General Medicine

The occurrence of blood at both the oral and penile openings suggests one of three possibilities: Rat poison (warfarin, derivative) ingestion is at the top of our list! Ingestion of rat poison by pets, either in a large quantity all at once or in smaller quantities over a period of time, typically results in warfarin toxicity. Since warfarin acts as an anticoagulant, the predominant symptom is internal hemorrhaging. If detected early vitamin K1 (along with a blood transfusion, if needed) is usually curative. Our second diagnostic consideration is blunt trauma, although it is difficult to imagine how Tyson might have sustained sufficient trauma in his own backyard to have resulted in death. Lastly, there are a number of other possible causes of spontaneous hemorrhaging, such as drug-induced or immunemediated destruction of platelets (known as thrombocytopenia) which results in bleeding. Without performing a complete autopsy it is difficult to be more precise about the underlying cause of this terrible event.
5/01
Dr. Mark Meadow
Meadow Veterinary Hospital
White Plains, New York

The cecum is a sac-like, somewhat coiled outpocketing of the first portion of the large intestine. In humans (but not in dogs) a narrow, cylindrical, hollow, blind ending “appendix” protrudes from the cecum.

If this structure suddenly becomes inflamed (often due to an unknown cause) a condition we recognize as “acute appendicitis” exists. This is a genuine medical emergency, often necessitating immediate surgery! Fortunately it is a condition we don’t need to worry about with our pets.
5/01
Dr. Mark Meadow
Meadow Veterinary Hospital
White Plains, New York

Leakage from the sheath of the penis, known as "preputial discharge" is commonly observed in unaltered male dogs. Small amounts of greyish white or greyish yellow secretion are normal. Excessive volume of discharge can be seen in association with irritation from hypersexual behavior, sheath infection ("balanoposthitis"), prostate disease, injuries, foreign bodies within the penile sheath and penis tumors. Examination of the prostate, penis, penile sheath, and testicles is indicated. In addition a sample of the discharge should always be sent to the lab to be cultured.

Depending on the results of a complete veterinary evaluation a therapeutic plan can usually be instituted. If the above-mentioned conditions are ruled out and the discharge is determined to be "smegma" a normal lubricant seen in unaltered males, no specific treatment is necessary, however castration would be expected to eliminate the "problem"
4/01
Dr. Mark Meadow
Meadow Veterinary Hospital
White Plains, New York

One of the most common causes of "interdigital dermatitis" (and the "smelly feet" you’ve described) is infection caused by the yeast Malassezia (formerly known as Pityrosporum). The diagnosis is confirmed by your veterinarian performing a simple "impression smear" (basically just touching a slide to the webbing of the paw, heating the slide, staining it, and examining it under the microscope). Typical "peanut-shaped" budding yeast organisms are easily seen.

Twice weakly foot "soaks" using anti-yeast shampoo (such as Nizoral or Chlorheyidine) as well as applications of miconazole cream (conofits), usually suffices to eradicate the problem.

Obviously not all cases of interdigital dermatitis are due to yeast. Underlying causes such as contact with fertilizer or pesticides on laws, carpet shampoo and new chemicals used to clean floors should be considered. In some cases bacterial infection may be the cause. When present the infection is often secondary to some underlying problem, such as allergy, mange, or "psychogenic paw licking", a form of obsessive-compulsive behavior discussed in a prior Ask the Vet answer (see Sonnie in Virginia’s question in the Dermatology section.) In difficult-to-diagnose cases skin scrapings, bacterial culture and sensitivity testing and sometimes skin biopsy is necessary to arrive at a precise diagnosis and formulate an effective therapeutic plan.
4/01
Dr. Mark Meadow
Meadow Veterinary Hospital
White Plains, New York

It really isn’t possible for us to determine the cause of the swollen tail you have described. We need to ask the following questions: Is your Boxer’s tail docked? Is the entire tail swollen or just the tip? How long has the tail been swollen? Did the swelling appear suddenly or slowly? Is the swelling causing your dog discomfort?

