You Make the Diagnosis: Dental Problem in a Dog

Dental problems are common in dogs and cats. Pictured below is the L side of the maxilla, upper jaw, of a dog. Study the image and then answer the following questions: 1) What is wrong with this dog’s mouth? 2) Is is painful? 3) What is the best treatment for the problem? DIAGNOSIS: Fractured incisor …

You Make The Diagnosis: Name This Dog Parasite Found On Skin

Last week I examined a dog for itching and wound up with a surprising diagnosis. This beautiful dog has a history of allergies which require constant treatment to keep her comfortable. I though she had another breakthrough of her allergies or maybe developed a secondary bacterial or fungal infection. This wasn’t the case at all. …

You Make The Diagnosis: Top 7 Health Problems in Beagles

Beagles are a wonderful breed of dog known for their unique personalities. They have a zest for life that never stops.  Their antics keep their human families in stitches. Maggie, pictured below, is the perfect example enjoying an afternoon on the boat. Beagles have a keen sense of smell and an immense joy for eating …

You Make The Diagnosis: Irregular Dermal Masses Found In Young Dogs

Pictured below is the mouth of a young dog who came into the clinic after her family found many growths in her mouth. The masses don’t seem to bother her although I have seen other dogs chew, rub or lick them. Besides the mouth, these kinds of growth may be found on the skin, genitals …

You Make The Diagnosis: Name This Fecal Parasite Found in Dogs

Pictured below is a worm that was found crawling on the fur around the anus of a dog. The owner also found more of the worms on the dog’s stool. Study the picture of this flat, off-white colored worm and then answer the following questions: 1) What is the name of this parasite? 2) How …

You Make The Diagnosis: Dental Fracture In Dogs

Pictured below is the right side of a dog’s mouth. During her annual exam, I noticed an abnormality on her upper fourth premolar called a slab fracture. Part of the enamel had fractured away from the rest of the tooth exposing the pulp cavity. The gingival tissue is still attached which holds it in place. With …

You Make The Diagnosis: Thickened Black Skin in Dogs

The pictures below are of the abdominal skin of a dog. The skin is black in color and thickened like an elephant’s skin. Although this dog developed it on the abdomen, it can also commonly occur around the anus, underarms and muzzle. Look closely at the pictures and then answer the following questions: What is …

You Make The Diagnosis: Common Borzoi Health Problems

The Borzoi breed of dogs came from Russia where they were used to hunt wolves. Borzoi have long thin bodies that are built for speed. I think of them as Greyhounds with long hair. They are part of the sighthound group which includes Afghan hounds, Basenji, Ibizan hound, Irish Wolfhound, Pharaoh hound, Saluki, Scottish Deerhound …

You Make The Diagnosis: Abnormal Bowel Function In Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Pictured below is an X-ray of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. The dog’s belly was distended and painful. This patient was also having problems walking.  The dog had been normal up until a few days ago. Study the film and then answer the following questions: 1) What is the gastrointestinal condition seen in this X-ray? …

You Make The Diagnosis: A Dog’s Teeth

Pictured below is the  X-ray of 3 year old, female Boxer taken during a dental evaluation. She sometimes bled from her gums, especially after chewing on hard objects. Her physical examination was normal except for one problem – she was missing two of her lower incisors. Incisors are the small teeth between the large fangs or canine teeth. Normally, …