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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

USMI is a common cause of urine leaking in spayed female dogs, often while they sleep. Learn the signs, how it is diagnosed, and how medication helps. Urethral Sphincter Mechanism Incompetence (USMI) Back to Dogs What is it? Urinary (urethral) incontinence is the involuntary leaking of urine. One of the more common causes is a urethral disorder in which the muscles that close the urethra do not contract tightly enough. This is often hormone-responsive and is the type commonly called urethral sphincter mechanism incompetence (USMI). It may affect more than 20% of spayed female dogs and up to 30% of large-breed dogs, and it is most common in middle-aged to senior, medium to large-breed females, though any dog can be affected. What signs should I watch for? The classic sign is a puddle or wet spot where your dog has been sleeping or resting. Some dogs dribble urine while walking or after urinating. Many seem unaware it is happening. Licking, odor, or redness around the vulva can follow. How is it diagnosed and treated? Your veterinarian will use the history, a physical exam, and blood and urine tests, and often X-rays or ultrasound, to rule out infections, bladder stones, nerve problems, and anatomic problems such as ectopic ureters. Cystoscopy or specialized pressure testing is sometimes needed. Treatment usually uses phenylpropanolamine (PPA), which tightens the urethral sphincter, and/or estrogen-type hormones; about 70% of incontinence cases respond well to medication alone. Other options for difficult cases include other medications, collagen injections around the urethra, and specialist surgery. Dogs on long-term medication need periodic blood and urine checks. Can it be prevented, and what's the outlook? Hormone changes after spaying are thought to play a role, so ask your veterinarian about timing if you have a large-breed female. The outlook is generally good: most dogs are managed successfully with medication, monitoring, and more frequent trips outside. Reviewed by the Adler Veterinary Hospital veterinary team, October 2026. Spayed females, especially middle-aged to older and large breeds Who's at risk: Wet spots where the dog sleeps, dribbling urine, unaware of leaking Main signs: Ongoing management with your vet Urgency: When to call a vet right away Leaking that starts suddenly or gets worse Redness, odor or constant licking around the vulva Straining or not passing urine (urine retention) Not sure whether it can wait? Call us anyway. Our team can help you decide. Source: VCA Animal Hospitals, Urinary Incontinence (Urethral Incontinence) in Dogs Back to Dogs Related conditions Ectopic Ureters Hooded Vulva Obesity Next steps Watch a related video Watch on YouTube Helpful products See products Schedule an appointment Request appointment

Lumps around a dog's anus are often perianal gland tumors. Most are benign, but cancer looks alike. Learn the differences and why every lump needs a sample. Perianal Adenoma vs Perianal Adenocarcinoma Back to Dogs What is it? Hepatoid (perianal) glands are modified skin glands found around the anus and also on the prepuce, tail base, groin, inner thigh, and back; only dogs have them. Tumors of these glands are mostly benign adenomas, which make up 58 to 96% of tumors in this area. Adenocarcinomas are the uncommon malignant form. Testosterone promotes these tumors, so they are far more common in unneutered males and rare in neutered males. Breeds at higher risk include Siberian huskies, cocker spaniels, Pekingese, Shih Tzus, Lhasa apsos, German shepherds, and Samoyeds. What signs should I watch for? Adenomas are usually one or more small, round, pink, hairless, slow-growing bumps around the anus, prepuce, scrotum, or under the tail. They may ulcerate and become infected, and your dog may lick the area. Adenocarcinomas look similar but tend to grow faster and larger, are more often multiple, and can press on the rectum, causing straining and constipation. Some cause high blood calcium, leading to increased thirst and urination, poor appetite, weight loss, weakness, and vomiting. Here is how the two compare: Perianal adenoma Perianal adenocarcinoma Behavior Benign (not cancer) Malignant (cancer) How common Most common perianal tumor (58 to 96%) Uncommon Who gets it Mostly unneutered male dogs; rare in neutered males Also mainly unneutered males, but can occur in any dog Growth Slow; usually under 1 inch (2.5 cm) Fast; can reach about 4 inches (10 cm) and invade deeper tissue Spread Does not spread Can spread to lymph nodes, abdominal organs and lungs Other effects May ulcerate and become infected Straining or constipation; high blood calcium in about 30 to 50% (thirst, urination, weakness) Main treatment Neutering plus removal of the tumor Wide surgical removal, often of nearby lymph nodes, plus neutering; radiation or chemotherapy Outlook Good; recurs in under 10% after neutering and removal Fair to guarded How is it diagnosed and treated? Because the two can look the same, a fine needle sample, biopsy, or full removal of the lump is needed for a diagnosis. Adenocarcinomas are sometimes found only on a rectal exam. For adenomas in intact males, neutering plus tumor removal is the treatment of choice, and small tumors often shrink after neutering. For adenocarcinomas, complete surgical removal (sometimes with nearby lymph nodes) and neutering are recommended, often with radiation or chemotherapy, after staging tests such as bloodwork, chest X-rays, and abdominal ultrasound. Can it be prevented, and what's the outlook? Neutering greatly lowers the risk of these tumors. The outlook for adenomas is good, with recurrence under 10% after neutering and removal. Adenocarcinomas have a fair to guarded outlook because they can regrow and spread. Have any lump near the anus checked promptly. Reviewed by the Adler Veterinary Hospital veterinary team, October 2026. Older unneutered male dogs; huskies, cocker spaniels, Shih Tzus Who's at risk: Pink lumps around the anus, licking, straining to defecate Main signs: Schedule a visit soon Urgency: When to call a vet right away Straining to pass stool, or constipation A lump near the anus that grows quickly A lump that breaks open or looks infected Increased drinking and urination Weakness, vomiting, weight loss or loss of appetite Not sure whether it can wait? Call us anyway. Our team can help you decide. Source: VCA Animal Hospitals, Hepatoid Gland Tumors in Dogs Back to Dogs Related conditions Histiocytoma Skin Cysts Mast Cell Tumors Next steps Watch a related video Watch on YouTube Helpful products See products Schedule an appointment Request appointment

