Nevertheless, there are some conditions that tend to occur more frequently in Dachshunds that in other breeds.

Diseases of the Adrenal Gland

Hyperadrenocorticism, or Cushing’s Disease, is one common disease of the adrenal gland. In Cushing’s Disease, too much of the hormone cortisol is produced, either by the adrenal gland or by a primary tumor, or a malfunction of the pituitary gland, which is the master gland that tells the adrenal gland how much cortisol to produce. The elevated cortisol level results in excessive drinking and urination, hair loss, a pot-bellied appearance, skin conditions, and sometimes diabetes. Lab tests are performed to measure the cortisol levels and the ability of the adrenal gland to produce cortisol. Several different drugs can be used to decrease the level of cortisol. If adrenal cancer is present, surgical excision of the gland may be needed. Cushing’s disease is not limited to Dachshunds and can be found in other breeds, too.

The opposite condition is called low cortisol (hypoadrenocorticism) or Addison’s disease. Whereas, Cushing’s takes some time to present itself, Addison’s disease is a sudden episode of collapse due to to low of glucose (blood sugar) and an imbalance of the electrolytes. The sudden illness results in an emergency visit to the veterinarian for cortisone injections and fluid therapy to correct the imbalances. Being as the sudden collapse resembles many disorders, Addison’s is the most difficult disease to diagnose. Specialized blood tests are necessary to identify both Cushing’s and Addison’s Disease. Prednisone and electrolyte supplements will be needed for life long treatment of Addison’s disease.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)

Several eye diseases can affect Dachshunds, such as cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy. PRA is a gradual deterioration of the retina, the back wall of the eye. This  results in slow vision loss and eventual blindness. Because of the slow onset of the disease, it may not be diagnosed until the dog has already been bred, thus passing the condition to their offspring. There is no cure or treatment for PRA unfortunately. Other eye diseases that can affect Dachshunds are glaucoma, cataracts, optic nerve hypoplasia, abnormal eyelashes (distichiasis) as well as other conditions. Regular eye exams can help identify these eye-disorders early.

Intervertebral Disc Disease

By far the most common disease of Dachshunds is related to the discs between the vertebrae (the bones of the spine). The disc provides a cushion between the bones of the back (spine) and is normally gelatinous. In Doxies, this materials sometimes calcifies, or hardens, and sometimes ruptures. The disc protrusion causes pain and swelling around the nerves coming out of the spinal cord and sometimes compresses the cord itself. The herniated disc causes pain, a reluctance to jump up, partial paralysis and can progress to total paralysis. The majority of Doxies with disc disease can be managed medically with anti-inflammatory medications and pain medication. Some owners have tried holistic medicine, such as acupuncture or chiropractic manipulation to help with the pain. When total paralysis is caused from a complete rupture, immediate surgery to relieve the pressure on the spinal cord may help restor full function in the legs. The faster the surgery is performed, the greater the chances of full recovery.

Researchers are using lasers to fuse or burn the discs in order to prevent future herniation. Being as this is such a common problem in Doxies, I do recommend purchasing health insurance for your pet. Unfortunately, some owners cannot afford the surgery and pets suffering with total paralysis or extreme pain are euthanized. A few of my patients that were partially paralyzed did recover some function of their legs over time. It is impossible to predict which dogs will recover without the surgery.

Vaccination Reactions

Allergic reactions to vaccinations does seem to occur in the Dachshund more often than any other breed. The reaction is usually minor, resulting in swelling of the face and muzzle and occasional hives. Occasional vaccine reactions can occur with any dog so it is always a good idea to observe your pet for a few hours after their shots. Improvements in vaccine technology have decreased the side effects and the benefits of preventing disease outweighs the risks.

Dachshunds can lead a very long and healthy life, sometimes upward to 15 years. Good dental care, proper diets, preventive health checks, vaccinations, and heartworm/parasite prevention can help your Dachshund live longer.  You can find more information concerning your dogs health at LuvUrDog.com as well Dachshund breed gifts.

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For one thing, insurance companies usually don’t cover senior dogs. That makes it difficult because usually that’s the kind of dog you’d want insurance for anyway, not a healthy 3-year-old dog. There are a few companies that offer coverage for an older dog, but that’s if the dog has been insured every year from a younger age. Petplan pet insurance will cover dogs older than 8 years old for life if they have been enrolled in the program continuously since at least age 7.

