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Mastitis is inflammation, usually infection, of a dog's mammary glands, most often after giving birth. Learn the signs in the mother and when to call a vet. Mastitis Back to Dogs What is it? Mastitis is inflammation of a mammary gland, most often caused by bacteria entering through the teat. Risk factors include unsanitary conditions, teat injuries from puppies' teeth or nails, and infection elsewhere in the body. It is most common in the first two weeks after birth, and many cases follow sudden weaning or the loss of a puppy, when milk builds up in the glands. What signs should I watch for? In early cases the first sign may be puppies not gaining weight as expected, with slight swelling of a gland. As it progresses, the gland becomes swollen, hot, hard, red or purple, and painful, and the milk may contain blood or pus or look thick. Severe cases can turn a gland dark purple or black as tissue dies, and the mother may become lethargic, feverish, stop eating, vomit, or neglect her puppies. How is it diagnosed and treated? Diagnosis is often based on an exam, sometimes with blood tests, milk cytology, or a milk culture to choose an antibiotic. Most dogs can be treated at home with oral antibiotics and pain relief, which lets her stay with her puppies. Your veterinarian may recommend warm compresses or hand-milking the gland. Severe cases need hospital care with intravenous fluids, and dead tissue or badly infected glands may need surgery. An abscess may need to be drained. Can it be prevented, and what's the outlook? Most cases have a good outlook and improve in two to three weeks with treatment; severe, bloodstream infections carry a guarded outlook. To help prevent it, check teats daily, trim the puppies' nails, keep bedding clean, and encourage puppies to nurse from all teats. Reviewed by the Adler Veterinary Hospital veterinary team, October 2026. Nursing mothers, especially in the first two weeks after birth Who's at risk: Hot, swollen, painful gland; abnormal milk; puppies not gaining Main signs: See a vet within a day or two Urgency: When to call a vet right away A gland that is swollen, hot, red or purple, and painful Blood or pus in the milk, or milk that looks thick A gland turning dark purple or black Fever, lethargy, vomiting or refusing to eat Puppies not gaining weight as expected Not sure whether it can wait? Call us anyway. Our team can help you decide. Source: VCA, Mastitis in Dogs Back to Dogs Related conditions False Pregnancy Difficult Birth Uterine Infection Next steps Watch a related video Watch on YouTube Helpful products See products Schedule an appointment Request appointment

Client education on common sugar glider conditions, including dental disease, Giardia and hind-limb paralysis. General information that doesn't replace an exam. Common Conditions in Sugar Gliders Client education from Adler Veterinary Hospital, Southwest Florida. These summaries are for general information and don't replace an exam. Dental Disease Sugar gliders commonly build up tartar and develop gum infections, tooth decay, and tooth-root abscesses. More info Malnutrition & Obesity In the wild, sugar gliders eat tree sap, gum, nectar, and insects, a diet that is hard to copy at home. More info Self-Mutilation Self-mutilation is when a sugar glider chews or bites its own body, most often the tail, legs, genitals, or a surgical site. More info Giardia & GI Parasites Sugar gliders can carry intestinal parasites, including the protozoan Giardia and various worms. More info Metabolic Bone Disease Metabolic bone disease (MBD) develops when a sugar glider's diet has too little calcium, too much phosphorus, or not enough vitamin D. More info Trauma Injuries are common in sugar gliders. More info Hind-Limb Paralysis Sudden or gradual weakness or paralysis of the back legs is a fairly common emergency in sugar gliders. More info Penile Prolapse Penile prolapse (paraphimosis) means a male glider's penis stays outside the body and can't go back in. More info

