Pet Health Conditions

Osteosarcoma (Bone Cancer)

An aggressive malignant bone tumor, most common in large and giant breed dogs. Typically affects the long bones of the limbs.

Cancer (General)

A broad category of diseases involving uncontrolled cell growth. Common types in pets include lymphoma, mast cell tumors, hemangiosarcoma, and melanoma.

Congenital Heart Defects

Structural heart abnormalities present at birth, including ventricular septal defect, pulmonic stenosis, and aortic stenosis.

Wobbler Syndrome

Cervical vertebral instability causing spinal cord compression, wobbling gait, neck pain, and potential paralysis, primarily in large and giant breeds.

Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)

Degeneration or herniation of spinal discs causing pain, nerve damage, and potentially paralysis. Especially common in long-backed breeds.

Hip Dysplasia

A genetic condition where the hip joint doesn't develop properly, causing pain, lameness, and arthritis over time.

Bladder Cancer (Transitional Cell Carcinoma)

A malignant tumor of the bladder lining, causing blood in urine, straining, and frequent urination. Scottish Terriers are at significantly elevated risk.

Bloat / Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV)

A life-threatening emergency where the stomach fills with gas and rotates, cutting off blood supply. Without immediate surgery, it is fatal within hours.

Encephalitis (Brain Inflammation)

Inflammation of the brain caused by infection, autoimmune disease, or unknown triggers. Causes seizures, behavioral changes, head tilt, and neurological deficits.

Liver Shunt (Portosystemic Shunt)

An abnormal blood vessel that bypasses the liver, allowing toxins to circulate in the bloodstream. Can be congenital or acquired, causing neurological signs and stunted growth.

Portosystemic Shunt

Abnormal vascular connection allowing portal blood to bypass the liver. Causes hepatic encephalopathy, poor growth, urinary stones, and behavioral changes.

Syringomyelia (SM)

Fluid-filled cavities (syrinxes) form within the spinal cord, usually due to Chiari-like malformation in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. Causes neck pain, scratching at air, and neurological deficits.

Cardiomyopathy

Disease of the heart muscle affecting its ability to pump blood efficiently. Includes dilated, hypertrophic, and restrictive forms.

Mammary Cancer (Mammary Tumors)

Tumors of the mammary glands, common in unspayed female dogs and cats. Approximately 50% are malignant in dogs, 85-90% in cats.

Heart Disease (General)

A broad category including congenital and acquired conditions affecting the heart's structure or function. Includes valve disease, arrhythmias, and cardiomyopathies.

Cruciate Ligament Rupture (ACL/CCL Tear)

Tear of the cranial cruciate ligament in the stifle (knee) joint, one of the most common orthopedic injuries in dogs causing sudden lameness.

Ectopic Ureter

A congenital abnormality where one or both ureters connect to the urethra or vagina instead of the bladder, causing constant urine dribbling from birth.

Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA)

A congenital heart defect where the ductus arteriosus fails to close after birth, causing abnormal blood flow between the aorta and pulmonary artery.

Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA)

The immune system destroys its own red blood cells, causing severe anemia, weakness, jaundice, and potentially fatal collapse. Can be primary or triggered by drugs/infections.

Autoimmune Hepatitis

Immune-mediated destruction of liver cells causing chronic hepatitis, elevated liver enzymes, jaundice, and potential liver failure.

Copper Toxicosis (Copper Storage Disease)

Inherited condition where the liver accumulates excessive copper, leading to chronic hepatitis, liver failure, and potentially death. Primarily affects Bedlington Terriers.

Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM)

A disease of the heart muscle where the chambers enlarge and the walls thin, reducing the heart's ability to pump effectively. Can cause congestive heart failure.

Juvenile Dilated Cardiomyopathy

An early-onset form of dilated cardiomyopathy affecting young dogs, particularly Portuguese Water Dogs. Causes rapid heart failure.

Mitral Valve Disease (MVD)

Degeneration of the mitral valve causing regurgitation of blood, leading to heart enlargement and eventually congestive heart failure. The most common heart disease in dogs.

Protein-Losing Enteropathy (PLE)

A condition where the intestines lose excessive protein, causing low blood protein levels, fluid retention, diarrhea, and weight loss.

Protein-Losing Nephropathy (PLN)

Kidney disease causing excessive protein loss in urine, leading to low blood protein, fluid retention, and potential kidney failure. Can be inherited or acquired.

Cardiac Disease (Acquired)

Heart conditions that develop over a pet's lifetime, including valve degeneration, arrhythmias, and pericardial effusion.

Elbow Dysplasia

A developmental condition of the elbow joint involving abnormal growth of bone, cartilage, or both, leading to joint incongruity, pain, and lameness.

