Malignant edema in animals and humans

Pet diseases are always difficult to diagnose. If a dog's paw is swollen, it could be a mechanical injury, a bone fracture, or a disease of the internal organs.

After an injection and other medical procedures, swelling may also appear. This symptom cannot be ignored; it is important to identify the factors that provoke swelling.

Injuries

Limb injuries in active dogs are not uncommon. Experienced dog breeders always have first aid supplies in their first aid kit: hydrogen peroxide, tweezers, elastic bandage, brilliant green, tourniquet. But it would be better to prevent injury. Therefore, try to adhere to these rules:

1. Do not walk your four-legged dog in vacant lots and abandoned construction sites.
2. When walking, avoid places where you are likely to encounter aggressive animals.
3. Keep your pet off leash near highways or railroads.

If the dog is injured, determine the severity by external signs and try to provide assistance.

Prevention

Preventative measures include: medical management of dogs with heart disease and minimizing non-cardiogenic causes of edema.

1. Be attentive to your pet. Especially for dogs with heart disease. Keep all necessary first aid supplies in your first aid kit.
2. Keep all medications, poisons, hazardous chemicals, and household chemicals out of reach.
3. Do not grow poisonous plants in your home or garden.
4. Provide the animal with protection from electric shock.
5. Minimize stress.
6. Provide the animal with adequate nutrition and proper water regime.
7. Follow your vaccination schedule.
8. Be attentive and careful when walking your dog. Avoid injuries and encounters with poisonous snakes.
9. Make sure you create a safe home environment for your pet.
10. Visit your veterinarian regularly for routine checkups.

Of course, you cannot completely protect your dog from the occurrence of this dangerous condition, but you can significantly reduce the risk of its occurrence!

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Swollen joint

Joint swelling in dogs is caused by developing diseases. They are hereditary and acquired.

Causes

Joints in dogs become enlarged due to the following diseases:

• arthrosis;
• purulent arthritis;
• hemarthrosis;
• hip dysplasia.

An accurate diagnosis is made by a specialist.

Symptoms

With arthrosis, the dog begins to limp, the joint becomes deformed, and pain develops.

With purulent arthritis, the temperature rises significantly, fever develops, and appetite decreases.

Hemarthrosis is accompanied by an increase in temperature, increased heart rate and respiration, and the anatomical contours of the joint are smoothed out.

Dysplasia is a disease of service dogs. Lameness, joint pain, and upward displacement of the femoral head appear.

Therapy

After a full examination, the veterinarian determines the exact cause of the enlarged joint.

Treatment is carried out in accordance with the diagnosis.

Bruises and sprains

In case of bruises and sprains, the dog tries not to stand on the sore paw, presses it, but does not allow it to be touched. Tumors do not appear immediately and do not have clear boundaries.

It is easy to remove a tumor from a bruise without damaging tissue. To do this, immobilize the dog and apply a cold compress to the sore spot for 20 to 30 minutes. If the skin is broken, first treat the wound with water peroxide and then apply ice.

Important! Do not use pain-relieving gels from your first aid kit when treating dogs. Many of them contain diclofenac. If the dog licks it, intestinal bleeding may occur.

When a ligament is sprained, the joints become swollen. The main condition: to ensure the immobility of the limb. This can be achieved by applying a splint.

Symptoms of Arthritis in Dogs

The most important sign of a dog’s illness is a decrease in its physical activity.

Over time, other signs appear:

• the dog is not able to cover long distances, he lies or sleeps more and more;
• while walking, the animal tries not to step on one of its hind legs;
• if two joints are damaged at once, the dog rarely gets up, but if it does move, it does so very slowly and with extreme caution;
• when touching the source of inflammation, the dog may become aggressive or irritable;
• the animal walks awkwardly, limps, rarely bends its hind limbs;
• runs very slowly or does not do so at all, refuses to jump or even climb stairs;
• often the dog refuses to eat;
• the animal gains excess weight due to lack of sufficient physical activity;
• the dog does not feel well when the weather changes (this is especially true in rainy or windy weather);
• the pet is increasingly lying on only one “healthy” side;
• joints increase in size.

If even one of the described symptoms appears, contact a specialist for timely diagnosis of the disease and initiation of therapy.

What is pulmonary edema in a dog?

Pulmonary edema is a critical complication of moderate or severe severity that develops against the background of other diseases. It is characterized by an abnormal accumulation of fluid in the tissues of the lungs, airways, or alveoli (air sacs).

If the dog is healthy, there is also fluid in the lungs, but it continuously circulates, moving from the lungs to other organs of the animal. When some kind of malfunction occurs in the dog’s body, the intervascular fluid stagnates in the lungs. Lungs filled with large amounts of fluid are unable to perform their respiratory function and provide oxygen to the bloodstream.

As a result, the dog does not have enough air, it begins to choke, cough, and experience oxygen starvation.

