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Hypothyroidism is a disorder of the thyroid gland. In hypothyroidism, the thyroid gland is underactive, and unable to secrete enough thyroid hormone. This decreases your dog's metabolism, which results in excessive weight gain and poor coat.

Canine parvovirus is a highly contagious and serious disease caused by a virus that attacks the gastrointestinal tract of puppies and dogs. It also can damage the heart muscle in very young and unborn puppies. Puppies and dogs usually become infected when they ingest the virus that is passed in the feces (stool) of an infected dog. Canine parvovirus is resistant to changes in environmental conditions and can survive for long periods of time. Trace amounts of feces containing parvovirus may serve as reservoirs of infection and the virus is readily transmitted from place to place on the hair or feet of dogs or via contaminated cages, shoes, or other objects.

All dogs are at risk, but puppies less than four months old and dogs that have not been vaccinated against canine parvovirus are at increased risk of acquiring the disease. Certain breeds (e.g. Rottweiler and Doberman Pinscher) appear to have a high risk of experiencing severe disease. Veterinarians diagnose canine parvovirus on the basis of clinical appearance and laboratory tests. No specific drug is available that will kill the virus in infected dogs.

Treatment should be started immediately and consists primarily of efforts to combat dehydration by replacing electrolyte and fluid losses, controlling vomiting and diarrhea, and preventing secondary infections. Sick dogs should be kept warm, receive good nursing care, and be separated from other dogs. Proper cleaning and disinfection of contaminated kennels and other areas where infected dogs are housed is essential to control the spread of parvovirus.

Cushing's Disease is a disease in which the adrenal glands overproduce certain hormones. Another medical term for this disease is hyperadrenocorticism. The adrenal glands produce several vital substances, which regulate a variety of body functions and are necessary to sustain life. The most widely known of these substances is cortisol, commonly known as cortisone. Either deficient production or excessive production of these substances may be life threatening. There are three different causes of this disease, which produce the same clinical signs. It is important to identify the cause because the various forms are treated differently and have different prognoses.

Kidney disease is any destructive process within the kidney. Kidney disease is not limited to any particular age or breed, but is one of the most common medical problems of older dogs and cats. Your pet's kidneys filter and remove "waste materials" from the blood stream. The kidneys also regulate the volume and composition of your pet's body fluids. Signs and recognition of decreased kidney function are not evident until more than two thirds of the total kidney function has been lost. The majority of adult dogs and cats have some kidney damage present. Once kidney damage is present, regeneration of kidney tissue does not occur. Kidney damage is usually progressive. Any measure that helps prevent the disease, delays the age of occurrence and/or slows the progression of this disease will help a pet live longer.

Kidney disease may have many different causes, including inherited defects, infections, toxic substances and nutritional factors. Frequently, the cause cannot be determined, but with careful examination and testing, the severity of the disease can be evaluated and the best method of management prescribed.

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic endocrine disorder that occurs in dogs and cats. It is characterized by high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) and results when the pancreas is unable to produce enough insulin to meet the animal's requirements. Insulin is a hormone which is needed to transport glucose (blood sugar). When a lack of insulin occurs, glucose cannot move into the cells and the glucose level in the blood rises to abnormally high levels. Treatment requires a commitment of time and management from you, the owner. There is no cure for diabetes mellitus, but as with humans, it can be controlled with insulin injections, diet, and exercise management. With such therapy, your pet can lead a happy, comfortable life.

Hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland enlarges, and starts producing excess amounts of thyroid hormone (thyrotoxicosis). This anomaly is usually caused by a benign tumor on one or both of the thyroid glands lobes. Although thyroid tumors can be cancerous, the chances are only 2% to 5% of malignancy.