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A skin abscess is a pocket of pus, often from a bite or a stick or grass seed. Learn the signs, like sudden painful swelling, and how vets drain and treat it. Skin Abscesses Back to Dogs What is it? An abscess is a collection of pus caused by bacterial infection. Abscesses under the skin (subcutaneous abscesses) most often follow a bite from another animal, but sticks, grass seeds, or a previous infection at the same spot can also cause them. Abscesses can also form elsewhere, such as at a tooth root or in an anal sac. What signs should I watch for? A skin abscess usually appears suddenly as a painful swelling that may be firm or squishy like a water balloon, often with redness. It may burst and drain foul-smelling pus. Many dogs have a fever, even after the abscess has drained. How is it diagnosed and treated? Your veterinarian will examine the swelling and remove the pus, either by draining and flushing it or by surgery. Any foreign object must be removed, or the abscess will return. Antibiotics are a key part of treatment and should be given for the full course, along with pain medication. Rest and a quiet recovery help the tissue heal. Can it be prevented, and what's the outlook? For bite-wound abscesses, preventing fights is the best prevention. Watch the site for increased draining while it heals. Delayed or incomplete treatment can lead to chronic draining tracts, but with proper drainage, antibiotics, and follow-up, dogs usually recover completely. Reviewed by the Adler Veterinary Hospital veterinary team, October 2026. Dogs that fight or get sticks or grass seeds under the skin Who's at risk: Sudden painful swelling, redness, draining pus, fever Main signs: See a vet within a day or two Urgency: When to call a vet right away A sudden, painful swelling A swelling that bursts and drains foul-smelling pus Fever, even after it has drained Redness or damage to the skin around the swelling Not sure whether it can wait? Call us anyway. Our team can help you decide. Source: VCA Animal Hospitals, Abscesses in Dogs Back to Dogs Related conditions Pemphigus Bite Wounds Environmental Allergies Next steps Watch a related video Watch on YouTube Helpful products See products Schedule an appointment Request appointment

Mouth rot is a mouth infection in snakes that often develops with stress or poor conditions. Learn the signs, how it is treated, and how good husbandry helps. Infectious Stomatitis (Mouth Rot) Back to Snakes What is it? Infectious stomatitis is an infection of the mouth, usually bacterial, that often develops when a snake is stressed or kept in poor conditions. Mouth injuries from striking cage walls or prey can also start it. What signs should I watch for? Signs to watch for include red or swollen gums; small bleeding spots in the mouth; thick, cheesy material in the mouth; excess saliva or mucus; and refusing food. How is it diagnosed and treated? Your veterinarian examines the mouth and may culture samples or take X-rays to check the jaw. Treatment includes cleaning the mouth, antibiotics, and husbandry improvements. Can it be prevented, and what's the outlook? Most cases respond if caught early; severe infections can spread to bone or the lungs. Proper temperature, hygiene, and stress reduction help prevent it. Reviewed by the Adler Veterinary Hospital veterinary team, October 2026. Stressed snakes or those in poor conditions Who's at risk: Red or swollen gums, cheesy mouth material, refusing food Main signs: Schedule a visit soon Urgency: When to call a vet right away Small bleeding spots in the mouth Thick, cheesy material in the mouth Refusing food 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 Regurgitation & Anorexia Snake Fungal Disease Thermal Burns Next steps Watch a related video Watch on YouTube Helpful products See products Schedule an appointment Request appointment

