An abscess is a pocket of pus surrounded by an area of inflamed tissue. Abscesses are common in dogs and cats, and can cause painful and uncomfortable symptoms. If left untreated, infected abscesses can lead to potentially serious health problems in pets. Causes of Abscesses Abscesses form when bacteria invade a wound and the body […]
Acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux, is a condition in which fluids from the stomach and intestines flow backwards into the esophagus. It is seen in both dogs and cats, and can cause uncomfortable and potentially dangerous symptoms. Acid reflux in pets can occur at any age, although younger dogs and cats are more […]
Acne is an inflammatory skin disorder than can affect both cats and dogs. Just as in humans, the condition is not considered serious and usually improves over time. Causes of Acne Acne is caused by a buildup of skin debris and sebum, an oil secreted from the sebaceous glands. This leads to clogging of the […]
Addison’s disease (hypoadrenocorticism) is a condition in which the adrenal glands are unable to produce sufficient amounts of hormones. Adrenal hormones are critical to overall health, and insufficient levels in the body can lead to a wide range of health problems in pets. The symptoms of Addison’s disease are often vague and resemble those of […]
Cats, Conditions, Dogs, General Pet Information, Symptoms, Treatments, Wellness and Vaccines
Allergies are overreactions of the immune system to substances known as allergens. A wide range of symptoms including skin irritation and respiratory problems can develop when a pet’s body tries to rid itself of allergens. Allergies are common in cats, dogs and other pets. Causes of Allergies Pets can suffer from three main types of […]
The anal glands are two small sacs located on either side of a dog or cat’s anus. They produce an oily, foul-smelling liquid that pets use to mark their territory. Usually, the anal glands are drained when your pet has a bowel movement. Anal gland problems occur when the glands become impacted and are unable to […]
Red blood cells are a type of cell that are produced in the bone marrow. They contain a protein called hemoglobin that carries oxygen from the lungs to the tissues of the body. Anemia is a condition in which there is a deficiency of red blood cells or hemoglobin in the blood. Pets with the […]
Apoquel (oclacitinib) is a medication used to treat and manage itchiness associated with allergies in dogs. The medication belongs to a class of drugs called Janus Kinase (JAK) inhibitors. It works by controlling the immune system’s response to itchiness and inflammation. Uses and Benefits Apoquel is used to treat itchiness and inflammation caused by a […]
Aspiration pneumonia is a condition in which the lungs become inflamed and infected when a foreign substance is inhaled into the lungs. The condition can affect both cats and dogs and requires emergency medical treatment. Causes of Aspiration Pneumonia There are multiple potential causes of aspiration pneumonia in pets. These include eating too fast, chronic […]
Asthma is a respiratory condition that can lead to dangerous symptoms in pets. It is more common in cats than dogs, and brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds are most susceptible to developing the condition. Causes of Asthma Asthma is typically caused by an allergic reaction to an environmental allergen. Common allergens include cigarette smoke, household chemicals, pollen, […]
Ataxia is a condition in which an animal experiences a loss of balance and coordination due to sensory dysfunction. The condition can be caused by multiple underlying health issues and results in debilitating and distressing symptoms in cats and dogs. Causes of Ataxia There are three different types of ataxia: proprioceptive (sensory), vestibular, and cerebellar. […]
An aural (ear) hematoma is a blood-filled swelling on a pet’s ear. The condition occurs when blood vessels are broken, causing blood to pool between the skin and cartilage of the ear. Causes of Aural Hematomas Aural hematomas are typically caused by trauma to the ear. The condition is more common in dogs than cats, […]
Blindness is a condition in which vision is lost in one or both eyes. There are multiple underlying causes of blindness in pets, and the condition can be progressive or sudden in onset. Causes of Blindness There are numerous underlying causes of blindness in pets. These include trauma, infection, and disorders of the eye such […]
Brachycephalic dogs are also known as flat-faced or short-nosed breeds. Examples include pugs, bulldogs, and Boston terriers. Despite being some of the most popular breeds around, brachycephalic dogs can be challenging to care for. One of the most common health problems these dogs suffer from is brachycephalic syndrome, also referred to as brachycephalic airway obstructive […]
