyes gunk-free. Wipe outward from the corner of the eye and be careful not to touch his eyeball—you don’t want to scratch the cornea. If your dog constantly suffers from runny eyes and discharge, please see your veterinarian. Your pet may have an infection.

5. Control the Eye-Fro

Long-haired breeds can get eye damage if their locks aren’t tamed. Using scissors with rounded tips, carefully trim the hair around your dog’s eyes to keep his vision clear and prevent hairs from poking and scratching.

6. Ouch-Free Grooming & Maintenance

Soaps and topical medications can be major irritants. Make sure to protect your dog’s eyes before bathing him or applying ointments or flea-control formulas.

7. Driving Ms. Fluffy

Many a pooch loves the open road and the wind in her fur, but if debris or an insect touches her eye, she may suffer pain and a long-lasting injury. It’s much safer to drive with the windows only partially down and doggie’s head inside the vehicle. The wind can also dry out your dog’s eyes, possibly causing irritation and infection.

8. It’s in the Genes

Do a little research and find out if your dog’s breed is predisposed toward eye conditions, such as glaucoma or progressive retinal atrophy. Of course, your pet should have his eyes checked on annual vet visits, but knowing about possible inherited problems will help you take important precautions.

9. Eye-Catching Behavior

Watch your pooch’s body language—pawing or rubbing his eye area may alert you to possible problems.

10. Know Thy Eye Disorders

The following eye-related disorders are commonly seen in dogs:

• Conjunctivitis: One or both of your dog’s eyes will look red and swollen, and there may be discharge. Dry Eye: Diminished tear production can cause corneal inflammation, squinting and discharge. 
• Cherry Eye: An enlarged tear gland forms a cherry-like mass on the dog's eye. 
• Epiphora: An overflow of tears creates stains on the dog’s facial fur. 
• Glaucoma: The cornea becomes cloudy and the eye enlarges due to an increased pressure in the eyeball. 
• Ectropion: A turning outward of the upper eyelid causes the lower lid to droop. 
• Entropion: A rolling in of the eyelid causes discharge and tearing. 
• Cataract: An opacity on the lens of the eye can cause impaired vision and possible blindness. 
• Progressive Renal Atrophy: Caused by degeneration of retinal tissue—night blindness is often its first sign.

Siberian Husky (Husky) (Sibe) dogs

"This is my three year old male Siberian Husky named Husky. He is very intelligent and also very playful. He has sired several litters. He is a perfect example of his breed."

Description 

Siberian Huskies are strong, compact, working sled dogs. The medium sized head is in proportion to the body, with a muzzle that is equal in length to the skull, with a well defined stop. The color of the nose depends upon the color of the dog's coat. It is black in gray, tan or black dogs, liver in copper dogs and flesh-colored in pure white dogs. The medium sized, oval shaped eyes are moderately spaced and come in blue, brown, amber, or any combination thereof. Eyes can be half blue and half brown, (parti-eyed) or can have one blue eye and one brown eye (bi-eyed). The erect ears are triangular in shape, set high up on the head. The teeth meet in a scissors bite. The tail is carried over the back in a sickle curve, not curved to either side when the dog is excited. The large "snow shoe" feet have hair between the toes to help keep them warm and for gripping on ice. Dewclaws are sometimes removed. The medium length, double coat is thick and can withstand temperatures as low as -58 degrees to -76 degrees F ( -50 degrees to -60 degrees C). Coat colors include all from black to pure white, with or without markings on the head. The face mask and underbody are usually white, and the remaining coat any color. Examples of common colors are black and white, red and white, brown, gray and white, silver, wolf -gray, sable and white, red-orange with black tips, dark gray and white. Pie-bald is a very common coat pattern.

