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Client education on common conditions in rabbits, including dental disease, GI stasis, ear mites and RHDV2. General information that doesn't replace an exam. Common Conditions in Rabbits Client education from Adler Veterinary Hospital, Southwest Florida. These summaries are for general information and don't replace an exam. Dental Disease A rabbit's teeth grow throughout life and are normally worn down by hours of chewing hay. More info Flystrike Flystrike (myiasis) occurs when flies lay eggs on damp, soiled fur or wounds and the hatched maggots eat into the skin. More info Snuffles Pasteurellosis is a bacterial infection caused by Pasteurella multocida, which many rabbits carry. More info Uterine Cancer 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. More info E. cuniculi E. cuniculi is a microscopic parasite that many rabbits carry without showing signs. More info GI Stasis GI stasis means the rabbit's digestive tract has slowed down or stopped moving. More info Sore Hocks Pododermatitis is inflammation and sores on the bottoms of the hind feet and hocks. More info Ear Mites Ear mites in rabbits (Psoroptes cuniculi) are parasites that live in the ear canal and cause intense irritation. More info RHDV2 Rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus type 2 (RHDV2) is a highly contagious, often fatal virus affecting both pet and wild rabbits. More info Urinary Sludge & Stones Rabbits absorb nearly all the calcium they eat and pass the excess in their urine, which is why normal rabbit urine can look cloudy. More info

Adler Veterinary Hospital: planned 24-hour emergency, general practice and exotic care, plus plain-language guides to common pet conditions for every species. Adler Veterinary Hospital Expert care for every species. Emergency • General Practice • Exotic Care Planned 24-hour emergency, general practice, and exotic care, opening soon. Pet Health Library Plain-language guides to common conditions. Dogs Cats Ferrets Parrots Rabbits Sugar Gliders Snakes Services Here's what we'll offer, with plain-language guides to help you understand each service. Emergency Care We plan to provide immediate attention for emergencies around the clock once we open. More info General Practice Routine check-ups and vaccinations are essential for your pet's health. Our general practice covers all aspects of wellness care. More info Exotic Care We specialize in the care of exotic pets, offering tailored services to meet their unique health needs. Trust us with your special companions. More info Contact Us We're preparing to open. Send us a message and we'll be in touch. Your Name Your Email Message Submit

Terms and conditions for using the Adler Veterinary Hospital website, a planned practice. Site content is general education, not a substitute for a vet exam. Terms & Conditions Welcome to the Adler Veterinary Hospital website. By using this site, you agree to these terms. Please read them carefully. A Planned Practice Adler Veterinary Hospital is a planned practice and is not yet open. The services described on this website, including 24-hour emergency care, general practice, and exotic animal care, reflect what we intend to offer when we open. Details may change as we prepare to welcome patients. General Information Only The content on this website is provided for general education. It is not a substitute for an examination, diagnosis, or treatment by a licensed veterinarian. Every pet is different, and only a veterinarian who has examined your pet can give advice about its specific needs. In an Emergency If your pet is having an emergency, do not rely on this website or wait for a reply to an online message. Please seek immediate veterinary care at the nearest available emergency veterinary facility. Appointment Requests Submitting an appointment request through this website does not confirm an appointment. Your appointment is confirmed only once our team responds to you directly. Content Ownership The text, images, logos, and other content on this website belong to Adler Veterinary Hospital or are used with permission. You may view and share our pages for personal, non-commercial use, but please do not copy, change, or reuse our content for other purposes without our permission. Limitation of Liability We work to keep the information on this website accurate and up to date, but we cannot promise that it is always complete or free of errors. To the extent allowed by law, we are not responsible for any loss or harm that results from using this website or relying on its content. Links to other websites are provided for convenience, and we are not responsible for their content. Changes and Questions We may update these terms from time to time, and changes will be posted on this page. If you have questions, please reach out through the contact options on this website or ask our team.

