A comprehensive guide to diseases, conditions, and clinical signs common in rescue animals.
Acute gastritis is the sudden and often severe inflammation of the stomach lining. It is one of the most common causes of vomiting in dogs and cats. While often caused by dietary indiscretion (eating garbage, spoiled food, or foreign objects), it can also result from toxins, infections, or metabolic disorders.
Anemia is a medical condition defined by a reduced number of red blood cells or hemoglobin, leading to decreased oxygen delivery to the body's tissues. It is not a specific disease but a symptom of an underlying problem, such as blood loss, destruction of red blood cells (hemolysis), or decreased production by the bone marrow.
Babesiosis is a serious tick-borne disease caused by protozoan parasites that infect and destroy red blood cells. This destruction leads to hemolytic anemia, fever, and potential organ failure. It is particularly dangerous for certain breeds like Greyhounds and Pit Bulls.
Bite wounds produce significant trauma that extends deeper than the visible skin puncture. The separation of skin from underlying tissue creates "dead space" where bacteria multiply, leading to abscesses and severe infection. Massive tissue crushing and tearing are common.
Urolithiasis, or bladder stones, involves the formation of mineral crystals that aggregate into stones within the urinary tract. These stones can irritate the bladder lining causing pain and blood, or critically, flush into the urethra causing a life-threatening blockage.
A brain tumor is an abnormal growth of cells within the brain or its membranes (meninges). Common types include Meningiomas and Gliomas. These tumors compress healthy brain tissue, leading to neurological deficits, seizures, and behavioral changes.
Burn injuries involve damage to the skin and underlying tissues caused by extreme heat, chemicals, or electricity. They result in significant pain, fluid loss, and a high risk of secondary infection. Severe burns can lead to systemic shock.
Canine Coronavirus (CCV) is a highly contagious intestinal viral infection that primarily affects puppies. It attacks the lining of the small intestine, causing nausea, lack of appetite, and vomiting. It is generally milder than Parvovirus but can be dangerous if coinfection occurs.
Canine Distemper is a severe, multi-systemic viral disease that affects the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and central nervous systems. It is highly contagious and often fatal, especially in unvaccinated puppies. It causes severe immunosuppression, opening the door for secondary infections.
Canine Infectious Hepatitis is caused by Canine Adenovirus-1 (CAV-1). It targets the liver, kidneys, and blood vessel linings. It can cause acute liver failure, bleeding disorders, and eye damage known as "Blue Eye" due to corneal edema.
Canine Influenza (Dog Flu) is a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by Type A influenza viruses (H3N8, H3N2). It infects the respiratory tract epithelium, causing inflammation and secondary bacterial infections. It mimics "Kennel Cough" but can be more severe.
Canine Parvovirus (Parvo) is a highly contagious, life-threatening viral disease that attacks rapidly dividing cells, specifically in the intestinal lining and bone marrow. It causes severe hemorrhagic enteritis and immune suppression. It is a leading cause of puppy mortality.
Chronic Bronchitis is a long-term inflammatory condition of the lower airways (bronchi), common in small breed and older dogs. It involves daily coughing for months. The inflammation leads to thickening of airway walls and excess mucus production.
Coccidiosis is an intestinal infection caused by the single-celled parasite Coccidia. It specifically affects the intestinal lining, interfering with nutrient absorption and causing diarrhea. It is most damaging to young, stressed puppies and kittens.
Colitis refers to inflammation of the colon (large intestine). It results in the classic signs of large bowel diarrhea: urgency, straining, frequent small stools, and fresh red blood or mucus in the feces. Causes range from stress and diet to parasites.
A corneal ulcer is an open sore or erosion on the clear outer layer of the eye (cornea). It is painful and usually caused by trauma (scratches), foreign bodies, or anatomical defects. If infected, it can deepen rapidly ("melting ulcer") and threaten vision.
Diabetes Mellitus is a chronic endocrine disorder where the body cannot regulate blood sugar. In dogs, it is typically Type 1 (lack of insulin). In cats, it is often Type 2 (insulin resistance) and can sometimes be reversible. It causes excessive thirst, urination, and weight loss.
Otitis Externa is inflammation of the ear canal, commonly caused by yeast (Malassezia) or bacteria. It is rarely a primary disease; almost all ear infections are secondary to allergies (food/environmental) or moisture accumulation (swimming).
