Renal dysplasia is a developmental genetic defect of the kidneys. This makes it quite different from common forms of kidney disease which occur in adult or aged dogs and from other diseases and/or drugs which may cause inflammation of the kidneys and abnormal results on blood and urine tests of kidney function. Dogs affected with renal dysplasia have had an embryonic arrest in kidney development at some time around birth. The immature nephrons normally found in young puppies persist throughout life. Also, some nephron units do not develop and are replaced with fibrous tissue. There may be diffuse interstitial fibrosis in the cortex and medula, reduced numbers of glomeruli, dilated and hypoplastic tubules, and a variety of sizes of glomeruli. The disease is found most commonly in Lhasa Apsos and Shih Tzus although it is also present, with less frequency, in several other breeds.

The disease usually progresses in three stages, each of which may have a variable and independent time course. Stage one is the silent destruction and loss of nephrons over a period of months and years in the absence of symptoms. Stage two occurs when approximately 30% of functioning nephrons remain and clinical symptoms (excessive thirst and volume of urine, weight loss, lack of vigor, and intermittent loss of appetite) are first obvious. This stage may persist for months or years. In the final stage, vomiting, weakness, dehydration, and severe debilitation are added to second stage symptoms, and death from renal failure (uremia) is the eventual outcome.

One may become suspicious of renal dysplasia in puppies older than eight weeks if excessive thirst, excessive volumes of urine, and pale urine are noticeable. Severely affected puppies may appear normal until five or six months of age and then follow the same course, with chronic debilitation and death at nine to twelve months. Many animals with the disease, however, are only slightly affected and will live a normal life with normal renal function. Nevertheless, they can pass on some degree of the defect to their offspring.

BUN and creatinine, the two common blood tests of renal function, are not elevated until 70 to 75% of the kidney is nonfunctioning, and therefore are of little use in identifying mildly or moderately affected dogs. Having a BUN and creatinine in the normal range means that the dog has at least 30% kidney function. It does not mean that the dog is free of renal dysplasia. A Specific gravity reading is another test of kidney function; it does not tell you that your dog is free of renal dysplasia. Ultrasound examination of the kidneys may be slightly more useful in identifying severely affected dogs, whose kidneys may be smaller than normal size and show scarring. Only a wide wedge biopsy of the kidney can currently provide a definitive diagnosis of renal dysplasia and identify slightly affected dogs by showing the fetal glomeruli that provide definitive proof of renal dysplasia. (A needle biopsy does not supply enough tissue for diagnosis and is of no value.)

This disease at the present time presents a real dilemma for breeders. It may go undetected for many generations or be ignored by knowledgeable breeders because it is transmitted in a very silent fashion by many animals that appear clinically normal, and because many breeders are unwilling to subject their dogs to the surgery that is now the only definitive way to identify the presence of the disease.

Project directors Rob Loechel and George J. Brewer, M.D., of the University of Michigan and VetGen, began research in 1996 to find the gene mutations responsible for renal dysplasia.

They have acquired the required DNA samples from a family of affected and unaffected lhasas as determined by wide wedge kidney biopsy. Once the mutations have been located, a DNA test for the disease will be developed. Testing your dog can then be determined simply by collecting and sending a cheek swab sample for testing. You can collect the sample yourself, without a veterinarian; your cost will only be for the evaluation of the sample. You will then be able to make intelligent breeding decisions that can eventually eliminate this dread disease from our breed, without performing major surgery on your breeding stock or relying on blood and urine tests that do not detect slightly affected dogs or carriers. Even puppies could be tested at a very young age.

Finding the mutations in the genes responsible for this developmental problem in the kidney will be the answer for responsible breeders who are trying to produce healthy dogs. The research at VetGen - developing a DNA test for RD in the Lhasa Apso - was started because of me and my dogs' contributions. The answers, the tools for breeders, are just around the corner. I consider myself lucky to be facing RD presently, rather than even three years ago. I consider our breed extremely lucky because VetGen and University of Michigan have chosen this as a current research project.

WHAT IS EPILEPSY?