Vaginitis is inflammation of the vagina in female dogs and is common in puppies, often clearing after the first heat. Learn the signs and treatment options. Vaginitis Back to Dogs What is it? Vaginitis can affect spayed or unspayed females of any age. Causes include an immature (puppy) vagina, urinary tract infections, injury (including from mating), foreign objects, urine or stool contamination, ectopic ureters, urinary incontinence, tumors, bacterial or viral infection (including brucellosis), and anatomical problems. Sometimes no cause is found, especially in puppies. What signs should I watch for? Signs include discharge of mucus or pus (rarely blood) from the vulva, licking the area, urinating more often, scooting or rubbing, and redness or swelling. Male dogs are often attracted to her. Otherwise, most affected dogs seem healthy. How is it diagnosed and treated? Diagnosis is based on the history and exam, and may include blood and urine tests, urine culture, vaginal culture and cytology, a camera exam of the vagina, and ultrasound or X-rays to look for anatomical problems. Treatment depends on the cause and may include antibiotics and gentle cleaning around the vulva; douches are generally not recommended. Can it be prevented, and what's the outlook? Most cases respond well and many dogs are back to normal in two to three weeks. Puppy vaginitis usually resolves after the first heat cycle. Chronic cases or those with anatomical problems may need surgery. Reviewed by the Adler Veterinary Hospital veterinary team, October 2026. Female dogs of any age, especially puppies Who's at risk: Discharge from the vulva, licking, frequent urination, scooting Main signs: Schedule a visit soon Urgency: When to call a vet right away Vaginal discharge with pus or blood Urinating more often Scooting or rubbing the area Red, swollen vulva Constant licking of the area Not sure whether it can wait? Call us anyway. Our team can help you decide. Source: VCA, Vaginitis in Dogs Back to Dogs Related conditions Vaginal Hyperplasia Pregnancy Nutrition Ectopic Ureters Next steps Watch a related video Watch on YouTube Helpful products See products Schedule an appointment Request appointment

PBFD is a contagious viral disease that damages a parrot's feathers, beak and immune system. Learn the signs, which birds are at risk, and how it spreads. Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease (PBFD) Back to Parrots What is it? PBFD is a viral disease (circovirus) affecting parrots, especially cockatoos, African greys, and lovebirds. It damages feathers, beak, and the immune system and is highly contagious via feather dust and droppings. What signs should I watch for? Signs to watch for include abnormal, pinched, or missing feathers; lack of powder down; overgrown, cracked, or fragile beak; and recurrent infections. How is it diagnosed and treated? PCR testing of blood or feathers confirms infection. There is no cure; care is supportive. Can it be prevented, and what's the outlook? Some birds clear the virus, but many are affected for life. Test and quarantine new birds and keep infected birds apart. Reviewed by the Adler Veterinary Hospital veterinary team, October 2026. Parrots, especially cockatoos, African greys, lovebirds Who's at risk: Abnormal or missing feathers, fragile beak, recurrent infections Main signs: Ongoing management with your vet Urgency: When to call a vet right away Weakness or depression A beak that is overgrown, flaky or breaks easily Feathers that look stunted, pinched or club-shaped Sudden changes in new feathers, or early molting Weight loss or infections that keep coming back Not sure whether it can wait? Call us anyway. Our team can help you decide. Source: VCA, Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease Back to Parrots Related conditions Aspergillosis Feather Plucking Psittacosis Next steps Watch a related video Watch on YouTube Helpful products See products Schedule an appointment Request appointment

Pododermatitis means inflamed paws, with causes from infection and allergy to immune disease and tumors. Learn the signs and why finding the cause is key. Pododermatitis (Paw Inflammation) Back to Dogs What is it? Pododermatitis is inflammation of the feet or paws. It is a sign rather than a single disease. Causes include bacterial, yeast, fungal, or parasite infections; allergies such as atopy, food allergy, and contact allergy; immune-mediated diseases such as pemphigus foliaceus; hormonal diseases such as hypothyroidism and Cushing's disease; tumors; and irritation from trauma, hard surfaces, clipper burn, or splinters. What signs should I watch for? Paws may be red, swollen, itchy, or painful, and many dogs lick their feet constantly. Other clues include hair loss, bumps, sores, pus, reddish-brown staining of the fur, or crusty, thickened footpads and nail beds. Allergies often affect the tops of the paws, contact irritation the undersides, and immune disease often all four feet. A problem in only one foot can point to a tumor or foreign body. How is it diagnosed and treated? Your veterinarian will ask about your dog's environment, diet, travel, other skin problems, and whether signs are seasonal. Common tests include skin cytology, skin scrapings, and hair plucks, and sometimes cultures, biopsies, blood and urine tests, a food trial, or X-rays. Treatment targets the cause and may include medicated shampoos, foot soaks or wipes, oral antibiotics or antifungals, and anti-itch or anti-inflammatory medications for allergic or immune causes. Can it be prevented, and what's the outlook? Outlook depends on the cause, and most dogs respond well. Allergic and immune-mediated cases are managed rather than cured, with the goal of fewer flare-ups. Simple lifestyle adjustments help many dogs live comfortably. Reviewed by the Adler Veterinary Hospital veterinary team, October 2026. Dogs with allergies or other skin, hormone or immune disease Who's at risk: Licking paws, red swollen feet, bumps, crusty pads, limping Main signs: Schedule a visit soon Urgency: When to call a vet right away Swollen, red feet with bumps, ulcers or pus Constant licking of the feet Problems in only one foot Crusty, thickened or ulcerated footpads or nail beds Not sure whether it can wait? Call us anyway. Our team can help you decide. Source: VCA Animal Hospitals, Pododermatitis in Dogs Back to Dogs Related conditions Pemphigus Skin Abscesses Environmental Allergies Next steps Watch a related video Watch on YouTube Helpful products See products Schedule an appointment Request appointment

