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Client education on common conditions in snakes, including shedding problems, mouth rot and snake mites. General information that doesn't replace an exam. Common Conditions in Snakes Client education from Adler Veterinary Hospital, Southwest Florida. These summaries are for general information and don't replace an exam. Cryptosporidiosis Cryptosporidiosis is caused by a microscopic parasite (Cryptosporidium serpentis) that infects the stomach. More info Mouth Rot Infectious stomatitis is an infection of the mouth, usually bacterial, that often develops when a snake is stressed or kept in poor conditions. More info Shedding Problems Healthy snakes shed their skin in one piece. More info Thermal Burns Thermal burns happen when a snake contacts a hot surface such as an unguarded heat lamp, heat rock, or malfunctioning heat pad. More info Ferlavirus Ophidian paramyxovirus (ferlavirus) is a contagious virus that mainly causes respiratory disease. More info Regurgitation & Anorexia Refusing food (anorexia) can be normal for some snakes during shedding, breeding season, or cooler months, but can also signal illness. More info Snake Fungal Disease Snake fungal disease (ophidiomycosis) is caused by the fungus Ophidiomyces ophidiicola. More info Inclusion Body Disease Inclusion body disease is a serious, contagious viral disease of boas and pythons caused by reptarenaviruses. More info Respiratory Infections 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. More info Snake Mites Snake mites (Ophionyssus natricis) are tiny blood-sucking parasites that live on snakes and in their enclosures. More info

A torn cruciate ligament, like an ACL tear in people, is a common cause of hind-leg limping in dogs. Learn the signs, diagnosis and treatment options. Cruciate Ligament Rupture Back to Dogs What is it? The cranial cruciate ligament (similar to the ACL in people) stabilizes the knee. In dogs it usually weakens and degenerates over time before tearing partly or completely, often during ordinary activity. Many dogs eventually injure the other knee too. What signs should I watch for? Signs to watch for include sudden or gradual hind-leg limping, toe-touching or not bearing weight, sitting with one leg kicked out to the side, swelling or thickening of the knee, and stiffness after rest. How is it diagnosed and treated? Your veterinarian checks the knee for abnormal motion and takes X-rays; sedation may be needed. Surgery to stabilize the knee is often recommended, especially for active or larger dogs. Some small dogs are managed with rest, weight control, and rehabilitation. Can it be prevented, and what's the outlook? Without stabilization, arthritis develops faster. With surgery and rehabilitation, most dogs return to good activity. Keeping a lean weight reduces risk. Reviewed by the Adler Veterinary Hospital veterinary team, October 2026. Dogs, especially active or larger dogs; often both knees Who's at risk: Hind-leg limping, toe-touching, sitting with a leg kicked out Main signs: Schedule a visit soon Urgency: When to call a vet right away Suddenly very lame on a back leg Not putting weight on the leg, or only touching the toes down Crying out when the knee gives way Difficulty getting up Not sure whether it can wait? Call us anyway. Our team can help you decide. Source: VCA, Cruciate Ligament Rupture in Dogs Back to Dogs Related conditions Disc Disease (IVDD) Hip Dysplasia Bone Cancer Next steps Watch a related video Watch on YouTube Helpful products See products Schedule an appointment Request appointment

