Signs and Symptoms Pet Owners Should Not Ignore

There are several diseases or conditions that owners should never second guess on their severity and always seek the advice and/or care of a veterinarian.  These include:

  • Conditions concerning the Digestive Tract
    Such conditions should not simply be managed by guardian home care a lone at least initially when they present. Concerning the digestive tract, if there is any possibility of foreign body or toxin ingestion by your pet, he or she should always be evaluated with an exam, possible lab work, and likely X-rays of the abdomen to make sure there has been no obstruction or metabolic compromise of the animal.
  • Paying close attention to your pet's normal behavior can help you determine whether or not any recent changes your pet may be experiencing could be related to an illness or disease
  • Bloat
    bloat of the stomach, is most common in large breed dogs. Any large breed dog with a history of nonproductive retching and/or frequent vomiting, severe restlessness and distention of the abdomen should always be evaluated by a veterinarian. Pets with frequent vomiting, abdominal pain, and/or a history of diagnosis of pancreatitis also need to be under the care or advice of a veterinarian.

  •   Signs of Incontinence or Blood in Urine
    For pets with a history of frequent attempts with little urination and/or drops of blood your pet should be evaluated immediately. For male cats, this is much more common and should be addressed to reduce the risk of infection and/or blockage.

  • Respiratory Issues
    Any pet with frequent coughing, and or respiratory distress also need to be evaluated by a veterinarian for conditions such as laryngeal paralysis, collapsing trachea, asthma, obstructive airway disease and/or heart disease.

  • Seizures
    While many pets may have only one seizure in their life and never have another one, other pets can develop chronic and/or serious seizure disorders or epilepsy that need medical assessment for proper diagnosis and treatment and to avoid complications.

  • Allergies
    Acute allergic reactions such as facial swelling or difficulty breathing also should be immediately evaluated by a veterinarian.

    Finally, while not an emergency, any pet who develops any new or hard skin lumps or tumors should have these lumps evaluated and/or aspirated by a veterinarian to make sure these  lumps are not malignant.   Other severe symptoms such as bleeding, severe skin bruising,  weakness/collapse, loss of appetite for many days, and pale cool gums should always be assessed by veterinary exam and evaluation.

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    13 Comments

    1. what can we do our dog 9 years old all of a sudden wont touch dog food will drink water and table scraps what to do about this

    2. Dr. Michael Dym, VMD veterinarianApril 17, 2012 at 12:29 pm

      Your dog should have an exam and workup including blood and urine given his age.

    3. My dog just can’t stop licking her foot!And she will ALWAYS lick some one if they are around,is that bad?She also doesn’t like to be alone mutch.

    4. Dr. Michael Dym, VMD veterinarianAugust 7, 2012 at 7:41 pm

      Most likely an obsessive compulsive behavior. I would not worry about it. Try Be serene natural remedy from 1800petmeds.

    5. Thank you very mutch!

    6. Dr. Michael Dym, VMD veterinarianAugust 7, 2012 at 8:03 pm

      You are Welcome

    7. My 10 month old has a fungus infection on his hind paw. My vet said to spray with a mix of vinegar and water. It’s not working. What else can?

    8. Dr. Michael Dym, VMD veterinarianOctober 7, 2012 at 6:09 pm

      May need oral medication for yeast such as oral ketaconazole which your vet can write script for.

    9. Thank you for your quick response. Greatly appreciated.

    10. Pet owners should know this. Protect your pet from diseases.

    11. My Dog had blood work & I was told he had low blood sugar he does get seizures and vet told me to rub syrup around his gums and feed him 4 small meals.I do put chicken and carrots but I also don’t want him to obese.Then She said about having some type of tumor possibility on pancreas and on and on.Any suggestions? THANKS

    12. Dr. Michael Dym, VMD veterinarianOctober 14, 2013 at 11:11 pm

      I would not assume tumor. Best to have blood insulin level measured which will rule out a tumor on pancreas.

    13. Maya is becoming very fussy eater, doesn’t like to be left alone. have to wear diapers or she will pee any place.
      also, do you sell diapers, for some reason every one tell me
      they are back ordered and that is quite a long time -6 wks.

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