Other animal health problems
420 articles
Feline rickets is a bone disorder characterized by the loss of consistency, strength and normal structures of the bone. It is caused by nutritional disorders or imbalances in the levels of phosphorus, calcium or vitamin D. There are many different possible causes, from feeding disorders or lactation problems,...
Lower back pain is a painful condition experienced by dogs in the lumbosacral area. This is the area between the last 3 lumbar vertebrae (L5, L6 and L7) and the sacrum bone (which connects the pelvis with the spine). It may be caused by different conditions or diseases, so accurate diagnosis requires...
A diaphragmatic hernia can occur when a dog has suffered a traumatic event such as being in a road collision or fall. When the trauma is strong enough to cause a defect in the diaphragm, it allows abdominal viscera to pass into the chest cavity. However, there is also a congenital link to diaphragmatic...
Seromas are an accumulation of serous fluid in the subdermal area under the skin, although sometimes they can also develop between the musculature. They are one possible complication of various surgeries, especially after ventral midline surgery. Although many are naturally reabsorbed into the dog's body, in...
Hypoglycemia is another term for low blood sugar. This refers to the levels of glucose in the blood, a carbohydrate which is vital in providing the cat with the energy they need to survive. While having too much glucose in the bloodstream is dangerous, so too is having too low blood glucose levels. Although...
When we see our dog has a lump anywhere on their body, we will start to get worried. While there are many different types of lumps and neoplasms on our dog, some of them can be cancerous. In these cases, the life of our dog is threatened. However, we shouldn't jump to conclusions. It is also possible our...
Can dogs have dwarfism? Yes, dogs can experience dwarfism like other animals. This occurs when there is a lack of hormone production in our dog, leading them to experience dwarfism.
In this AnimalWised article we're going to explain what dwarfism in dogs is, how to detect it and its treatment. Keep...
Just like dogs, cats can also suffer from hypothyroidism, a disease caused by low thyroid function. It can be due to different causes, but the main problem is the decrease in the secretion of thyroid hormones. These hormones, when scarce, will cause an imbalance in different functions of our cat's organism.
In...
There are many reasons we should sterilize our dog, whether male or female. The average life expectancy of neutered and spayed dogs is greater than those which are unsterilized. Not only does it reduce the possibility of developing certain diseases, but it helps to reduce behavioral problems. However,...
If you have had a dog in the home with fleas, you will know the importance of preventive flea medication. Fleas not only infest the dog, but they can travel and getting rid of them is a major hassle. Flea medicine can come in various forms, but is most effective when used in a pipette and administered...
Chihuahuas are the smallest dog breed in the world. Although they can vary in weight and size, they have a small frame. We can often see their skeletal structures through their skin, as is the case with other breeds such as the Greyhound. Also similar to the Greyhound, Chihuahuas often develop a tremor...
Feline cataracts is a common eye problem in cats, especially as they get older. Cataracts is a disease involving an alteration and loss of transparency of the lens or intraocular lens which makes visibility difficult.
Although some cats show no signs of decreased vision, especially if only one eye is affected,...
Our dog's ears act as an indicator of their well-being. As part of their canine body language, their position can tell us if they are angry, relaxed or in any particular mood. However, our dog's ears can also indicate something about their physical health. If they are warm, they might be telling us something...
Esophagitis or inflammation of the esophagus in dogs can caused by many factors, such as hiatal hernias, reflux, parasites, drugs and more. As a dog's caregiver, it's important that we can recognize the symptoms as soon as possible so as to bring our dog to the veterinarian to get properly diagnosed...
A cat's ears can change temperature quite frequently. Although their ears always have a lower temperature than their body temperature, that does not necessarily mean that our cat is cold. However, under certain medical or environmental conditions your cat may be cold, and too much time under these conditions...
If a dog's poop starts solid then turns runny, it indicates they are affected by small intestine diarrhea. This type of diarrhea in dogs can be caused by various pathologies or infections. Such diseases can seriously affect their nutritional status and health by interfering with the proper absorption...
Cushing Disease in cats, also called feline hyperadrenocorticism (HAF), is a serious disease in cats that is caused when the cortisol hormone is accumulated in excess in the cat's blood. With that being said, it is still a very rare condition, of which few cases have been registered and whose treatment...
