Articles
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Contenido en español actualizado.
Translated from the original English article Pruritus: Itching and Scratching in Dogs -
Pruritus is the medical term for itching. Itching and scratching are commonly associated with flea allergy dermatitis (an allergy to flea bites) and other allergic skin diseases. Consult your veterinarian about what tests and treatments can help bring relief.
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Pulmonary hypertension is a condition in which the peak blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs is much higher than normal. There are many potential causes of pulmonary hypertension, which are outlined in this handout, along with signs, treatment, and prognosis.
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Pulmonary thromboembolism describes a condition in which a blood clot lodges in one of the pulmonary arteries, blocking blood flow into the portion of the lung served by that artery. The signs of pulmonary thromboembolism include sudden difficulty breathing, rapid breathing, decreased appetite, fainting, coughing, spitting up blood, weakness, exercise intolerance, and the inability to get comfortable. Sudden death is possible. This article discusses potential causes, treatment, and prognosis.
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Pyelonephritis is an upper urinary tract infection that involves the kidneys and ureters (the tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder). It is usually caused by a bacterial infection that moves up the urinary tract from the bladder to the kidneys. Signs, diagnosis, and treatment are discussed.
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Pyoderma is a bacterial skin infection that can affect all areas of the skin, including skin folds, often seen as red, pus-filled pustules. Treatment may require oral or topical medications and it is always a good idea to practice good hygiene. Pyoderma carries a good prognosis for recovery but recurring or chronic cases may require longer treatment and additional testing to determine an underlying cause.
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Pyometra is a serious and life-threatening bacterial infection in the uterus that must be treated quickly and aggressively. It develops due to normal hormonal changes after a female dog's heat cycle. The preferred treatment is to surgically remove the uterus and ovaries.
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Pyothorax is the presence of inflammatory fluid or pus within the chest cavity, usually caused by a bacterial infection. This handout outlines causes, signs, treatment, and prognosis.
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A recessed vulva, also called a juvenile or hypoplastic vulva, is an anatomical condition in which a female dog's vulva is partially hidden by surrounding skin folds. It is more common in medium to large breed dogs, especially if overweight. The prognosis for this condition depends on its severity and which treatment option is attempted.
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Cryptorchidism is the failure of one or both testicles to descend into the scrotum. Risks of retained testicles include testicular cancer, spermatic cord torsion, and the development of undesirable male characteristics, so neutering is strongly recommended.