Bite wounds are a common reason dogs need emergency care, and small punctures can hide deep damage. Learn the warning signs and why prompt care matters. Bite Wounds Back to Dogs What is it? A dog's jaws can crush or tear skin and muscle, puncture the chest, or injure internal organs, and even a bite that does not break the skin can bruise the tissue underneath. Bites most often land on the neck, head, and legs, where they can damage blood vessels, nerves, the windpipe, the eyes, or joints. Because the mouth is full of bacteria, every bite that breaks the skin is considered contaminated and can lead to an abscess or spreading tissue infection. What signs should I watch for? Small punctures can close quickly and be hidden by fur, so wounds may look minor. Look for punctures, tears, swelling, pain, or limping. Signs that need emergency care include bleeding you cannot control, trouble breathing, weakness, crying or whining, limping, pale or blue gums, and collapse. How is it diagnosed and treated? Call your veterinarian right away after any fight; wounds treated within about six hours have the best chance of healing without complications. Your vet will provide pain relief or sedation, clip and flush the wounds, remove damaged tissue, and may leave punctures open to drain or close larger wounds, sometimes with drains. Antibiotics and pain medication are common, and a culture may be done if infection does not respond. At home, keep the area clean as directed, use a cone if needed, never use hydrogen peroxide unless your vet tells you to, and consider a muzzle when cleaning wounds, since a dog in pain may bite. Can it be prevented, and what's the outlook? Keep your dog leashed and from roaming, start training and socialization early, avoid approaching stray dogs, and keep rabies vaccination current. Most wounds heal well with prompt care, but infection or deep injuries can cause serious complications if treatment is delayed. Reviewed by the Adler Veterinary Hospital veterinary team, October 2026. Any dog, especially dogs that roam or meet unfamiliar dogs Who's at risk: Punctures or tears, swelling, pain, limping after a fight Main signs: Emergency — see a vet now Urgency: When to call a vet right away Bleeding you cannot control Breathing difficulty Weakness or collapse Crying or whining, or limping Pale or blue gums Not sure whether it can wait? Call us anyway. Our team can help you decide. Source: VCA Animal Hospitals, Bite Wounds in Dogs Back to Dogs Related conditions IMHA Bloat (GDV) Skin Abscesses Next steps Watch a related video Watch on YouTube Helpful products See products Schedule an appointment Request appointment

Cushing's disease is overproduction of cortisol in dogs. Learn the signs, like more thirst, appetite and panting, plus how it is diagnosed and managed. Cushing's Disease Back to Dogs What is it? Cushing's disease (hyperadrenocorticism) is overproduction of cortisol, the body's stress hormone. Most cases come from a small tumor in the pituitary gland; fewer arise in an adrenal gland. It mainly affects middle-aged and older dogs. What signs should I watch for? Signs to watch for include increased thirst, urination, and appetite; pot-bellied appearance; thinning hair, thin skin; heavy panting; and muscle weakness. How is it diagnosed and treated? Diagnosis uses blood work, urine tests, and special hormone stimulation or suppression tests, plus ultrasound of the adrenal glands. Most dogs are managed with daily medication and regular monitoring; some adrenal tumors are removed surgically. Can it be prevented, and what's the outlook? Treatment usually improves comfort and controls signs. Regular rechecks are essential to keep therapy safe. Reviewed by the Adler Veterinary Hospital veterinary team, October 2026. Middle-aged and older dogs Who's at risk: More thirst, urination and appetite, pot belly, panting Main signs: Ongoing management with your vet Urgency: When to call a vet right away Drinking and urinating much more than usual Eating much more than usual Heavy panting Lethargy Skin or bladder infections that keep coming back Not sure whether it can wait? Call us anyway. Our team can help you decide. Source: VCA, Cushing's Disease in Dogs Back to Dogs Related conditions Addison's Disease Diabetes Hypothyroidism Next steps Watch a related video Watch on YouTube Helpful products See products Schedule an appointment Request appointment

