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A histiocytoma is a common, benign skin bump in young dogs that often goes away on its own. Learn what it looks like and when it should be checked or removed. Histiocytoma Back to Dogs What is it? A cutaneous histiocytoma is a harmless tumor of Langerhans cells, a type of immune cell in the skin. It is common, especially in dogs under three years old, though it can occur at any age. Boxers, Great Danes, and dachshunds appear more susceptible. It is one of the few tumors the dog's own immune system can eliminate. What signs should I watch for? Look for a single raised, red, button-like bump, often hairless, that grows quickly over the first one to four weeks. It may ulcerate, itch, bleed, or become infected. Nearby lymph nodes occasionally swell, which your veterinarian should recheck. More than one tumor at a time is unusual and needs further investigation. How is it diagnosed and treated? Because other lumps can look similar, your veterinarian will usually take a needle sample or biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. Many histiocytomas are left to shrink on their own. If the bump ulcerates, bleeds, becomes infected, or does not shrink within one to two months, it can be removed surgically, which is usually a permanent cure. Antibiotics may be used for infection. Can it be prevented, and what's the outlook? There is no known prevention. The outlook is excellent, as most regress over a few months. Keep your dog from licking, scratching, or biting the bump, and keep any ulcerated area clean. Reviewed by the Adler Veterinary Hospital veterinary team, October 2026. Young dogs, usually under three; Boxers, Great Danes, dachshunds Who's at risk: Small red, raised, button-like bump that grows quickly Main signs: Schedule a visit soon Urgency: When to call a vet right away The bump is bleeding The bump is ulcerated or looks infected Nearby lymph nodes are swelling More than one bump appears The bump hasn't shrunk after 1 to 2 months Not sure whether it can wait? Call us anyway. Our team can help you decide. Source: VCA Animal Hospitals, Cutaneous Histiocytoma in Dogs Back to Dogs Related conditions Perianal Tumors Fatty Tumor (Lipoma) Mast Cell Tumors Next steps Watch a related video Watch on YouTube Helpful products See products Schedule an appointment Request appointment

Pregnancy and nursing put big demands on a mother dog. Learn how to feed her well, what weight changes to watch for, and how to help her puppies thrive. Nutrition Problems in Pregnant and Nursing Dogs Back to Dogs What is it? Good nutrition supports conception, delivery, and milk production. A mother who is malnourished, either over- or underweight, can have problems that affect her puppies. Obesity is the most common nutrition problem in pregnant dogs: it can lengthen the time between heat cycles, reduce litter size, raise the risk of a difficult birth, and lower milk production. Under-feeding can cause loss of pregnancy, abnormal development, stillbirths, small litters, and low birth weights. What signs should I watch for? Watch for weight or body condition loss during the first two-thirds of pregnancy, or for her becoming overweight. A healthy mother gains about 15 to 20% over her breeding weight. During nursing, a mother who cannot eat enough may lose weight and make less milk. In the puppies, watch for weight loss after the first 24 hours; healthy newborns gain weight daily, and weighing them twice a day for the first week helps you spot problems early. How is it diagnosed and treated? Your veterinarian can check her body condition and help adjust portions. Early in pregnancy she needs the same food as a young adult dog, fed as meals. From about day 40, energy needs rise 30 to 60%; a highly digestible puppy or growth food in several small meals is recommended (not a large-breed puppy food, which has the wrong calcium-phosphorus balance). Three to five weeks after birth she may need two to four times her usual calories, so an energy-dense puppy food is best, often free-choice for the first 3 to 4 weeks unless she has only one or two puppies, which can raise the risk of mastitis. Can it be prevented, and what's the outlook? An overweight dog should lose weight before breeding. Calcium supplements and dairy are generally not recommended during pregnancy or nursing unless your veterinarian advises them, because they can increase the risk of eclampsia. At weaning, her food is reduced and then gradually returned to her normal pre-breeding portions to help her milk dry up. With a plan from your veterinarian, most mothers and puppies do well. Reviewed by the Adler Veterinary Hospital veterinary team, October 2026. Pregnant and nursing dogs, especially overweight or underweight mothers Who's at risk: Weight loss or gain, poor milk, puppies not gaining weight Main signs: Schedule a visit soon Urgency: When to call a vet right away The mother loses weight or body condition while pregnant The mother can't eat enough while nursing, or seems to make less milk Puppies losing weight after the first 24 hours Puppies with low birth weights that are not thriving Not sure whether it can wait? Call us anyway. Our team can help you decide. Source: VCA, Feeding the Pregnant Dog Back to Dogs Related conditions False Pregnancy Eclampsia (Milk Fever) Mastitis Next steps Watch a related video Watch on YouTube Helpful products See products Schedule an appointment Request appointment