Temperament 

Siberian Huskies are loving, gentle, playful, happy-go-lucky dogs who are fond of their families. Keen, docile, social, relaxed and rather casual. This is a high energy dog, especially when young. Good with children and friendly with strangers, they are not watchdogs, for they bark little and love everyone. Huskies are very intelligent and trainable, but they will only obey a command if they see the human is stronger minded than themselves. If the handler does not display leadership, they will not see the point in obeying. Training takes patience, consistency and an understanding of the Arctic dog character. If you are not this dogs 100% firm, confident, consistent pack leader, he will take advantage, becoming willful and mischievous. Huskies make an excellent jogging companion, as long as it is not too hot. Huskies may be difficult to housebreak. This breed likes to howl and gets bored easily. Does not do well if left alone for a long period of time without a great deal of exercise before hand. A lonely Husky, or a Husky who does not get enough mental and physical exercise can be very destructive. Remember that the Husky is a sled dog in heart and soul. They are good with other pets if they are raised with them from puppyhood. Huskies are thrifty eaters and need less food than you might expect. This breed likes to roam. Siberian Huskies can make wonderful companions for people who are aware of what to expect from these beautiful and intelligent animals and are willing to put the time and energy into them.

Height: Dogs 21-23½ inches (53-60cm.) Bitches 20-22 inches (51-56cm.)

Weight: Dogs 45-60 pounds (20½-27kg.) Bitches 35-50 pounds (16-22½kg.)

Health Problems 

Prone to hip dysplasia, ectopy (displacement of the urethra), eye issues such as juvenile cataracts, PRA (primarily in male dogs), corneal dystrophy and crystalline corneal opacities. Breeders can get hip screenings from the OFA and eye screenings yearly from a canine opthamologist (AVCO) and register the exam through CERF and SHOR). Also prone to a skin issue known as zinc responsive dermatitis, which improves by giving a zinc supplements.

Living Conditions They are not usually recommended for apartments, however they can live in apartments if well trained and properly exercised. Siberian Huskies are very active indoors and do best with a fenced-in large yard. Because of their heavy coats, these dogs prefer cool climates. One has to use common sense with respect to maintaining them in the heat by providing adequate shade and air conditioning. This breed prefers to live in packs.

Exercise Siberian Huskies need a fair amount of exercise, including a daily walk or jog, but should not be excessively exercised in warm weather. They need a large yard with a high fence, but bury the wire at the base of the fence because they are likely to dig their way out and go off hunting.

Life Expectancy About 12-15 years.

Grooming 

The coat sheds heavily twice a year. During that time they need to be brushed and combed daily.

Origin 

Siberian Huskies were used for centuries by the Chukchi Tribe, off the eastern Siberian peninsula to pull sleds, herd reindeer and as a watch dog. They were perfect working dogs for the harsh Siberian conditions: hardy, able to integrate into small packs, and quite happy to work for hours on end. The dogs have great stamina and are light weight. Native to Siberia, the Husky was brought to Alaska by fur traders in Malamute for arctic races because of their great speed. In 1908 Siberian Huskies were used for the first All-Alaskan Sweepstakes, an event where mushers take their dogs on a 408 mile long dogsled race. The dogs gained popularity in 1925 when there was a diphtheria epidemic in Nome, Alaska. Siberian Huskies were used to bring in the much needed medicine to the people. In the late early to mid 1900s Admiral Byrd used the dogs in his Antarctic Expeditions. During World War II the dogs served on the Army’s Arctic Search and Rescue Unit. The Siberian Huskies talents are sledding, carting and racing. The Siberian Husky was recognized by the AKC in 1930.

Ten Dog Illness Symptoms that Require Emergency Care

Dogs Dog illness symptoms can vary from mild to severe. Many symptoms may mean illness but not an acute emergency. But other symptoms such as loss of consciousness, seizures, difficulty breathing, high or low temperature, as well as several others can be an indication that your dog needs emergency veterinary assistance. If you notice any of the following signs or think you may be observing them, seek veterinary assistance immediately.

1. Loss of Consciousness

A change in consciousness can manifest as sudden collapse, tremors, staggering, sudden withdrawal or lack of responsiveness, coma, convulsions or sudden blindness. A dog may also exhibit a chronic tilting of the head or biting at imaginary objects.

2. Seizures

You can identify a seizure in several ways. The dog's entire body will likely shake or tremor for several seconds. Then the dog will be unresponsive for a few seconds or up to a minute. You may see the whites of the eyes.

3. Difficulty Breathing

If a dog is struggling to breathe, you may notice him gasping for breath or breathing in a labored manner. You might also notice noisy respiration, and the dog's tongue may become blue. It may also appear swollen.

4. Change in Temperature

A dog's temperature should be around 100.5 to 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit. If his temperature goes below 99 or above 104 degrees, something is seriously wrong. You need to take the dog's temperature if you see him panting, if he feels very cold or if he seems really lethargic.