Entropion is an inward-rolling eyelid that lets hair rub a dog's eye, causing pain and damage. Learn the signs, which dogs get it, and how surgery corrects it. Entropion Back to Dogs What is it? With entropion, part of the eyelid rolls inward so eyelid hair rubs against the cornea, the clear surface of the eye. This can cause pain, ulcers, pigment on the cornea, and vision problems. It is usually a developmental, hereditary problem in young, growing dogs, often in both eyes. Breeds affected include the Chinese shar-pei, chow chow, bloodhound, bullmastiff, English bulldog, golden and Labrador retrievers, Great Dane, rottweiler, and standard poodle, among others. It can also follow eye pain or scarring in any dog. What signs should I watch for? Most dogs squint, hold the eye shut, and have watery tearing; some have a mucus-like discharge. Long-standing cases can lead to blood vessels or pigment growing on the cornea and obvious pain. Some flat-faced dogs with entropion at the inner corner show little discomfort. It is usually diagnosed before one year of age. How is it diagnosed and treated? Your veterinarian diagnoses entropion by examining the eyelids and eye. Surgery removes a small section of eyelid skin to roll the lid back out, often in two stages to avoid over-correcting, and is usually done once the dog is near adult size. Young puppies of some breeds may get temporary tacking stitches first, and filler injections can be a temporary option for dogs at high anesthetic risk. Eye drops or ointments protect the cornea before and after surgery. Can it be prevented, and what's the outlook? The outlook after surgery is generally good, and most dogs live a normal, pain-free life, though permanent vision loss can occur if corneal scarring develops first. Because the condition is inherited, dogs with severe entropion that needed surgery should not be bred. Reviewed by the Adler Veterinary Hospital veterinary team, October 2026. Young dogs; shar-peis, chows, bulldogs, retrievers, mastiffs Who's at risk: Squinting, tearing, eye discharge, holding the eye shut Main signs: Schedule a visit soon Urgency: When to call a vet right away Squinting or holding the eye shut Lots of tearing, or a goopy discharge Obvious eye pain, or acting depressed Changes on the surface of the eye Not sure whether it can wait? Call us anyway. Our team can help you decide. Source: VCA Animal Hospitals, Entropion in Dogs Back to Dogs Related conditions Nuclear Sclerosis Eyelid Tumors Periodontal Disease Next steps Watch a related video Watch on YouTube Helpful products See products Schedule an appointment Request appointment

Feather-destructive behavior means a bird pulls or chews its own feathers. Learn the medical and stress-related causes, the signs, and how to help. Feather-Destructive Behavior Back to Parrots What is it? Feather-destructive behavior means a bird pulls, chews, or barbers its own feathers. Causes include medical issues (infection, parasites, liver disease, allergies) and behavioral or environmental stress such as boredom, loneliness, or hormonal frustration. What signs should I watch for? Signs to watch for include feather loss or patchy feathers, chewed or frayed feathers, self-injury to skin, and increased preening. How is it diagnosed and treated? A thorough exam and testing rule out medical causes first. Care then focuses on enrichment, foraging, diet improvement, sleep, and behavior changes. Can it be prevented, and what's the outlook? It can take time to resolve, and some birds never fully stop. Early attention gives the best results. Reviewed by the Adler Veterinary Hospital veterinary team, October 2026. Bored, lonely, stressed, or unwell birds Who's at risk: Patchy or chewed feathers, skin self-injury, extra preening Main signs: Ongoing management with your vet Urgency: When to call a vet right away Injuries to the skin from picking or chewing Sudden feather loss Feather loss with crusty skin, or signs of infection Not sure whether it can wait? Call us anyway. Our team can help you decide. Source: VCA, Common Conditions of Pet Birds Back to Parrots Related conditions Vitamin A Deficiency Beak & Feather Disease Psittacosis Next steps Watch a related video Watch on YouTube Helpful products See products Schedule an appointment Request appointment

A perineal hernia lets fat, intestine or the bladder bulge beside a dog's anus, most often in older unneutered males. Learn the signs and treatment options. Perineal Hernia Back to Dogs What is it? The perineum is the area between the anus and the scrotum or vulva, and its muscles support the pelvic organs. When those muscles weaken or tear, the bladder, intestines, or fat can push through and bulge beside the anus. Most hernias come from gradual muscle weakening rather than injury. Hormones likely play a role, since unneutered males are most often affected; nerve damage and repeated straining can also contribute. Female dogs and cats rarely get them. What signs should I watch for? Look for a soft swelling on one or both sides of the anus that can usually be pressed back in. Affected dogs often strain repeatedly to pass stool and may become constipated. If the bladder is involved, a dog may strain to urinate, leak urine, or be unable to urinate. Lethargy and poor appetite can mean intestine or bladder is trapped, which can be life-threatening. How is it diagnosed and treated? Your veterinarian can often feel the hernia on a rectal exam. Blood and urine tests, X-rays, or ultrasound show which organs are involved and check for problems such as prostate disease. A trapped bladder needs emergency catheterization and fluids. Otherwise, stool softeners and diet help in the short term, and surgery to repair the muscles is the most successful treatment, sometimes with a mesh implant. Neutering at the same time is recommended, and a second surgery may be needed if both sides are affected. Can it be prevented, and what's the outlook? Neutering and treating any cause of straining greatly reduce the risk of recurrence; unneutered dogs are almost three times more likely to get another hernia. With good surgical repair, the outlook is very good. Referral to a board-certified surgeon is often recommended. Reviewed by the Adler Veterinary Hospital veterinary team, October 2026. Middle-aged to older unneutered male dogs Who's at risk: Swelling beside the anus, straining to defecate, constipation Main signs: Schedule a visit soon Urgency: When to call a vet right away Straining but unable to urinate Lethargy and loss of appetite with a swelling beside the anus Not sure whether it can wait? Call us anyway. Our team can help you decide. Source: VCA Animal Hospitals, Perineal Hernia in Dogs Back to Dogs Related conditions Retained Testicle Umbilical Hernia Obesity Next steps Watch a related video Watch on YouTube Helpful products See products Schedule an appointment Request appointment

