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• Ectopic Cilia or Eyelash Problems in Dogs

  Ectopic cilia can be an irritating eye problem for many dogs. Growing abnormally through the conjunctiva (the pink part of the eye), they come into contact with the cornea and can cause chronic discomfort to the eye and corneal ulceration. Surgery is necessary to help to correct the problem and help dogs live a more comfortable life. The prognosis for surgical correction of this condition is generally good.

• Ectopic Ureters in Dogs

  An ectopic ureter is an anatomical defect that is present at birth in some dogs. In a dog with ectopic ureters, the ureters do not attach to their normal location in the bladder. Dogs with ectopic ureters may dribble urine or be prone to frequent bladder infections. Signs, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis are discussed.

• Egg Binding in Birds

  Egg binding is not uncommon in birds and may be resolved easily if treated early; if not, the bird may become critically ill. Egg binding occurs when the female bird is unable to expel the egg from her body. Egg-bound birds are usually weak, not perching, often sitting low on the perch or on the bottom of the cage and are straining as if trying to defecate or to lay an egg. Treatment varies depending upon how sick the bird is, as well as the location of the egg and the length of time the bird has been egg bound.

• Egg Yolk Peritonitis in Backyard Chickens

  Egg yolk peritonitis or coelomitis occurs when yolk from a developing egg, an incompletely shelled egg, or a ruptured egg is deposited within the body cavity, referred to as the abdominal coelom. The yolk material that is released into the coelomic cavity causes inflammation and fluid within the coelom. Affected birds often stop laying, become less active, have distended abdomens, and have difficulty breathing.

• Ehrlichiosis in Dogs

  Ehrlichiosis is a tick-borne bacterial (Ehrlichia) infection spread by the brown dog tick found in many areas of North America. There appear to be three stages of disease: acute, sub-clinical, and chronic or clinical. Abnormal findings on initial lab work include thrombocytopenia, anemia, hyperglobulinemia, and proteinuria. In-clinic ELISA tests can be used to screen for exposure but will be negative if the infection is new. Blood can be sent for PCR testing to demonstrate infection and to determine the species of Ehrlichia. Prevention includes minimizing exposure to ticks and use of tick prevention medication regularly.

• Electrocardiogram in Dogs

  An electrocardiogram (ECG, EKG) is a test that is used to assess the heart. More specifically, an ECG measures the transmission of an electrical impulse through the heart. This test is not painful and is typically performed as an outpatient procedure. Analyzing the electrical impulses produced as the heart beats can help identify a number of different abnormalities within the heart.

• Endocarditis in Dogs

  Endocarditis is an infection of a heart valve, most often affecting the mitral or aortic valve. It can arise any time that bacteria enter the bloodstream, though it is more common when the heart valve has already been damaged for some other reason. This handout discusses the causes, clinical signs, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of this condition.

• Epilepsy in Dogs

  Epileptic seizures in pets are a diagnosis of exclusion and may be found in any dog but there may be some breed predispositions that are more common. The cause is often unknown. A variety of medications are available to help control the seizure activity if an underlying cause is not found.

• Evan’s Syndrome in Dogs and Cats

  Evan’s syndrome is the term used when a pet has both immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA) and immune-mediated thrombocytopenia (ITP). With this condition, the body destroys its own red blood cells and platelets. Prognosis is variable and depends on the underlying cause and the pet’s general condition at the time of diagnosis. Relapses are common.

• Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency in Dogs

  The pancreas is an organ near the stomach and small intestine that produces enzymes needed for digestion, as well as hormones such as insulin that regulate blood sugar levels. Dogs with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) are unable to digest nutrients in their diet properly, resulting in maldigestion, weight loss, and abnormal feces than can appear unusually pale and fatty. The disease can be congenital, genetic (such as in German shepherds), or acquired through pancreatic damage. Prognosis is good with treatment, although rarely diabetes is associated with the condition.