The larynx is a little structure made of cartilage that sits in the throat and opens into the trachea, or windpipe. When the animal breathes in, the cartilages that make up the larynx are pulled apart to allow air to flow through. When the animal swallows, the larynx closes up to force food into the esophagus rather than into the airways. Laryngeal Paralysis in dogs is a condition whereby due to dysfunction of the nerve or muscles that control the larynx, the laryngeal cartilages are not pulled apart when the animal breathes. Continue reading »
Dixie, 3-year old Jack Russel, is just waiting to play!
Special thanks to Raymond J. Ellis for sharing this delightful picture with our subscribers!
To submit a photo for our next issue’s contest, email petoftheweek@petassure.com. Please be sure to include your and your pet’s name.
Apr 272012
Remember back in the day when the family pet was fed leftovers from the family dinner? Whether it was a chicken carcass or leftover lamb roast, the four-legged member of the family was considered a garbage disposal of sorts. Well, we have since learned that some of these table scraps can make out pets very sick. Cooked bones, for example are a bad idea when it comes to our pets. While raw bones for dogs helps maintain dental health, when you cook bones, they become softer and can cause havoc in the gastrointestinal tract. Continue reading »
Apr 232012
Dogs and the art of shedding. Bikinis are “in”, winter coats are “out”. The pollen has stopped falling, so now it is time for the dog shedding! While this can be a very annoying time of year, it is a great relief to your pet. A heavy winter coat can lead to overheating, which can then cause a heatstroke. So while you may be irritated to be brushing away what seems like endless amounts of fur (I have a Labrador Retriever…trust me, I know), it will all be worthwhile for a happy and cool pooch this summer! Below are some tips for brushing your pet, and how to not get so annoyed with the process of shedding. Continue reading »
Apr 222012
While there are many beautiful pure-bred puppies and kittens to choose from, there are also hundreds of lovable rescue pets looking for a good home. Continue reading »
Apr 202012
The “Crop” Effect: Some breeds of dog are known for having their ears cropped, but is that what you want for your pet? Continue reading »
Apr 192012
I’ve noticed my dog eating grass. Is he trying to calm his upset stomach, or is this a myth? Continue reading »
Guest Post: Elliot Harvey’s Natural Health Column:
Spring- the rebirth of long dormant vibrant colors, the aromatic smell of flowers, the call of the blue jay, lush vegetables on the vine, fruiting trees. It is a time when nature pours forth all of her glory and beauty. It is also the dawn of a new season—flea season. Continue reading »
Apr 172012
The trachea, or windpipe, is made up of several cartilage rings joined together by ligaments. Tracheal Collapse, or Dynamic Airway Disease, is a condition whereby weakening of the cartilage rings causes collapse of the trachea and a dynamic reduction of the tracheal diameter. The narrowing of the trachea means that airflow, and therefore breathing, becomes more difficult in affected dogs. A collpased trachea in dogs occurs mostly in middle-aged to older small and toy breed dogs.
Symptoms of a collapsed trachea in dogs include a chronic dry cough which is made worse by excitement, stress, heat and exercise, especially when on a collar and leash. Difficulty breathing in dogs in these situations may also be noted. In more severe cases, collapse may occur. Respiratory infections can occur secondary to tracheal collapse, and in these cases, the cough will be productive and the pet may be unwell.
Diagnosis of the disease can be done using x-rays or bronchoscopy, which involves using a tiny camera to visualize the airways with the pet under anaesthetic. There are 4 grades of the disease, with grade 4 being the most severe, and bronchoscopy can be used to establish the severity in each case.
In milder cases, any secondary infection should be treated, a harness should be used instead of a collar, and any stressful situations or overheating should be minimized. Lifestyle changes, such as walking the pet only during the cooler part of the day using a harness should be instituted. If the affected dog is overweight, weight loss is very important to improving its breathing. In very severe cases, surgery may be an option, and this is an area of veterinary surgery that is currently being developed.
Did your dog ever experience difficulty breathing? Was the diagnosis a tracheal collapse or something else? Tell us about it in the comments!
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Zyphie (pronounced ZEFF-IE) is celebrating her first birthday with a special bone!
Special thanks to Sherry Zoellner for sharing this delightful picture with our subscribers!
To submit a photo for our next issue’s contest, email petoftheweek@petassure.com. Please be sure to include your and your pet’s name!