Another reason is the premiums start to get really expensive when you have more than one animal. Instead of paying $25 per month for one dog, you could be paying $100 per month for four dogs. You might be better off setting that money aside for when something comes up with one of your animals.

The third reason not to get pet insurance is if you know you are not willing to spend a lot of money on your animals if they get sick or injured. If you are the type of person who spends a minimum on your pets – like routine vaccinations only – then you probably aren’t going to spend money on cancer care for a dog regardless. As long as your dog is not in a great amount of pain, maybe you wouldn’t pay for surgery on a bad knee. So why would you get insurance to cover such illnesses?

Do you have pet insurance for your dogs and cats?

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Salmonella and Our Pets -With the recent Peanut Butter Recall,  Salmonella once more has become headline news. Salmonella is a  bacterium that can affect both humans and animals and can be passed  from human to animal and animal to humans (reverse zoonotic disease).  Most infections occur through ingestion of contaminated food or water  or through close contact with an infected host. In the Peanut Butter  recall, contaminated peanuts were used as a flavoring or an additive in  products including pet food and treats. Luckily, most dogs and cats  infrequently develop disease, but handling the infected treats and then  handling food or not washing your hands after handling infected  products can transmit the bacteria to humans.
Signs of Samonellosis can include acute diarrhea,  cramps, vomiting and dehydration. Babies, the elderly and immune  suppressed are more susceptible to infection and can be exposed by  contact with pets or humans harboring the bacteria without showing  symptoms. The disease can cause severe debilitation and sometimes  death in those that are most vulnerable. Salmonella is most often  found in raw meat, poultry, eggs and sometimes vegetables

Cooking  products to the proper temperature kills the bacteria. Most often,  infections occur with cross contamination, such as cutting raw meat on  a cutting board and then cutting vegetables for the salad on the same  cutting board or handling a contaminated product then eating or  handling food without washing hands. Most disinfectants and dilute  bleach will kill the bacteria. Feeding raw meat, poultry or eggs to  pets can result with Salmonella infection in our pets. Since some pets  may not develop symptoms but harbor the bacteria, they may pass  Salmonella in their feces for months and may cause infections in  humans.

What can you do to reduce your exposure to Salmonella?

1. Always  cook food thoroughly. Do not ingest drinks or foods containing raw eggs  (This includes licking the beaters when making cake mixes, a bad habit  I am most guilty of)
2. Wash hands after handling raw meats, poultry,  and pets: especially turtles, baby chicks, reptiles and pet feces.
3. Wash your hands before eating. (Mothers are always right)
4. Wash utensils, cutting  boards and plates after handling raw meat and poultry. (When grilling,  always use a different plate when taking the cooked meat off the  grill.)
5. Do not feed pets raw meat, poultry or eggs.
6. Wash hands  after handling pet treats (pig ears, rawhides, peanut butter treats) or  after playing with pets, especially turtles, birds, baby chicks and reptiles.
7. Washing hands after changing diapers, or  handling raw foods, will prevent cross contamination.
8. If  you are served undercooked  meats at a restarurant, do not hesitate to send it back for further cooking. Also, you  may want to ask for fresh salsa if it looks like it may have been left  out too long. Salsa dips have been a source of Salmonella infections in  the past.
9. For extra protection, carry a  hand sanitizer in your purse or car.

   I have more tips and links to web  sites concerning the Salmonella Peanut Butter recall at anchor 2 You can also view Facts about Salmonella at CDC.org.

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There are many surprises to new cat owners, including that of the numerous health problems that are very common among most cats.

No matter what breed of cat you own, cat health is one of the major topics you will have to know about.  Some problems can be expected in any breed. Even though some are easily prevented, others are hereditary. No matter what breed of cat it may be, worms are a very common and recurring problem.

Some of the most typical worms to infect cats are tapeworms, roundworms and hookworms. You should contact your vet and have your cat tested for worms if he or she has problems gaining weight, fleas, or if you see white spots in his or her stool. Although they can be treated with medicine, worms can prove to be fatal if they are left untreated.