Obesity is common in indoor cats and raises the risk of diabetes, arthritis and liver disease. Learn the signs, the risks, and how to help your cat lose weight. Obesity Back to Cats What is it? Obesity is one of the most common health problems in indoor cats. Extra fat increases the risk of diabetes, arthritis, urinary problems, and liver disease. What signs should I watch for? Signs to watch for include hard-to-feel ribs, rounded belly or sagging pouch, trouble grooming the lower back, and reduced activity. How is it diagnosed and treated? We assess weight and body condition score and create a plan with a precise daily food amount, often a weight-loss diet, and more activity through play or food puzzles. Can it be prevented, and what's the outlook? Cats must lose weight slowly. A cat that stops eating can develop serious liver disease (hepatic lipidosis), so never fast an overweight cat. Reviewed by the Adler Veterinary Hospital veterinary team, October 2026. Indoor cats Who's at risk: Hard-to-feel ribs, rounded belly, trouble grooming, less activity Main signs: Ongoing management with your vet Urgency: When to call a vet right away Your overweight cat stops eating Your cat is eating much less than usual Weight loss that is happening faster than your vet planned Not sure whether it can wait? Call us anyway. Our team can help you decide. Source: VCA Animal Hospitals, Obesity in Cats Back to Cats Related conditions Diabetes Hyperthyroidism IBD & GI Lymphoma Next steps Watch a related video Watch on YouTube Helpful products See products Schedule an appointment Request appointment

Atopic dermatitis is an inherited allergy to pollens, molds and dust mites that makes dogs itch. Learn the signs, how it is diagnosed, and long-term care. Atopic Dermatitis (Environmental Allergies) Back to Dogs What is it? Atopic dermatitis is an inherited tendency to overreact to things in the environment, such as pollens, molds, and dust mites. The skin barrier is weaker than normal, so allergens get in and trigger itching. Signs often begin between one and three years of age. What signs should I watch for? Signs to watch for include licking or chewing the paws; scratching the face, ears, belly, or armpits; red skin, hair loss, or darkened skin; and recurrent ear or skin infections. How is it diagnosed and treated? Diagnosis is made by ruling out look-alikes such as fleas, mites, and food allergy. Allergy testing helps select allergen-specific immunotherapy. Management combines itch-control medications, medicated bathing, skin-barrier support, and treatment of secondary infections. Not sure if it's environmental or food allergy? See Atopy vs Food Allergy . Can it be prevented, and what's the outlook? Allergies are managed rather than cured, but most dogs can be kept comfortable. Florida's long pollen and mold seasons, plus year-round fleas, make consistent flea control and follow-up especially important. Before your visit, you can fill out our skin allergy questionnaire . If your vet recommends a diet trial, our food trial guide walks you through it. Reviewed by the Adler Veterinary Hospital veterinary team, October 2026. Dogs, with signs often starting at one to three years Who's at risk: Paw licking, scratching, red skin, recurrent ear or skin infections Main signs: Ongoing management with your vet Urgency: When to call a vet right away Severe scratches or raw, broken skin Signs of a skin or ear infection Dark, thickened skin Itching so bad your dog can't settle Not sure whether it can wait? Call us anyway. Our team can help you decide. Source: VCA, Inhalant Allergies (Atopy) in Dogs Back to Dogs Related conditions Zinc Dermatosis Atopy vs Food Allergy Skin Abscesses Next steps Watch a related video Watch on YouTube Helpful products See products Schedule an appointment Request appointment

