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Metritis is a uterine infection that can develop a few days after a cat gives birth. Learn the warning signs and why it needs immediate veterinary care. Metritis (Uterine Infection After Birth) Back to Cats What is it? Metritis is inflammation of the uterus after pregnancy, usually from a bacterial infection. A prolonged or difficult delivery, or a retained kitten or placenta, can lead to it. It usually develops within three days of giving birth. What signs should I watch for? The main sign is a pus-like, foul-smelling discharge from the vulva. The cat is dull and lethargic, has a fever, refuses food, and may ignore her kittens, which may become restless and cry constantly. She may drink more and vomit, and her belly may be tender. How is it diagnosed and treated? Your veterinarian will diagnose it with an exam, X-rays or ultrasound, and laboratory tests. Treatment includes intravenous fluids, supportive care, and antibiotics, and medication may be given to help expel a retained kitten or placenta. Severely ill cats may need to be spayed once stable enough for anesthesia. Can it be prevented, and what's the outlook? If future litters are not wanted and the infection is not severe, she can be spayed after she finishes nursing. A veterinary check of the mother and litter within 24 hours of delivery helps make sure no kittens remain. Reviewed by the Adler Veterinary Hospital veterinary team, October 2026. Cats in the first few days after giving birth Who's at risk: Foul pus-like discharge, fever, not eating, ignoring kittens Main signs: Emergency — see a vet now Urgency: When to call a vet right away Pus-like or foul-smelling discharge from the vulva Fever, dullness, or refusing food Ignoring her kittens Vomiting or a tender belly Not sure whether it can wait? Call us anyway. Our team can help you decide. Source: Merck, Reproductive Disorders: Female Cats Back to Cats Related conditions Retained Placenta Difficult Birth Mastitis Next steps Watch a related video Watch on YouTube Helpful products See products Schedule an appointment Request appointment

Sugar gliders often get hurt from falls, cage wire, wheels, burns or other pets. Learn the warning signs of injury and when a hurt glider needs a vet now. Trauma Back to Sugar Gliders What is it? Injuries are common in sugar gliders. They can fall during gliding, get limbs or tails caught in cage wire, toys, or exercise wheels, suffer burns, or be attacked by other pets or cagemates. Gliders with metabolic bone disease break bones more easily. What signs should I watch for? Signs to watch for include limping or holding a leg up; bleeding or wounds; swelling or an abnormal angle of a limb; reluctance to climb or glide; and hiding, crying, or chewing at an injury. How is it diagnosed and treated? Your veterinarian examines your glider and usually takes X-rays. Treatment may include wound care, pain relief, splints or surgery for fractures, and treating infection. Can it be prevented, and what's the outlook? Glider-proof play areas, supervise time out of the cage, use solid-surface wheels, and keep cats and dogs separate. Small injuries can become serious quickly, so have them checked. Reviewed by the Adler Veterinary Hospital veterinary team, October 2026. Gliders, especially those with metabolic bone disease Who's at risk: Limping, bleeding, abnormal limb angle, reluctance to climb Main signs: See a vet within a day or two Urgency: When to call a vet right away Bleeding or wounds Swelling or an abnormal angle of a limb Limping or holding a leg up Not sure whether it can wait? Call us anyway. Our team can help you decide. Source: VCA, Sugar Gliders Common Diseases Back to Sugar Gliders Related conditions Hind-Limb Paralysis Metabolic Bone Disease Penile Prolapse Next steps Watch a related video Watch on YouTube Helpful products See products Schedule an appointment Request appointment