If the swelling has persisted more than a few days and is not diminishing, we strongly suggest a visit to your veterinarian. A visual exam, possibly followed by an x-ray and/or a “needle aspirate” of the swelling may be performed. In our practice swollen tail tips in Boxers are rare (except after tail “docking” in young puppies). External trauma, self-mutilation (such as occurs secondary to anal sac impaction or flea hypersensitivity) and a variety of dermatological conditions can affect the tail, resulting in swelling. Occasionally scar tissue at the site of a prior tail docking can become inflamed and result in swelling even in older dogs. The medical term for this is “tail docking neuroma”. Lastly, since tumors can occur anywhere in Boxers, it would be wise to have your veterinarian examine your dog as soon as convenient. 3/01
Dr. Mark Meadow
Meadow Veterinary Hospital
White Plains, New York

Genetics!!! An article by Marcia King, entitled “Combating Genetics Disease”, published in Boxers (Popular Dog Series, volume 11, 1999, from the editors of Dog Fancy Magazine, Tel., (949) 855-8822, Fax., (949) 855-3045 does an excellent job discussing current research efforts and recommendations for breeders to “protect future Boxer generations from inherited disorders”. In the article Ms. King discusses both the “good” genes (such as those associated with Boxers’ wonderful temperament, versatility, and conformation) and the “bad” genes (such as those associated with several life-threatening conditions, such as various forms of cancer and heart disease, as well as other genetically-linked conditions, such as hip dysplasia and thyroid problems). These conditions have been and will continue to be discussed in this ASK THE VET column.

Organizations such as the American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation. Fax: (330) 994-0806 and the American Boxer Charitable Foundation. Fax: (734) 692-8991 are actively working to develop screening tests and improved treatments for genetic diseases. These wonderful organizations depend on Boxer breeders and Boxer fanciers (such as you and me) for financial support. Maybe someday a question regarding shortened life span, such as you have asked, will not need to be raised.

While quite broad in it’s scope, we shall try to address what we believe to be the crux of your question.

No medical diagnosis is more emotionally devastating than “cancer”. Cancer is really a group of over 100 disease caused by uncontrolled growth of cancer has its own “biologic behavior” (growth rate, pattern of recurrence), depending on the primary organ affected (the “site”) and the type of cancer (the “cell type”).

Currently research efforts have focussed on the role of a variety of genes (known as “oncogenes”) in tumor development and in tumor suppression. It is cancers (such as lymphoma and melanoma) may be caused, in part, by inherited defective tumor – suppressor genes.

Consciencious Boxer breeders may eventually be able to reduce the incidence of cancer in their breed by “selective breeding” (i.e. removing all affected dogs and their immediate relative from their breeding programs, no matter how good their temperament and conformation might be). Such an effort would require an extraordinary degree of organization and personal character, as well as a great devotion to the future welfare of the Boxer breed. 2/01
Dr. Mark Meadow
Meadow Veterinary Hospital
White Plains, New York

The “breed standard” status that adult female Boxers should be between 21-23_ inches tall (measured at the “withers” the area where the neck joins the shoulders). This suggest that your 7 month old Boxer is rather tall for her age.

Rather than simply assigning a “correct weight”, we prefer to evaluate the overall appearance of each dog. We look for balanced proportions in regard to length, height, and muscle mass. Furthermore some dogs (like some people) actually feel better at a slightly greater (or lesser) weight than the “charts” say is optimum. A certain degree of flexibility (within reason) is acceptable from a health standpoint. 2/01
Dr. Mark Meadow
Meadow Veterinary Hospital
White Plains, New York

In our animal hospital we have seen a wide variety of foreign objects move through the intestinal tract and subsequently pass uneventfully in stool. Unfortunately not all objects cooperate, and sometimes they become lodged either in the stomach or in the small intestines, either irritating the G.I. tract or causing various degrees of blockage. In such cases the patient may present with symptoms reflecting gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting, not eating, lethargy and possibly whimpering (due to colic). Usually radiographs (x-rays) are necessary to clearly define the problem. In most cases routine x-rays will clearly show the swallowed foreign object and its exact location within the G.I. tract; however in some cases a special contrast x-ray study (known as a brium swallow) may be needed to determine the presence of a foreign object. (Corncobs, baby nurser nipples, and other non-opaq substances often can’t be visualized well on standard x-rays.)

Depending on the size, shape and composition of the swallowed object it might be possible to consider removal by use of an instrument called an endoscope. With the patient under general anesthesia this flexible snake like instrument can be passed from the mouth down the esophagus, through the stomach and beyond if needed. The endoscopist can view the passage of the tube by the means of fiberoptics. It is then sometimes possible, by passing special “grasping forceps” and “baskets” through a sleeve in the tube itself, to retrieve the foreign object.