Epilepsy is a symptom of an underlying neurologic dysfunction occurring within the brain. Toxic substances, metabolic or electrolyte abnormalities or imbalances cause an uncoordinated firing of the neurons located within the section of the brain known as the cerebrum. These episodes of uncoordinated firing manifest themselves in the form of convulsions or seizures in which the dog may experience mild tremors to severe thrashing movements. Epilepsy may occur secondary to many diseases such as distemper, brain tumors, liver or heart failure, diabetes, or as a result of exposure to toxic substances or trauma. However, "true" epilepsy as that which occurs in hereditary syndromes within certain breeds of dogs manifests as a symptom of primary neurologic dysfunction of which the cause is still unknown. As such, from a clinical standpoint, in cases of true epilepsy, only the symptom is treatable.

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF EPILEPSY?

There are three components of an epileptic seizure. The first is termed the "aura" in which certain signs indicative of an oncoming attack include restlessness, nervousness, whining, shaking, salivation, affection, wandering and hiding. These indications may persist only for a few seconds or for several days, thus they may or may not be noticed by the owner. The second stage is termed the "ictus" at which point the seizure occurs. The attack may endure only for a few seconds or for several minutes. During an episode, the dog usually falls on its side and there is involuntary motor response demonstrated as kicking or paddling motion. The dog will salivate excessively and lose bladder and bowel control. He will be unaware of his environment or his actions. Some clinicians may classify seizures in terms of their severity as either Petite Mal or Grande Mal, the latter being the more severe form. However, the occurrence of Petite Mal seizures, as determined by electroencephalographic diagnosis (an EEG which records and detects irregular brain activity) have not truly been established in animals. Immediately following the ictus stage is the "postictal phase" characterized by a period of confusion, disorientation, salivation, pacing, wandering, restlessness, unresponsiveness and in some cases transient blindness. This condition is believed to result because the neuronal cells are exhausted and cannot utilize required metabolites. The endurance of this stage is dependent on the severity of the ictal episode and may last for days.

AT WHAT AGE DOES EPILEPSY OCCUR?

Seizures can occur at any age, however, true epilepsy does not usually present until the dog is around 2 years or older.

HOW IS TRUE EPILEPSY DIAGNOSED?

When a dog first experiences a seizure, no matter what the age, it is essential to rule out causes other than true epilepsy. As previously stated, this is because many other diseases or disorders can result in seizures.Therefore, blood tests, radiographs (x-rays), physical examination, and history leading up to the seizure are necessary for accurate diagnosis. When, and only when, the clinician finds no identifiable cause of the seizure based on clinical evaluation, then the dog is considered to have true epilepsy.

WHAT IS THE TREATMENT FOR EPILEPSY?

Many times, dogs having true epilepsy experience short, infrequent, non-violent attacks which do not require anticonvulsant therapy. However, when the seizures become more severe, longer in duration, or more frequent, or if the dog initially experiences severe attacks then the necessity for therapeutic intervention is indicated. There are several anticonvulsant drugs available for treatment of epilepsy which work to sedate the neurons of the brain. The following are some of the most commonly used anticonvulsant drugs and their advantages and disadvantages.

Dilantin

indication uses: generalized major motor seizures
advantages: absence of sedation,high rate of effectiveness, absence of side-effects
disadvantages: poorly absorbed in dogs, rapidly cleared from blood, increase in thirst and urination

Phenobarbital

indication uses: generalized major motor seizures
advantages: high efficacy, rapid action, can be administered by several routes, most effective drug in status epilepsy
disadvantages: long-term sedation, restricted drug, increased thirst and urination, irritability and restlessness

Primidone

indication uses: generalized major motor seizure
advantages: high efficacy, rapid action
disadvantages: severe sedation, great variability in dose tolerances, only tablets available

Valium

indication uses: control of exacerbation of seizures, control of status epilepsy
advantages: effective at stopping status epilepsy, rapid action, safety
disadvantages: short action, cannot control violent status epilepsy, restlessness, irritability.

CAN EPILEPTIC SEIZURES BE PREVENTED?

The purpose of using anticonvulsants is to completely stop occurrence of seizure activity. However, actual success of treatment is often dependent upon many exogenous, as well as, endogenous factors. For example, though the actual events which bring on an epileptic seizure are unknown, episodes can be initiated by periods of stress or excitability. It is, therefore, recommended that dogs afflicted with the disorder abstain from sources of stress which may include sporting competition events and breeding. In regard to breeding, because physiological changes such as hormonal fluctuations in a bitch during her seasonal cycle or during pregnancy, or stress in the male during mating may bring on episodes of seizure activity, spaying and neutering of epileptic dogs is recommended.

