Overview Weight loss is a physical condition that results from a negative caloric balance. This usually occurs when the body uses and/or excretes essential nutrients faster than it can consume them. Essentially more calories are being burned than are being taken in. Weight loss is … [Read more...]

Overview Vomiting, also called “emesis”, is the act of expelling contents from the stomach through the mouth. There are multiple causes of vomiting. An occasional, infrequent isolated episode of vomiting is usually normal. Vomiting is a symptom that can be caused by disorders of … [Read more...]

Overview Trouble urinating is defined as difficult or painful urination. It is characterized by straining to urinate, frequent attempts at urination, and evidence of discomfort when urinating. Discomfort may be demonstrated by crying out during urination, excessive licking at the … [Read more...]

Overview Respiratory distress is labored, difficult breathing or shortness of breath that can occur at any time during the breathing process, during inspiration (breathing in) or expiration (breathing out). When your pet has trouble breathing, it may be difficult to get enough oxygen to … [Read more...]

Overview Red eye is a non-specific sign of inflammation or infection. Some conditions associated with a red eye can be painful, itchy and cause sensitivity to light resulting in squinting or the eye being held closed.  A red eye may be seen with diseases of the external eyelids, third … [Read more...]

Overview Lethargy is a state of drowsiness, inactivity, or indifference in which there are delayed responses to external stimuli such as sound, sight, or touch. Lethargy may also refer to the general malaise and decreased activity exhibited by animals that do not feel well. Lethargy … [Read more...]

Overview Any decrease in an animal's ability to bear weight on a limb or a decrease in the normal mobility and function of a limb can be considered lameness. Lameness can be extremely subtle or profound, affecting one limb or several limbs. It can be intermittent or constant, worse in … [Read more...]

Overview Diarrhea is a common problem characterized by abnormal loose, watery or watery-mucoid stools.  Occasionally the fecal material is also bloody.  Diarrhea can be describedas acute,sudden onset and short duration (three weeks or less), or chronic (longer duration). There are … [Read more...]

Overview An abscess is defined as a sac or lump that contains pus. Abscesses are generally caused by bacteria, parasites, or foreign material under the skin. Trauma to the skin or to the underlying tissues may predispose to infection and abscess formation. Some abscesses heal without … [Read more...]

Overview Skin lumps are growths of tissue that are within the skin or can be felt under the skin. Pets can develop small bumps (papules) or larger bumps (nodules) on their skin. These lumps and bumps are fairly common occurrences, especially in the older pet. Very often the word … [Read more...]