Most Common Eye Diseases Of Dogs

Eye diseases of dogs are oftentimes genetic,however others are the natural result of aging.Eye is an important part of any pet animal as like as dog. Many eye problems are associated to the loose skin of the face, which happens in mixed breeds and purebreds alike. Traumatic eye diseases are sometimes caused by hereditary characteristics, although they might not always be related to genetics.

Eye Diseases Of Dogs -The 8 Most Common Types:

Progressive Retinal Atrophy:
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) is a serious hereditary eye disease caused by the deterioration of retinal cells, resulting in the dog not being able to see stationary objects. It causes vision impairment by about five years of age. Purebred breeding stock should be tested for this disease. Ask your veterinarian about the various certifying agencies such as CERF. Some affected dogs are treated, however cure is unlikely. A dog affected with PRA can lose his vision, but blindness isn't fatal. If the vision decreases slowly, the dog can adapt and live a normal life as a pet.

Entropion:
A dog may inherit a predisposition for this condition, which may cause symptoms at any age. It's not a serious threat to the life of the dog, but if it's determined to be hereditary, affected dogs should not be bred. Entropion is caused by excess skin around the dog's eyes, which causes the lids of the dog's eyes (upper or lower) to roll inward. With the rolling skin, the hair of the eyelids rubs on the dog's cornea, causing severe irritation. Secondary conjunctivitis generally accompanies entropion, and the dog often squints in discomfort. This condition is easily fixed by a comparatively simple surgical procedure.

Ectropion:
Ectropion is another surgically correctable eyelid problem. If too much loose facial skin causes the eyelids to sag excessively, the exposed conjunctiva is subject to infection. Predisposition for this condition is sometimes inherited, but may occur in mixed breeds.

Corneal Scratches and Ulcers:
These are usually traumatic in nature, though in some breeds ulcers can occur spontaneously and are considered to be genetically transmitted. Simple dust irritation or foreign bodies such as grass seeds that are picked up under the eyelids often cause dogs to scratch and rub at their eyes. Toenails can cause corneal scratches as well. Prompt diagnosis and treatment is needful. If unattended, the dog's constant scratching could cause the cornea to tear, and loss of sight ensues, sometimes followed by a loss of the eye. Whenever the dog squints, rubs his eyes, holds it closed, and it looks reddened and inflamed, rush him to your veterinarian.

Cherry Eye:
The nictitating membrane, also called the third eyelid, usually appears as a tiny pink structure located at the inside corner (nasal canthus) of the eye. If that membrane becomes irritated, it spreads out over the entire eye surface. If the gland located on the underneath side of the membrane becomes inflamed, it will swell and cause the whole third eyelid to turn wrong-side-out. This results in a horrible-appearing red mass, which, amazingly, doesn't appear to bother the dog in the least. Cherry eye is easily diagnosed, and if no cause is determined, can be treated either by surgical removal of the gland or occasionally by medication to combat the swelling and infection. A predisposition for cherry eye can be inherited.

Cataracts:
Normally a condition found in older dogs, cataracts may be hereditary. A cataract is an opacity within the lens, which lies directly behind the iris. Eventually causing blindness, this condition can't be treated medically. Cataract or lens removal is surgically possible. Surgery is expensive, and even when performed by specially qualified veterinary ophthalmologists, it could have complications.

Glaucoma:
This disease is often genetically transmitted. It results when the fluid pressure within the eyeball increases, causing significant discomfort and possible blindness. Glaucoma is diagnosed with special veterinary equipment and is treated both medically and surgically with fair success.

Pigmentary Keratitis (PK):
A condition caused by the invasion of blood vessels into the normally clear cornea, PK is usually genetically linked with certain breeds. German Shepherds are probably the breed in which this disease is encountered most frequently. Invading vessels transport pigment into the cornea and deposit it there, and if allowed to advance unchecked, PK will in time cause a physical blockage to vision. The invasion of blood vessels can usually be controlled by the application of medication into the eye, or by injecting steroids into the critical point between the cornea and sclera (white) of the eye.
For these reason we should care to protect the eye diseases of dogs.

Skin Diseases Of Dogs

Skin diseases of dogs is a great concern of the any owner. Some of the diseases may result from contact allergies while others can occur from immune disorders.Irrespective of the cause behind the problem, some symptoms are common like itching and scratching. Natural skin remedies developed for dogs can cure almost all types of skin issues. The natural products do not have any harmful effects, and heal dogs in a safe and natural way.