Cats, Conditions, Dogs, General Pet Information, Surgeries, Symptoms, Treatments
A brain tumor is a mass of abnormal cells in the brain. Although usually seen in older pets, the condition can occur at any age. Brain tumors in pets are often malignant (cancerous) and can cause serious and potentially deadly symptoms. Causes of Brain Tumors Brain tumors have been linked to genetic and environmental factors, […]
Canine circovirus is a recently discovered virus that infects dogs. The virus was first identified in 2012. Since 2013, several reports of severe illness and death in dogs have been attributed to canine circovirus in Michigan, Ohio, and California. Causes of Canine Circovirus Circoviruses are small viruses that are known to infect pigs and birds. […]
Canine distemper is a highly contagious and potentially fatal disease that affects dogs. The condition is caused by the canine distemper virus (CDV), which affects the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and central nervous systems. Dogs of all ages can contract canine distemper, although it is most common in young puppies with underdeveloped immune systems. Causes of Canine […]
Canine parvovirus (CPV) is a highly contagious and often fatal disease that affects dogs. Unvaccinated dogs of any age can contract CPV, although younger dogs are most susceptible to the condition. Causes of Canine Parvovirus Canine parvovirus targets the gastrointestinal and cardiovascular systems in dogs. The virus is spread through direct contact with infected dogs […]
As a pet owner, you want your pet to live a long and healthy life. But as your pet ages, it’s important to be aware that their needs and requirements will change. In this fact sheet, we’ll highlight some of the challenges of caring for an aging pet. We’ll also share some practical advice to […]
Conditions, Dogs, General Pet Information, Surgeries, Symptoms, Treatments
A cataract is a medical condition in which the lens of the eye becomes cloudy and opaque. Cataracts can affect one or both eyes, and are more common in dogs than cats. The condition is progressive and can lead to partial loss of vision or complete blindness in pets. It is important to visit your […]
Cats, Conditions, Dogs, General Pet Information, Symptoms, Treatments
Cataracts and nuclear sclerosis (or lenticular sclerosis) are two types of eye conditions that can cause similar symptoms in pets. In this fact sheet, we’ll take a look at the causes and symptoms of these commonly confused conditions to help you distinguish between them. What Are Cataracts? A cataract is a medical condition in which […]
Chronic bronchitis, also known as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), is an inflammatory condition of the bronchial airways. The condition is progressive and can lead to serious symptoms if left untreated. Causes of Chronic Bronchitis Chronic bronchitis is often idiopathic, this means that it has no identifiable cause. The condition can also be triggered by […]
Chronic renal failure (CRF)is a failure of the kidneys. It is a common progressive condition in cats and dogs which can be life-threatening if left untreated. The kidneys are vital to your pet’s overall health. They are responsible for important functions including removing waste from the blood, controlling blood pressure, manufacturing hormones and encouraging red blood […]
Clavamox is a broad-spectrum antibiotic used to treat a variety of bacterial infections. The medication contains a combination of clavulanate and amoxicillin. Amoxicillin works by preventing bacteria from building cell walls, while clavulanate prevents bacteria from deactivating amoxicillin. Clavamox is stable, effective, and resistant to stomach acid. It is also suitable for use in cats […]
A cleft palate is a birth defect which results in an opening between the mouth and nose. It is most common in purebred cats and dogs, and can lead to serious and potentially life-threatening health issues. Causes of Cleft Palate Cleft palate is usually a congenital disorder that’s inherited at birth. It occurs when tissues […]
Cats, Dogs, General Pet Information, Symptoms, Treatments, Wellness and Vaccines
Clindamycin is a broad-spectrum antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections in cats and dogs. It is commonly known by the brand names Antirobeand Cleocin. The medication works by halting bacterial growth. It also kills bacteria by preventing them from creating the proteins they need to survive. Uses and Benefits Clindamycin is used to treat a […]