FeLV and FIV are viruses that weaken a cat's immune system. Learn how they spread, the signs to watch for, and how testing and care help infected cats. FeLV and FIV Back to Cats What is it? Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) are retroviruses that weaken the immune system. FeLV spreads through close contact such as mutual grooming and shared bowls, and can cause anemia and cancer. FIV spreads mainly through bite wounds and progresses slowly. What signs should I watch for? Signs to watch for include recurrent or slow-to-heal infections; weight loss and poor appetite; gum and mouth inflammation; pale gums (anemia); and enlarged lymph nodes, fever. How is it diagnosed and treated? Simple in-clinic blood tests screen for both; positive results are often confirmed with additional testing. There is no cure; care focuses on keeping the cat healthy, treating secondary illnesses promptly, and regular checkups. Can it be prevented, and what's the outlook? Test all new cats, keep cats indoors, and vaccinate against FeLV when recommended. Many FIV-positive cats live normal lifespans. Reviewed by the Adler Veterinary Hospital veterinary team, October 2026. Cats with outdoor access or untested cagemates Who's at risk: Recurrent infections, weight loss, mouth inflammation, pale gums Main signs: Ongoing management with your vet Urgency: When to call a vet right away Pale gums (anemia can be life-threatening) Fever, or infections that keep coming back Not eating, or weight loss Severe diarrhea New eye problems or neurologic signs Not sure whether it can wait? Call us anyway. Our team can help you decide. Source: VCA, Feline Leukemia Virus Back to Cats Related conditions Bite Wounds & Abscesses Heart Disease (HCM) Respiratory Infections Next steps Watch a related video Watch on YouTube Helpful products See products Schedule an appointment Request appointment

Ectopic ureters are a birth defect that often causes urine dribbling in young female dogs. Learn the signs, how it is diagnosed, and the treatment options. Ectopic Ureters Back to Dogs What is it? Ureters are the two small tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder. With ectopic ureters, one or both empty into the urethra or vagina instead of the normal spot in the bladder, so urine bypasses the bladder's control. It develops before birth and is thought to be inherited in some breeds; the link is strongest in Entlebucher mountain dogs, and Labrador and golden retrievers, poodles, Siberian huskies, Newfoundlands, West Highland white terriers, soft-coated wheaten terriers, and other terriers are also at higher risk. Females are affected far more often than males. What signs should I watch for? The main sign is urinary incontinence, or dribbling urine, in a young female dog, often noticed soon after weaning, though some dogs show signs only as adults. Leaking may be constant or come and go. Watch also for frequent licking of the genital area, urine-stained fur, and repeated urinary tract infections, with frequent small urinations, straining, or discomfort. How is it diagnosed and treated? Urinalysis and urine culture check for infection, which is common, while X-rays and ultrasound rule out bladder stones and other problems. In females, cystoscopy (a small camera passed into the urethra and bladder) gives a definitive diagnosis and sometimes allows treatment at the same time; in males, a CT scan is most accurate. Treatment relocates the ureter, either with open surgery or with a laser during cystoscopy. If leaking continues afterward, medication such as phenylpropanolamine may help. Can it be prevented, and what's the outlook? Because it is a birth defect, it cannot be prevented. After repair, about 50 to 75% of dogs no longer have incontinence, and continued leaking is the most common complication. Reviewed by the Adler Veterinary Hospital veterinary team, October 2026. Young female dogs; Entlebuchers, retrievers, huskies, terriers Who's at risk: Urine dribbling in a young female, urine-stained fur, repeat UTIs Main signs: Schedule a visit soon Urgency: When to call a vet right away Straining or discomfort when urinating Frequent small urinations Belly pain Urine dribbling in a young female dog Not sure whether it can wait? Call us anyway. Our team can help you decide. Source: VCA Animal Hospitals, Ectopic Ureters in Dogs Back to Dogs Related conditions Vaginitis Urinary Incontinence Hooded Vulva Next steps Watch a related video Watch on YouTube Helpful products See products Schedule an appointment Request appointment