In immune-mediated hemolytic anemia, a dog's immune system destroys its red blood cells. Learn the key signs, like very pale gums, and why fast care matters. Immune-Mediated Hemolytic Anemia (IMHA) Back to Dogs What is it? IMHA, also called autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA), is a disease in which the body attacks and destroys its own red blood cells. The bone marrow keeps making them, but they do not survive as long as they should. In about three-quarters of dogs, no trigger is found (primary IMHA). In others, it is set off by cancer (the most common secondary cause), infections such as Ehrlichia or Leptospira, blood parasites such as Babesia, drug reactions, snakebites, toxins, or bee stings. What signs should I watch for? Most dogs have severe anemia, with very pale gums instead of pink. They are listless, tire easily, and may faint or seem disoriented. Heart and breathing rates rise. As red cells break down, urine may turn dark, and the skin, gums, and whites of the eyes may turn yellow (jaundice). Vomiting and poor appetite can occur. How is it diagnosed and treated? A complete blood count shows low red cells, often with abnormal shapes and clumping. A Coombs test, a reticulocyte count, tests for infections, a chemistry profile, urinalysis, chest and abdominal X-rays, and abdominal ultrasound look for an underlying cause. A blood transfusion may be needed if the anemia is life-threatening. Secondary IMHA is treated by addressing the cause; primary IMHA is treated with immune-suppressing drugs such as prednisone, sometimes combined with azathioprine or cyclosporine. Because blood clots are a common complication, clot-preventing medication may be given. Referral to an internal medicine specialist may be recommended. Can it be prevented, and what's the outlook? Primary IMHA cannot be prevented. Many dogs can be managed with the right medications, which are tapered slowly over several months once the anemia resolves. Relapses are common, so close monitoring is important as medications are reduced. Reviewed by the Adler Veterinary Hospital veterinary team, October 2026. Dogs of any breed; may be triggered by cancer, infection or toxins Who's at risk: Very pale gums, weakness, fainting, dark urine, yellow gums or eyes Main signs: Emergency — see a vet now Urgency: When to call a vet right away Very pale gums instead of pink Weakness, tiring easily, or fainting Fast breathing or a fast heart rate Dark urine Yellow skin, gums or eyes Not sure whether it can wait? Call us anyway. Our team can help you decide. Source: VCA Animal Hospitals, Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia in Dogs Back to Dogs Related conditions Bloat (GDV) Bite Wounds Splenic Tumors Next steps Watch a related video Watch on YouTube Helpful products See products Schedule an appointment Request appointment