Heavy metal toxicosis is lead or zinc poisoning in parrots, often from paint, curtain weights or cage wire. Learn the warning signs and sources to remove. Heavy Metal Toxicosis Back to Parrots What is it? Heavy metal toxicosis is poisoning, usually from lead or zinc. Birds swallow fragments from old paint, curtain weights, jewelry, or galvanized cage wire. What signs should I watch for? Signs to watch for include lethargy, weakness; vomiting or regurgitation; bloody or dark droppings; increased thirst; and neurologic signs such as seizures. How is it diagnosed and treated? Diagnosis is made with X-rays and blood tests. Treatment removes the metal and binds it in the body, along with supportive care. Can it be prevented, and what's the outlook? Keep birds away from heavy metals and use safe cages and toys. Prompt treatment improves outcomes. Reviewed by the Adler Veterinary Hospital veterinary team, October 2026. Birds with access to old paint, weights, jewelry Who's at risk: Lethargy, vomiting, bloody droppings, thirst, seizures Main signs: Emergency — see a vet now Urgency: When to call a vet right away Seizures or other neurologic signs Bloody or dark droppings Vomiting or regurgitation Any suspected exposure to lead Not sure whether it can wait? Call us anyway. Our team can help you decide. Source: VCA, Lead Poisoning in Birds Back to Parrots Related conditions Aspergillosis Egg Binding Psittacosis Next steps Watch a related video Watch on YouTube Helpful products See products Schedule an appointment Request appointment

Periodontal disease is an infection of the tissues that hold a dog's teeth in place. Learn the signs, like bad breath and red gums, and how dental care helps. Periodontal Disease Back to Dogs What is it? Periodontal disease is an infection of the tissues that hold the teeth in place. Plaque from bacteria hardens into tartar, inflames the gums, and slowly destroys the bone and ligaments around each tooth. Most adult dogs have some degree of it, and small breeds are hit especially hard. What signs should I watch for? Signs to watch for include bad breath; red, swollen, or bleeding gums; brown tartar on the teeth; dropping food or chewing on one side; and loose or missing teeth, pawing at the mouth. How is it diagnosed and treated? A full assessment requires a cleaning under anesthesia, with dental X-rays to see damage below the gumline. Teeth are scaled and polished above and below the gums, and badly diseased teeth may need to be removed. Can it be prevented, and what's the outlook? Daily tooth brushing is the gold standard. Dental diets and chews can help, and regular professional cleanings keep disease from progressing. Untreated infection can affect the whole body, not just the mouth. Reviewed by the Adler Veterinary Hospital veterinary team, October 2026. Most adult dogs, especially small breeds Who's at risk: Bad breath, red or bleeding gums, tartar, loose teeth Main signs: Schedule a visit soon Urgency: When to call a vet right away Swelling or a draining sore on the face or under the chin Blood in the saliva Pawing at the mouth or chewing with obvious discomfort Dropping food or trouble swallowing A loose or broken tooth Not sure whether it can wait? Call us anyway. Our team can help you decide. Source: VCA, Dental Disease in Dogs Back to Dogs Related conditions Entropion Eyelid Tumors Ear Infections Next steps Watch a related video Watch on YouTube Helpful products See products Schedule an appointment Request appointment

