This section begins with chapters on how to select and care for a dog and the behavior of dogs. These are followed by chapters on diseases of specific body systems (for example, the digestive system, the brain and nervous system). Additional detailed information on these topics is also available in the Veterinary Content section of this website.
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Dog Owners
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Description and Physical Characteristics of Dogs
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Selecting and Providing a Home for a Dog
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Routine Care and Breeding of Dogs
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Behavior of Dogs
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Blood Disorders of Dogs
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Introduction to Blood Disorders of Dogs
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Blood Groups and Blood Transfusions in Dogs
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White Blood Cell Disorders of Dogs
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Erythrocytosis and Polycythemia in Dogs
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Bone, Joint, and Muscle Disorders of Dogs
- Introduction to Bone, Joint, and Muscle Disorders of Dogs
- Components of the Musculoskeletal System in Dogs
- Overview of Musculoskeletal Disorders and Diseases in Dogs
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Congenital and Inherited Disorders of Bones, Joints, and Muscles in Dogs
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Disorders Associated with Calcium, Phosphorus, and Vitamin D in Dogs
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Brain, Spinal Cord, and Nerve Disorders of Dogs
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Parts of the Nervous System in Dogs
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Nervous System Disorders and Effects of Injuries in Dogs
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The Neurologic Evaluation of Dogs
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Principles of Therapy of the Nervous System in Dogs
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Congenital and Inherited Disorders of the Nervous System in Dogs
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Disorders of the Peripheral Nerves in Dogs
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Disorders of the Spinal Column and Cord in Dogs
- Dysautonomia in Dogs
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Central Nervous System Disorders Caused by Parasites in Dogs
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Meningitis and Encephalitis in Dogs
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Digestive Disorders of Dogs
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Introduction to Digestive Disorders of Dogs
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Congenital and Inherited Disorders of the Digestive System of Dogs
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Disorders of the Mouth in Dogs
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Disorders of the Pharynx (Throat) in Dogs
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Disorders of the Esophagus in Dogs
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Disorders of the Stomach and Intestines in Dogs
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Disorders Caused by Bacteria in the Digestive System of Dogs
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Gastrointestinal Parasites of Dogs
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Disorders Caused by Protozoa in the Digestive System of Dogs
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Pancreatitis and Other Disorders of the Pancreas in Dogs
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Disorders of the Liver and Gallbladder in Dogs
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Complications of Liver Disease
- Portosystemic Shunts and Other Vessel Abnormalities
- Poisons Affecting the Liver
- Infectious Diseases of the Liver
- Canine Chronic Hepatitis
- Endocrine Diseases Affecting the Liver
- Liver Cysts and Nodular Hyperplasia
- Cancers of the Liver
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Diseases of the Gallbladder and Bile Duct
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Disorders of the Rectum and Anus in Dogs
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Ear Disorders of Dogs
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Eye Disorders of Dogs
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Eye Structure and Function in Dogs
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Disorders of the Eyelids in Dogs
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Disorders of the Nasal Cavity and Tear Ducts in Dogs
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Disorders of the Conjunctiva in Dogs
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Disorders of the Cornea in Dogs
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Disorders of the Anterior Uvea in Dogs
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Disorders of the Retina, Choroid, and Optic Disk (Ocular Fundus) in Dogs
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Disorders of the Optic Nerve in Dogs
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Disorders of the Orbit in Dogs
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Eyeworm Disease (Thelaziasis) in Dogs
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Cancers and Tumors of the Eye in Dogs
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Heart and Blood Vessel Disorders of Dogs
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Introduction to Heart and Blood Vessel Disorders in Dogs
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Diagnosis of Cardiovascular Disease in Dogs
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Treatment of Cardiovascular Disease in Dogs
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Congenital and Inherited Disorders of the Cardiovascular System in Dogs
- Detecting Congenital Heart Defects
- General Treatment and Outlook
- Innocent Murmurs
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Common Congenital Heart Abnormalities
- Patent Ductus Arteriosus
- Pulmonic Stenosis
- Aortic Stenosis
- Persistent Right Aortic Arch
- Ventricular Septal Defects
- Tetralogy of Fallot
- Atrial Septal Defects
- Mitral Valve Dysplasia
- Mitral Stenosis
- Tricuspid Dysplasia
- Hernias Between the Abdomen and Membrane Surrounding the Heart
- Cor Triatriatum Dexter
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Acquired Heart and Blood Vessel Disorders in Dogs
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Blood Clots and Aneurysms in Dogs
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Hormonal Disorders of Dogs
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Introduction to Hormonal Disorders of Dogs
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Disorders of the Adrenal Glands in Dogs
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Disorders of the Pancreas in Dogs
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Disorders of the Parathyroid Glands and of Calcium Metabolism in Dogs
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Disorders of the Pituitary Gland in Dogs
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Disorders of the Thyroid Gland in Dogs