Client education on common conditions in rabbits, including dental disease, GI stasis, ear mites and RHDV2. General information that doesn't replace an exam. Common Conditions in Rabbits Client education from Adler Veterinary Hospital, Southwest Florida. These summaries are for general information and don't replace an exam. Dental Disease A rabbit's teeth grow throughout life and are normally worn down by hours of chewing hay. More info Flystrike Flystrike (myiasis) occurs when flies lay eggs on damp, soiled fur or wounds and the hatched maggots eat into the skin. More info Snuffles Pasteurellosis is a bacterial infection caused by Pasteurella multocida, which many rabbits carry. More info Uterine Cancer Uterine adenocarcinoma is a cancer of the uterus that becomes very common in unspayed female rabbits as they get older, often beginning around three to four years of age. More info E. cuniculi E. cuniculi is a microscopic parasite that many rabbits carry without showing signs. More info GI Stasis GI stasis means the rabbit's digestive tract has slowed down or stopped moving. More info Sore Hocks Pododermatitis is inflammation and sores on the bottoms of the hind feet and hocks. More info Ear Mites Ear mites in rabbits (Psoroptes cuniculi) are parasites that live in the ear canal and cause intense irritation. More info RHDV2 Rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus type 2 (RHDV2) is a highly contagious, often fatal virus affecting both pet and wild rabbits. More info Urinary Sludge & Stones Rabbits absorb nearly all the calcium they eat and pass the excess in their urine, which is why normal rabbit urine can look cloudy. More info

Flystrike happens when flies lay eggs on soiled fur and maggots eat into the skin. It can develop within hours. Learn the warning signs and how to prevent it. Flystrike Back to Rabbits What is it? Flystrike (myiasis) occurs when flies lay eggs on damp, soiled fur or wounds and the hatched maggots eat into the skin. It can develop within hours and is extremely painful and often fatal. Rabbits that can't groom normally, because of obesity, arthritis, dental disease, or diarrhea, are at highest risk. Florida's warm climate means flies are active much of the year. What signs should I watch for? Signs to watch for include maggots or eggs around the tail or rear; wet, dirty, or smelly fur; restlessness, then sudden lethargy; not eating; and collapse or shock. How is it diagnosed and treated? Flystrike is an emergency. Treatment typically involves clipping and cleaning under sedation, removing maggots, pain relief, fluids, and wound care, plus treating the reason the rabbit was soiled. Can it be prevented, and what's the outlook? Check your rabbit's rear end daily (twice daily in hot weather), keep housing clean and dry, and address any cause of a dirty bottom. Ask about fly prevention products. Reviewed by the Adler Veterinary Hospital veterinary team, October 2026. Rabbits that can't groom: obese, arthritic, or with diarrhea Who's at risk: Maggots near the rear, soiled fur, sudden lethargy Main signs: Emergency — see a vet now Urgency: When to call a vet right away Maggots or eggs around the tail or rear Restlessness, then sudden lethargy Collapse or shock Not sure whether it can wait? Call us anyway. Our team can help you decide. Source: Univ. of Liverpool, Flystrike in rabbits Back to Rabbits Related conditions GI Stasis Sore Hocks Urinary Sludge & Stones Next steps Watch a related video Watch on YouTube Helpful products See products Schedule an appointment Request appointment