IS TRUE EPILEPSY AN INHERITED DISORDER?

Because epilepsy has been found to occur in related individuals and with preponderance in certain bloodlines, it is considered to be a genetic disorder. However, the mode of inheritance is still unknown. Some breeds of dogs such as the German Shepherd Dog, Beagle, St. Bernard, Irish Setter and Poodle have a higher incidence of the disorder than other breeds. Though the Labrador Retriever is not among the highest ranking breeds for risk, epilepsy does occur within the breed. Currently, there is no method for screening potential carriers of the disorder, however, breeders seeking to produce physically sound puppies should not breed dogs known to be afflicted with true epilepsy.

WHEN SEIZURES DO OCCUR, WHAT SHOULD THE OWNER DO?

On the average, with the exception of status epilepsy, an epileptic seizure is not life-threatening to the dog. During the episode, the dog will not be aware of its owner or its surroundings. Though viciousness is uncommon, to avoid personal injury the owner should not attempt to interceed or move the dog. However, if the dog is in danger of injuring itself on furniture, objects, etc., then the owner should remove those items in the immediate area of the dog. Many veterinarians will ask that the owner keep a record of the date and length of time of the seizure in order to make judgements regarding treatment doses and frequency. Once the seizure has ended, the dog will usually seek out the owner. It is at this time when the owner should provide comfort and assurance. In the case of status epilepsy or when a seizure progresses for more than 30 minutes, immediate emergency medical attention must be provided. In such an instance the owner will need to transport the dog to the veterinary hospital. Because a seizuring dog will often thrash about, a large blanket can be fashioned into a stretcher upon which the dog can be laid. Two people will be needed to hold the blanket by the corners at either end, creating a sling-like stretcher. In this manner, the dog can be carried into the car and into the hospital.

COPING WITH EPILEPSY: A FAMILY PERSPECTIVE

To an adult, an epileptic seizure occuring in the family pet can be a very unnerving experience; to a child, the episode can be terrifying. Fortunately, when seizures do occur they frequently do so during the night and may go unnoticed by younger members of the family. However, seizures may also occur during the day and in the presence of children. In cases where the owner can detect the "aura" stage and know that a seizure is imminent, then she may have the opportunity to distract the child or separate the child from the dog. At some point, however, a child will probably witness their pet seizuring. If the child is three years or older, an explanation may help to calm the child's fears. For instance, one of the reasons that witnessing a seizure is so frightening is because the child will know that something bad is happening and fears that he may lose his beloved pet. Telling the child that his dog will be sick sometimes and there will be times when his dog will behave oddly, rolling about and twitching, and although it may be scarey to watch, the dog will be okay after awhile but will need alot of love and comfort, may arrest these fears. Many children when assured that their pet will be okay, deal very well with the situation. However, in situations where a dog owner feels uncomfortable having an epileptic dog around the children, the breeder or a breed rescue service may assist in finding a placement home for the epileptic dog.

                                                                                                         Thousands of animals die each year by consuming antifreeze.

"We need to be careful and dispose of antifreeze properly for the sake of our pets and other people's pets as well," Fortney said. Ingesting even a small amount of antifreeze could be deadly for dogs and cats. According to Fortney, antifreeze violently disrupts the calcium balance in the animal's system, culminating in acute, irreversible kidney failure. The kidney failure sends the animal into uremic poisoning, possible seizures and a coma, ending in death.

The key is noticing the symptoms early. "If your pet appears disoriented, drunk or wobbly, it may be an early warning sign. As the condition progresses, the animal may vomit, seizure, appear depressed or listless," Fortney said.

If owners witness a pet consuming antifreeze, or the pet exhibits these signs, call a veterinarian immediately. "Survival depends on the amount of antifreeze ingested. The animal could live for 24 to 72 hours after ingestion," Fortney said. A medical antidote may be administered to save the pet's life if given in time.

To prevent such a tragedy from happening, Fortney said to think of your pets when you prepare your car for the winter driving season. New, less toxic antifreezes are on the market as an option for motorists. However, when changing antifreeze or any other vital car fluid, everyone should dispose of it properly. Place all used antifreeze in a plastic container, seal it tightly and take it to an automobile service station for recycling. Be sure to store all new antifreeze containers where your pets cannot get into them. Completely clean all antifreeze spills in the garage or driveway.