Diabetes in dogs means the body doesn't make enough insulin, so sugar builds up in the blood. Learn the signs, warning signs, and how insulin keeps dogs well. Diabetes Mellitus Back to Dogs What is it? Diabetes occurs when the body doesn't make enough insulin, so sugar builds up in the blood instead of fueling cells. Dogs almost always need insulin for life. Middle-aged and older dogs, females, and overweight dogs are at higher risk. What signs should I watch for? Signs to watch for include drinking and urinating more, increased hunger with weight loss, cloudy eyes from cataracts, lethargy, and vomiting or weakness (may signal an emergency). How is it diagnosed and treated? Diagnosis requires persistently high blood sugar and sugar in the urine. Treatment combines insulin injections, a consistent diet and feeding schedule, and regular glucose monitoring. Can it be prevented, and what's the outlook? Many diabetic dogs live good lives with steady routines. Keeping your dog lean lowers risk. Untreated diabetes can lead to a life-threatening state called ketoacidosis. Reviewed by the Adler Veterinary Hospital veterinary team, October 2026. Middle-aged and older, female, and overweight dogs Who's at risk: More drinking and urination, hunger with weight loss, cataracts Main signs: Ongoing management with your vet Urgency: When to call a vet right away Vomiting Weakness Not sure whether it can wait? Call us anyway. Our team can help you decide. Source: VCA, Diabetes Mellitus in Dogs Back to Dogs Related conditions Addison's Disease Cushing's Disease Hypothyroidism Next steps Watch a related video Watch on YouTube Helpful products See products Schedule an appointment Request appointment

Dilated cardiomyopathy is a heart disease in which a ferret's heart muscle weakens and enlarges. Learn the signs in older ferrets and how it is managed. Dilated Cardiomyopathy Back to Ferrets What is it? Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a heart disease in which the heart muscle weakens and the heart enlarges. It is seen mainly in middle-aged and older ferrets. What signs should I watch for? Signs to watch for include tiring easily, weakness; rapid or labored breathing, coughing; swollen belly from fluid; weight loss; and pale or bluish gums. How is it diagnosed and treated? Chest X-rays, an ECG, and an echocardiogram confirm the diagnosis. Treatment uses heart medications and fluid-control medicines, sometimes with fluid removal. Can it be prevented, and what's the outlook? DCM is managed rather than cured; many ferrets improve on medication. Ferrets should not have heartworm ignored either; ask about prevention. Reviewed by the Adler Veterinary Hospital veterinary team, October 2026. Middle-aged and older ferrets Who's at risk: Tiring easily, labored breathing, coughing, swollen belly Main signs: Ongoing management with your vet Urgency: When to call a vet right away Rapid or labored breathing Pale or bluish gums Not sure whether it can wait? Call us anyway. Our team can help you decide. Source: VCA Animal Hospitals, Diseases in Ferrets Back to Ferrets Related conditions ECE (Green Diarrhea) Influenza Insulinoma Next steps Watch a related video Watch on YouTube Helpful products See products Schedule an appointment Request appointment

