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Addison’s disease |
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or hypoadrenalcorticism is an endocrine disorder where either the pituitary gland fails to produce enough of a hormone (ACTH) that stimulates the adrenal gland to produce corticosteroids or the adrenal gland itself is damaged. Symptoms of Addison's disease are vague and may be characterized by weakness, weight loss, anorexia, and fatigue. Altered levels of sodium and potassium in the blood may indicate Addison's disease. A definitive diagnosis is made by performing a ACTH stimulation or reponse test. Once diagnosed, a pet will need medications for his/her entire life to replace the missing hormones. |
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Allergy |
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is an immunological hypersensitivity to certain foreign antigens. Unlike humans, our pets tend not to sneeze in response to allergens, but instead become itchy or pruritic. |
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Alopecia |
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refers to a loss of hair. Unlike humans, baldness is infrequently seen in our companion animals. Usually hair loss is associated with a condition, such as mange, Cushing's Disease, Flea Allergy, etc. |
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Ataxia |
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is a lack of coordinated movement and often appears as wobbly or "drunken" gait. It is often a symptom of neurological disease. |
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Atopy |
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is an allergic hypersensitivity affecting a part of the body not in direct contact with the allergen. In cats and dogs, atopy is the equivalent of human hay fever. Dogs with atopy tend to be very itchy or pruritic. Atopy may be treated by removing the offending allergen, as in a particular food, allergy shots to reduce sensitivity to the allergen, or medications that suppress the allergic response. |
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Brachycephalic breeds |
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are dogs with broadened heads with pushed-in faces such as the Bulldog, Shih tzu, Pug, Pekinese, and Boston Terrier. These animals have a compliment of respiratory complications consisting of narrowed or stenotic nasal passages or nares, elongated soft palate, and tracheal stenosis. They must work harder to breath and are more susceptible to heat stress. |
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