Disease wiki

The most common digestive problem, usually from diet indiscretion (scavenging, sudden food changes) or mild infection.

A highly contagious viral disease attacking unvaccinated puppies, with high mortality — earlier treatment means better outcomes.

The stomach fills with gas and twists, cutting off circulation — fatal within hours; deep-chested large breeds are at highest risk.

Swallowed toys, socks or bones block the intestine; persistent vomiting is the earliest sign.

Chocolate, xylitol, rodenticide, antifreeze and more can be fatal; onset speed varies by toxin.

A highly contagious respiratory infection, common after boarding, grooming or dog-park gatherings.

A severe viral disease of unvaccinated dogs, with neurological signs in late stages.

Often triggered by a fatty feast (table scraps, fatty meat); Schnauzers and similar breeds are higher risk.

A chronic skin inflammation allergic to pollen, dust mites or food proteins — paw licking is the classic sign.

An allergic reaction to flea saliva — a single flea bite can trigger intense itching.

Floppy ears, water after bathing and allergies all predispose; needs otoscopy and cytology.

A moist red sore that expands within hours of licking/scratching — most common in warm, humid months.

A malformed hip joint leading to arthritis — common in medium/large breeds and worsens with age.

A ruptured disc compresses the spinal cord — long-backed breeds are prone; sudden paralysis needs surgery within 24 hours.

Common in small breeds; the classic sign is skipping on three legs mid-run, then recovering.

Caused by sudden stops and twists; limping improves with rest, worsens with activity.

A mosquito-borne parasite; adult worms live in the heart and lungs — late-stage treatment carries risk.

Kennel cough or aspiration can progress to lung infection; puppies and seniors are most at risk.

Dogs can only cool by panting — hot, humid or enclosed conditions (cars!) can kill within minutes.

Common in middle-aged, overweight dogs — the classic triad: increased drinking, urination and appetite with weight loss.

Chronically high cortisol — common in senior dogs: symmetrical hair loss + increased drinking + pot-belly.

A slowed metabolism in middle-aged dogs: weight gain, symmetrical hair loss, dander, low energy.

Bacterial infection or stones irritate the bladder: frequent urination, blood, accidents.

Roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms and more — common in puppies, causing anemia and malnutrition.

Impacted anal glands cause scooting and licking; constipation shows as strained defecation.

80% of dogs over 3 have periodontal problems, which can seed heart and kidney disease.

Red, discharging conjunctiva — from infection, allergy or foreign bodies.

Elevated eye pressure can permanently blind within 24-48 hours — an ocular emergency.

A scratch or foreign body breaks the cornea; prominent-eyed breeds are especially prone.

A balance-system (inner ear / brainstem) problem: sudden head tilt, flicking eyes and stumbling. Idiopathic geriatric vestibular syndrome is the most common form and mostly resolves in days to weeks — but ear infection, toxins and brain disease must be ruled out first.

A post-heat emergency of unspayed females: the uterus fills with pus and toxins. The open form shows vulvar discharge; the closed form hides it and delays diagnosis. Spay surgery is the only cure.

Progressive brain aging in senior dogs: night wandering, flipped sleep cycles, blank responses to familiar cues and house-soiling. Irreversible, but medication, environment management and MCT-rich diets significantly slow it.

A cat balance emergency: sudden head tilt, flicking eyes and stumbling. Idiopathic vestibular syndrome has an excellent prognosis (self-resolving in days to two weeks) — but otitis, toxins, tumors and clots must be ruled out.

A post-heat emergency of unspayed females, often better hidden than in dogs (cats lick away discharge). Thirst + lethargy + a changing belly deserves high suspicion; surgery is the cure.

Mostly herpes/calicivirus; kittens and unvaccinated cats are at risk — a blocked nose leads to refusing food.

Swallowed fur accumulates in the stomach — the occasional one is normal; frequent ones mean clearance is failing.

Fast food changes, diet indiscretion or mild infection; cats tolerate fasting poorly, so prevent dehydration.

Just 2-3 days of anorexia can trigger fatty liver in cats; overweight cats are at higher risk — an emergency.

An umbrella for cystitis, crystals/stones and stress cystitis; in male cats always rule out obstruction.

Crystals or plugs block the narrow male urethra; fatal within 24-48 hours from rising potassium.

The most common chronic disease of senior cats; early signs are subtle — blood creatinine + urinalysis stage it.

Common in senior cats — a revved-up metabolism: eating more yet losing weight, night yowling, fast heart rate.

Overweight cats are prone; with early, proper treatment some cats go into remission.

Allergic airway inflammation — the classic attack is a crouched, neck-extended dry cough; severe attacks cause respiratory distress.

Caused by a mutated coronavirus; young and stressed cats are prone — the wet form shows a swollen belly.

A severe viral disease of unvaccinated kittens with high mortality — needs isolation + intensive support.

Cats love string, hair ties and thread — linear foreign bodies slice the intestine; a surgical emergency.

Severe oral inflammation makes cats refuse food, drool and paw at the mouth — needs professional dental care.

Circular hair loss with scale is typical; it spreads to humans (especially children) — treat properly.

The most common kitten ectoparasite — dry, coffee-ground debris is the hallmark.

Cats are highly sensitive to flea saliva — miliary dermatitis (tiny crusty bumps) is typical.

Lilies are lethal to cats; one acetaminophen tablet can kill; permethrin insecticide causes seizures.

90% of cats over 12 show X-ray evidence of arthritis — feline pain is extremely well hidden.

Moving, new pets or visitors can trigger hiding, soiling and over-grooming — but rule out medical causes first.

A common kitten eye problem, often from latent herpes-virus flares.

Trauma or herpes virus; feline ulcers can deepen within days (melting ulcers).

A heart clot lodges in the hind-limb arteries — sudden paralysis, cold legs and severe pain; high mortality.

The most common feline heart disease; Ragdolls and Maines are prone — the only early clue is a faster sleeping breath rate.

Roundworms, tapeworms, coccidia and more — common in kittens; regular deworming resolves it.