The general categories of skin diseases of dogs are:

Bacterial Skin Diseases:

Staphylococcus is the bacterium that causes skin disease in pet dogs. Although the disease is not infectious, the dog suffers from excessive itching. The disease occurs on a dog's trunk usually. However, it can occur on other parts of the dog's body also. The disease causes initial pustules, which look like small yellow spots on the skin. Later, these spots redden and ulcerate, causing discomfort for the dog. Even later, the ulcers form dry crusts and lead to excessive hair loss around the lesions.
Fugal Skin Diseases:

Fungal skin infections or ringworm usually occur in the form of round patches on the skin and lead to hair loss in the affected areas. Fungus lives in dead tissues such as nails and hair. The affected area center becomes crusty and dry and leads to itching. Although young dogs suffer from ringworm only in the parts like legs and head, if one does not treat the infection, it can spread in the entire body.

Allergic Contact Dermatitis:

Allergic Contact Dermatitis is the most common skin issue that dogs face. The disease is an allergic reaction, which occurs mostly in sensitive dogs, after minutes of contact with the allergen. The common allergens causing such condition in dogs are detergents, paints, chemicals and pollen. Inflamed skin and itchy, red lumps are the symptoms of contact allergies. Rashes can occur in places beyond the contact areas. Dogs that often come in contact with damp grass or hay may suffer from a damp hay itch.

Flea Allergy Dermatitis:

Dogs infected with fleas can suffer from excessive itching even after removal of the fleas. Flea allergy may lead to itchy, red lumps resembling pimples, on the tail base, inner thighs and back of the hind legs.Scabies:

In scabies, red spots resembling insect bites develop on the ear skin, tarsal joint of hind legs and elbows of a dog. It leads to extreme itching and crusty ears.

Besides the above conditions, skin allergies in dogs can also result from flies and external parasites. One can find the parasite that causes the itching by examining the visible symptoms. Dog owners should consult their veterinarian at the earliest if they find their dog to scratch, lick, or bite excessively. Most vets recommend natural remedies for dogs for treating skin allergies and other skin conditions. The natural products are extremely effective and can heal almost all types of skin problems quickly.

Sneha Ku Mehta is a renowned author who provides valuable advice on pet care.  He recommends natural skin remedies made for dogs to cure various skin diseases that dogs commonly suffer from.

Four Common Skin diseases of dogs:

Hot Spots

Hot spots are areas of skin that have become inflamed. These areas are usually infected also, and the infection can only be superficial in the skin or deep. Symptoms include oozing, redness, and hair loss in the area. Hot spots are usually caused by fleas, mites, injury, or insect bites. Treatment options include topical medications, special shampoos, or oral antibiotics. You should also clean the area daily and apply a cool compress at least twice a day.

Cheyletiella

One of the next common canine skin diseases is Cheyletiella. Cheyletiella are mites that infest your dog and cause skin problems. Although there are three common species of these mites, the one that usually affects dogs is Cheyletiella yasguri. These mites can also transfer from your dog onto you. This usually results in an itchy rash.

If these mites infest your dog, you will notice redness, swelling spots, crusts, and itching. The most noticeable symptom is the so-called "walking dandruff". If the infestation is advanced enough, you can notice the white mites walking along your dog's skin. Cheyletiella is treated using shampoos containing pyrethrin, lime sulfur, or selenium sulphide. You should also treat the environment so your dog doesn't get reinfected. Use a vacuum throughout your home and a flea control spray.

Mange

Sarcoptic mange is one of the next dog skin problems. This disease is characterized by an infestation of Sarcoptes mites. These mites cause severe itching. This causes your dog to scratch himself badly enough to cause sores to develop. Diagnosis of this disease can be difficult as the mites can prove difficult to find. The veterinarian will have to take a skin scraping and examine it under a microscope. Once successfully diagnosed, special shampoos can be used to treat the condition.

Ringworm

Ringworm may be something you're already familiar with as it can infect humans. Ringworm can be caused by an infection from several species of fungus. An infection causes symptoms such as crusts, scale, and hair loss. Your dog may also experience mild itching. This fungal infection can be treated using oral medications or shampoo with lime sulfur.

These are some of the most common dog skin problems. As a dog owner, it's important that you learn about a variety of common dog diseases that can affect your precious pet. So, we should conscious about the skin diseases of dogs.