Dog diseases

elevated urea

Elevated urea

Dog diseases , dogs / By

Why is this topic important? "BUN" stands for Blood Urea Nitrogen and describes the proportion of urea in the blood that is measured as nitrogen. Elevated urea levels in clinically healthy dogs worry many owners, especially if the dog appears healthy, eats and drinks normally, and all other clinical blood tests are within the reference range. From an internal medicine perspective, BUN is a helpful but nonspecific marker: it rises not only in cases of renal problems but also in prerenal and postrenal disorders, as well as under certain dietary and gastrointestinal conditions. This means that an elevated BUN level is a finding, not a diagnosis. This is precisely where my role as a treating veterinarian lies: to clarify the underlying causes, correctly assess their relevance, and establish a targeted, animal-friendly diagnostic and monitoring program. Professional societies and international guidelines have emphasized for years the clear distinction between prerenal, renal and postrenal azotemia – the BUN adds a facet to this picture, but never replaces the overall view.

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Christmas treats

Christmas treats

Dogs , dog diseases / By

As a practicing veterinarian, Susanne Arndt, I experience the same wave of emergencies every December: dogs that have "just quickly" nibbled on a plate, emptied the advent calendar, or gotten hold of a piece of stollen with raisins. "Christmas treats that are dangerous for dogs" is therefore not just a seasonal topic, but genuine preventative medicine. In this article, you will find a well-founded, easy-to-implement guide on how to recognize typical holiday traps, realistically assess risks, and act correctly in an emergency. I share clinical experience from emergency services, explain the medical background, and link to reputable international specialist sources.

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Paraesophageal abscess

Paraesophageal abscess

Cat-friendly clinic , surgery , dog diseases , cat diseases / By

As a veterinarian, I am frequently confronted with complex chest diseases where a thorough diagnosis and prompt treatment determine the prognosis. A typical example is a paraesophageal abscess – a collection of pus in the tissue adjacent to the esophagus. A paraesophageal abscess usually develops as a result of a small perforation of the esophagus, often caused by swallowed foreign bodies (e.g., bones, sticks, fishhooks) or by secondary infections in the mediastinum. Even wood splinters that migrate easily from the throat or tongue can travel caudally along tissue fascia and cause a paraesophageal abscess near the esophagus. We see the interplay of a foreign body, local inflammation, bacterial colonization, and an encapsulated pus-filled cavity relatively frequently in dogs, whereas it is less common in cats.

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Cholecystectomy in dogs

Cholecystectomy in dogs

Surgery , Dogs , Dog Diseases / By

As a practicing veterinarian, I regularly see dogs with gallbladder disease where cholecystectomy—the surgical removal of the gallbladder—is the safest and best long-term solution. This is particularly common with gallbladder mucocele: In this condition, the gallbladder fills with thick, biliary mucus, the wall becomes overstretched and inflamed, and there is a risk of rupture, leading to life-threatening biliary peritonitis. In this situation, cholecystectomy can eliminate the risk of rupture and stabilize liver and bile duct function. Leading international veterinary sources recommend early surgical intervention, depending on the findings, to avoid complications. (Merck Veterinary Manual+1)

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Teething problems in young dogs

Teething problems in young dogs

Dental treatments , dogs , dog diseases / By

Teething problems in young dogs are more common than many owners realize. Normal teething usually begins between 12 and 16 weeks of age, depending on the breed, and is typically completed by 6-7 months. During this important developmental phase, complications can arise, ranging from harmless, temporary irritations to conditions requiring treatment. As a veterinarian, I place great importance on owners understanding early on which signs are harmless and which are critical. Untreated teething problems in young dogs can cause pain, malocclusion, periodontitis, jawbone changes, and even long-term behavioral changes.

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Chondroitinase injection in dogs

Chondroitinase injection for dogs

Canine Diseases , Neurology / By

As a veterinarian who sees dogs with acute back problems daily, I am delighted by a development that offers many small dogs with intervertebral disc herniation a real additional option: chondroitinase injections. This involves the minimally invasive injection of an enzyme (chondroitinase ABC) directly into the affected intervertebral discs. The aim is to liquefy the central portion of the disc, relieve pressure on the spinal cord, and thus alleviate paralysis or severe pain more quickly and with less strain – in selected cases as an alternative to surgery. Recent reports from a British university clinic describe how, since the beginning of 2025, several dozen treated dogs were able to walk again after just a few days; the clinic is currently the only institution in the United Kingdom to offer this method on a regular basis. University of Cambridge

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Claw disease in dogs

Claw disease in dogs

Dog diseases / By

Claw problems in dogs affect far more pets than many owners realize. Whether it's sudden limping after a walk, a torn claw, purulent redness at the nail bed, or an unpleasant odor: these signs can indicate harmless injuries, but also serious inflammations, fungal or bacterial infections, autoimmune skin diseases, metabolic disorders, or even tumors. Because a dog's claws are subjected to daily mechanical stress, many problems worsen rapidly if they are not consistently recognized and treated. This article explains, from a veterinary perspective, how to recognize claw problems in dogs, what the possible causes are, how the veterinary diagnosis is carried out, what treatment options are available, and what you can do yourself to prevent them.