5. Bleeding

If you cannot stop blood from any area of the dog's body, apply pressure with a clean piece of fabric and go to the emergency vet. Uncontrolled bleeding can cause loss of consciousness and death.

6. Signs of Acute Pain

If a dog won't stop whining or yelping, he's trying to tell you something is wrong. If the usual problem solvers don't work, seek veterinary attention.

7. Extreme Energy Changes

If a dog becomes extremely lethargic all of a sudden, it's a sign of a possible serious and systemic problem. Extreme lethargy manifests as a dog who won't come out of his crate or won't move a muscle when called or enticed with food or a favorite toy.

8. Symptoms that Do Not Alleviate

The following symptoms should not last for more than 2 to 3 days. These include vomiting, diarrhea, excessive salivation, poor appetite, constipation, wheezing, or dully, dry and flaky hair and skin. Lameness, weakness, and major changes in urination are also symptoms that should change in a few days.

9. Abdominal Bloating

A bloated or abnormally distended abdomen is an acutely serious issue. If your dog seems to be having abdominal pain (i.e. winces or whimpers when touched there), but he isn't vomiting, this is a sign of potential poisoning or an acute kidney problem.

10. Other Times to Call the Vet Immediately

After any accident, fall, or dog fight, a vet should check for trauma, injury, or shock. If you suspect that a dog has ingested poison or any sharp object, don't wait for symptoms to appear. It's better to be safe than sorry.

Plan For Your Dog’s Pregnancy

On average, female dogs take about 62 days to gestate after being bred. Any time frame between 54-72 days is normal though. You have a long road ahead of you, so make sure you’re ready for this exciting journey.

The First Month

During the beginning stages of pregnancy there is not much for you to worry about!

Feed your dog her regular diet for the first month. IMPORTANT NOTE: Do not give your dog vitamins during this time. If your dog takes supplements during her pregnancy she may have problems extracting calcium from her bones after she gives birth. This will make her more susceptible to hypocalcemia. Hypocalcemia is the presence of low serum calcium levels in the blood and can result in muscular weakness and even seizures.

The Second Month

Start feeding your expecting mother a high-quality puppy food. Puppy food will provide her with the extra calories that she needs without providing excess supplementation.

About a week before her due date, you should start taking her temperature each day. If you don’t know how to take your dog’s temperature you should ask your vet to show you the correct procedure. The normal rectal temperature for dogs ranges from 100 to 102.5F.

About 24 hours prior to giving birth, your dog’s rectal temperature will drop a few degrees.

One to Two Weeks Before Delivery

You should start getting your supplies together! You’ll need to construct a “whelping station.” This should be an area where your new mom will deliver. She should be able to get in and out without letting her pups loose. Make sure you put the box in a quiet place that your dog feels comfortable.

Supplies you’ll need:

• Plenty of clean towels
• Sharp scissors (to cut the cords)
• Dental floss (for tying off the cords)
• Povidone iodine (for disinfecting the cord ends)

The Birthing Process

Be ready to get your hands dirty because whelping is messy!

The 3 Stages of Labor:

#1- Cervix is Dilating, Dog Experiences Some Uterine Contractions (this stage often goes unnoticed)

This stage lasts about 6-12 hours and your dog may experience some shivering, restlessness, panting, vomiting, and unwillingness to eat during this stage. If you notice this happening, you should encourage your dog to go to the whelping area.

#2- Active Labor

If your dog has more than one puppy, she will alternate between stages 2 and 3 in-between births. Dogs usually rest for about an hour in-between puppies.

It takes about 10-20 minutes to deliver the first puppy. If your dog is actively straining for more than an hour, you should call the vet because your dog is going to need some professional help getting those babies out.

Puppies are born either head first of breech (rear first). Both are normal and you should not be alarmed if you see a breech puppy.

Some dogs squat to have puppies and some lie down. Some dogs grunt and some will scream, just be flexible

on what your dog may need. Every dog is different!

Puppies are born with their amniotic sac intact. If the mom doesn’t attend to her pups within the first 2 minutes, you’ll need to intervene.

