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Canine brucellosis is a contagious bacterial infection that causes late miscarriage and infertility in dogs. Learn the signs, testing, and risk to people. Canine Brucellosis Back to Dogs What is it? Canine brucellosis is caused by the bacterium Brucella canis. It spreads easily between dogs, mainly through contact with genital fluids, urine, aborted puppies, or placental material, and through mating. Infected females can shed bacteria in discharge for four to six weeks after a miscarriage. What signs should I watch for? Females may be infertile, have trouble getting pregnant, or miscarry late in pregnancy (often days 45 to 55), or give birth to stillborn or weak puppies; a persistent vaginal discharge is common. Males may have an enlarged scrotum or testicle, a rash on the scrotum, reluctance to mate, and infertility, and the testicles may later shrink. Enlarged lymph nodes may be seen; fever is uncommon. It can occasionally affect the spine, eyes, kidneys, heart, or brain. How is it diagnosed and treated? Diagnosis is by blood tests; a positive screening test should be confirmed with a more specific test. Antibiotics can help control it, but no treatment reliably clears the bacteria, so an infected dog should be considered infected for life and may shed bacteria on and off. Spaying or neutering reduces shedding. In some areas brucellosis must be reported to health authorities. Can it be prevented, and what's the outlook? Breeding dogs should be tested regularly and before breeding, and new dogs should be quarantined and tested (often two tests four weeks apart) before joining a kennel. Infected dogs should not be bred. Reviewed by the Adler Veterinary Hospital veterinary team, October 2026. Breeding dogs and kennels, especially dogs of unknown history Who's at risk: Late miscarriage, infertility, vaginal discharge, swollen testicles Main signs: Schedule a visit soon Urgency: When to call a vet right away Miscarriage, especially late in pregnancy Stillborn or weak puppies Ongoing vaginal discharge An enlarged scrotum or testicle, or a rash on the scrotum Signs involving the back, eyes, kidneys, heart or brain Not sure whether it can wait? Call us anyway. Our team can help you decide. Source: VCA, Canine Brucellosis Back to Dogs Related conditions Prostate Disease SIPS (Bloody Discharge) Retained Placenta Next steps Watch a related video Watch on YouTube Helpful products See products Schedule an appointment Request appointment

An insulinoma is a pancreatic tumor that causes low blood sugar in middle-aged ferrets. Learn the signs, like weakness or seizures, and treatment options. Insulinoma Back to Ferrets What is it? An insulinoma is a tumor of the pancreas that produces too much insulin, causing low blood sugar. It typically affects ferrets three to five years old. What signs should I watch for? Signs to watch for include lethargy, sleeping more, hard to wake; staring into space; pawing at the mouth, drooling; weakness in the hind legs; and seizures or collapse (EMERGENCY). How is it diagnosed and treated? A fasting blood sugar test is the main diagnostic step. Treatment includes frequent high-protein meals, medication to raise blood sugar, and sometimes surgery to remove nodules. Can it be prevented, and what's the outlook? Insulinoma is usually not curable, but many ferrets live comfortably for a year or more with management. Avoid sugary treats. Reviewed by the Adler Veterinary Hospital veterinary team, October 2026. Ferrets three to five years old Who's at risk: Lethargy, staring, drooling, hind-leg weakness Main signs: Ongoing management with your vet Urgency: When to call a vet right away Seizures or collapse Lethargy or hard to wake Not sure whether it can wait? Call us anyway. Our team can help you decide. Source: VCA Animal Hospitals, Tumors in Ferrets Back to Ferrets Related conditions Heart Disease (DCM) Lymphoma Adrenal Disease Next steps Watch a related video Watch on YouTube Helpful products See products Schedule an appointment Request appointment

Chronic kidney disease is common in older cats and often shows up late. Learn the early signs like thirst and weight loss, and how diet and care can help. Chronic Kidney Disease Back to Cats What is it? Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a gradual loss of kidney function, very common in older cats. The kidneys have large reserves, so signs often appear only after most function is gone. What signs should I watch for? Signs to watch for include drinking and urinating more, weight loss and poor appetite, vomiting, poor coat and bad breath, and weakness or lethargy. How is it diagnosed and treated? Blood and urine tests, including newer early markers, confirm CKD and stage it; blood pressure checks are also important. Treatment aims to slow progression: kidney-friendly diets, hydration support, and managing problems like high blood pressure, nausea, or low potassium. Can it be prevented, and what's the outlook? CKD can't be reversed, but many cats live comfortably for years with care. Senior blood and urine screening helps catch it early. Reviewed by the Adler Veterinary Hospital veterinary team, October 2026. Older cats Who's at risk: Drinking and urinating more, weight loss, poor appetite Main signs: Ongoing management with your vet Urgency: When to call a vet right away Poor appetite or not eating Vomiting or diarrhea Lethargy or depression Bad breath or mouth ulcers Pale gums (a sign of anemia) Signs that seem to start or worsen suddenly Not sure whether it can wait? Call us anyway. Our team can help you decide. Source: VCA, Chronic Kidney Disease in Cats Back to Cats Related conditions Pregnancy Nutrition Dental & Tooth Resorption Urinary Blockage Next steps Watch a related video Watch on YouTube Helpful products See products Schedule an appointment Request appointment