Hip dysplasia is an inherited hip problem that leads to arthritis, most often in large breeds. Learn the signs and how weight, exercise and treatment can help. Hip Dysplasia Back to Dogs What is it? The hip is a ball-and-socket joint. In hip dysplasia, the ball (head of the thighbone) and the socket in the pelvis do not grow evenly, so the joint is loose. The body tries to stabilize it, leading to arthritis. It is genetic, but diet, growth rate, exercise, weight, and hormones also play a role. It is seen most in larger dogs such as German shepherds, Labrador and golden retrievers, Saint Bernards, Old English sheepdogs, and bulldogs, and in large mixed breeds. What signs should I watch for? Look for hind-leg weakness and pain, a wobbly gait, reluctance to get up, limping, or reluctance to climb stairs. Signs can start in puppies a few months old and are common at one to two years, but many dogs show no signs until they are older. How lame a dog is does not always match how the hips look on X-rays. How is it diagnosed and treated? Hip X-rays under anesthesia are the preferred test, along with an exam for joint looseness. Treatment depends on comfort and may include anti-inflammatory pain medication and other pain relievers, joint supplements such as omega-3 fatty acids, joint-protective injections, physical therapy, moderate daily exercise without high-impact jumping, and weight loss if needed. When medication is not enough, surgeries such as total hip replacement or femoral head and neck removal can help. Can it be prevented, and what's the outlook? Keep large-breed puppies lean and feed measured meals rather than free-feeding; overweight puppies are much more likely to develop it. A large-breed growth diet is advised, and early spay or neuter may increase risk in some dogs, so discuss timing with your vet. With good management, many dogs stay active and comfortable. Reviewed by the Adler Veterinary Hospital veterinary team, October 2026. Large breeds such as German shepherds and retrievers Who's at risk: Hind-leg weakness, wobbly gait, trouble rising or climbing stairs Main signs: Ongoing management with your vet Urgency: When to call a vet right away Severe pain or lameness Weakness and pain in the back legs Reluctance to get up from sitting or lying down Limping, or not wanting to climb stairs Not sure whether it can wait? Call us anyway. Our team can help you decide. Source: VCA Animal Hospitals, Hip Dysplasia in Dogs Back to Dogs Related conditions Disc Disease (IVDD) Torn Cruciate (ACL) Arthritis Next steps Watch a related video Watch on YouTube Helpful products See products Schedule an appointment Request appointment