An umbilical hernia is a soft bulge at a puppy's belly button. Most are painless and harmless. Learn the signs, when small ones close, and when to repair it. Umbilical Hernia Back to Dogs What is it? Before birth, umbilical blood vessels pass through an opening in the belly muscles. If this umbilical ring does not fully close after birth, abdominal lining, fat, or part of an organ can bulge through. The exact cause is unknown, but it runs in some family lines, suggesting a genetic component. What signs should I watch for? Look for a soft swelling under the skin at the belly button, on the underside just below the ribs. It often sticks out more when the puppy stands, barks, cries, or strains. Some can be gently pushed back in; others cannot. Umbilical hernias are usually painless. How is it diagnosed and treated? Your veterinarian diagnoses it on examination and will note its size and whether it can be pushed back. Small hernias (under about 1 cm) may close on their own by three to four months of age. If it has not closed by the time of spay or neuter, repair is recommended and can be done during the same surgery. Can it be prevented, and what's the outlook? There is no known prevention. Most umbilical hernias pose no threat, but rarely intestine or other tissue can become trapped with its blood supply cut off; this is an emergency that needs immediate surgery. The outlook after repair is excellent, and recurrence is uncommon. Reviewed by the Adler Veterinary Hospital veterinary team, October 2026. Puppies; runs in some family lines Who's at risk: Soft, painless bulge at the belly button Main signs: Schedule a visit soon Urgency: When to call a vet right away The bulge becomes painful The bulge can no longer be pushed back in The bulge gets bigger or changes Not sure whether it can wait? Call us anyway. Our team can help you decide. Source: VCA Animal Hospitals, Umbilical Hernia in Dogs Back to Dogs Related conditions Retained Testicle Perineal Hernia Obesity Next steps Watch a related video Watch on YouTube Helpful products See products Schedule an appointment Request appointment

Hyperthyroidism is an overactive thyroid that speeds up a cat's metabolism. Learn the signs, like weight loss despite a big appetite, and the treatment options. Hyperthyroidism Back to Cats What is it? Hyperthyroidism is an overactive thyroid gland, usually from a benign growth. Excess hormone speeds up the metabolism. It is one of the most common hormone disorders in cats over ten. What signs should I watch for? Signs to watch for include weight loss despite a big appetite; increased thirst and urination; restlessness, vocalizing at night; vomiting or diarrhea; and unkempt coat, fast heart rate. How is it diagnosed and treated? A blood test measuring thyroid hormone usually confirms it. Options include daily medication, an iodine-restricted diet, radioactive iodine therapy (often curative), or surgery. Can it be prevented, and what's the outlook? With treatment, the outlook is generally good. Untreated, it can damage the heart and raise blood pressure. Kidney function should be monitored during treatment. Reviewed by the Adler Veterinary Hospital veterinary team, October 2026. Cats over ten years old Who's at risk: Weight loss despite big appetite, thirst, restlessness, vomiting Main signs: Ongoing management with your vet Urgency: When to call a vet right away Sudden blindness Not eating Vomiting, lethargy, fever or not eating after starting thyroid medication Unusual bleeding while on thyroid medication Frequent vomiting or diarrhea Not sure whether it can wait? Call us anyway. Our team can help you decide. Source: VCA, Hyperthyroidism in Cats Back to Cats Related conditions Diabetes IBD & GI Lymphoma Obesity Next steps Watch a related video Watch on YouTube Helpful products See products Schedule an appointment Request appointment

Sore hocks are painful sores on the bottoms of a rabbit's hind feet, often from wire or hard floors. Learn the signs, treatment and how soft bedding helps. Pododermatitis (Sore Hocks) Back to Rabbits What is it? Pododermatitis is inflammation and sores on the bottoms of the hind feet and hocks. Rabbits don't have footpads, just fur, so wire floors, hard or dirty surfaces, obesity, long nails, and inactivity can wear the fur away and expose the skin. Severe cases can infect tendons and bone. What signs should I watch for? Signs to watch for include bald or red patches on the bottom of the feet; scabs, open sores, or swelling; reluctance to move or hop; and shifting weight or limping. How is it diagnosed and treated? Diagnosis is by exam; X-rays may be needed in advanced cases to check bone. Treatment involves soft, clean flooring, pain relief, wound care and bandaging, and treating infection. Can it be prevented, and what's the outlook? Provide solid, padded flooring, keep litter dry, trim nails, and maintain a healthy weight. Caught early, it usually heals well. Reviewed by the Adler Veterinary Hospital veterinary team, October 2026. Rabbits on wire or hard floors, obese, long nails Who's at risk: Bald or red foot patches, sores, reluctance to hop Main signs: Schedule a visit soon Urgency: When to call a vet right away Red, ulcerated or painful hocks Open sores on the bottom of the feet Swelling of the foot or hock Reluctance to move or hop Not sure whether it can wait? Call us anyway. Our team can help you decide. Source: VCA Animal Hospitals, Diseases in Rabbits Back to Rabbits Related conditions Ear Mites Flystrike Urinary Sludge & Stones Next steps Watch a related video Watch on YouTube Helpful products See products Schedule an appointment Request appointment