Kidney Disease (Chronic Kidney Disease / CKD)

Progressive loss of kidney function over months to years, causing toxin buildup, dehydration, weight loss, and eventually kidney failure. Common in senior cats.

Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome (BAS)

A set of upper airway abnormalities in short-nosed breeds including stenotic nares, elongated soft palate, and hypoplastic trachea, causing breathing difficulty.

Leg Fractures

Fractures specifically of the limb bones (femur, tibia, radius, ulna), common in small breeds from jumping and in active large breeds from trauma.

Laryngeal Paralysis

Loss of function of the laryngeal muscles, causing the airway to narrow during breathing. Leads to noisy breathing, exercise intolerance, and risk of aspiration pneumonia.

Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD)

A developmental joint condition where cartilage separates from underlying bone, causing pain and lameness, most often in shoulder, elbow, or hock joints.

Tracheal Collapse

Progressive weakening and flattening of the tracheal cartilage rings, causing a honking cough, breathing difficulty, and exercise intolerance. Common in small breeds.

Cataracts

Opacity of the eye lens causing blurred vision and potentially blindness. Can be hereditary, age-related, or secondary to diabetes. Surgical removal restores vision in most cases.

Cushing's Disease (Hyperadrenocorticism)

Overproduction of cortisol by the adrenal glands, usually caused by a pituitary tumor. Causes excessive thirst, urination, hunger, hair loss, and pot-bellied appearance.

Cushing's Disease (Hyperadrenocorticism)

Overproduction of cortisol by the adrenal glands, usually caused by a pituitary tumor. Causes excessive thirst, urination, hunger, hair loss, and pot-bellied appearance.

Familial Nephropathy

Inherited progressive kidney disease causing early-onset kidney failure, particularly in English Cocker Spaniels, Bull Terriers, and Samoyeds.

Heat Stroke (Hyperthermia)

Dangerously elevated body temperature from heat exposure, exertion, or inability to cool down. Can cause organ failure, brain damage, and death. Brachycephalic breeds at highest risk.

Hemolytic Anemia (General)

Destruction of red blood cells faster than the body can replace them, from immune, infectious, toxic, or mechanical causes. Symptoms include weakness, rapid breathing, and jaundice.

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM)

Thickening of the heart muscle walls, the most common heart disease in cats. Can cause heart failure, blood clots, and sudden death.

Pancreatitis

Inflammation of the pancreas causing severe abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and potentially life-threatening complications. Can be acute or chronic.

Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD)

An inherited condition where fluid-filled cysts develop in the kidneys, gradually destroying kidney tissue and leading to kidney failure. Most common in Persian and related breeds.

Thrombocytopenia (Low Platelets)

Abnormally low platelet count from immune destruction, bone marrow disease, infections, or drug reactions. Causes petechiae, bruising, and risk of hemorrhage.

Upper Airway Syndrome

Obstruction or dysfunction of the upper respiratory tract including larynx, pharynx, and nasal passages, causing stridor, exercise intolerance, and respiratory distress.

Bone Fractures

Broken bones from trauma, falls, or pathological weakness. Severity ranges from hairline cracks to compound fractures requiring surgical repair.

Shar-Pei Fever (Familial Shar-Pei Fever / FSF)

An inherited autoinflammatory condition in Chinese Shar-Pei causing recurring episodes of high fever and joint swelling, with risk of amyloidosis and kidney failure.

Urinary Stones (Urolithiasis - General)

Stone formation anywhere in the urinary tract including kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. Can cause pain, obstruction, and kidney damage.

Addison's Disease (Hypoadrenocorticism)

Insufficient production of adrenal hormones (cortisol and aldosterone), causing weakness, vomiting, dehydration, and potentially life-threatening adrenal crisis.

Brachycephalic Syndrome (Cats)

Breathing difficulties in flat-faced cat breeds due to shortened skull anatomy, causing noisy breathing, snoring, and potential respiratory distress.

Dermoid Sinus

A congenital neural tube defect creating a tubular skin indentation along the spine, prone to infection and potentially connecting to the spinal cord. Primarily in Rhodesian Ridgebacks.

Diabetes Mellitus

Inability to produce or respond to insulin, causing elevated blood sugar. Type 1 (insulin-dependent) is most common in dogs; Type 2 is more common in cats.

Glaucoma

Increased intraocular pressure damaging the optic nerve and retina, causing pain and vision loss. Can be primary (inherited) or secondary to other eye conditions.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

Chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract causing persistent vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, and poor appetite. Requires biopsy for definitive diagnosis.

Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease

Avascular necrosis of the femoral head in young small-breed dogs, causing hip pain, muscle wasting, and progressive lameness.

Luxating Patella

A condition where the kneecap dislocates from its normal position in the groove of the femur, causing intermittent or persistent lameness.

