Non infectious diseases come in a variety of forms, ranging from easily treated, to conditions that need lifelong treatment and maintenance. A dog with a hampered immune system, or poor diet, is more likely to get an illness such as cardiovascular disease or arthritis. Keep an eye on your dog for the following non infectious dog diseases.
Heart Disease and Your Dog
Diseases that affect the heart and circulatory system prove highly challenging for dogs. Heart disease is normally classified as any abnormality of the heart. Some of these cardiac conditions are due to congenital defects or hereditary issues. Other heart conditions can be prevented or managed better with medication and/or lifestyle changes.
Examples of cardiovascular disease dogs may get:
- High blood pressure
- Clogged arteries
- Lung malfunction
- Congestive heart failure
Symptoms of canine cardiac problems:
- Wheezing
- Labored breathing
- Agility problems
- Abdominal swelling
- Decreased appetite or weight loss
What to Know About Hypertension
Hypertension is also called high blood pressure. It can lead to stroke and heart failure, kidney renal disease and hardening of the arteries. A vet will check your dog's vital signs during an exam. Your dog's blood pressure is determined by the amount of blood his heart is pumping related to the resistance of this blood flow in his arteries.
Causes of high blood pressure:
- Chronic kidney disease
- Elevated sodium levels
- Fluid retention
- Increased heart rate
- Overworked circulatory system
- Cushing's disease
- Tumors in the adrenal glands
Symptoms of high blood pressure:
- Depression
- Side effect of an underlying disease, such as an endocrine disorder
- Sudden blindness
- Behavioral changes
Diagnosis includes:
Gathering the medical history of your dog and getting a complete examination by a veterinarian. An examination includes the following:
- Blood pressure is measured in dogs via a Doppler flow device or an oscillometric device
- Evaluation of the nervous system
- Inspection of the eyes
- Monitoring the heart and kidneys
- Taking the arterial blood pressure
Non Infectious Dog Disease: Diabetes
One disease that requires vast lifestyle changes in pets is diabetes. Unlike an infectious disease, a condition such as diabetes can develop gradually. There are two forms of this disease:
- Diabetes insipidus: This disease is caused by lack of antidiuretic hormone in dogs. It is noticeable when your dog has heavy urine and excessive thirst.
- Diabetes mellitus: When your dog has a deficiency of the hormone insulin in his body. Ultimately, he will not be able to digest sugars.
Any gender or breed can have diabetes. But it usually affects middle-aged dogs, females, and small breeds like Dachshunds, Cairn Terriers and Beagles.
Signs of canine diabetes:
- Excessive urination
- High blood sugar
- Hunger
- Thirst
- Weight loss
Another Condition for Dogs: Arthritis
A degenerative joint disease like arthritis is more common in dogs who already have hip dysplasia, muscular dystrophy or other congenital issues. While some canines are born with arthritis, most develop it after other injuries or problems occur, such as:
- Fractures
- Ligament injury
- Increased weight gain
- Joint problems
- Old age
Signs your dog may have arthritis:
- Behavioral changes: disinterest in playing
- Difficulty standing
- Favoring one limb; limping
- Lethargy
- Overly tired
- Sore joints
- Unwillingness to climb stairs
Relieve the pain of arthritis with:
- Heated bed or blanket
- Orthopedic bed
- Ramps in the house
- Supplements/medication
- Additional Non Infectious Dog Diseases
- Atopy or air borne allergies
- Dog seizures
- Eye problems: hereditary cataracts
- Food allergies
- Heredity disorders
- Inflammatory CNS disease: the non infectious form is likely from a breed-specific disorder
- Primary seizures: juvenile epilepsy
- Skin disorders/allergies