Client education on dog conditions, including Addison's disease, bloat, ear infections and hip dysplasia. General information that doesn't replace an exam. Common Conditions in Dogs Client education from Adler Veterinary Hospital, Southwest Florida. These summaries are for general information and don't replace an exam. Addison's Disease Addison's disease is a shortage of adrenal hormones that control stress response and salt and water balance. More info Atopy vs Food Allergy Environmental allergy (atopy) and food allergy cause very similar itching in dogs. More info Bone Cancer Osteosarcoma is an aggressive, painful bone cancer that most often affects the leg bones of large-breed dogs. More info Collapsing Trachea Tracheal collapse is a weakening of the windpipe's cartilage rings so the airway flattens as the dog breathes in. More info Difficult Birth Dystocia means a difficult birth: a dog cannot deliver her puppies normally without help. More info Ear Hematoma An aural hematoma is a pocket of blood in the ear flap, usually caused by head shaking or scratching from an itchy or infected ear. More info Eclampsia (Milk Fever) Eclampsia, also called puerperal tetany or milk fever, is a life-threatening drop in blood calcium in nursing mothers. More info Environmental Allergies Atopic dermatitis is an inherited tendency to overreact to things in the environment, such as pollens, molds, and dust mites. More info False Pregnancy False pregnancy is when an unspayed female dog shows signs of pregnancy and mothering behavior after a heat cycle without actually being pregnant. More info Heartworm Heartworm disease is caused by a worm spread by mosquito bites. More info Hooded Vulva A hooded or recessed vulva is partly hidden by surrounding skin folds. More info Liver Tumors Liver tumors can be benign or malignant; in dogs most primary liver tumors are malignant, with hepatocellular carcinoma the most common. More info Mastitis Mastitis is inflammation, usually from infection, of one or more mammary glands. More info Nuclear Sclerosis Nuclear sclerosis is a normal, age-related bluish-gray haze in the lens of the eye of middle-aged and older dogs. More info Paw Inflammation Pododermatitis means inflammation of the paws. More info Perineal Hernia A perineal hernia happens when the muscles beside the anus weaken or tear, letting fat, intestine, or even the bladder bulge under the skin. More info Prostate Disease Prostate problems are common in unneutered male dogs. More info Retained Testicle Cryptorchidism is when one or both testicles do not descend into the scrotum. More info Separation Anxiety Some dogs become distressed when left alone, barking, pacing, chewing exits, drooling, or soiling indoors. More info Skin Tags Skin tags, also called fibroepithelial polyps or fibromas, are slow-growing, benign growths of fibrous tissue. More info Umbilical Hernia An umbilical hernia is a soft bulge at the belly button where the umbilical opening did not fully close after birth. More info Vaginal Hyperplasia In vaginal hyperplasia, swollen vaginal tissue pushes out through the vulva during heat. More info Aggression Aggression in dogs ranges from a warning growl or snap to serious bites. More info Bite Wounds Bite wounds are one of the most common reasons dogs need emergency care. More info Brucellosis Canine brucellosis is a contagious bacterial infection that mainly affects the reproductive system, causing late miscarriage and infertility. More info Cushing's Disease Cushing's disease (hyperadrenocorticism) is overproduction of cortisol, the body's stress hormone. More info Disc Disease (IVDD) In intervertebral disc disease, a degenerated spinal disc ruptures and presses on the spinal cord, causing back or neck pain, wobbliness, or paralysis. More info Ear Infections Otitis externa is inflammation of the outer ear canal. More info Ectopic Ureters Ectopic ureters are a birth defect in which the tubes carrying urine from the kidneys bypass their normal entry into the bladder. More info Eyelid Tumors Growths on the eyelid edge are common in dogs. More info Fatty Tumor (Lipoma) A lipoma is a common, benign fatty lump, usually under the skin, in middle-aged and older dogs. More info Hip Dysplasia Hip dysplasia is an inherited malformation of the hip joint during growth that leads to a loose joint and arthritis. More info Hypothyroidism Hypothyroidism means the thyroid gland makes too little hormone, slowing the body's metabolism. More info Lymphoma Lymphoma is a cancer of lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell. More info Mitral Valve Disease Mitral valve disease is a gradual thickening and weakening of the valve between the left heart chambers, so blood leaks backward. More info Obesity Obesity means carrying enough extra body fat to harm health. More info Pemphigus Pemphigus is a group of autoimmune skin diseases in which the immune system attacks the connections between skin cells, causing crusts, sores, and sometimes blisters. More info Periodontal Disease Periodontal disease is an infection of the tissues that hold the teeth in place. More info Pyometra Pyometra is a serious, life-threatening infection of the uterus in unspayed female dogs. More info SIPS (Bloody Discharge) SIPS is long-lasting bloody discharge after giving birth, caused by slow healing of the uterus where the placentas were attached. More info Skin Abscesses An abscess is a pocket of pus, often caused by a bite or a penetrating object such as a stick or grass seed. More info Splenic Tumors Tumors of the spleen can be benign (hemangioma) or malignant (hemangiosarcoma). More info Urinary Incontinence USMI is a common cause of urine leakage in spayed female dogs: the muscles that keep the urethra closed lose tone, so urine leaks when the dog is relaxed or asleep. More info Vaginitis Vaginitis is inflammation of the vagina or the area just inside the vulva. More info Arthritis Osteoarthritis is a slowly worsening joint disease in which the protective cartilage wears down, causing pain, stiffness, and bony changes. More info Bloat (GDV) GDV is a life-threatening emergency in which the stomach fills with gas and twists, cutting off its entrance, exit, and blood supply. More info Cognitive Dysfunction (Dementia) Canine cognitive dysfunction is a slowly progressive, age-related decline in brain function, similar in some ways to Alzheimer's disease. More info Diabetes Diabetes occurs when the body doesn't make enough insulin, so sugar builds up in the blood instead of fueling cells. More info Discoid Lupus (DLE) Discoid lupus erythematosus, sometimes called "collie nose," is an autoimmune skin disease that usually starts on the nose, causing loss of pigment, a smooth surface, crusts, and sores. More info Ear Tip Necrosis Inflammation or clotting of the small blood vessels in the ear flap can starve the ear tip of blood, causing dark crusts, sores, and dead tissue at the edge of the ear. More info Entropion Entropion is an inward rolling of the eyelid that lets hair rub on the eye, causing pain and corneal damage. More info Fading Puppy Syndrome Fading puppy syndrome describes puppies that seem normal at birth but gradually weaken and die in the first two weeks of life. More info Heart Disease (DCM) Dilated cardiomyopathy is a disease of the heart muscle: the walls thin and weaken, the heart enlarges, and it can no longer pump blood well. More info Histiocytoma A histiocytoma is a common, benign skin tumor of young dogs. More info IMHA In immune-mediated hemolytic anemia, the immune system destroys the dog's own red blood cells, often causing severe anemia. More info Mast Cell Tumors Mast cell tumors are the most common skin cancer in dogs. More info Noise & Storm Phobia Fear of noises such as thunder and fireworks affects about a third of dogs. More info Parvovirus Canine parvovirus is a highly contagious virus that attacks the intestinal lining and the immune system. More info Perianal Tumors Lumps around the anus in dogs are often perianal (hepatoid) gland tumors. More info Pregnancy Nutrition Pregnancy and nursing put big demands on a mother dog. More info Retained Placenta A retained placenta is afterbirth that stays in the uterus after a puppy is born. More info Sebaceous Adenoma Sebaceous adenomas are common, benign growths of the skin's oil glands in older dogs. More info Skin Cysts Skin cysts in dogs are benign, keratin-filled sacs, most of which come from hair follicles. More info Torn Cruciate (ACL) The cranial cruciate ligament (similar to the ACL in people) stabilizes the knee. More info Uterine Infection Metritis is inflammation of the uterus, usually from bacterial infection, that develops after a dog gives birth. More info Zinc Dermatosis Zinc-responsive dermatosis is a skin disease caused by poor absorption or low availability of zinc. More info