Ferrets can catch human flu and pass it back. It is usually mild but can be serious in young or old ferrets. Learn the signs, home care and when to see a vet. Influenza Back to Ferrets What is it? Ferrets can catch human influenza viruses, and they can pass them back. Infection is usually mild but can be serious in young or old ferrets. What signs should I watch for? Signs to watch for include sneezing and runny nose; watery eyes; fever, lethargy; reduced appetite; and coughing. How is it diagnosed and treated? Diagnosis is usually based on signs and exposure. Most ferrets recover in one to two weeks with supportive care such as fluids and encouraging eating. Can it be prevented, and what's the outlook? If you have the flu, limit close contact with your ferret and wash your hands. Seek care if your ferret stops eating or has trouble breathing. Reviewed by the Adler Veterinary Hospital veterinary team, October 2026. Young or old ferrets; owners with flu Who's at risk: Sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes, fever, coughing Main signs: See a vet within a day or two Urgency: When to call a vet right away Not eating Trouble breathing 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 Heart Disease (DCM) ECE (Green Diarrhea) Distemper Next steps Watch a related video Watch on YouTube Helpful products See products Schedule an appointment Request appointment

Mastitis is inflammation, usually infection, of a cat's mammary glands, most often in the weeks after birth. Learn the signs and when to call your vet. Mastitis Back to Cats What is it? Mastitis is inflammation of a mammary gland, usually caused by bacteria entering through the teat. Risk factors include unsanitary conditions, teat injuries from kittens, and infection elsewhere in the body. It is most common after birth, and many cases follow sudden weaning or the loss of a kitten, when milk builds up. A non-infectious type can occur when kittens start eating solid food. What signs should I watch for? Early on, kittens may not gain weight as quickly as expected. The affected gland becomes firm, hot, swollen, red or purple, and painful, and milk may contain blood or pus or look thick. With infection there may be a colored discharge from the nipple, poor appetite, lethargy, and fever; an abscess may show as a purplish area. Severe cases can turn a gland dark purple or black and make her very ill. How is it diagnosed and treated? Diagnosis is often based on an exam, sometimes with blood tests, milk cytology, or a milk culture. Many cats can be treated at home with antibiotics and pain relief so she can stay with her kittens; warm compresses or hand-milking may be advised. Severe cases need hospital care with intravenous fluids, and an abscess or dead tissue may need surgery. Can it be prevented, and what's the outlook? Most cases have a good outlook and improve in two to three weeks with treatment. Check teats daily, trim kittens' nails, keep bedding clean, and encourage kittens to nurse from all teats. Reviewed by the Adler Veterinary Hospital veterinary team, October 2026. Nursing mothers in the weeks after birth Who's at risk: Firm, hot, painful gland; abnormal milk; fever; kittens not gaining Main signs: Emergency — see a vet now Urgency: When to call a vet right away A firm, hot, swollen, painful gland Colored discharge from the nipple, or a purplish area on the gland Fever, lethargy, or not eating Not sure whether it can wait? Call us anyway. Our team can help you decide. Source: VCA, Mastitis in Cats Back to Cats Related conditions Difficult Birth Pyometra Uterine Infection Next steps Watch a related video Watch on YouTube Helpful products See products Schedule an appointment Request appointment