Just like humans, cats can also suffer from allergies. As their caregiver, it's very important for us to recognize the common symptoms of allergies in cats. This way we can bring them to the veterinarian to be properly diagnosed and treated.
In this AnimalWised article we're going to explain the clinical signs...
An inflamed anus in cats can be due to gastrointestinal issues, dermatitis, anal gland problems or even tumors. Cats are very hygienic animals, but if you see them licking their anus excessively, it could be due to inflammation. While the licking itself can cause the anus to be swollen and red, it is important...
Liver failure in cats appears as a result of certain liver diseases that affect the functionality of the liver such as hepatic lipidosis, cholangitis, amyloidosis or tumors, but it can also be due to extrahepatic or toxic diseases.
In this AnimalWised article we’re going to explain what liver failure in cats...
Also known as fibrous sarcoma in cats, feline fibrosarcoma is a type of soft tissue sarcoma which commonly appears at the injection site when hypodermic needles are used. As a relatively common type of cancer in cats, it accounts for 6 to 12% of feline tumors. It is a mesenchymal tumor, meaning it affects...
Any time you can see your cat's blood, there is cause for concern. If external, we might be able to look for bites or scratches which can heal easily. If internal, the cause is more difficult to determine and, in the majority of cases, more worrying. When a cat vomits blood, it means the blood is coming...
The color of a dog's vomit can tell us a lot about its cause. Whether relatively clear or opaque, the color of their vomit is not only determined by what they have eaten. The contents of the animal's stomach can include bodily fluids which shouldn't be in there, including blood. When a dog is throwing up...
Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency mainly consists of loss of functional mass of the pancreas in exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, or due to inflammation or pancreatitis.
In this AnimalWised article we're going to explain the clinical symptoms of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency in dogs. We'll also...
Feline squamous cell carcinoma is a type of cancer in cats that appears relatively frequently, especially in older cats. The lesions caused by this cancer mainly affect the mouth, ears, nose or eyelids.
In this AnimalWised article we're going to explain the causes, symptoms and treatment of squamous...
Many cat caregivers wonder what eosinophilic granuloma complex is, as these diseases are quite common in cats. This complex is a group of common diseases in cats that can be present in three clinical forms: eosinophilic ulcer, eosinophilic plaque and eosinophilic granuloma.
Keep reading this AnimalWised...
Diarrhea is a clinical sign which indicates a cat has gastrointestinal problems. However, the causes of GI issues are extremely varied. Some are relatively benign and will clear up on their own in a short time. Others can be more serious and require veterinary medical intervention. Although diarrhea...
Do you suspect that your dog has a fever? The best way to find out at home is by taking their temperature with a thermometer, but if you don't have a thermometer at home you may be wondering how to tell if your dog has a fever without a thermometer.
In this AnimalWised article we'll tell you the most...
Is your cat's body temperature low? If so, they're probably suffering from hypothermia. This is when a cat's body temperature drops and they start experiencing certain health issues due to the drop in body temperature. These include, neurological problems, heart problems, kidney failure and frostbites....
Have you noticed an unusual lump on your cat's belly? Whether it is just one lump or more than one, this is one of the most common symptoms of mammary tumors in cats and should be taken very seriously. In this AnimalWised article we're going to explain the different stages of breast cancer in cats,...
While the idea of eating anything which has touched our bodily waste is repulsive, we cannot apply the same human hygiene criteria to animals. For example, some animals practice coprophagia, the act of ingesting feces, for nutritional reasons. Although cats might eat various things we consider unsanitary,...
If a cat suddenly starts to walk strange, it can be very disconcerting for their guardian. Some cats suddenly or slowly start to walk with a wobbly gait or stiff legs. There are various causes of this problem. Some of are due to the musculoskeletal system, others due to neurological problems. Cerebellar...
In an emergency, knowing our blood type can be vital for doctors to help save our life. Humans have four different blood groups and we all belong to one of them. A 2019 poll showed that up to a third of Americans don't know what blood type they are[1]. As ignorant as we may be about human blood types, for...