Client education on common conditions in cats, including kidney disease, diabetes and hyperthyroidism. General information that doesn't replace an exam. Common Conditions in Cats Client education from Adler Veterinary Hospital, Southwest Florida. These summaries are for general information and don't replace an exam. Atopy vs Food Allergy In cats, environmental allergy (atopy) and food allergy both cause itching and over-grooming. More info Diabetes In cats, diabetes usually occurs because the body stops responding well to insulin, similar to type 2 diabetes in people. More info False Pregnancy False pregnancy is uncommon in cats. More info Hyperthyroidism Hyperthyroidism is an overactive thyroid gland, usually from a benign growth. More info Mastitis Mastitis is inflammation, usually from infection, of one or more mammary glands. More info Pemphigus Pemphigus foliaceus is the most common autoimmune skin disease in cats. More info Respiratory Infections Feline upper respiratory infections are like a bad cold, usually caused by feline herpesvirus or calicivirus, sometimes with bacteria involved. More info Urinary Blockage Feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) describes conditions of the bladder and urethra. More info Bite Wounds & Abscesses Bite wounds from fights are one of the most common causes of abscesses in cats. More info Difficult Birth Dystocia means a difficult birth: a cat cannot deliver her kittens normally without help. More info FeLV and FIV Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) are retroviruses that weaken the immune system. More info IBD & GI Lymphoma Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is chronic inflammation of the intestinal lining. More info Neonatal Isoerythrolysis Neonatal isoerythrolysis is a severe anemia in newborn kittens caused by antibodies in the mother's first milk that destroy the kittens' red blood cells. More info Pregnancy Nutrition Pregnancy and nursing put big demands on a mother cat. More info Retained Placenta A retained placenta is afterbirth that stays in the uterus after the last kitten is born. More info Urine Spraying Urine spraying is when a cat backs up to a vertical surface and sprays a small amount of urine to leave a scent message. More info Dental & Tooth Resorption 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. More info Eclampsia (Milk Fever) Eclampsia, also called puerperal tetany or milk fever, is a life-threatening drop in blood calcium in nursing mothers. More info Heart Disease (HCM) Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most common heart disease in cats. More info Kidney Disease Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a gradual loss of kidney function, very common in older cats. More info Obesity Obesity is one of the most common health problems in indoor cats. More info Pyometra Pyometra is a serious, life-threatening infection of the uterus in unspayed female cats. More info Retained Testicle Cryptorchidism is when one or both testicles do not descend into the scrotum. More info Uterine Infection Metritis is inflammation of the uterus, usually from bacterial infection, that develops within a few days after a cat gives birth. More info

Heartworm disease is spread by mosquitoes and damages a dog's heart and lungs. Learn the signs, how testing works, and why year-round prevention matters. Heartworm Disease Back to Dogs What is it? Heartworm disease is caused by a worm spread by mosquito bites. Larvae mature into foot-long worms that live in the heart and lung vessels, causing lasting damage. With mosquitoes active nearly year-round, Southwest Florida is a high-risk area. What signs should I watch for? Signs to watch for include mild, persistent cough; tiring easily with exercise; reduced appetite and weight loss; swollen belly from fluid in advanced cases; and sudden collapse (emergency). How is it diagnosed and treated? A blood test detects infection; X-rays, ultrasound, and other tests determine severity. Treatment is a staged protocol that kills adult worms over several months, with strict exercise restriction to lower the risk of complications. Can it be prevented, and what's the outlook? Prevention is far safer and cheaper than treatment. Give heartworm prevention every month, all year, and test yearly. Indoor dogs are at risk too. Reviewed by the Adler Veterinary Hospital veterinary team, October 2026. Any dog, indoor dogs included; Southwest Florida is high-risk Who's at risk: Persistent cough, tiring with exercise, weight loss, swollen belly Main signs: Schedule a visit soon Urgency: When to call a vet right away Sudden collapse A cough that becomes severe Not sure whether it can wait? Call us anyway. Our team can help you decide. Source: VCA, Heartworm Disease in Dogs Back to Dogs Related conditions Collapsing Trachea Mitral Valve Disease Heart Disease (DCM) Next steps Watch a related video Watch on YouTube Helpful products See products Schedule an appointment Request appointment