Atopy and food allergy cause very similar itching in dogs. Compare age of onset, seasonality and stomach signs, and learn why a strict diet trial is key. Atopy vs Adverse Food Reaction (Food Allergy) Back to Dogs What is it? Both conditions happen when the immune system overreacts to something it should tolerate. In atopy, the trigger is an environmental allergen such as tree, grass or weed pollen, molds, or dust mites. In an adverse food reaction (food allergy), it is usually a protein in the diet, often after long exposure to the same food. Atopy is the more common of the two, and many dogs with a food allergy also have atopy or flea allergy. What signs should I watch for? The skin signs look much the same: itching, especially of the paws, face, ears, front legs, and belly, with licking, chewing, red skin, hair loss, and repeated skin or ear infections. Some differences can help. Atopy usually starts in young dogs and is often seasonal, at least at first. Food allergy can start at any age, stays about the same all year, and may come with vomiting, diarrhea, or other digestive upset. Here is how the two compare: Atopy (environmental allergy) Adverse food reaction (food allergy) Trigger Pollens, molds, dust mites and other airborne allergens A food ingredient, most often a protein such as beef, chicken, dairy, egg, soy or wheat Main signs Itching of feet, face, ears, front legs and belly; paw licking; recurrent skin and ear infections Very similar itching and infections; sometimes vomiting, diarrhea or other digestive upset Typical age of onset Usually young dogs: about 6 months to 3 years (Merck); VCA notes 2 to 6 years Variable; can start at any age Seasonality Often seasonal at first, but may be year-round Little change from season to season How it is diagnosed No single test; diagnosed by ruling out other causes. Allergy testing guides treatment but does not diagnose it Strict elimination diet trial of 8 to 12 weeks, then a food challenge. Blood and skin tests are not reliable Long-term care Managed, not cured: anti-itch medicines, bathing, omega fatty acids, allergy shots or drops Lifelong avoidance of the trigger food, usually with a veterinary diet How is it diagnosed and treated? Because the signs overlap, your veterinarian first rules out fleas, mites, and skin infections. Food allergy is diagnosed with a strict elimination diet trial: for 8 to 12 weeks your dog eats only a veterinary hydrolyzed or novel-protein diet, with no other treats, flavored medicines, or table food. If the itching improves and then returns within days of going back to the old food, the diagnosis is confirmed. There is no single test for atopy; it is diagnosed by ruling out other causes, including food allergy. Allergy skin or blood testing is used to pick allergens for allergy shots or drops, not to diagnose either condition. Can it be prevented, and what's the outlook? Neither condition can be cured or fully prevented. Food allergy is controlled by avoiding the trigger food for life, and most dogs do well on a hypoallergenic diet. Atopy needs ongoing management with anti-itch medicines, bathing, omega fatty acids, treatment of infections, and sometimes allergy shots or drops, and it tends to worsen with age. With a good plan, most dogs with either condition live comfortably. Before your visit, you can fill out our skin allergy questionnaire . If your vet recommends a diet trial, our food trial guide walks you through it. Reviewed by the Adler Veterinary Hospital veterinary team, October 2026. Dogs; atopy usually starts young, food allergy at any age Who's at risk: Itchy paws, face, ears and belly; ear infections; GI upset with food Main signs: Ongoing management with your vet Urgency: When to call a vet right away Vomiting, diarrhea or other digestive upset Raw or broken skin from licking and chewing Repeated skin or ear infections Signs that return, change or don't improve during treatment Not sure whether it can wait? Call us anyway. Our team can help you decide. Source: Merck Veterinary Manual, Allergies in Dogs; VCA Animal Hospitals, Inhalant Allergies (Atopy) in Dogs and Food Allergies in Dogs Back to Dogs Related conditions Skin Abscesses Paw Inflammation Environmental Allergies Next steps Watch a related video Watch on YouTube Helpful products See products Schedule an appointment Request appointment

Snake fungal disease affects wild snakes across the eastern US, including Florida, and can occur in pets. Learn the signs, like crusty scales, and diagnosis. Snake Fungal Disease Back to Snakes What is it? Snake fungal disease (ophidiomycosis) is caused by the fungus Ophidiomyces ophidiicola. It affects wild snakes across the eastern US, including Florida, and can occur in captive snakes. It causes skin lesions and can become severe. What signs should I watch for? Signs to watch for include crusty, thickened, or discolored scales; swelling of the face or around the eyes; frequent shedding; skin ulcers or nodules; and weight loss. How is it diagnosed and treated? Diagnosis uses swabs or biopsies for laboratory testing. Treatment includes antifungal therapy and supportive care, and improving husbandry. Can it be prevented, and what's the outlook? Outcomes vary. Never house wild-caught snakes with pets, and quarantine new animals. Reviewed by the Adler Veterinary Hospital veterinary team, October 2026. Wild snakes in the eastern US, including Florida; captive snakes Who's at risk: Crusty scales, face swelling, frequent shedding, skin ulcers Main signs: Schedule a visit soon Urgency: When to call a vet right away Crusty or thickened scales, especially around the head Swelling of the face or around the eyes Skin ulcers or nodules Weight loss Breathing difficulty Not sure whether it can wait? Call us anyway. Our team can help you decide. Source: Merck Vet Manual, Reptile Mycotic Diseases Back to Snakes Related conditions Shedding Problems Snake Mites Thermal Burns Next steps Watch a related video Watch on YouTube Helpful products See products Schedule an appointment Request appointment