Diabetes in cats often happens when the body stops responding to insulin. Learn who is at risk, the signs to watch for, and how diabetes is managed. Diabetes Mellitus Back to Cats What is it? In cats, diabetes usually occurs because the body stops responding well to insulin, similar to type 2 diabetes in people. Overweight, older, and male cats are at higher risk. What signs should I watch for? Signs to watch for include increased thirst and urination; weight loss with a good or big appetite; weakness in the back legs or a flat-footed stance; and lethargy, vomiting (may signal an emergency). How is it diagnosed and treated? Diagnosis is based on persistently high blood and urine sugar. Treatment generally involves insulin injections, a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet, and regular monitoring. Can it be prevented, and what's the outlook? Some cats, especially when treated early and brought to a healthy weight, go into remission and no longer need insulin. Keeping your cat lean is the best prevention. Reviewed by the Adler Veterinary Hospital veterinary team, October 2026. Overweight, older, and male cats Who's at risk: More thirst and urination, weight loss with a big appetite Main signs: Ongoing management with your vet Urgency: When to call a vet right away Lethargy Vomiting Not sure whether it can wait? Call us anyway. Our team can help you decide. Source: VCA, Diabetes Mellitus in Cats Back to Cats Related conditions Hyperthyroidism Urinary Blockage Obesity Next steps Watch a related video Watch on YouTube Helpful products See products Schedule an appointment Request appointment

Ear mites cause intense itching and thick crusts in rabbits' ears and spread easily. Learn the signs, how they are treated, and how to clean the home safely. Ear Mites Back to Rabbits What is it? Ear mites in rabbits (Psoroptes cuniculi) are parasites that live in the ear canal and cause intense irritation. They spread easily between rabbits through direct contact and contaminated bedding. What signs should I watch for? Signs to watch for include head shaking and ear scratching; thick, brown-gray, layered crusts in the ears; drooping ear or sensitivity when touched; scratch wounds around the ears; and crusts spreading to the face, neck, or feet. How is it diagnosed and treated? Your veterinarian can usually see mites or crusts with an otoscope and confirm with a microscope. Treatment is antiparasitic medication. Crusts are very painful and should not be picked off at home. Can it be prevented, and what's the outlook? Treat all rabbits in the home and thoroughly clean the environment. With treatment, most rabbits recover fully. Reviewed by the Adler Veterinary Hospital veterinary team, October 2026. Rabbits in contact with infested rabbits or bedding Who's at risk: Head shaking, thick ear crusts, drooping ear, scratch wounds Main signs: Schedule a visit soon Urgency: When to call a vet right away A drooping ear, or pain when the ear is touched Thick, brown-gray crusts in the ears Crusts spreading to the face, neck or feet Scratch wounds around the ears Not sure whether it can wait? Call us anyway. Our team can help you decide. Source: VCA Animal Hospitals, Diseases in Rabbits Back to Rabbits Related conditions Dental Disease Snuffles Sore Hocks Next steps Watch a related video Watch on YouTube Helpful products See products Schedule an appointment Request appointment

ECE is a contagious intestinal infection in ferrets, often appearing when a new ferret joins the home. Learn the signs, who gets sickest, and how it is treated. Epizootic Catarrhal Enteritis (ECE) Back to Ferrets What is it? ECE is a contagious intestinal infection caused by a ferret coronavirus. It often appears when a new ferret joins the household; young ferrets may carry it and show mild signs while older ferrets get sicker. What signs should I watch for? Signs to watch for include bright green, slimy diarrhea; vomiting; poor appetite and lethargy; dehydration and weight loss; and seedy-looking stools later on. How is it diagnosed and treated? Diagnosis is based on history and signs; lab tests can help. Treatment is supportive: fluids, nutrition, and medications to protect the gut and prevent secondary infection. Can it be prevented, and what's the outlook? Most ferrets recover with care, though older ferrets are at greater risk. Quarantine new ferrets and practice good hygiene. Reviewed by the Adler Veterinary Hospital veterinary team, October 2026. Households adding a new ferret; older ferrets sicker Who's at risk: Bright green slimy diarrhea, vomiting, lethargy, dehydration Main signs: See a vet within a day or two Urgency: When to call a vet right away Bright green, slimy diarrhea Vomiting Signs of dehydration Not sure whether it can wait? Call us anyway. Our team can help you decide. Source: VCA, Gastrointestinal Diseases in Ferrets Back to Ferrets Related conditions Swallowed Objects Influenza Distemper Next steps Watch a related video Watch on YouTube Helpful products See products Schedule an appointment Request appointment