Meet our veterinarian: a DVM with advanced soft-tissue, orthopedic and exotic surgery experience, focused on precise diagnosis and fear-free handling. Our Approach Led by a DVM with advanced experience in soft-tissue, orthopedic, and exotic surgery. Focus on precise diagnosis, modern surgical techniques, and clear communication with pet owners. Our Veterinarian Our veterinarian has over 15 years of hands-on experience in animal health, beginning as a licensed Animal Health Technologist before earning a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from St. Matthew's University School of Veterinary Medicine in 2018. Our veterinarian performs a wide range of advanced soft tissue, orthopedic, and exotic animal surgeries, including splenectomies, cystotomies, foreign body surgery, femoral head ostectomies, perineal urethrostomies, enucleations, and limb amputations. Beyond dogs and cats, our veterinarian brings deep experience with birds, reptiles, small mammals, and aquatic species, including anesthesia and diagnostics work at the Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre and raptor rehabilitation with Pacific Northwest Raptors. Our veterinarian is also a Master Falconer. Our veterinarian is committed to fear-free, low-stress handling and clear, transparent communication with every pet owner. Education & Honors: Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Valedictorian, St. Matthew's University, 2018 Animal Health Technology Diploma, Thompson Rivers University, 2010 Boehringer Ingelheim Award for Academic Excellence in Internal Medicine, 2018 VitalRads Award for Outstanding Student in Diagnostic Imaging, 2018

Is your pet itchy? Fill out our skin allergy questionnaire before your visit so your vet can see the full picture: signs, pattern, itch level, diet and history. Skin Allergy Questionnaire Fill this out before your visit so your vet can see the full picture. This questionnaire helps us prepare for your visit. It does not replace an exam and is not for emergencies. If your pet is in distress, contact your nearest emergency veterinary hospital. Pet name* Species Age when signs started Under 1 year 1 to 7 years Over 7 years Not sure Which pictures look like your pet? Choose all that apply. Red paws or paw licking Ear itching or ear infections Face rubbing Belly or armpit redness Rear-end or tail-base itching Hot spot Skin infections that keep coming back Soft stool or frequent bowel movements Pattern Seasonal Year-round Comes and goes Itch level (1 = none, 10 = constant) Current diet, treats and flea prevention Past treatments and what helped; are other pets affected? Owner name* Owner email* Submit

How to do a food trial for an itchy pet: choosing the diet with your vet, staying strict for 8 weeks, safe treats, tracking itch and the rechallenge. How to Do a Food Trial

About Adler Veterinary Hospital: emergency, general practice and exotic animal care, with a focus on accurate diagnosis, modern surgery and clear communication. About Adler Veterinary Hospital Adler Veterinary Hospital provides emergency, general practice, and exotic animal care. The practice focuses on accurate diagnosis, modern surgery, and clear communication.

