Other health concerns

Lymphoma (lymphosarcoma) is a common form of cancer that causes an uncontrolled growth in the number of lymphocytes (white blood cells).

Lymphomas (lymphosarcomas) are cancers that are derived from lymphocytes - infection-fighting white blood cells.

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease where the joint cartilage is destroyed over time.

Diabetes insipidus (DI) is a rare disease in cats that should not be confused with diabetes mellitus, or sugar diabetes. DI results from a failure of normal antidiuretic hormone (ADH) signaling

A gastrointestinal (GI) foreign body obstruction is the result of ingesting a foreign object that is not able to pass through the body naturally.

Gastrointestinal blockages most commonly occur when a dog swallows a large, indigestible object. As the object moves through the gastrointestinal tract, it encounters progressively smaller tubes. Eventually, it becomes stuck, and blocks the flow of intestinal contents.

Megacolon is the dilation and dysfunction of the colon resulting in difficulty evacuating stool.

Yellow eyes, ears, or skin on a cat is called jaundice, or icterus. It is associated with liver damage and damage to red blood cells.

Muscle tremors are involuntary movement of the muscular tissue, often appearing similar to shivering or trembling. This symptom is not common in cats.

Exercise intolerance is a decreased ability to endure sustained exercise.

Any illness or injury can lead to weight loss, if the condition is severe enough to decrease appetite or if it increases metabolism. Numerous diseases ranging from cancers to parasitic infections cause unexpected weight loss, even without a change in the dog’s appetite.

Reverse sneezing in cats is an involuntary reflex involving rapid, forceful inhalation of air. As with normal sneezes, reverse sneezes are the body’s mechanism for clearing an irritant out of the area near the soft palate.

Subcutaneous lumps are found under the skin, rather than within the skin or at the surface of the skin. If a lump does not create a visible mark or disruption on the skin, doesn’t arise from the bone, and the skin moves freely over it, it is a subcutaneous lump.

Undescended testicle(s), or cryptorchidism, is a failure of one (unilateral) or both (bilateral) of a cat’s testicles to properly settle into the scrotum during development.

Seizures result from abnormal electrical activity in the brain. Seizure activity varies from subtle staring to complete collapse and muscle spasms (convulsions).

Hyperthyroidism is the most common hormonal disease in cats over the age of 10. It results when the thyroid gland produces excessive thyroid hormone.

Hypothyroidism refers to abnormally low levels of thyroid hormones. The condition is not common in cats,

Rapid and/or shallow breathing (tachypnea) in cats is rare and sometimes difficult to spot. Cats are masters at hiding signs of illness and often show no distress even when exhibiting potentially serious symptoms like tachypnea.

Hypothyroidism is a common clinical condition in dogs resulting from reduced production of thyroid hormones by the thyroid glands.

Exercise intolerance is defined as the decreased ability to tolerate strenuous exercise. Cats with exercise intolerance want to get up and play or run, but aren’t able to keep up without having difficulty.

Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) is one of the most prevalent infectious diseases and is the most common cause of cancer in cats. 

Feline pododermatitis (also known as plasma cell pododermatitis, or PCP) is a rare disease that causes inflammation of the paw pads.

Paralysis is the lack of ability to voluntarily move one or more parts of the body. It may or may not be accompanied by loss of sensation.

Paralysis is the complete loss of the ability to move or feel a part of the body. It can affect any or all limbs of the body, the face, or the vocal cords. It may be acute or chronic.

Itchy skin, or pruritus, is a common symptom of multiple conditions. Scratching, rubbing, licking, and chewing are the most common signs shown by itchy dogs.

Difficulty breathing (dyspnea) is always cause for concern, so any dog who suddenly exhibits this symptom needs emergency medical care. Many conditions can cause dyspnea,

Collapse is the inability to maintain a normal, standing posture, and is a rare symptom in cats. Cat owners may see their cat suddenly fall or intentionally lie down, then be unable to stand up.

The sensation of itchiness (pruritus) in a cat can be caused by many things, most often fungal infections (ringworm), parasites (like fleas or mites), and allergies (to food, fleas, or airborne particles). 

A seizure is an abrupt episode of uncontrollable muscle activity and is the physical manifestation of abnormal electrical discharges in the brain. 

Increased thirst, or polydipsia, is a common symptom of many conditions in dogs.