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IBD and small-cell GI lymphoma cause similar vomiting, diarrhea and weight loss in cats. Learn the signs, how they are told apart, and the treatment options. Inflammatory Bowel Disease and GI Lymphoma Back to Cats What is it? Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is chronic inflammation of the intestinal lining. Small-cell GI lymphoma, a slow-growing cancer, causes very similar signs and is common in older cats. The two can be hard to tell apart. What signs should I watch for? Signs to watch for include chronic or intermittent vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, changes in appetite, and lethargy. How is it diagnosed and treated? Diagnosis involves ruling out parasites, diet issues, and other diseases with blood work, fecal testing, and ultrasound. Intestinal biopsies are often needed to distinguish IBD from lymphoma. Treatment may include diet trials, anti-inflammatory therapy, and, for lymphoma, oral chemotherapy. Can it be prevented, and what's the outlook? Many cats with IBD or low-grade lymphoma are controlled well for long periods with treatment. Don't ignore frequent vomiting; it isn't normal. Reviewed by the Adler Veterinary Hospital veterinary team, October 2026. Cats, especially older cats Who's at risk: Chronic vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, appetite changes Main signs: Ongoing management with your vet Urgency: When to call a vet right away Vomiting that is frequent or getting worse Diarrhea that won't settle Poor appetite or weight loss Lethargy Vomiting hairballs more than once a month Not sure whether it can wait? Call us anyway. Our team can help you decide. Source: VCA, Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Cats Back to Cats Related conditions Diabetes Hyperthyroidism Obesity Next steps Watch a related video Watch on YouTube Helpful products See products Schedule an appointment Request appointment

A retained placenta is afterbirth left in a dog's uterus after delivery, which can lead to infection. Learn the signs to watch for in the days after birth. Retained Placenta (Afterbirth) Back to Dogs What is it? Each puppy has its own placenta (afterbirth), which is usually passed within about 15 minutes of the puppy's birth. Mothers often eat the placentas, and several may come out together, so it can be hard to count them. If a placenta does not come out, it can stay in the uterus. Retention of a placenta usually leads to metritis (infection of the uterus). What signs should I watch for? Watch the mother after delivery for vomiting, decreased appetite, fever, lethargy, continued straining as if in labor, or a discolored (green) vaginal discharge. VCA advises seeking veterinary help if she develops a bloody or smelly discharge 24 to 48 hours after delivery. How is it diagnosed and treated? Your veterinarian may diagnose it with an exam and by feeling the abdomen, and may use blood tests, vaginal cytology, ultrasound, or X-rays to rule out a retained puppy. Oxytocin or prostaglandin, drugs that make the uterus contract, may help expel the placenta. Rarely, surgery is needed, and spaying is a last resort in severe cases. Can it be prevented, and what's the outlook? Many placentas that are not passed right away break down and pass within 24 to 48 hours, often when the mother defecates. A veterinary check after delivery helps make sure all puppies and placentas have been delivered, and post-delivery oxytocin may be given if not all placentas were passed. Reviewed by the Adler Veterinary Hospital veterinary team, October 2026. Dogs in the days after giving birth Who's at risk: Fever, poor appetite, green or smelly discharge, straining Main signs: See a vet within a day or two Urgency: When to call a vet right away Bloody or smelly discharge 24 to 48 hours after delivery Green vaginal discharge Vomiting or decreased appetite Fever or lethargy Continued straining as if still in labor Not sure whether it can wait? Call us anyway. Our team can help you decide. Source: VCA, Pregnancy Concerns in Pets Back to Dogs Related conditions SIPS (Bloody Discharge) Difficult Birth Pyometra Next steps Watch a related video Watch on YouTube Helpful products See products Schedule an appointment Request appointment