Regular wellness exams help your pet stay healthy and help us find small problems: a nose-to-tail exam, weight and body condition, preventive care, screening. Wellness Exams: The Foundation of Lifelong Health Regular wellness exams help your pet stay healthy and help us find small problems before they become serious. Pets often hide signs of illness, so a routine visit gives our team a chance to see what you might not. What happens during a wellness exam - Nose-to-tail physical exam: We check your pet's eyes, ears, mouth, heart, lungs, skin, coat, joints, and abdomen. - Weight and body condition: We track changes over time and offer nutrition guidance. - Preventive care review: We make sure vaccines and parasite prevention are current and right for your pet's lifestyle. - Screening tests when needed: Blood work, urine tests, or fecal tests can reveal hidden issues, especially as pets age. - Time for your questions: Behavior, diet, activity, and anything else on your mind. How often? Most healthy adult pets benefit from at least one exam a year. Puppies, kittens, seniors, and pets with ongoing conditions usually need more frequent visits. Exotic pets have their own needs, and we will recommend a schedule that fits your companion. Have questions about your pet's next checkup? Ask our team. We're glad to help.

Dental disease is one of the most common problems in dogs and cats. See the signs to watch for, like bad breath or red gums, and why cleanings need anesthesia. Dental Cleanings: Why Your Pet's Smile Matters Dental disease is one of the most common health problems we see in dogs and cats. It can cause pain, tooth loss, and infection, and bacteria from the mouth may affect other organs over time. Many pets hide mouth pain, so problems often go unnoticed at home. Signs to watch for - Bad breath - Red or bleeding gums - Yellow or brown buildup on the teeth - Chewing on one side, dropping food, or reluctance to eat - Pawing at the mouth Why anesthesia? Much of dental disease happens below the gumline, where it can't be seen or cleaned while a pet is awake. Anesthesia allows us to safely and thoroughly clean above and below the gumline, examine every tooth, take dental X-rays, and treat problems without causing stress or pain. Your pet is monitored closely throughout the procedure. What a professional cleaning includes - Pre-anesthetic exam and testing as recommended - Scaling and polishing of all tooth surfaces - Dental X-rays and a full oral exam - Treatment of problems such as damaged or infected teeth Care at home Daily tooth brushing and veterinarian-recommended dental products help keep teeth healthier between cleanings. Wondering about your pet's dental health? Ask our team at your next visit.

Florida's warm, humid climate lets fleas, ticks, mosquitoes and other parasites thrive all year, so we recommend year-round prevention for dogs and cats. Parasite Prevention: Year-Round Protection in Southwest Florida Florida's warm, humid climate lets fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, and other parasites thrive all year. That's why we recommend year-round prevention for dogs and cats, not just during certain seasons. Fleas Fleas cause itching, skin problems, and allergies, and they can spread tapeworms. Once they're in your home, they can be hard to get rid of. Prevention is much easier than treatment. Ticks Ticks can spread serious diseases to pets and people. Check your pet after time outdoors, and keep prevention current. Heartworm Heartworm disease spreads through mosquito bites and can cause severe, sometimes fatal, damage to the heart and lungs. It is common in Florida. Dogs and cats can both be affected, and indoor pets are still at risk. Prevention is safe and effective; treatment for dogs is lengthy and costly, and there is no approved treatment for cats. Regular heartworm testing for dogs is an important part of prevention. Intestinal parasites Roundworms, hookworms, and other worms are common, and some can spread to people. Routine fecal testing and prevention help protect your whole family. Finding the right product We'll recommend prevention based on your pet's species, size, health, and lifestyle. Exotic pets have different needs and should only receive products approved by a veterinarian. Questions about protecting your pet from parasites? Ask our team. We're here to help.