Tag Archives: Whippet

Velban (Vinblastine) for Injection

ANTINEOPLASTIC Highlights of Prescribing Information A Vinca alkaloid antineoplastic used for a variety of tumors in dogs (& sometimes cats) Contraindications: Preexisting leukopenia or granulocytopenia (unless a result of the disease being treated) or active bacterial infection; reduce dose if hepatic disease Adverse Effects: Gastroenterocolitis (nausea/vomiting), myelosuppression (more so than with vincristine); may also cause constipation, alopecia, stomatitis, ileus, inappropriate ADH secretion, jaw & muscle pain, & loss of deep tendon reflexes CATS can develop neurotoxicity causing constipation or paralytic ileus & aggravating anorexia; can also develop reversible axon swelling & paranodal demyelination Potentially teratogenic Avoid extravasation; wear gloves & protective clothing when preparing or administering Drug Interactions What Is Drug Used For? Vinblastine may be employed in the treatment of lymphomas, carcinomas, mastocytomas, and splenic tumors in small animals. It is more effective than vincristine in the treatment of canine mast cell tumors. Pharmacology / Actions Vinblastine apparently binds to microtubular proteins (tubulin) in the mitotic spindle, thereby Read more […]

The faults and defects of the breeds: Hounds

Afghan Hounds Elbow dysplasia; Malformation of articular surfaces of proximal radius and ulna; Thyroid disorders American Foxhounds Spinal osteochondrois (affects the ability to run) Basenjis Hip dysplasia Basset Hounds Vertebral deformity with pressure necrosis results from anomaly of third cervical vertebra; Achondroplasia (foreleg lameness caused by anatomical irregularity; cartilage of growth plate grows in irregular directions and is scant); OCD (osteochondrities dissecans) (shoulder); Osteodystrophy; Radial carpal joint irregularity; Patella luxation, medial or lateral that produces lameness at four to six months of age; IVD (intervertebrate disk disease); Panostetis Beagles Hip dysplasia; Epiphyseal dysplasia; IVD (intervertebrate disk disease) Black and Tan Coonhounds Hip dysplasia (high incidence); Polyradiculoneuritis; Coondog paralysis Bloodhounds Hip dysplasia; Elbow dysplasia Borzois Thyroid disorders Dachshunds IVD (intervertebrate disk disease); Osteoporosis clinically similar to swimmers, with radiographs showing dense bones and abnormal bone resorption; UAP (ununited anconeal process); Patella luxation; Achondroplasia; Thyroid disorder English Foxhounds Osteochondrosis Read more […]

Canine Terminology – G

GAIT Manner in which a dog moves, as walking, trotting, pacing or galloping. GALLOP A fast, running gait; canter, normal gallop or the double suspension gallop. GUARD HAIRS The longer hairs on double-coated dogs; stiffer hairs that protect the undercoat. GAY TAIL A tail carried higher than desirable for the breed; usually the tail is held over the back. GAZEHOUND Hounds that hunt game by sight, such as Greyhounds, Whippets, Saluki, Borzoi or Afghan Hounds. GOOSE-RUMP Croup (pelvis) sloping too steeply toward the rear; low tail set. GROUP Dog breeds are divided into six groups to facilitate judging. Read more […]

Anatomy Of The Dog: What is a Breed

A few months ago, the United Kennel Club added nine breeds, to its registry, bringing its total to 160. Last month, the American Kennel Club announced the addition of the American Kennel Club announced the addition of the American Eskimo to its miscellaneous group, the first step towards official recognition as an AKC breed. The new UKC breeds are Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen, Canaan Dog, English Toy Spaniel, Finnish Spitz, Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, Manchester Terrier, Polish Owczarek Nizinny, Tibetan Spaniel and Shiba, all but the Nizziny are recognized by the AKC, some of them for many years, and AKC’s newest, the American Eskimo, has been a UKC breed for a long time. Both registries seem to be in race to add new breeds to their lists, a race that some critics say is an effort to increase the treasuries of both organizations. This rush, along with the apparent whimsical assignment of breed status in some cases, an increase in breed-specific laws in the last few years, and the call by animal rights advocates for a ban on breeding pure bred dogs, has caused some to wonder about the definition of breed. So what is a breed? Webster’s Desk Dictionary of the English Language defines a breed as “a homogeneous grouping Read more […]

The Anatomy Of Dog: The Circulatory System

The Circulation is the body’s transport system, conveying nutrients, water minerals, blood chemicals and defender cells in the blood stream to every part of the body. All these substances are carried in the blood which owes its colour to billions of red oxygen-carrying cells. White cells, involved in the body’s defence, are also present in blood but in far fewer numbers. The fluid component of blood contains proteins, some of which are involved in blood-clotting, as well as glucose, carbon dioxide, inorganic salts, and organic compounds such as vitamins, hormones and fats. The function of the heart is to propel the blood round the body at sufficient velocity and pressure to ensure that all tissues constantly receive the substances they require for efficient function, an on-going process called general circulation. At the same time the heart must pump blood round the lungs so that the red cells can pick up fresh oxygen and so that carbon dioxide can be eliminated. This is called the pulmonary (lung) circulation. The heart lies approximately between ribs three and six and a little to the left of the midline. In a slim-chested dog like the Whippet, the heart beat can be seen as a regular movement or flutter of the chest Read more […]