Hairballs are the most common health problem for cats. All cats groom themselves on a daily basis, normally swallowing the loose hair that comes from their coats. On occasion, this loose hair will gather into a ball and become lodged in the digestive tract instead of passing through in your cats stool. When your cat starts to cough and hack, he is normally coughing up a hairball – as a popular cat owner manual confirmed recently. Although it can be rather disgusting in the end, most cats can dislodge hairballs without any problems. Hairballs may occasionally move through a cats intestine and block food from getting past.

Blockages are not to be ignored, since they can kill you if left untreated. A change in appetite, constipation and a dull coat could be an indication that your cat has a blockage. You should make an appointment with the vet as soon as you notice any of these symtoms.

If you want to prevent your cat from getting hairballs and blokages, you should get rid of shedding hair by brushing your cat 2 to 3 times every week. Urinary tract infection, also a common health problem with cats, can be controlled by feeding him food designed to control hair balls.

Urinary tract infection is more common with male cats that havent been neutered, although females can suffer from this problem as well. When a cat suddenly stops going to his litter box, this problem is normally the cause. One symptom that your cat may have a UTI is strong smelling urine, and if this symptom is there they need to go to the vet. Your vet will supply you with the proper medicine, and give recommendations on how to avoid this issue in the future.

Nowadays, vaccines are available to treat the disease, feline leukemia, which used to be the greatest cause of death in cats in the past. To treat the disease, your cat will need to be given the shot before he or she is exposed. Even though death doesnt happen immediately, cats that are exposed to feline leukemia normally don’t have a long life span. If you know your cat has feline leukemia, you should never allow other cats around him, as the virus is highly contagious.

To protect your cat, you should always make sure that you take him to the vet for his regular check ups. If you keep him up to date on his vaccinations, he should lead a healthy and productive life. Although some health problems can’t be avoided, most of them can. If you take cat care seriously, take him to the vet and keep him healthy he will be your companion for years to come.

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gorgeous white cat

Even though most days your cat will ignore your attempts to get her to come when called, for the majority of cat lovers, life would be less full and meaningful without their feline companion in the home. Cat lovers also find it distressing when their feline friend becomes ill and requires the attention of a veterinarian. When these instances arise, cat insurance coverage can provide both emotional and financial benefits to the cat owner.

When an adorable cat becomes ill or is somehow injured, most cat owners will worry and stress over the cost of proper veterinary care. Because all health costs have been soaring in both the animal welfare segment of the market, as well as in the case of human health care, there has been an increase in interest in pet health insurance. Because felines are one of the most popular types of house pets, insurance for health and wellness care has become very much sought after.

For many cat owners, one of the best benefits that they receive from having cat insurance, is the great level of peace of mind. This peace of mind comes because they know that they will not have to stress and worry about being able to pay for the veterinary pet care, should the cat become injured or fall ill.

If covered by insurance, then this means that the animal will receive treatment more quickly. This is because the cat owner can immediately take action by getting the animal to the veterinary pet office, when there is an indication of illness or in the event of injury. Unfortunately, some pet owners must delay veterinarian visits because of the financial aspect of the office call.

When you have feline insurance coverage, you won’t have to delay any future visits and can be at ease realizing that most of the expense will be handled through the pet health insurance policy. The ability to quickly get the animal in to see the vet can make the difference between a quick and full recovery, or possible long-term health problems and even death.

In the worst case scenario, if the owner of a pet doesn’t have any insurance to assist with the increased cost of care for an animal, ot might mean having to put the cat or dog to sleep. This occurs when there is simply no way that the family can bear the cost of expensive veterinary pet treatment or surgery that might be needed to extend the life of the animal. While pet health insurance cannot guarantee that your cat will never succumb to a fatal illness, the best pet insurance benefit is knowing that your pet will be guaranteed proper treatment.

There are many options that you can choose from regarding cat health insurance, which will have a direct impact on the cost of the pet insurance premium you will pay. You can choose a policy that will cover wellness care and preventative health care procedures, such as vaccinations and routine health screenings.

In order to reduce the cost of the cat insurance coverage, you might want to select a plan that will only pay in the instance of disease, sickness or some type of accident, as opposed to covering the wellness visits. It is often helpful to discuss the coverage options with your veterinarian as he/she can offer insights about what might be the best coverage for your family pets based on their overall health and age.

For additional helpful content click here Older Pet Insurance and Older Pet Insurance and more information at Pet Insurance Review

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