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An aural hematoma is a painful pocket of blood in a dog's ear flap, usually from head shaking. Learn the signs, common causes, and why prompt treatment matters. Aural Hematoma (Ear Flap Swelling) Back to Dogs What is it? The ear flap (pinna) has skin on both sides and cartilage in the middle, with blood vessels just under the skin. Vigorous head shaking or scratching can break these vessels, so blood collects between the skin and cartilage. Most dogs with a hematoma have an ear infection, allergy, bite wound, or foreign material such as a tick or grass awn in the ear. Bleeding or clotting disorders can also cause it. What signs should I watch for? The ear flap becomes thick, puffy, and spongy, over the whole flap or just one area. Many dogs also show signs of the underlying ear problem, such as head shaking, scratching, odor, or discharge. Aural hematomas are very painful. How is it diagnosed and treated? Your veterinarian will examine the ear and ear canal to find the cause. Surgery is quick and effective: the blood is drained, stitches close the pocket, and a bandage supports the ear. Other options include draining and injecting a steroid, or oral steroids, though these may need repeat visits. The underlying infection, allergy, or foreign body must also be treated, or another hematoma may form. Can it be prevented, and what's the outlook? Treating ear problems early helps prevent the head shaking that causes hematomas. Left untreated, a hematoma may slowly reabsorb, but the inflammation can leave a scarred, cauliflower-shaped ear that may block the ear canal. Reviewed by the Adler Veterinary Hospital veterinary team, October 2026. Dogs with ear infections, allergies or ear irritation Who's at risk: Puffy, soft, swollen ear flap; head shaking; scratching ears Main signs: See a vet within a day or two Urgency: When to call a vet right away A thick, puffy or spongy ear flap Constant head shaking or scratching at an ear Odor or discharge from the ear An ear hematoma with no injury (possible bleeding or clotting problem) Not sure whether it can wait? Call us anyway. Our team can help you decide. Source: VCA Animal Hospitals, Aural Hematoma in Dogs Back to Dogs Related conditions Ear Tip Necrosis Discoid Lupus (DLE) Ear Infections Next steps Watch a related video Watch on YouTube Helpful products See products Schedule an appointment Request appointment

Aspergillosis is a fungal infection of a bird's air sacs and lungs, caused by breathing in mold spores. Learn the signs, risk factors and how to prevent it. Aspergillosis Back to Parrots What is it? 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. Stress and vitamin A deficiency increase risk. What signs should I watch for? Signs to watch for include breathing changes, tail bobbing; change in voice or reduced talking; lethargy, weight loss; and breathing difficulty in advanced cases. How is it diagnosed and treated? Diagnosis may require blood work, X-rays, CT, endoscopy, and fungal testing. Treatment involves long courses of antifungal medication, sometimes nebulized, and surgery in some cases. Can it be prevented, and what's the outlook? Treatment is often long and outlook depends on how early it's caught. Keep food fresh and dry, clean cages often, and ensure good ventilation—important in humid Florida. Reviewed by the Adler Veterinary Hospital veterinary team, October 2026. Stressed birds or those with vitamin A deficiency Who's at risk: Breathing changes, tail bobbing, voice change, weight loss Main signs: Schedule a visit soon Urgency: When to call a vet right away Breathing difficulty Tail bobbing with each breath Not sure whether it can wait? Call us anyway. Our team can help you decide. Source: VCA, Aspergillosis in Birds Back to Parrots Related conditions Egg Binding Heavy Metal Poisoning Psittacosis Next steps Watch a related video Watch on YouTube Helpful products See products Schedule an appointment Request appointment

RHDV2 is a highly contagious, often fatal virus in pet and wild rabbits. Learn the signs, how it spreads, and how vaccination helps protect your rabbits. Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease (RHDV2) Back to Rabbits What is it? Rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus type 2 (RHDV2) is a highly contagious, often fatal virus affecting both pet and wild rabbits. It survives for long periods in the environment and spreads through contact with infected rabbits, contaminated objects, insects, and even people's shoes and clothing. It has been confirmed in many US states. What signs should I watch for? Signs to watch for include sudden death, often with no warning; fever and lethargy; not eating; bleeding from the nose or mouth; and trouble breathing or neurologic signs. How is it diagnosed and treated? Diagnosis is confirmed by laboratory testing, usually after death. There is no specific treatment; supportive care is attempted, but most affected rabbits die. Suspected cases must be reported to animal health authorities. Can it be prevented, and what's the outlook? Vaccination is available in the US and is strongly recommended. Keep rabbits indoors, avoid contact with wild rabbits, and wash hands and change shoes after being outside. Reviewed by the Adler Veterinary Hospital veterinary team, October 2026. Pet and wild rabbits, especially unvaccinated Who's at risk: Sudden death, fever, not eating, bleeding from nose or mouth Main signs: Emergency — see a vet now Urgency: When to call a vet right away Bleeding from the nose or mouth Trouble breathing or neurologic signs Not eating Fever and lethargy Not sure whether it can wait? Call us anyway. Our team can help you decide. Source: VCA, Infectious Diseases in Rabbits Back to Rabbits Related conditions E. cuniculi GI Stasis Snuffles Next steps Watch a related video Watch on YouTube Helpful products See products Schedule an appointment Request appointment