Although it is a plant which can be enjoyed all year, the poinsettia is known for its association with Christmas. This is because the beautiful flower of this plant blooms toward the end of the year, often during the holidays. Like Christmas itself, it is a relatively short, but beautiful time which is...
Zoonotic diseases are those that can transmitted between different species, for example, from a dog to a human being and vice versa. Some examples include salmonella, covid-19, rabies, lyme disease and more.
In this AnimalWised article we're going to talk about zoonotic diseases in dogs and how to prevent...
As with human beings, companion animals can suffer from various types of cancer. These can appear on almost any part of the body and present with various symptoms, in part dependent on the location. One of the most common symptoms is the presence of a lump, although it is important to note that lumps...
Getting your dog to take the pills they need can be very difficult if they're being picky and uncooperative. Thankfully, there are different ways to trick them into taking the pills.
In this AnimalWised article we're going to give you 5 effective ways to get your dog to take their pills after surgery,...
Do you think your cat has broken its tail? If they have been in pain and their tail has been limp, it's understandable that you may worry.
In this AnimalWised article we're going to help you tell if your cat has a broken tail or an injured tail, and what to do to help them. We'll go through the symptoms,...
Intestinal malabsorption in dogs is one of the most complex clinical conditions to diagnose and treat in this species, and can have fatal consequences. This is why it requires constant monitoring and early treatment. Affected dogs often experience chronic diarrhea and weight loss. The causes of malabsorption in...
Whether your cat is only urinating very little or stopped completely, we need to know it is not normal. Any sudden change of litter box should prompt a trip to the veterinarian as there are potentially life threatening illnesses which have a lack of urination as a symptom. When a cat stops peeing completely,...
Feline pancreatitis is one of the most common diseases in cats and one that most often goes unnoticed. This is because it does not usually develop acutely, but chronically, making it difficult to recognise any symptoms.
In this AnimalWised article we're going to explain what pancreatitis in cats, its causes,...
Our dog's physical well-being is related to us through various signs and symptoms. A lackluster coat implies their immunity might be low. Open wounds show us they have suffered some physical trauma. What might not be as obvious to us is a problem related to smell. When standing, a dog's paws are far from...
Feline Triaditis is an inflammatory disease that attacks the intestines, liver and pancreas. Although small cats are more prone to this disease, any cat can be suffering from triaditis.
In this AnimalWised article we're going to explain everything you need to know about triaditis in cats, including the...
If your dog has suddenly began avoiding you, you're probably wondering why and what you can do about it. In this AnimalWised article we're going to explain the different causes of avoidance in dogs.
We'll also talk about what you can do to help them get back to their normal self and how to prevent them...
Getting ready to go to bed but seeing that your bed is wet with your cat's urine is a complete nightmare! The reason behind why your cat keeps peeing on your bed can be due to a number of reasons that we will go through below.
Keep reading this AnimalWised article to know why your cat keeps peeing on...
Rabbits behave differently to humans. This is why it's understandable for a rabbit companion to be worried once their rabbit starts behaving abnormally.
In this AnimalWised article, we're going to explain why your rabbit is shaking and breathing fast. We'll also look at similar behaviour, such as twitching...
You may have heard the acronym FLUTD in reference to feline health, but may not be aware of what it means for your cat. It is an acronym which refers to a set of varying problems which affect the lower urinary tract of cats. FLUTD is characterized by various symptoms, but we most often first notice if...
Dogs can often develop small lumps, some temporary, others permanent. Since they are active animals, they may sustain injuries when they are too boisterous. Insect bites and parasites are attracted to their fur which can result in lumps and swelling. These can all affect the ear, but many might resolve...
When we take our dog out for a walk, we are not only allowing them to relieve themselves and exercise. We are also given the opportunity for a health status update. There are many canine diseases which are either asymptomatic (have no visible symptoms) or have hard-to-distinguish signs. Looking at our...
Dogs are very curious and playful animals. They're willing to put their nose just about anywhere in order to discover something new. This may lead them to some dangerous scenarios. One of them being getting stung by a wasp.
In this AnimalWised article, we're going to explain what you should do if your...