Sudden or gradual back-leg weakness or paralysis is a common emergency in sugar gliders, often from poor diet. Learn the warning signs and what to do. Hind-Limb Paralysis Back to Sugar Gliders What is it? Sudden or gradual weakness or paralysis of the back legs is a fairly common emergency in sugar gliders. The most frequent cause is metabolic bone disease from poor diet, which weakens bones and lowers blood calcium. Spinal injury from a fall or bite, infection, and other illnesses can also be responsible. What signs should I watch for? Signs to watch for include dragging the back legs, trouble climbing or gripping, trembling or weakness, urine or stool soiling, and reduced appetite. How is it diagnosed and treated? Your veterinarian performs an exam, X-rays, and often blood tests. Treatment depends on the cause and may include calcium and dietary correction, pain relief, strict cage rest in a small, low enclosure, and nursing care such as hand-feeding. Can it be prevented, and what's the outlook? Many gliders with diet-related paralysis improve if treated promptly. A properly balanced diet is the best prevention. Reviewed by the Adler Veterinary Hospital veterinary team, October 2026. Gliders on poor diets, or after a fall or bite Who's at risk: Dragging back legs, trouble climbing or gripping, trembling Main signs: Emergency — see a vet now Urgency: When to call a vet right away Dragging the back legs Trouble climbing or gripping Trembling or weakness Not sure whether it can wait? Call us anyway. Our team can help you decide. Source: Merck Vet Manual, Sugar Glider Diseases Back to Sugar Gliders Related conditions Trauma Malnutrition & Obesity Metabolic Bone Disease Next steps Watch a related video Watch on YouTube Helpful products See products Schedule an appointment Request appointment

Tracheal collapse weakens a dog's windpipe and causes a dry, honking cough, most often in small breeds. Learn the signs, triggers and treatment options. Collapsing Trachea Back to Dogs What is it? The trachea, or windpipe, is held open by C-shaped cartilage rings with a thin membrane completing the circle. If the rings lose stiffness or the membrane sags, the airway flattens during breathing, making it harder for air to reach the lungs. It is most common in middle-aged to senior dogs (about 4 to 14 years) and in Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, Shih Tzus, Lhasa apsos, toy poodles, and Yorkshire terriers, though any dog can be affected. What signs should I watch for? The typical sign is a persistent, dry, harsh cough often described as a goose honk. It may worsen at night, with excitement, in hot or humid weather, right after eating or drinking, or when a collar presses on the neck. How is it diagnosed and treated? Your veterinarian may suspect it if gentle pressure on the windpipe triggers coughing. X-rays, fluoroscopy (moving X-rays), or endoscopy confirm it, and other causes of cough, such as heart failure, must be ruled out. Treatment may include cough suppressants, anti-inflammatories, airway-opening drugs, and other medications; complex surgery or implants by a board-certified surgeon are options for some dogs. Liver function should be monitored, since liver disease often occurs alongside it. Can it be prevented, and what's the outlook? Keep your dog at a healthy weight, use a harness instead of a collar, prevent overexcitement, and avoid irritants such as tobacco smoke. The condition is progressive and most dogs keep some cough for life, but many are managed well; outlook depends on how your dog responds to treatment. Reviewed by the Adler Veterinary Hospital veterinary team, October 2026. Small and toy breeds, middle-aged to senior Who's at risk: Dry honking cough, worse with excitement, heat or collar pressure Main signs: Ongoing management with your vet Urgency: When to call a vet right away Breathing difficulty A cough that is getting worse or won't stop Coughing that worsens in hot or humid weather Coughing when the collar presses on the neck, or right after eating or drinking Not sure whether it can wait? Call us anyway. Our team can help you decide. Source: VCA Animal Hospitals, Tracheal Collapse in Dogs Back to Dogs Related conditions Mitral Valve Disease Heart Disease (DCM) Heartworm Next steps Watch a related video Watch on YouTube Helpful products See products Schedule an appointment Request appointment

Mitral valve disease is the most common heart disease in dogs, especially small breeds. Learn the signs of heart failure and why resting breathing rate matters. Mitral Valve Disease (MVD) Back to Dogs What is it? The mitral valve sits between the left atrium and left ventricle. In mitral valve disease (also called myxomatous or degenerative mitral valve disease, or mitral insufficiency), the valve thickens and becomes floppy, so it no longer closes properly. About 80% of heart disease in dogs is due to this condition. It is more common in small breeds and in males; predisposed breeds include Cavalier King Charles spaniels, Chihuahuas, miniature schnauzers, poodles, Pomeranians, Yorkshire terriers, and dachshunds. What signs should I watch for? The first sign is usually a heart murmur your veterinarian hears, sometimes as early as four to six years of age. Many dogs have no signs for months to years. As leaking worsens, heart failure can develop: watch for gagging as if clearing the throat, a chronic hacking cough, and tiring more easily on walks. A rising sleeping or resting breathing rate can mean the condition is getting worse. How is it diagnosed and treated? Diagnosis uses a physical exam and stethoscope, chest X-rays, blood and urine tests, an ECG, and an echocardiogram, which is the most useful test and is repeated over time. Treatment depends on the stage (A to D) and may include pimobendan, diuretics, ACE inhibitors, other heart drugs as needed, and a lower-salt diet with no high-salt treats. Can it be prevented, and what's the outlook? The cause is unknown, though genetics likely play a role in some breeds, so it cannot be prevented. Most dogs with heart failure need lifelong treatment, but many that stabilize quickly enjoy good quality of life for many months to a few years. Counting your dog's resting breathing rate at home helps your vet track how treatment is working. Reviewed by the Adler Veterinary Hospital veterinary team, October 2026. Small breeds, especially Cavalier King Charles spaniels; more in males Who's at risk: Heart murmur, hacking cough, gagging, tiring on walks Main signs: Ongoing management with your vet Urgency: When to call a vet right away A rising breathing rate while resting or asleep A chronic, hacking cough Gagging as if trying to clear the throat Tiring more easily on walks Not sure whether it can wait? Call us anyway. Our team can help you decide. Source: VCA Animal Hospitals, Mitral Valve Disease in Dogs Back to Dogs Related conditions Collapsing Trachea Heart Disease (DCM) Heartworm Next steps Watch a related video Watch on YouTube Helpful products See products Schedule an appointment Request appointment