People are warned about the dangers and warning signs of cancer on a regular basis, but many may fail to realize similar risks exist for their animal companions.

Owners need to be aware of the possibility that their dog or cat could develop cancer so they are tuned in to warning signs and know there is treatment available, said Ruthanne Chun, doctor of veterinary medicine and animal cancer specialist at Kansas State University.

Chun said the best way to detect a cancerous tumor is not an unpleasant task at all.

"I usually tell people the best way to detect a tumor is just to pet their dog or cat a lot," Chun said. "If you happen to feel an abnormal bump or lump, or if the animal seems tender where they didn't used to be, then you ought to have it looked at.

"There are lots of tumors that are benign, meaning they're not likely to spread to other parts of the body or cause the animal's death. Just because there's a bump doesn't mean it's bad, but it isn't necessarily good either. I always encourage people to get it checked out by their veterinarian."

Other physical signs may include a decrease in appetite, vomiting or being less active, Chun said. In addition, any signs of lameness may be an indication of bone cancer.

The feline leukemia virus (or FeLV) and the feline immunodeficiency virus (or FIV) are two diseases that effect a cat's immune system, which often makes the cat more susceptible to developing cancerous tumors. Cats can be vaccinated against FeLV, but there is no vaccination against FIV.

Mammary, or breast cancer, is a common cancer in dogs and cats. Getting a dog spayed before she has completed two heat cycles greatly reduces her chance of getting breast cancer, and having a cat spayed reduces her risk of breast cancer slightly, Chun said.

Chun said spaying an animal and vaccinating for FeLV are known to help reduce the risk of breast cancer and other tumor types, but early detection is the best that can be hoped for with many cancers. Skin tumors, lymphoma (a cancer of the lymph nodes) and osteosarcoma (bone cancer) are unpreventable cancers Chun said she sees frequently in dogs and cats.

"Most of the cancer we see in animals is for unknown reasons," Chun said. "Herbicides are suspected as a cause of cancer. Use of weed control products greater than label recommendations probably isn't good for the animal or owner. Cigarette smoke has also been a big issue with people, but it hasn't been shown to be as much of a problem for animals. I'd still recommend avoiding exposing your animal to it."

When a dog develops a cancerous tumor, the treatment options are similar to those available to humans. Chemotherapy, radiation therapy or surgery are offered, depending on the type of cancer. Immunotherapy (drug therapy that stimulates the immune system) may also be an option.

Chun said many people have misconceptions about treating their animal with chemotherapy, feeling that it would be unethical or mean.

"Dogs and cats are much more tolerant than people of chemotherapy," Chun said. "They can tolerate the same drugs without getting as sick as people. The treatments also tend to be less aggressive because we don't treat them with the same doses of chemotherapy that would be given to a person.

"They don't end up spending days in the hospital, not being able to be at home with their owners. We still watch for toxicities, but overall their quality of life is good to excellent. They tend to feel good and still want to play and go for walks and eat normal food and everything."

Chun said treatment for a 30-pound dog with a common tumor, like lymphoma, would be $800 to $1,000 for a six-month treatment. This would prolong the dog or cat's life for an average of one year. Chun said it is always important to think in animal years, not people years. She said one year is a long time to a dog or cat.

Chun said it is also important to recognize that animals can benefit from treatment even if they are older.

"I hate to tell people whether or not to treat an animal as it should be the owner's decision," Chun said. "However, I do tell them that age is not a disease. All else being equal, if the animal is feeling good to begin with and she's been eating and going for her walks and doing everything normal before you notice this lump, then yes, you should take proper steps in addressing the disease. But if she has kidney failure and heart failure or a lot of other problems, the treatment may be a lot harder on her -- it depends on the overall health status of the animal, but not the age."

Coprophagia is the fancy term for poop eating!

Why do dogs eat feces?

A definitive answere to the question, along with a solution, will make someone a hero (and probably rich).    Here are a few common theories and facts.