Pulmonary edema may cause your dog to go into shock. The animals' reflexes disappear, breathing becomes shallow, the pulse becomes thready, and motor activity disappears. This condition is life threatening for the dog.

In heart failure, pulmonary edema significantly aggravates the condition of the animal’s heart. It is especially dangerous if the pathology occurs in elderly and weakened dogs.

Pulmonary edema can occur slowly (chronic) or quickly (acute).

Veterinarians distinguish two main stages of the pathological condition:

• Interstitial - the connective tissues of the lung are filled with fluid.
• Alveolar – abnormal accumulation of fluid in the alveoli.

The transition from the interstitial stage to the alveolar stage occurs rapidly and may require only a few minutes.

The reaction of the dog's owners must be immediate - this is the only way to save their pet.

Fractures and dislocations

If a dog's hind leg is swollen, and the animal does not stand on it, pulling it towards its stomach, then most likely there is a fracture or dislocation of the hip joint. For similar injuries to the forelimbs, before examining the paw, put a veterinary collar on the dog or secure the jaw with a bandage to prevent it from being bitten. Severe pain and fear can make even an obedient and kind dog restless and aggressive.

Try to calm your pet and carefully examine the limb. Creaking, clicking at the site of injury, and displacement of bones are the main signs of such injuries.

Your actions:

• limit the animal’s mobility, apply a splint (if the dog’s front paw is swollen, try to fix it with a bandage in a suspended state);
• apply ice to the sore spot;
• ensure transportation of the injured animal to the clinic.

You will need an x-ray and qualified assistance from a specialist.

Delay can only cause harm to your pet. After a few days, it will be much more difficult to straighten the limb, because the cartilage tissue of the joint will begin to scar and only surgery can correct the situation.

Treatment of various types of body edema at home: how realistic is it?

Let us emphasize once again: treatment of various types of body edema at home is possible only in cases where the owner has previously consulted with a specialist and the doctor has, in addition, examined the animal.

So, what can be done if your pet has swelling of the front and hind legs? If they are mild and there is a suspicion of an allergic origin, you can give your pet diphenhydramine for three days (one tablet per dog). In addition, the limbs need to be examined: perhaps the cause of the swelling is an infection that has penetrated into the limb with a foreign body. A light massage is also indicated.

Often, swelling of the neck is of traumatic origin; it is often caused by an excessively tight collar. In addition, parasites often find excellent shelter under the same collar (the dog cannot reach there).

If swelling of the testicle, scrotum or loop has developed, this can be explained either by orchitis/epididymitis (in males) or by heat (in females). In the first case, nothing can be done at home; you need a veterinarian. In the second case, the swelling will go away on its own, after the end of the heat.

If a dog develops abdominal swelling, then in many cases there is reason to suspect kidney or heart disease. Therefore, they cannot be treated at home; you must consult a veterinarian!

Often, swelling of the tail develops as a result of injuries to the tail, leading to disruption of innervation, blood supply and lymph circulation. In severe cases, surgery is required, and sometimes there is a need for organ amputation.

At home, you can only cope with swelling of allergic origin. The method is still the same - take a diphenhydramine tablet once a day for 3 days. If there is no improvement within 2 days or more, you should contact your veterinarian.

Swollen finger

The cause of this condition may be injury or an insect bite. If there are no visible lesions, tumor neoplasms are suspected.

Histiocytoma

This is a benign connective tissue tumor. Most often it develops in cocker spaniels, bull terriers, dachshunds, boxers, terriers, great Danes, and retrievers. The disease appears as a small red ball on the paw, back, ears or head. The tumor causes itching, and the animal scratches it.

Helping the dog

The tumor should not be wetted or scratched. To do this, apply a dry bandage to the tumor or put a special collar on the animal.

Treatment

After examination, the doctor finds out whether the tumor is growing or not. If there is no cell division, hormonal therapy is prescribed.

When the tumor grows, surgical intervention is necessary.

Life-threatening condition

An acute reaction to an allergic agent is angioedema. The danger of the condition is caused by the intensive spread of swelling to the respiratory tract. The animal will not be able to breathe and will die.

Quincke's edema requires immediate medical attention and therapeutic measures to eliminate swelling. Symptoms of angioedema shock include blue or pale mucous membranes, vomiting, wheezing, and difficulty breathing of the animal. A severe allergic reaction requires qualified help; angioedema will not go away on its own.

Therapeutic measures include administering an anesthetic and prescribing IVs. The four-legged friend will be provided with access to oxygen. If necessary, the insertion is performed through a breathing tube, or a tracheostomy is performed. The necessary manipulations can only be carried out by a qualified specialist.

Cuts and punctures, insect bites

The soles of your dog's paws can also become swollen. This usually happens if the animal cuts, punctures its paw, or steps on a wasp or bee. After removing the sting if necessary, wipe the bite site with a weak aqueous solution of vinegar and give your four-legged friend a tablet of suprastin or loratadine to relieve the allergic reaction.

