Dogs
Atopic Dermatitis in Dogs: Microbiota Disruption and the Transformative Role of Next-Generation Sequencing
Using Fecal Microbiome Testing to Revolutionize Canine Gut Health
From Plant to Pet: Veterinary Impacts of the Pathogenic Fungus, Fusarium
The Black Mold Threat: Protecting Pugs, Bulldogs, and Other Flat-Faced Breeds from Respiratory Infection Caused By Stachybotrys chartarum
Unmasking Staphylococcus: How These Common Bacteria Lead to Pneumonia and Bronchitis in Dogs
Don’t Let Salmonella Sink Your Dog’s Health!
Valley Fever in Dogs: Current Status, Presentation, and Diagnostic Advances
Canine Respiratory Illness 2023 – Microbiome Diagnostic Tests Could Help Identify the Cause
A mysterious canine respiratory illness has been infecting thousands of dogs in at least 14 states in the US (Colorado, California, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Pennsylvania, and Washington) causing a cough, runny eyes, and sneezing, and has even led to death in some rare cases! What is the cause of this mysterious disease? It may be bacterial or viral. However, it does not respond well (if at all) to traditional treatments, like antibiotics. According to Dr. Scott Weese of Ontari
Pet-Proofing Your Home for Halloween: A Vet’s Checklist to Pet Safety
As a care provider, here’s what you can do to prepare your clinic for emergency pet care on the Night of Fright.
World Rabies Day 2023: What to Know About Rabies for All Pets
Rabies is a deadly disease that can impact anyone, not just your furry friends! It is a zoonotic infection, meaning that it is transmitted between animals, and animals can pass it on to humans. World Rabies Day is celebrated to bring awareness to this fatal infection and the importance of staying up to date with pet vaccination records to prevent its spread to you and the pets you care for! The World Rabies Day 2023 theme is “All for 1, One Health for all” to share the idea that rabies infects m
Sneezing and Nasal Discharge in Dogs: The Complexity of Canine Rhinitis and Sinusitis
Has your pup been sneezing for a few days, or worse, a few months? You may be surprised to learn just how complicated that one clinical symptom can be. The underlying cause may be simple or serious and it can be frustrating for both pet owners and veterinarians alike during the process of working up Fido for a diagnosis. Next-Gen Sequencing (NGS) technology can assist your veterinarian as they determine the root cause of your pet pal’s symptoms. Rhinitis and Sinusitis: What Does It Look Like? Rh
Periodontitis and Fungi: Uncovering the Clinical Relevance of the Oral Mycobiome
Did you know that even if your dog is healthy, they likely have fungal species present in their oral cavity [1]? While fungi are normal components of the canine oral microbiome, in dysbiotic states fungal infections may be associated with the development of periodontitis, an infection that causes inflammation in the oral tissue surrounding and supporting their teeth. Periodontitis is caused by plaque, bacteria, and your dog’s immunologic response to these pathogens, which results in inflammation
Periodontal Disease in Dogs: Characterizing the Oral Bacteriome
Cheese! Has your dog’s smile been looking inflamed? If so, your furry friend may have an infection and inflammation in the oral tissue surrounding and supporting their teeth. This condition is known as periodontitis and is caused by plaque, bacteria, and your dog’s immunologic response to these pathogens, which results in inflammation of the periodontal ligament and alveolar bone [1]. Although the etiology of periodontitis is complex, advancements in diagnostic technology have allowed for an inc
Interview with Dermatology Specialist: Dr. Alissa Rexo (Part 2)
Antibiotic resistance is an increasing global problem, both for public and animal health and welfare. Considering antibiotic resistance is influenced not only by human and animal antibiotic use, but also by intrinsic resistance exhibited by some pathogenic microorganisms, understanding the clinical implications of animal skin microbiomes is becoming increasingly important. With contemporary research employing the use of Next-Gen Sequencing to aptly characterize the skin microbiome of various ani
French Bulldog Skin Problems: Infections & the Nasomaxillary Skin Fold Microbiome
Bulldogs, boxers, and pugs, oh my! These are just a few of the many breeds of brachycephalic dogs, defined as dogs with flattened faces [1]. As cute as their smooshed faces may be, these breeds are particularly prone to skin infections (like intertrigo) due to moisture-retaining skin folds that provide the ideal breeding ground for opportunistic bacteria and fungi [1]. A recent study using Next-Gen DNA Sequencing (NGS) was conducted to assess the skin fold microbiome in healthy French bulldogs a
Canine Leptospirosis: Diagnosing Infectious Diseases In Your Dog
Even though your dog may not be showing signs, if they have been exposed to unsanitary water or other infected animals, they may be suffering from leptospirosis. Dogs are particularly susceptible to this bacterial disease, which has seen an increasing prevalence with approximately 8.2% of dogs shedding the infectious pathogen [1]. Transmission of leptospirosis is largely due to environmental factors such as high precipitation rates, flooding, uncontrolled urban development, and poor sanitary con
From Allergies to Infections: Why Does My Dog Have a Runny Nose?