1. Female dogs eat their puppies droppings to keep the nest clean.

2. It must taste good, at least to them.

3. Searching for feces is a self rewarding hunt.

4. Eating another species dropping may be nutritious.

5. It may be a vitamin or mineral deficiency.

6. Young dogs may grow out of the habit.

7. Merck's Veterinary Manual (7th edition) notes that the habit is usually first observed in pups 4 - 9 months old.  The habit tends to decrease in intensity after the dog is 1 year old.  Clinical causes include pancreatic deficiendy, malabsorption, heavy parasite loads and starvation.  Undigested food in the feces may be acceptable to the animal for simple ingestive needs.  Anxiety or boredom may be factors. 

People usually prepare themselves for the dangers of increased temperatures. But as the dog days of summer approach, canine companions also need special attention to insure that they don't get burned. Dr. Kathy Gaughan, a veterinarian at Kansas State University's College of Veterinary Medicine, says that the next few months bring an increased danger of heat exhaustion and heat stroke for dogs.

People naturally regulate their body temperature by sweating. According to Gaughan, dogs mainly cool themselves by panting -- breathing in through the nose and out through the mouth. This directs air over the mucous membranes of the tongue, throat and trachea (windpipe) to facilitate cooling by evaporation of fluid on these membranes. Other mechanisms that help to dissipate heat include dilation of the blood vessels in the skin of the face, ears and feet.

However, just like people, dogs can become overheated. Gaughan says that a dog's normal body temperature is 100.5 to 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit. If it rises to 105 or 106 degrees, the dog is at risk for developing heat exhaustion. If the body temperature rises to 107 degrees, Gaughan says that the dog has entered the dangerous zone of heat stroke. "With heat stroke, the damage that can be done is irreversible. Organs start to shut down, and a veterinarian should be called immediately," Gaughan said.

Fortunately, if owners recognize heat exhaustion, they can prevent the dog from entering heat stroke. Gaughan says that people can easily recognize when the heat gets to them because they become lightheaded and fail to sweat. For dogs, the signs of heat exhaustion may include failure to salivate and a dry mouth. Gaughan explains that heat exhaustion may also include a dog lying down and looking tired, losing its appetite, and becoming unresponsive to owners.

If heat exhaustion progresses into heat stroke, Gaughan says that the dog will be hot to touch and may have seizures. Many dogs also have internal blood clotting that causes damage to their organs. "If you think it's heat stroke, call your veterinarian if you're close to a phone. If not, get the dog out of the sun and cool the dog down with cool water baths. It's important to use cool water as opposed to ice water. Provide a fan, especially if you wet the dog down, and encourage it to drink water," Gaughan suggests.

While these steps may help dogs already under heat stress, Gaughan says that the best treatment is prevention. In order to prevent overheating, some owners may opt to shave their dogs. However, Gaughan explains that this isn't always the best option. "Not all dogs have to be shaved because the hair coat can also keep the dog cool by trapping cool air next to the animals skin and reducing the amount of heat transferred from the environment," Gaughan said.

Dogs with long or thick coats that have problems with matted hair are often good candidates for clipping. "Owners that do not have time to adequately remove mats and debris from their dog's coat may prefer to clip the coat short. Matted hair can cause skin irritation and is undesirable," Gaughan said.

For owners who haven't shaved a dog before, Gaughan recommends taking it to a groomer and learning by observation. If the dog is outdoors often, owners need to be careful of sunburn. Gaughan says that sunscreen may be applied, but to consult with a veterinarian before doing so.

Here are some other tips to keep your dog cool this summer:

• Keep dogs indoors, in air conditioning, if at all possible on very hot days.
• Do not leave dogs in a car during the summer. Even with the windows down, temperatures inside a car can quickly rise to above 120 degrees.
• Make sure outdoor dogs have plenty of shade to relax in. Keep fresh water available for dogs at all times.
• Exercise dogs early in the morning or late in the evening, or indoors in an air conditioned environment if possible.
• If your dog enjoys water, provide a sprinkler or wading pool on very warm days. Spray water on the dog and place it in a breeze or beside a fan. However, if heat exhaustion or heat stroke has set in, take more aggressive measures to cool the dog.
• If you take the dog to a lake, make sure it is allowed time to drink plenty of water and get wet. Gaughan says that most dogs can drink lake water without adverse effects. If the dog has a light coat or exposed skin, be careful of sunburn.
• According to Gaughan, dogs can acclimate to warm climate and have no trouble staying outdoors in the heat. However, dogs that are used to cool climate or air conditioning should not be placed outside on warm days. Gradual acclimation is the key.