When your pet is unwell, you want to be sure they receive not only fast but kind, compassionate and effective treatment for their ailment by a qualified veterinarian. What follows is list of some of the more common diseases or ailments we treat, along with a short description of each. If you don’t see your pet’s condition below, we invite you to contact us so that we can personally address your concerns.
Arthritis
An inflammation of any joint in the body, often caused by wear and tear due to aging, injury or a ruptured ACL. Surgery may be necessary. Other treatment options include pain medication, cartilage protective agents, acupuncture or steroids.
Bloat and Gastric Torsion
Occurs when the stomach twists on its supporting ligaments and the contents release gas pressure. This is a serious condition requiring immediate medical attention; surgery is often necessary to prevent repeat occurrences.
Cancer
Many factors determine how fast a cancer may grow or spread, so a diagnosis of cancer is not always a fatal one. Surgery, chemotherapy, radiation or a combination of these may be used as treatment.
Canine Distemper
Caused by a virus that primarily situates itself in a dog’s lungs, intestines and nervous system. Symptoms include coughing, diarrhea, vomiting, inappetence, dehydration, weight loss, seizures and encephalitis. Treatment includes antibiotics and other supportive care; prevention via vaccination is key.
Canine Parvovirus (CPV)
A worldwide virus affecting dogs, symptoms include lethargy, loss of appetite, fever, vomiting and severe, often bloody, diarrhea. The virus can be fatal and must be treated immediately, usually via hospitalization. Prevention via vaccination is critical to protect dogs.
Diabetes Mellitus
Occurs when the pancreas is not producing enough insulin, causing blood glucose levels to rise too high, which can then cause tissue damage, weakness, weight loss, appetite change, depression, increase in thirst/urination. Treatment will be a combination of insulin injections, dietary restrictions and/or exercise.
Epilepsy
A chronic neurological condition where the affected pet suffers recurrent, unprovoked seizures, that is commonly controlled with medication. Surgery can also be used as a treatment method. Epilepsy can originate for a variety of reasons, from malformations of brain development to head trauma to encephalitis and others.
Feline Distemper
A highly contagious viral disease found in kittens and cats and caused by the feline parvovirus. It is typically fatal if left untreated, and treatment of IV fluid therapy and antibiotics is focused on preventing secondary infection while the body fights the first infection. Survival is not guaranteed; the ideal course is prevention through vaccination.
Gastric Dilation Volvulus
Occurs when an animal’s stomach has twisted, preventing anything from entering or exiting the digestive system. Immediate medical attention and treatment is required, otherwise this condition can be fatal. During surgery, the stomach will be returned to its normal position and then attached to the body wall to prevent a reoccurrence.
Hip Dysplasia
A congenital disease that can in its most severe form cause painful arthritis and even lameness, most common in larger dog breeds.
Hypothyroidism
This condition is the most common hormone imbalance for dogs and is a natural deficiency of the thyroid hormone. Cats rarely suffer from hypothyroidism. Treatment includes the oral administration of thyroid hormone, and regular blood testing is necessary to check whether the medication dose is correct.
Leptospirosis
A life-threatening disease caused by bacteria and characterized by symptoms including fever, joint pain, excessive drinking and general malaise. A blood test is required for diagnosis and treatment is typically a course of antibiotics.
Liver Shunt
An abnormality in which an animal’s venous blood from the intestine bypasses the liver, causing toxins to build up in the bloodstream. Symptoms of this abnormality include stunted growth, weight loss, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, unresponsiveness, seizures, disorientation, poor skin/coat and excessive drinking/urination. Treatment options include medical management and surgical repair.
Luxating Patella
A common joint condition in which the kneecap moves out of position. Four grades of severity are possible. Surgery is typically elected to treat this condition.
Parasites
Dogs and cats can become infected by many types of parasites, including hookworms, heartworms, roundworms, tapeworms, ticks, mites, fleas and others. Treatment plans vary, and preventing parasites in the first place is a key veterinary goal.
Ruptured Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL)
The most common knee injury in dogs, typically indicated by the onset of lameness. Surgical repair is typically recommended.
Salmonella
Caused by contaminated food and typically indicated by vomiting and diarrhea. In mild cases, a course of antibiotics is required for treatment. More severe cases may require hospitalization with intravenous fluids and antibiotics.
Seizures
Seizures can originate for a variety of reasons. They are common in dogs and rare in cats. Testing will be required to determine the cause of the seizures, and medications can be prescribed to help control seizures.
Vertigo or Old Dog Vestibular Syndrome
Present in elderly dogs, vertigo causes a dog to have balance problems, often making it so they are unable to stand. Nausea and vomiting may also be present. Recovery, however, is likely and usually starts within 48-72 hours of symptoms. Sometimes treatment may be required, especially to help manage symptoms.