Atopy and food allergy both make cats itchy and over-groom. See how year-round signs and stomach upset differ, and why a diet trial is the only true test. Atopy vs Adverse Food Reaction (Food Allergy) Back to Cats What is it? Both are allergies, in which the immune system overreacts to something harmless. In atopy, the trigger is an environmental allergen such as pollen, mold, or dust mites. In an adverse food reaction (food allergy), it is usually a food protein. Genetics plays a role, and many cats react to both food and environmental allergens. There are no known breed predispositions for atopy in cats. What signs should I watch for? Both cause chronic itching, so cats over-groom, causing hair loss, scratches, and sores, and may have recurring skin and ear infections. Food allergy itching is typically year-round and often affects the face, ears, belly, groin, armpits, legs, and paws; some cats also vomit, have diarrhea, scoot, strain, or pass stool more often. Atopy itching may be seasonal or year-round. Either can begin at a wide range of ages. Here is how the two compare: Atopy (environmental allergy) Adverse food reaction (food allergy) Trigger Pollens, molds, dust mites and other environmental allergens A food ingredient, usually a protein the cat has eaten before Main signs Itching, over-grooming, fur licked away or pulled out, scratches, red skin, recurrent skin and ear infections Itching of the face, ears, belly, groin, armpits, legs and paws; over-grooming; sometimes vomiting, diarrhea, scooting or straining Typical age of onset Any age; reported from 6 months to 14 years Any time after 3 months of age Seasonality May be seasonal or year-round Typically year-round How it is diagnosed No definitive test; diagnosed by ruling out other causes, including a food trial Elimination diet trial of at least 8 weeks, then a food challenge Long-term care Managed, not cured: anti-itch or immune-modulating medicines, treatment of infections, sometimes allergy shots Avoid the trigger food long term, usually with a veterinary diet How is it diagnosed and treated? Your veterinarian will first rule out parasites, bacterial and yeast infections, and ringworm. The only reliable test for food allergy is an elimination diet trial lasting at least eight weeks, using a diet with proteins your cat has not eaten before and nothing else: no treats, supplements, or licked plates. If signs improve and then return within a week of reintroducing the old food, food allergy is confirmed. Atopy has no definitive test and is diagnosed by ruling out other causes, including food allergy; allergy testing helps choose allergens for immunotherapy. Can it be prevented, and what's the outlook? Neither condition can be cured. Food allergy is managed by avoiding the trigger ingredients, often with the trial diet long term. Atopy needs ongoing care, such as low-dose immune-modulating medicines, treatment of infections, and sometimes allergy shots, and it tends to worsen with age. With ongoing care, most allergic cats enjoy a good quality of life. 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. Cats of any age and breed Who's at risk: Itching, over-grooming, hair loss, ear infections; GI upset with food Main signs: Ongoing management with your vet Urgency: When to call a vet right away Wounds or raw skin from scratching or over-grooming Signs of a skin or ear infection Vomiting or diarrhea Straining to pass stool Not sure whether it can wait? Call us anyway. Our team can help you decide. Source: VCA Animal Hospitals, Food Allergies in Cats and Inhalant Allergies (Atopy) in Cats Back to Cats Related conditions Pemphigus Bite Wounds & Abscesses Respiratory Infections Next steps Watch a related video Watch on YouTube Helpful products See products Schedule an appointment Request appointment

Upper respiratory infections in cats are like a bad cold, usually from herpesvirus or calicivirus. Learn the signs, home care tips and when to see your vet. Upper Respiratory Infections Back to Cats What is it? Feline upper respiratory infections are like a bad cold, usually caused by feline herpesvirus or calicivirus, sometimes with bacteria involved. They spread easily in shelters and multi-cat homes. Kittens are most often affected. What signs should I watch for? Signs to watch for include sneezing and nasal discharge; runny, red, or squinting eyes; fever and decreased appetite; mouth ulcers (with calicivirus); and open-mouth breathing in severe cases. How is it diagnosed and treated? Diagnosis is usually based on signs; testing is sometimes done. Most cats recover at home with supportive care such as keeping the nose clean, encouraging eating, and eye or other medications when needed. Can it be prevented, and what's the outlook? Core vaccines lessen severity. Many cats carry herpesvirus for life and may flare under stress. Seek care if your cat stops eating or breathing is difficult. Reviewed by the Adler Veterinary Hospital veterinary team, October 2026. Kittens, shelter and multi-cat homes Who's at risk: Sneezing, nasal discharge, sore eyes, fever, poor appetite Main signs: See a vet within a day or two Urgency: When to call a vet right away Not eating Difficulty breathing or open-mouth breathing Not sure whether it can wait? Call us anyway. Our team can help you decide. Source: VCA, Feline Upper Respiratory Infection Back to Cats Related conditions Atopy vs Food Allergy Dental & Tooth Resorption FeLV and FIV Next steps Watch a related video Watch on YouTube Helpful products See products Schedule an appointment Request appointment

