Common Conditions
Common Conditions
Common Conditions
Common conditions in dogs
Common conditions in cats
Canine Hypothyroidism (Low Thyroid)
Low thyroid hormone slows metabolism.
Signs: Weight gain, low energy, hair loss, skin issues.
Care: Blood testing, lifelong medication, periodic monitoring.
Outlook: Good quality of life with treatmentParvovirus
A highly contagious viral infection that attacks the digestive system, especially in puppies and unvaccinated dogs.
Signs: Severe vomiting, diarrhea (often bloody), lethargy, fever, loss of appetite, dehydration.
Care: Immediate veterinary treatment, hospitalization, IV fluids, and supportive care. Prevention through vaccination is critical.
Outlook: Serious and potentially fatal, but survival improves greatly with prompt treatment.Leptospirosis
A bacterial infection spread through contaminated water, soil, or wildlife urine that can affect the kidneys and liver. It can also spread to people.
Signs: Fever, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, increased thirst/urination, jaundice (yellowing of skin/eyes).
Care: Blood and urine testing, antibiotics, and supportive care. Vaccination is available for prevention.
Outlook: Can be life threatening, but infection risk is minimized with annual vaccination
Addison’s Disease (Hypoadrenocorticism)
A condition where the adrenal glands do not produce enough essential hormones, affecting electrolyte balance and stress response.
Signs: Lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, poor appetite, weight loss, weakness, and sometimes collapse.
Care: Blood testing to diagnose, lifelong hormone replacement medication, and regular monitoring.
Outlook: Excellent with consistent treatment and management.
Feline Hyperthyroidism (Overactive Thyroid)
Excess thyroid hormone speeds metabolism.
Signs: Weight loss despite good appetite, increased thirst, vomiting, restlessness.
Care: Blood testing, medication/diet/radioiodine or surgery, monitoring.
Outlook: Good quality of life with treatment.
Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV)
A contagious viral infection that weakens the immune system and can lead to anemia, infections, or certain cancers. Spread through close contact such as grooming, sharing bowls, or bite wounds. Some cats are silent carriers and can carry the virus without showing clinical symptoms. These silent carriers can infect other animals and spread the virus.
Signs: Weight loss, poor appetite, fever, lethargy, pale gums, recurrent infections.
Care: Simple in house blood testing for diagnosis, supportive care, management of secondary infections, and vaccination for prevention.
Outlook: Varies by cat; some live comfortably for years with monitoring and care.
Upper Respiratory Infection (URI) — “Cat Cold”
A contagious infection affecting the nose, throat, and airways, commonly caused by viruses.
Signs: Sneezing, nasal discharge, watery eyes, congestion, fever, decreased appetite.
Care: Supportive care, medications if needed, and monitoring for complications.
Outlook: Most cats recover, though some may have recurrent symptoms, particularlly during periods of stress. This can include, moving, having house guests, remodeling your home, and other changes to their environment,
Urinary Blockage (Male Cats)
A life-threatening blockage of the urinary tract that prevents a cat from urinating.
Signs: Straining to urinate, crying in the litter box, little or no urine produced, lethargy, vomiting.
Care: Emergency veterinary treatment to relieve the blockage, hospitalization, and follow-up care.
Outlook: Can be fatal if not treated quickly. Can be a life-long chronic issue, and cats with this chronic issue will likely need to be on a special diet to reduce chance of reoccurrence.
Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV)
A contagious viral infection that weakens the immune system and reduces the ability to fight infections.
Signs: Often none at first; later may include weight loss, fever, dental disease, and recurrent infections.
Care: Blood testing for diagnosis, routine wellness care, and prompt treatment of infections.
Outlook: Many cats live long, comfortable lives with proper care.
Conditions common in both cats and dogs
Cushing’s Disease (Dogs & Cats)
Excess cortisol affects multiple body systems.
Signs: Increased thirst/urination, appetite, panting, hair loss, pot-bellied appearance.
Care: Specialized testing, medication, ongoing monitoring.
Outlook: Manageable with treatment.
Ear Infection
Inflammation or infection of the ear caused by bacteria, yeast, allergies, moisture, or ear mites.
Signs: Ear scratching, head shaking, redness, odor, discharge, sensitivity around the ears.
Care: Ear exam and testing, medicated ear treatments, and addressing underlying causes if present.
Outlook: Usually resolves with treatment, but may recur if underlying issues persist.
Skin Allergies
General term for allergic skin reactions caused by environmental, flea, or food triggers.
Signs: Itching, redness, hair loss, hot spots, skin infections.
Care: Identifying triggers, medications, skin treatments, and preventive care.
Outlook: Manageable with ongoing treatment.
Environmental Allergies
Allergic reactions to substances like pollen, dust, mold, or grass.
Signs: Itching, licking or chewing paws, skin redness, ear infections, watery eyes.
Care: Symptom relief with medications, allergy management, and avoiding triggers when possible.
Outlook: Manageable but often lifelong.
Food Allergies
Allergic reaction to specific ingredients in a pet’s diet, usually proteins.
Signs: Itching (especially face, ears, paws), skin infections, ear infections, digestive upset.
Care: Prescription elimination diet trial to identify the trigger and long-term dietary management.
Outlook: Excellent once the offending ingredient is avoided.
Chronic Kidney Disease
A gradual loss of kidney function that affects the body’s ability to filter waste and maintain hydration.
Signs: Increased thirst and urination, weight loss, decreased appetite, vomiting, lethargy, poor coat quality.
Care: Blood and urine testing, special diets, medications, and supportive care to slow progression.
Outlook: Progressive but manageable; many pets maintain a good quality of life with treatment.
Congestive Heart Failure
Heart conditions that reduce the heart’s ability to pump effectively, sometimes leading to fluid buildup in the lungs or abdomen.
Signs: Coughing, difficulty breathing, exercise intolerance, lethargy, fainting, abdominal swelling.
Care: Physical exam, imaging (X-rays/ultrasound), medications, and ongoing monitoring.
Outlook: Varies by condition; many pets can live comfortably with treatment and management
Diabetes Mellitus
A condition where the body cannot properly regulate blood sugar due to lack of insulin or insulin resistance.
Signs: Increased thirst and urination, increased appetite, weight loss, lethargy, and sometimes cataracts (dogs).
Care: Blood and urine testing, insulin therapy, special diet, and regular monitoring.
Outlook: Manageable with consistent treatment and routine veterinary care.
Tick-Borne Diseases
Illnesses spread through tick bites (such as Ehrlichiosis, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, and Anaplasmosis) that can affect multiple body systems.
Signs: Fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, joint pain/lameness, swollen lymph nodes, and sometimes bleeding disorders.
Care: Blood testing for diagnosis, antibiotics, and supportive care. Year-round tick prevention is strongly recommended.
Outlook: Most pets recover well with prompt treatment.
Periodontal Disease (Dental Disease)
A common infection of the gums and supporting tooth structures caused by plaque and tartar buildup.
Signs: Bad breath, red or bleeding gums, yellow/brown tart on teeth, drooling, difficulty eating, loose teeth.
Care: Professional dental cleaning under anesthesia, possible tooth extractions, and routine dental care at home.
Outlook: Very manageable with regular dental care and prevention.
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