Adrenal disease is one of the most common illnesses in pet ferrets. Learn the signs of excess sex hormones, like hair loss and itching, and treatment options. Adrenal Gland Disease Back to Ferrets What is it? Adrenal disease is one of the most common illnesses of pet ferrets in North America, usually in ferrets over three. One or both adrenal glands become overactive, often from a tumor, and produce excess sex hormones. What signs should I watch for? Signs to watch for include hair loss starting at the tail and spreading; itchy skin; swollen vulva in spayed females; straining to urinate in males (EMERGENCY); and aggressive or sexual behavior, muscle loss. How is it diagnosed and treated? Diagnosis relies on signs, ultrasound of the adrenal glands, and sometimes hormone testing. Options include a hormone-suppressing implant and/or surgery to remove the affected gland. Can it be prevented, and what's the outlook? Treatment should not be delayed; in males an enlarged prostate can block urination. Regular checkups help catch it early. Reviewed by the Adler Veterinary Hospital veterinary team, October 2026. Ferrets over three years old Who's at risk: Hair loss from the tail, itchy skin, swollen vulva Main signs: Schedule a visit soon Urgency: When to call a vet right away Straining to urinate (in males) Blocked urination from an enlarged prostate (in males) Not sure whether it can wait? Call us anyway. Our team can help you decide. Source: VCA, Hormonal Diseases in Ferrets Back to Ferrets Related conditions Helicobacter Gastritis Insulinoma Lymphoma Next steps Watch a related video Watch on YouTube Helpful products See products Schedule an appointment Request appointment

Healthy snakes shed in one piece. Dysecdysis means a stuck or patchy shed. Learn the signs, why retained eye caps matter, and how humidity and care help. Dysecdysis (Shedding Problems) Back to Snakes What is it? Healthy snakes shed their skin in one piece. Dysecdysis means a stuck, incomplete, or patchy shed. It is usually a sign of an underlying problem, most commonly low humidity, incorrect temperature, poor nutrition, mites, or illness. What signs should I watch for? Signs to watch for include patches of old skin that stay on, retained eye caps (spectacles), shed coming off in small pieces, and constricted bands of skin on the tail. How is it diagnosed and treated? Your veterinarian checks for retained eye caps and underlying illness. Treatment often includes warm soaks or humid hides, gentle removal of retained skin, and husbandry corrections. Never pull eye caps off yourself. Can it be prevented, and what's the outlook? Correct humidity, a moist hide, a rough surface for rubbing, and good nutrition help snakes shed normally. Reviewed by the Adler Veterinary Hospital veterinary team, October 2026. Snakes kept with low humidity or wrong temperature Who's at risk: Stuck skin patches, retained eye caps, tight tail bands Main signs: Schedule a visit soon Urgency: When to call a vet right away Eye caps (spectacles) that did not come off with the shed Tight bands of stuck skin on the tail Shed coming off in small pieces again and again Not sure whether it can wait? Call us anyway. Our team can help you decide. Source: VCA, Common Problems in Pet Snakes Back to Snakes Related conditions Snake Fungal Disease Snake Mites Thermal Burns Next steps Watch a related video Watch on YouTube Helpful products See products Schedule an appointment Request appointment

