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Almost every dog owner is familiar with some of the more common medical conditions that can affect Addie. But, what happens when Addie isn’t acting like herself, but her symptoms don’t fit in with any of the most common conditions like parvovirus, hip dysplasia or diabetes? Of course, a trip to the veterinarian is in order, but if it is after hours or if the vet can’t see Addie that day, trying to find out what is wrong with her probably becomes a priority, so you turn to the Internet. There are a lot of scary conditions that can affect Addie, but here are four of the more common uncommon conditions. ‘Mad Itch’ Pseudorabies Viral Infection If you notice that Addie seems to be itching almost uncontrollably and salivating profusely, you have a reason to be worried, especially if Addie has had contact with pigs. She may have contracted a nasty, and often fatal, viral infection known as pseudorabies. Because of the unbearable itching it causes, this condition is nicknamed mad itch. Some of the other symptoms of this infection include rapid breathing, vomiting, fever, lethargy, self mutilation from scratching, and convulsions. You may also notice changes in Addie’s behavior that are similar to those of a dog with rabies; however, since Addie has been vaccinated against rabies, you know she doesn’t have rabies. Getting Addie to a veterinarian quickly when she is exhibiting this behavior is vital. Without rapid treatment, Addie will soon cross the rainbow bridge. Because of the severity of this condition, you should take Addie to the closest vet center that is open. Key-Gaskell Syndrome Key-Gaskell syndrome is also known as dysautonomia. It occurs when the system that controls the heart rate, digestion, salivation, urination, perspiration, respiration, blood pressure, intestinal contractions, eye pupil dilation and physical arousal begins to work abnormally. If Addie is an older puppy, but not yet an adult dog, Key-Gaskell syndrome is a possibility, especially if she is allowed to roam free. There isn’t a known cause for this syndrome, and the treatment usually consists of treating each symptom as they occur. Some of the symptoms of Key-Gaskell syndrome include nasal discharge, cough, dry nose, loss of reflexes, avoidance of light, abdominal pain, dribbling urine and sudden weight loss. The symptoms usually manifest over a three to four day period and become progressively worse as time goes on. Shaker Syndrome Shaker syndrome is exactly what the name suggests. It is a syndrome that causes a dog to shake, much like what an anxious dog would do. The difference between anxiety shaking and shaker syndrome is that shaker syndrome is caused by an inflammation in the cerebellum. While there isn’t a single known cause of this syndrome, it is sometimes caused by a mild nervous system disease that isn’t diagnosed until the shaker syndrome is diagnosed. If Addie is an older puppy to a middle aged adult who shakes periodically without any obvious cause, she may be suffering from shaker syndrome. The chances of Addie having shaker syndrome are increased if she has a white coat. Optic Nerve Swelling The optic nerve is responsible for transmitting visual information to the brain. Each eye has an optic nerve. Optic nerve swelling can occur in one optic nerve or both. While the exact cause of optic nerve swelling varies from one case to another, treatment always consists of treating the inflammation to try to preserve Addie’s eyesight. If you think that Addie is responding normally to visual stimuli, you should check to see if her pupils are reacting normally to light. Optic nerve swelling usually causes fixed and dilated pupils. Because of the sensitivity of the optic nerve, you should get Addie help as soon as possible if you think she is suffering from optic nerve swelling. In some cases, optic nerve swelling is a signal that something more serious is going on with Addie, such as a focal hemorrhage or a swollen optic disc. Although each of these conditions is rare, they are scary for both Addie and you. If you suspect any of these, please don’t second guess yourself and think they will clear up on their own. If you have your vet’s after hours number, the sooner you get Addie evaluated, the better. Puppy City has been around for over 50 years, we pride ourselves in being the home for quality puppies for sale in Brooklyn, New York. We also have all of the supplies you will ever need, from dog food, to wee wee pads, to all the treats you will ever need in a lifetime. Visit us at http://www.PuppyCityNY.com
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dog, puppy, medical, medicine, condition, mad itch, pseudorabies, Key-Gaskell, Shaker Syndrome, optic nerve swelling, vet, veterinarian,
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