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Cryptorchidism means a testicle has not dropped into the scrotum. Learn the signs in male cats, why a retained testicle matters, and why neutering is advised. Cryptorchidism (Retained Testicle) Back to Cats What is it? Testicles develop near the kidneys and normally move into the scrotum by about two months of age, rarely later than six months. In cryptorchidism, one (usually) or both stay in the abdomen, the groin canal, or under the skin of the groin. It affects less than 2% of cats, appears to be inherited, and may be more common in breeds such as Persians, Himalayans, and ragdolls. What signs should I watch for? It is rarely painful. You may notice only one testicle, or none, in the scrotum after two to four months of age. The most common signs are male behaviors such as urine spraying, aggression toward other cats, and a strong tomcat odor, which may be the clue in a cat with no visible testicles. A retained testicle can twist, causing pain and requiring emergency surgery. How is it diagnosed and treated? Your veterinarian may find the testicle by feeling the groin, or locate it with ultrasound or X-rays or at surgery. Checking for penile spines, which disappear about six weeks after neutering, or hormone tests can show whether testicles remain. The recommended treatment is neutering, removing both testicles. Can it be prevented, and what's the outlook? The outlook is excellent when surgery is done early. A retained testicle may become cancerous, and affected cats should never be bred because the condition is inherited. Reviewed by the Adler Veterinary Hospital veterinary team, October 2026. Male kittens; some pure breeds such as Persians Who's at risk: Missing testicle, spraying, strong odor, tomcat behavior Main signs: Schedule a visit soon Urgency: When to call a vet right away Sudden pain (a retained testicle can twist and need emergency surgery) A missing testicle in a kitten older than 2 to 4 months Spraying, aggression or a strong tomcat odor in a cat you thought was neutered Not sure whether it can wait? Call us anyway. Our team can help you decide. Source: VCA, Cryptorchidism in Cats Back to Cats Related conditions False Pregnancy Urine Spraying Urinary Blockage Next steps Watch a related video Watch on YouTube Helpful products See products Schedule an appointment Request appointment

Obesity is the most common preventable condition in dogs and can shorten their lives. Learn the signs, the health risks, and how to help your dog lose weight. Obesity Back to Dogs What is it? Obesity means carrying enough extra body fat to harm health. It is the most common preventable condition in dogs. Even a few extra pounds can shorten life and raise the risk of arthritis, diabetes, breathing problems, and some cancers. What signs should I watch for? Signs to watch for include ribs hard to feel under a layer of fat, no visible waist from above, low energy or tiring quickly on walks, and panting or reluctance to exercise. How is it diagnosed and treated? We assess weight and body condition score and may run blood tests to rule out hormone disorders such as hypothyroidism. A plan sets a target weight, a measured daily calorie amount (often with a weight-loss diet), and gradually increasing activity, with regular weigh-ins. Can it be prevented, and what's the outlook? Measure meals, count treats as part of the daily total, and keep your dog active. Weight loss should be slow and steady; a lean body condition is linked to a longer, healthier life. Reviewed by the Adler Veterinary Hospital veterinary team, October 2026. Dogs; the most common preventable condition Who's at risk: Hard-to-feel ribs, no visible waist, low energy, panting Main signs: Ongoing management with your vet Urgency: When to call a vet right away Low energy or tiring quickly on walks Panting or not wanting to exercise Stiffness or trouble moving (joint strain) Not sure whether it can wait? Call us anyway. Our team can help you decide. Source: VCA Animal Hospitals, Obesity in Dogs Back to Dogs Related conditions Urinary Incontinence Perineal Hernia Umbilical Hernia Next steps Watch a related video Watch on YouTube Helpful products See products Schedule an appointment Request appointment

