Coccidia ~ These small protozoans (one-celled organisms) are common mostly in puppies less than six months of age, in adult animals whose immune systems are suppressed, or in animals who are stressed (change in ownership, new environment, etc). As a puppy ages, they tend to develop a natural immunity to the effects of coccidia. As an adult, they may carry coccidian in their intestines, and shed the cyst in the feces, but experience no ill effects.
Kennel Cough ~ This is just another way of describing that the dog has a regular cough. It sounds as if the dog needs to clear its throat and the cough will be triggered by extra activity or exercise. Their general state of health and alertness will be unaffected. They usually have no rise in temperature and do not lose their appetites. In most cases the cough will go away on its own. However, antibiotics and cough suppressants can be used to hasten recovery.
Open Fontanel ~ This is also known as a “soft spot” common at the top of many human babies’ heads. As a puppy matures, the bony plates of the skull will become more rigid and will gradually fuse together. This process usually takes anywhere from 2-3 months. In some puppies, the fontanel never fully closes. They can still live a full, energetic and active life.
Giardia ~ This is a diarrhea illness caused by a one-celled, microscopic parasite. Giardia infection has become recognized as one of the most common causes of waterborne diseases (found in both drinking and recreational water). Giardia is also found in soil, food, water, or surfaces that have been contaminated with the feces from infected humans or animals. Keeping this in mind, it is crucial that you monitor where your puppy sniffs around and not let it interact with potential giardia positive dogs at parks, until it has received all its puppy vaccines and rabies shot. Giardia may still be contracted as an adult; so constant monitoring for symptoms is needed.
Inguinal Hernia ~ An inguinal hernia is the result of abdominal organs, fat or tissue protruding through the inguinal ring. Inguinal hernias are presented as skin-covered bulges in the groin. They can be bilateral, involving both sides, and unilateral, involving only one side. Inguinal hernias are more common in females than males, but do occur in both sexes. As with umbilical hernias most inguinal hernias will shrink and disappear as the puppy grows, although you must keep an eye on the size of the hernia. Inguinal hernias can also occur in unspayed, middle-aged female dogs. This may occur as the result of stretching abdominal tissue due to pregnancy, or atrophy of abdominal tissue and musculature due to advanced age.
Umbilical Hernia ~ An umbilical hernia is the most common type of hernia found in puppies. In the case of umbilical hernias, a portion of fat or internal organs protrudes through an incompletely closed umbilical ring. Umbilical hernias may be present at birth, or may be acquired. The most common means of acquiring an umbilical hernia is as a result of the umbilical cord being severed too close to the abdominal wall. In most cases umbilical hernias are small and reduce as the puppy grows. Generally, by the time the pup is six months old the umbilical hernia will shrink and disappear on its own. If the pup has a large hernia, or one that can be pushed into the abdomen with a finger, consult your veterinarian regarding possible surgical repair.
Heart Murmur ~ It describes an abnormality in the way the heartbeat sounds when listened to with a stethoscope. Unlike the sharp, short beat of a normal heart, the murmur is a softer and longer noise. It is caused by abnormal blood flow through the heart and it indicates exactly that. Murmurs are graded in severity from 1 to 6, with 1 being the softest murmur that can be heard and 6 being loud enough to be heard with the stethoscope not yet touching the chest. Grades 1 & 2 are innocent and anything greater should receive veterinarian attention.
Luxating Patella ~ Also known as a trick knee, it is a condition in which the patella, or kneecap, dislocates or moves out of its normal location. Patellar luxation is a common condition in dogs, particularly small and miniature breeds. Diagnosis is made through palpation of the knee. The luxating patella often causes no or very slight symptoms. There are several stages in patellar luxation, ranging from minor (Grade 1) to very serious (Grade 4). Puppies with Grades 1 & 2 may grow out of it, however, Grades 3 & 4 should receive veterinarian attention. Some common puppies include: Pomeranians, Poodles, Dachshunds, etc.
Collapsed Trachea ~ The trachea is also known as the windpipe and serves the purpose of directing air into the respiratory tract. A collapsed trachea occurs when the rings that create the frame of the trachea lose their stiffness and is not able to retain its proper shape. The most common clinical sign is a chronic cough. It is often described as dry and harsh or the term “goose honk”. The cough may also being due to excitement, pressure on the trachea (from a leash), or from drinking water or eating. Some common puppies include: Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, Shih Tzus, Lhasa Apsos, Poodles, Yorkies, etc.
Underbite / Overbite ~ Underbite is where the lower jaw protrudes out past the upper jaw and overbite is when the upper jaw extends beyond the lower jaw. In both cases, it prevents the jaw from aligning snugly. As the puppy ages, a mild underbite/overbite can correct itself. Many breeds just like humans naturally do have a slight underbite/overbite which will not affect their lives.
