![]() These two conditions account for 95% of cases of hypothyroidism in dogs while the other 5% is related to rarer diseases. With lymphocytic thyroiditis, the immune system attacks the thyroid, while in cases of idiopathic thyroid gland atrophy results in thyroid tissue being replaced by fat. Both of these conditions remain poorly understood but each result in damage to thyroid function. Most often, lymphocytic thyroiditis or idiopathic atrophy of the thyroid gland are the causes of hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism or underactive thyroid is a condition that occurs when a dog’s thyroid isn’t producing enough essential thyroid hormones to properly regulate the metabolism, causing the metabolism to slow down. An electrocardiogram (ECG) will typically be used to monitor for any heart abnormalities that can be caused by the toxins resulting from decreased circulation. Intravenous fluids with electrolytes, pain medication, and antibiotics will be given to treat shock, improve circulation, reduce pain, and prevent or treat any infection. Depending on the severity of the condition and the damage that has been done, part of the stomach or the spleen may need to be removed as well. The surgery involves untwisting the stomach and sewing it to the inside of the body wall to prevent it from happening again. Surgical treatment is the only option available to save the dog’s life. Treatment of GDV must be prompt because once the stomach twists, it can lead to death in as little as an hour. An X-ray will be able to show if the dog is suffering from simple bloat, which means the stomach is only dilated or if the bloat has progressed to GDV, which means it has twisted. Since GDV is a medical emergency, veterinary intervention is needed immediately. Several different causes could lead to bloat, including ingestion of a foreign object, eating one large meal per day, eating too quickly, drinking, or eating too much in one sitting, and exercising after eating. Dogs seven years of age or older are more than twice as likely to develop GDV than those in the two-to-four-year age range. GDV is most commonly seen in large, deep-chested dogs, though any dog can be affected by the condition. ![]() Genetic predispositions cause certain breeds to be more likely to experience bloat. This disrupts blood flow to the stomach and other organs, which quickly leads to shock. Gastric dilatation can further progress into what’s called a volvulus, which is when the dilated stomach twists so that both the entrance and the exit become blocked. Treatment should be considered for severely affected dogs or when flank or blanket sucking is associated with medical problems.Gastric dilatation and volvulus, or GDV is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the stomach fills with gas, fluid, or food, leading to gastric dilatation or bloat. Veterinarians should advise owners that flank and blanket sucking are abnormal, potentially harmful behaviors in dogs. These nonnutritive suckling behaviors share similarities with other canine compulsive disorders and are associated with pica. ![]() Dogs with blanket or flank sucking had a higher prevalence of pica than the unaffected population.īlanket and flank sucking are apparently related conditions that can occur with sufficient intensity to cause medical sequelae. A putative association of blanket sucking and flank sucking with pica was examined by comparison of affected dogs with unaffected dogs.Īpart from the difference in the object of oral activity between blanket and flank suckers, age of onset was the only variable that differed between dogs with the 2 conditions. Owners of Doberman Pinschers with blanket sucking, flank sucking, or both were surveyed regarding the age of onset, triggers, frequency, duration, interruptability, and associated medical and behavioral consequences. To evaluate blanket and flank sucking and any association with pica in Doberman Pinschers.ġ53 Doberman Pinschers (77 dogs with blanket or flank sucking and 76 unaffected dogs).
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