Fatty liver disease and hardened arteries are common in parrots fed high-fat seed diets. Learn the signs, the risks, and how diet and exercise can help. Hepatic Lipidosis and Atherosclerosis Back to Parrots What is it? Fatty liver disease (hepatic lipidosis) and atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) are common in parrots fed high-fat seed diets with little exercise. Amazons, cockatiels, and African greys are at higher risk. What signs should I watch for? Signs to watch for include obesity; overgrown beak or nails; lethargy, breathing difficulty; and weakness or sudden collapse. How is it diagnosed and treated? Diagnosis uses blood work, X-rays, and other imaging. Treatment focuses on gradual diet change, weight loss, liver support, and more activity. Can it be prevented, and what's the outlook? Prevention is a formulated diet with vegetables, limited seeds and nuts, and daily exercise. Reviewed by the Adler Veterinary Hospital veterinary team, October 2026. Seed-fed parrots; Amazons, cockatiels, African greys Who's at risk: Obesity, overgrown beak or nails, lethargy, breathing difficulty Main signs: Ongoing management with your vet Urgency: When to call a vet right away Breathing difficulty Weakness or sudden collapse Not sure whether it can wait? Call us anyway. Our team can help you decide. Source: VCA Animal Hospitals, Obesity in Birds Back to Parrots Related conditions PDD (Bornavirus) Egg Binding Vitamin A Deficiency Next steps Watch a related video Watch on YouTube Helpful products See products Schedule an appointment Request appointment

PDD is a disease of the nerves to a parrot's digestive tract, linked to avian bornavirus, so food moves poorly. Learn the signs, diagnosis and supportive care. Avian Bornavirus / Proventricular Dilatation Disease (PDD) Back to Parrots What is it? PDD is a disease of the nerves supplying the digestive tract, linked to avian bornavirus. Food moves poorly through the gut. Many birds carry the virus without becoming sick. What signs should I watch for? Signs to watch for include regurgitation, undigested seeds in droppings, weight loss despite eating, and neurologic signs such as weakness or poor balance. How is it diagnosed and treated? X-rays, blood work, and bornavirus testing suggest the diagnosis; biopsy can confirm it. Management is supportive, including anti-inflammatory therapy and easily digested foods. Can it be prevented, and what's the outlook? There is no cure, but some birds live for years with management. Quarantine and testing of new birds are important. Reviewed by the Adler Veterinary Hospital veterinary team, October 2026. Parrots carrying avian bornavirus Who's at risk: Regurgitation, whole seeds in droppings, weight loss Main signs: Ongoing management with your vet Urgency: When to call a vet right away Regurgitation Weakness or poor balance Not sure whether it can wait? Call us anyway. Our team can help you decide. Source: VCA, Common Conditions of Pet Birds Back to Parrots Related conditions Egg Binding Fatty Liver & Atherosclerosis Vitamin A Deficiency Next steps Watch a related video Watch on YouTube Helpful products See products Schedule an appointment Request appointment