Note! Dogs' skin is sensitive to iodine. Treating wounds and abrasions with iodine solution can cause burns.

A tumor caused by cuts or punctures will persist until the wound heals and the inflammatory process passes. Until then, the dog will tuck its paw and be afraid to step on it. For deep injuries, take your pet to a doctor.

Tumors on the pads

Dogs' paw pads are the most vulnerable spot. During a daily walk, the animal can get injured.

Insect and snake bites

The wound is treated with an antiseptic, the insect sting is removed, and covered with a bandage. To avoid complications, the animal is given any antihistamine.

Fractures, stab wounds

When the skin on the pads is damaged, the wounds bleed. The place of the cut or puncture is treated with an antiseptic, sealed with an adhesive plaster or a bandage is applied. The swelling goes away after complete tissue fusion.

The doctor determines the location of the injury, applies dressings, and fixes the limb with a plaster..

Bruises

The cause of injury is the animal falling from a great height or heavy objects on its limbs. The consequences are soft tissue swelling. They swell, bruise forms, and become painful.

If the injury is not serious (the skin is damaged), the animal is treated at home. They provide him with complete rest and apply cold to the sore spot.

For serious injuries, where muscles and subcutaneous tissues are involved, treatment is carried out by a veterinarian.

First aid: when to immediately contact a veterinarian

If, after an injury, damage to the skin, muscles, tendons, joints or bone tissue is observed, the animal is in a state of shock and does not self-medicate.

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Prevention of tumors

To avoid damage, the dog’s diet is enriched with calcium, the animal is walked in safe places where there is no construction debris or broken glass.

Control

At home and on the street, the pet must be within the owner’s field of vision. A person can always prevent injury to a dog or quickly respond if the animal does injure a limb.

Training

Dog training begins at an early age. An adult animal must strictly follow all orders of the owner.

The commands “to me” and “nearby” are especially important. This way you can protect the animal from falling into a hole or colliding with any type of transport.

Insulation

A pet should not come into contact with stray animals. This prevents the appearance of bite wounds and rabies infection.

Diseases

Swelling of the paw or tumor is a consequence of the development of any disease not associated with external causes. Tumors can have different shapes, densities, and locations. You can get rid of them only by curing the underlying disease.

Therefore, if your dog has a swollen paw and you are sure that there were no injuries, you should look for the disease. Most often, animals develop edema and tumors due to the following health problems:

• vascular diseases;
• articular hygroma (a formation that occurs more often in the elbow joints, in which fluid accumulates);
• benign and malignant neoplasms (tumor in the form of a lump, painless, with clearly defined edges);
• pathologies of the kidneys and liver with impaired lymph outflow (tumors are soft, do not have clear boundaries, swelling is stronger in the lower part of the limb);
• arthritis, arthrosis, ingrown claws;
• pododermatitis (an inflammatory process associated with decreased immunity and manifested by swelling of the fingertips and the spaces between them);
• vitamin deficiency and lack of essential microelements in food (joints become swollen, more common in German shepherds);
• allergies to dust or chemicals in the soil.

Only in a veterinary clinic will you be able to find out the exact cause and choose an effective treatment after a thorough examination and examination.

Reasons - every owner should know this

Angioedema in dogs refers to an abnormal response of the immune system. For unknown reasons, the body perceives a safe substance as dangerous. As a result, unpleasant symptoms appear.

The occurrence of an acute reaction may be due to the following factors:

• insect bites (ticks, fleas, mosquitoes, wasps, bees),
• improper nutrition - poor quality of feed, adaptation to a new diet,
• use of medications: antibiotics, vitamins.

Quincke's edema often occurs in dogs after eating the following products: chicken, fish, raw or boiled eggs, dairy products, soy, yeast, red vegetables, fruits.

An animal can become allergic to its fur when shedding. However, most often the incorrect response of the immune system is caused by insect bites.

There is also a seasonal reaction. Symptoms and treatment of Quincke's edema in dogs in this case are individual.

Diagnostics

To make a diagnosis, you must contact a veterinarian. While collecting anamnesis, he will ask the owner to answer the following questions:

1. How long ago did the illness begin?
2. Is it chronic or seasonal?
3. Could it be related to changes in lifestyle or diet?
4. Has there been contact with other animals?
5. Have you tried to treat your dog at home?

The diagnosis is made based on the owner's responses and the results of a comprehensive examination. It should include cytological studies, biopsy, antibiotic sensitivity tests, allergy tests, blood and urine tests.

The diagnosis of “pododermatitis” is established based on the clinical picture. The doctor will examine the dog and evaluate the condition of the affected area. If typical symptoms are present, an appropriate diagnosis will be made.

Since pododermatitis is a secondary pathology, it will be necessary to conduct a series of examinations to identify the true cause. This must be done so that during the treatment process not only the clinical manifestations are stopped, but the disease is eliminated completely or brought under control.