The membrane must be ruptured so the puppy can breathe. Use a child nasal aspirator to clear the fluid from the puppy’s mouth and rub near the umbilicus with a towel to stimulate respiration.

Then, take a piece of dental floss and tie off the cord about an inch from the puppy’s body. Take the scissors and cut it off, take the end of the cord and dip it in the povidone iodine to disinfect it.

If the mother wants to do all this herself− by no means should you stop her. Some dogs chew off their puppy’s cord themselves− there’s nothing wrong with this. Don’t let the mother eat the placenta though. Take it away from her, and she’ll never know the difference.

#3- Placenta Expulsion

Generally placenta expulsion occurs within 15 minutes from the time each puppy is delivered. Every puppy will have one placenta. You should count the numbers of placentas expelled to make sure that none of them are retained inside the mother.

The Puppies Are Here− What Now!

Make sure all the puppies get a chance to have their first meal. The first milk is rich with protective

antibodies that really help them to start off on the right foot. Mom is also going to need a light meal and potty break.

You should call your vet to let him know the results of the event. Your vet may suggest that you bring everyone in for a checkup to make sure everything is returning to normal!

For about 6-8 weeks, mom will be producing a reddish brown to bright green odorless discharge called lochia. No worries, this is normal and you should not be concerned about it. However, if your dog has a bright red bloody discharge, you should call your veterinarian right away.

Continue to take your dog’s temperature and inspect the mammary glands daily so that any uterine or mammary infection can be caught and treated early.

Your dog will need extra food now that she’s a momma and she’s lactating. She will need 3-4 times more food. Also, make sure the puppies are eating a high quality puppy food.

You can start supplementing the mother’s diet with calcium. You can get this from your vet or give her cottage cheese.

Also, make sure your dog has access to plenty of water, but not in the “whelping station,” you don’t want one of the puppies to drown.

Have fun with your new puppies- you certainly have your work cut out for you!

How To Tell If A Dog Is Pregnant

When talking about canine pregnancy there is an awful lot of material to consider and so I will be splitting the topic between three hubs. This hub is going to talk about how to tell if your dog is pregnant and what veterinary procedures can be undertaken to be certain that a dog is carrying a litter.

Whilst it is advisable for a dog to be neutered, not all owners will want to put their dog through this process and may actually want their bitch to have a litter of puppies. In some cases a female dog may escape and mate before she has been altered. No matter how a dog has come to be pregnant it is up to the owner to ensure that they look after their dog, helping to nurse them through the pregnancy.

A pregnancy usually lasts for between 60 to 65 days and there are quite a few signs that can indicate that a female dog is pregnant. However, most of them do not become apparent until well into the pregnancy. The first thing that may be noticeable is the discharge of mucus from the vulvar; this usually happens around a month after the dog has mated and so if spotted by an owner can be a good indication of when a bitch was impregnated. Between 25 to 30 days after the mating has taken place a dog’s teat will become pinker, erect and easier to see as the blood supply to the nipples will have become increased. A weight change is of course inevitable and a pregnant dog will start to get heavier from around the 35-day-mark onwards; some dogs can increase to up to 50% over their normal weight.

There a few changes that will occur from around day 40 of the pregnancy. One such change is the enlargement of the abdomen which whilst thought to be a common sign, is not always shown with a bitch that is pregnant/carrying a litter for the first time; a dog carrying a second or third litter will ‘show’ a lot more. Another sign that occurs around the 40-day-mark is the enlargement of the bitch’s mammary glands, with some female dogs’ glands leaking quite heavily around this time.

Behavioural changes may also start to take place with some female dogs becoming lethargic, depressed or losing their appetite. Whilst this can be due to the pregnancy it can also be an indication of a problem with the pregnancy and so a vet should be contacted immediately. If there are no complications then a dog’s appetite will actually increase towards the second half of the pregnancy. As the delivery date gets closer the pregnant dog will start to show her nesting instincts by scratching at the floor, particularly in her bed, and displaying restlessness behaviour.

On average it will take about a month for an owner to realise that their dog is pregnant. As well as looking out for the signs of pregnancy by themselves, the owner should take their dog to the vets where confirmation of the pregnancy can be obtained. A common procedure to detect puppies in the womb is an ultrasound that detects foetal heartbeats; this can be used after a bitch has been pregnant for 20 days or more. Another way a vet may want to check will be by feeling the abdomen after around 30 days. This can be quite uncomfortable for a pregnant dog and so ultrasounds are usually a less invasive way to check for puppies. After a dog has been pregnant for 25 days, a vet will be able to run an endocrine test to detect relaxin, a hormone that is only produced by pregnant dogs.