Ear infections in dogs cause head shaking, odor and painful ears. Learn why dogs' ear canals trap moisture, the signs to watch for, and how they are treated. Ear Infections (Otitis Externa) Back to Dogs What is it? Otitis externa is inflammation of the outer ear canal. Dogs' L-shaped canals trap moisture and debris, letting yeast and bacteria overgrow. Allergies are the most common underlying trigger, followed by swimming, ear mites, foreign material like grass awns, and ear shape. What signs should I watch for? Signs to watch for include head shaking or scratching at the ears, odor or brown/yellow discharge, redness or swelling of the canal, pain when the ears are touched, and head tilt or loss of balance in severe cases. How is it diagnosed and treated? Your veterinarian looks into the canal with an otoscope and examines a sample of debris under the microscope to identify yeast, bacteria, or mites. Treatment usually includes a thorough ear cleaning and medicated ear products; stubborn cases may need a culture or sedated flushing. Can it be prevented, and what's the outlook? Finishing every dose and returning for a recheck matters, because partly treated infections tend to return. Controlling allergies and drying ears after swimming help prevent repeat episodes. Reviewed by the Adler Veterinary Hospital veterinary team, October 2026. Dogs with allergies, swimmers, certain ear shapes Who's at risk: Head shaking, ear odor or discharge, redness, painful ears Main signs: Schedule a visit soon Urgency: When to call a vet right away Head tilt or loss of balance Ears so painful your dog won't let you touch them Red, swollen ears with a bad odor Black or yellowish discharge Constant head shaking or scratching Not sure whether it can wait? Call us anyway. Our team can help you decide. Source: VCA, Ear Infections in Dogs Back to Dogs Related conditions Ear Tip Necrosis Discoid Lupus (DLE) Ear Hematoma Next steps Watch a related video Watch on YouTube Helpful products See products Schedule an appointment Request appointment

Neonatal isoerythrolysis is a severe anemia in newborn kittens caused by antibodies in the mother's first milk. Learn the signs and how blood typing helps. Neonatal Isoerythrolysis Back to Cats What is it? Cats have blood types A, B, and the rare AB. Type A is by far the most common, but some pure breeds are more likely to be type B. Type B cats naturally carry antibodies against type A blood. When type A or AB kittens nurse first milk (colostrum) from a type B mother, those antibodies enter the kittens' blood and destroy their red blood cells. What signs should I watch for? Kittens look normal at birth but develop severe anemia within two to three days and may die if not treated right away. Signs of anemia include weakness, tiredness, and pale gums. How is it diagnosed and treated? Blood tests confirm the diagnosis. Treatment is to stop the kitten from nursing the mother's colostrum, give safe colostrum or a milk replacer, and provide supportive care, including blood transfusions if needed. Can it be prevented, and what's the outlook? It can be prevented by blood typing the mother and kittens, withholding risky colostrum, and using colostrum that does not contain harmful antibodies. The outlook depends on how quickly treatment starts. Reviewed by the Adler Veterinary Hospital veterinary team, October 2026. Newborn type A or AB kittens of a type B mother Who's at risk: Weakness, tiredness, pale gums in the first days of life Main signs: Emergency — see a vet now Urgency: When to call a vet right away Weakness or tiredness in a newborn kitten Pale gums in a newborn kitten A kitten that seemed normal at birth but declines in the first 2 to 3 days Not sure whether it can wait? Call us anyway. Our team can help you decide. Source: Merck, Anemia in Cats Back to Cats Related conditions Eclampsia (Milk Fever) Pregnancy Nutrition Mastitis Next steps Watch a related video Watch on YouTube Helpful products See products Schedule an appointment Request appointment