Metritis is a uterine infection that can develop after a dog gives birth. Learn the signs, like pus-like discharge and fever, and why she needs prompt care. Metritis (Uterine Infection After Birth) Back to Dogs What is it? Metritis is inflammation of the uterus after pregnancy, usually caused by bacteria such as E. coli. A prolonged or difficult delivery, or a retained puppy or placenta, can lead to it. What signs should I watch for? The main sign is a pus-like discharge from the vulva. Affected dogs are usually depressed or feverish, eat less, and may neglect their puppies, which may become restless and cry constantly. Some mothers keep straining as if still in labor. Normal discharge after birth (lochia) is dark red to black and heavy for the first few days; discharge that looks like pus or smells bad is not normal. How is it diagnosed and treated? Your veterinarian will diagnose it with an exam, X-rays or ultrasound, and laboratory tests. Treatment includes fluids, supportive care, and antibiotics. Medication can also help the uterus push out a retained puppy or placenta. Your veterinarian will advise if and when spaying is appropriate. Can it be prevented, and what's the outlook? Watching the mother's temperature, discharge, and milk after delivery helps catch problems early. Having all puppies and placentas accounted for, and a check-up after delivery if you are unsure, can help prevent metritis from a retained puppy or placenta. Reviewed by the Adler Veterinary Hospital veterinary team, October 2026. Dogs after giving birth, especially after a long or difficult delivery Who's at risk: Pus-like discharge, fever, poor appetite, neglecting puppies Main signs: See a vet within a day or two Urgency: When to call a vet right away Pus-like discharge from the vulva Fever or depression Reduced appetite Neglecting her puppies Puppies that are restless and cry constantly Not sure whether it can wait? Call us anyway. Our team can help you decide. Source: Merck, Reproductive Disorders: Female Dogs Back to Dogs Related conditions SIPS (Bloody Discharge) Mastitis Retained Placenta Next steps Watch a related video Watch on YouTube Helpful products See products Schedule an appointment Request appointment

In vaginal hyperplasia, swollen tissue pushes out through a dog's vulva during heat. Learn the signs, why it often returns, and how it is managed or prevented. Vaginal Hyperplasia and Prolapse Back to Dogs What is it? Vaginal hyperplasia (vaginal overgrowth, vaginal prolapse) happens when the tissue of the vagina swells during heat because of estrogen. It is most common in young dogs. What signs should I watch for? The main sign is swollen, fleshy tissue that can be seen through or protruding from the vulva during heat. Dogs may lick or injure the exposed tissue. How is it diagnosed and treated? Your veterinarian will diagnose it from the history, a physical exam, and laboratory tests. It resolves on its own once the estrogen phase of the heat cycle ends. If it is not causing problems, treatment may not be needed. Care may include daily cleaning of the area, preventing injury, antibiotic ointment, and an Elizabethan collar (cone) to stop licking. Can it be prevented, and what's the outlook? It usually comes back with every heat. It can interfere with breeding, though affected dogs can be bred by artificial insemination. Spaying cures it in dogs that will not be bred. Reviewed by the Adler Veterinary Hospital veterinary team, October 2026. Young unspayed females during heat Who's at risk: Swollen tissue protruding from the vulva, licking Main signs: Schedule a visit soon Urgency: When to call a vet right away Swollen tissue showing through or out of the vulva Exposed tissue that is injured from licking or rubbing Swelling that returns with every heat Not sure whether it can wait? Call us anyway. Our team can help you decide. Source: Merck, Reproductive Disorders: Female Dogs Back to Dogs Related conditions False Pregnancy Vaginitis Pyometra Next steps Watch a related video Watch on YouTube Helpful products See products Schedule an appointment Request appointment