Adler Veterinary Hospital privacy policy: in plain language, what information we may collect through this website, how we use it, and how we use cookies. Privacy Policy [Effective date to be added at opening] Adler Veterinary Hospital is a planned veterinary practice offering 24-hour emergency care, general practice, and exotic animal care. We respect your privacy and the privacy of your pets. This policy explains, in plain language, how we handle information shared with us through this website. Information We May Collect We may collect information you choose to give us, such as your name, contact details, and details about your pet when you fill out a form or request an appointment. Our website is built on Wix, which may also collect general site analytics, such as pages visited, browser type, and approximate location, to help us understand how the site is used. How We Use Your Information We use your information to respond to your questions, handle appointment requests, provide care for your pet, and improve our website. We do not sell your personal information. We share it only when needed to provide our services, such as with trusted service providers who help run this website, or when required by law. Cookies Our website uses cookies, which are small files stored on your device. Cookies help the site work properly and help us understand how visitors use it. You can adjust your browser settings to refuse or delete cookies, although some parts of the site may not work as expected. Veterinary Medical Records We treat your pet's medical records as confidential. We share them only with you, with other veterinary professionals involved in your pet's care when appropriate, or as required by law. Data Security We take reasonable steps to protect the information you share with us. No website or online system can be completely secure, so we encourage you to avoid sending highly sensitive information through online forms. Questions and Updates If you would like to ask what information we have about you, request a correction, or ask us to update your details, please reach out through the contact options on this website or ask our team. We may update this policy from time to time, and any changes will be posted on this page.

Spleen tumors can be benign or malignant, and either kind can rupture and bleed into a dog's belly. Learn the warning signs and why bleeding is an emergency. Splenic Tumors (Including Hemangiosarcoma) Back to Dogs What is it? The spleen is a blood-filtering organ in the abdomen, and it is the most common site of vascular (blood-vessel) tumors in dogs. A hemangioma is benign, much like a large blood blister. A hemangiosarcoma is a cancer that can spread to other organs. Up to 70% of dogs with splenic tumors have hemangiosarcoma; the rest have a hemangioma or another tumor such as lymphoma. Large breeds such as German shepherds, Labrador retrievers, and golden retrievers are predisposed, but dogs of any size can be affected. What signs should I watch for? Splenic tumors may cause no signs until they rupture, which can happen without any injury. Bleeding into the abdomen causes lethargy, weakness, collapse, poor appetite, and a swollen belly. Severe untreated bleeding can be fatal. How is it diagnosed and treated? Abdominal ultrasound often finds the tumor. Removing the spleen (splenectomy) both treats the tumor and prevents further bleeding, and the tissue is sent to a pathologist to identify the tumor type. With hemangiosarcoma, tests such as bloodwork, urinalysis, clotting tests, X-rays, and ultrasound look for spread, and chemotherapy is usually recommended. If your dog has a known splenic mass, keep them quiet, watch for signs of bleeding, and avoid medicines that increase bleeding risk, such as NSAIDs, before surgery. Can it be prevented, and what's the outlook? There is no known way to prevent these tumors. Hemangiomas have a good outlook once removed. Hemangiosarcoma has a guarded to poor outlook because it often spreads and can bleed again elsewhere. Once a splenic mass is found, it is best not to delay treatment. Reviewed by the Adler Veterinary Hospital veterinary team, October 2026. Large breeds such as German shepherds, Labradors and golden retrievers Who's at risk: Sudden weakness, collapse, pale gums, swollen belly Main signs: Emergency — see a vet now Urgency: When to call a vet right away Sudden weakness or collapse Lethargy with a swollen belly (signs of internal bleeding) Not sure whether it can wait? Call us anyway. Our team can help you decide. Source: VCA Animal Hospitals, Visceral Vascular Tumors: Hemangioma and Hemangiosarcoma Back to Dogs Related conditions IMHA Bloat (GDV) Liver Tumors Next steps Watch a related video Watch on YouTube Helpful products See products Schedule an appointment Request appointment