Unfortunately it has been our experience that the vast majority of “foreign bodies” ingested by dogs or not amenable to retrieval via endoscopy, and these need to be removed surgically. It then behooves you to do everything possible to prevent the problem from occurring in the first place.
2/01
Dr. Mark Meadow
Meadow Veterinary Hospital
White Plains, New York

Canine Cushing’s Syndrome is fairly commonly diagnosed in boxers. This disorder is characterized by an excess production of corticosteroids by the adrenal glands. If untreated, Cushing’s Syndrome is progressive, eventually leading to serious complications (due to prolonged steroid excess).

You have not provided enough information for us to determine the underlying cause of your dog’s Cushing’s Syndrome; however we shall assume it is due to a pituitary lesion (usually a small benign tumor), rather than due to an adrenal tumor. Pituitary-dependant Cushing’s is the most common form in boxers, and the most common medication used is Lysodren. This drug selectively destroys the parts of the adrenal gland, which produce the excessive steroids (in response to hormonal signals from the pituitary lesion). You do not indicate how long (nor at what dosage) the Lysodren was administrated; however it appears that your dog’s adrenal gland has now been “shut down” and no further Lysodren should be administered until it begins to oversecrete again. Even though her “electrolytes”) sodium and potassium levels) are in an acceptable ranges, her symptoms (especially lethargy and weakness) clearly indicate the need for continued glucocorticoid supplementation (i.e. Prednisone)!!!

It is inappropriate for us to make specific treatment recommendations for your dog; however it is suggested you ask your veterinarian about immediately increasing the Prednisone dosage, and then (when feeling better) to slowly taper the dosage over a period of a few weeks. When your dog is stable on no Prednisone for an additional 2-4 weeks, and when her ACTH response test indicates the need, the Lysodren should be restarted, but at a lower dose. If continued difficulties arise, referral to a board certified veterinary endocrinologist is indicated!
2/01
Dr. Mark Meadow
Meadow Veterinary Hospital
White Plains, New York

“Tail docking” is routinely performed (without anesthesia) on boxer puppies between 5 and 7 days old. Since general anesthesia is required after that, it is recommended to wait until the puppy is at least 3 - 4 months of age (less risk of anesthetic complications) to perform cosmetic tail docking, or preferably to leave the tail “neutral”.

While it is technically possible to perform this procedure on any age dog (even an adult) we strongly recommend having the tail a natural length. Tail docking in older puppies (and adult dogs) is an unnecessary major surgical procedure (essentially an amputation) which entails varying degrees of postoperative discomfort.
2/01
Dr. Mark Meadow
Meadow Veterinary Hospital
White Plains, New York

The boxer belonging to Hilary (from Wisconsin) and )Kim from Canada), while being of different ages and sexes, share a common diagnosis. My answer applies to both. Exercise or stress induce fainting (known as "syncope") is an extremely serious problem that should be evaluated thoroughly (and promptly). Routine cardiac assessment (EKG and possibly echocardiogram), as well as testing for other possible causes for the fainting (low blood sugar, for example) should be done.

It is beyond the scope of this column to outline all the possible medical causes of your dogs’ symptoms, but some of the more common conditions can indeed be treated. Our concern for both dogs is that they may have "Boxer Cardiomyopathy" (see our answer to question posed by Lisa in New Jersey – under Cardiology section of Ask the Vet. An additional concern for Kim’s 9-year-old boxer is a possible insulin-secreting pancreas tumor. Please contact your veterinarians as soon as possible. If necessary ask for a referral to a veterinary internist!
1/01

Whenever we receive a complaint of excessive thirst and urination, the first thing we ask the owners to do is to quantitate the dog's water intake. We then ask if there have been any medicines or dietary supplements given, any recent changes in the diet, activity level, climate, etc. Besides the routine tests you've mentioned ( I assume a routine blood count, chemistry profile and urine analysis) I also suggest checking additional tests to rule out Cushing's Disease (an adrenal gland condition with several causes) pyometra ( a hormonal uterine condition) and urinary infections.

The condition you've mentioned in your question (diabetes insipidus) is the result of a deficiency of vasopressin ( a pituitary hormone). It can be congenital or acquired (secondary to head trauma, brain inflammation, or a brain tumor). Dogs with this condition are incapable of concentrating their urine even after being severely deprived of water.

When diagnosed, a synthetic form of this hormone is available as a human nasal spray, which maybe administered in the dog's eye once or twice daily to treat this condition.

