Library
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This is a disease caused by a protozoan (single celled) parasite found in dogs and certain rodents in many part of the world. Thankfully the disease is exotic to Australia (foreign) and our isolation and quarantine have afforded us protection from this disease. A type of tick, Rhipicephalus sanguineus is widespread in Australia and this may act as a vector for the disease if it gains entry to our shores.
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The lens is the transparent structure within the eye which assists focusing. In some dogs, particularly the terrier breeds, the ligaments can break down allowing the lens to dislocate from its normal position.
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Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease of dogs that can affect the blood, liver, or kidneys. It is caused by bacteria that are spiral shaped.
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Other names include Acral lick dermatitis, and Acropruritic nodule etc. The problem starts with an area of hair loss and reddened skin due to licking.
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Icterus is the accumulation of yellow pigment in the blood and tissues. It is one of the most dramatic features of liver disease and is clinically recognised as jaundice.
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The liver is a vital, complex organ which performs a number of crucial functions, principally involved with metabolism and is sometimes termed the "factory of the body" which controls many of the chemical processes necessary for normal bodily function.
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Cancers of the liver cells are called hepatocellular adenomas and carcinomas.
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The liver has a massive blood supply so many cancer cells from elsewhere arrive within it and start to grow. In dogs metastatic tumours are three times as common as primary tumours and over 30% of malignant cancer is said to metastasize to the liver.
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Most lung cancers originate from the epithelium lining the airways. In dogs, most are from the alveoli where oxygen is taken up into the body but in people and in cats, most originate in the main airways (bronchi).
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The patella, or knee cap, should be located in the centre of the knee joint. The term "luxating" means out of place or dislocated.
