Top Ten Dog Medical Conditions 2013
Top Ten Medical Conditions in Dogs
2013
It is interesting to follow industry trends. By staying current, we are able to monitor disease trends in our clinic and our region of Ohio. Veterinary Pet Insurance has recently released its top ten list for 2013.
- Atopic Dermatitis (Skin Allergies)
- Otitis Externa (Ear Infections)
- Benign Skin Neoplasia (Non-cancerous skin tumors)
- Pyoderma, or hotspots (skin infection)
- Osteoarthritis (Arthritis)
- Gastropathy (Vomiting and diarrhea/ more specifically involving the stomach)
- Enteropathy (Disease of the upper GI tract/ specifically the small intestine)
- Periodontitis (Teeth and gum infections/ disease)
- Cystitis (Bladder conditions, including urinary tract infections and bladder stones)
- Soft Tissue Trauma
As I look through the list, it is interesting to note that 3 of the top four conditions are actually related directly to allergies. Allergies in dogs show up as licking of the feet, skin infections and ear infections. 2 of the top ten diseases (Gastropathy and enteropathy) are typically preventable, as the number one cause for these two conditions is a change in diet. # 8, Periodontitis, is a major issue in dogs and is typically preventable by brushing your dog's teeth daily. These are just a few, quick observations from the list.
Another intersting note is that these conditions vary widely from the top 10 cat medical conditions of 2013.
Written and Published by Dr. Jeff Fink on behalf of the Orrville Veterinary Clinic
