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 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...]

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 of all kinds can also occur in cats, however those caused by ear mites are most common. Diagnosis … [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 Megacolon is a condition of extreme dilation and poor motility of the colon, usually combined with accumulation of fecal material and the inability to evacuate it. The majority of cases (62 percent) are “primary” or “idiopathic,” which means there is no obvious reason … [Read more...]

Overview Halitosis, or bad breath, is an unpleasant odor coming from your pet’s mouth. Usually halitosis has oral causes, although sometimes it can be caused by other disease processes. Causes include gingivitis (inflammation of the gums), periodontitis (inflammation of the tissue that … [Read more...]

Overview Acute vomiting and diarrhea are characterized by a sudden onset and short duration of less than two to three weeks. Acute vomiting and diarrhea are both extremely common in animals. An occasional bout of vomiting and diarrhea may be typical in some dogs or cats however, … [Read more...]

Overview Eye discharge is a common sign of eye disease. Abnormal discharge may develop suddenly or gradually. The discharge may be watery, mucoid (gray, ropy), mucopurulent (yellow-green, thickened) or bloody. In general, the more discharge present, the more serious the disease. It is … [Read more...]