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T hese areas usually continue to produce bone until the bones are fully developed, at which time, no further growth is needed. T he growth plates then “ close” and become part of the bone. If something happens to the growth plate before the bone is fully developed, it may close prematurely. If only one of the two bones in the foreleg is affected, the other bone continues to grow, causing the foreleg to become deformed. If only one side of a growth plate closes prematurely, the bone will continue to grow on the opposite side, leading to curving of the bone.

Html ABSCESS BASICS OVERVIEW  An abscess is a localized collection of pus contained within a cavity somewhere in the body SIGNALM ENT/DESCRIPTION of ANIM AL  Cats and dogs SIGNS/OBSERVED CHANGES in the ANIM AL  Determined by organ system and/or tissue affected  A rapidly appearing, painful swelling with or without discharge (if affected area is visible)  Associated with a combination of inflammation (seen as pain, swelling, redness, heat, and loss of function), tissue destruction, and/or organ system dysfunction caused by accumulation of pus  A discrete mass of varying size may be detectable; the mass may be firm or fluid-filled  Inflammation and discharge from a draining tract may be visible if the abscess is superficial and has ruptured to an external surface  Fever, if abscess is not ruptured and draining  Generalized bacterial infection (sepsis) occasionally, especially if abscess ruptures internally CAUSES  T rauma (such as fight wounds) or previous infection  Foreign objects  P us-causing (pyogenic) bacteria—Staphylococcus; Escherichia coli; β -hemolytic Streptococcus; Pseudom onas; Mycoplasm a and Mycoplasm a-like organisms (L-forms); Pasteurella m ultocida; Corynebacterium ; Actinom yces; Nocardia; Bartonella  Bacteria that can only live and grow in the absence of oxygen (known as “ obligate anaerobic bacteria”)—Bacteroides; Clostridium ; Peptostreptococcus; Fusobacterium RISK FACTORS Risk factors for the formation of an abscess are determined by the organ system and/or tissue affected.

T he treatment for a particular condition may evolve as medical advances are made; therefore, the medications should not be considered as all inclusive. html  Disorders of the muscles and/or bones of the head (examples include masticatory myositis, temporomandibular joint disease, fractures, craniomandibular osteopathy, myasthenia gravis, botulism, and cricopharyngeal achalasia)  Salivary gland cancer or inflammation TREATMENT HEALTH CARE  T he mainstay of treatment is aimed at identifying and correcting the underlying disease  Symptomatic therapy includes attention to fluid and electrolyte needs, reduction in environmental stressors, and modification of the diet to improve tastiness (palatability)  T astiness (palatability) can be improved by adding flavored toppings (such as chicken and beef broth), seasoning with condiments (such as garlic powder), increasing the fat or protein content of the food, and heating the food to body temperature  As a general rule, dogs and cats with debilitating disease should not go without food for longer than 3 to 5 days before starting some type of supplemental feeding (such as forced feeding, tube feeding or intravenous feeding) DIET  T asty (palatable) diet  May try different consistencies of food—gruel; hard food; soft food; evaluate what is best accepted SURGERY  Surgical placement of a feeding tube may be necessary MEDICATIONS Medications presented in this section are intended to provide general information about possible treatment.