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PUPPY DISEASES
As previously mentioned, this section is not meant to be a complete listing of every disease or defect seen in young dogs. We have used this particular section, however, for those conditions that are less common in the dog and are not listed elsewhere.
Anodontia is the congenital absence of one or more teeth. Most of the time a deciduous tooth is present but the adult tooth fails to appear. Usually only one or two teeth are missing and rarely is this harmful to the dog. Anodontia is considered to be an inherited trait. Treatment is usually not advised or available.
An anterior crossbite occurs when the incisors, the small teeth in the front of the mouth on the lower jaw are in front of the incisors of the upper jaw when the mouth is closed. There is debate as to whether this condition is inherited or induced by trauma. In most cases the dog will do fine without any treatment. Breeders of show dogs may be more concerned as this is considered a negative trait for most breeds.
TREATMENT OF ANTERIOR CROSSBITE
If discovered early this condition can be corrected by the use of braces. A veterinary dental specialist will need to be sought for such services. Older dogs may not be treatable.
BRACHYGNATHISM (OVERSHOT JAW)
This condition occurs when the upper jaw is longer than the lower jaw. Dogs with the condition should not be bred but otherwise will get along fine. In some cases where the lower incisors are digging into the roof of the mouth, extraction of the lower incisors may be necessary. ((Overshot Jaw))
Hypoglycemia occurs when the blood sugar drops to very low levels producing the clinical signs of weakness, nervousness, trembling, hunger, coolness of the body, decreased mental ability, depression, coma and death. Many young puppies have trouble storing sugar in their liver or have a less-developed liver. This leads to an inability to increase blood sugar in times of stress or if feedings are not close together and regular. Some toy breeds can become hypoglycemic for no apparent reason or cause. (Idiopathic Hypoglycemia)
Besides these liver defects or the idiopathic problem of small breeds, drugs, infections, hormone deficiencies, hepatitis, portosystemic shunts and a host of rare and unusual metabolic defects can all cause low blood sugar, even in older dogs. Very small and young puppies can die within hours if the symptoms of this condition are not noticed and treated quickly. Diagnosis of hypoglycemia is based on physical examination and blood glucose analysis. Determination of the actual cause may require repeated blood testing and X-rays.
TREATMENT OF HYPOGLYCEMIA
In mild and early cases feeding the normal food, giving small amounts of honey in water or providing Nutrical or similar caloric supplements may serve to bring the pet back to normal quite quickly. In severe cases IV dextrose, gradual re-warming of the patient and general supportive care will be needed. Most young dogs will outgrow this problem. Those that have recurrent bouts should have thorough blood testing to determine and treat any underlying primary condition if possible.
Although rare, some puppies will be born without a true anal opening. In most cases the colon internally will have not formed to reach the anus. There may be a spot that will look similar to an anus but that will be without the actual opening into the colon. Clinical signs include the absence of defecation, bloating and loss of appetite. Vaginal defects, penile defects and other problems with elimination may also be present. Diagnosis is based on physical examination and X-rays including dye studies.
TREATMENT OF IMPERFORATE ANUS
Depending on the defect present, how the colon has developed and the actual status of the anal sphincter, it is possible to surgically open the anus and if needed, connect the colon to the opening. As most puppies are young, their risk of anesthesia may be the bigger problem, but as all puppies with this defect will die without surgery it seems to be the only best option.
Lymphangiectasia is a congenital, abnormal dilation of the lymph vessels connected to the small intestine. It is believed that this condition occurs due to poor development of other lymph ducts that block the flow of lymph fluid from the intestines. It is the lymph fluid that carries fat and proteins from the digestive tract into the blood. This abnormal condition then results in low blood protein and fluid collecting in the abdomen (ascites) or extremities (edema). Clinical signs of affected dogs include diarrhea, weight loss and swelling of the legs or abdomen. Diagnosis is made by blood counts, serum chemistry, X-rays and exploratory surgery.
TREATMENT OF LYMPHANGIECTASIA
Some dogs may be managed with special diets including a special fat supplement. For a few dogs a very delicate surgery to bypass part of the lymphatic system has proven effective. Many dogs, however, will not respond to treatment and develop secondary infections and scar tissue in their extremities.
PITUITARY DWARFISM
The pituitary gland sits at the base of the brain and sends directions to other endocrine glands within the body. Any disease that attacks this gland or any failure of this gland to develop perfectly will cause gross abnormalities in the growing pup. Clinical signs include a failure to grow and develop normally, stunting of growth, abnormal body proportions, failure of the adult coat to appear, failure of teeth to develop and erupt, loss of hair and a decrease in mental development. Diagnosis is based on history, physical examination, blood testing X-rays and hormonal testing.
TREATMENT OF PITUITARY DWARFISM
Identified early, replacement of growth hormone, steroid hormones and thyroid hormone can aid in normal development. This can become costly and will certainly require a very dedicated owner. Most dogs are incapable of breeding but if so able should not be bred anyway. Dogs treated often develop hypersensitivity reactions to the growth hormone as well as diabetes mellitus.
PROGNATHISM (UNDERSHOT JAW)
Prognathism occurs when the lower jaw is longer than the upper jaw and the lower incisors are farther forward in front of the upper incisors. The defect is inherited and common in the Pug, Boston Terrier and the English Bulldog. It may cause no real problem for the pet. Prognathism usually occurs early in life. This can, however, result in an abnormal meshing of other teeth in the mouth. ((Undershot Jaw))
TREATMENT OF PROGNATHISM
As this condition can be noted early in a puppy's development and if it appears that the upper incisors may "catch" and retard development of the upper jaw, some success has been realized by pulling all the upper deciduous incisors as early as 8-12 weeks of age, thus allowing the upper jaw to grow in an uninhibited fashion. If this does not improve the condition it is considered genetic and affected dogs should not be bred. (excepting the above described breeds)
SUPRANUMERARY TEETH
On occasion extra teeth develop and are apparent in the mouth. If they are not crowding other teeth or affecting the bite this defect can be considered inconsequential. If they are causing a problem, the veterinarian can select certain teeth for removal and easily correct the problem. The most common teeth affected are the premolars, the medium-size teeth on the sides of the jaw.
