VET CASE STUDY: An old dwarf hamster keeps scratching its large, red and...

 

 

 VET CASE STUDY: An old dwarf hamster keeps scratching its large, red and itchy neck lump. Why? The owner consulted Toa Payoh Vets as the hamster could not stop scratching its large red neck lump day and night. The children were concerned. Family members could hear the loud scratching sounds at night and decided to go to the veterinarian for a check up. 

 

The diagnosis was either a neck tumour or lump. Under anaesthesia, the vet uses a scalpel to lance the lump. Large amounts of pus oozed out. The abscess was drained. 7 days later, the hamster no longer had a neck lump but folds of excessive skin. It was happily eating and exercising on its wheel without having to rub and scratch its neck lump

 

VET CASE STUDY: Urine scalding in a dwarf hamster

 Urine scald in hamsters occurs when urine irritates and inflames the skin, often in the perineal area. It can be caused by various factors, including obesity, malformation of the urethra, and inability to groom. Treatment focuses on addressing the underlying cause and providing supportive care like cleaning the affected area and potentially medication. 

Causes of Urine Scald in Hamsters:

 

 

 

Obesity:

Excess fat in the perineal area can come into contact with urine, causing irritation and inflammation, Small Pet Select U.S. says. 

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Symptoms of Urine Scald:

• Redness, irritation, and inflammation of the skin, Kitten Lady says.
• Hair loss in the affected area.
• Dry, flaking, or even breaking skin.
• Pain and discomfort.
• Possible sores on the feet or abdomen. 

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Treatment and Management:

• Addressing the Underlying Cause:

  This may involve diet changes, weight management, correcting husbandry practices, or treating any underlying medical conditions, Small Pet Select U.S. says. 

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Important Considerations:

• Veterinary Consultation:

  It is crucial to consult with a veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment, Small Pet Select U.S. says. 

  
  

Urethral Issues:

Malformations or positioning problems can cause the urine stream to hit the skin instead of the litter box, Small Pet Select U.S. says. 

Grooming Difficulties:

Long or malformed incisors can prevent hamsters from properly grooming and removing urine from their fur. 

Incontinence:

Urinary incontinence, often due to spinal issues or paralysis, can lead to urine soaking the fur and causing scald, Nature says. 

Poor Husbandry:

Inadequate bedding or soiled cage environments can contribute to the problem, Nature says. 

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI):

Infections can irritate the urinary tract and potentially cause urine scald. 

Underlying Health Issues:

In some cases, urine scald may be a symptom of an underlying health issue, such as arthritis or mobility problems, The Unusual Pet Vets says. 

Cleaning and Clipping:

A vet may need to clip the affected fur to allow for easier cleaning and treatment, Small Pet Select U.S. says. 

Topical Treatment:

Topical medications or creams may be used to soothe the skin and reduce inflammation, Dr. Buzby's ToeGrips for Dogs says. 

Systemic Medications:

In some cases, oral medications may be prescribed to reduce pain or treat secondary bacterial infections. 

Monitoring:

Regular monitoring and early intervention are important to prevent the problem from worsening. 

Proper Cleaning:

Gentle cleaning of the affected area with a damp cloth is essential, but avoid harsh soaps or chemicals, PDSA says. 

Preventing Recurrence:

Addressing the underlying cause and maintaining good hygiene practices are key to preventing future episodes

 

 

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The urinary tract includes the kidneys, the ureters (the tubes that go from the kidneys to the bladder), the bladder, and the urethra (the tube from the bladder that urine comes out of). Small mammals can have issues with all parts, but here I’m going to talk about the most common urinary system problems, what to watch for, and how some can be treated.

Signs Of Urinary System Problems

There are a lot of possible signs of urinary system problems in critters. They include: 

• weight loss
• urine in the fur of the butt, the abdomen, or the back legs 
• loss of fur in the butt, the abdomen, or the back legs 
• Incontinence
• straining to urinate and/or urinating more often
• consistently thick (not watery) urine
• blood in the urine
• abdominal pain

Sometimes a non-urinary tract issue can show up as a urinary one. For example, if there has been some sort of trauma such as a broken back or a broken leg, if there is an abdominal tumor, or if your pet has a neurological issue that involves loss of balance, your pet may have problems getting in the litter box or positioning to urinate. 

