CTCV Health Watch Committee Report 2022         31/01/2023

2022 has, fortunately, seen the majority of us returning to a near normal life. We can once again enjoy social activities, as can our Cairns.
As we all know, Cairns love to be included in all types of activities with their owners. Walks in the park, picnics, shopping, and morning
coffee at outside cafes are places I have noticed our local cairns enjoying being out and about. Dog Shows are almost back to normal,
but apparently with smaller numbers at present.

MEDICAL REPORTS

Below are a few health issues with cairns that have come to my attention during the year.

Ectopic ureter, other urinary issues or "why is my puppy leaking?"

Young puppies have little control over their urine and bowels. But gradually they start to take notice of just where their owners expect
them to `go`. However, the occasional puppy seems to `leak`, leaving wet spots wherever they have been, lying on their bed, on the
couch, on the owner`s lap, on carpets, and if picked up and supporting the puppy`s bottom, the owner`s hands become wet. This is
cause for concern and a Vet should be consulted.

Initially, Vets usually advise testing of a urine sample to rule out any urinary tract infection, which is then treated with antibiotics.
If infection is ruled out, another condition called Urethral sphincter mechanism insufficiency (USMI) is suspected. This basically means
that the urethral sphincter is not strong enough to retain urine and leaking occurs. USMI can be treated with long-term medication and
monitoring the dog during its lifetime as medications often need readjusting.

The next most common cause of urinary incontinence is an Ectopic Ureter. The ureters carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder.
Sometimes the ureters bypass the bladder and connect further down, which causes urine to constantly leak. In order to diagnose this
condition, a scan is necessary followed by surgery to reposition the ureters in their proper place.

2022 has, fortunately, seen the majority of us returning to a near normal life. We can once again enjoy social activities,
as can our Cairns. As we all know, Cairns love to be included in all types of activities with their owners.Walks in the park, picnics,
shopping, and morning coffee at outside cafes are places I have noticed our local cairns enjoying being out and about. Dog Shows are
almost back to normal, but apparently with smaller numbers at present.

Cushing`s Disease
A Cairn owner contacted me during the year wanting an opinion on when they should consider euthanising their 13 year old male Cairn
with Cushing`s. He was diagnosed with the disease two years ago but had gone downhill recently.

Symptoms of Cushing`s include weight gain, (potbellied appearance), excess hunger, increased water consumption and hair loss.
It is caused by an overactive adrenal gland which is producing too much adrenal hormone.

Pituitary tumours are often found with Cushing`s and are sometimes benign, but their removal is complicated and doesn`t
necessarily cure the disease. Medication is the main method of treating the disease, but unfortunately the average life expectancy
after diagnosis in older dogs is two years. It was a very sad discussion with the owner of this little Cairn, and I heard from her
again about two weeks later when she made the decision to let her little one go. Looking back now, she thinks that the decision
should have been made earlier. She hopes to purchase a new puppy once she comes to terms with her loss.

Twisted intestine I have heard of twisted intestines before, but this one, in a young, male Cairn was quite unusual. The pet
owners had purchased the dog as a young adult and, at first seemed perfectly healthy, happy and lively. During the early hours of a
Saturday morning, (three weeks after purchasing the dog), the owners were concerned to find that the cairn had vomited. Assuming
that it was just a tummy upset, the owners provided a light breakfast and at 7.30 am, and set off for a walk. By 8 am he had vomited
again. During the afternoon the dog appeared unwell and the concerned owners took him to the local Vet. It was advised that his
stomach should be rested and no food be offered. Sunday he was no better, so they went back to the Vet for anti-nausea and pain
injections. Monday came and he was still unwell. Back to the Vet to be put on a drip and monitored overnight. On the Tuesday he
rallied during the morning but went downhill by the afternoon and had vomited again. X-rays were done and no blockages were found
but exploratory surgery was recommended and agreed to by the worried owners.
Surgery was performed on the Tuesday afternoon and revealed a strange "extra" loop on the Cairn`s intestine. The Vet removed two
small pieces of his intestine, the loop was untwisted and everything was straightened. The loop was similar to a "D" on his
intestine and his food was going through the loop and the straight side was blocked. The Vet remarked that she had never seen a
similar situation. She believed that the abnormality was probably present from birth and was not genetic. The owners report that
the dog is once again a happy, bouncy Cairn. Such a good outcome, and such alert, caring owners to have acted so quickly.

Finally
If you require support, information or advice with any health issue regarding your Cairn, please do not hesitate to call
on the number below, or, if you wish, you can still forward any type of medical condition reports to:


Lyn Barclay   20 Outawood Rise, Gisborne, Victoria 3437

Email:   lkbarclay@bigpond.com
Tel: 0488 086 153

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