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Neuroendocrine Tissue Tumors in Dogs
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Immune Disorders of Dogs
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Immune System Responses in Dogs
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Disorders Involving Anaphylactic Reactions (Type I Reactions, Atopy) in Dogs
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Disorders Involving Cytotoxic Antibodies (Type II Reactions) in Dogs
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Disorders Involving Immune Complexes (Type III Reactions) in Dogs
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Disorders Involving Cell-mediated Immunity (Type IV Reactions) in Dogs
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Immune-deficiency Diseases in Dogs
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Kidney and Urinary Tract Disorders of Dogs
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Detecting Disorders of the Kidneys and Urinary Tract in Dogs
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Congenital and Inherited Disorders of the Urinary System in Dogs
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Infectious Diseases of the Urinary System in Dogs
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Noninfectious Diseases of the Urinary System in Dogs
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Lung and Airway Disorders of Dogs
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Introduction to Lung and Airway Disorders of Dogs
- Accumulation of Fluid or Air in the Chest Cavity in Dogs
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- Bronchitis in Dogs
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Cancers and Tumors of the Lung and Airway in Dogs
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- Emphysema in Dogs
- Kennel Cough (Infectious Tracheobronchitis) in Dogs
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- Lung Flukes in Dogs
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- Paralysis of the Larynx in Dogs
- Pharyngitis in Dogs
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- Pulmonary Edema in Dogs
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Rhinitis and Sinusitis in Dogs
- Tonsillitis in Dogs
- Tracheal Collapse in Dogs
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Tracheobronchitis (Bronchitis) in Dogs
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Metabolic Disorders of Dogs
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Reproductive Disorders of Dogs
- Introduction to Reproductive Disorders of Dogs
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The Gonads and Genital Tract of Dogs
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Management of Reproduction in Dogs
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Reproductive Disorders of Male Dogs
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Reproductive Disorders of Female Dogs
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Mammary (Breast) Tumors in Dogs
- Brucellosis in Dogs
- Transmissible Venereal Tumor in Dogs
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Skin Disorders of Dogs
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Dermatitis and Dermatologic Problems in Dogs
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Diagnosis of Skin Disorders in Dogs
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Treatment of Skin Disorders in Dogs
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Congenital and Inherited Skin Disorders in Dogs
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- Abscesses Between the Toes (Interdigital Furunculosis) in Dogs
- Contagious Ecthyma (Orf, Contagious Pustular Dermatitis, Sore Mouth) in Dogs
- Dermatophilosis in Dogs
- Eosinophilic Granuloma Complex in Dogs
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- Hair Loss (Alopecia) in Dogs
- Hives and Rashes (Urticaria) in Dogs
- Hygroma in Dogs
- Hyperpigmentation in Dogs
- Itching (Pruritus) in Dogs
- Lice of Dogs
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Mite Infestation (Mange, Acariasis, Scabies) in Dogs
- Nasal Dermatoses in Dogs
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Parasitic Worms of the Skin in Dogs
- Photosensitization in Dogs
- Pyoderma in Dogs
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Ringworm (Dermatophytosis) in Dogs
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- Apocrine Gland Tumors of the Anal Sac
- Basal Cell Tumors and Carcinomas
- Benign Fibroblastic Tumors
- Benign, Nonviral, Wart-like Tumors
- Blood Vessel Tumors
- Cornifying Epitheliomas
- Hair Follicle Tumors
- Histiocytic Cell Tumors
- Keratinized Skin Cysts
- Lipomas and Liposarcomas
- Lymphoid Tumors of the Skin
- Mast Cell Tumors
- Melanomas
- Perianal (Hepatoid) Gland Tumors
- Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumors
- Sebaceous Gland Tumors
- Smooth Muscle Tumors of the Skin
- Soft Tissue Giant Cell Tumors (Fibrous Histiocytomas)
- Soft Tissue Sarcomas
- Squamous Cell Carcinomas
- Sweat Gland Tumors
- Tumors Originating Outside the Skin (Metastatic Tumors)
- Undifferentiated and Anaplastic Sarcomas
- Warts (Papillomas)
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Whole-body Disorders that Affect the Skin in Dogs
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Disorders Affecting Multiple Body Systems of Dogs
- Introduction to Disorders Affecting Multiple Body Systems of Dogs
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Congenital and Inherited Disorders Affecting Multiple Body Systems of Dogs
- Actinobacillosis in Dogs
- Actinomycosis in Dogs
- Amyloidosis in Dogs
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- Botulism in Dogs
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Canine Distemper (Hardpad Disease)
- Canine Herpesvirus
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Ehrlichiosis and Related Infections in Dogs
- Enterotoxemia in Dogs
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- Glanders (Farcy) in Dogs
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Leishmaniosis (Visceral Leishmaniasis) in Dogs
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Lyme Disease (Lyme Borreliosis) in Dogs
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- Neosporosis in Dogs
- Nocardiosis in Dogs
- Peritonitis in Dogs
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- Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (Tick Fever) in Dogs
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Salmon Poisoning Disease and Elokomin Fluke Fever in Dogs
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- Toxoplasmosis in Dogs
- Trichinellosis (Trichinosis) in Dogs
- Tuberculosis in Dogs
- Tularemia (Rabbit Fever) in Dogs
Dog Owners Sections (A-Z)
Behavior of Dogs
Behavioral medicine is the scientific study of everything animals do, whether the animals are insects, birds, mammals, fish, or humans. The field of animal behavior is concerned with understanding the causes, functions, development, and evolution of behavior. Behavior refers to the actions or reactions of an organism. Behavior is usually in relation to the environment, and is controlled by the endocrine and nervous systems. The complexity of animal behavior is related to the complexity of its nervous system. Generally, animals with complex nervous systems have a greater capacity to learn new responses and thus adjust their behavior.
