Posted on Monday, January 25, 2010 by Richard in 2b Health Issues Non-hereditary |

Non-Hereditary health Problems To Be Aware Of When Choosing Hunting dogs Part 2

A few weeks ago, I brought up a few non-hereditary health problems that you should be aware of.  These problems are not considered to be breed specific but can affect any breed of dog, regardless of predisposition, age, or health.  They can be caused for a number of reasons and are not linked to any genetic inheritance.

As I mentioned in part one of Non-Hereditary Health Problems in Hunting dogs, there are a number of health problems that are seen more commonly in gundog breeds than in other breeds.  This isn’t to say that they are genetic but it is a fact that some traits in gundogs, such as pendulous ears, can lead to problems.

It is important, like it is with hereditary health problems, to be aware of the problems that may arise with your gun dog and his health.

Sebaceous Cysts: Sebaceous cysts, also known as epidermal inclusion cysts, wens, epidermoid cysts and epidermal cysts are a very common occurrence in many dog breeds. A sebaceous cyst is a follicular cyst that is filled with an oily substance called sebum and is located on the dog’s skin.  There is no specific age when the dog can have a sebaceous cyst and usually there is no real affect on a dog since the cysts are generally free of pain and are benign.

Sebaceous cysts can range in size from very small kernels to large sized cysts that are roughly the same size as a walnut.  Many times the cysts can be left without any problems to the dog but occasionally they can burst and a thick, cheesy white mass will be expelled when they do.  Other times, vets will recommend a biopsy on the cyst or they will recommend that the cyst is surgically removed.

Acute Moist Dermatitis: Also known as hot spots, Acute Moist Dermatitis is a disease that can affect a number of dog breeds and it can be caused by a number of factors.  These factors can be ear infections, poor grooming, mites, burs, mites and allergies. They can also be caused by some medical problems such as hip dysplasia and anal gland disease.  Generally, dogs with dense undercoats or long hair are more commonly affected by hot spots, which can be found in various places on the dog but more commonly on the hip, chest and head.

When there is a case of acute moist dermatitis it is usually a circular lesion on the body that is very raw and is inflamed.  It can be very painful for the dog and usually the first symptom is the dog worrying at a site and biting, licking and scratching the area.  This causes more problems and can lead to more inflammation or pyotrumatic dermatitis, which is self-trauma through worrying a site.  Acute moist dermatitis can progress quickly and can go from a small inflamed area to a large diameter within the matter of a few hours and can result in hair loss in the affected spot.

Treatment of Acute moist dermatitis always begins by finding the factor that led to the skin inflammation. If they can find a cause, it is better to treat the underlying cause as well as the lesion.  Generally, it is treated by removing the hair around the lesion and then cleaning the skin of the dog and finally treating with desiccating powders.  If the dog has a severe case of acute moist dermatitis antibiotics, anti-inflammatories and pain killers may be given to the dog.

Periodontal Disease: Periodontal disease in dogs is caused by the build up of plaque on the teeth and leads to tartar that irritates the gums.  This can lead to gingivitis, which can be the main cause of your dog’s bad breath.  Unfortunately, tartar can lead to other problems and if it builds up under the gums, it will begin to form pockets between the gum and teeth that becomes the breeding ground for bacteria.  It is at this point where it has become poor dental hygiene and has moved into the realm of periodontal disease.

Periodontal disease can lead to a number of problems for the dog including loose teeth, bone loss in the jaw, infection or abscesses.  It can be very painful for the dog.  Symptoms of periodontal disease can be bad breath, gums that are inflamed, or bleed, loss of appetite, stomach upset,, purulent pus around teeth, sensitivity of the mouth, loose teeth, drooling and difficulty chewing.

Treatment of periodontal disease is different depending on how it affects the dog but it can be surgery, tooth extraction, and medications.  It is important to note that good dental health is important for dogs and periodontal disease can be avoided with proper care and with early treatment when signs of gingivitis are evident.

Panosteitis:  Panosteitis is a bone disease that is seen in many large breeds but has been seen in several types of hunting dogs, including the Golden Retriever and the Labrador Retriever. The cause of Panosteitis is still unknown and while it may be linked to genetics, it is still unclear enough that it is not categorized as an inherited disease in breeds.

Panosteitis affects young dogs between the ages of 6 to 18 months and it can last from 2 to 18 months, although 2 to 5 is most commonly seen.  It is characterized by a painful remodelling of the bone and is seen in the limbs of the dog.  Specifically it is found in the ulna, femur, tibia, radius, humerus, foot and pelvic bones.

Generally, the symptoms are an acute sudden lameness in one or more of the legs in a young dog.  This lameness is not associated with any trauma and it can last for 2 to 3 weeks at a time and may shift from each leg.  The dog usually has no inclination to exercise and may not want to walk.  Usually, the dog shows symptoms of being in pain and he may also have a fever, or elevated white blood cell count.

There is no known treatment for Panosteitis so the symptoms are usually treated and the dog may be prescribed pain relief and antibiotics. Prognosis for the dog is usually good and the bones usually return back to normal after 2 to 18 months.