Prostate problems are common in unneutered male dogs, most often benign enlargement. Learn the signs to watch for and how neutering and treatment can help. Prostate Disease (Enlarged Prostate and Prostatitis) Back to Dogs What is it? The prostate gland sits in the pelvis behind the bladder. Benign prostatic hyperplasia, a non-cancerous enlargement caused by male hormones, is found in almost all unneutered dogs over six years old. Other prostate problems include bacterial infection (prostatitis), abscesses, cysts, and cancer, which are less common and can also occur in neutered dogs. What signs should I watch for? Many dogs show no signs. When signs occur, they include straining to pass stool, blood in the urine, discharge from the prepuce, repeated urinary tract infections, and pain. Fever, lethargy, poor appetite, stiffness, and belly pain suggest infection or a tumor; severe prostatic abscesses can cause dehydration and shock. How is it diagnosed and treated? Your veterinarian may use a rectal exam, X-rays, ultrasound, and blood, urine, and semen tests. For benign enlargement, neutering is the preferred treatment and the prostate usually shrinks within a few weeks; medication may help breeding dogs. Prostatitis is treated with antibiotics, sometimes for a long time, and neutering may be advised afterward. Large cysts may need surgery. Can it be prevented, and what's the outlook? Neutering is the main way to manage benign enlargement. Prostate cancer is uncommon but serious, and neutering does not protect against it. Reviewed by the Adler Veterinary Hospital veterinary team, October 2026. Unneutered male dogs, especially over 6 years old Who's at risk: Straining to defecate, blood in urine, discharge, urinary infections Main signs: Schedule a visit soon Urgency: When to call a vet right away Straining to pass stool Blood in the urine Fever, malaise or poor appetite Belly pain or stiffness Dehydration or signs of shock Not sure whether it can wait? Call us anyway. Our team can help you decide. Source: Merck, Reproductive Disorders: Male Dogs Back to Dogs Related conditions Brucellosis Retained Testicle Perineal Hernia Next steps Watch a related video Watch on YouTube Helpful products See products Schedule an appointment Request appointment

Respiratory infections in snakes are often triggered by an enclosure that is too cool, damp or dirty. Learn the signs, like open-mouth breathing, and treatment. Respiratory Infections Back to Snakes What is it? Respiratory infections in snakes are usually bacterial and are most often triggered by husbandry problems, especially enclosures that are too cool, too damp, or dirty. Because snakes can't cough to clear mucus, a mild infection can progress to pneumonia. What signs should I watch for? Signs to watch for include bubbles or mucus at the nose or mouth; wheezing, clicking, or gurgling sounds; open-mouth breathing or holding the head up; and lethargy and refusing food. How is it diagnosed and treated? Diagnosis may include an exam, X-rays, and samples from the airway for testing. Treatment typically involves antibiotics, sometimes nebulization, fluids, and correcting temperature and humidity. Can it be prevented, and what's the outlook? Caught early, most respiratory infections respond well. Correct heat gradients and clean housing are key to prevention. Some viruses also cause respiratory disease, so new snakes should be quarantined. Reviewed by the Adler Veterinary Hospital veterinary team, October 2026. Snakes in cool, damp, or dirty enclosures Who's at risk: Nose or mouth bubbles, wheezing, open-mouth breathing Main signs: See a vet within a day or two Urgency: When to call a vet right away Open-mouth breathing or holding the head up Bubbles or mucus at the nose or mouth Wheezing, clicking, or gurgling sounds 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 Mouth Rot Ferlavirus Next steps Watch a related video Watch on YouTube Helpful products See products Schedule an appointment Request appointment

FLUTD covers bladder and urethra problems in cats, from stress cystitis to blockage. Learn the signs, and why straining with no urine is an emergency. Lower Urinary Tract Disease and Urethral Obstruction Back to Cats What is it? Feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) describes conditions of the bladder and urethra. The most common is stress-related bladder inflammation (idiopathic cystitis); stones, crystals, and infections also occur. In male cats, plugs can block the urethra, which is a life-threatening emergency. What signs should I watch for? Signs to watch for include frequent trips to the litter box with little urine; straining or crying while urinating; blood in the urine; urinating outside the box; and straining with no urine produced (EMERGENCY, especially in males). How is it diagnosed and treated? Urinalysis, urine culture, and X-rays or ultrasound help find the cause. A blocked cat needs emergency anesthesia and a catheter to relieve the obstruction. Other cases are managed with pain relief, diet changes, and stress reduction. Can it be prevented, and what's the outlook? More water (wet food, fountains), a therapeutic diet if advised, clean litter boxes, and a calm home help prevent repeat episodes. A cat who strains without producing urine should be seen right away. Reviewed by the Adler Veterinary Hospital veterinary team, October 2026. Cats; male cats risk a life-threatening blockage Who's at risk: Straining, frequent small urinations, blood in urine Main signs: Emergency — see a vet now Urgency: When to call a vet right away Straining with no urine produced (an emergency, especially in males) Straining or crying while urinating Frequent trips to the litter box with little urine Not sure whether it can wait? Call us anyway. Our team can help you decide. Source: VCA, Lower Urinary Tract Disease in Cats Back to Cats Related conditions Retained Testicle Kidney Disease Diabetes Next steps Watch a related video Watch on YouTube Helpful products See products Schedule an appointment Request appointment