Sugar gliders commonly develop tartar, gum infections and tooth-root abscesses, often from soft, sugary diets. Learn the signs and how dental care can help. Dental Disease Back to Sugar Gliders What is it? Sugar gliders commonly build up tartar and develop gum infections, tooth decay, and tooth-root abscesses. Soft, sugary diets are a major contributor, and the long lower front teeth can also break or become infected. What signs should I watch for? Signs to watch for include bad breath, drooling or a wet chin, eating less or dropping food, swelling of the face or jaw, and weight loss or pawing at the mouth. How is it diagnosed and treated? An oral exam usually needs brief anesthesia because the mouth is so small, and dental X-rays help assess the roots. Treatment may include cleaning, removing infected teeth, draining abscesses, pain relief, and treating infection, with soft food during recovery. Can it be prevented, and what's the outlook? Limiting sugary foods and keeping up with yearly exams help. Mouth problems can quickly stop a glider from eating, so seek care early. Reviewed by the Adler Veterinary Hospital veterinary team, October 2026. Gliders on soft, sugary diets Who's at risk: Bad breath, drooling, eating less, face or jaw swelling Main signs: See a vet within a day or two Urgency: When to call a vet right away Eating less or dropping food Swelling of the face or jaw 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 Self-Mutilation Giardia & GI Parasites Malnutrition & Obesity Next steps Watch a related video Watch on YouTube Helpful products See products Schedule an appointment Request appointment

Egg binding happens when a female bird can't pass an egg, and it can quickly become life-threatening. Learn the warning signs, causes and how to prevent it. Egg Binding Back to Parrots What is it? Egg binding happens when a female bird can't pass an egg. It is linked to calcium deficiency, poor diet, obesity, lack of exercise, or chronic egg-laying, and can quickly become life-threatening. What signs should I watch for? Signs to watch for include straining, tail bobbing; sitting on the cage floor, fluffed; swollen abdomen; lack of droppings; and leg weakness. How is it diagnosed and treated? Diagnosis uses an exam and X-rays. Treatment may include warmth, fluids, calcium, and medication to help pass the egg; sometimes the egg must be removed. Can it be prevented, and what's the outlook? Proper diet, good lighting, and reducing laying triggers help prevent it. An egg-bound bird is an emergency. Reviewed by the Adler Veterinary Hospital veterinary team, October 2026. Female birds, especially with poor diet or chronic laying Who's at risk: Straining, tail bobbing, sitting fluffed on the cage floor Main signs: Emergency — see a vet now Urgency: When to call a vet right away Straining or tail bobbing Sitting fluffed on the cage floor Lack of droppings Not sure whether it can wait? Call us anyway. Our team can help you decide. Source: VCA Animal Hospitals, Egg Binding in Birds Back to Parrots Related conditions PDD (Bornavirus) Heavy Metal Poisoning Fatty Liver & Atherosclerosis Next steps Watch a related video Watch on YouTube Helpful products See products Schedule an appointment Request appointment

Thermal burns happen when a snake touches a hot lamp, heat rock or faulty heat pad, and they can be deep. Learn the signs, treatment and how to make heat safe. Thermal Burns Back to Snakes What is it? Thermal burns happen when a snake contacts a hot surface such as an unguarded heat lamp, heat rock, or malfunctioning heat pad. Snakes often don't move away from heat quickly, so burns can be deep. What signs should I watch for? Signs to watch for include discolored, blistered, or dark scales; raw or open wounds; abnormal shedding over damaged areas; and lethargy, reduced appetite. How is it diagnosed and treated? Your veterinarian assesses the burn depth and treats with wound care, pain relief, fluids, and treatment for infection. Severe burns may take months to heal. Can it be prevented, and what's the outlook? Use thermostats on all heat sources, guard lamps, avoid heat rocks, and check temperatures with a reliable thermometer. Reviewed by the Adler Veterinary Hospital veterinary team, October 2026. Snakes with unguarded lamps, heat rocks, faulty pads Who's at risk: Discolored or blistered scales, open wounds, lethargy Main signs: See a vet within a day or two Urgency: When to call a vet right away Blistered, discolored, or dark scales Raw or open wounds Not sure whether it can wait? Call us anyway. Our team can help you decide. Source: VCA, Common Problems in Pet Snakes Back to Snakes Related conditions Shedding Problems Respiratory Infections Snake Mites Next steps Watch a related video Watch on YouTube Helpful products See products Schedule an appointment Request appointment

