Other health problems of Pets
Learn more about other health problems of pets by exploring our site and become a true expert on the animal kingdom. You'll find content created for the best professionals with pictures, videos and opinions.
382 articles
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Deciding when to euthanize a dog with kidney failure is one of the most heartbreaking and important decisions a dog guardian will need to make. There are many ways we can support a dog with kidney failure, but ensuring we diagnose the problem as early as possible is vital for prolonged life. Unfortunately,...
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When a rabbit is pregnant, they will nest when they are about to enter labor. This nesting behavior is very important to offer both mother and her kits the security she needs to care for vulnerable offspring. Female rabbits will reach sexual maturity around 4 to 8 months of age, after which time they can...
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Mistaking a bloated belly in a cat for simply eating too much could be a costly mistake. Although gastrointestinal problems are a common cause of feline distended abdomen, there are many causes which can result in this symptom. Some causes can be easily treatable, others can be life threatening. For this...
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When your cat suddenly snubs their food and water, it's natural to worry. We, as loving cat owners, are experts in their routines and habits. While cats are notorious for their discerning palates, a persistent lack of interest in eating or drinking demands attention. From picky palates to hidden health...
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Taking good care of your cat's teeth is important for their overall health and well-being. Gingivitis, an inflammation of the gums, is a common issue in cats that can lead to pain, discomfort, and other health problems if left untreated. But the good news is, there are plenty of things you can do to prevent...
We expect a male cat will behave differently before and after neutering. This is due to testosterone, the main sex hormone in male cats. The neutering process is designed to prevent unwanted pregnancies, removing the testicles which are the main source of testosterone production in their body. While...
Cats are known for being very hygienic animals, often cleaning parts which seem impossible to reach. While some have more difficulty than others, they can clean their behind by bending over and latching on to their legs. When we see a cat has stool on their butt after using the litter box, it might suggest...
When a cat has swollen and red gums, guardians often first notice it due to the cat's bad breath. This is because the inflammation is linked to bacteria in the mouth, which is often accompanied by plaque and tartar buildup. While painful and stressful on their own, they can cause serious repercussions...
Finding a lump in your dog's mouth should be worrying to any guardian. While it suggests there may be the presence of a tumor, it is also possible they have serious periodontal problem such as an abscessed tooth. These are not only uncomfortable and sometimes very painful, they can threaten the dog's life....
The development of tumors in dogs is not a new phenomenon, but our understanding of their causes and treatment is relatively recent. This is partly due to advancements in veterinary medicine, since our ability to treat other canine health issues and use better preventive medicine means they have a greater...
Kidney problems in cats are relatively common disorders in cats, especially with older cats. As caregivers, it is very important we pay attention to any physical or behavioral changes in our cat. Unfortunately, the early stages of kidney problems in cats can have very few symptoms or even be asymptomatic....
The reasons why a dog is shaking and acting weird can be due to a range of causes which affect their nervous system. These problems also usually affect their appetite, meaning they stop eating. Although a dog may have localized issues which can cause them to shake or tremble, acting weird and not eating...
If a dog starts limping when they wake up, it can be easy to think they are merely stiff from rest. While this can be the case, especially with older dogs, it doesn't mean we should think a dog limping after sleeping is normal. On the contrary, it can be a sign of various ailments and illnesses, particularly...
A cat can start shaking for any number of reasons, many of which are pathological. The extent of the shaking is also important since there is a difference between a mild passing tremor and a consistent episode of shaking. Whatever the cause of the cat shaking, it is important to know that it is not normal....
Despite having a coat of hair, dogs will shiver when it is sufficiently cold. It is for this reason we often provide additional artificial coats when the temperatures drop. This does not explain why my dog is shivering, but it's not cold. In these cases, tremors and shakes can be due to various factors....
Has your dog ever let out a sudden yelp or cry of pain, leaving you perplexed and concerned? These unexpected vocalizations can be alarming, especially when there's no obvious cause for their distress. Sometimes, the cause of your dog's sudden yelp might be a chronic or progressive condition that has...
