Pet Medical Conditions

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Learn About Common Pet Medical Conditions

When used properly, Veterinary medicine is essential and practical for many pet medical conditions. Below you will find a list of some of the most common conditions your pet may suffer from. Learn more about their causes, symptoms, treatment, and prevention. If after perusing this section you don’t find the information you were looking for, please give us a call at 561-395-4030.

Dental Disease

Cause: Plaque buildup → tartar → gum inflammation → organ damage.
Symptoms: Bad breath, gum swelling, loose teeth.
Risk Factors: Small dog breeds, purebred cats.
Prevention: Brushing teeth, raw diet (bones), professional cleanings.
Treatment: Professional cleaning, dietary changes, herbal remedies.

Cancer (Neoplasia)

Definition: Abnormal cell growth, forming tumors (benign or malignant).
Incidence: Common in older pets; high risk in purebred dogs (e.g., Golden Retrievers, Boxers).
Common Types: Skin, mammary, lymphoma, testicular, abdominal, bone.
Diagnosis: Biopsy, blood tests, imaging (X-rays, ultrasound).
Treatment: Surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy, pain management.
Prognosis: Depends on tumor type & spread; early detection improves survival rates.

Arthritis

Cause: Cartilage breakdown in joints, leading to pain & inflammation.
Types: Osteoarthritis (degenerative, common in older pets), Rheumatoid Arthritis (immune system attacks joints).
Symptoms: Limping, reduced mobility, abnormal posture, decreased activity, excessive grooming, irritability, muscle loss.
Risk Factors: Genetics (common in large dog breeds & some cat breeds), past injuries, obesity.
Diagnosis: Physical exam, X-rays, joint fluid analysis.
Treatment: Exercise, weight management, NSAIDs, pain meds, physiotherapy, acupuncture, laser therapy.

Diabetes (Canine & Feline)

Cause: Insulin deficiency or resistance → high blood sugar.
Types: Type 1 (insulin-dependent, common in dogs), Type 2 (insulin resistance, seen in cats).
Symptoms: Excessive thirst, urination, hunger, weight loss, lethargy, sweet-smelling breath.
Risk Factors: Genetics, obesity, pancreatitis, age.
Diagnosis: Urine/blood glucose tests.
Treatment: Insulin injections, dietary changes, weight management, exercise regulation.

Canine Distemper

Cause: Morbillivirus infection (related to measles).
Symptoms: Fever, eye/nose discharge, coughing, vomiting, seizures, “hard pad disease” (paw thickening).
Transmission: Direct contact, airborne particles.
Diagnosis: Blood tests, imaging.
Treatment: No cure; supportive care (fluids, antibiotics, anti-seizure meds).
Prevention: Vaccination.

Feline Distemper (FPV)

Cause: Feline Parvovirus (affects intestines, bone marrow, fetus).
Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, fever, anemia.
Transmission: Contact with infected fluids, fleas, contaminated surfaces.
Diagnosis: Blood/fecal tests.
Treatment: Supportive care (fluids, antibiotics).
Prevention: Vaccination.

Heartworm Disease

Cause: Dirofilaria immitis (parasitic worm spread by mosquitoes).
Symptoms (Dogs): Coughing, fatigue, breathing issues, weight loss.
Symptoms (Cats): Respiratory distress, vomiting, sudden death.
Diagnosis: Blood tests, imaging.
Treatment: Dogs – antiparasitic injections; Cats – supportive care.
Prevention: Monthly preventatives (chewables, topicals).

Gastric Torsion (Bloat)

Cause: Stomach dilation with gas, twisting (volvulus).
Symptoms: Restlessness, bloated belly, excessive drooling, retching.
Risk Factors: Large, deep-chested dog breeds (Great Danes, St. Bernards).
Diagnosis: X-rays, blood tests.
Treatment: Emergency surgery, gastric decompression.
Prevention: Slow feeding, smaller meals, avoiding post-meal exercise.

Flea Allergies (FAD)

Cause: Immune reaction to flea saliva.
Symptoms: Intense itching, hair loss, skin redness, pustules.
Diagnosis: Flea comb, skin tests.
Treatment: Flea control, antihistamines, steroids, antibiotics (if infection develops).
Prevention: Regular flea treatment, environmental control.

Epilepsy (Canine & Feline)

Cause: Brain electrical disturbances.
Types: Status epilepticus (continuous seizure), Cluster seizures (multiple in 24 hours).
Symptoms: Tremors, twitching, unconsciousness, excessive salivation, compulsive behaviors post-seizure.
Diagnosis: Blood tests, imaging (MRI, CT).
Treatment: Anti-epileptic meds (Phenobarbital, Potassium Bromide, Diazepam), surgery (if tumor-related).

Ear Mites

Cause: Otodectes cynotis mite infestation.
Symptoms: Intense ear scratching, head shaking, black crusty discharge.
Diagnosis: Ear swabs, otoscope exam.
Treatment: Ear cleaning, parasiticides, flea control.