Library
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Muscle tears are direct or indirect traumatic injuries that cause damage to muscle tissue. The most common cause is an indirect injury, or strain, caused by overstretching during athletic activities. This handout discusses these injuries, the clinical signs, diagnostic testing, therapy, and expected prognosis.
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Muscular dystrophy is an inherited disease that affects muscles. Signs of muscular dystrophy are typically seen early in life (at one to three months of age) and they progress as the dog ages. This handout discusses the signs, diagnosis, and treatment of muscular dystrophy in dogs.
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Myasthenia gravis is a disease in which there is a malfunction in the transmission of signals between the nerves and muscles. Dogs with myasthenia gravis exhibit extreme weakness and excessive fatigue. There are two forms: inherited and acquired. Anti-acetylcholinesterase medication and immunosuppressive therapy will likely be required for the life of the dog.
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A narcoleptic episode involves sudden collapse and loss of movement in which the pet literally falls asleep, often while physically active, then wakes up abruptly and proceeds as if nothing happened. Although you may not be able to stop the episodes, you may be able to reduce the frequency and severity of events by identifying possible patterns that precipitate the incidents.
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Polyps are benign fleshy growths that originate from the cells lining a cat's nasal passages, leading to a variety of clinical signs such as sneezing, difficulty breathing, and recurrent ear infections. The various diagnostic tools and treatment approaches are explained in this handout.
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Nasopharyngeal polyps are benign idiopathic masses originating from the middle ear that extend either down the eustachian tube or into the external ear. They can cause stertor, nasal discharge, otitis, otic discharge and head tilt. Diagnosis may involve visualization through otoscopic exam or behind the soft palate, but usually needs radiographic evidence or more advanced imaging such as CT or MRI. Treatment involves debulking the mass through traction which has a high rate of recurrence, or more advanced surgery into the bulla to remove the source of the polyp.
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Gastrinomas and intestinal carcinoids are neuroendocrine tumors that occur in the pancreas and upper intestine (gastrinomas) and in the intestines (intestinal carcinoids). Generally, neuroendocrine tumors are rare in dogs and cats. This handout outlines their signs, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis.
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Insulinomas and glucagonomas are neuroendocrine tumors that occur in the pancreas, and can affect blood sugar levels. Generally, neuroendocrine tumors are rare in dogs and cats. This handout outlines their signs, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis.
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Medullary thyroid carcinomas and pheochromocytomas are neuroendocrine tumors that occur in the thyroid gland and the adrenal gland, respectively. Generally, neuroendocrine tumors are rare in dogs and cats. This handout outlines their signs, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis.
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Small cell lung carcinomas (SCLC) are a rare type of lung cancer. The prognosis for small cell lung carcinoma is generally poor, as it is highly aggressive. This handout outlines their signs, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis.
