What are the top preventable medical conditions in dogs?
December 27, 2011 • Health & Wellness
Keeping our dogs happy and healthy is undoubtedly a new year’s resolution for all dog owners. Ever wonder what some of the most preventable medical issues are and how perhaps you can help your dog avoid these issues?
Dr. Louise Murray, vice president of the ASPCA Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital, shared her insights with FIDO Friendly and we pass on her expertise and advice to our dog-owning and loving moms and dads:
Dental issues/dental disease: treated by having a professional cleaning under anesthesia; estimated cost = $400 to $1,000
Cost is dependent on whether radiographs are needed, whether extractions are needed (and how many), etc. This can be prevented or minimized by regular home dental care.
Urinary tract disease/obstruction (primarily blocked cats): requires intensive care for several days; estimated cost = $1,500+
In cases that require surgery, the cost could be over $2,000. This condition is preventable by adhering to a proper diet (with enough moisture) and enriching your cat’s home environment (this condition is exacerbated by stress and boredom).
Pyometra (severely infected uterus): requires emergency surgery and intensive care; estimated cost = $2,000
This occurs commonly in un-spayed cats and dogs, so it’s 100% preventable by spaying.
GI foreign body: requires emergency surgery and/or an endoscopy; estimated cost = $2,000
This can be prevented by using safe toys and “pet-proofing” the home (for dogs, rawhide could potentially pose a foreign body obstruction in their GI tracts if large enough pieces are swallowed).
High-rise syndrome (cats falling out of opened, unscreened windows from tall buildings): common injuries include ruptured lungs, broken limbs and broken jaw; estimated cost = $1,500 to $3,000
High-rise syndrome is 100% preventable. A list of precautions can be found here: http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/cat-care/high-rise-syndrome.aspx
Be sure to keep Fido safe this holiday season and always.
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