Dog Diseases in Scottsdale, AZ
Dogs can develop illnesses that affect the endocrine system, lungs, eyes, stomach, kidneys, urinary tract, and other parts of the body, sometimes with very little warning. At The Scottsdale Veterinary Clinic, we diagnose and manage conditions including Addison’s Disease, canine influenza, distichiasis, dog and puppy parvo, dog bloating, also known as Gastric Dilatation Volvulus, dog kidney disease, dog transitional cell carcinoma, and Valley Fever in dogs. Our approach combines examination, diagnostic testing, treatment, and long-term monitoring when necessary so owners understand what is happening and what the next step should be.
Addison’s Disease Can Look Like Many Other Illnesses
Addison’s Disease, also called canine hypoadrenocorticism, occurs when the adrenal glands do not produce enough corticosteroid hormones. These hormones help the body respond to stress and regulate processes involving metabolism, sodium, potassium, and fluid balance. Because symptoms can be vague, the disease has earned the nickname “The Great Imitator.”
Dogs may initially show intermittent lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, or simply seem like they do not feel right. In severe cases, an Addisonian crisis can develop, causing collapse, shock, dangerous electrolyte changes, low blood sugar, and abnormal heart rhythms. The clinic’s material notes that about 30% of affected dogs are first diagnosed during a crisis, which is why persistent unexplained symptoms deserve investigation.
The definitive diagnosis is made with an ACTH stimulation test. Treatment focuses on replacing the missing hormones, which may involve oral fludrocortisone or injectable DOCP, along with glucocorticoid supplementation in some dogs. Electrolyte monitoring is especially important early in treatment and periodically throughout life.
Canine Influenza Spreads Quickly Between Dogs
Canine influenza is a contagious respiratory infection caused by influenza viruses such as H3N8 and H3N2. The clinic’s material explains that transmission occurs through respiratory secretions from coughing, barking, and sneezing, as well as contaminated bowls, collars, leashes, blankets, surfaces, clothing, and human hands. Dogs can also spread the virus before they show obvious symptoms.
Symptoms can resemble kennel cough and may include a dry or moist cough, sneezing, nasal or eye discharge, lethargy, and reduced appetite. More serious cases can develop high fever, purulent nasal discharge, coughing up blood, secondary infections, or pneumonia. Dogs that frequent boarding facilities, groomers, dog parks, pet stores, training programs, or play groups may face greater exposure.
Diagnosis may involve a nasal swab early in the illness or blood testing after symptoms have been present longer. Treatment is primarily supportive because the clinic’s source notes that there are no approved antiviral drugs for canine influenza, although antibiotics may be used for secondary bacterial infections and some dogs need fluids, nutritional support, or hospitalization.
Distichiasis Can Cause Chronic Eye Irritation
Distichiasis is an eye condition in which extra hairs grow from the eyelid margin where they are not supposed to be. These hairs may rub against the surface of the eye, leading to increased blinking, tearing, squinting, discomfort, and in more serious cases, corneal ulcers. The severity depends on the number, stiffness, length, and location of the abnormal eyelashes.
The condition is especially common in puppies and young dogs and is considered hereditary in many cases. Treatment may include cryosurgery, surgery, or electrolysis to permanently destroy the hair follicles, although regrowth can occasionally occur and follow-up visits may be needed. Simple plucking is not considered a lasting solution because the hairs typically grow back.
Dog and Puppy Parvo Requires Fast Treatment
Dog and puppy parvo is a highly contagious viral disease that attacks the gastrointestinal tract. Common symptoms include bloody diarrhea, vomiting, fever, lethargy, and loss of appetite, and the illness can become life-threatening quickly. Parvo spreads through direct dog-to-dog contact and contact with contaminated stool, environments, or people.
Because symptoms can resemble bacterial infections, distemper, Giardia, foreign-body obstruction, and other gastrointestinal disease, testing is important before treatment is started. Hospitalized treatment may include IV fluids, anti-nausea medication, antibiotics for secondary bacterial concerns, nutritional support, blood testing, and round-the-clock monitoring. The clinic’s handout notes that hospitalization greatly improves survival chances compared with no treatment.
Routine vaccination remains one of the most important preventive measures. Vaccines help protect against parvo, but they do not treat an active infection, so a puppy or dog already showing symptoms still needs immediate veterinary evaluation.
Dog Bloating or Gastric Dilatation Volvulus Is an Emergency
Dog bloating, also called Gastric Dilatation Volvulus or GDV, occurs when the stomach fills with food or gas and twists on itself. This cuts off blood flow and prevents normal emptying of the stomach, making GDV a life-threatening emergency. Restlessness, drooling, repeated retching without producing vomit, a distended abdomen, weakness, and collapse are all signs that require immediate care.
Large and deep-chested breeds are more commonly affected, including Great Danes, Weimaraners, St. Bernards, Irish Setters, and Gordon Setters, although the condition can occur in almost any dog. Genetics, older age, and eating one large meal per day are also identified as risk factors in the clinic material.
Diagnosis commonly involves abdominal X-rays, bloodwork, and ECG monitoring. Treatment requires stabilization followed by surgery to untwist the stomach, assess damaged tissues, and perform a gastropexy that attaches the stomach to the body wall in an effort to reduce recurrence. The earlier stabilization and surgery occur, the better the expected outcome.
