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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 […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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Acral lick granuloma, or acral lick dermatitis (ALD), is a disorder which occurs when a pet continuously licks an area of skin. Pets with acral lick granuloma develop painful, ulcerated wounds that can become progressively worse if left untreated. Causes of Acral Lick Granuloma Acral lick granuloma is caused by excessive licking of the skin. […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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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. […]

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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, […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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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, […]

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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. […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a serious condition in which the heart is unable to process enough blood to meet the needs of an animal’s body. When this happens, fluid is retained in or around the lungs, causing congestion. Although CHF is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition, the good news is that it can […]

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Constipation is a condition characterized by difficulty passing stools normally. When this happens, feces can harden and accumulate in the colon. The condition is common in pets, and can lead to serious health issues if left untreated. Causes of Constipation A number of factors can lead to constipation in pets. These include dehydration, lack of […]

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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, […]

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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. […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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Degenerative myelopathy (DM) is a progressive and incurable disease which impacts the spinal cord. Symptoms of the disease worsen over a period of 6 months to 3 years, resulting in paralysis of the hind end of the body. Fortunately, DM is relatively rare in dogs and there are very few documented cases in cats. Causes […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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