An abscessed tooth is a condition that occurs when a formation of pus develops under or around your pet’s tooth. The condition can be extremely painful, and abscesses that are left untreated can lead to bacteria spreading throughout the body. This can cause serious health complications for your pet, so it is important to identify […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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, […]
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, […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Corneal ulcers are deep abrasions on the clear outer surface of the eyeball known as the cornea. This sensitive part of the eye acts as a lens and protective cover for the iris and pupil. Corneal ulcers in pets are often very painful, and serious eye problems can develop if the disorder is left untreated. […]
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 […]
A cystotomy is a surgical procedure in which an incision is made in the abdomen and bladder. It is commonly performed to facilitate removal of stones or crystals (uroliths) from the urinary tract. The procedure may also be performed to diagnose or treat problems including tumors, trauma to the bladder, and urinary tract infections. Preparing […]
Most dental problems in pets can be prevented with good oral hygiene and regular dental examinations. When problems do occur, they can often be solved with routine cleaning and removal of plaque and tartar buildup. A dental extraction (tooth removal) is performed as a last resort for pets with serious dental problems that cannot be […]
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 […]
Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) is a contagious virus that infects cats. The species-specific virus attacks the immune system and can cause a variety of secondary illnesses. FeLV is a leading cause of death in cats, second only to trauma. Causes of Feline Leukemia Virus FeLV is transmitted through direct contact with virus particles. Uninfected cats […]
Feline odontoclastic resorptive lesions (FORLs) is a common dental disease that can lead to painful symptoms and tooth loss in cats. The condition occurs when the body breaks down and reabsorbs the substances that form the tooth. Causes of Feline Odontoclastic Resorptive Lesions FORLs is a progressive disorder that starts at the outer surface (enamel) […]
Feline urinary tract disease (FLUTD) is the medical term used to describe a range of conditions which affect the bladder and urethra in cats. FLUTD is commonly diagnosed in cats and can lead to a variety of painful and uncomfortable symptoms. Causes of Feline Urinary Tract Disease Many cases of FLUTD are idiopathic, meaning their […]
Cholelithiasis (gallstones) is a condition in which small stones form in the gallbladder. It is more common in dogs than cats and can cause painful and potentially dangerous symptoms. Causes of Gallstones The gallbladder is a small organ that is located between the lobes of the liver. Its main function is to release bile, a […]
Glaucoma is a condition in which fluid pressure builds up in the eye. This can lead to serious eye damage and even blindness. Although seen in both animals, the condition is more common in dogs than cats. It is important to be aware of the symptoms of glaucoma so that pets can be diagnosed and […]
Cats, Conditions, Dogs, General Pet Information, Surgeries, Symptoms, Treatments
Heartworm disease is a serious, potentially life-threatening condition that can affect dogs, cats, and some other species of mammal. It is caused by parasitic worms that live in the heart, lungs, and associated blood vessels of infected animals. Left untreated, heartworm disease can cause serious health conditions including lung disease, heart failure, and organ damage. […]
Hematuria is the medical term for blood in the urine. The condition affects both cats and dogs and can indicate a wide range of underlying health issues. Causes of Hematuria There are many potential causes of hematuria in pets. Some of the most common of these include urinary tract infections, urinary stones, trauma, and bladder […]
A hernia is a condition in which part of an organ protrudes through the wall of muscle that contains it. The condition affects both cats and dogs and can be potentially life-threatening if left untreated. However, the majority of pets with a hernia will make a full recovery if the condition is caught and treated […]
Hip dysplasia is a condition in which the hip socket is malformed. It is common in dogs, but relatively rare in cats. The condition is progressive and can lead to painful and debilitating symptoms in pets. Causes of Hip Dysplasia Hip dysplasia is primarily an inherited condition. Large and giant breeds of dog such as […]
Histiocytoma are a type of benign (non-cancerous) tumor that appears on the surface of the skin. They are more common in dogs than cats and are usually painless and self-healing. Causes of Histiocytoma The underlying cause of histiocytoma is unknown, but they originate in the Langerhans cells which form part of the immune system. Histiocytoma […]
Cats, Conditions, Dogs, General Pet Information, Surgeries, Symptoms, Treatments