Many cats get gum disease and painful tooth resorption. Learn the signs to watch for, like drooling or dropping food, and how dental care can help your cat. Dental Disease and Tooth Resorption Back to Cats What is it? Cats commonly develop periodontal disease, and many also develop tooth resorption, a painful condition in which the tooth structure is slowly broken down by the body's own cells. The cause is not fully understood. What signs should I watch for? Signs to watch for include drooling or dropping food; chewing on one side, or preferring soft food; jaw chattering or flinching when the mouth is touched; bad breath, red gums; and pink spots or gum tissue growing over a tooth. How is it diagnosed and treated? Lesions are often hidden below the gumline, so dental X-rays under anesthesia are needed. Resorbing teeth are typically extracted, since filling them doesn't work. Can it be prevented, and what's the outlook? Resorption can't currently be prevented, but routine exams and cleanings catch painful teeth early. Cats often hide mouth pain well. Reviewed by the Adler Veterinary Hospital veterinary team, October 2026. Very common in cats Who's at risk: Drooling, dropping food, chewing on one side, bad breath Main signs: Schedule a visit soon Urgency: When to call a vet right away Bleeding from the mouth Drooling more than usual Difficulty eating, or dropping food Jaw trembling or chattering when the mouth is touched Not sure whether it can wait? Call us anyway. Our team can help you decide. Source: VCA, Tooth Resorption in Cats Back to Cats Related conditions Urine Spraying Kidney Disease Respiratory Infections Next steps Watch a related video Watch on YouTube Helpful products See products Schedule an appointment Request appointment

Dystocia means a cat can't deliver her kittens normally without help. Learn the warning signs during labor and when a difficult birth is an emergency. Dystocia (Difficult Birth) Back to Cats What is it? Dystocia is a difficult or abnormal birth. Causes include problems with the uterus, a birth canal that is too small, an oversized kitten, or a kitten in an abnormal position. A common situation in cats is a partially delivered kitten: unless its head is out so it can breathe, it must be delivered within 10 to 20 minutes or it will die. A history of dystocia is one of the situations in which veterinarians watch closely for it. What signs should I watch for? Normally a kitten arrives within 5 to 30 minutes of strong straining, and gaps between kittens are usually 10 minutes to an hour. Cats can also rest for 24 hours or more mid-labor (interrupted labor) and then finish normally. Seek veterinary help right away if you see: 20 minutes of intense labor with no kitten; a kitten or fluid bubble visible at the vulva that is not delivered within about 10 minutes; fresh bleeding lasting more than 10 minutes, or dark green discharge before any kitten is born; a fever over 103°F, depression, or lethargy; obvious pain, crying, or licking and biting at the vulva; or no kittens within 24 hours of her temperature dropping below 100°F. If labor does not restart within a few hours, have her examined. VCA and Merck give somewhat different times (for example, 20 minutes on one VCA page and 45 to 60 minutes on another). Our emergency guide on the homepage uses the shortest times to be safe. If you are unsure, call. How is it diagnosed and treated? X-rays or ultrasound show how many kittens remain. If the mother and kittens are stable and nothing is blocking the birth canal, medication can sometimes help labor progress. A cesarean section is done if the mother or kittens are not stable, there is a blockage, labor goes on too long, medication does not work, or the kittens cannot be delivered naturally. Can it be prevented, and what's the outlook? Keep her at a healthy weight, because obesity increases the risk of difficult labor. Watch first-time mothers closely. Your veterinarian should examine the mother and litter within 24 hours of delivery to make sure no kittens remain. Reviewed by the Adler Veterinary Hospital veterinary team, October 2026. Pregnant cats, especially those with a past difficult birth Who's at risk: Strong straining with no kitten, kitten stuck, bleeding, green discharge Main signs: Emergency — see a vet now Urgency: When to call a vet right away 20 minutes of intense labor with no kitten A kitten or fluid bubble at the vulva that is not delivered within about 10 minutes Fresh bleeding for more than 10 minutes, or dark green discharge before the first kitten Fever over 103°F, depression, or marked lethargy No kittens within 24 hours of her temperature dropping below 100°F 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 Neonatal Isoerythrolysis Pyometra Next steps Watch a related video Watch on YouTube Helpful products See products Schedule an appointment Request appointment