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Shortening the soft palate of a pug

Shortening the soft palate of a pug

Brachycephaly , Surgery , ENT , Dogs , Canine Diseases / By

As a veterinarian, I am very frequently asked by pug owners whether shortening the soft palate is a relevant topic for pugs – and if so, when, how, and with what risks. The pug is a brachycephalic breed, meaning it has a short skull. This head shape predisposes pugs to Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS), in which several constrictions in the upper respiratory tract occur.

A key structure in this process is the soft palate (velum). If it is too long or too thick, it can obstruct airflow, leading to snoring, wheezing, exercise intolerance, coughing, gagging, increased panting, sleep disturbances, and in extreme cases, life-threatening respiratory distress. In such cases, shortening the soft palate (medically: staphylectomy or palatoplasty) is a proven veterinary option to relieve pressure on the airways and sustainably improve your dog's quality of life.

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Nasal fold resection in pugs

Nasal fold resection in pugs

Brachycephaly , Surgery , ENT , Canine Diseases / By

As a veterinarian, I am frequently approached by pug owners with the same concern: "My dog ​​squints, rubs his eyes often, and constantly has brown streaks from his tears – could this be due to the nasal roll?" In many cases, the answer is yes. Nasal roll resection in pugs is a targeted, minor plastic surgery procedure in which the protruding, hairy roll of skin (the so-called "nose roll") is removed or reduced so that the hair no longer rubs against the cornea. This constant rubbing – known medically as trichiasis – can irritate the cornea, leading to pigment deposits, chronic inflammation, and even painful ulcers. This phenomenon is part of the so-called brachycephalic eye syndrome, which is very common in pugs. International animal welfare and professional organizations describe in detail how the proximity between prominent eyes and skin folds is precisely what causes the cornea to be repeatedly irritated. ufaw.org.uk+1

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Development of tumors

Development of tumors

Dog diseases , cat diseases / By

As a veterinarian, I am confronted daily with questions about the development of tumors in dogs and cats. The term tumor initially simply means "swelling"; however, in a medical context, we usually speak of a neoplasm, that is, newly formed tissue that escapes normal control. In order to make informed decisions—from early detection to treatment—it is crucial to understand how tumors develop biologically and what influencing factors play a role in our pets.

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Intestinal cleansing in dogs

Intestinal cleansing in dogs

Dog diseases / By

Many dog ​​owners search for "gut restoration for dogs" when their pet has recurring digestive problems – from acute diarrhea to chronic enteropathy (CE). In everyday veterinary practice, gut restoration for dogs doesn't mean a one-time "treatment," but rather a structured, step-by-step management approach that includes nutrition, diagnostics, targeted microbiome support (prebiotics/probiotics), possibly antibiotic-free inflammation management, and consistent monitoring. Crucially, gut restoration for dogs is based on the cause, severity, and progression of the condition – and it relies on verifiable evidence, not empty promises.

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Dog snores

Dog snores

Dog diseases , Brachycephaly , ENT , Dogs / By

When your dog snores, many dog ​​owners initially acknowledge it with a smile. A deeply breathing, sleeping dog seems peaceful, and its snoring almost cute. But what if the snoring suddenly gets louder, persists, or becomes more frequent throughout the day?

In many cases, snoring is harmless—but it can also be a sign of structural or functional respiratory problems. This guide will help you better identify the causes and decide when a visit to the veterinarian is necessary.

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Characterization of the virulence factors of highly pathogenic pathogens

Characterization of the virulence factors of highly pathogenic pathogens

Dog diseases / By

The characterization of the virulence factors of highly pathogenic pathogens in dogs is a complex and increasingly relevant topic in veterinary medicine. For dedicated pet owners and students, this article provides a well-founded and practical overview of the causes, symptoms, diagnostic options, and treatment options for this highly pathogenic disease. You will learn how you can sustainably improve your dog's quality of life through targeted prevention and careful long-term management.

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Monitoring the spread of fluoroquinolone resistance

Monitoring the spread of fluoroquinolone resistance

Dogs , dog diseases / By

The topic of monitoring the spread of fluoroquinolone resistance in dogs is becoming increasingly important in veterinary practice and research. Antibiotic resistance poses a serious challenge, particularly in the treatment of bacterial infections. Fluoroquinolones are important broad-spectrum antibiotics, and their spread in dogs must be specifically monitored and understood to ensure effective treatment and contain the spread of resistant pathogens.

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