Sticker's sarcoma is an infectious tumor of the external genital organs of male and female dogs. It is also known as transmissible venereal tumor or venereal sarcomatosis. The disease occurs worldwide, but is primarily found in tropical and subtropical countries (Mediterranean region, Africa, Eastern Europe, South America) where there is a large population of stray dogs.
The exact cause of its development remains unknown. However, it does not involve degenerated cells from the body itself, but rather cells that originate from a common source. Scientists have discovered that the original tumor developed approximately 200 to 11,000 years ago.
The tumor is mainly transmitted to the genital mucous membranes through mating. However, close physical contact (licking, biting, sniffing) can also cause transmission to other parts of the body. It is now believed that transmission occurs through tumor cells that have shed and become lodged in tiny mucosal lesions, where they multiply.
In male dogs, reddish, lumpy growths appear on the penis and prepuce, and in female dogs on the vagina and labia. These growths later become fissured and cauliflower-like, bleed easily, and can grow up to 15 cm in size. The surface of the tumors develops weeping, ulcerated inflammations that can lead to bloody or purulent genital discharge. For owners, this discharge is usually the first noticeable sign of the disease and therefore the reason for visiting the veterinarian.
The tumor rarely metastasizes (spreads). In about 5% of cases, secondary tumors can occur in nearby lymph nodes or in the scrotum; distant organs such as the lungs, eyes, or uterus are affected much less frequently.
In many cases, the veterinarian can make an initial diagnosis after a clinical examination, localization of the tumor, and a detailed preliminary report. To confirm the diagnosis, a biopsy (tissue sample) must be taken and examined pathologically.
Occasionally, the tumors heal on their own, which is referred to as spontaneous remission (= regression). However, sticker sarcomas also respond very well to chemotherapy and radiation. Surgical removal is not recommended, as the reimplantation of tumor cells often leads to recurrence.
The prognosis is generally favorable to good, although relapses are not uncommon.
Neoplasms of the mammary gland account for more than half of all cancers in female dogs. These benign or malignant tumors occur primarily in older, unspayed female dogs and initially appear as small, nodular changes along the entire mammary gland, which can later become very large. Different types of mammary tumors can occur.
Most horse owners are now familiar with Cushing's syndrome and its symptoms in horses. A disease with very similar symptoms is equine metabolic syndrome (EMS). In its early stages, it is therefore often confused with equine Cushing's syndrome. But what is the difference?
Toxoplasmosis is an infectious disease that primarily affects cats but can also be transmitted to humans, which is why it is classified as a zoonosis. Humans are considered intermediate hosts, although clinical symptoms do not usually occur. It only becomes truly dangerous when pregnant women come into contact with toxoplasma for the first time and the pathogen infects the unborn child.
Just like in humans, the lung tissue of dogs can become inflamed. Medically referred to as pneumonia, this condition is also a serious illness in dogs and can lead to death if left untreated.
Heatstroke occurs when the internal body temperature rises above 41 degrees Celsius, which can cause life-threatening physical damage. Sunstroke, on the other hand, refers to heat accumulation in the area of the meninges caused by intense sunlight on the animal's head, which can also lead to the death of the patient in severe cases. The body temperature does not necessarily have to be elevated in sunstroke.
This muscle disease, which was only discovered in recent years, occurs primarily in Quarter Horses and cold-blooded animals and is characterized by the storage of excessive amounts of glycogen (animal starch stored in cells) in the horse's muscles. It is known as polysaccharide storage myopathy (PSSM).
Having a horse as a partner is something very special. There are many different types of equestrian sports, so everyone can find something that fulfills them and that both humans and horses enjoy. We have listed some of the most well-known disciplines and terms for you below.
Many riders get it at some point: tournament fever—the desire to compete and measure themselves against others who share the same passion. However, it's not quite as simple as just jumping in. In competitive sports, you have to meet a few requirements before you can embark on your adventure as a rider-horse team. Depending on the type of riding or driving, there are various rules and regulations that must be observed. Below you will find the most important information for classic English riding.
The question of finding the right horse is certainly on the minds of many seekers. It is difficult to say right away whether you, as a buyer, will develop a deep connection with a horse you have tried out. Friendship and love grow over time. However, giving it some thought beforehand will certainly help you find your perfect horse in the end.
Endoscopy is an imaging, minimally invasive procedure in which body cavities and hollow organs can be viewed and examined using an endoscope. Endoscopes are either rigid or flexible and have a light source and a camera at the front that transmits the image directly to a screen.
Imaging diagnostics refers to all diagnostic procedures that use diagnostic devices to generate two- or even three-dimensional images of the inside of the body. These images can be used to detect disease-related changes, among other things.
This adrenal gland disorder, also known as Addison's disease, was first described in humans in 1855 by Thomas Addison (chief physician at a London hospital), after whom it was named. It causes adrenal insufficiency (also known as hypoadrenocorticism), which is the partial or total failure of hormone production in the adrenal cortex. It is much less common in dogs than adrenal hyperfunction (Cushing's disease), but can lead to life-threatening symptoms. It primarily affects middle-aged female dogs of large breeds.
