Health and Nutrition

Cervical Vertebral Instability, which is also known as Wobbler Syndrome, covers a variety of conditions that arise as a result of the presence of lesions in the spinal cord, located at the base of the neck (known as the caudal cervical spine). These lesions serve as a compressive agent on the spinal cord.

Many factors have been linked to predisposing the condition, including nutritional, genetic, and biochemical factors. Other minor causes that can cause this condition include cancer, juvenile orthopedic diseases, diskospondylitis, and inflammatory conditions of the spinal cord.

It’s true – even Labradors get Colitis. But what is this canine disease? Colitis has different classifications based on the predominant cell types present in the intestinal lining. There are four types: eosinophilic, histiocytic, plasmacytic-lymphocytic, and granulomatous. In some cases, it is caused by a genetic defect, especially with the plasmacytic-lymphocytic and histiocytic forms. Other cases of colitis cannot be pinpointed or explained. Colitis in Labradors can be the result of the following:

• Infectious diseases caused by bacteria, fungi, viruses, or parasites (particularly whipworms)
• Cancer of the colon
• Dietary intolerance
• Medications including antibiotics
• Pancreatitis
• Dietary indiscretion

You’re afraid that your Labrador may have Epulis, but you’re not sure what this disease is all about. Let’s go over a few details that will help you understand this canine disease and will better arm you on what treatment you should undertake with your Labrador.

First off, there hasn’t been a specific agent that can be pinpointed to cause Epulis. It is grouped into three types, based on tissue of origin:
Fibromatous Type: tumors that have a stalk or stem (pedunculated) and are non- ulcerative.
Ossifying Type: Tumors are that are pedunculated non-ulcerative.

Acanthomatous Type: This benign group of tumors are the most aggressive. They are locally invasive and its presence can result in the destruction of bone tissue.