Colitis is a condition characterized by inflammation of the colon (large intestine). It can be acute or chronic in onset, and is common in both dogs and cats. Colitis can lead to painful and uncomfortable symptoms in pets, and may indicate the presence of underlying health issues. Causes of Colitis Colitis can be caused by […]
The trachea, also known as the windpipe, is a hollow tube that connects the larynx (voice box) to the lungs. It is an important structure within the respiratory system which delivers oxygen to the bloodstream. A collapsing trachea is a condition in which the trachea narrows during breathing causing obstruction of the airway. It is […]
Coprophagia is the medical term for the ingestion of feces. This unpleasant problem is more common in dogs than cats, and can be caused by a number of underlying issues. Causes of Coprophagia In most cases, coprophagia is thought to be a behavioral problem. Possible behavioral reasons for eating feces include boredom, scavenging behavior, curiosity, […]
The cruciate ligaments are two fibrous bands located within the knee joint. Their role is to connect and stabilize the femur and tibia (the bones directly above and below the knee joint). Cruciate ligament rupture occurs when the ligaments fully or partially tear. This painful condition can cause mobility issues and degeneration of the knee […]
Cushing’s disease (hyperadrenocorticism) is a thyroid disorder that occurs when a pet’s adrenal glands overproduce the hormone cortisol. The disease tends to occur in middle-aged and senior pets, and is more common in dogs than cats. Cortisol is vital for your pet’s health. It performs important functions in the body including suppressing the immune system […]
Each year, thousands of pets are accidentally poisoned in the US. And many of these cases are caused by ingestion of toxic foods. In this fact sheet, we’ll highlight some of the most common human foods that are toxic to pets. Please be aware that ingestion of these foods can cause serious illness and even […]
Folliculitis is inflammation of the hair follicles which can lead to itchiness and skin irritation in pets. Deep folliculitis can occur when pets scratch or bite their skin, leading to infection in the deepest portion of the hair follicle. The condition can be caused by a number of underlying factors and is more common in […]
Diabetes mellitus (diabetes) is a condition which occurs when the pancreas cannot produce enough insulin to regulate blood glucose levels. Insulin is a hormone which allows glucose in the blood to enter the cells. It is very important for overall health as the body uses glucose as its main source of energy. When a pet […]
Diabetes mellitus (diabetes) is a condition which occurs when the pancreas cannot produce enough insulin to regulate blood glucose levels. Insulin is a hormone which allows glucose in the blood to enter the cells. It is very important for overall health as the body uses glucose as its main source of energy. When a pet […]
Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a condition in which the heart muscle becomes enlarged and weakened. This causes the heart to pump blood ineffectively. It is most common in certain large breeds of dog, but cats and smaller dog breeds can also be affected. Causes of Dilated Cardiomyopathy DCM is primarily seen in certain large and […]
The respiratory system is responsible for supplying the body with oxygen and eliminating carbon dioxide. For this reason, it is essential for the proper functioning of the body. Dyspnea is the medical term for difficult or labored breathing. Although not a condition in itself, dyspnea can indicate a wide range of serious underlying illnesses in […]
Cats, Conditions, Dogs, General Pet Information, Symptoms, Treatments, Wellness and Vaccines
E. coli (Escherichia coli) bacteria is found in the gastrointestinal tract of most mammals, including dogs, cats, and humans. E. coli infection (colibacillosis) occurs when there are elevated levels of E. coli bacteria in the body. When this happens, humans and animals can develop serious and potentially life-threatening symptoms. Causes of E. Coli Infection There […]
Ear infections are a common canine health problem that can cause pain and discomfort. In many dogs, the condition can become chronic, affecting one or both of the ears. While it’s true that dogs are prone to developing ear infections, most canine ear infections respond well to treatment. Causes of Ear Infections One of the […]
Elizabethan Collars (Cones) An Elizabethan collar (or e-collar) is a flexible plastic cone that fits around your pet’s neck following surgery. Its purpose is to prevent damage to surgical wounds. Why does my pet need to wear a cone? Cats and dogs will attempt to lick, scratch, and bite wounds after surgery. This should always […]