It must be mentioned however that there are many other possible causes of increased thirst and urination which will need to be explored if the behavior continues. A thorough workup will involve carefully performed in-hospital diagnostic testing, including a "water deprivation test", either by your veterinarian or by a veterinary internist.

First and foremost, however, rule out Cushings Disease and Pyometra!!!!!

Yours is a commonly asked question in our veterinary practice.

At our animal hospital we primarily measure "core body temperature". However glass (rectal) and electronic (also rectal) thermometers are quite accurate for home use.

Textbooks list a normal temperature range for dogs between 99.5? and 102.5? Fahrenheit.

Many factors affect an individual’s temperature. The thermoregulation center in the brain works to regulate hormonal factors, external (environmental) influences, and muscular activity. The result is a balance, between heat production and heat loss, most conducive to normal bodily function (known as the "bioenergetics of survival").

Always remember: A dog with a fever is not always sick and a sick dog does not necessarily have a fever.
1/01

If it is of any consolation, you are not alone regarding the problem of your dog’s "coprophagy" (stool eating). For decades veterinarians and dog breeders have used home remedies of many varieties to correct this problem, often to no avail.

It has been our experience that coprophagy results basically from one of two factors: (1) the habit was acquired previously in the dog’s life when some nutritional need was fulfilled by ingesting stool, and the act now represents a form of tension-relieving behavior, or (2) stools have nutritional benefit at the present time.

In our experience a very common cause of coprophagy is feeding an unbalanced diet (usually a table food and/or a dog food that is not nutritionally balanced).

Another common cause is boredom. That’s right, dogs left alone with little sensory stimulus may eat their stools, pull their hair out, destroy furniture, etc.

Other causes are intestinal parasites and digestive enzyme deficiencies. The following protocol should be followed religiously if the problem is to be corrected.

(1) Correct any dietary problems, under veterinary guidance.
(2) Eliminate all in-between-meal "tidbits".
(3) Provide more exercise periods each day.
(4) Bring a stool sample to your veterinarian to examine microscopically f
for parasites.
(5) Each day perform a two-minute exercise consisting of the commands
"come" "sit", "down" and "stay". Consider obedience training for
poorly behaved pets. This tends to fulfill your dog’s requirement for
daily "job function" and constantly reinforces owner dominance, which
has definitely been shown and to minimize tension buildup in the dog.
(6) Offer rawhide bones or meat-scented nylon bones for your dog when
left alone for more than a couple of hours. Also, consider acquiring
another pet if at all possible, or even turning on the television or radio
for company.
(7) Don’t overfeed at any one meal. In fact, divide feedings 2 or 3 times
daily if feasible.
(8) Add meat tenderizer to your dog’s food. If this doesn’t help, offer
figs, pumpkin, squash, or pineapple parts. A drop or two of
monosodium glutamate or anise may also be added to the food, if
needed.

(9) A special condiment (known as "FOR-BID") can be tried if all else has
Failed. This condiment, when sprinkled on the food, imparts a terrible
bitter taste to the stool, without altering the taste of the food.

If the above suggestions are not successful in correcting the problem, further medical tests, (ex. digestive enzyme and absorption tests), as well as possible consultation with a veterinary behaviorist is advised.
1/01

It is very difficult to discuss your boxer's anemia without knowledge of the specific tests performed to determine the underlying cause. Unfortunately, "non-responsive anemia" is too general. Furthermore, the fact that your dog "responds well while taking steroids" suggests the anemia classification is inaccurate.

In general veterinarians try to classify anemia cases as either secondary to blood lose, secondary to blood cell breakdown, or secondary to diminished blood cell replacement (due to bone marrow failure, for example). Each of these categories contains numerous possible underlying disease conditions. Often sophisticated tests (such as immune system test, bone marrow analysis, chest x-rays and abdominal sonograms, and blood chemistry tests) are necessary to identify the specific cause of a patient's anemia.

If your dog has responded well to steroids, it might be necessary to attempt giving the lowest dose possible which still controls the anemia (and the itching). Low dose alternate day steroids may be preferable to the "start and stop regimen" you have been using.

