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 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...]

Overview Scooting refers to the act of rubbing or dragging the anal area or perineum (the area between the anus and genitals) on the ground. Typically, the hind legs are extended in front of the animal as the pet drags forward. Dogs will scoot much more commonly than cats. Anything that … [Read more...]

Overview Pruritus or itching is an unpleasant sensation that causes a pet to scratch or bite. It is caused by chemical reactions that occur in the skin and stimulate the nerves, causing the brain to feel the itch. In fact, the act of scratching itself may stimulate these inflammatory … [Read more...]

Overview The term polydipsia refers to excessive thirst manifested by excessive water intake, which in turn usually leads to polyuria, which is the formation and excretion of a large volume of urine. Polydipsia and polyuria are early signs of several diseases including kidney failure or … [Read more...]

Overview Otitis externa, commonly called an ear infection, is characterized by inflammation of the external ear canal and may be caused by yeast, bacteria or parasites. Ear infections are particularly prevalent in dogs with long, floppy ears. Otitis externa may affect 20 percent of … [Read more...]

Overview Obesity is defined as the excessive accumulation of body fat. Between 25 and 40 percent of pets are considered obese or are likely to become obese. It is the most common nutrition-related health condition in our society. The primary causes of obesity are overeating and lack … [Read more...]

Overview Megaesophagus is a condition of decreased or absent movement of the esophagus. The esophagus is the tube that carries food and water from the throat to the stomach. With megaesophagus, passing food all the way to the stomach becomes difficult, and the food may be regurgitated … [Read more...]

Overview Hematuria is the presence of red blood cells in the urine. It may be visible to the naked eye or microscopic. Possible causes of hematuria include bacterial infections of the urinary tract, bladder or kidney stones, bleeding disorders, trauma, normal heat cycles in female dogs, … [Read more...]