IVDD happens when a spinal disc ruptures and presses on the spinal cord, causing pain or paralysis. Learn the signs, and why sudden paralysis is an emergency. Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) Back to Dogs What is it? Discs are rubbery cushions between the vertebrae, with a tough outer ring and a soft, toothpaste-like center. In degenerative disc disease, the outer ring weakens and can tear, letting disc material push up against the spinal cord, which cannot move out of the way. A minor jump or fall is often blamed, but the disc was already degenerating. Most affected dogs are three to seven years old, and dachshunds, French bulldogs, beagles, cocker spaniels, poodles, Pekingese, Lhasa apsos, German shepherds, and Dobermans are at high risk. What signs should I watch for? Signs range from neck or back pain and reluctance to move, to wobbly, uncoordinated walking, to paralysis with or without loss of feeling. Neck discs usually cause severe pain, while back discs more often cause weakness or paralysis of the hind legs. A rupture can develop over days or happen suddenly; some dogs go from walking to fully paralyzed in under an hour. Paralyzed dogs may also lose bladder and bowel control. How is it diagnosed and treated? Your veterinarian will assess pain, walking, and reflexes and stage the disease. MRI or a myelogram confirms which disc is involved. Mild to moderate cases are treated with strict rest, anti-inflammatories, pain relievers, and muscle relaxants. Surgery to remove the disc material is recommended if signs persist or worsen, and dogs that are paralyzed, especially with loss of feeling, need surgery as soon as possible, ideally within 24 hours, often at a specialty hospital. Recovery can take days to weeks and often includes physical therapy at home. Can it be prevented, and what's the outlook? Disc degeneration cannot be fully prevented, and a dog can rupture another disc later. The outlook depends on how severe the damage was and how quickly pressure on the cord was relieved. Seek care right away for any sudden weakness, wobbliness, or paralysis. Reviewed by the Adler Veterinary Hospital veterinary team, October 2026. Dachshunds, French bulldogs, beagles and other breeds; ages 3 to 7 Who's at risk: Back or neck pain, wobbly walking, dragging or paralyzed legs Main signs: Emergency — see a vet now Urgency: When to call a vet right away Sudden weakness, wobbliness, or inability to walk Paralysis of the legs, especially with loss of bladder or bowel control Not sure whether it can wait? Call us anyway. Our team can help you decide. Source: VCA Animal Hospitals, Degenerative Disc Disease in Dogs Back to Dogs Related conditions Hip Dysplasia Torn Cruciate (ACL) Arthritis Next steps Watch a related video Watch on YouTube Helpful products See products Schedule an appointment Request appointment

Lymphoma is the most common cancer in ferrets and can strike at any age. Learn the signs, from swollen lymph nodes to weight loss, and how it is treated. Lymphoma Back to Ferrets What is it? Lymphoma is the most common cancer in ferrets, affecting the lymph nodes, spleen, liver, bone marrow, and other organs. It can strike ferrets of any age. What signs should I watch for? Signs to watch for include enlarged lymph nodes, weight loss and poor appetite, lethargy, labored breathing, and diarrhea. How is it diagnosed and treated? Blood work, imaging, and a biopsy of an affected lymph node or mass confirm the diagnosis. Treatment may involve chemotherapy, surgery for an isolated mass or enlarged spleen, and supportive care. Can it be prevented, and what's the outlook? Outlook varies with the form and the ferret's age. Ferrets usually tolerate chemotherapy well. Yearly exams help catch problems early. Reviewed by the Adler Veterinary Hospital veterinary team, October 2026. Ferrets of any age Who's at risk: Enlarged lymph nodes, weight loss, lethargy, labored breathing Main signs: Schedule a visit soon Urgency: When to call a vet right away Problems breathing, or coughing Poor or absent appetite Vomiting, diarrhea or blood in the stool A swollen belly Hind-leg weakness New swellings on the neck or legs Not sure whether it can wait? Call us anyway. Our team can help you decide. Source: VCA, Lymphoma or Lymphosarcoma in Ferrets Back to Ferrets Related conditions Helicobacter Gastritis Insulinoma Adrenal Disease Next steps Watch a related video Watch on YouTube Helpful products See products Schedule an appointment Request appointment

