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Dogs + Medical Conditions

  • The trachea (windpipe) is a flexible tube leading from the mouth to the lungs. It is supported by a collection of cartilage rings which keep the tubes open, allowing air to enter the lungs on inspiration.

  • This is a common tumour, only found in dogs. It has a patchy world-wide distribution including parts of the Caribbean, USA, Southern Europe, Asia and Africa.

  • Tumours of the blood cells made in the marrow are rare. There is a continuum from dysplasias (abnormal growths) to cancers (myeloproliferative disease).

  • This is a tumour of the lymphatic vessels of the skin or subcutaneous tissue. Some lymphatic tumours are benign (lymphangioma) and some malignant (lymphangiosarcoma).

  • Tumours that occur on the haired eyelids are similar to those arising elsewhere in the skin. They include cysts, overgrowths (hyperplasias), benign (non-spreading) and occasionally malignant (spreading) cancers.

  • Cancers of the pancreas are of two main types, those arising from the part which produces enzymes to aid digestion (exocrine) and those arising from the groups of cells that produce hormones such as insulin (endocrine).

  • Tumours of the spleen are common in older dogs, but rare in cats.

  • Most swellings and tumours of the uterus are not cancerous. The commonest in the female dog is cystic endometrial hyperplasia (overgrowth of the inner lining of the uterus) due to hormone stimulation.

  • Ultrasound examinations (known as ultrasonography, or echosonography) are imaging techniques in which deep structures of the body can be visualised by recording echoes of ultrasonic waves which are directed into the tissues. Depending on the images produced, ultrasound can take various forms.

  • Incontinence indicates leakage of urine without the dog being aware of it happening. It can occur when the dog is lying down, often when asleep.