Though all dogs can be susceptible to a variety of medical conditions, female dogs can be particularly prone to specific conditions often due to their anatomical features and the effects of hormones on their bodies. Unaltered females, in particular, appear to be more likely to develop some medical conditions. According to the ASPCA, significant medical benefits can be gained by simply spaying female dogs.
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Pyometra
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Pyometra occurs when bacteria enter the dog's uterus, causing a serious, and even potentially fatal, infection. This medical condition tends to occur in unaltered older female dogs, typically one to two months after their heat cycle. As the uterus fills with pus, bacteria is spread into the blood stream, causing the dog to grow increasingly ill due to its toxic effects. Affected females typically have a poor appetite, drink more water than usual and may vomit. If the pyometra is ''open," female dogs may also suffer from a malodorous and purulent vaginal discharge. This condition can be completely prevented by spaying the dog, according to the Mar Vista Animal Medical Center based in Los Angeles.
Breast Cancer
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Female dogs are prone to breast cancer, however the likeliness of developing this disease is significantly lower in female dogs spayed prior to their first heat, explains the ASPCA. Mammary cancer is the most common form of cancer found in unspayed, middle aged, female dogs and is rare in dogs spayed under the age of 2, adds Race Foster,a doctor of veterinary medicine from Michigan State University in an article for Pet Education. Typically, a solid mass is present or multiple swellings may be present. Just as in humans, such growths require medical attention, and likely a biopsy for proper identification and diagnosis. When caught early, treatment mainly consists of surgical removal of the mass.
Eclampsia
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Female dogs allowed to give birth to puppies may also be exposed to other risks. Eclampsia is a medical condition likely to occur in nursing dogs. This condition tends to occur when there is a loss of calcium in the milk along with a poor dietary intake. Affected females generally exhibit the following symptoms: restlessness, panting, difficulty walking, muscle tremors, high temperature and rapid breathing. Emergency treatment may be required, consisting of the intravenous administration of calcium and supportive care. Puppies often must be hand fed to further prevent the mother from losing more calcium, says Bari Spielman, a veterinarian at Angell Memorial Animal Hospital in Boston, in an article for Pet Place.
Other Conditions
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There are many other health conditions that may develop in female dogs. Ovarian and uterine tumors, for instance, are rare yet possible conditions seen in older female dogs.
Mastitis, the inflammation of a breast, is another condition known to affect female dogs and causing vomiting, fever, lack of appetite, malaise and often the formation of abscesses in the affected breast.
Metritis is a bacterial uterine infection often developing after giving birth due to retained fetuses or placentas.
Vaginitis, finally is another female dog condition often occurring in dogs suffering from lack of hygiene and confined to overcrowded small places, according to See Fido, a Dog Training and Health Education website.
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