The domestic dog (Canis familiaris) has been bred for different purposes and characteristics for thousands of years. The creation of modern dog breeds started around 200 years ago and was based on a few founders and breeding strategies such as strong selection for certain traits, popular sires and inbreeding/ backcrossing. This has led to the enrichment of disease mutations in different breeds. Dog owners should be aware of the fact that puppies are usually born with some immunity, which soon wanes. This is why vaccinations are necessary. Some diseases are hereditary and cannot be detected until a dog becomes at least 18 months of age.
Canine Idiopathic Thrombocytopenia
Overview Canine idiopathic thrombocytopenia (CIT), also called immune-mediated thrombocytopenia (ITP), is a type of hematologic disease characterized by...
Causes Of Sudden Death In Dogs
Veterinary practitioners and pathologists are sometimes asked to examine animals that have been found dead but were considered healthy by their owners...
Cerebellar Abiotrophy
Definition Abiotrophy literally means loss of vital nutritional substances. Cerebellar abiotrophy is a degenerative disorder of the central nervous...
Cervical Vertebral Malformation (Wobbler’s Syndrome)
What Is A Cervical Vertebral Malformation? The spinal column in vertebrate animals is the flexible column that is made of vertebrae and...
Cleft Palate
What Is Cleft Palate? A cleft palate is a birth deformity in which the palate (the roof of...
Color Dilution Alopecia
Overview Color dilution alopecia is a relatively uncommon hereditary skin disease seen in dogs with blue or fawn...
Congenital Hypotrichosis
What Is Congenital Hypotrichosis? Hypotrichosis, also called regional alopecia, is the presence of less than normal amount of hair....
Copper Associated Hepatitis
What Is Copper Associated Hepatitis? Copper is an essential trace element required by all living organisms. Even a...
Corneal Dystrophy
What Is Corneal Dystrophy? Dystrophy is any disorder due to defective or faulty nutrition. Corneal dystrophy is an...
Cryptorchidism
What Is Cryptorchidism? Cryptorchidism occurs when one or both testicles do not descend into the scrotum; both are...
Cushing’s Disease (Hyperadrenocorticism)
What Is Hyperadrenocorticism? Cushing's disease (hyperadrenocorticism) may be the most frequent endocrine disease in adult to aged dogs...
Cutaneous Asthenia (Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome)
Overview Cutaneous Asthenia is an inherited skin disorder characterized by extremely stretchy and fragile skin that tears at...
