Page 3 - Health And Condition

Vetoryl is prescribed for dogs that are diagnosed with Cushings syndrome (pituitary-dependent and adrenal dependent hyperandrenocoticsim.

What is Cushing’s syndrome or Cushing Disease?

Both pets and humans can suffer Cushing Syndrome, or hypercortisolism.  It happens more often in middle-aged and older dogs, and there are some breeds of dogs that are more likely to develop Cushing disease, such as poodles, dachshunds and smaller terrier breeds.

Cushing’s syndrome means that the body has abnormally high levels of the hormone cortisol, which is produced by the adrenal glands.  A hormone called ACTH controls the production and release of cortisol from the adrenal glands. ACTH itself is produced by the pituitary gland, a pea-sized gland located at the base of the brain. Cortisol is a natural steroid produced by the body, and a normal amount helps the body adapt, in times of stress.  It regulates proper body weight, skin condition and tissue structure.  However, too much cortisol

Previcox is prescribed for dogs that are diagnosed with osteoarthritis.

What is osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis (sometimes called Degenerative Joint Disease or DJD) is a progressively worsening inflammation of the joint and is caused by the cartilage in the joint deteriorating.  When a joint is healthy, the cartilage acts as a cushion, and the joint moves smoothly and painlessly.  With age, injury, repetitive stress, obesity or disease, the cartilage can start to deteriorate or break down. You may have noticed that your dog is “not himself”, not showing enthusiasm for your normal games or walks, or is slow in his movements.   

Pets with osteoarthritis may show pain, or a decreased range of motion, and may develop inflammation or bone spurs.  The joints most likely to be affected are the legs and lower back. 

Because dogs are braver than us humans, your dog may not show early symptoms - but you should watch for these signs in your dog, and discuss changes with your vet:

• Stiffness,

Parvovirus, or parvo as it more commonly known, is an extremely contagious virus that primarily affects unvaccinated puppies, puppies who are partway through their vaccination course, or unvaccinated adult dogs. Discovered in 1967, the virus had spread worldwide by 1978 and by the late 1970s, a vaccine became available.

There is no cure for parvovirus and the virus is extremely resistant to disinfectants, alcohol, heat and the cold. Parvo is one of the most serious viruses a dog can get and infection can often be fatal, especially if treatment is not started quickly enough. Any dog owner that has been unlucky enough to have a dog with parvo can tell you what a horrible disease it is. Be sure to talk to your veterinarian about making sure your dog is protected from parvo.

What is Parvo?

Parvovirus is a DNA virus. There are several types of DNA viruses that affect humans including the herpes virus that causes cold sores, the varicella-zoster virus that causes chicken pox or shingles, and