Other health problems of Pets

A tumor refers to an abnormal cell growth which can occur in any part of the body. Tumors can be benign or malignant, and are also known as neoplasms, which are synonymous with cancer. Brain tumors in dogs are not very common, but they can occur for no apparent reason, which is why the signs of brain...

A dog limping can be a heartbreaking sight. Lameness in any of a dog's four limbs can occur for various reasons, some of them temporary, others permanent. Looking at the leg which is affected can help us determine which is affecting our animal if we see our dog limping on their front leg. Due to the varying...

There may be some metaphoric truth to the phrase ‘let sleeping dogs lie’. While dogs need a lot of rest to maintain their energy, if your dog is sleeping too much, ignoring it could be dangerous. Many health issues share similar symptoms and sleeping more than usual is something common to many problems....

The renal system in dogs includes the kidneys, ureter, bladder and urethra. It is part of the larger urogenital system. The main purpose of this system is to remove waste products from the body, but it is also used to regulate the blood and control levels of various substances in the body. Renal disease...

Perineal hernias in dogs are not very common, however, if noticed, they do require immediate attention. If not treated in time, perineal hernias in dogs can lead to further complications which can put a dog’s life at risk. For more about the symptoms, causes, diagnosis, home remedies and treatment of perineal...

We love to look into our dogs eyes and feel close to each other. If we notice certain changes in coloration, we should know this is not a normal sign. There are certain circumstances which can lead to blue eyes in dogs. It might not be something you see occurring immediately, often progressing over time....

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 includes 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...

Lupus in dogs is an autoimmune disease which can present in two main forms. The type of lupus in dogs depends on whether it is limited to the skin or if it has spread throughout the organism. It is important to know the nature of each canine lupus case as this will determine the course of treatment required...

Rectal prolapse is not a common problem in dogs. However, if it does occur, its symptoms need to be recognized. Rectal prolapse in dogs occurs more commonly when a dog is giving birth or straining to defecate and is visible to the naked eye. If your dog is suffering from a rectal prolapse, it’s very important...

Food allergies in dogs, which must be differentiated from food intolerance in dogs, can occur in any dogs of any age or breed. The most common allergy in dog symptoms include itchy skin and dermatitis. Offering your dog a diet appropriate to its allergies is key in making sure it lives a happy and healthy...

One of the things you should know before before adopting a hamster is that a hamster’s life expectancy is much shorter than that of other pets, such as dogs, cats, rabbits or turtles. These small rodents are incredibly sensitive, they get sick easily and tend to suffer from sudden alterations within in...

Have you noticed your cat losing balance back legs or that your cat is suddenly walking like it’s drunk? If so, your cat may be suffering from ataxia. Ataxia in cats, otherwise referred to as a loss of balance in cats, is a health problem more common in domestic cats. Treatment for ataxia in cats requires...

Have you noticed that your cat’s stomach is bloated and soft? Has your cat shown signs of abdominal discomfort and/or lack of appetite? If so, there is a possibility your cat is suffering from ascites, otherwise known as fluid in the abdomen in cats or abdominal effusion. If you notice that your cat is...

A dog’s paws and paw pads are an incredibly delicate part of their anatomy, especially because they are constantly in contact with the ground. For this reason, this area of a dog’s body often suffers from injuries and disorders. One of the most common canine paw disorders is known as pododermatitis in...

Known scientifically as thrombocytopenia in dogs, a low platelet count puts the animal at a significant health risk. Platelets have various functions in a dog's circulatory system, not least of which is their ability to coagulate blood. Doing so helps to bind together leaking blood vessels to stop bleeding....

Being concerned that your elderly cat has a tumor is understandable. Unfortunately, as our cat's age, their immune response goes down and their chances of developing certain diseases go up. Tumors are one such health issue which increases in likelihood for older cats. Not all tumors will be malign or cancerous....