HCM is the most common heart disease in cats. The heart muscle thickens and stiffens. Learn the warning signs, including emergencies, and how it is managed. Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Back to Cats What is it? Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most common heart disease in cats. The heart muscle thickens, making the heart stiff and less able to fill. It can be inherited in breeds like Maine Coons and Ragdolls but occurs in any cat. What signs should I watch for? Signs to watch for include often no signs early on; rapid or labored breathing, open-mouth breathing; lethargy or hiding; and sudden hind-leg paralysis and pain from a blood clot (EMERGENCY). How is it diagnosed and treated? A murmur or abnormal rhythm may be the first clue. An echocardiogram (heart ultrasound) confirms the diagnosis; X-rays, blood pressure, and blood tests help. Treatment depends on stage and may include medications to support the heart, control fluid, and reduce clot risk. Can it be prevented, and what's the outlook? Some cats stay stable for years; others develop heart failure. Counting your cat's resting breathing rate at home helps catch problems early. Reviewed by the Adler Veterinary Hospital veterinary team, October 2026. Any cat; inherited in Maine Coons and Ragdolls Who's at risk: Rapid or labored breathing, lethargy, sudden hind-leg paralysis Main signs: Ongoing management with your vet Urgency: When to call a vet right away Sudden hind-leg paralysis and pain (from a blood clot) Rapid or labored breathing, or open-mouth breathing Not sure whether it can wait? Call us anyway. Our team can help you decide. Source: VCA, Cardiomyopathy in Cats Back to Cats Related conditions Kidney Disease FeLV and FIV IBD & GI Lymphoma Next steps Watch a related video Watch on YouTube Helpful products See products Schedule an appointment Request appointment

Adler Veterinary Hospital refund policy: how billing, estimates, deposits, cancellations and product returns are generally handled for your pet's care. Refund Policy At Adler Veterinary Hospital, we want you to feel informed and comfortable about the cost of your pet's care. This policy explains how billing, deposits, cancellations, and product returns are generally handled. Veterinary Services Veterinary services are billed for the care provided. Because examinations, tests, treatments, and procedures involve professional time, skill, and medical supplies, fees for services that have already been provided are generally not refundable. If you have concerns about a charge, we encourage you to talk with us so we can review it together. Estimates Before major procedures, we will provide an estimate so you understand the expected costs. Estimates are our best prediction based on the information available at the time. Your pet's needs may change during treatment, and if that happens, we will do our best to discuss changes with you before moving forward whenever possible. Deposits and Cancellations Some services may require a deposit. If a deposit is required, our team will explain the amount and terms before you commit. If you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment, we ask that you let us know as early as you can. This allows us to offer the time to another pet in need. How a deposit is handled after a cancellation may depend on the type of service and how much notice is given, and our team will explain this when you book. Product Returns We may accept returns of eligible products that are unopened and in their original condition when they are returned within a reasonable period after purchase. For the safety of all patients, some items, such as medications, prescription diets, and opened products, may not be returnable. Please keep your receipt or proof of purchase. Questions If you have any questions about billing, estimates, deposits, cancellations, or returns, please ask our team or reach out through the contact options on this website. We are happy to help.