The next hub I will be writing will take a look at what to do when your dog goes into labour and actually gives birth. This can be a worrying time for any pet owner but there a few things that can be done to help the process which I will highlight and take a look into. In addition to writing on HubPages I also write for Animal Friends Insurance, an ethical company that offers cheap dog insurance.

Treatment and Prognosis for Abortion in Dogs

Introduction

Treating Abortion in Dogs: Veterinarian reviewed information on the treatment options for Abortion in dogs. Treatment options for Abortion may vary from dog to dog, so a veterinarian is always the best resource to decide how to treat Abortion in dogs.

Goals of Treating Abortion

There is really no way to “treat” an abortion, because once it has happened, it is over and done with. When a bitch aborts her litter, it usually is sudden, spontaneous and irreversible. Unfortunately, owners usually don’t even know that an abortion has happened, especially when it occurs early in a pregnancy, because the mother typically will lick and ingest the expelled placental and fetal tissues as part of her normal grooming behavior. The only realistic goal of treating abortions is to determine why the prospective mother lost her litter, and to take steps to prevent her from having abortions in the future, assuming that she is found to be otherwise healthy and useful in a well-managed breeding program.

Treatment Options

The normal gestation period for dogs is 63 days, and most bitches conceive several days after they ovulate. This is a pretty short period of time, especially when you consider the number of puppies that can be conceived, develop and become viable during that short, two-month window. As mentioned above, there is no real way to “treat” an abortion. Abortions usually either go undetected or are identified only after the fact. The best we that can be done is to try to prevent abortions from happening in the first place.

Many breeders conduct periodic abdominal ultrasounds after about 25 days of gestation to confirm whether their bitch is pregnant, and thereafter to monitor the viability of the puppies. Blood samples can also be taken and evaluated to assess the level of circulating progesterone. A bitch must have adequate levels of progesterone in her blood to sustain a pregnancy. If the dam’s serum progesterone level is too low, progesterone supplements can be given to help maintain her pregnancy to term. However, progesterone supplementation must be stopped for the birth process, called “parturition,” to occur. There can be some potentially adverse side effects from supplementing progesterone during pregnancy, however. For example, administering progesterone before fetal sexual differentiation has occurred can contribute to abnormal masculinization of female puppies.

Once an abortion has occurred, the bitch may require supportive care, including administration of intravenous fluids to reestablish normal hydration. She may also need a course of antibiotics, especially if she has a fever or if a bacterial infection is suspected. She should be monitored for signs of mammary gland inflammation or infection and for evidence of a uterine infection. She may become lethargic and depressed, and will need extra special attention from her owner.

Prognosis

Once a bitch aborts one or more of her puppies, the prognosis is poor for saving the other puppies in that litter. Fortunately, unless the abortion was caused by Brucella canis or canine herpesvirus, the dam usually will still be able to successfully conceive and whelp other litters in the future. Bitches that develop Brucellosis have a guarded chance of having successful live litters. Brucella canis is extremely difficult to eliminate once the bacteria have established their colonies in the dog’s reproductive tract. If the bitch develops a uterine infection (pyometra), she will be predisposed to having recurring uterine infections during subsequent heat cycles, which can also make it more difficult for her to carry a litter to term.

Symptoms & Signs of Abortion in Dogs

Introduction

Identifying the symptoms and signs of Abortion in dogs is the first step to knowing if your dog requires medical attention. Diseases and symptoms can vary, so it’s always best to consult your veterinarian if you notice any of the following symptoms.

Effects of Abortion – From The Dog’s Point of View

Abortions are not all that common in companion dogs. When they do happen, abortions usually occur during the last few weeks of the bitch’s pregnancy, although they certainly can occur earlier. Fastidious bitches may actually eat any placental or fetal tissues that they expel as part of their normal hygienic activities, especially if the abortion happens early in their pregnancy when those tissues are undifferentiated. This can make early abortions extremely difficult for owners to detect. Bitches understandably may become lethargic and depressed after aborting their puppies. They will need lots of extra time, attention and love from their owners to get them through this traumatic experience.