During the diagnostic process, the following examinations may be prescribed:

• blood and urine tests;
• cytological examination;
• scraping for demodicosis and determining the presence of other skin parasites;
• research to identify helminths;
• determining the presence of a fungal infection;
• allergy tests.

Additionally, specific blood tests may be prescribed to identify metabolic or immunological pathologies. You may need to consult a veterinary endocrinologist to rule out pathologies of the internal secretion organs.

Treatment and prevention of edema in dogs:

During treatment, the surgeon cuts the affected tissue, delivering the necessary oxygen to the tissue. After removing dead tissue, the area is treated with various antiseptics and disinfectants. Subsequently, antibiotics and necessary medications are introduced into the body.

Prevention can include timely treatment of wounds after bites, after surgery, all kinds of animal bites or bruises. You should also strictly monitor your pet’s condition after a difficult birth.

FAQ (frequently asked questions):

Question: My dog’s face is swollen, what should I do?

Answer: It is better not to self-treat, but to contact a veterinarian to determine the cause of the swelling and prescribe the optimal treatment.

The terrible diagnosis of pulmonary edema in dogs, in which fluid accumulates in the lungs, is considered fatal by most owners. But that's not true! If you can cope with fear and panic, you will be able and have time to save your pet.

What is pulmonary edema, what is its danger, what symptoms indicate the disease, what should the owners of a sick dog do - the answers to all these questions are in our article.

Traditional methods of treatment

Oil compress

To prepare it, add two drops of lavender and juniper oil to a glass of water. All this is mixed, then a cotton cloth is soaked in the solution and applied to the affected area. To enhance the effect, it is recommended to also add a heating pad. Keep the compress for 10 to 30 minutes. The procedure takes 2-3 weeks.

Nettle and chamomile decoction

This combination has several effects simultaneously: it relieves pain and inflammation, and also soothes irritated muscles and joints.

Take a tablespoon of dried nettle and chamomile per glass of water. Bring to a boil and simmer for 5 minutes. After cooling, give the liquid to the dog 2-3 times a day, 1-2 tablespoons.

The decoction cannot be used if the dog is being treated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Factors that provoke the appearance of edema

Below we will look at individual factors that provoke the appearance of edema. Some of them are “original”, while others have already been indirectly mentioned above.

Allergy and Quincke's edema

As we have already written, allergies and angioedema are one of the most common causes of swelling. Allergies develop to anything, at any time, and often the only visible sign is a skin rash and swelling.

The mechanism of development of the latter has already been described above. If the owner suspects the allergic origin of peripheral edema, the pet should be immediately taken to the veterinarian. With allergies, not only the paws, but also the lungs can swell. And this is already a deadly pathology.

Postoperative period

Swelling during the postoperative period is quite common and in most cases it is not dangerous. But! This only applies to situations where swelling lasts for more than two or three days. At this time, the body has not yet fully recovered, interruptions in the functioning of the kidneys are possible (they are already overloaded with removing drug residues), and traumatic swelling often develops at the site of surgical sutures.

Swelling after IV

As in the previous case, swelling after an IV is not considered something “criminal”. Again, only in cases where the swelling goes away quickly.

Their appearance is due to the appearance of additional fluid in the bloodstream, which the kidneys cannot quickly remove. Therefore, part of the liquid fraction of the blood again escapes into the surrounding tissues.

After a snake bite

But swelling after a snake bite is not a good sign. More precisely, swelling in this case indicates a snake bite with a hemolytic type of venom (vipers, rattlesnakes). This type of toxin decomposes the blood into its constituent elements; the walls of blood vessels are also affected, as a result of which the liquid part begins to effusion into the surrounding tissues.

Malignant edema in dogs:

Malignant edema, in combination with other viral diseases in an animal, can be much more complicated and cause even more discomfort to the pet. In such cases, inflammatory lesions of bone tissue, muscles and internal organs are inevitable.

The bacteria that cause this type of disease can be found in the soil, rotting tissues of living organisms and the remains of natural secretions from the intestines. Thanks to natural secretions, these harmful microbes spread throughout the entire area.

The main distinguishing feature of malignant edema is the breakdown of protein and lactose in the body of an infected animal.

Despite these studies, this type of virus can manifest itself in any animal and person, including. The area where it spreads may be a territory with a significant overpopulation of people and animals, without observing standard sanitation rules. In an area contaminated with a significant amount of natural excrement of living organisms, bacteria multiply quickly. Then, entering through wounds, they beneficially multiply and develop in the body of the infected person.

The disease can also enter a pet’s body in any medical clinic that is negligent in disinfection and personal hygiene measures. This may occur due to improper castration, childbirth with heavy blood loss, or surgery. Entering the body through the mucous membranes and internal organs, without oxygen, the microbe begins intensive life activity in the animal’s body. In the victim’s body, they begin to release toxic substances that destroy organs. Without oxygen, together with foreign bodies or body particles, bacteria instantly destroy all healthy tissue.