Some dogs become distressed when left alone, barking, pacing or chewing exits. Learn the signs of separation anxiety and how training and care can help. Separation Anxiety (Separation-Related Distress) Back to Dogs What is it? Separation-related distress describes behaviors a dog shows almost only when alone or apart from a particular person. Not every dog is anxious; some are frustrated or restless. Dogs are social animals, and risk rises with little practice being alone, a traumatic separation such as being surrendered to a shelter, a low tolerance for frustration, or a change in routine, such as a family member returning to work. Pain, urinary or bowel urgency, and age-related cognitive decline can also trigger it. What signs should I watch for? Signs include barking, howling or whining, pacing, destroying objects, damaging doors or windows, drooling, vomiting, and urinating or defecating indoors when left alone. Some dogs start showing stress, such as pacing, hiding, or ears back, as you get ready to leave. If signs appear suddenly, schedule a veterinary exam. How is it diagnosed and treated? Your veterinarian will check for medical causes and help tailor a plan. Treatment focuses on teaching your dog to relax: a safe resting spot, short practice absences that end before distress begins, calm departures and returns, and enrichment when you are home. A camera helps you watch progress. Anti-anxiety medications, including fluoxetine and clomipramine, which are FDA-approved for dogs, can speed improvement when combined with training. If distress continues or worsens, a veterinary behaviorist can help; meanwhile, a pet sitter or daycare keeps your dog from being left alone. Never punish your dog for damage or accidents. Can it be prevented, and what's the outlook? Teaching puppies and newly adopted dogs, step by step, that they are safe when out of sight may help prevent problems. Many dogs improve with patient training, environmental changes, and medication where appropriate. Reviewed by the Adler Veterinary Hospital veterinary team, October 2026. Dogs with little alone-time practice, after rehoming or routine changes Who's at risk: Barking, pacing, chewing doors, drooling, accidents when left alone Main signs: Ongoing management with your vet Urgency: When to call a vet right away Signs of distress that start suddenly Damaging doors or windows trying to get out Vomiting when left alone Signs of distress at any point during training Not sure whether it can wait? Call us anyway. Our team can help you decide. Source: VCA Animal Hospitals, Separation-Related Distress in Dogs Back to Dogs Related conditions Aggression Noise & Storm Phobia Cognitive Dysfunction (Dementia) Next steps Watch a related video Watch on YouTube Helpful products See products Schedule an appointment Request appointment

Addison's disease is a shortage of adrenal hormones in dogs. Signs are vague, but a crisis is an emergency. Learn the signs, diagnosis and how it is treated. Addison's Disease (Hypoadrenocorticism) Back to Dogs What is it? The adrenal glands, near the kidneys, make cortisol (a stress hormone) and aldosterone (which balances sodium and potassium). In Addison's disease, too little of these hormones is made, most often because the immune system has damaged the adrenal tissue. Less often it follows injury, infection, cancer, a pituitary problem, treatment for Cushing's disease, or abruptly stopping long-term steroids. Breeds at increased risk include Portuguese water dogs, bearded collies, standard poodles, Nova Scotia duck tolling retrievers, Leonbergers, Great Danes, and Labrador retrievers. What signs should I watch for? Signs are often vague and may wax and wane: lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, increased thirst and urination, weight loss, and episodes of shaking. Signs may improve briefly with general treatment and then return. A sudden crisis can cause weakness, severe vomiting and diarrhea, and collapse. How is it diagnosed and treated? Routine blood and urine tests often show electrolyte imbalances, and the ACTH stimulation test confirms the diagnosis. Other tests may rule out similar conditions. An Addisonian crisis needs immediate hospital care. Long-term treatment replaces the missing hormones, typically with DOCP injections every three to four weeks (which can be given at home) plus an oral steroid, or with oral fludrocortisone. Can it be prevented, and what's the outlook? Addison's disease cannot be prevented, but it is very treatable. Once stabilized on medication, the vast majority of dogs have a good to excellent outlook and resume normal lives, even after a crisis. Reviewed by the Adler Veterinary Hospital veterinary team, October 2026. Dogs of any age; Portuguese water dogs, poodles, Great Danes Who's at risk: Vague, recurring lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, thirst, weakness Main signs: Ongoing management with your vet Urgency: When to call a vet right away Sudden weakness Severe vomiting and diarrhea Collapse Not sure whether it can wait? Call us anyway. Our team can help you decide. Source: VCA Animal Hospitals, Addison's Disease in Dogs Back to Dogs Related conditions Cushing's Disease Diabetes Hypothyroidism Next steps Watch a related video Watch on YouTube Helpful products See products Schedule an appointment Request appointment

