Dogs | Top 15 common diseases (plus 3 population-specific additions) | Evidence chain

FAQ

Does a dog cry out when it is in pain?

Mostly it does not. A dog in pain does not cry out, it goes quiet: refusing stairs, refusing to jump into the car, getting up more slowly, shorter walks, bunny hopping, licking one joint, muscle atrophy, becoming irritable, restless at night, worse in cold weather. These are often written off as simple aging, when they are the classic presentation of osteoarthritis. Weight control is the most effective measure and it costs nothing; analgesia has to be prescribed by the veterinarian, and human painkillers may not be used.

I found a lump on my dog — can I watch it for a while first?

A lump has to be sampled, not watched. The approach is fine needle aspiration cytology or a biopsy, followed by staging tests if needed. The width of the surgical excision margin is decisive for the outcome, so diagnose first and then operate; do not cut it off and only afterwards think about testing it. As a routine, do a "whole-body feel" at home once a month, including the armpits, groin, mammary chain and mouth, and have any new lump or any change in an existing lump sampled.

How can heart disease in a small dog be found earlier?

Myxomatous mitral valve disease has no signs at all in the early phase, and only auscultation reveals a heart murmur, so high-risk breeds should be auscultated yearly and twice yearly in old age, with echocardiographic staging where needed. Only after it progresses do coughing (especially at night and after activity), exercise intolerance, a rising sleeping respiratory rate, rapid labored breathing and fainting appear. Recording the sleeping respiratory rate at home every day is the most valuable task an owner can do.