Due to the fact that these bacteria are accustomed to multiplying in muscle tissue, necrotic processes are much more intense. The virus spreads throughout the infected body through the lymphatic and circulatory routes. As a result, further anemia develops in the body. Then, the virus spreads to nerve tissue, from which microorganisms infect the liver and other internal organs.

Experts, through numerous studies, have found that it is possible to establish stable immunity lasting up to six months.

Treatments for Arthritis in Dogs

As soon as the dog is diagnosed with arthritis, the owner must begin competent therapy to prevent the disease from developing into an acute form. In mild cases of the disease, you can begin treatment by taking herbal infusions (for example, nettle), as well as applying oil-based compresses.

Balanced diet

This is the next step towards relieving the dog's condition. You need to exclude tomatoes, eggplants, onions, potatoes and grains from your pet’s daily menu. Seeds, ginger, egg yolks (quail eggs are best), as well as exotic fruits, support health well. Be careful with fruits - they can cause an allergic reaction. When choosing products, watch the dog’s reaction, the main thing is that the animal does not gain weight, which will provoke a load on the cartilage tissue.

It is better to exclude all cereals, since they are high in carbohydrates. Choose products that do not contain sugar, salt, dyes, and especially chemical impurities. Experts advise against rewarding dogs with treats, as they overload the dog’s body.

Give your dog plenty of raw dairy products, including low-fat cottage cheese and yogurt. Feed your dog meat in minimal quantities, especially red meat. Most of the diet consists of fruits and vegetables, which give the dog energy, but at the same time do not require much effort to digest and are easy to digest. You can periodically feed your pet raw bones. If the dog's condition improves, you can give some fresh sweet pepper. But at the same time, carefully monitor the animal’s reaction.

Garlic supports the immune system well (give it in the amount of half a clove per 20 kg of live weight). Citrus fruits are prohibited, especially oranges. Give a small amount of lemon juice.

The healthiest vegetables: carrots, celery, broccoli. The recommended greens are parsley and cilantro. Apple cider vinegar has a good effect on the body (0.5 teaspoon per day).

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy has a great effect on the dog’s health. Massage is most often used. This procedure helps improve blood circulation, increase blood flow and remove accumulated toxic substances. Massage relaxes muscles well and relieves their tone. Please note that with purulent arthritis, any heating, including ointments, is prohibited. Rubbing is also contraindicated, as it promotes the leakage of pus into nearby tissues.

Swimming is a great way to strengthen your muscles without putting stress on your joints. Small dogs can swim in the bathtub, while large breeds can be taken to a lake or pond.

All of the listed procedures are prescribed only by a veterinarian after an in-person examination of the animal.

Treatment with drugs

Drug therapy is almost the same for all dog breeds. The only difference is in the dosage. To combat the disease, several drugs are used simultaneously to achieve maximum effect and prevent recurrence.

Stop Arthritis

This drug comes in a special form designed to treat arthritis in dogs. The medication belongs to the group of chondoprotectors and anti-inflammatory drugs. The active substance acts on cartilage and promotes its restoration, improved shock absorption and stimulation of metabolic processes. At the same time, swelling and pain decrease, and mobility increases.

Available in the form of a suspension, which can be given with food or separately, instilled directly into the mouth from a syringe or pipette. Frequency of administration: twice a day. The duration of therapy is prescribed by the veterinarian based on the examination results. Usually the course lasts up to 100 days.

If the pet’s condition has noticeably improved in the first month, the doctor may reduce the dosage by half.

This drug is often used for prophylactic purposes after surgery. Usually a monthly dose of medication is prescribed. The dosage is prescribed individually.

Approximate cost: 350 rubles.

Artroglycan

Refers to the latest generation of chondroprotectors. Helps cope with joint problems in cats and dogs. The drug is aimed at restoring joint and bone tissue, normalizing metabolic processes in cells. Saturates cells with minerals, prevents further development of the disease and deterioration of health.

Available in tablet form. The duration of treatment starts from one month. If arthritis occurs in a complicated form, a six-month course of the drug may be prescribed.

The dosage is calculated taking into account the weight of the animal. One tablet is for 10 kg of dog weight. If the dog weighs more than 40 kg, you should immediately give 4 tablets, regardless of the pet’s condition.

Take the medicine in the morning and evening.

Horsepower

Initially, the drug was intended to treat horses, but over time it began to be used to improve the condition of dogs. The gel warms up the joints, which reduces pain and increases the motor activity of the joints.

There are practically no contraindications, side effects occur in extremely rare cases. All this is possible thanks to the natural ingredients in the drug. The main components are plant esters, phenoxyethanol, and glycerin.

In addition to warming, the drug has an antibacterial and calming effect. Apply the gel 1-2 times a day. Directions for use: massage into the affected area.

The duration of therapy depends on the course of the disease. Most often it is one month.

Cost – 900 rub.