Ataxia (Cerebellar/Spinal)

Loss of coordination and balance due to cerebellar or spinal cord dysfunction. Can be inherited, caused by toxins, infections, or degenerative disease.

Bladder Stones (Urolithiasis)

Mineral deposits forming stones in the bladder, causing painful urination, blood in urine, and potential urinary obstruction. Types include struvite, calcium oxalate, and urate.

Chondrodysplasia

A genetic cartilage development disorder resulting in abnormally short limbs and skeletal deformities. Can be breed-standard or pathological.

Epilepsy (Idiopathic Seizures)

Recurrent seizures with no identifiable structural brain cause. The most common neurological disorder in dogs, typically developing between ages 1-5.

Fanconi Syndrome

A defect in kidney tubule reabsorption causing excessive loss of glucose, amino acids, and electrolytes in urine. Primarily inherited in Basenjis; can be acquired from toxins.

Hyperuricosuria

Genetic condition causing elevated uric acid levels in urine, leading to formation of urate bladder and kidney stones. Most common in Dalmatians.

Lundehund Syndrome (Intestinal Lymphangiectasia)

A protein-losing enteropathy specific to Norwegian Lundehunds, causing malabsorption, chronic diarrhea, weight loss, and fluid retention due to intestinal lymphatic dysfunction.

Polyneuropathy

Disease affecting multiple peripheral nerves, causing weakness, muscle wasting, reduced reflexes, and gait abnormalities. Can be inherited or acquired.

Heart Murmur

An abnormal heart sound caused by turbulent blood flow, which can indicate underlying valve disease, congenital defects, or other cardiac conditions.

Intestinal Disease (General)

Broad category including enteritis, malabsorption, intestinal parasites, foreign body obstruction, and other conditions affecting intestinal function.

Lens Luxation

Displacement of the eye lens from its normal position due to weakened zonular ligaments. Can cause glaucoma, pain, and blindness if untreated.

Lysosomal Storage Disease

A group of inherited metabolic disorders where deficient enzymes cause toxic substances to accumulate in cells, leading to progressive neurological deterioration.

Seizures (General)

Episodes of abnormal electrical activity in the brain causing involuntary movements, loss of consciousness, or behavioral changes. Can be caused by epilepsy, toxins, metabolic disease, or brain tumors.

Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD/LUTD)

Lower urinary tract disease including cystitis, urethral obstruction, and feline idiopathic cystitis. Causes painful urination, blood in urine, and potentially fatal obstruction in male cats.

Von Willebrand's Disease (vWD)

An inherited bleeding disorder caused by deficiency of von Willebrand factor, a protein essential for blood clotting. Ranges from mild to severe depending on type.

Dermatomyositis

An inherited inflammatory disease of the skin and muscles primarily affecting Collies and Shetland Sheepdogs. Causes skin lesions on face, ears, and legs, plus muscle weakness.

Thrombocytopathy (Platelet Function Disorder)

Inherited or acquired defect in platelet function causing bleeding tendency despite normal platelet counts. Can cause nosebleeds, bruising, and prolonged bleeding from wounds.

Entropion

Inward rolling of the eyelid causing eyelashes to rub against the cornea, leading to pain, ulceration, and potential vision damage. Common in breeds with loose facial skin.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)

A group of inherited degenerative eye diseases causing gradual vision loss progressing to blindness. The retina deteriorates over months to years.

Allergies (Atopic Dermatitis)

Immune-mediated hypersensitivity to environmental allergens (pollen, dust mites, mold) or food, causing itching, skin inflammation, ear infections, and hot spots.

Alopecia X (Black Skin Disease)

A non-inflammatory hair loss condition of unknown cause, primarily affecting Nordic breeds like Pomeranians. Causes symmetrical hair loss and skin darkening.

Canine Inherited Demyelinative Neuropathy

A rare inherited nerve disease affecting Tibetan Mastiffs, causing progressive weakness and muscle wasting due to loss of nerve myelin sheaths.

Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA)

A congenital inherited eye condition affecting development of the choroid and retina. Ranges from mild (no vision impact) to severe (retinal detachment and blindness).

Corneal Dystrophy

Inherited condition causing opacity in the cornea due to lipid or mineral deposits. Usually bilateral and progressive, potentially affecting vision.

Degenerative Myelopathy (DM)

Progressive spinal cord disease causing hind limb weakness and paralysis, similar to ALS in humans. Most common in German Shepherds and Corgis. No cure exists.

Dental Disease (Periodontal Disease)

Progressive disease of the teeth and gums affecting over 80% of dogs by age 3. Causes pain, tooth loss, and can spread bacteria to heart, liver, and kidneys.

Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI)

The pancreas fails to produce sufficient digestive enzymes, causing maldigestion, weight loss despite ravenous appetite, and voluminous pale stools.