Fear of thunder and fireworks is common in dogs and often worsens without help. Learn the signs, from panting and pacing to panic, and how to help your dog. Noise and Thunderstorm Phobia Back to Dogs What is it? Noise aversion is a fear response to sounds such as thunder, fireworks, or traffic. Mild fear is normal; a phobia is an exaggerated, harmful fear that lasts well after the sound ends. Genetics can play a role, and certain herding and working breeds may be predisposed, but experience and learning matter too. Fear can begin in puppyhood, adolescence, or at any age after a frightening experience, and fear of one sound often spreads to others. Pain, such as an ear infection or arthritis, and hearing loss in older dogs can contribute. What signs should I watch for? Mild fear can look like panting, pacing, trembling, freezing, cowering, or hiding. Phobic dogs may panic, become extremely agitated, try to escape, or damage things, and may take a long time to recover. Refusing food during a storm is a sign the fear is strong. A senior dog (8 years or older) that newly becomes afraid of noises should be checked for a medical problem. How is it diagnosed and treated? Start with your veterinarian, who can look for medical causes and prescribe medications that reduce fear, including options for situations such as storms that cannot be avoided. Behavior modification can teach a dog to feel better about sounds; for moderate to severe fear it should be guided by a qualified behaviorist or skilled positive-reinforcement trainer, or a board-certified veterinary behaviorist. At home, create a safe haven in an inner room, muffle sounds with white noise or music, close blinds, and offer treats or a food toy if your dog will take them. Calm comfort is fine; never punish a frightened dog, since punishment increases fear. Can it be prevented, and what's the outlook? Socializing puppies gently to many sounds before about 14 weeks, while avoiding frightening exposures, may help prevent noise fears. Without treatment they often get worse, and these dogs can develop other anxiety problems, but with medication and behavior work many dogs cope much better. Reviewed by the Adler Veterinary Hospital veterinary team, October 2026. About one in three dogs; some herding and working breeds Who's at risk: Panting, pacing, trembling, hiding, escape attempts during noise Main signs: Ongoing management with your vet Urgency: When to call a vet right away Panic or extreme agitation Trying to escape, or destroying things Refusing food because of fear A senior dog that newly becomes afraid of noises Not sure whether it can wait? Call us anyway. Our team can help you decide. Source: VCA Animal Hospitals, Fear of Noises and Places in Dogs Back to Dogs Related conditions Aggression Separation Anxiety Cognitive Dysfunction (Dementia) Next steps Watch a related video Watch on YouTube Helpful products See products Schedule an appointment Request appointment

Vitamin A deficiency is very common in parrots fed mostly seeds and makes infections take hold more easily. Learn the signs and how a better diet helps. Hypovitaminosis A Back to Parrots What is it? Vitamin A deficiency is very common in parrots fed mostly seeds. Vitamin A keeps the lining of the mouth, airways, and other tissues healthy; without it, infections take hold more easily. What signs should I watch for? Signs to watch for include sneezing, nasal discharge; white bumps in the mouth; poor feather quality; swelling around the eyes; and overgrown beak. How is it diagnosed and treated? Diagnosis is based on diet history and exam findings. Treatment involves correcting the diet, supplementation as directed by your vet, and treating secondary infections. Can it be prevented, and what's the outlook? A formulated diet with dark leafy greens and orange vegetables helps prevent this. Diet changes should be gradual. Reviewed by the Adler Veterinary Hospital veterinary team, October 2026. Parrots fed mostly seeds Who's at risk: Sneezing, nasal discharge, white mouth bumps, swollen eyes Main signs: Schedule a visit soon Urgency: When to call a vet right away Sneezing or nasal discharge Swelling around the eyes Not sure whether it can wait? Call us anyway. Our team can help you decide. Source: VCA, Respiratory Disease in Birds Back to Parrots Related conditions PDD (Bornavirus) Feather Plucking Fatty Liver & Atherosclerosis Next steps Watch a related video Watch on YouTube Helpful products See products Schedule an appointment Request appointment