Canine cognitive dysfunction is an age-related decline in brain function. Learn the signs, like night pacing and getting lost at home, and how to help your dog. Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Back to Dogs What is it? Cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS) is an age-related decline in thinking and memory that changes behavior and quality of life. The brain develops changes similar to, though not identical with, those of Alzheimer's disease in people. It is chronic and slowly progressive. Experts recommend yearly screening starting at seven years of age; large dogs tend to age sooner than small ones. What signs should I watch for? The signs are often remembered as DISHAA: Disorientation (getting lost in familiar places, going to the wrong side of a door, not recognizing people); changes in social Interactions (more clingy or more withdrawn); Sleep-wake changes (sleeping more by day and pacing at night); House soiling and loss of learned cues; changes in Activity (less play, more wandering); and Anxiety, including new fears or distress when left alone. A dog showing more than one sign should have a medical and behavioral evaluation. How is it diagnosed and treated? There is no simple test. Your veterinarian looks for these consistent behavior signs and runs tests to rule out other illnesses, such as arthritis or kidney disease, that can mimic or worsen them. Treatment may include selegiline, the medication licensed in North America for cognitive decline in dogs, diets enriched with antioxidants, certain supplements, and adjustments to your home and routine. A veterinary behaviorist can help with anxiety and other behavior changes. Can it be prevented, and what's the outlook? Daily mental and physical activity, such as training old and new tricks, puzzle toys, scent games, play, and exercise, along with a healthy weight, help support brain health. CDS cannot be reversed, but treatment can slow its progress and ease signs. Reviewed by the Adler Veterinary Hospital veterinary team, October 2026. Senior dogs; screening advised from age seven Who's at risk: Getting lost at home, pacing at night, house soiling, new anxiety Main signs: Ongoing management with your vet Urgency: When to call a vet right away Getting lost in familiar places, or not recognizing people Pacing or restlessness at night Accidents in the house, or forgetting learned cues New fears or distress when left alone More than one of these signs at once Not sure whether it can wait? Call us anyway. Our team can help you decide. Source: VCA Animal Hospitals, Behavior Counseling: Senior Pet Cognitive Dysfunction Back to Dogs Related conditions Aggression Noise & Storm Phobia Separation Anxiety Next steps Watch a related video Watch on YouTube Helpful products See products Schedule an appointment Request appointment

Lymphoma is a cancer of white blood cells that often shows up as swollen lymph nodes in dogs. Learn the signs, how it is diagnosed, and the treatment options. Lymphoma Back to Dogs What is it? Lymphoma is a cancer of lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell. It most often appears as enlarged lymph nodes but can affect organs such as the spleen, liver, and intestines. It is one of the most common cancers in dogs. What signs should I watch for? Signs to watch for include firm, painless swellings under the jaw, in front of the shoulders, or behind the knees; lethargy or reduced appetite; weight loss; and increased thirst or breathing changes. How is it diagnosed and treated? A needle sample or biopsy of a lymph node confirms the diagnosis; blood work and imaging show how far it has spread. Chemotherapy is the main treatment, and dogs usually tolerate it much better than people do. Can it be prevented, and what's the outlook? Lymphoma is rarely cured, but treatment often brings remission and good quality time. Report any new lumps promptly. Reviewed by the Adler Veterinary Hospital veterinary team, October 2026. Dogs; one of the most common canine cancers Who's at risk: Firm painless swellings at jaw, shoulders, or knees; lethargy Main signs: Schedule a visit soon Urgency: When to call a vet right away New firm swellings under the jaw, in front of the shoulders, or behind the knees Breathing changes Not sure whether it can wait? Call us anyway. Our team can help you decide. Source: VCA Animal Hospitals, Lymphoma in Dogs Back to Dogs Related conditions Bone Cancer Splenic Tumors Liver Tumors Next steps Watch a related video Watch on YouTube Helpful products See products Schedule an appointment Request appointment