Uterine cancer is very common in older unspayed female rabbits. Learn the signs, like blood in the urine or discharge, and why early spaying prevents it. Uterine Adenocarcinoma Back to Rabbits What is it? 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. Left untreated, it can spread to the lungs, liver, and other organs. What signs should I watch for? Signs to watch for include blood in the urine or bloody vaginal discharge, swollen mammary glands or cysts, enlarged belly, aggression or behavior changes, and weight loss and lethargy in later stages. How is it diagnosed and treated? Diagnosis uses a physical exam, ultrasound, and chest X-rays to check for spread. The main treatment is surgical spaying, which can be curative if the cancer hasn't spread. Can it be prevented, and what's the outlook? Spaying female rabbits while young and healthy virtually eliminates this risk and is strongly recommended for pet rabbits. Reviewed by the Adler Veterinary Hospital veterinary team, October 2026. Unspayed female rabbits from about three to four Who's at risk: Blood in urine, bloody discharge, swollen mammary glands Main signs: Schedule a visit soon Urgency: When to call a vet right away Bloody vaginal discharge in an unspayed female Blood in the urine A swollen belly Firm swellings on the mammary glands 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 GI Stasis RHDV2 Urinary Sludge & Stones Next steps Watch a related video Watch on YouTube Helpful products See products Schedule an appointment Request appointment

SIPS is bloody discharge that lasts much longer than normal after a dog gives birth. Learn what is normal, what is not, and when bleeding needs a vet visit. Subinvolution of Placental Sites (SIPS) Back to Dogs What is it? After birth, the uterus slowly shrinks back to normal (involution). SIPS happens when the lining of the uterus where the placentas were attached does not heal normally. It is most common in dogs under three years old after their first litter. What signs should I watch for? The only sign is bloody discharge from the vulva that lasts longer than expected. Some bloody discharge or spotting is normal for weeks after birth (Merck notes up to 12 to 16 weeks), but in SIPS it lasts much longer. Blood loss is usually not severe. Heavy bleeding after delivery is rare and needs veterinary care. How is it diagnosed and treated? Diagnosis is usually based on her history and signs, after ruling out other causes of bleeding. Usually no treatment is needed. Spaying is curative but is only needed if bleeding is severe. Can it be prevented, and what's the outlook? It resolves on its own and usually does not recur. Reviewed by the Adler Veterinary Hospital veterinary team, October 2026. Young dogs, usually after their first litter Who's at risk: Bloody discharge lasting longer than expected after birth Main signs: Schedule a visit soon Urgency: When to call a vet right away Heavy bleeding from the vulva Bloody discharge lasting longer than 16 weeks after birth Bleeding that seems to be getting worse 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 Vaginal Hyperplasia Pyometra Uterine Infection Next steps Watch a related video Watch on YouTube Helpful products See products Schedule an appointment Request appointment

Skin tags are slow-growing, benign growths that often form where a dog's skin is rubbed or pressed. Learn what they look like and when one should be checked. Skin Tags (Fibroepithelial Polyps) Back to Dogs What is it? A skin tag is a benign growth made of fibroblasts, the cells that produce collagen and give skin its strength. When these cells overgrow in one spot, they form a small mass. Other names include fibroma and fibroepithelial polyp. Chronic rubbing or pressure, for example over the elbows, may contribute. What signs should I watch for? Skin tags appear as small plaques, nodules, or soft masses on or just under the skin, usually in areas of pressure or repeated irritation. They grow slowly and usually cause no discomfort, though a large one in an awkward place may become irritated. How is it diagnosed and treated? Your veterinarian may try a fine needle sample, but these growths do not release cells easily, so a biopsy is often needed for a firm diagnosis. Most need no treatment. A skin tag that is bothersome because of its size or location can be removed surgically. Treating the cause of repeated irritation, such as allergies, helps prevent new ones. Can it be prevented, and what's the outlook? Skin tags are benign and do not spread. A well-padded bed can help when they form over the elbows. Have any new or changing lump checked, since other growths can look similar. Reviewed by the Adler Veterinary Hospital veterinary team, October 2026. Dogs with pressure points or repeated skin irritation Who's at risk: Small soft growth on the skin, often on pressure points Main signs: Schedule a visit soon Urgency: When to call a vet right away A growth that becomes irritated A growth that keeps growing A growth that looks different from your dog's other skin tags Any new lump (have it checked) Not sure whether it can wait? Call us anyway. Our team can help you decide. Source: VCA Animal Hospitals, Benign Fibrous Skin Tumors (Fibroma, Skin Tag) Back to Dogs Related conditions Perianal Tumors Fatty Tumor (Lipoma) Sebaceous Adenoma Next steps Watch a related video Watch on YouTube Helpful products See products Schedule an appointment Request appointment

