Symptoms of Dog Jaundice
Dogs Symptoms and Canine Health - Dog Jaundice - General Canine Observations
When you are worried about your pet dogs or puppies it is wise to make general observations and a note of your dog's general well-being before considering a health issue and problem such as Dog Jaundice. Overall physical condition? Mental attitude? Appetite? Condition of bowels and urinary apparatus? The nose of healthy dogs or puppies is moist and cool but in sick dogs it is usually hot and dry. Hair loss? Dry skin? Discharges? These general observations are useful to consider whilst checking out the symptoms of Dog Jaundice. There are three types of jaundice in dogs, these are Pre-Hepatic, Hepatic, and Post-Hepatic.
Pre-hepatic Jaundice - This type of jaundice occurs when red blood cell breakdown, or hemolysis, and produce bilirubin faster than the liver can metabolise it. Causes of pre- hepatic jaundice include toxins and certain drugs, Heartworm disease, Red Blood Cell Parasites and Leptospirosis.
Hepatic Jaundice - This type of jaundice is the result of either primary or secondary liver disease. Primary liver diseases originate in the liver whereas secondary liver disease develops in another part of the body and spreads to the liver. Various liver diseases that interfere with the liver's role in controlling bilirubin levels can cause hepatic jaundice. Exposure to certain toxins, Anti-seizure drugs (Phenobarbital and Phenytoin), snd some antibiotics can cause hepatic jaundice. Liver cancer and Inflammatory disorders such as Hepatitis and Cirrhosis can also result in hepatic jaundice.
Post-Hepatic Jaundice - This type of jaundice usually results from obstruction to the flow of bile within the bile duct or from a trauma injury which causes leakage from the gallbladder or bile duct. Post-hepatic jaundice occurs when the common hepatic duct or the bile duct becomes obstructed or when bile leaks from any point along the biliary tract, including the gallbladder. Pancreatitis, gallstones and cancer are all diseases that can result in post-hepatic jaundice.
Dogs Symptoms and Canine Health - Symptoms of Dog Jaundice
Dog Jaundice symptoms may include the following: - Dog Jaundice symptoms - Yellow colour to skin, gums and white of eyes
- Dog Jaundice symptoms - Vomiting
- Dog Jaundice symptoms - Diarrhoea
- Dog Jaundice symptoms - Lethargy
- Dog Jaundice symptoms - Excessive thirst
- Dog Jaundice symptoms - Loss of appetite
Treatment and Remedies - Canine Treatment of Dog Jaundice
The remedies and treatment of Dog Jaundice may include the treatment of dogs as follows: - Canine Jaundice treatment - To accurately diagnose Jaundice, your canine health care professional will take a Blood test to measure the Bilirubin level. Testing the Bilirubin level will verify if anaemia is a cause of the jaundice or it is as a result of another condition such as liver disease.
- Canine Jaundice treatment - To diagnose Hepatic and Post-Hepatic jaundice, X-rays are the preferred option as any abnormalities such as stones blocking the bile duct can be seen as well as liver size. Ultrasound tests are also used to view any possible blockage of the bile duct or abnormalities of the gallbladder. If a biopsy is performed, Ultrasound tests can be useful to guide needle biopsy of the liver. Performing a liver biopsy will allow the liver tissue to be examined under a microscope for any abnormalities. A biopsy is required when a blood test confirms that anaemia is not the cause of the jaundice and no abnormalities or blockages can be seen with x-ray and ultrasound testing. Surgery may be also be required if the ultrasound test shows a blockage.
- Canine Jaundice treatment - The prognosis for an animal suffering from Jaundice depends on the cause of the Jaundice and how well the dog responds to treatment. If the Jaundice is caused by primary liver disease, usually drug or toxin treatment is successful provided the dog is kept away from the drug or toxin which caused the initial problem. Dogs with post-hepatic jaundice are often cured once the obstruction causing the jaundice is rectified. Antibiotics are also used to treat infections and Immune system-suppressing drugs, corticosteroids for example are also used to treat jaundice. A blood transfusion may be necessary to treat anaemia until its cause can be identified.
Dog Symptoms and Canine Health - Canine Insurance / Pet Health Insurance for Dog Jaundice
Pet Insurance for Dog Jaundice. Remember canine insurance / pet dogs health insurance for treatment of health and medical problems such as Dog Jaundice. Unexpected visits to the vet and veterinary treatments for your dogs and puppies due to illnesses such as Dog Jaundice can quickly add up so get quotes for canine health / pet insurance coverage for treatment due to accidents, treatment of illnesses, prescriptions, surgeries and possible hospitalization treatment for your dogs or puppy. Get the best deals for pet insurance from pet insurance comparison websites - make sure you get the best rates for canine health insurance to cover visits to the Vet for the diagnosis and treatment of unexpected ailments such as Dog Jaundice. Disclaimer - Dog Jaundice Section of Dogs Symptoms and Canine Health Website
The sole purpose of the Dog Jaundice section on the Dog Symptoms and Canine Health website is to act as a reference guide to provide useful information to the owners of dogs and puppies. This article on Dog Jaundice is not intended to be used to diagnose or treat sick dogs or as a substitute for obtaining professional veterinary advice. Please remember that if you are in any doubt about your Dog's Health, or problems associated with Dog Jaundice, please consult your Canine Veterinary Specialist immediately for professional treatment. Your vet will diagnose whether Dog Jaundice is the problem and prescribe appropriate medication and treatment. Treatment and Symptoms of Dog Jaundice
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