Author: Dr. Vidt

The subject of vaccines and vaccination protocols has become a hot topic in dog circles over recent years. Concerns have been raised about the increased incidence of immune-mediated diseases such as thromobytopenia (low platelet counts), hemolytic anemia (immune-mediated red blood cell destruction), immune-mediated arthritis and immune mediated skin disease as well as allergic vaccine reactions, seizures and other problems possibly related to vaccination. This discussion will provide some insight into the controversy and hopefully provide a rational approach to vaccination. The first point that must be made is that the vaccines available today are very effective. Since the advent of...

The main information to evaluate on the urinalysis is the urine specific gravity and the urine protein. The specific gravity is a crude measure of kidney function. I recommend taking up the dog’s water after 9PM in the evening and then getting a urine sample first thing in the morning. By doing this we are testing the kidneys ability to concentrate the urine. In the early stages of kidney failure the kidneys lose the ability to concentrate urine. This happens when about 75-80% of the kidney is non-functional. Blood changes occur when about 85-95% of the kidney tissue is not...

TRAPS stands for Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor-Associated Periodic Syndrome. It is a rare disorder characterized by prolonged episodes of periodic fever and skin changes (in humans) manifested as erythematous macules, patches and edematous dermal plaques. The skin changes may last anywhere from 4-21 days. There are numerous other systemic signs and symptoms associated with the syndrome including conjunctivitis, periorbital edema, abdominal pain, myalgia, arthralgia, pleuritic chest pain, sterile peritonitis and headache. Amyloidosis can occur in this syndrome. The dermatologic lesions are characterized by a perivascular dermal infiltrate of lymphocytes and monocytes. In the past the syndrome has been known as...

Shar-Pei pups often have a condition called “tight lip syndrome” in which the lower lip pushes against the lower incisor (front) teeth or may even extend to cover those teeth. It is felt by some practitioners that the soft tissue of the lower lip impedes the growth of the lower jaw (mandible) resulting in an underbite. I don’t think that happens as I don’t believe soft tissue can impede bone growth but the lip pressure does cause the lower incisor teeth to angle back towards the mouth and it appears the bite is off. Rarely (I’ve not seen a case)...

Ticks can carry a number of organisms which can cause disease in dogs and people. Generally the organisms develop in the tick and are transmitted in the saliva as the tick feeds. There are six major groups of diseases we will briefly look at. Borreliosis (Lyme Disease) The infectious agent is a spirochete (motile bacteria), Borrelia burgdorferi, which is carried by the deer tick, Ixodes spp. The white-footed mouse is the main reservoir for the spirochete and the host for the nymphal and larval forms of the tick. White-tailed deer are the definitive host with dogs and people being exposed...

Being a good vet involves a balance between the following skills: People skills Caring/compassion for animals – animal skills Medical skills Philosophy of practice. It’s difficult to find someone with all the necessary talents. At any given time the same vet may fail in one of these skill areas. Is the owner willing to stay with the same vet for the long haul or bail out based on one mistake or bad encounter? I continue to be amazed at how many people jump from vet to vet or see multiple vets. It’s very hard to get to know an owner...

The Chinese Shar-Pei was bred as a guard dog- this makes them very territorial. They are very protective of their home and family. This makes them an excellent house dog, but can present some problems when strangers enter the home. While it is desirable to have a dog that protects the home, it is risky to have a dog that is too protective. Here are some suggestions: When people come over to the house have the dog crated – this avoids any confrontations. Otherwise, have the dog on a leash and slip collar. Have your guests ignore the dog for...

Sudden acquired retinal degeneration (SARD) is a retinal disease seen in Shar-Pei as well as other breeds of dogs. Remember the retina is the photoreceptor layer of the eye which is responsible for converting visual images to electrical signals. These signals are transmitted to the brain where the image is processed. This condition leads to a very sudden onset of blindness which occurs over a period of a few days to several weeks. The retina is normal when viewed with an ophthalmoscope, but there is a loss of photoreceptor activity as evidenced by a diminished electroretinogram (ERG). The ERG is...

Parasitic skin disease – caused by mites, fleas, lice, chiggers, etc. Bacterial skin disease – probably one of the most common casues and often a secondary factor as well. Fungal skin disease – ringworm Viral skin disease Skin disease due to physical factors – Sun burn, trauma, burns, self-inflicted injury, bite wounds, etc. Allergic skin disease – allergic inhalant dermatitis, flea bite hypersensitivity, food allergy, contact allergy, etc. Immune-mediated skin disease Endocrine skin disease – Hypothyroidism, Cushing’s disease, ovarian imbalance, etc. Toxic skin disease – Drug reaction, Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome, other. Skin disease due to systemic disease – Hepatocutaneous...

Shampoo therapy is often used in conjunction with medical therapy for various types of skin disorders including ectoparasites (mange, lice, fleas), allergic skin disease, bacterial skin infections (pyoderma), fungal skin problems (ringworm, Malassezia dermatitis), and other disorders such as seborrhea, dry skin,, etc. When used correctly shampoos can be used to prevent secondary skin problems, control odor and contribute to the comfort and cleanliness of the patient. Bathing also rehydrates the skin and contributes to better overall skin health. The skin consists of layers of cells on top of each other and there is a cycle of cell migration from...