Snake mites are tiny blood-sucking parasites that can cause anemia and spread infections. Learn the signs, like extra soaking, and how to get rid of them. Snake Mites Back to Snakes What is it? Snake mites (Ophionyssus natricis) are tiny blood-sucking parasites that live on snakes and in their enclosures. Heavy infestations can cause anemia, and mites can spread infections like IBD. What signs should I watch for? Signs to watch for include tiny black or red moving dots, often around the eyes and under scales; soaking in the water bowl more than usual; rubbing, irritability, or restlessness; and raised scales or abnormal shedding. How is it diagnosed and treated? Mites are usually visible on exam. Treatment involves reptile-safe antiparasitic therapy and a thorough clean of the enclosure and all furnishings; mites hide in crevices and around tank lids. Can it be prevented, and what's the outlook? Quarantine all new snakes and inspect them closely. Repeat treatments are often needed to break the life cycle. Reviewed by the Adler Veterinary Hospital veterinary team, October 2026. Snakes, especially new or unquarantined arrivals Who's at risk: Tiny moving dots, extra soaking, rubbing, raised scales Main signs: Schedule a visit soon Urgency: When to call a vet right away Many mites on the snake or in the enclosure Weakness (heavy infestations can cause severe anemia) Soaking in the water bowl much more than usual Rubbing, restlessness or abnormal shedding 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 Shedding Problems Mouth Rot Snake Fungal Disease Next steps Watch a related video Watch on YouTube Helpful products See products Schedule an appointment Request appointment

Refusing food can be normal for some snakes, but bringing up a meal never is. Learn the common causes of regurgitation and food refusal and when to see a vet. Regurgitation and Anorexia Back to Snakes What is it? Refusing food (anorexia) can be normal for some snakes during shedding, breeding season, or cooler months, but can also signal illness. Regurgitation is bringing up food after a meal and is never normal; it is often caused by low temperatures, stress, handling too soon, prey that's too large, parasites, or infection. What signs should I watch for? Signs to watch for include refusing several meals in a row, bringing up partly digested food, weight loss, and lethargy or other signs of illness. How is it diagnosed and treated? Your veterinarian reviews husbandry and feeding, examines your snake, and may run fecal tests, blood work, or imaging. Treatment addresses the cause and may include fluids and assisted feeding. Can it be prevented, and what's the outlook? After regurgitation, wait before feeding again and offer smaller meals. Keep accurate weights and records to spot problems early. Reviewed by the Adler Veterinary Hospital veterinary team, October 2026. Snakes kept too cool, stressed, or handled after feeding Who's at risk: Refusing several meals, bringing up food, weight loss Main signs: Schedule a visit soon Urgency: When to call a vet right away Bringing up food after a meal Refusing several meals in a row Weight loss Lethargy or other signs of illness 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 Cryptosporidiosis Inclusion Body Disease Mouth Rot Next steps Watch a related video Watch on YouTube Helpful products See products Schedule an appointment Request appointment

Pasteurellosis, or snuffles, is a bacterial infection many rabbits carry. Learn the signs, like sneezing and runny eyes, plus triggers and treatment options. Pasteurellosis ("Snuffles") Back to Rabbits What is it? Pasteurellosis is a bacterial infection caused by Pasteurella multocida, which many rabbits carry. Stress, poor ventilation, or other illness can let it cause disease. It most often affects the nose and eyes but can spread to the ears, lungs, teeth, and other areas, often forming abscesses. What signs should I watch for? Signs to watch for include sneezing and white or yellow nasal discharge, runny or crusty eyes, matted fur on the inside of the front paws, head tilt from an inner-ear infection, and firm lumps under the skin. How is it diagnosed and treated? Diagnosis is based on the exam, with cultures, X-rays, or CT to judge how far infection has spread. Treatment usually involves a long course of antibiotics; abscesses often require surgery. Can it be prevented, and what's the outlook? Infection can be hard to clear completely and may flare up. Clean, well-ventilated housing, low ammonia levels, and low stress help prevent flare-ups. Reviewed by the Adler Veterinary Hospital veterinary team, October 2026. Many rabbits carry it; stress or poor ventilation Who's at risk: Sneezing, nasal discharge, crusty eyes, head tilt, lumps Main signs: Ongoing management with your vet Urgency: When to call a vet right away A head tilt Pus-like discharge from the eyes or nose Red or squinting eyes Lumps on the body (possible abscesses) Signs of pneumonia, such as breathing problems Not sure whether it can wait? Call us anyway. Our team can help you decide. Source: VCA, Infectious Diseases in Rabbits Back to Rabbits Related conditions Ear Mites E. cuniculi RHDV2 Next steps Watch a related video Watch on YouTube Helpful products See products Schedule an appointment Request appointment