Pemphigus is a group of autoimmune skin diseases in dogs that cause crusts, sores and sometimes blisters. Learn the signs, types, diagnosis and treatment. Pemphigus Complex Back to Dogs What is it? Pemphigus is an autoimmune skin disease: the body's immune system attacks the "glue" that holds skin cells together, so the skin separates and forms pustules, crusts, ulcers, or blisters. Most cases have no known cause. Some are linked to genetics, chronic skin allergies, cancer, UV light, or drug reactions. Autoimmune skin diseases are rare overall in dogs. The main forms are: Pemphigus foliaceus (the most common) Pemphigus foliaceus (PF) is the most common autoimmune skin disease in dogs, often seen in middle-aged and older dogs. It causes crusts (scabs), hair loss, and sores around the eyes, ears, face, bridge of the nose, footpads, and groin, and can spread over the body. It often appears suddenly without a known cause, but can be drug-induced or follow years of skin disease. Breeds more often affected include the chow chow, Akita, cocker spaniel, Labrador retriever, dachshund, English bulldog, Finnish spitz, and schipperke. Pemphigus vulgaris Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) is rare in dogs but is the most severe common type, because it attacks the deepest layer of the outer skin. Fluid-filled blisters form in and around the mouth, eyelids, lips, nostrils, anus, and genitals, then break open into painful ulcers. Pemphigus erythematosus Pemphigus erythematosus (PE) looks like a milder pemphigus foliaceus, with redness, crusting, scaling, and hair loss, especially on the nose. UV light makes it worse. German shepherds, collies, and Shetland sheepdogs are predisposed. Paraneoplastic pemphigus Paraneoplastic pemphigus (PNP) occurs with an underlying malignant tumor. It is the least common and most severe form. What signs should I watch for? Watch for crusts, scabs, pustules, hair loss, or sores on the face, ears, nose, and footpads, thickened or crusty pads, and, with the rarer forms, blisters or ulcers around the mouth, eyes, or other body openings. Any crusting or ulcerated skin that does not heal should be checked. How is it diagnosed and treated? A skin biopsy, taken with a small punch under local anesthesia or sedation, is needed to diagnose pemphigus and its type. Treatment suppresses the immune system, usually with corticosteroids such as prednisone and sometimes other immune-suppressing drugs such as azathioprine, chlorambucil, or cyclosporine. Antibiotics or medicated baths treat secondary infection. Treatment is often long-term or lifelong, with regular rechecks to find the lowest effective dose and watch for side effects. Can it be prevented, and what's the outlook? Most cases cannot be prevented, though suspected drug triggers should be stopped. Outlook depends on the type: pemphigus erythematosus usually responds very well, and pemphigus foliaceus has a relatively good outlook, with some dogs eventually weaned off medication and others needing lifelong treatment. Pemphigus vulgaris has a poor outlook and is often fatal despite treatment, and paraneoplastic pemphigus is the most severe form. Reviewed by the Adler Veterinary Hospital veterinary team, October 2026. Middle-aged and older dogs; chows, Akitas, cocker spaniels for PF Who's at risk: Crusts, hair loss and sores on face, ears, nose and footpads Main signs: Schedule a visit soon Urgency: When to call a vet right away Blisters, or painful open sores Sores at the edges of the lips or eyes Scabs, hair loss or sores that are spreading Crusting or ulcerated skin that won't heal Not sure whether it can wait? Call us anyway. Our team can help you decide. Source: VCA Animal Hospitals, Pemphigus in Dogs; VCA Animal Hospitals, Autoimmune Skin Disease in Dogs Back to Dogs Related conditions Zinc Dermatosis Atopy vs Food Allergy Environmental Allergies Next steps Watch a related video Watch on YouTube Helpful products See products Schedule an appointment Request appointment

Pregnancy and nursing put big demands on a mother cat. Learn how to feed her well, what weight changes to watch for, and how diet affects her kittens. Nutrition Problems in Pregnant and Nursing Cats Back to Cats What is it? A mother cat who is malnourished, either over- or underweight, can have problems that affect her kittens. Obesity is the most common nutrition problem in pregnant cats: it can reduce litter size, lower milk production, and raise the risk of difficult labor. Under-feeding can cause loss of pregnancy, abnormal development, stillbirths, small litters, and low birth weights. What signs should I watch for? A healthy, well-fed mother gains weight steadily through pregnancy. Watch for weight or body condition loss in early pregnancy, or for her becoming overweight. During nursing, she loses the weight she gained; if she cannot eat enough she may lose condition and make less milk. Kittens with low birth weights may not thrive. How is it diagnosed and treated? Your veterinarian can check her body condition and help adjust portions. A high-quality kitten (growth) food, or an all-life-stages food tested for pregnancy and nursing, is recommended through pregnancy and nursing, fed as several meals. Her food intake often rises about 50% during pregnancy and may be more than double by the end of nursing; she needs the most food as kittens near weaning at 6 to 7 weeks. Free-choice feeding works well in early nursing, except for mothers with only one or two kittens, which can raise the risk of mastitis. Can it be prevented, and what's the outlook? An overweight cat should lose weight before breeding. On a suitable kitten or all-life-stages food she needs no extra calcium, vitamin, or mineral supplements, and calcium supplements can increase the risk of eclampsia. At weaning, her food is reduced and then gradually returned to her pre-breeding amount to help her milk dry up. Reviewed by the Adler Veterinary Hospital veterinary team, October 2026. Pregnant and nursing cats, especially overweight or underweight mothers Who's at risk: Weight loss or gain, poor milk, small or weak kittens Main signs: Schedule a visit soon Urgency: When to call a vet right away The mother loses weight or body condition while pregnant The mother can't eat enough while nursing, or seems to make less milk Kittens with low birth weights that are not thriving Not sure whether it can wait? Call us anyway. Our team can help you decide. Source: VCA, Feeding the Pregnant Cat Back to Cats Related conditions False Pregnancy Neonatal Isoerythrolysis Eclampsia (Milk Fever) Next steps Watch a related video Watch on YouTube Helpful products See products Schedule an appointment Request appointment

