Dogs can’t talk, so they often hide health problems. A good veterinarian services arlington tn can catch many problems early and prevent them from worsening.

Benign tumors are fatty lumps or harmless skin bumps that rarely spread to other parts of the body or cause serious harm. A few examples are fatty lipomas and mast cell tumors.

Ear Infections

Dogs who scratch their ears excessively, tilt or shake their heads, and have dark ear wax may have an ear infection. Typical vet treatment includes medicated cleansers and prescription medication.

Yeast infections that cause itchy, inflamed skin are common in dogs. The same is true of bacterial skin infections called hot spots, which form after an injury to the skin. A veterinary dermatologist will prescribe medications to manage the condition.

Fungal infections in a dog’s mouth are common, too, and include histoplasmosis, blastomycosis, cryptococcosis, and coccidioidomycosis. These infections can be fatal to dogs.

Another common pet health issue is obesity, which can be caused by too little exercise or overeating food. Consulting with an NW Houston animal clinic veterinarian can help determine your pet’s best diet plan. Benign lumps are also reasonably common, but don’t ignore any bumps or rashes that pop up. If they are serious, the vet will recommend prompt attention.

Diarrhea

Often, a dog with diarrhea will drink water excessively to avoid dehydration. Diarrhea can have many causes, ranging from stress and infections like parvovirus to intestinal parasites and food problems. If you see loose, liquid, or watery stools with blood, get your pet to a vet immediately.

Skin Allergies & Hot Spots

If your dog is chewing, scratching, and licking at bare spots that are pink or reddish and itchy, they may have a bacterial infection called “hot spots.” These can also be caused by allergies to treats, fleas, and seasonal weather.

It’s good to know that benign lumps and bumps accounted for more vet visits last year than malignant ones, but it’s always best to have any spot or swelling checked out at an animal clinic, just in case. Several organizations help cover veterinary care costs for pet owners with financial concerns. Ask your vet about these resources and apply them early in the process so that you can begin treatment quickly.

Parasites

Many parasites can be prevented by using a worming medication. A fecal exam can also help diagnose parasites in the intestines, such as roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, tapeworms, and ringworms. This is a test where three or more stool samples are collected over several days and examined for the presence of parasites or their eggs (ova).

A fungus infection called ringworm gets its name from its characteristic patchy areas of hair loss, but it can also affect animals’ skin, nails, and hair. This infection is highly contagious and is transmissible to humans, too.

Rabies is a potentially fatal virus affecting all mammals, including dogs and cats. If a pet shows symptoms of this disease, it is essential to call the animal clinic immediately. The veterinarian can provide vaccinations and other medications to prevent the virus from spreading. The vet can also advise pet owners about the best ways to prevent rabies.

Bone Fractures

Pets can fracture bones just like people, especially those who are active or play rough. Unlike humans, who can often get away with a simple splint or cast, many pet owners find their pets need surgery to repair broken bones.

The type of surgery a veterinarian will use depends on the location and severity of the injury. Bones important for weight-bearing or joint mobility usually need to be surgically repaired. Repair methods include plates and screws, bone pins, wire, and external fixators.

After surgery, most dogs will need to remain on strict rest for the first 4-6 weeks. After this period, x-rays will be used to evaluate the status of the implants and how the fracture is healing. Once the injury is healed, physical rehabilitation exercises will be added to encourage a return to the normal range of motion.