Ketofen

This is an anesthetic that is used to quickly eliminate pain and relieve inflammation. It belongs to the group of strong drugs and can be prescribed only if there are no problems with the excretory system (in particular the kidneys).

Contraindications for use are also during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Tablets are given in an amount of no more than 10 mg per day, the duration of administration is no longer than four days. For special indications, the dosage is reduced to 5 mg.

In case of a sharp exacerbation of the disease, Ketofen is prescribed in the form of injections. In this case, the dosage is calculated based on the weight of the dogs - 2 mg per kg of weight. Injections should not be used for longer than three days. You can give one injection per day. If severe pain has passed, it is better to switch your pet to weaker drugs.

The price starts from 400 rubles.

Rimadyl

The drug fights inflammation and pain. Available in the form of tablets and injection solutions. Veterinarians recommend giving preference to tablets. A liquid solution is used to quickly relieve pain, after which the dog is transferred to tablet therapy.

The recommended dosage is 3-4 mg of the main component per kg of weight. The product is taken morning and evening. When using the drug for more than a week, the dosage is halved. Injections can be given only once a day. Injection dosage – 1 ml of the drug per 12.5 kg of dog weight. The solution is administered intravenously. Intramuscular administration is contraindicated.

Hondatron

Release form: drops for oral administration and solution for injection. The form of administration is determined by the veterinarian after examination. In addition to treating arthritis, the drug has additional properties - eliminating weakness in the limbs in older animals.

Injections are administered subcutaneously or intramuscularly twice a day - morning and evening. The dosage of the active ingredient is 0.1 ml/kg body weight. Duration of therapy is two weeks.

Drops are used to prevent the disease. The recommended dose is 0.3 ml/kg. Duration of treatment is from 10 to 14 days.

Cost – 1000 rub.

Chondroitin Complex

Used to treat arthritis in large breed dogs. Available in capsules for internal administration. It has the following effects: stimulates collagen production, restoration of metabolism, including calcium and phosphorus. Additional effects: combating pain and inflammation.

The recommended method of administration is 1 capsule twice a day for 1-2 months, depending on the dog’s condition.

Chondrolone

Used to treat dogs weighing more than 30 kg. Also available in ampoules. The amount of active component in each ampoule is 100 mg. The drug is administered intramuscularly every two days. The recommended course of treatment is 25 injections.

The use of the drug leads to improved mobility, normalization of metabolism and improvement of bone tissue. The most pronounced signs of the disease disappear after the first two injections.

Price in pharmacies – 1500 rubles.

Rumalon

Helps restore joints, reduce inflammation and pain. No more than three injections can be given per week. In this case, the same period of time is maintained. The dosage of the drug is prescribed based on the weight of the animal and its condition.

The medicine may cause allergies. To avoid this, it is recommended to initially administer a small amount of the drug in order to monitor possible side effects.

If the recommended dose is exceeded, increased pain, dizziness and loss of orientation are noted.

Approximate price – 2500 rubles.

Treatment

Treatment of an existing tumor depends on the cause of its occurrence, as well as the complexity of its spread:

1. An infectious tumor, most often, requires opening the edema in order to clean it and treat it. To help your dog recover faster, antibiotics may be prescribed.
2. Allergic edema is relieved with diphenhydramine and various corticosteroids.
3. Swelling caused by hematomas is treated in various ways, depending on its complexity, the absence or presence of bleeding, etc.
4. Treatment of cancerous tumors is carried out depending on its location and the complexity of its condition.
5. Swelling caused by muscle inflammation is treated with individually selected anti-inflammatory drugs.

Another common cause of swelling and swelling on a dog’s face can be dental problems. In dogs, just like in people, problems with teeth and gums can be painful and significantly complicate the dog’s life.

If your dog has swelling of the muzzle, a feverish state, lack of mood, depression, then this may be an obvious cause of tooth pain.

Dental treatment can only be prescribed by a veterinarian. A painful tooth may need to be removed, and to quickly restore the dog’s body, a course of antibiotics may be prescribed.

Swelling of a dog's muzzle can cause what is called urticaria.

Hives are not difficult to identify and distinguish from other reactions that cause swelling of the muzzle.

Hives manifest themselves as a type of allergic reaction in which visible blisters spread across the skin and the fur appears raised.

Hives itself is not dangerous for the animal, and soon this swelling goes away painlessly for the dog.

The most dangerous manifestation of urticaria can be when it is combined with Quincke's edema.

The causes of hives are as follows:

• - pollen of various plants;
• - dust;
• - new food products introduced into the diet;
• - medications currently being treated, etc.

One of the most dangerous and serious types of edema is angioedema, or as it is also called, Quincke's edema.

The cause of this type of edema can be any allergic component. A complicated type of edema has a predisposition to spread throughout the body and body. If the swelling reaches the respiratory tract, there is a high probability of death from suffocation.