Hereditary Necrotizing Myelopathy

A rare inherited spinal cord disease causing progressive paralysis in young Afghan Hounds. The spinal cord degenerates, leading to hind limb paralysis.

Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy (HOD)

A painful bone disease affecting rapidly growing large-breed puppies, causing swelling near growth plates, fever, and lameness.

Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca (Dry Eye / KCS)

Insufficient tear production causing chronic eye irritation, thick discharge, corneal ulceration, and potential blindness. Often autoimmune in origin.

L-2-Hydroxyglutaric Aciduria (L2-HGA)

A rare inherited metabolic disorder affecting the brain, causing seizures, ataxia, behavioral changes, and dementia. Primarily affects Staffordshire Bull Terriers.

Obesity

Excess body fat causing increased risk of diabetes, joint disease, heart disease, respiratory problems, and reduced lifespan. Affects over 50% of pets in developed countries.

Phosphofructokinase Deficiency (PFK Deficiency)

An inherited enzyme deficiency causing chronic hemolytic anemia and exercise intolerance in English Springer Spaniels and American Cocker Spaniels.

Progressive Neuronal Abiotrophy (Cerebellar Ataxia)

Inherited premature degeneration of cerebellar neurons causing progressive loss of coordination, tremors, and gait abnormalities in young dogs.

Sebaceous Adenitis

An autoimmune skin disease where sebaceous glands are destroyed, causing hair loss, scaling, and secondary skin infections. Primarily affects Standard Poodles and Akitas.

Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA)

An inherited neuromuscular disease in Maine Coon cats causing progressive muscle wasting and weakness due to loss of motor neurons in the spinal cord.

Eye Disorders (General)

Broad category of eye conditions including conjunctivitis, corneal ulcers, uveitis, and other inflammatory or degenerative conditions affecting vision.

Multi-Drug Resistance (MDR1 Gene Mutation)

A genetic mutation affecting the blood-brain barrier, causing life-threatening sensitivity to common drugs including ivermectin, loperamide, and some chemotherapy agents.

Cherry Eye (Prolapsed Third Eyelid Gland)

Prolapse of the nictitating membrane gland, appearing as a red mass in the corner of the eye. Common in brachycephalic and hound breeds.

Hyperlipidemia

Elevated levels of lipids (fats) in the blood, which can be primary (inherited) or secondary to hypothyroidism, diabetes, or other conditions.

Deafness (Congenital and Acquired)

Partial or complete hearing loss, which can be inherited (associated with white coat color and merle pattern) or acquired from infection, trauma, or aging.

Ear Infections (Otitis Externa/Media)

Inflammation and infection of the ear canal, often caused by bacteria, yeast, or ear mites. Exacerbated by allergies, moisture, and ear anatomy (floppy ears, hairy canals).

Exercise-Induced Collapse (EIC)

An inherited condition where affected dogs develop weakness and collapse after 5-20 minutes of intense exercise. Most common in Labrador Retrievers.

Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar)

Dangerously low blood glucose levels causing weakness, trembling, seizures, and collapse. Common in toy breed puppies and diabetic pets on insulin.

Skin Conditions (General)

Broad category including bacterial infections (pyoderma), fungal infections (ringworm), hot spots, mange, and various dermatological disorders.

Thyroid Disease (General)

Disorders of thyroid function including hypothyroidism (common in dogs) and hyperthyroidism (common in cats). Affects metabolism, energy, weight, and organ function.

Urinary Incontinence

Involuntary urine leakage, common in spayed female dogs due to reduced estrogen weakening the urethral sphincter. Can also result from neurological conditions.

Autoimmune Thyroiditis (Lymphocytic Thyroiditis)

Immune-mediated destruction of the thyroid gland, the most common cause of hypothyroidism in dogs. Gradual onset over months to years.

Corns (Keratomas)

Hard, painful growths on the paw pads, particularly common in sighthound breeds like Greyhounds. Cause significant lameness on hard surfaces.

Scottie Cramp

An inherited neurological condition in Scottish Terriers causing episodes of muscle hypertonicity during exercise or excitement, resulting in a characteristic stiff-legged gait.

Sebaceous Cysts

Benign fluid-filled sacs that form under the skin when sebaceous glands become blocked. May rupture, become infected, or require surgical removal.

Skin Cysts

Various types of cysts that form in or under the skin, including epidermoid, dermoid, and follicular cysts. Usually benign but may require removal if problematic.

Skin Fold Dermatitis

Bacterial or yeast infection in skin folds caused by moisture and friction. Common in brachycephalic breeds and dogs with excessive facial or body wrinkles.

Hypothyroidism

Underactive thyroid gland causing reduced metabolism. Symptoms include weight gain, lethargy, cold intolerance, hair loss, and skin changes. Very common in dogs.