Puppies with dome-shaped heads can have a brain problem called hydrocephalus. Knowing how to recognize it before it causes severe brain damage is important. Hydrocephalus is a neurological condition that affects puppies, causing an abnormal buildup of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the brain. Many factors, including genetic defects and infections, can cause it. This blog post will discuss what causes hydrocephalus in puppies. Causes Are you curious if hydrocephalus is genetic in dogs? Let us explain it. Hydrocephalus in puppies can be either congenital (presented before birth) or acquired after birth - the two main causes of this condition. Is Hydrocephalus in Dogs Genetic? Hydrocephalus can be genetic, meaning it is passed down through generations of dogs. If a...
A healthy dog is a happy dog. Unfortunately, sometimes our pups can suffer an injury that could lead to a torn ACL. While dogs can live with a torn ACL, their quality of life is affected. Getting your pup to the vet immediately is important, as a torn ACL without treatment can require surgery. To understand more about this injury and how it can affect your dog, we'll explain what a torn ACL is, how it's diagnosed and treated, and how to help your dog live a comfortable life. Table of Contents Dogs ACL Injury Diagnosis Treatment Options Living With a Torn CCL The Importance of Treating a Torn CCL Dogs ACL Injury First, the good news: a torn ACL...
An ACL tear is one of the most frequent injuries in dogs, and treatment options include rest, immobilization, and sometimes surgery. Dogs can heal from an ACL injury without surgery. For many dogs, orthopedic braces and supplements can be successful alternatives to surgical treatment. A licensed veterinarian is the only person you should visit to find out if your dog needs surgery or if there are alternatives to surgical intervention. After an ACL tear has been diagnosed in your dog, you'll want to give serious thought to the many treatment options at your disposal. Understanding Torn ACLs in Dogs ACL injuries are quite common for athletes. The thin band of connective tissue in the center of the knee that we...
An injury to the cranial cruciate ligament, or CCL, is a common cause of lameness and limping in dogs. The CCL is a ligament that joins the front of the tibia to the back of the femur in dogs— in humans, this ligament is known as the ACL (anterior cruciate ligament). Dog CCL tears are commonly referred to as "dog ACL injuries" because the term is more universally understood. The CCL plays a crucial role in canine health since it stabilizes the knee joint and holds the tibia in place below the femur. What happens when your dog has a torn CCL? Can you wrap the dog's hind legs? The short answer is yes. A canine stifle (knee) brace should...
Newsflash: even the best-behaved dog can sometimes injure itself. A tumble can leave your pup with a swollen, painful knee that needs extra help healing. In other cases, it's just age affecting your dog’s bones. If this is true for your pet, a knee brace can relieve their pain. But before going ahead and buying a knee brace, you must ensure that the item fits your dog well. Casting your dog for a knee brace is critical to keeping your best buddy safe from further injury. This process may appear difficult at first, but it's much easier than you think. In this blog, we provide the materials and steps to measure dogs for a knee brace without hurting them. First...
