Top Ten Popular Articles of 2015

When I take a look at the list of most popular posts, I doesn't surprise me. 

I encourages me to finally finish my book on Symptoms to Watch in Your Dog. I was crazy busy with work but I'm getting close to finishing it.


One thing that concerns me that it seems people mostly seek these articles not looking for understanding but rather for easy, quick, home fixes. While there are many things that can be treated at home, there are also many that do require veterinary attention. Knowing the difference is what's important. But too many people are reluctant to see a vet.

Couple of articles on dog knee injuries, namely those on post-op care also made the list. 

This year, we'll be kicking off with articles on CCL injuries in dogs in the Physical Therapy Tips column.

The article on Collie Nose/Discoid Lupus Erythematosus (DLE) is steadily remaining on the list which doesn't surprise me because there isn't a whole lot of information about this out there.

The one that does surprise me is an article explaining hypo- versus hyperadrenocorticism. I've done a few similar articles which seem to be just sitting there without getting much interest. Except this one. I should look into why and see if I can expand on the information.

Symptoms To Watch For In Your Dog: Excessive Drinking (Polydipsia)

This is one of frequent questions on Dog Health Issues group, as well as on Pawbly. Though more people are likely to be concerned about potty accidents and frequent urination than increased drinking. Those two go usually hand in hand, though. These are definitely things that cannot be treated at home. Conditions that cause increased drinking and/or urination range from urinary tract infections (UTI), systemic infections, systemic diseases such as diabetes or Cushing's, and other serious things.


Symptoms To Watch For In Your Dog: Excessive Panting

Excessive panting can be caused by anything from stress, pain, obesity, heatstroke, fever, hormonal disorders, or respiratory or cardiovascular disorders. This again is something you do need to see a vet with. No, there isn't a magic pill you can get over the counter that will just make this go away.


Symptoms To Watch For In Your Dog: Excessive Drooling

Excessive drooling is drooling more than is normal for your particular breed or individual dog. Some breeds drool more than others. It is a sign of a problem when it's either more than is normal or not associated with typical situations, such as presence of food.

Reasons why your dog might drool excessively range from serious to life-threatening. When it is paired with other serious signs such as pain, inability to swallow, difficulty breathing, vomiting, dry heaving and distended stomach, lethargy, weakness, change in  mental status ... you're looking at an emergency situation.



Medical Jargon Explained: Hypo- versus Hyperadrenocorticism

This is an article where I'm trying to explain what adrenal glands do and what happens when they're not able to do it properly. I've done a few similar articles which nobody seems to read. I need to figure out why this particular one is getting all that attention and see if I can expand on the information.

Collie Nose: Discoid Lupus Erythematosus (DLE) In Dogs

I always thought this was a pretty rare disease and I wrote about it only because a friend was asking about it. But it seems it's not that rare after all.

If your dog has been diagnosed with DLE, do check out a follow-up article by Dr. Daniel Beatty about Alternative Treatments For Discoid Lupus Erythematosus (DLE).


Whats In The Urine? (Part I: What You Can Notice On Your Own)

Paying attention to stuffs that come out of your dog can arm you with lots of important information. That applies to poop, vomit and, of course, urine. Be aware of frequency, visual appearance, smell ... watch if elimination might be painful. All of these things are important clues about your dog's health. When in doubt, or something gives you a reason for concern, get a urine sample to your vet. Urinalysis is an awesome diagnostic tool.

Make sure that ideally you give your vet FRESH, fasted, first morning pee in a sterile container.


Symptoms To Watch For In Your Dog: Bad Odor

The only time any of our dogs had a bad odor to them was when something was wrong. Infected anal glands, gastrointestinal disease, skin infection, oral disease ...

The average dog shouldn't be any stinkier than an average person. If they are, something is up.


Surviving The Post-Op: After Your Dog's ACL Surgery

Busted knees are one of the most common injuries in dogs. Most often, the best way of fixing that is surgery. When your dog is going to have any surgery, it is best to be prepared before hand. Ask your surgeon what to expect. Find out whether and how you can get yourself and your home ready for the post-op. See if there is anything you can do to prepare your dog as well. It will save you a lot of stress and grief when your dog comes home after the actual surgery.


Symptoms To Watch For In Your Dog: Excessive Head Shaking

Your dog will shake their heads in response to discomfort, pain or irritation. This can be as simple as a itch, tickle or bug bite, or it can be as serious as inflammation or ear infection.


Cruciate Ligament (ACL/CCL) Surgery Post-Op Care: Example Plan

To this day, too many people bring their dog home after a major surgery with very little instruction about what to expect, what to watch for and how to care for their dog during the recovery. If your dog has a surgery, insist that your vet or surgeon explains things to you in detail and, ideally, provides you with a written post-op care and rehabilitation plan.

Most of the time, what happens after surgery is just as important as the surgery itself.

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