Pemphigus foliaceus is the most common autoimmune skin disease in cats, causing crusts on the face, ears and feet. Learn the signs, diagnosis and treatment. Pemphigus Foliaceus Back to Cats What is it? In pemphigus foliaceus (PF), the immune system makes antibodies against the "glue" that holds skin cells together. The cells separate, forming pimple-like pustules and crusts. Autoimmune skin diseases are rare in cats, but PF is the most common of them. It usually appears suddenly without a known cause, though in some cases it is drug-induced or follows years of skin disease. What signs should I watch for? Look for crusts (scabs) and sores around the eyes, ears, bridge of the nose, footpads, and groin. In cats, the nail beds are often affected, causing crusty, sore feet. PF rarely affects the mouth. How is it diagnosed and treated? A skin biopsy, taken with a small punch under local anesthesia or sedation, is needed to confirm PF. Treatment suppresses the immune system, usually starting with corticosteroids such as prednisolone or dexamethasone; cats that do not respond may need other immune-suppressing drugs such as chlorambucil or cyclosporine. Antibiotics or topical treatments may be needed for secondary infection. Your veterinarian will plan regular rechecks. Can it be prevented, and what's the outlook? PF cannot usually be prevented, but if a medication is suspected as a trigger, your veterinarian may stop it. Autoimmune skin disease is rarely cured but is often well controlled with appropriate medication. Reviewed by the Adler Veterinary Hospital veterinary team, October 2026. Cats; rare overall, but the most common feline autoimmune skin disease Who's at risk: Crusts and sores on face, ears and footpads; crusty nail beds Main signs: Schedule a visit soon Urgency: When to call a vet right away Crusts and sores that are spreading Crusty, sore feet or nail beds A fever that comes and goes Sores around the eyes, ears or nose that won't heal Not sure whether it can wait? Call us anyway. Our team can help you decide. Source: VCA Animal Hospitals, Autoimmune Skin Disease in Cats; Merck Veterinary Manual, Disorders Involving Cytotoxic Antibodies (Type II Reactions) in Cats Back to Cats Related conditions Atopy vs Food Allergy Bite Wounds & Abscesses Respiratory Infections Next steps Watch a related video Watch on YouTube Helpful products See products Schedule an appointment Request appointment

Many ferrets carry the stomach bacterium Helicobacter, which can cause inflammation and ulcers under stress. Learn the signs, diagnosis and treatment options. Helicobacter Gastritis Back to Ferrets What is it? Many ferrets carry the stomach bacterium Helicobacter mustelae. Under stress or with other illnesses, it can cause stomach inflammation and ulcers. What signs should I watch for? Signs to watch for include poor appetite, weight loss; vomiting; dark, tarry stools; grinding teeth or drooling (signs of nausea); and lethargy. How is it diagnosed and treated? Diagnosis is often based on signs and response to treatment; biopsy is definitive. Treatment combines multiple antibiotics with stomach-protective medication, plus nutritional support. Can it be prevented, and what's the outlook? Reducing stress and treating promptly usually improves the outlook, though relapses can occur. Reviewed by the Adler Veterinary Hospital veterinary team, October 2026. Ferrets under stress or with other illnesses Who's at risk: Poor appetite, vomiting, dark tarry stools, teeth grinding Main signs: See a vet within a day or two Urgency: When to call a vet right away Vomiting Dark, tarry stools Not sure whether it can wait? Call us anyway. Our team can help you decide. Source: VCA, Gastrointestinal Diseases in Ferrets Back to Ferrets Related conditions Swallowed Objects Lymphoma Adrenal Disease Next steps Watch a related video Watch on YouTube Helpful products See products Schedule an appointment Request appointment

