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• Hip Dysplasia in Dogs

  Hip dysplasia is a deformity of the hip that occurs during growth. The hip joint is a "ball and socket" joint. During growth both the "ball" (the head of the femur or thighbone) and the "socket" in the pelvis (acetabulum) must grow at equal rates.

• Iliopsoas Injury and Rehabilitation

  The iliopsoas is an important core muscle. Injury can occur due to trauma, but it is usually caused by chronic stress. Signs that your dog has a painful iliopsoas can include reduced performance (if a sporting dog), very subtle weight-shifting away from the affected side when standing, or an obvious limp. The initial treatment for acute iliopsoas injuries is activity restriction and pain control for 10-14 days. Rehabilitation therapy can also help.

• Ingestion of Foreign Bodies in Dogs

  Foreign body obstruction is a common and potentially life-threatening condition in veterinary practice. Some foreign bodies pass through the intestinal tract, but if an obstruction occurs, surgical removal of the blocked object is the only treatment.

• Inguinal Hernias

  A hernia occurs when a body part or internal organ protrudes through the wall of muscle or tissue meant to contain it. In the case of an inguinal hernia, these internal organs or structures have managed to make their way through the inguinal ring (an opening in the abdominal wall near the pelvis) to protrude into the groin area. The condition itself can be broadly classified as either acquired or congenital. In general, it is best to surgically repair an inguinal hernia at the time of diagnosis, as delaying can result in a more complicated and difficult procedure.

• Inner Ear Infection (Otitis Interna) in Dogs

  Otitis interna is a serious condition that can cause significant signs in your dog, including reluctance to eat, head tilt, alteration in balance, and reduced hearing on the affected side. Treatment could involve long-term medication if the specific cause can be identified, such as bacterial or fungal infection. Less commonly, surgery may be needed. Many dogs will respond to treatment and recover well.

• Intussusception in Dogs

  An intussusception is a condition where part of the intestine slides into another part of the gastrointestinal tract. It causes signs similar to intestinal obstruction, including poor appetite and vomiting. Some cases can be life-threatening. Although some non-surgical techniques may correct the problem, most cases require surgery and intensive care for a good outcome.

• Joint Subluxations in Dogs

  A joint luxation is a dislocation or complete separation between the bones that normally move back and forth to form a joint. Subluxation is the term referring to a partial separation of the joint. The most commonly subluxated joints in dogs include the hip and elbow, although any joint can be affected. Your veterinarian may suspect a joint subluxation based on a history of trauma and physical examination findings such as pain and limping. A radiograph is necessary to definitively diagnose a joint subluxation. In many cases, the joint can be reduced or replaced to its original orientation by a procedure called a closed reduction, with a good prognosis if treated immediately. Surgical correction, however, may be needed.

• Juvenile Hyperparathyroidism

  Juvenile hyperparathyroidism is a rare, inherited condition of German shepherds and leads to a constant state of elevated parathyroid hormone, affecting calcium and phosphorus balance within the body. It is an inherited, autosomal recessive trait that causes stunted growth. One to three of the parathyroid glands are removed to bring the calcium levels into a more normal range.

• Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca (KCS) or Dry Eye in Dogs

  Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) is a condition that is also commonly referred to as "dry eye." The medical term means inflammation of the cornea and surrounding tissues from drying. It is a common eye condition resulting from inadequate production of the aqueous portion of the tear film by the lacrimal gland and/or gland of the third eyelid gland.

• Lameness in Dogs

  Lameness is an inability to properly use one or more limbs due to pain or weakness. The most common causes of sudden lameness in dogs are soft tissue injury (strain or sprain), injury to a joint, bone fracture, or dislocation. Your veterinarian will determine the best course of action based on your pet's condition, a detailed examination, and the results of diagnostic tests. Definitive diagnosis of the cause can be difficult. In some cases, a trial with anti-inflammatory medications and rest may be necessary.