A rabbit's teeth grow for life and can overgrow without enough hay. Learn the signs of dental disease, like drooling and fewer droppings, and how it is treated. Dental Disease Back to Rabbits What is it? A rabbit's teeth grow throughout life and are normally worn down by hours of chewing hay. Too little hay, genetics (especially in flat-faced breeds), or injury can cause the teeth to overgrow, develop sharp spurs that cut the cheeks and tongue, or grow roots into the jaw and eye socket. What signs should I watch for? Signs to watch for include drooling or a wet chin, dropping food or eating only soft foods, weight loss and fewer droppings, watery or goopy eye, and swelling on the jaw or face (possible abscess). How is it diagnosed and treated? A complete look at the back teeth usually needs sedation, plus skull X-rays or CT to evaluate roots. Treatment involves burring overgrown teeth, removing diseased teeth, and treating any abscesses. Can it be prevented, and what's the outlook? Many rabbits need lifelong, regular dental care. A hay-based diet (about 80% of intake) is the most important prevention. Reviewed by the Adler Veterinary Hospital veterinary team, October 2026. Rabbits on low-hay diets; flat-faced breeds Who's at risk: Drooling, dropping food, fewer droppings, face swelling Main signs: Ongoing management with your vet Urgency: When to call a vet right away Eating less, or eating only soft foods Fewer droppings, or none Drooling or a wet chin Swelling on the jaw or face (possible abscess) A watery or goopy eye Not sure whether it can wait? Call us anyway. Our team can help you decide. Source: VCA, Dental Disease in Rabbits Back to Rabbits Related conditions Ear Mites GI Stasis Snuffles Next steps Watch a related video Watch on YouTube Helpful products See products Schedule an appointment Request appointment

Client education on common conditions in parrots, including aspergillosis, egg binding and feather loss. General information that doesn't replace an exam. Common Conditions in Parrots Client education from Adler Veterinary Hospital, Southwest Florida. These summaries are for general information and don't replace an exam. Aspergillosis Aspergillosis is a fungal infection, usually of the air sacs and lungs, caused by breathing in Aspergillus spores from moldy food, bedding, or poor ventilation. More info Fatty Liver & Atherosclerosis Fatty liver disease (hepatic lipidosis) and atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) are common in parrots fed high-fat seed diets with little exercise. More info PDD (Bornavirus) PDD is a disease of the nerves supplying the digestive tract, linked to avian bornavirus. More info Beak & Feather Disease PBFD is a viral disease (circovirus) affecting parrots, especially cockatoos, African greys, and lovebirds. More info Feather Plucking Feather-destructive behavior means a bird pulls, chews, or barbers its own feathers. More info Psittacosis Psittacosis is a bacterial infection caused by Chlamydia psittaci. More info Egg Binding Egg binding happens when a female bird can't pass an egg. More info Heavy Metal Poisoning Heavy metal toxicosis is poisoning, usually from lead or zinc. More info Vitamin A Deficiency Vitamin A deficiency is very common in parrots fed mostly seeds. More info

Mast cell tumors are the most common skin cancer in dogs and can look like almost any lump. Learn the signs, why every lump should be checked, and treatment. Mast Cell Tumors Back to Dogs What is it? Mast cell tumors are the most common skin cancer in dogs. They can look like almost any lump, from a small raised bump to a swollen, red mass, and may change size from day to day. Boxers, Boston terriers, Labradors, and pugs are among breeds at higher risk. What signs should I watch for? Signs to watch for include A new or changing skin lump; A lump that swells, reddens, or itches; and vomiting or appetite loss in some cases. How is it diagnosed and treated? A needle sample can usually identify the tumor; a biopsy determines its grade. Surgical removal with a margin of normal tissue is the main treatment. Higher-grade tumors may need further staging, radiation, or chemotherapy. Can it be prevented, and what's the outlook? Outlook depends heavily on grade and stage; many low-grade tumors are cured by surgery. Have every new lump checked. Reviewed by the Adler Veterinary Hospital veterinary team, October 2026. Dogs; Boxers, Boston terriers, Labradors, pugs at higher risk Who's at risk: New or changing skin lump that swells, reddens, or itches Main signs: Schedule a visit soon Urgency: When to call a vet right away A lump that suddenly swells, reddens or grows quickly Vomiting or loss of appetite Black, tarry stools Lethargy A rounded or swollen belly Not sure whether it can wait? Call us anyway. Our team can help you decide. Source: VCA, Mast Cell Tumors in Dogs Back to Dogs Related conditions Histiocytoma Fatty Tumor (Lipoma) Skin Cysts Next steps Watch a related video Watch on YouTube Helpful products See products Schedule an appointment Request appointment