Appetite loss in guinea pigs is a sure sign there is something wrong either physically or mentally. Guinea pigs are constant grazers, meaning they will spend much of their day chewing on the abundant hay which should be provided to them. This hay is only one part of a balanced guinea pig diet, but it...
When a cat keeps humping our arm, it is easy to assume it is behavior related to sexual reproduction. This is why so many cat guardians can be confused when their neutered cat mounts their arm. When they do so, they often bite and give bunny kicks with their back legs. While it is possible humping behavior...
Neutering is the permanent sterilization of a dog via the removal of their sex organs. In male dogs, castration is usually carried out. This is a relatively simple process during which the scrotum is incised and the testicles are removed. In female dogs, the most common procedure is an ovariohysterectomy,...
Is your dog constantly scratching, biting, and chewing at their fur? Itching is a symptom of an underlying issue, and understanding the cause is key to bringing relief to your pet. Dogs don't scratch themselves for no reason. It's a natural reaction to irritation or discomfort. When a dog is constantly...
Canine Anemia is directly related to a low red blood cell count in a dog's blood. It can occur for various reasons, ranging from injuries and the presence of parasites to canine parvovirus or the excessive appearance of antibodies. A vet is the only professional who can effectively diagnose and treat...
Creatinine is a byproduct of protein metabolism in the muscles and it is eventually filtered out by the kidneys. This means that elevated creatinine levels in a dog are either a result of increased production or a problem in its elimination which leads to a build-up. The causes of these elevated creatinine levels...
Rectal bleeding in dogs is always cause for alarm among pet guardians, although there are many causes of this symptom. The type of blood can differ, helping us to know its origin. The amount of blood is also an important factor. A dog dripping blood from their anus is likely in more danger than a dog...
External otitis in dogs is a relatively common canine disorder. External otitis in dogs is defined as an inflammation of the external auditory canal and may or may not affect the tympanic membrane and be accompanied by a dog ear infection. Common symptoms of otitis externa include pain and itching. If...
Inguinal hernia in dogs is a protrusion which can be observed in the groin area. This condition is more common in female dogs and can be caused by various factors including trauma, pregnancy, and/or obesity. If you notice any inguinal hernia in dogs symptoms, make sure to consult your veterinarian as soon...
Is your beloved senior dog panting more than usual? While panting is a normal way for dogs to regulate their body temperature, excessive panting in older dogs can sometimes be a sign of an underlying health issue. In any case, early detection and treatment of underlying health issues can significantly improve...
When a dog's penis sticks out, it is very noticeable. After emerging from the penile sheath (or foreskin), the hairless penis is striking due to its color. It is usually a bright red color due to the large amount of blood entering the penile tissue. Some dog guardians liken this to a lipstick emerging...
By definition of the procedure, spayed cats should not be able to go into heat. Spaying females and castrating males means their reproductive organs are removed which produce sex hormones. For females, this means their ovaries and uterus in the most common procedures. Their removal should stop the heat...
Dogs will often want to lick their owner's face, a behavior with an origin in their wild heritage. Puppies of wild canids would lick the snouts of adults as a way to stimulate regurgitation of food. Domestic dogs see us as their point of reference. Even if it is not for regurgitation, licking our face is...
We can tell a lot about our dog's health by the state of their urine. If a dog's urine is dark yellow and smells, it means there is less water in it and it may contain compounds which can indicate disease. Unfortunately, color and odor alone will not confirm the presence of a specific problem, but they...
Open wounds in dogs are a serious concern, especially due to the risk of secondary infection. Exposed tissues are very vulnerable to bacteria and other pathogens which can spread through their organism. This means even small wounds can develop into something more serious. Generally speaking, the deeper...
We may not notice our cat has a bloated and hard belly until the problem has progressed. This is because cats do not often like their bellies being touched. Their undersides are sensitive since many of their vital organs are located in this vulnerable region. Such vulnerability is also the reason why...
Beyond just a bathroom break, cat pee plays a big role in feline communication. They mark territory and send messages with their urine. But what happens when your cat's bathroom habits change? Strong odors, frequent urination, or blood in the pee can be cause for concern.