Ehrlichiosis is a tick-borne bacterial infection that infects white blood cells. It can cause a wide range of signs from bleeding disorders to neurological issues. It is transmitted primarily by the Brown Dog Tick.
Idiopathic Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder characterized by recurrent, unprovoked seizures with no identifiable structural cause. It is genetic in origin, often appearing in dogs between 1 and 5 years of age.
Conjunctivitis is the inflammation of the tissues surrounding the eye. It can be infectious (bacterial/viral) or non-infectious (allergic/irritant). In cats, it is frequently caused by Feline Herpesvirus or Chlamydia.
Pseudopregnancy is a hormonal condition in unspayed female dogs where they exhibit physical and behavioral signs of pregnancy (nesting, milk production) despite not being pregnant. It occurs 6-8 weeks after a heat cycle due to dropping progesterone/rising prolactin.
Feline Asthma is a chronic inflammation of the lower airways caused by an allergic reaction to inhaled allergens. It causes constriction of the airways and excess mucus, leading to coughing, wheezing, and respiratory distress.
FIP is a complex, fatal viral disease caused by a mutation of the common Feline Coronavirus. The mutation allows the virus to invade white blood cells, causing severe systemic inflammation. It comes in "Wet" (effusive) and "Dry" (granulomatous) forms.
FeLV is a retrovirus that suppresses the immune system, predisposing cats to infections, anemia, and lymphoma (cancer). It is a leading infectious cause of death in cats.
Feline Panleukopenia (Feline Distemper) is a highly contagious, deadly parvovirus of cats. It kills rapidly dividing cells in the intestine, bone marrow, and developing fetus. It causes severe deficiency of all white blood cells (pan-leukopenia).
Feline URI is a common "cat cold" complex caused primarily by Feline Herpesvirus-1 (FVH-1) and Feline Calicivirus (FCV). It causes sneezing, runny eyes, and congestion. While usually mild, it can be severe in kittens or cause chronic issues.
Gastroenteritis is a general term for inflammation of the stomach and intestines, resulting in vomiting and diarrhea. "Hemorrhagic Gastroenteritis" (HGE/AHDS) is a specific, severe form in dogs causing raspberry-jam-like bloody stool and rapid dehydration.
Giardia is a protozoan parasite that infects the small intestine. It damages the intestinal wall, leading to malabsorption and chronic, foul-smelling, fatty diarrhea. It is a common zoonotic risk (can infect humans).
Heartworm disease is a serious and potentially fatal condition caused by parasitic worms (Dirofilaria immitis) living in the heart, lungs, and associated blood vessels. It causes heart failure, lung disease, and organ damage.
Heat stroke is a life-threatening state of hyperthermia (body temperature > 105°F) where the body cannot cool itself. It leads to multi-organ failure, brain swelling, and blood clotting disorders. It is most common in flat-faced (brachycephalic) breeds.
Chronic Hepatitis is long-term liver inflammation leading to scarring (cirrhosis) and loss of function. Unlike "Infectious Hepatitis," this form is typically immune-mediated, toxins-induced, or genetic (Copper Storage Disease in Bedlington Terriers/Labradors).
Hip Dysplasia is a genetic skeletal condition where the ball and socket of the hip joint do not fit together perfectly. This looseness (laxity) causes the joint to grind instead of glide, leading to severe, painful osteoarthritis over time.
Hookworms (Ancylostoma) are intestinal parasites that latch onto the intestinal wall and suck blood. They are voracious blood feeders and can cause fatal anemia in puppies.
Hyperthyroidism is the most common endocrine disease in older cats. A benign tumor on the thyroid gland produces excess thyroid hormone, driving the metabolism into overdrive.
Hypothyroidism is a common hormone deficiency in dogs where the thyroid gland is destroyed (immune-mediated thyroiditis) and underproduces metabolism-regulating hormones.
IMHA is a critical disease where the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the body's own red blood cells. The rapid destruction leads to severe anemia and oxygen starvation.
Hemoabdomen or Hemothorax refers to bleeding into body cavities. Common causes include ruptured tumors (Hemangiosarcoma), trauma (car accident), or rodenticide (rat poison) toxicity.