Parvovirus is a highly contagious virus that attacks a dog's intestines and immune system. Learn the signs, how it spreads, and how vaccines protect puppies. Parvovirus Back to Dogs What is it? Canine parvovirus is a highly contagious virus that attacks the intestinal lining and the immune system. It spreads through infected stool and survives in the environment for months. Unvaccinated puppies are at the greatest risk. What signs should I watch for? Signs to watch for include severe vomiting; diarrhea, often bloody and foul-smelling; lethargy and loss of appetite; fever or low body temperature; and rapid dehydration. How is it diagnosed and treated? A quick in-clinic stool test can confirm the virus. There's no cure that undoes the damage, but a newer monoclonal antibody treatment can block the virus, alongside intensive supportive care: fluids, anti-nausea medicine, nutrition, and protection against secondary infection, usually in the hospital. Can it be prevented, and what's the outlook? Vaccination is highly effective. Puppies need a full series, and should avoid dog parks and unknown dogs until protected. Most treated puppies survive; untreated cases are often fatal. Reviewed by the Adler Veterinary Hospital veterinary team, October 2026. Unvaccinated puppies Who's at risk: Severe vomiting, bloody diarrhea, lethargy, rapid dehydration Main signs: Emergency — see a vet now Urgency: When to call a vet right away Severe vomiting Diarrhea, often bloody and foul-smelling Rapid dehydration Not sure whether it can wait? Call us anyway. Our team can help you decide. Source: VCA Animal Hospitals, Parvovirus in Dogs Back to Dogs Related conditions Brucellosis Bloat (GDV) Heartworm Next steps Watch a related video Watch on YouTube Helpful products See products Schedule an appointment Request appointment

Cryptorchidism means one or both testicles have not dropped into the scrotum. Learn the signs, the risks of cancer and twisting, and why neutering is advised. Cryptorchidism (Retained Testicle) Back to Dogs What is it? Testicles develop near the kidneys and normally move into the scrotum by about two months of age, rarely later than six months. In cryptorchidism, one (usually) or both stay in the abdomen, the groin canal, or under the skin of the groin. It affects about 1 to 15% of dogs, appears to be inherited, and is more common in toy and small breeds such as toy poodles, Pomeranians, and Yorkshire terriers. What signs should I watch for? It is usually not painful. You may notice only one testicle, or none, in the scrotum after two to four months of age. Dogs with retained testicles still behave like intact males. A retained testicle can twist, which causes sudden, severe belly pain and needs emergency surgery. How is it diagnosed and treated? Your veterinarian can often find the testicle by feeling the groin; an abdominal testicle may be located with ultrasound or X-rays, or at surgery. The recommended treatment is neutering, removing both testicles. Can it be prevented, and what's the outlook? The outlook is excellent when surgery is done early. A retained testicle is at least ten times more likely to become cancerous, and affected dogs should never be bred because the condition is inherited. Reviewed by the Adler Veterinary Hospital veterinary team, October 2026. Male puppies; toy and small breeds Who's at risk: One or both testicles missing from the scrotum Main signs: Schedule a visit soon Urgency: When to call a vet right away Sudden, severe belly pain (a retained testicle can twist and need emergency surgery) A missing testicle in a puppy older than 2 to 4 months A retained testicle that seems to be changing (it may become cancerous) Not sure whether it can wait? Call us anyway. Our team can help you decide. Source: VCA, Cryptorchidism in Dogs Back to Dogs Related conditions Prostate Disease Brucellosis Perineal Hernia Next steps Watch a related video Watch on YouTube Helpful products See products Schedule an appointment Request appointment