Is cat pee dangerous? This...
If we can see a bump or lumps on our female dog's privates, we may grow concerned. The first thing that likely drew our attention is observing that our dog is licking their genitals more than usual. Unfortunately, this action can aggravate the problem further, even if the dog is only trying to relieve...
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...
Cats like to press their head against their guardians as a sign of affection. Often when this happens, we might notice they leave a little trail of wetness behind where their nose had been. Many cat caregivers see this as a sign of good health, but it is important to know this is not always the case. The...
Breed standards are created to provide descriptions of an ideal example of a given dog breed. These break down the dog's physical characteristics into various criteria, including their ear size and shape. For the Chihuahua, the generally accepted breed standard (there are some variations) states the ears...
The diaphragm in cats functions in the same way as the human diaphragm. It is a layer of abdominal muscle which contracts to cause the lungs to expand. Doing so helps with respiration as the lungs inhale and exhale air. A cat diaphragm is susceptible to the same pathologies and trauma, although a diaphragmatic...
Any changes to your dog's well-being are a cause for concern. If we see certain symptoms, they can make it obvious something is seriously wrong. However, some of the deadliest diseases in dogs are slow to progress. For this reason, we need to be observant to even small changes and remember to take our dog...
Permethrin is a type of insecticide which can be used in medical applications as a deworming agent. It is found as an active ingredient in numerous antiparasitic and insecticide products. Its use is safe and effective for use on canines, but it is highly toxic to cats. Due to the high levels of permethrin toxicity...
We think of the word cholesterol as synonymous with something bad, but it actually refers to essential fats which animals need to develop and maintain their body. It is a natural lipid which is present in almost all cells and it is used in digestion, vitamin D synthesis and hormone production. Only when...
Otitis is a relatively common problem in veterinary clinical practice. A general term for many types of ear inflammation, otitis manifests in itching, redness, excess wax build up and ear pain in the dog. This both causes discomfort in the dog, but also worry in the guardian. Despite its prevalence, otitis...
When we keep rabbits, it is not always easy to see the state of their urine. When they are in the hutch it should be soaked into the hay that makes up their substrate. When running around the garden, it will likely seep into the grass. This can be dangerous since our rabbit's pee can tell us a lot about...
If your cat is vomiting undigested food, many of us would assume it is a sign of a digestive health problem. This can make us confused when we observe them acting normal afterwards with no other evident symptoms. If they are sufficiently unwell to throw up their food, we would expect them to have other...
Lethargy is a symptom of cats which is seen as a general state of weakness, tiredness and a lack of energy. It is very important we consider the context when our cat is acting lethargic. Lethargy in cats can be a natural response to being overexerted, but it also important to know it is not only a physical...
Whether it is their front or back limb, seeing a dog's leg swollen with fluid is a symptom which cannot be ignored. The dog's circulatory system is made up of the blood and lymphatic systems which interrelate to carry out various functions. When one part of the body is affected, its connectivity means symptoms...
Creolin is a powerful disinfectant with a long history of industrial and medical use. It was first used in the 19th century, but its formulation has evolved over time. This is important to remember as not all products labeled as creolin will be the same. As a disinfectant, the action of creolin is to destroy...
Oral health problems in our dogs can be extremely detrimental to their health. Dogs use their mouths to eat. Pain and discomfort of the mouth area can make eating difficult and even prevent them from ingesting the nutrition they need to survive. They also use their mouths to communicate and even interact...
How a dog's limp manifests will depend on its underlying cause. While we may rightly associate limping with trauma, there are other causes of this issue in dogs. Sometimes it can cause the forelimb to be affected, but others affect the hind legs. Some will cause the dog to wobble when they walk, others...
If you have seen a bump on your dog's belly button, it is important to consider the possibility of an umbilical hernia. A hernia is when tissue exists through an opening or cavity which normally contains it. An umbilical hernia occurs when the tissue involved is the belly button, known in veterinary medicine...