Gesundheit! The medical term for a runny nose is rhinitis, and rhinitis can be classified as either mild or severe, and periodic or chronic [1]. Although it is normal for healthy dogs to have a slightly runny nose, more severe nasal discharge may indicate a serious medical condition. A pet owner can identify mild runny noses by a slight watery discharge and some sneezing, whereas a severe runny nose lasts longer and has a gooier, opaque discharge [1]. Symptoms characteristic of rhinitis include
Pruritus in Dogs: Home Remedies for Dogs With Itchy Skin
They scritch and they scratch, but the itch doesn’t seem to go away! Pruritus, the medical term for itching, is one of the most common reasons for dog parents to bring their furry friend to the veterinarian [1]. Pruritus can indicate several medical conditions, ranging from flea allergy dermatitis, seasonal allergies, food allergies, contact dermatitis, sarcoptic mange, and more [1]. Moreover, pruritus has a multifactorial etiology that can be further complicated by secondary bacterial infection
Biofilm Formation and Antibiotic Resistance: Common Chronic Infections In Pets
The National Institute of Health estimates that approximately 65% to 80% of microbial infectious diseases are associated with bacterial biofilm [1]. Biofilms are defined as structured communities of bacterial cells enclosed in a self-produced polymer matrix that is attached to a surface, allowing for greater protection of bacteria to thrive in potentially hostile environments [2]. Biofilm-associated bacteria complicate both human and veterinary medicine, as these pathogens can cause chronic infe
Otitis Externa: Understanding the Multifactorial Ear Disease
Huh? What? Who’s a good boy?
Odds are your dog’s hearing problems aren’t because they were listening to music too loud, but they may have an ear infection. Otitis externa (OE) is one of the most common ear diseases in canines and has a multifactorial etiology that is further complicated by secondary bacterial and/or yeast infections [1]. With the possibility of chronic OE causing hearing loss and even deafness, listen up and learn more about OE and its impact on your pup! What is Otitis Externa
Dog Urinary Tract Infections: Advancements in Clinical Diagnostics
The neighborhood fire hydrant, that lamp post with some certain joie de vivre, and that favorite patch of grass have all become experts in your dog’s urine. If your dog seems to be visiting their local bathroom more often than normal, perhaps it’s time you become an expert too! Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are painful and if left untreated can result in dangerous urogenital complications, and so early identification and intervention are beneficial. What Is a UTI? Canine UTIs are fairly common
Essential Oils For Dogs: A Risk Not Worth Taking
Essential Oils Background For those who haven’t yet taken the deep dive into the essential oils fad, here’s a quick breakdown of what they are. Essential oil is the final extract from a plant when it is exposed to either steam distillation, cold-presses, or different organic solvents. The process of extracting essential oil from a plant basically concentrates a lot of the naturally occurring compounds in the plant into an oil that can be readily used for a variety of purposes. Essential oils can