Symptoms of Abortion – What The Owner Sees

The signs of abortion can be difficult for even the most attentive of owners to detect. Usually, there is nothing obvious in the house or yard to suggest that an abortion has happened. Bitches often lick and swallow the aborted placental and fetal tissues as part of their normal grooming, especially when the abortion occurs early in their pregnancy. A more common reproductive abnormality in domestic dogs is reabsorption of puppies, where the bitch’s body actually absorbs the fetal and placental tissue, leaving no sign that puppies ever were present. Reabsorption can happen even after a pregnancy has been confirmed by an abdominal ultrasound and/or by radiography (X-rays). When puppies are reabsorbed, they literally just disappear. No fetuses or fetal or placental tissues are ever expelled through the birth canal.

Sometimes, owners do see signs of an abortion that has happened to their pregnant bitch. Recognizable signs of abortion may include one or more of the following:

• Failure to whelp on time (the average gestation period in dogs is 63 days, although puppies can be born 5 or more days before or after that period)
• Vaginal discharge – usually profuse with an abortion; dark greenish to black; thick; purulent (containing pus); sometimes may be thin and bloody
• Strong foul odor coming from the vulva
• Loss of appetite (inappetence; anorexia)
• Weight loss
• Fever
• Abdominal pain
• Restlessness; listlessness; general malaise
• Depression
• Dehydration
• Delivery of lifeless puppies
• Passage of dark, bloody placental and/or fetal tissue
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Behavioral changes
• Dogs at Increased Risk

Malnourished females have a greatly increased risk of aborting their puppies, as do elderly bitches and those that have some sort of systemic illness or disease. Pregnant females with internal or external parasitic infestations also have an increased chance of aborting their litters.

Special NotesWhile abortions are relatively rare in domestic dogs, they can go unnoticed by even the most attentive of owners. However, the bitch will still suffer the emotional and physical consequences of what she has gone through and will need lots of love and attention to restore her confidence and happiness in life.

Causes and Prevention of Abortion in Dogs

Introduction

Causes & Prevention of Abortion in Dogs: Veterinarian reviewed information that explains the causes of Abortion in dogs, including how they may be prevented.

Causes of Canine Abortion

There are a number of different things that can cause a pregnant bitch to abort one or more of her puppies. These include excessive inbreeding, congenital abnormalities, poor nutrition, endocrine disorders such as hypothyroidism, hyperadrenocorticism also known as Cushing’s Disease; ingestion of toxic substances, exposure to certain pharmaceutical agents such as chloramphenicol, administration of high doses of glucocorticoids (steroids), systemic illness accompanied by a high fever, abnormal ovarian function, cystic endometrial hyperplasia, pyometra, trauma, lethal chromosomal abnormalities, stress, old age and bacterial, viral or fungal infections.

One of the most common causes of still-births in dogs is Brucellosis, which is an infection caused by theBrucella canis bacteria. Other infectious agents that can cause abortions in dogs include Listeria monocytogenesEscherichia coli, Campylobacter, Salmonella, Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, Chlamydia, canine herpesvirus, Neospora caninum, Mycoplasma, Pasteurella, Klebsiella, Pseudomonas, canine Distemper virus, Parvovirus and Toxoplasma gondii. Abortion can also be caused by immune-mediated hemolytic anemia and by a number of neoplastic (cancerous) conditions.

Bitches who abort on successive pregnancies should be examined by a veterinarian for uterine infection or progesterone deficiency. A progesterone deficiency, called “hypoluteoidism,” happens when the ovaries don’t secrete enough progesterone to support attachment of the embryo to the uterine wall. If the bitch’s owner finds any fetal or placental tissue after an abortion, she should take it to her veterinarian, so that it can be evaluated by a pathology laboratory to help identify the cause of the aborted litter.

Preventing Canine Abortions

Sound management practices, including providing superior nutrition, regular vaccinations, internal and external parasite control and pristine environmental hygiene, are all important to a successful pregnancy. Once a bitch begins aborting her fetuses, it is very difficult to save the litter. However, if the dam’s serum progesterone levels are low and caught early enough, progesterone supplements can be given in an attempt to sustain the pregnancy to term. Progesterone supplementation probably is a good idea for bitches with a history of early-term abortions. Progesterone levels must be rigorously monitored throughout the entire pregnancy. Pregnant bitches should have limited contact with dogs other than those in their immediate family, and should be kept away from dog parks, dog shows and other areas frequented by dogs whose vaccination and health status is unknown.