If you notice a urinary issue, it’s important to get your pet checked out by a veterinarian knowledgeable about your type of pet.

 

4740. TRAVELS JAPAN. Mount Fuji video

 Mt Fuji
Japan's tallest mountain 3,776m
To get shot of a lifetime

Mount Fuji photo spots

1. Mt Fuji dream bridge" - Shizuoka prefecture. A nightmare for residents - illegal parking, excessive noises. Local govt envisioned it as a tourist draw that would be a boon to the area.

2. Yamanashi prefecture - fences erected in front of a convenience store to prevent jaywalking by tourists trying to capture Mt Fuji towering above it. 

3. Hotel La Vista, Kawaguchiko. Balcony view of Mt Fuji
3 Feb 2025.

VIDEO 1 from hotel room.

Mt Fuji
36 seconds of video sunrise
Should have left phone recording in the room

VIDEO 2.

Beeps on road as traction control sets in when road is slippery.

4739. VET CASE STUDY: Degenerative Disc Disease in a 19-year-old dog

 

 Physical examination1. Altered gait - lameness 2. Palpation and joint manipulations - pain levels

Hunched painful back, altered gait, hind legs spread outwards, hip pain  for around 3 months
X-rays

 Causesof back ache and pain in this 19-year-old female Shih Tzu1. Intervertebral lumbar disc degeneration is likely  due to ageing.2. Spondylosis or bony spur formation likely due to ageing.

 

 3. Left femoral head necrosis likely due to ageing or neoplasia.

 Treatmentof back ache and pain in this 19-year-old female Shih Tzu1. Pain killers.2. Physiotherapy - a combination of exercises, manual therapy, and other modalities.

3. Good diet.4. Walk more on non-slippery floors to prevent muscle atrophy.

 TIPS FROM DR SINGAs the 19-year-old Shih Tzu X is very old, ensure she has good nutrition to prevent malnutrition. Provide her with non-slippery areas to walk to prevent further muscle atrophy of the limbs. Some pain killers may be needed to make her comfortable.

 To buy stock photos: shutterstock.com/g/
toapayohvets

 

 For More Information:TOA PAYOH VETStoapayohvets.com+65 6254-3326+65 9668-6468judy@toapayohvets.com99pups@gmail.com

 UPDATE:https://2010vets.blogspot.com/2025/05/vet-case-study-degenerative-disc-disease.html

 

 Thank you for watchingVet case study: A very old Shih Tzu X in Myanmar has back aches and back pain - Disc Degeneration Disease & Spondylosis.

 

 

 

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VET CASE STUDY: Degenerative Disc Disease in a 19-year-old dog

1. Physical examination. Aged dog.
1.1 Pain level - Press on specific areas of her back
1.2 Muscle strength - Muscle weakness or shrinking --- nerve damage or DDD.


2. Imaging scans like X-rays, CT or MRT help diagnose the alignment of your disc.

3. Treatment for back pain in the dog.
3.1 Medication
3.2 Walking to strengthen back muscles and relieve some pain
3.3 No spinal surgery

• Physical activity. Low-impact activity like walking or swimming can strengthen back muscles and relieve some pain.
• Painkillers
  No spinal surgery. 

 

 X-ray imaging of a dog's vertebral column, or spine, is a common diagnostic tool used to evaluate the bones, ligaments, and soft tissues surrounding the spine. It's typically used to identify issues like fractures, arthritis, infections, and spinal deformities.

 

 SPONDYLOSIS

1. Changes in walk

Instead of smoothly swaying from side to side, you may see your dog’s back stiffen and fail to move freely. A stiff gait is not just a sign of leg pain, but can be a common symptom of a sore back. Your vet will perform a physical exam to localize pain if your dog has changes in gait.

2. Change in movement

Your dog’s back may seem rigid, and they may avoid ambitious movements like jumping up or rolling over. You may notice your dog reluctant to turn his head from side to side, or having difficulty maneuvering to reach certain parts of the body.

3. Change in comfort level

If your dog’s bone spur grows large enough to pinch the delicate nerve roots along the spinal cord, he may show signs of pain in dogs and be very sensitive to touch along his back. Some dogs will whine, yelp, or even snap if painful areas of the back are touched.

 

 

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• When did the pain start?
• Where do you feel pain?
• What activities cause the most pain?
• What activities decrease the pain?
• Did you have an injury or accident that led to pain?
• Do you have other symptoms, like tingling or numbness?
• How far can you walk?