If you observe that your dog’s anus is reddened or inflamed, one would initially assume that this would be a sign of a dog hemorrhoid. However, other than in exceptional cases, dogs do not actually suffer from hemorrhoids. But then, if my dog’s anus is inflamed and/or swollen and it’s not as a result of...

Cats are resilient creatures. Although not immortal, they are agile, can withstand high falls and will defend themselves if necessary. Such resilience means they are also able to endure a lot of pain without manifesting obvious symptoms. While this is a credit to the cat's strength, it makes it difficult...

Feline hyperthyroidism is a disease which can often go unnoticed. The disease progresses and begins to affect hormone production in the cat incrementally. As our communication with our cat relies on observing their body language and behavior, there may not be much evidence of a change. This is at least...

A growth on a cat's neck can be due to a cutaneous of the skin or a subcutaneous issue which affects the tissue underneath. The former can present in a single lump or multiple bumps appearing on the skin. Under the skin, swelling of the lymph nodes are a common type of lump on a cat's neck. This swelling is...

In this AnimalWised article we will be discussing everything you need to know about pulmonary edema in dogs. Pulmonary edema is the accumulation of fluid in the lungs and can occur from multiple causes, such as cardiomegaly or cancer. Finding out the pulmonary edema cause is key when prescribing the correct...

Mastocytoma in dogs is a common type of skin tumor in dogs which can appear either benign or malignant. Although it usually affects older dogs of any breed, brachycephalic dog breeds, such as boxers or bulldogs, are more prone to developing mastocytoma. Prognosis and treatment of mast cell tumor in dogs...

There are several causes of sore throat in cats and it is a caregiver’s responsibility to be able to identify if their cat has a sore throat and how to treat it correctly. But what are the common causes, symptoms and treatment of sore throat in cats? You may also be wondering how to tell if a cat has...

Have you noticed that your dog’s snoring has gotten louder? Are you wondering why your dog is snoring while awake? Sure, dogs like humans, do snore. But at times if the snoring worsens or occurs when the animal is awake, it could be a sign of pathology. Snoring in dogs is more common in brachycephalic...

Dog nipple discharge in pregnant or lactating female dogs is normal when the fluid is their milk. When this is not the case, it is usually a sign of an unhealthy dog. There are many reasons why nipple discharge in dogs is a symptom of a pathology, but the context is very important. Firstly, male dogs...

Have you noticed that your cat is rapidly breathing while sleeping? How about your cat breathing fast after giving birth? Breathing difficulties in cats or rapid breathing in cats is ALWAYS a cause for concern. If your cat is breathing faster than normal or is experiencing shortness of breath (dyspnea),...

When you say to yourself my cat's breath smells like death, you will need to make an important distinction. This distinction is whether you are asking if your cat smells very bad or if they smell like they are dying. While neither are positive signs for your cat's health, one is more worrying than the...

If you share your home with one or more hamsters, you’ll already know that these animals have an insatiable appetite. This is why hamsters often gain weight quickly and are prone to obesity. If your hamster is not eating or drinking, it’s not normal. A hamster not eating is in fact a cause for concern. Lack...

Have you notice that your dog won’t eat or drink? This is naturally a worrisome sign. The absence of appetite in dogs may indicating the presence of a pathology. In fact, if your dog IS NOT hungry, it is a common symptom of several diseases. Have you noticed that your dog won’t eat dry food or any food...

Seeing abnormal cat poop is likely a sign of a health problem. While it is possible psychological issues can cause changes in your cat's stool, it is more likely to be a result of physical health issues which result in gastrointestinal problems. Changes in a cat's poop can be due to color, consistency,...

As winter approaches, many dog guardians can wonder how the cold will affect their dog. They will want to protect their canine pals from a very low body temperature and the related concerns brought about by wold weather. Although some dogs are better protected from the cold than others, such as the Siberian...

If you have noticed your cat suddenly can't walk on their back legs, you will need to find out why. Some of the common causes that may explain why your cat can’t walk or why your cat is struggling to walk are very serious. If left untreated, we may risk permanent cat paralysis. This treatment is only possible...