The primary symptoms of Quincke's edema are:

• - observed redness or pallor of the oral mucosa;
• - gagging;
• - vomit;
• - rapid breathing and wheezing;
• - swelling of the muzzle.

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At the first symptoms of angioedema, you must immediately take the animal to the nearest veterinary station and begin the treatment procedure.

Possible postoperative complications

Veterinarians identify the following possible postoperative complications:

• Infection of a postoperative wound. It happens both in case of gross violation of the rules of asepsis and antisepsis during the operation, and in case of failure to follow the veterinarian’s recommendations (wearing a surgical collar, changing bandages, etc.).

• A frequent complication of surgery to remove a malignant tumor is the formation of metastases. It is most often impossible to predict and prevent this. However, it is precisely because of the risk of metastasis in these cases that the animal is prescribed intensive chemotherapy.

Anaerobic infection (Gas gangrene, Malignant edema, Gas cellulitis) - how to treat in dogs

MALIGNANT EDEMA (GAS GANGRENE)

An acute, sporadic, wound, non-contagious toxic-infectious disease characterized by gas infiltration and necrosis of affected tissues.

Pathogen. In horses, malignant edema is caused by anaerobic microorganisms of the genus Clostridium: CI. perfringens, CI. oedematiens, C.I. septicum. The infectious process can be caused by either one of these microbes or their association, i.e. malignant edema is a disease of polymorphic etiology (Fig. 265).

Rice. 265

B. oedematiens. Smear of edematous fluid

Under microscopy, in stained preparations from cultures, microbes appear as rods of various sizes with rounded ends, 2-10 µm long and 0.2-2.0 µm wide. All of them (except CI. perfringens) are mobile, do not have capsules, and are capable of forming spores in nutrient media, in the body of animals and in the external environment. Painted with water-based aniline dyes. Young cultures stain positive for Gram; in old cultures, the causative agents of malignant edema are Gram-negative. The spores that form clostridia are oval in shape, exceed the width of the microbial cell, and are located centrally or subterminally. CI. perfringens forms a capsule in the body.

The pathogens grow well on liquid and solid nutrient media (Kit-ta-Tarozzi, blood agar with glucose, etc.) and have proteolytic and sugar-lytic properties. For their growth, anaerobic conditions and a temperature of 37-38°C are required. A characteristic biological feature of all pathogens of malignant edema is their ability to secrete potent exotoxins, which are of leading importance in the pathogenesis of diseases, and persist for a long time in the external environment, soil, contaminated water, milk, vegetables, etc.

The pathogen spores are highly resistant; boiling inactivates in 60-90 minutes, autoclaving in 45 minutes*. Vegetative forms of pathogens die from exposure to direct sunlight after 20-30 minutes.

Epizootology. The main reservoir of pathogens is soil and manure. Clostridium malignant edema (gas gangrene) is found in the intestines, skin of healthy animals, milk and meat. Natural infection occurs when there is an injury. Extensive and deep wounds with sagging, where anaerobic conditions are created, are especially dangerous. Malignant edema can develop as a complication during severe foaling or carelessly performed surgical operations (castration, etc.), when aseptic and antiseptic conditions are violated.

Malignant edema in horses occurs more often in the form of sporadic cases.

Clinical signs and course. The incubation period lasts 1272 hours. In animals, at the site of an injury infected with pathogens of malignant edema, a hot, painful, rapidly spreading edema appears, which soon becomes cold, with a pasty consistency (Fig. 266). Upon palpation, crepitus is noted; upon incision, a yellow or reddish-brown foul-smelling serous fluid with gas bubbles is released. During the course of the disease, general phenomena develop: an increase in body temperature to 40-42°C (sometimes the disease occurs without fever), weakening of cardiac activity. The pulse is frequent and small, breathing is difficult, visible mucous membranes are cyanotic. The outcome is often fatal within 12-36 hours.

Rice. 266

Malignant edema in the abdomen

The corpse is swollen as a result of the formation of gases in the abdominal cavity. A crepitating diffuse swelling is found in the wound area. The connective and muscle tissue in the area of ​​edema is infiltrated with a reddish-yellow exudate, contains gas bubbles and emits the smell of rancid oil. Lymph nodes are enlarged, hyperemic, with hemorrhages. The muscles are dry, loose, brittle, and easily torn. In severe foaling, complicated by malignant edema, changes are noted in the muscles of the croup and thighs. Changes in internal organs are atypical. The blood is poorly coagulated and dark in color.

The diagnosis is made on the basis of anamnestic data, clinical and pathological indicators (wounds, difficult childbirth, surgery) - acute and severe course, high body temperature, the formation of crepitant edema, which are localized around the wounds. In all cases, laboratory testing is mandatory. The material for bacteriological research is tissue exudate, pieces of affected muscles, and parenchymal organs. Microscopy of smears and cultures are carried out on nutrient media: Kitta-Tarozzi, MPB, MPA. The guinea pig is infected in the thigh muscle, which dies in positive cases within 24-48 hours.