IVDD is a spinal condition where the cushioning discs between vertebrae either bulge or burst (herniate), compressing the spinal cord. It causes pain, weakness, or paralysis. Dachshunds are genetically predisposed.
A collective term for heavy burdens of mixed parasites (Round, Hook, Whip, Tape). Heavy infestations rob the animal of nutrients, cause blockage, and lead to poor growth ("thriftiness") and pot-bellied appearance.
Infectious Tracheobronchitis (Kennel Cough) is a highly contagious respiratory complex caused by Bordetella bronchiseptica and/or Parainfluenza virus. It causes a harsh, dry "honking" cough.
Renal failure is the loss of the kidney's ability to filter toxins and concentrate urine. It can be Acute (toxins like antifreeze, grapes) or Chronic (old age degeneration).
Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection spread by wildlife urine (rats, raccoons) that causes acute kidney and liver failure. It is Zoonotic (can kill humans).
Liver failure occurs when >70% of liver function is lost. Causes include toxins, infection, cancer, or shunts. The liver stops clearing toxins (ammonia), leading to brain issues.
Lyme Borreliosis is a tick-borne bacterial infection that causes joint inflammation (shifting leg lameness) and, in rare cases, fatal kidney damage (Lyme Nephritis).
Breast cancer is the most common tumor in unspayed female dogs. 50% are malignant. In cats, 85% are malignant and highly aggressive.
Mange is a skin disease caused by mites. Sarcoptic Mange (Scabies) is intensely itchy and contagious. Demodectic Mange is genetic/immune-related and not contagious.
Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD) is the progressive wearing down of joint cartilage, leading to bone-on-bone pain and inflammation. It affects older pets or those with injuries/dysplasia.
Inflammation of the pancreas, causing leakage of digestive enzymes that "digest" the organ itself. Painful and potentially fatal. Often triggered by high-fat meals (table scraps) in dogs.
A urologic emergency where the dog's penis becomes extruded and trapped outside the prepuce (sheath) and cannot retract. The constriction cuts off blood flow, leading to swelling and necrosis.
Dental disease involves the accumulation of plaque and tartar (calculus) on teeth, leading to gum inflammation (gingivitis) and eventual loss of bone support (periodontitis). It is the most common disease in dogs and cats.
Pneumonia is inflammation of the lungs caused by infection (bacterial/viral/fungal) or aspiration (inhaling vomit/food). It causes fluid accumulation in the alveoli, hindering oxygen exchange.
Toxicosis occurs when an animal ingests a harmful substance. Common poisons include Chocolate (dogs), Lilies (cats), Xylitol (gum), Rat Poison, and NSAIDs (Ibuprofen).
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is the enlargement of the prostate in unneutered male dogs. It can cause difficulty urinating or defecating. Infection (Prostatitis) or Cancer are more serious forms.
Pyometra is a life-threatening infection of the uterus in unspayed female dogs/cats. Pus fills the uterus, releasing toxins into the blood (sepsis). It typically occurs 4-8 weeks after a heat cycle.
Rabies is a uniformly fatal viral disease affecting the nervous system. It is zoonotic (spreads to humans) and transmitted via saliva (bites).
HBC (Hit By Car) trauma causes blunt force injury: broken bones, internal bleeding, ruptured organs (bladder/spleen), and road rash ("degloving").
Toxocara is the most common intestinal parasite in dogs/cats. Almost all puppies are born with them. They look like spaghetti in stool and cause a pot-bellied appearance.
Dipylidium caninum is an intestinal parasite transmitted by fleas. It appears as rice-like segments (proglottids) moving around the pet's anus.
A general term often referring to Ehrlichiosis, Anaplasmosis, or Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. These bacterial infections cause fever, joint pain, and low platelets.
A progressive weakening of the cartilage rings of the windpipe (trachea), causing it to flatten during breathing. Common in Yorkies and Poms. Causes a "goose honk" cough.
Bacterial infection of the bladder (Cystitis), usually by E. coli. More common in female dogs. Causes painful, frequent urination.
"Old Dog Vestibular Syndrome" is a sudden disturbance of the balance center in the inner ear/brainstem. It mimics a stroke, causing severe dizziness, head tilt, and falling.
A broad diagnosis indicating the presence of intestinal helminths (worms) not specified by type. Parasitism causes malnutrition and inflammation.