Special Notes

Many intact bitches go through a pseudo-pregnancy, which is also called a false pregnancy. It can be difficult even for experienced breeders to differentiate between a false pregnancy and a true pregnancy, especially during the first month of gestation. Bitches going through a false pregnancy often have mammary gland enlargement and may produce milk. They also may dig and nest, much like pregnant bitches will do shortly before they give birth. When an owner has carefully planned a breeding and has conscientiously cared for her bitch during the subsequent two months, it is extremely disappointing to find out that the dog is not actually pregnant. Sometimes, nature just fools us.

ABOUT THE DOG

The dog is one of the most popular pets in the world. It ordinarily remains loyal to a considerate master, and because of this the dog has been called man's best friend. Class distinctions between people have no part in a dog's life. It can be a faithful companion to either rich or poor.

Dogs have been domesticated for most of human history and have thus endeared themselves to many over the years. Stories have been told about brave dogs that served admirably in war or that risked their lives to save persons in danger. When Pompeii--the Roman community destroyed by Mount Vesuvius in AD 79--was finally excavated, searchers found evidence of a dog lying across a child, apparently trying to protect the youngster. Perhaps few of the millions of dogs in the world may be so heroic, but they are still a source of genuine delight to their owners.

A dog fits easily into family life. It thrives on praise and affection. When a master tells a dog that it is good, the animal happily wags its tail. But when a master scolds a dog, it skulks away with a sheepish look and with its tail tucked between its legs.

People in the city as well as those in other areas can enjoy a dog. Medium-size or small dogs are best suited for the confines of the city. Large dogs need considerable exercise over a large area.

Dogs are not always well thought of, however. In recent years dogs in the city have been in the center of controversy. Some people have criticized dog owners for allowing their pets to soil sidewalks and lawns, although in some cities laws oblige owners to walk their dogs along street curbs. In turn, dog owners have argued that the animals serve as protection against vandals and burglars and thus protect their detractors as well as their owners.

When a person decides to own a dog, he should be prepared to care for it properly. For a dog to stay healthy it must be correctly fed and adequately groomed, and its medical needs must be met. For a dog to be well-mannered it must be properly trained. It should never be ill-treated or mishandled. Otherwise, it will bite in its own defense.

The wild ancestors of all dogs were hunters. Wolves and other wild relatives of the dog still hunt in packs for their food. Dogs have retained the urge to be with the pack. This is why they do not like to be left alone for long. Some breeds of dogs still retain the hunting instinct.

Dogs exist in a wide range of sizes, colors, and temperaments. Some, such as the Doberman pinscher and the German shepherd, serve as alert and aggressive watchdogs. Others, such as the beagle and the cocker spaniel, are playful family pets, even though they were bred for hunting. Still others, such as the collie and the Welsh corgi, can herd farm or range animals. Each of the dogs just mentioned is a purebred. A mongrel dog, however--one with many breeds in its background--can just as easily fit into family life.

Dogs have been with humans since prehistoric times. Over the years they have performed various services. They have pulled sleds over snowy tracts. They have delivered messages, herded sheep and cattle, and even rescued persons trapped in the snow. Dogs have served as a source of food, too. The ancient Romans are said to have prized certain kinds of dog stew. The Aztecs of ancient Mexico raised tiny dogs, thought to be the forebears of the chihuahua, to feed the large carnivores in the private zoos of the Aztec rulers. In the past dogs have even been worshiped as gods. Recently, they have been used in drug research, medical experimentation, and space science. Soviet scientists launched dogs into space to test the ability of mammals to survive the rigors of space travel before people were sent up.

Dogs are trained as guard dogs in peacetime by the United States Army and other military services. Because of their keen sense of smell, dogs are used by police at times to track down escaped prisoners. Law enforcement agencies also rely on the dog's acute sense of smell to uncover illegal drugs. And specially trained dogs serve as the "eyes" of the blind, guiding the steps of their sightless masters around obstacles and hazards.