Common and Uncommon Health Issues in Beagles
"Cherry Eye"
Cherry Eye occurs when the gland of the third eyelid gets exposed, becoming irritated and inflamed. It most commonly affects younger dogs, especially Beagles, Bulldogs, Pekingese and Cocker Spaniels. If a dog develops Cherry Eye, the other eye may be more likely to get it as well.
Cherry Eye occurs when the gland of the third eyelid gets exposed, becoming irritated and inflamed. It most commonly affects younger dogs, especially Beagles, Bulldogs, Pekingese and Cocker Spaniels. If a dog develops Cherry Eye, the other eye may be more likely to get it as well.
"Ear Mites in Beagles"
Ear mites are tiny eight legged parasites that feed on the wax and oils in your Beagle’s ear canal. There are several kinds but the most common is Otodectes cynotis. These tiny critters are barely visible to the naked eye unless in large colonies, and they have a relatively short life span of three weeks. They cause irritation and inflammation that can lead to more serious skin conditions if they are left untreated. An infection usually produces a dark discharge which looks characteristically like coffee grinds and can lead to a blockage of the ear canal.
They also have been known to cause blood vessels in your Beagle’s ear flap to burst from persistent scratching and head shaking. This will cause the ear to look swollen and will be painful to the touch and it often requires surgery to repair.
Ear mites are tiny eight legged parasites that feed on the wax and oils in your Beagle’s ear canal. There are several kinds but the most common is Otodectes cynotis. These tiny critters are barely visible to the naked eye unless in large colonies, and they have a relatively short life span of three weeks. They cause irritation and inflammation that can lead to more serious skin conditions if they are left untreated. An infection usually produces a dark discharge which looks characteristically like coffee grinds and can lead to a blockage of the ear canal.
They also have been known to cause blood vessels in your Beagle’s ear flap to burst from persistent scratching and head shaking. This will cause the ear to look swollen and will be painful to the touch and it often requires surgery to repair.
"Allergies"
Your Beagle like you can have allergies. They are many allergens in our environment, most are as harmless to dogs as they are harmless to me or you. When your Beagle does come into contact with something it is allergic to, that may present itself in many different ways such as skin irritations, digestive problems and/or respiratory issues.
Some of the symptoms of allergies in Beagles are; irritated and/or scabbed skin, increased scratching (of the ears, eyes, at the base of the tail, biting of the paws, and body), running eyes, ear infections, vomiting, diarrhea and constant licking.
There are a number of different substances a Beagle can be allergic to including but not limited to; pollen, mold, mites, dander, feathers, cigarette smoke, corn, wheat , soy, turkey, chicken, cleaning products, rubber and plastic materials, perfumes and fabrics.
If your Beagle is having an allergic reaction, the best thing to do is to take your dog to their veterinarian who will guide you on how to determine what the allergy may be and how to eliminate it. They may also direct you to a Veterinary Dermatologist.
Your Beagle like you can have allergies. They are many allergens in our environment, most are as harmless to dogs as they are harmless to me or you. When your Beagle does come into contact with something it is allergic to, that may present itself in many different ways such as skin irritations, digestive problems and/or respiratory issues.
Some of the symptoms of allergies in Beagles are; irritated and/or scabbed skin, increased scratching (of the ears, eyes, at the base of the tail, biting of the paws, and body), running eyes, ear infections, vomiting, diarrhea and constant licking.
There are a number of different substances a Beagle can be allergic to including but not limited to; pollen, mold, mites, dander, feathers, cigarette smoke, corn, wheat , soy, turkey, chicken, cleaning products, rubber and plastic materials, perfumes and fabrics.
If your Beagle is having an allergic reaction, the best thing to do is to take your dog to their veterinarian who will guide you on how to determine what the allergy may be and how to eliminate it. They may also direct you to a Veterinary Dermatologist.
"Reverse Sneezing" (Paroxysmal Respiration)
It is not uncommon for dogs especially Beagles to have a condition usually called reverse sneezing (paroxysmal respiration). When this condition is active it does have the appearance of a dog trying to inhale a sneeze or chocking and is usually accompanied by a snorting sound; it is uncommon however for this to occur more than once or twice in a day. It does appear as if reverse sneezing is made worse by allergies though it can be difficult determining exactly what your dog or Beagle is allergic to. In a large number of cases it is impossible to determine an exact cause for the reverse sneezing. There are a number of theories as to why paroxysmal reparation (reverse sneezing) occurs including abnormalities.
It is not uncommon for dogs especially Beagles to have a condition usually called reverse sneezing (paroxysmal respiration). When this condition is active it does have the appearance of a dog trying to inhale a sneeze or chocking and is usually accompanied by a snorting sound; it is uncommon however for this to occur more than once or twice in a day. It does appear as if reverse sneezing is made worse by allergies though it can be difficult determining exactly what your dog or Beagle is allergic to. In a large number of cases it is impossible to determine an exact cause for the reverse sneezing. There are a number of theories as to why paroxysmal reparation (reverse sneezing) occurs including abnormalities.
SRM (Steroid Responsive Meningitis)
SRM also known as Steroid Responsive Meningitis is a syndrome that occurs in many breeds, including Beagles. It was originally called Beagle Pain Syndrome because it was first discovered in a pack of research beagles in the late 1980’s. SRM describes the combined conditions of inflammation of the protective membranes covering the spinal cord and brain and inflammation of the walls of the arteries; causing changes in the blood vessels of the gastrointestinal system, liver, kidneys and heart. This condition generally occurs worldwide in dogs that are under two years old and it suggested that dogs may be genetically pre-disposed to the disease.
SRM can be either short term or long term. Short term symptoms include increased sensitivity to stimuli, neck pain, a stiff neck, walking problems, Fever up to 42 degrees C or 107.8 Fahrenheit. Long term symptoms include further neurological problems, paralysis and hind leg weakness.
The cause of SRM is not known but it may be related to abnormal antibody production (lgA), it is also possible that it is triggered by infectious agent.
SRM also known as Steroid Responsive Meningitis is a syndrome that occurs in many breeds, including Beagles. It was originally called Beagle Pain Syndrome because it was first discovered in a pack of research beagles in the late 1980’s. SRM describes the combined conditions of inflammation of the protective membranes covering the spinal cord and brain and inflammation of the walls of the arteries; causing changes in the blood vessels of the gastrointestinal system, liver, kidneys and heart. This condition generally occurs worldwide in dogs that are under two years old and it suggested that dogs may be genetically pre-disposed to the disease.
SRM can be either short term or long term. Short term symptoms include increased sensitivity to stimuli, neck pain, a stiff neck, walking problems, Fever up to 42 degrees C or 107.8 Fahrenheit. Long term symptoms include further neurological problems, paralysis and hind leg weakness.
The cause of SRM is not known but it may be related to abnormal antibody production (lgA), it is also possible that it is triggered by infectious agent.