To determine the type of pathogen, a neutralization reaction (RN) is used.

Malignant edema is differentiated from the carbunculous form of anthrax by the absence of crepitus, analysis of anamnestic and epizootic data, and bacteriological examination.

Treatment of sick animals is ineffective. It includes radical measures due to the exceptional speed of the infectious process. Sick horses are isolated, to eliminate anaerobiosis in the area of ​​edema, wide longitudinal incisions are made in the skin and subcutaneous tissue, infiltrates and dead tissue are removed. Wounds are treated with 1-2% solutions of hydrogen peroxide, potassium permanganate (1:1000-1:3000). Antibiotics (penicillin, biomycin, tetramycin) are injected intramuscularly around the wound. A 4% solution of norsulfazole is administered intravenously, 50-100 ml, camphor serum - 200-500 ml, and cardiac medications are used.

Which breeds are more susceptible

Dogs with numerous skin folds, a tendency to obesity and short legs suffer more than others: Shar Peis, Pugs, Chow Chows, Pekingese, Dachshunds, Bulldogs (French and English).

The condition can affect any breed of dog, especially puppies, older dogs, and animals prone to allergies.

Prevention of edema in dogs, how to protect your pet’s health

Comprehensive and high-quality prevention of edema in dogs helps protect your pet from many problems. To do this, the owner must comply with the following rules:

• At least once a quarter, your pet should be shown to a veterinarian for preventive purposes.
• The animal must be vaccinated and treated against parasites in a timely manner.
• The pet's diet must be completely balanced in nutrients, micro- and macroelements.

Finally, the most important thing is that if your dog has swelling, he definitely needs to be seen by a veterinarian. Let us remind you once again that this pathology is completely uncharacteristic for healthy animals.

First aid for a dog with swelling: what the owner can do

To ensure that the consequences of swelling are not so serious, high-quality first aid should be provided to the dog for swelling. But! We immediately warn breeders: if there is a suspicion of the allergic nature of the pathology, and even more so in cases where the pet has Quincke's edema or anaphylaxis, there is no need to waste time and try to help the pet on your own. In such situations, you should immediately call a veterinarian. In milder cases, self-help is still possible.

To do this, the owner needs to do the following:

• Regardless of the etiology of edema, the pet should be given complete rest. This is especially important when your pet’s paws are injured. In such cases, he should not run or even walk a lot.
• The application of a warm compress may be recommended, but not in the first hours, and only after mandatory consultation with a veterinarian. It must be remembered that slight swelling can be a sign of an abscess or cellulitis, so heat can make the animal much worse.
• If the animal’s well-being allows it, it is also not given anything to drink during the first hours. Excess fluid will only contribute to the further development of edema.
• The pet should be placed in a well-ventilated area at room temperature. If the swelling is of allergic origin, even such a simple measure will help improve the dog’s condition.

Unfortunately, in other cases you won’t be able to do something on your own.

Signs of edema in dogs:

There are many signs of this disease. Each type of animal has its own symptoms.

• The main feature present in all sick animals is the presence of a large and very sensitive tumor on the body. The duration can take up to three days. When the swelling begins to develop, it is hot; as it subsides, it becomes colder to the touch.
• The main signs may well include a sharp loss of appetite, shortness of breath, and in some cases a possible increase in body temperature, which decreases towards the death of the pet.

There are three types of infection:

• Emphysematous. Characterized by rapid damage to healthy tissues in the body. Pus and air begin to be released from the muscles when pressed, and they begin to take on the color of boiled meat.
• Edema-toxic. This form is characterized by the occurrence of edema near the affected area and the occurrence of toxic poisoning. The color of the affected area immediately begins to turn red. An area infected with germs quickly becomes soft to the touch and when pressed, a gray liquid flows out of it. The swelling begins to spread quickly.
• Doctors also identify the presence of a mixed form of infection. With this form, there is a sharp destruction of body tissues with the presence of a sharp putrefactive odor.

The diagnosis of this disease can only be made after passing the necessary tests by your veterinarian.

Yeast fungus

Fungal diseases can appear in dogs even with the best care. The main thing is not to miss the onset of the disease and urgently go to the doctor.

Pinworms

Other parasites

Pinworms

The main causes of edema in dogs

• Firstly, swelling itself is not a disease. It is only a consequence of other pathologies that contribute to an increase in the porosity of blood vessels and the release of the liquid fraction of blood into the tissue.
• Secondly, peripheral edema can be local (swelling of the paws, for example), or generalized (over the entire area of ​​the body). Naturally, veterinarians consider the first case to be the easiest.

The severity of edema varies and is also classified:

• Pasty. The swelling is barely noticeable, often only noticeable upon palpation.
• Pronounced, easily visible swelling.
• Anasarka. The swelling is very strong, sharp, the affected tissues are literally swollen.

The causes of edema in dogs, which are not observed in pure form very often in veterinary practice: