Schnoodle.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) is a late-onset, inherited eye disease affecting many breeds of dogs. It affects the retina, which is the picture screen at the back of the eye, and causes the blood vessels of the retina to atrophy and die. The first symptom noticed is usually dilated pupils – a ‘glow’ or increased ‘eye shine’, and the dog may appear to have difficulty seeing in the dark or dusk (“night blind”). Breeds commonly affected include Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Labrador and Golden Retrievers and Rottweilers. There is no cure for PRA, however an eye exam by a registered Ophthalmologist will diagnose the disease. DNA testing for late consent PRA is available, and is done by taking a cheek swab of your Border Collie. The PRA DNA test identifies one type of PRA, which is related to night blindness. There are another two types of PRA, for which there are currently no DNA tests available.

Patellar luxation is a knee cap problem in dogs. It occurs when the dog’s kneecap (patella) is dislocated from its normal anatomic position in the groove of the thigh bone (femur). When the kneecap is dislocated from the groove of the thigh bone, it can only be returned to its normal position once the quadriceps muscles in the hind legs of the animal relax and lengthen. It is for this reason that most dogs with the condition will hold up their hind legs for a few minutes.

Epilepsy describes repeated episodes of seizures, which are one of the most frequently reported neurological conditions in dogs. It is a chronic disorder affecting dogs, and may run in some families. Dog seizures may be caused by a range of factors, such as trauma, exposure to toxins, issues with the dog’s blood or organs and genetic abnormalities. Generally, the younger the dog is, the more severe the epilepsy will be. Most seizures happen when the dog is resting or sleeping, usually at night or in the early morning. Breeds that are prone include Beagles, Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers and Shetland Sheepdogs. Whilst epilepsy cannot be cured, it can usually be controlled using anticonvulsant drugs. Aside from medication, other management methods include maintaining a seizure log recording the date, time, length and severity of seizures with videotapes to share with your veterinarian, blood work recommended by your veterinarian, and putting a medical alert tag on your pet’s collar in case he gets lost and needs medication.

Cataracts in dogs refers to where a disease process has occurred affecting the lens of the eye, causing the lens to lose its transparency and impairing one’s vision as a result. Cataracts may progress slowly or rapidly, depending on a number of underlying factors. It is most commonly caused by inherited cataract formation, but may also develop with age. It may also be a consequence of eye infections, eye inflammation or diabetes. Symptoms your dog may have cataracts include a bluish, grey or white layer in their eye, clumsiness, eye irritation or redness, discharge and blinking. If you suspect your dog has cataracts, consult your veterinarian or a veterinary ophthalmologist to discuss whether surgery is right for your dog.

This disease is a common endocrine disease in dogs and cats, caused by relative or absolute insulin deficiency. Insulin functions to regulate glucose (sugar) levels in the bloodstream, and monitors the delivery of glucose to other bodily tissues. Diabetes mellitus is generally more prevalent in middle-aged dogs and cats, where female dogs are affected twice as often compared to their male counterparts. Predisposed breeds include Miniature Poodles, Dachshunds, Schnauzers and Beagles. Four main symptoms of the disease usually appear, which are: increased urination, increased appetite, increased thirst and weight loss. Dogs affected generally will require two insulin injections per day, and appropriate dietary management. Whilst diabetes is rarely reversible in dogs, cats may regain the ability to produce their own insulin in the pancreas.

Also known as hypoadrenocorticism, this extremely serious condition is caused by an insufficient production of adrenal hormones by the adrenal gland. Most dogs with Addison’s disease vomit, have a poor appetite, and have little energy. Because these signs are vague and may be mistaken for other conditions, it is easy to misdiagnose this disease until it reaches more advanced stages. More severe signs occur when a dog is stressed or when potassium levels become high enough to interfere with heart function, causing severe shock and death. If your vet suspects Addison’s, he or she may perform a series of tests to confirm the diagnosis.