Canine distemper is a virus that is almost always fatal in ferrets and spreads through the air and contact. Learn the signs and why vaccination is so important. Canine Distemper Back to Ferrets What is it? Canine distemper is a virus that is almost always fatal in ferrets. It spreads through the air and contact with infected animals, including dogs and wildlife. What signs should I watch for? Signs to watch for include eye and nose discharge; fever, loss of appetite; rash on the chin and groin; thickened, crusty footpads; and neurologic signs such as tremors or seizures. How is it diagnosed and treated? Diagnosis is based on signs and lab testing. There is no effective treatment, and humane euthanasia is often recommended to prevent suffering. Can it be prevented, and what's the outlook? Vaccination with a distemper vaccine approved for ferrets is essential, even for indoor ferrets. Reviewed by the Adler Veterinary Hospital veterinary team, October 2026. Unvaccinated ferrets, even indoor ones Who's at risk: Eye and nose discharge, fever, chin rash, crusty footpads Main signs: Emergency — see a vet now Urgency: When to call a vet right away Tremors or seizures Eye and nose discharge with fever 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) Swallowed Objects Influenza 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 dogs. Learn the warning signs, why it is a true emergency, and how it is treated and prevented. Eclampsia (Milk Fever) Back to Dogs What is it? Eclampsia (hypocalcemia, puerperal tetany) is a dangerous drop in blood calcium. It most often happens when puppies are one to four weeks old and the mother is making the most milk, but it can also occur before birth. Causes may include calcium loss to the growing puppies and to milk, an unbalanced diet during pregnancy and nursing, calcium supplements during pregnancy, or a parathyroid problem. Small breeds such as Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, toy poodles, miniature pinschers, and shih tzus are at higher risk, and Merck notes it is most common in dogs under about 45 pounds, especially with a large litter. What signs should I watch for? Early signs are subtle: restlessness, panting, and stiff walking that can progress to being unable to walk. Muscle spasms (tetany) can spread through the whole body and lead to seizures. Some dogs have a fever, seem disoriented, restless, or aggressive, pace, rub their face, or have small pupils or a raised third eyelid. If you suspect eclampsia, stop the puppies from nursing and contact your veterinarian immediately. How is it diagnosed and treated? Your veterinarian will confirm low calcium with blood tests and give intravenous fluids and calcium. Calcium must be given slowly while the heart is monitored. Some dogs need anti-seizure medication. Follow-up usually includes oral calcium supplements and weaning the puppies as quickly as possible. 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. Do not give calcium supplements or dairy during pregnancy unless your veterinarian advises it, because too much calcium can suppress the parathyroid gland and raise the risk. For at-risk mothers, puppies may be separated a few times a day so she can eat, and supplemented with milk replacer, moving to puppy food at three to four weeks. Reviewed by the Adler Veterinary Hospital veterinary team, October 2026. Nursing mothers, especially small breeds with puppies 1 to 4 weeks old Who's at risk: Restlessness, panting, stiff walking, muscle spasms, seizures Main signs: Emergency — see a vet now Urgency: When to call a vet right away Restlessness, panting, or nervousness Stiff walking or being unable to walk Muscle tremors or spasms Seizures Fever or disorientation Not sure whether it can wait? Call us anyway. Our team can help you decide. Source: VCA, Eclampsia in Dogs Back to Dogs Related conditions Fading Puppy Syndrome Pregnancy Nutrition Pyometra Next steps Watch a related video Watch on YouTube Helpful products See products Schedule an appointment Request appointment