Overview Pneumonia is an inflammation of the lungs and the bronchi, usually related to a bacterial infection. The route of infection is typically inhalation but sometimes the bacteria can be spread by the blood stream from an infection in other parts of the body. Pneumonia can occur … [Read more...]

Overview Periodontitis is the inflammation of the structures that support teeth and gums. It is one of the most common infectious diseases in the world in dogs and is caused by bacteria that make up plaque. Periodontitis causes tooth and bone loss, which can even lead to jaw fracture. … [Read more...]

Overview Parvovirus is a virus that invades and destroys rapidly growing cells in the intestine, bone marrow and lymphoid tissue resulting in nausea, vomiting and severe bloody diarrhea. The disease can vary from mild to fatal if not properly treated. Infection is generally attributed … [Read more...]

Overview Panosteitis is an inflammation involving various layers of the bones of young, growing dogs. This condition occurs spontaneously and ultimately resolves on its own. The exact cause of panosteitis is unknown, but the disease tends to occur in large and giant breed dogs between … [Read more...]

Overview Pancreatitis results from sudden inflammation of the pancreas and is characterized by activation of pancreatic enzymes that can cause the pancreas to begin digesting itself. The cause of pancreatitis is poorly understood. Predisposing causes include obesity, high fat diet, … [Read more...]

Overview Osteosarcoma is a type of cancer that typically arises in the bones of the limbs. Less commonly, it may occur in the bones of the spine, pelvis, and skull. Osteosarcoma is the most common type of bone cancer, and it is estimated to occur in more than 8,000 dogs in the United … [Read more...]

Overview Medial patella luxation is a condition in which the patella (knee-cap) no longer glides within its natural groove in the femur, the upper bone of the knee joint. It becomes displaced to the inside of the joint and can be partial or complete, intermittent or permanent. Medial … [Read more...]

Overview Masticatory muscle myositis (MMM) is an inflammatory condition involving the muscles of mastication or chewing in the dog. MMM is caused by an immune mediated process targeted against specific muscle fibers. MMM occurs in all breeds of dog, but appears to be more common in … [Read more...]

Overview Mast cell tumors arise most commonly in the skin. They develop from a normal component of body tissues called the mast cell that play a role in the process of tissue repair by releasing inflammatory mediators. Malignant mast cell tumors can spread to the lymph nodes, spleen, … [Read more...]

Overview Mammary gland tumors are a type of cancer that arises from breast tissues. About 50 percent of these tumors are malignant, which means they can spread, and 50 percent are benign and do not spread. The cause of mammary tumors is not well understood. Hormones such as estrogen … [Read more...]