Dog Kidney Disease Often Develops Gradually
Dog kidney disease can progress slowly, which means early stages may cause few or no obvious symptoms. The clinic’s kidney disease guide identifies warning signs such as weight loss, increased drinking, increased urination, constipation, and high blood pressure. Early disease may be detected through urine concentration, protein in the urine, ultrasound findings, blood pressure, and other testing even when standard blood values are still within normal ranges.
As kidney disease progresses, dogs may become more lethargic, lose appetite and weight, vomit, drink and urinate excessively, or become dehydrated. Treatment recommendations change by stage and may include a kidney-supportive diet, increased water intake, phosphorus binders, fish oil, potassium supplementation, subcutaneous fluids, appetite support, blood pressure medication, and more intensive hospitalization in advanced cases.
Because chronic kidney disease changes over time, repeated bloodwork, urinalysis, and blood pressure monitoring are important. The goal is not simply to treat a single abnormal lab value, but to adjust therapy as kidney function, hydration, appetite, and quality of life change.
Dog Transitional Cell Carcinoma Affects the Urinary Tract
Dog transitional cell carcinoma is a type of cancer that commonly affects the bladder or urinary tract. The clinic’s treatment guide explains that surgical removal may be recommended when feasible because surgery can reduce tumor burden and may slow progression even when complete removal is not possible.
Medical management may also be used to slow tumor growth and reduce secondary urinary tract infections. The source outlines options that may include antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medication, a urinary-supportive prescription diet, omega-3 fatty acids, immune-support strategies, and other adjunctive therapies based on the individual dog.
Because urinary tumors can contribute to recurrent infections or obstructive symptoms, ongoing monitoring is important. Difficulty urinating, blood in the urine, repeated urinary infections, or sudden changes in urinary habits should always be evaluated rather than assumed to be a simple bladder infection.
Valley Fever in Dogs Is Especially Relevant in Arizona
Valley Fever in dogs is a fungal infection that can affect the lungs, bones, brain, skin, and other internal organs. In Arizona, where the fungal organism is part of the regional environment, it is an especially important diagnosis to consider when a dog develops persistent coughing, weight loss, fever, lameness, poor appetite, or unexplained illness. Treatment can take months and, in some dogs, medication may be required long term.
The clinic’s recommendations describe fluconazole as a commonly used antifungal medication, while itraconazole or voriconazole may be considered if improvement is inadequate. More severely affected patients may receive additional therapies, including anti-inflammatory medication, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, or intravenous antifungal treatment in selected cases.
Regular follow-up is an important part of treatment. The clinic recommends rechecking bloodwork and Valley Fever titers every three months until the titer becomes negative, while also watching appetite, weight, and potential medication side effects such as vomiting, diarrhea, or liver enzyme changes.
Symptoms That Should Prompt a Veterinary Visit
Many of these diseases begin with symptoms that could easily be mistaken for something minor. Persistent vomiting, diarrhea, coughing, weight loss, weakness, eye irritation, urinary changes, or reduced appetite all deserve attention when they continue or worsen.
Call us promptly if your dog develops:
- Repeated retching with a swollen abdomen
- Collapse or severe weakness
- Bloody diarrhea or repeated vomiting
- Persistent coughing or breathing changes
- Sudden weight loss or increased thirst
- Blood in the urine or trouble urinating
- Squinting, tearing, or chronic eye irritation
- Unexplained lethargy that keeps returning
Some of these signs, especially suspected GDV, collapse, or severe parvo symptoms, can become emergencies quickly. Early evaluation can give us more options for diagnosis, stabilization, and treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Once diagnosed, Addison’s Disease can often be managed with hormone replacement and ongoing electrolyte monitoring. The treatment plan may include oral medication, injectable therapy, or both depending on the dog.
It is highly contagious and can spread through respiratory droplets and contaminated objects. Dogs may also shed virus before symptoms appear, which is why outbreaks can move quickly through boarding, grooming, and group-play environments.
No, but it can be life-threatening. The clinic’s handout states that hospitalized care significantly improves the chance of survival, while untreated cases have a much poorer outlook.
The terms are often used together, but GDV specifically describes dilation of the stomach with twisting. It is a surgical emergency because blood flow can be compromised rapidly and serious systemic complications can follow.
The clinic’s treatment guide states that therapy usually takes at least three months and may continue much longer. Some dogs require lifelong medication depending on disease severity and response.
Get Answers Before a Dog Disease Becomes Harder to Manage
When your dog develops new symptoms, getting a clear diagnosis early can make treatment more effective and reduce the chance of complications. At The Scottsdale Veterinary Clinic, we evaluate endocrine disease, respiratory infections, eye disorders, gastrointestinal emergencies, kidney disease, urinary cancer, and Arizona-specific conditions such as Valley Fever with diagnostic testing and individualized care. We also explain what each result means so you understand the plan rather than simply receiving a list of treatments. So if your dog seems ill, call our Scottsdale veterinary team to schedule an examination or seek immediate care for collapse, severe vomiting, bloody diarrhea, or a swollen abdomen.