 

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 Degenerative disk disease occurs when the cushioning in your spine begins to wear away. After age 40, most people experience some spinal degeneration. But the condition doesn’t always cause symptoms. When it does, neck and back pain can be intense. The right treatment can lead to pain relief and increased mobility.

 

 Degenerative disk disease (degenerative disc disease) occurs when your spinal disks break down. Unfortunately, it’s just a natural part of aging. When these disks wear out, you’ll typically experience back pain and stiffness. For some people, home remedies like hot and cold therapy can decrease pain. When the pain is severe, you may benefit from spinal injections or spine surgery. A spine specialist can help you determine which treatment is best for you.

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Intervertebral disc degeneration in the lumbar (lower back) region is a common condition characterized by the breakdown of the intervertebral discs, which cushion the vertebrae. This wear and tear can lead to pain, stiffness, and potentially nerve compression. The most common symptoms include lower back pain, which may radiate to the buttocks or legs, and pain that worsens with sitting, bending, twisting, or lifting. 

Elaboration:

• What is it?
  Intervertebral disc degeneration, also known as degenerative disc disease (DDD), is the gradual deterioration of the intervertebral discs, which are the shock-absorbing cushions between the vertebrae in the spine. 

• Why does it happen?
  Disc degeneration is a natural part of aging, and the discs can lose their height, hydration, and ability to absorb shock over time. Factors like genetics, age, inadequate metabolite transport, and loading history can also contribute to disc degeneration. 

• Symptoms:

• Back pain: Persistent or intermittent aching in the lower back. 

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• Leg pain (sciatica): Pain that radiates down the leg, often due to nerve compression. 

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• Numbness or tingling: Sensory changes in the leg or foot. 

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• Stiffness: Reduced range of motion in the back. 

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• Weakness: Muscle weakness in the leg or foot. 

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• Progression and complications:
  Degenerated discs can bulge or herniate, causing pressure on nerves and resulting in symptoms like sciatica. Small bony outgrowths (bone spurs) can also form at the edges of the vertebrae. 

• Treatment:
  Treatment options for lumbar disc degeneration typically focus on managing pain and improving function, and may include:

• Non-surgical options: Pain medications (NSAIDs, muscle relaxants), physical therapy, and lifestyle modifications. 

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• Injections: Epidural steroid injections to reduce inflammation. 

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• Surgery: In rare cases, surgery may be needed to relieve nerve compression or stabilize the spine. 

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Living with DDD:
While there's no cure for DDD, many individuals can manage their symptoms and maintain an active lifestyle with appropriate treatment and lifestyle modifications.

 

 

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Spondylosis in dogs, also known as spondylosis deformans, is a non-inflammatory, degenerative condition of the spinal column characterized by the formation of bone spurs along the top, bottom and sides of the vertebra. These spurs develop due to the body's reaction to damage or instability in the intervertebral discs and joints, often as a result of aging, injury, or genetic factors. 

Symptoms and Causes:

• Symptoms: While many dogs with spondylosis are asymptomatic, some may experience stiffness, reduced flexibility, sensitivity to touch, or pain, especially if the bone spurs irritate nearby nerves or tissues. Symptoms can include limping, back pain, or altered gait. 
• Causes: Spondylosis is most commonly associated with aging and the natural degeneration of intervertebral discs. Trauma (both minor and major) can also contribute, as can a genetic predisposition to bone spur formation. 
• Common Locations: In dogs, spondylosis frequently occurs in the lower back (lumbar spine). 

Diagnosis:

• X-rays:

  Spondylosis is typically diagnosed with X-rays, which can clearly visualize the bone spurs.
• Other Imaging:

  CT scans or MRIs may be used in some cases to assess the extent of the condition and rule out other problems. 

Treatment and Management:

• Pain Relief: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or other analgesics may be used to manage pain. 
• Physiotherapy: Exercises, massage, and hydrotherapy can help improve range of motion and muscle strength. 
• Weight Management: Maintaining a healthy weight can reduce stress on the spine. 
• Supplements: Joint supplements may be helpful in some cases. 
• Surgical Intervention: Surgical intervention is rarely necessary and is typically reserved for cases where the bone spurs are causing significant nerve compression or instability

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