Bloat (GDV) is a life-threatening emergency where a dog's stomach fills with gas and twists. Learn the warning signs, who is at risk, and why minutes matter. Bloat (Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus, GDV) Back to Dogs What is it? In simple bloat (gastric dilatation), the stomach fills with gas. In GDV, the swollen stomach also twists on itself, blocking both the entrance and the exit. The enlarged stomach presses on major veins and the diaphragm, leading to shock, and parts of the stomach wall can die or rupture. The exact cause is unknown. It is most common in large, deep-chested breeds such as Great Danes, Saint Bernards, Weimaraners, Irish and Gordon setters, standard poodles, basset hounds, Doberman pinschers, and Old English sheepdogs, but any dog can bloat. What signs should I watch for? Signs include restlessness or distress, heavy drooling, retching without bringing anything up, trouble breathing, and a swollen belly, most obvious on the left side. Dogs may collapse or be unable to stand. Bloat and GDV look the same from the outside. How is it diagnosed and treated? GDV is an emergency: go to a veterinarian immediately. X-rays show whether the stomach has twisted. The team relieves the gas with a stomach tube or a needle, treats shock with intravenous fluids and emergency medications, and then performs surgery to return the stomach to its normal position, remove damaged tissue, and stitch the stomach to the body wall (gastropexy). The spleen sometimes needs to be removed. Can it be prevented, and what's the outlook? Risk factors include eating one large meal a day, eating fast, a family history of bloat, being thin, an anxious or fearful temperament, and middle to older age; exercise after a big meal or a lot of water may add risk. A preventive gastropexy, often done at spay or neuter in high-risk breeds, prevents twisting in most cases. Even with treatment, 10 to 45% of dogs do not survive, and outcome depends greatly on how quickly treatment begins. Reviewed by the Adler Veterinary Hospital veterinary team, October 2026. Large, deep-chested breeds; middle-aged to older dogs Who's at risk: Retching without vomiting, swollen belly, drooling, restlessness Main signs: Emergency — see a vet now Urgency: When to call a vet right away Retching without producing anything A swollen or bloated belly, most obvious on the left side Restlessness or distress with heavy drooling Trouble breathing Collapse or inability to stand Not sure whether it can wait? Call us anyway. Our team can help you decide. Source: VCA Animal Hospitals, Bloat (Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus) in Dogs Back to Dogs Related conditions IMHA Splenic Tumors Parvovirus Next steps Watch a related video Watch on YouTube Helpful products See products Schedule an appointment Request appointment

Cryptosporidiosis is a contagious stomach parasite in snakes that is hard to clear from a collection. Learn the signs, like regurgitation, and how it's managed. Cryptosporidiosis Back to Snakes What is it? Cryptosporidiosis is caused by a microscopic parasite (Cryptosporidium serpentis) that infects the stomach. It spreads through contaminated stool and is very hard to eliminate from collections. What signs should I watch for? Signs to watch for include regurgitation, often days after feeding; firm swelling in the middle of the body; weight loss; and lethargy. How is it diagnosed and treated? Diagnosis uses stool or stomach-wash samples tested in the laboratory, sometimes with biopsies. There is no reliable cure; supportive care can help. Can it be prevented, and what's the outlook? Infected snakes may need to be isolated permanently. Strict hygiene, quarantine, and testing are important. Some disinfectants don't kill this parasite. Reviewed by the Adler Veterinary Hospital veterinary team, October 2026. Snakes in collections; spread through stool Who's at risk: Regurgitation days after feeding, mid-body swelling, weight loss Main signs: Ongoing management with your vet Urgency: When to call a vet right away Regurgitation, often days after feeding Firm swelling in the middle of the body Not sure whether it can wait? Call us anyway. Our team can help you decide. Source: VCA, Common Diseases of Pet Snakes Back to Snakes Related conditions Inclusion Body Disease Ferlavirus Regurgitation & Anorexia Next steps Watch a related video Watch on YouTube Helpful products See products Schedule an appointment Request appointment

GI stasis means a rabbit's gut has slowed or stopped, and it can snowball fast. Learn the warning signs, like no droppings or appetite, and why it's urgent. GI Stasis Back to Rabbits What is it? GI stasis means the rabbit's digestive tract has slowed down or stopped moving. Rabbits depend on constant gut movement, so when it stalls, gas and dehydrated contents build up and the problem snowballs. Common triggers are a diet low in hay, stress, pain from another illness, and dental disease. It is always an emergency. What signs should I watch for? Signs to watch for include small, dry, or no droppings; not eating, even favorite treats; hunched posture or sitting still; bloated or firm belly; and tooth grinding (a sign of pain). How is it diagnosed and treated? Your veterinarian will feel the abdomen and usually take X-rays to check for gas or a blockage. Treatment typically includes fluids, pain relief, syringe feeding, and medication to get the gut moving, along with finding and treating the underlying cause. Can it be prevented, and what's the outlook? Unlimited grass hay, fresh greens, plenty of water, and daily exercise are the best protection. A rabbit that hasn't eaten or passed droppings for 12 hours should be seen the same day. Reviewed by the Adler Veterinary Hospital veterinary team, October 2026. Rabbits on low-hay diets, stressed, or in pain Who's at risk: Few or no droppings, not eating, hunched, bloated belly Main signs: Emergency — see a vet now Urgency: When to call a vet right away Not eating or passing droppings for 12 hours Bloated or firm belly Hunched posture or tooth grinding (a sign of pain) Not sure whether it can wait? Call us anyway. Our team can help you decide. Source: VCA, Gastrointestinal Stasis in Rabbits Back to Rabbits Related conditions Dental Disease Flystrike Urinary Sludge & Stones Next steps Watch a related video Watch on YouTube Helpful products See products Schedule an appointment Request appointment

