Common Pet Medical Issues
As pet owners, ensuring our furry friends receive pet care services is crucial to their health and well-being. Pet medical issues can arise at any moment, and as such, it's essential to know the common health problems that our pets may face and the measures we can take to manage or prevent them.
This article will dive into pet medical issues like allergies, arthritis, cancer, canine parvovirus, diabetes, and more. We'll also provide essential information to identify when your pet is struggling and when to seek a veterinarian in Ontario. Luckily, if you are in North York, Midtown York, York, or Toronto, Eglinton Dufferin Veterinary Clinic provides top-notch pet medical services.
Allergies
Common pet allergy symptoms include constant itchiness, scratching, and frequent ear infections. A veterinarian will perform skin tests or blood work to diagnose the allergy and recommend proper treatments, such as allergy shots, hypoallergenic diets, or medication.
Arthritis
Arthritis can affect pets' quality of life, especially older pets. Arthritis in cats and dogs is difficult to identify in the beginning stages. Still, pet owners must pay attention to signs such as limping, stiffness, difficulty jumping, and lack of appetite. A veterinarian in Ontario will run tests to confirm the diagnosis and may prescribe nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain management. Exercises like gentle walks, swimming, and physical therapy are also beneficial.
Cancer
In animals, cancer can show symptoms like abnormal lumps or bumps, decreased appetite, bleeding, and weight loss. Although many cancers cannot be cured, early detection and treatment can prolong your pet's lifespan. A veterinarian will run diagnostic tests and recommend surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation treatments.
Canine Parvovirus
Canine parvovirus often affects puppies and causes severe disease symptoms, such as vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, and even death. The virus spreads through contact with an infected dog's feces, and dogs with compromised immune systems are more vulnerable. If you suspect your dog has parvovirus, immediately take them to a veterinarian in Ontario. Treatment often includes hospitalization, intravenous fluids, antibiotics, and supportive therapy.
Diabetes Mellitus
This endocrine disorder in pets occurs when the body cannot produce enough insulin or is resistant to insulin. Common symptoms include excessive thirst and urination, lethargy, increased appetite, weight loss, and a sweet-smelling breath. Early diagnosis is necessary, and a veterinarian will provide the appropriate pet care services for your pet, such as insulin injections or a change in diet.
Distemper
Distemper is a viral disease primarily affecting young and unvaccinated pets, such as dogs, raccoons, and ferrets. The virus attacks the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems and can cause symptoms such as coughing, fever, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, and paralysis. Distemper has no cure, and supportive care such as hydration, nutrition, and medications could improve your pet's condition if detected early.
Schedule an Appointment with Us
As a pet owner, being attentive to changes in behavior or appearance is crucial in identifying and treating underlying pet medical problems. In addition, routine check-ups could save your pet's life or catch and manage disease earlier. Eglinton Dufferin Animal Clinic offers exceptional pet medical services. Call us at (647) 352-2201 to schedule an appointment.