Blood Disorders of Dogs
Blood cells form and develop mostly in the bone marrow, that is, the tissue located in the cavities of bones. Blood performs a variety of important functions as it circulates throughout the body. It delivers oxygen and vital nutrients (such as vitamins, minerals, fats, and sugars) to the tissues. It carries carbon dioxide to the lungs to be exhaled and waste products to the kidneys and liver to be eliminated from the body. It transports hormones, which are chemical messengers, to various parts of the body, allowing those parts to communicate with each other. Blood also includes cells that fight infection and control bleeding.
Bone, Joint, and Muscle Disorders of Dogs
The musculoskeletal system includes the bones, cartilage, muscles, ligaments, joints, tendons, and other connective tissue. It supports the body, permits movement, and protects the vital organs. Because many other body systems (including the nervous system, blood vessels, and skin) are interrelated, disorders of one of these systems may also affect the musculoskeletal system.
Brain, Spinal Cord, and Nerve Disorders of Dogs
Also see professional content regarding the nervous system.
Description and Physical Characteristics of Dogs
Dogs are descendents of wolves that roamed wild over much of the world in ancient times. People have associated with dogs for thousands of years, originally domesticating them as beasts of burden and guard animals. Today, there are still many working breeds, and the service roles of dogs have greatly expanded to include assisting disabled individuals (for example, those with visual or hearing impairments), working with human law enforcement by sniffing out illegal drugs and other contraband, locating survivors in search-and-rescue missions, and even using their incredible sense of smell for early detection of cancer cells in human patients. Of course, the primary role of most dogs is that of loyal companion.
Digestive Disorders of Dogs
Also see professional content regarding the disgestive system.
Disorders Affecting Multiple Body Systems of Dogs
There are many disorders that can affect multiple parts of the body. These may be caused by bacteria, viruses, poisonous or toxic substances in the environment, and other health hazards. Disorders affecting multiple body systems can also be inherited or develop while the animal is still in the womb. Diseases or conditions that involve multiple organ systems may also be described as systemic or generalized.
Ear Disorders of Dogs
Also see professional content regarding ear structure of a dog.
Eye Disorders of Dogs
Also see professional content regarding eye structure, function, and physical examination.
Heart and Blood Vessel Disorders of Dogs
Also see professional content regarding heart and blood vessel disorders.
Hormonal Disorders of Dogs
Hormones are chemical messengers that have many different functions. The effects of hormones in the body are wide-ranging and varied. Some familiar examples of hormones include insulin, which is important in the development of diabetes, and estrogen and progesterone, which are involved in the female reproductive cycle.
Immune Disorders of Dogs
Also see professional content regarding the immune system.
Kidney and Urinary Tract Disorders of Dogs
The urinary system or tract includes the kidneys, the ureters (tubes that connect the kidneys to the bladder), the bladder, and the urethra (the tube through which urine exits the body). The urinary system has several important functions. It gets rid of the waste products that are created when food is transformed into energy. It also maintains the correct balance of water and electrolytes (salts) within the body’s cells. Another key function is the production of hormones called erythropoietin and renin, which are important in maintaining healthy blood pressure, producing blood cells, and absorbing salt correctly. Finally, the urinary system processes vitamin D.
Lung and Airway Disorders of Dogs
Also see professional content regarding respiratory diseases of dogs.
Metabolic Disorders of Dogs
Also see professional content regarding metabolic disorders.
Reproductive Disorders of Dogs
Also see professional content regarding an introduction to reproductive disorders.
Routine Care and Breeding of Dogs
Selecting and Providing a Home for a Dog
Choosing the dog that is right for you and your family is very important. The large variety of breeds means that dogs come in all sizes, shapes, and colors, and have a range of temperaments. Many dog breeds have been developed for specific purposes and behaviors. A mismatch can result in unnecessary stress and lead to behavioral problems, which can be difficult to correct.
Skin Disorders of Dogs
The skin is the largest organ of your dog’s body. It provides a protective barrier against the environment, regulates temperature, and gives your dog its sense of touch. Depending on the species and age, the skin may be 12 to 24% of a dog’s body weight. The skin has 3 major layers: the epidermis or outermost layer, the dermis or middle layer, and subcutis or innermost layer. Other important parts of the skin include skin appendages (such as hair and claws) and subcutaneous muscles and fat.
Also of Interest
Test your knowledge
The clinical signs of frontal sinusitis include fever, anorexia, nasal discharge, changes in nasal airflow, and bad breath. Which of the following conditions is most likely to cause frontal sinusitis in cattle?