A lipoma is a common, benign fatty lump under the skin of middle-aged and older dogs. Learn what lipomas feel like, when they cause problems, and why to check. Lipoma (Fatty Tumor) Back to Dogs What is it? A lipoma is a noncancerous tumor made of fat. It usually grows under the skin, though it can appear anywhere, even inside the abdomen. Lipomas that grow between muscle layers are called infiltrative lipomas. A rare malignant form, liposarcoma, seldom spreads but needs more extensive surgery. Many middle-aged and older dogs have more than one lipoma. What signs should I watch for? Most lipomas are soft, movable lumps under the skin. Some stay the same size for years; others grow large. A lipoma in the armpit, between the legs, or around the neck can cause discomfort or lameness, such as an odd gait, reluctance to stand, climb stairs, or go for walks. How is it diagnosed and treated? Your veterinarian can usually confirm a lipoma with a fine needle aspirate, a quick sample of cells taken with a small needle. If results are unclear, a biopsy may be needed, and CT scans help plan surgery for infiltrative lipomas or suspected liposarcoma. Surgical removal is the most effective treatment and is easiest while the lump is small. Steroid injections into the lipoma have shown some promise when surgery is not an option. Can it be prevented, and what's the outlook? There is no known way to prevent lipomas. Once removed, they seldom come back, though new ones may appear. Have every new or changing lump checked, since a needle sample is the only way to tell a lipoma from other lumps. Reviewed by the Adler Veterinary Hospital veterinary team, October 2026. Middle-aged to older dogs Who's at risk: Soft, movable lump under the skin; sometimes several Main signs: Schedule a visit soon Urgency: When to call a vet right away A lump that is growing quickly A lump causing discomfort A lump that makes walking, standing or climbing stairs hard Any new lump (have it checked) Not sure whether it can wait? Call us anyway. Our team can help you decide. Source: VCA Animal Hospitals, Lipomas and Liposarcomas (Adipose Tumors) Back to Dogs Related conditions Perianal Tumors Skin Cysts Mast Cell Tumors Next steps Watch a related video Watch on YouTube Helpful products See products Schedule an appointment Request appointment

Rabbits pass extra calcium in their urine, and too much can form sludge or stones. Learn the signs of bladder sludge and stones and how diet and treatment help. Urinary Sludge and Stones Back to Rabbits What is it? Rabbits absorb nearly all the calcium they eat and pass the excess in their urine, which is why normal rabbit urine can look cloudy. When too much calcium builds up, it can form thick sludge or stones in the bladder, kidneys, or urethra. Low water intake, obesity, and inactivity raise the risk. What signs should I watch for? Signs to watch for include straining or frequent urination; blood in the urine; thick, gritty, or paste-like urine; urine scald or wet fur around the rear; and hunched posture, poor appetite. How is it diagnosed and treated? Diagnosis uses X-rays and urinalysis, sometimes ultrasound. Sludge may be flushed out under sedation; stones often need surgery. Pain relief and fluids are part of care. Can it be prevented, and what's the outlook? Encourage drinking (bowls are often better than bottles), feed mostly hay and leafy greens, limit high-calcium pellets and greens, and keep your rabbit active. Reviewed by the Adler Veterinary Hospital veterinary team, October 2026. Rabbits with low water intake, obesity, inactivity Who's at risk: Straining, blood in urine, gritty urine, hunched posture Main signs: See a vet within a day or two Urgency: When to call a vet right away Straining or frequent urination Blood in the urine Hunched posture or poor appetite Not sure whether it can wait? Call us anyway. Our team can help you decide. Source: VCA, Bladder Sludge and Stones in Rabbits Back to Rabbits Related conditions Uterine Cancer GI Stasis Sore Hocks Next steps Watch a related video Watch on YouTube Helpful products See products Schedule an appointment Request appointment