You may see your cat push his penis out and lick it, something which can be a normal part of their grooming behavior. As very hygienic animals, felines will cover every inch of the fur they can reach to ensure they remain healthy and keep their coat in good condition. While they may do it for an amount...

If your cat cannot pee or poo you should go to a veterinarian immediately. In order to maintain an adequate health status, a cat needs to eliminate urine and feces. If a cat can’t pee or poop, toxic substances will accumulate in its body and can result in serious feline health problems. If you notice that your...

You don't necessarily notice a problem in your dog's back legs immediately. It could be that a dog doesn't start losing control of their back legs suddenly. Instead, they may develop weak back legs over a long period of time, gradually losing control. If your dog is starting to lose control over their...

It is bad enough when our dog pees in their own bed. It is unhygienic and can cause discomfort for the dog. When a dog pees in our bed, it is particularly frustrating as the clean up is not always easy. It can ruin sheets and even damage mattresses. If you ask yourself “why has my dog peed on my bed?”,...

While we think of the popularity of rabbits as pets being a relatively recent phenomenon, there have been organizations dedicated to their rearing for over a century[1]. This increase in popularity has also lead to the need for more veterinarians to become specialized in bunny health. However, the first line...

If we see our cat coughing and wheezing, our mind can jump to many conclusions. The intensity and frequency of the choking sounds from our cat will determine how panicked we may be, but it's important to know something is causing it. Whether this is something we need to be worried about will depend on...

Rabbits lose fur for a variety of reasons, both physical and psychological. Although healthy rabbits will shed a certain amount of fur throughout the year, alopecia in rabbits is an amount of hair loss which is considered abnormal. It can be localized to just a small area or be generalized over the entire...

The way rabbits communicate may seem mysterious at first. As we get to know them, we can see that rabbits will show signs of happiness, stress or even infection in their own way. It is up to use to ensure we interpret these signs carefully. When it comes to a rabbit's health, there are signs of an underlying...

If your cat is overgrooming, it can be a result of physical, psychological or environmental problems in your cat's life. To understand the causes and treatment of excessive grooming in cats, we need to look at the context of their behavior. If they have started to overgroom all of a sudden, it will likely...

We do not expect a female dog to bleed from her private area if she has been spayed. Also known as an ovariohysterectomy, spaying is a process whereby the reproductive organs of the dog are removed. This means the dog cannot go into their heat cycle, something which can be accompanied by a certain amount...

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...

A transmissible venereal tumor (TVT) can affect both male and female dogs. The sex of the individual dog is not as important, however, as their rate of sexual activity. If dog guardians want to know how to best prevent venereal tumors in dogs, then we need to stress the importance of sterilization. Neutering...

As with all mammals, a dog's liver is a vital organ and as such carries out functions necessary to maintaining life. Specifically, the liver removes toxins in the blood and passes them out as part of various biological cycles. For example, ammonia is converted to urea which is then exited the body via...

Have you observed that your dog has been struggling to breathe? When faced with such a situation, it is essential to act quickly. When it comes to dogs and breathing difficulties, they are often related to pathologies that need to be diagnosed and treated as fast as possible. Respiratory difficulties in...

With advancements in veterinary medicine and a greater general knowledge about canine health, dogs have a better chance than ever to live a long life. Unfortunately, with an older dog population come more diagnoses of certain diseases exacerbated by age. Lymphoma is one such disease. Lymphoma is the...

Urinary incontinence in dogs is defined as an involuntary evacuation of urine. Urinary incontinence highlights that of a dog losing control over their bladder. In such cases it is normal for a dog to experience, for example, nocturnal enuresis, that is, when a dog urinates in their sleep. You may also...

Hamsters have become an increasingly popular domestic pet. Although they require little space and relatively simple care, this does not mean they are invulnerable to stress. These rodents need special attention when it comes to their behavior and animal welfare. In the wild they serve as prey to many...