A retained placenta is afterbirth left in the uterus after a cat gives birth. Learn the warning signs to watch for and why it needs immediate veterinary care. Retained Placenta (Fetal Membranes) Back to Cats What is it? Each kitten is normally followed by its placenta (afterbirth), which the mother usually eats. Occasionally a cat fails to pass the last set of membranes, and they decompose in the uterus. Because mothers eat placentas, it can be hard to tell whether one is missing. What signs should I watch for? Watch for restlessness, belly discomfort, unwillingness to settle with her kittens, poor appetite, vomiting, fever, lethargy, and a brownish or green vaginal discharge. Some bloody discharge is normal for several days after birth, but discharge that continues for more than a week should be checked. How is it diagnosed and treated? Your veterinarian will examine her and feel her abdomen, often finding a fever and an enlarged uterus, and may use blood tests, ultrasound, or X-rays to rule out a retained kitten. Antibiotics are needed, and medication such as oxytocin may help expel the membranes. Rarely, surgery is needed. Can it be prevented, and what's the outlook? Your veterinarian should examine the mother and litter within 24 hours of delivery to make sure no kittens or problems remain. Retained membranes can lead to metritis, so prompt care matters. Reviewed by the Adler Veterinary Hospital veterinary team, October 2026. Cats in the days after giving birth Who's at risk: Restlessness, poor appetite, fever, brown or green discharge Main signs: Emergency — see a vet now Urgency: When to call a vet right away Restlessness or belly discomfort, unwilling to settle with her kittens Poor appetite Brownish or green vaginal discharge Fever or lethargy Not sure whether it can wait? Call us anyway. Our team can help you decide. Source: VCA, Pregnancy and Labor in Cats Back to Cats Related conditions Mastitis Pyometra Uterine Infection Next steps Watch a related video Watch on YouTube Helpful products See products Schedule an appointment Request appointment

Metabolic bone disease weakens a sugar glider's bones when the diet lacks calcium or vitamin D. Learn the signs, like tremors and fractures, and prevention. Metabolic Bone Disease Back to Sugar Gliders What is it? Metabolic bone disease (MBD) develops when a sugar glider's diet has too little calcium, too much phosphorus, or not enough vitamin D. The body pulls calcium from the bones, leaving them weak and prone to fracture. It is usually caused by fruit- or insect-heavy diets without proper supplementation. What signs should I watch for? Signs to watch for include weakness or trouble climbing and gliding, hind-leg weakness or paralysis, tremors or seizures, swollen or bowed limbs, and fractures from minor falls. How is it diagnosed and treated? Diagnosis is based on diet history, exam, X-rays, and blood tests. Treatment includes calcium supplementation, correcting the diet, cage rest, and supportive care. Can it be prevented, and what's the outlook? Feeding a balanced, veterinarian-recommended diet prevents MBD. Many gliders improve with early treatment. Reviewed by the Adler Veterinary Hospital veterinary team, October 2026. Gliders on fruit- or insect-heavy diets Who's at risk: Weakness, hind-leg paralysis, tremors or seizures, fractures Main signs: See a vet within a day or two Urgency: When to call a vet right away Tremors or seizures Hind-leg weakness or paralysis A possible broken bone after a minor fall 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 Trauma Hind-Limb Paralysis Malnutrition & Obesity Next steps Watch a related video Watch on YouTube Helpful products See products Schedule an appointment Request appointment

Self-mutilation is when a sugar glider chews its own tail, legs or other areas, often from stress or living alone. Learn the warning signs and how to help. Self-Mutilation Back to Sugar Gliders What is it? Self-mutilation is when a sugar glider chews or bites its own body, most often the tail, legs, genitals, or a surgical site. Gliders are highly social, and stress from living alone, boredom, irregular schedules, or a poor environment is a frequent trigger. Pain, infection, parasites, and post-surgery irritation can also start it. What signs should I watch for? Signs to watch for include fur loss or bald patches; chewed tail tip or limbs; open, bleeding wounds; constant grooming of one area; and crying, restlessness, or irritability. How is it diagnosed and treated? Your veterinarian treats wounds, controls pain and infection, and may use a protective collar or bandage. The real work is finding the cause: checking for medical problems and reviewing housing, companionship, diet, and daily routine. Can it be prevented, and what's the outlook? This can become severe quickly and is an urgent problem. Keeping gliders in compatible pairs or groups with a large, enriched cage greatly reduces risk. Reviewed by the Adler Veterinary Hospital veterinary team, October 2026. Gliders living alone, bored, or stressed Who's at risk: Bald patches, chewed tail or limbs, open bleeding wounds Main signs: See a vet within a day or two Urgency: When to call a vet right away Open, bleeding wounds Chewed tail tip or limbs Not sure whether it can wait? Call us anyway. Our team can help you decide. Source: Merck Vet Manual, Sugar Glider Diseases Back to Sugar Gliders Related conditions Trauma Dental Disease Penile Prolapse Next steps Watch a related video Watch on YouTube Helpful products See products Schedule an appointment Request appointment