Ingestion of foreign bodies is a common problem in dogs and cats. Pets are curious creatures and will eat a wide variety of objects. Usually, these pass safely through the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, but sometimes an obstruction can occur. Objects lodged in the GI tract can cause serious and potentially life-threatening symptoms. For this reason, […]
Conditions, Dogs, Surgeries, Symptoms, Treatments, Wellness and Vaccines
Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD), sometimes referred to as a slipped or herniated disc, is a condition in which the fluid-filled disc between two spinal vertebrae is ruptured or herniated. This leads to inflammation, and compression of the spinal nerve and cord.IVDD can cause severe pain, nerve damage, and even paralysis in extreme cases. Causes of […]
Cats, Conditions, Dogs, General Pet Information, Surgeries, Symptoms, Treatments
Jaundice, also known as icterus, is a condition characterized by yellowing of the skin. It occurs in both cats and dogs and can indicate a number of serious underlying health issues. Causes of Jaundice The characteristic yellow pigmentation associated with jaundice is caused by a buildup of bilirubin in the blood and tissues. This substance […]
Cats, Conditions, Dogs, Surgeries, Symptoms, Treatments, Wellness and Vaccines
Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection caused by spiral-shaped bacteria called Leptospira. It is a zoonotic disease, this means that it can be spread between many species including dogs, cats, and humans. The condition is highly contagious and can lead to dangerous and potentially life-threatening symptoms if left untreated. Causes of Leptospirosis Leptospira bacteria thrive in […]
Lipomas are benign (noncancerous) fatty tumors that form under the surface of the skin. Although typically a cosmetic issue, they can increase in size and may cause discomfort, pain, or restricted movement. Infiltrative lipomas are a different type of benign tumor. Unlike regular lipomas which are deposits of fat that move around under the skin, […]
The patella is the medical name for the kneecap. If your pet has a luxating patella, it means that their kneecap has moved out of position. Normally, the kneecap rests comfortably in a deep groove in the femur bone known as the patellofemoral groove. When the knee is moved, the patella slides smoothly over the […]
Cats, Conditions, Dogs, General Pet Information, Surgeries, Symptoms, Treatments
Lymphoma, also known as lymphosarcoma, is one of the most common types of cancers found in cats and dogs. It is a cancer of the lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell that plays an important role in your pet’s immune system. Lymphocytes are found throughout the body and are particularly numerous in the bone […]
Mammary tumors are malignant (cancerous) or benign (non-cancerous) growths in the breast tissue. This type of tumor develops when the cells of the mammary gland (breast) replicate uncontrollably. Certain breeds of pet have been shown to be at higher risk of developing mammary tumors. These include Siamese cats, cocker spaniels, and poodles. Female dogs are […]
Masses are lumps that form when cells in the body grow abnormally. Some are benign (non-cancerous), while others are malignant (cancerous). A mast cell tumor is an example of a malignant mass that forms on or under the skin. Benign masses include lipomas. These are fatty tumors that form under the surface of the skin. […]
Mast cells are a type of cell that are found in tissues throughout the body. They are particularly numerous in the skin, gastrointestinal tract, and organs such as the lungs and liver. Mast cells are an important part of an animal’s immune system and help protect against allergens and inflammation. Mast cell tumors occur when […]
Nasal polyps are benign pink growths that originate in the nasal cavity. Nasopharyngeal polyps are similar growths that develop in the middle ear. Both types of polyps are more common in cats than dogs, and can cause respiratory issues if left untreated. Causes of Nasal and Nasopharyngeal Polyps The cause of nasal and nasopharyngeal polyps […]
Neutering is a surgical procedure in which a male animal’s testicles are removed. This type of surgery is sometimes also known as castration. In female animals, removal of the reproductive organs is referred to as spaying. Benefits of Neutering When a male animal is neutered, they are no longer able to impregnate females. The most […]
Osteoarthritis, also known as a degenerative joint disease (DJD), is a progressive condition that causes deterioration of the joints. Unlike arthritis, which is the medical name for inflammation, osteoarthritis refers to a form of chronic joint inflammation that is directly caused by degeneration of joint cartilage. The condition affects both cats and dogs and is […]
Osteosarcoma is an aggressive form of bone cancer. Pets with the condition develop malignant tumors that can metastasize (spread) throughout the body. Although treatment options are available for osteosarcoma, the condition is incurable and often fatal. Causes of Osteosarcoma Osteosarcoma is most often seen in large and giant breeds of dog, including Irish wolfhounds, Great […]