Eclampsia is a life-threatening drop in blood calcium in nursing cats. Learn the warning signs, why it is a true emergency, and how it is treated and prevented. Eclampsia (Milk Fever) Back to Cats What is it? Eclampsia (hypocalcemia, puerperal tetany, lactation tetany) is a dangerous drop in blood calcium linked to the demands of milk production. In cats it most often occurs in the weeks after birth, while the kittens are about one to five weeks old, and can occasionally occur before birth. Causes may include calcium loss to the kittens and milk, an unbalanced diet, calcium supplements during pregnancy, or a parathyroid problem. Mothers nursing large litters or that are very attentive are more likely to be affected. What signs should I watch for? Early signs are subtle and can include lethargy, poor appetite, restlessness, panting, trembling, and incoordination. It can progress to rigid, stiff-legged muscle spasms, convulsions, or coma. She may have pale gums, a low body temperature, trouble breathing or fast breathing, and a slow heart rate. If you suspect eclampsia, stop the kittens from nursing and contact your veterinarian immediately. How is it diagnosed and treated? Treatment includes intravenous fluids and calcium, given slowly while the heart is monitored, and sometimes anti-seizure medication. Follow-up often includes oral calcium supplements, and kittens are weaned or given supplementary feeding. Can it be prevented, and what's the outlook? With prompt treatment, recovery is usually rapid and complete. Feed a high-quality diet made for pregnant and nursing mothers, and avoid calcium supplements or dairy during pregnancy unless your veterinarian advises them. Eclampsia often recurs with later litters, so an affected cat should raise only a small litter next time, and this should factor into decisions about breeding her again. Reviewed by the Adler Veterinary Hospital veterinary team, October 2026. Nursing mothers, especially with large litters Who's at risk: Restlessness, panting, trembling, stiff muscle spasms, seizures Main signs: Emergency — see a vet now Urgency: When to call a vet right away Restlessness, panting, or trembling Incoordination or stiff, rigid muscle spasms Seizures or collapse Trouble breathing or fast breathing Not sure whether it can wait? Call us anyway. Our team can help you decide. Source: VCA, Eclampsia in Cats Back to Cats Related conditions Retained Placenta Neonatal Isoerythrolysis Mastitis Next steps Watch a related video Watch on YouTube Helpful products See products Schedule an appointment Request appointment

Sugar gliders can carry intestinal parasites like Giardia that spread through food, water or droppings. Learn the signs, like diarrhea, and how vets treat them. Giardia and Other GI Parasites Back to Sugar Gliders What is it? Sugar gliders can carry intestinal parasites, including the protozoan Giardia and various worms. Infection spreads through contaminated food, water, or droppings and is more common in recently acquired or group-housed gliders. Some infected gliders show no signs. What signs should I watch for? Signs to watch for include diarrhea or soft, smelly stools; weight loss; dehydration; reduced appetite; and poor coat and lethargy. How is it diagnosed and treated? Diagnosis is made by examining fresh stool samples, sometimes repeated, because parasites are shed on and off. Treatment involves antiparasitic medication, fluids if needed, and thorough cage cleaning to prevent reinfection. Can it be prevented, and what's the outlook? Have a fecal test done for every new glider and at checkups. Quarantine newcomers and wash food and water dishes daily. Giardia can affect people, so wash your hands after handling. Reviewed by the Adler Veterinary Hospital veterinary team, October 2026. New or group-housed gliders Who's at risk: Diarrhea or smelly stools, weight loss, dehydration Main signs: Schedule a visit soon Urgency: When to call a vet right away Diarrhea or loose, smelly stools Signs of dehydration Weight loss Tissue sticking out from the rear end (possible prolapse from straining) Low energy or poor appetite 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 Dental Disease Malnutrition & Obesity Penile Prolapse Next steps Watch a related video Watch on YouTube Helpful products See products Schedule an appointment Request appointment

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