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A dog who continually licks one spot on his body, usually on his front legs, can create a hairless, callused area called a lick granuloma. A granuloma is a type of inflamed lesion, so a lick granuloma is inflammation caused by constant licking. The condition is known as acral lick dermatitis.

Named after Lyme, Conn., where the condition was first recognized, Lyme disease is a well-known, tick-borne disease in people that can also cause joint pain and flu-like symptoms in dogs. The spirochete bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi causes the disease.

The liver is an important organ with many functions essential for life.
These functions include detoxifying poisons and drugs, metabolizing fats, storing carbohydrates, manufacturing bile, and producing blood proteins and blood clotting factors. The liver is also a key part of the immune system.

What is lameness?
Lameness refers to the disability of one or more limbs. It is most often associated with pain or injury resulting in a dog holding the injured limb up or avoiding using it. The most common causes of acute lameness in dogs are injury to a joint, bone fracture, or dislocation. Osteoarthritis and hip dysplasia also cause lameness in dogs. Lameness can affect dogs of any age, from growing puppies to senior dogs.

What is Leishmaniasis?
Leishmaniasis is a disease caused by a protozoan parasite found in dogs and certain rodents in many parts of the world. It is an important disease because humans can also contract Leishmaniasis. There is no direct transmission from dog to man, or vice versa. You cannot become infected with Leishmaniasis from your dog.

What is a lick granuloma?
Also known as acral lick dermatitis, this problem begins as an area of hair loss and reddened skin most commonly on the top of the wrist or carpal joint on the front legs. It often looks like a "hot spot." These differ from "hot spots" in that they persist despite treatment. They are often associated with chronic, persistent licking, especially when the pet is alone or when the family is sleeping.

What is cauda equina or lumbosacral syndrome?
Cauda equina or lumbosacral syndrome is a disease that occurs at the lumbosacral junction in the lower back. The term lumbo refers to the lumbar vertebrae. These are the bones in the lower part of the spinal column. The term sacral refers to the sacrum, which is the part of the spine that joins the lumbar spine and the pelvis.

 What is a luxating patella?
The patella, or knee cap, is normally located in the center of the knee joint. The term luxating means "out of place" or "dislocated." Therefore, a luxating patella is a knee cap that moves out of its normal location.