Penile prolapse means a male sugar glider's penis stays outside the body, where it can swell and may be chewed. Learn the signs and why it needs prompt care. Penile Prolapse Back to Sugar Gliders What is it? Penile prolapse (paraphimosis) means a male glider's penis stays outside the body and can't go back in. The exposed tissue dries out and swells, and gliders often chew it. Causes include infection, trauma, bedding fibers wrapped around the tissue, and stress or excess sexual behavior. What signs should I watch for? Signs to watch for include pink or dark swollen tissue near the cloaca, licking or chewing the area, bleeding, difficulty urinating, and hiding or reduced appetite. How is it diagnosed and treated? This should be seen promptly. Your veterinarian cleans the tissue and tries to replace it, often under sedation, while treating swelling, infection, and pain. If tissue is badly damaged, surgical amputation of the penis may be needed; males still urinate normally afterward because the urethra is separate. Can it be prevented, and what's the outlook? Avoid loose, stringy fabric bedding, keep the cage clean, and watch for licking at the genitals. Neutering may be discussed for some males. Reviewed by the Adler Veterinary Hospital veterinary team, October 2026. Male gliders Who's at risk: Swollen tissue near the cloaca, chewing, bleeding Main signs: See a vet within a day or two Urgency: When to call a vet right away Pink or dark swollen tissue near the cloaca Bleeding Difficulty urinating 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 Giardia & GI Parasites Metabolic Bone Disease Next steps Watch a related video Watch on YouTube Helpful products See products Schedule an appointment Request appointment

A histiocytoma is a common, benign skin bump in young dogs that often goes away on its own. Learn what it looks like and when it should be checked or removed. Histiocytoma Back to Dogs What is it? A cutaneous histiocytoma is a harmless tumor of Langerhans cells, a type of immune cell in the skin. It is common, especially in dogs under three years old, though it can occur at any age. Boxers, Great Danes, and dachshunds appear more susceptible. It is one of the few tumors the dog's own immune system can eliminate. What signs should I watch for? Look for a single raised, red, button-like bump, often hairless, that grows quickly over the first one to four weeks. It may ulcerate, itch, bleed, or become infected. Nearby lymph nodes occasionally swell, which your veterinarian should recheck. More than one tumor at a time is unusual and needs further investigation. How is it diagnosed and treated? Because other lumps can look similar, your veterinarian will usually take a needle sample or biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. Many histiocytomas are left to shrink on their own. If the bump ulcerates, bleeds, becomes infected, or does not shrink within one to two months, it can be removed surgically, which is usually a permanent cure. Antibiotics may be used for infection. Can it be prevented, and what's the outlook? There is no known prevention. The outlook is excellent, as most regress over a few months. Keep your dog from licking, scratching, or biting the bump, and keep any ulcerated area clean. Reviewed by the Adler Veterinary Hospital veterinary team, October 2026. Young dogs, usually under three; Boxers, Great Danes, dachshunds Who's at risk: Small red, raised, button-like bump that grows quickly Main signs: Schedule a visit soon Urgency: When to call a vet right away The bump is bleeding The bump is ulcerated or looks infected Nearby lymph nodes are swelling More than one bump appears The bump hasn't shrunk after 1 to 2 months Not sure whether it can wait? Call us anyway. Our team can help you decide. Source: VCA Animal Hospitals, Cutaneous Histiocytoma in Dogs Back to Dogs Related conditions Perianal Tumors Fatty Tumor (Lipoma) Mast Cell Tumors Next steps Watch a related video Watch on YouTube Helpful products See products Schedule an appointment Request appointment