The rear leg weakness you describe causes us concern. A veterinary recheck is recommended. If necessary don't hesitate to seek the advice of a veterinary hematology specialist. Since you live in New Jersey you might consider a consult with Dr. Ann Hohenhaus at the Animal Medical Center in New York City.
1/01

The slowly progressive decline in your 9-year-old boxer's mental "attitude" may be due to any number of factors, both physical and emotional. It is always a good idea to have your veterinarian perform a thorough physical examination and run a "geriatric profile" (blood and urine tests), as well as an EKG and routine chest and abdomen x-rays.

Assuming no physical underlying causes has been detected, your dog might be suffering from Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome(C.D.S.), a condition resulting from physical and chemical changes affecting brain function in older dogs. Symptoms such as loss of interest interacting with family members, wandering aimlessly, decrease in purposeful activity, and less enthusiasm for life are often seen.

A newly approved oral medication (Anipryl) is available to control these symptoms. Ask your veterinarian for more information on C.D.S.
1/01

Umbilical hernia is a congenital defect resulting in an incomplete closure of the umbilicus ("belly button") after placental separation from the mother at birth. Contributing factors may include heredity and/or trauma to the umbilical cord (often performed by the bitch chewing the cord).

Very small umbilical hernias may indeed "shrink" to a negligible size. Most umbilical hernias are relatively small and of little concern. Either no treatment is elected or the hernias are surgically repaired (elective surgery, usually performed simultaneously with neutering at 6-7 months of age).

The fact that your veterinarian is now very concerned suggests that the small hernia noted previously has either greatly enlarged or now exhibits protrusion of abdominal structures (omentum or intestinal loops) through the hernia "opening." If this is the case immediate surgical repair should be considered to prevent "strangulation" of the intestine (a potentially fatal complication).

Boxer breeders usually recommend tail docking (the length of the tail should be about 3/4 inch) and the dewclaw (these are the thumbs) removals be preformed between the fifth and seventh day of life. To help relieve the stress a dietary supplement containing lactobacillus (Bene Bac, for example) is recommended both before and after the surgical procedure.

From your question it is impossible to discern whether the "terrible smelling discharge" from your Boxer’s rectum is persistent or intermittent. We also are uncertain whether there is an actual (fluid) discharge or you are merely noting the passing of "gas." Assuming we are dealing with an intermittent foul-smelling discharge, it seems safe to conclude this probably is originating from your dog’s anal sacs (sometimes called anal glands).

Anal sacs are situated between the muscles of the anal sphincter. Every dog has two anal sacs, and these sacs each connect with the skin surface by a single duct. The secretion within these sacs is a brownish, oily fluid with a characteristic disagreeable pungent odor. This unique odor probably has a function in social recognition among dogs. Under normal conditions the act of defecation causes compression of the sacs, causing a slight amount of this secretion to be emptied along with the stool. Anal sac "expression" (emptying) is also commonly caused by excitement (such as car rides, trips to the vet, etc.) and by fear. It should be mentioned that dogs’ anal sacs are remnants of structures similar to the scent glands of skunks. Probably ancestors of the modern-day dog similarly expressed their anal sacs as a defense mechanism.

Aside from normal anal sac expression, as described above, there is also the possibility that an anal sac infection is present. In such a case you would probably note excessive anal licking and/or "scooting" behavior. In any case, we recommend you schedule a visit with your veterinarian to have this situation checked out.
12/00

All food eaten is eventually converted to sugar, the energy source for every cell in every organ of the body. The substance known as insulin allows sugar to move from the bloodstream into the cells and be used for all the body's functions (metabolism). Insulin is one of several chemicals secreted by the pancreas, an organ located in the abdomen. Insulin is absolutely essential for life. When an individual either produces an inadequate amount of insulin or has a condition which interferes with insulin function, the disease diabetes mellitus exists. Unlike the situation with people, virtually 100% of diabetic dogs will require insulin to be supplied in order to control the disease. There is no cure for diabetes, so insulin must be provided for life. Unfortunately the only available route to administer the insulin is by injection; however most pet owners quickly learn to give their pets these necessary injections. Usually pets need to be given insulin twice a day. Insulin is widely available and relatively inexpensive.

True albinism is a hereditary lack of the enzyme necessary for melanin (pigment) production in the skin. It is a genetic trait. Affected individuals have no pigmentation of their skin, haircoat, mucous membranes and eyes.

What we typically see in Boxers (and several other breeds) is a congenital form of deafness that is strongly associated with the gene for white coat color. This is also a genetic trait, but it is different from true albinism. To the best of our knowledge affected dogs have normal lifespans. Of course they should NOT be used in any breeding program.