Zinc-responsive dermatosis causes crusting and scaling around a dog's eyes, mouth and other openings. Learn the signs, causes and how zinc supplements help. Zinc-Responsive Dermatosis Back to Dogs What is it? Zinc is a mineral needed for the immune system, thyroid function, and healthy skin, hair, and nails. True dietary zinc deficiency is rare, because good-quality dog foods contain plenty. There are two main forms. Type 1 occurs mostly in Alaskan breeds such as Siberian huskies and Alaskan malamutes, and also in Doberman pinschers and Great Danes; these dogs eat enough zinc but do not absorb it well, and flare-ups may follow stress, a heat cycle, or gut disease. Type 2 affects fast-growing large and giant-breed puppies, such as Great Danes, German shepherds, Labrador retrievers, standard poodles, and Dobermans, when supplements high in calcium or plant phytates bind zinc in the diet. What signs should I watch for? Look for crusts and scaling around the eyes, mouth, scrotum, and the edges of the lips, vulva, or prepuce, along with a dry, dull coat. Some dogs itch and some do not. Type 2 dogs may also develop thick crusts on the footpads, and severely affected dogs may lose appetite, become lethargic, or have enlarged lymph nodes. How is it diagnosed and treated? Blood and hair zinc levels are not reliable. Your veterinarian may suspect the condition from the pattern of lesions, check skin cytology for secondary bacterial or yeast infection, and confirm it with a skin biopsy. Treatment means making sure the food provides enough usable zinc, stopping supplements that block zinc absorption, and giving oral zinc, best absorbed when tablets are crushed and mixed with food. Improvement is often seen within a couple of weeks. Can it be prevented, and what's the outlook? Feed a complete, balanced diet and avoid unneeded calcium or mineral supplements, especially for large-breed puppies. Many dogs, particularly Alaskan breeds, need lifelong supplementation and monitoring, but the outlook is good with treatment. Reviewed by the Adler Veterinary Hospital veterinary team, October 2026. Huskies and malamutes; fast-growing large-breed puppies Who's at risk: Crusts and scaling around eyes, mouth and genitals; thick footpads Main signs: Ongoing management with your vet Urgency: When to call a vet right away Poor appetite or lethargy Enlarged lymph nodes Thick crusts on the footpads Crusts and scaling around the eyes, mouth or genitals Not sure whether it can wait? Call us anyway. Our team can help you decide. Source: VCA Animal Hospitals, Zinc-Responsive Dermatosis in Dogs Back to Dogs Related conditions Pemphigus Skin Abscesses Paw Inflammation Next steps Watch a related video Watch on YouTube Helpful products See products Schedule an appointment Request appointment

Sebaceous adenomas are common, benign oil-gland growths on older dogs, often on the head. Learn what they look like and when a growth should be checked. Sebaceous Adenoma Back to Dogs What is it? Sebaceous glands make the skin's natural oil. A sebaceous adenoma is a benign overgrowth of these glands and is common in older dogs. Coonhounds, cocker spaniels and English cocker spaniels, Huskies, Samoyeds, and Alaskan malamutes are most likely to develop them. A similar, smaller change called sebaceous hyperplasia also occurs in old dogs. A malignant form, sebaceous adenocarcinoma, is rare. What signs should I watch for? Look for firm, raised, well-defined bumps on the skin, often on the head and usually larger than about 1 cm (0.4 inch). They may be crusted, and some become inflamed, infected, or bleed if scratched or licked. A growth on the edge of the eyelid can irritate the eye, causing squinting or rubbing at the face. How is it diagnosed and treated? Your veterinarian may take a fine needle sample, though these growths often contain oily secretions that make the sample less useful, so removal and laboratory examination (histopathology) is often how the diagnosis is confirmed. Surgery is optional for benign growths unless they are bothersome, inflamed, or infected; when needed, it is usually straightforward. A cone can stop licking after a sample or surgery. Can it be prevented, and what's the outlook? There is no known prevention. These growths grow where they start and do not tend to spread, but dogs that have one often develop new ones elsewhere. Have any new or changing lump checked. Reviewed by the Adler Veterinary Hospital veterinary team, October 2026. Older dogs; cocker spaniels, Huskies, Samoyeds, malamutes Who's at risk: Small raised or crusted bumps, often on the head; may be multiple Main signs: Schedule a visit soon Urgency: When to call a vet right away A growth that becomes inflamed or infected A growth that bleeds after scratching or licking A growth on the eyelid edge with squinting or rubbing A lump that is ulcerated Not sure whether it can wait? Call us anyway. Our team can help you decide. Source: Merck Veterinary Manual, Tumors of the Skin in Dogs; VCA Animal Hospitals, Sweat Gland, Hair Follicle, and Sebaceous Gland Tumors Back to Dogs Related conditions Histiocytoma Skin Cysts Skin Tags Next steps Watch a related video Watch on YouTube Helpful products See products Schedule an appointment Request appointment