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Common Canine Health Conditions

The information provided in this glossary is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a licensed veterinarian for any health concerns regarding your pet.

⚠️ Emergency Warning Signs

These symptoms require immediate veterinary attention:

Alphabetical index of dog health conditions with symptoms and treatments.

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Filter health risks by area of concern (e.g., Eyes, Ears, Heart)



A

Addison's Disease (Hypoadrenocorticism)

Insufficient adrenal hormone production causing metabolic imbalance.

Symptoms:
  • Lethargy and weakness
  • Vomiting and diarrhea
  • Weight loss
  • Shaking and tremors
Treatment:

Lifelong hormone replacement therapy (prednisone, fludrocortisone).

Allergies (Atopic Dermatitis)

Chronic allergic skin inflammation caused by environmental allergens.

Symptoms:
  • Excessive scratching and licking
  • Red, inflamed skin
  • Recurrent ear infections
  • Hair loss
Treatment:

Allergy testing, immunotherapy, antihistamines, special shampoos, omega-3 supplements.

B

Bloat (Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus)

Life-threatening stomach twisting and gas accumulation, common in deep-chested breeds.

Symptoms:
  • Distended, hard abdomen
  • Unproductive vomiting (dry heaving)
  • Restlessness and pacing
  • Rapid breathing
Treatment:

EMERGENCY - Immediate veterinary surgery required. Prevention includes slow feeders and multiple small meals.

C

Cataracts

Clouding of the eye lens leading to vision impairment or blindness.

Symptoms:
  • Cloudy or bluish eye appearance
  • Bumping into objects
  • Reluctance to navigate in dim light
  • Excessive eye rubbing
Treatment:

Surgical removal when affecting vision. Some diabetic cataracts may be treated with eye drops.

Cruciate Ligament Injuries

Rupture or strain of the knee's stabilizing ligament, common in active dogs.

Symptoms:
  • Sudden lameness in hind leg
  • Difficulty bearing weight
  • Swollen knee joint
  • Pain when touching the knee
Treatment:

Surgical repair (TPLO, TTA), strict rest, physical therapy, joint supplements (glucosamine, chondroitin).

D

Demodectic Mange

Skin disease caused by Demodex mites, often in puppies or immunocompromised dogs.

Symptoms:
  • Patchy hair loss, especially on face and legs
  • Red, scaly skin
  • Skin infections and pustules
  • Itching (in secondary infections)
Treatment:

Medicated dips, oral medications (ivermectin, milbemycin), antibiotics for secondary infections.

Diabetes Mellitus

Insufficient insulin production or insulin resistance leading to high blood sugar.

Symptoms:
  • Excessive thirst and urination
  • Weight loss despite good appetite
  • Cataracts (in dogs)
  • Lethargy and weakness
Treatment:

Insulin injections, dietary management (high-fiber, low-fat), regular glucose monitoring, exercise.

Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM)

Enlarged, weakened heart muscle leading to poor pumping function.

Symptoms:
  • Coughing, especially at night
  • Exercise intolerance
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Abdominal swelling (ascites)
  • Collapse or fainting
Treatment:

Heart medications (pimobendan, ACE inhibitors), diuretics, low-sodium diet, restricted exercise.

E

Ear Infections (Otitis Externa)

Inflammation of the external ear canal, often due to bacteria, yeast, or allergies.

Symptoms:
  • Head shaking and tilting
  • Ear scratching and rubbing
  • Foul odor from ears
  • Discharge (yellow, brown, or bloody)
  • Redness and swelling
Treatment:

Ear cleaners, topical medications, oral antibiotics/antifungals for severe cases, allergy management.

Ectropion

Eyelid abnormality where the eyelid droops or rolls outward, exposing the conjunctiva.

Symptoms:
  • Dry, exposed conjunctiva
  • Chronic eye discharge
  • Recurrent eye infections
  • Red, irritated eyes
Treatment:

Surgical correction, artificial tears, antibiotic ointments for infections.

Entropion

Eyelid abnormality where the eyelid rolls inward, causing eyelashes to rub the cornea.

Symptoms:
  • Eye irritation and redness
  • Excessive tearing
  • Squinting or rubbing at eyes
  • Corneal ulcers (severe cases)
Treatment:

Surgical correction, lubricating eye drops, temporary sutures (mild cases).

Epilepsy

Neurological disorder causing recurrent seizures without identifiable cause.

Symptoms:
  • Collapsing
  • Jerking movements
  • Foaming at mouth
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Paddling of legs
Treatment:

Anti-seizure medications (phenobarbital, potassium bromide, levetiracetam), regular blood monitoring.

F

Flea Allergy Dermatitis

Allergic reaction to flea saliva, causing intense itching and skin inflammation.

Symptoms:
  • Intense itching and scratching
  • Hair loss (especially near tail base)
  • Red, inflamed skin
  • Small red bumps or scabs
Treatment:

Flea control (topical/oral preventatives), antihistamines, steroids for flare-ups, antibiotics for infections.

G

Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV)

Life-threatening stomach twisting (bloat), requiring emergency treatment.

Symptoms:
  • Distended, firm abdomen
  • Unproductive vomiting (retching)
  • Restlessness and anxiety
  • Pale gums
  • Collapse
Treatment:

EMERGENCY - Immediate veterinary surgery required. Prevention includes gastropexy surgery in high-risk breeds.

Glaucoma

Increased pressure within the eye, damaging the optic nerve and leading to blindness.

Symptoms:
  • Painful, red eye
  • Cloudy cornea
  • Vision loss
  • Dilated pupil
  • Squinting
Treatment:

Pressure-reducing eye drops, oral medications, surgery (cyclophotocoagulation) in severe cases.

H

Heartworm Disease

Parasitic worms living in the heart and pulmonary arteries, transmitted by mosquitoes.

Symptoms:
  • Persistent cough
  • Exercise intolerance
  • Weight loss
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Coughing up blood (severe cases)
Treatment:

Adulticide injections (melarsomine), strict exercise restriction during treatment, monthly preventatives.

Hip Dysplasia

Malformation of the hip joint leading to arthritis and mobility issues.

Symptoms:
  • Limping or bunny-hopping gait
  • Difficulty rising or jumping
  • Pain when hips are touched
  • Decreased activity and range of motion
  • Muscle loss in hind legs
Treatment:

Weight management, joint supplements (glucosamine, omega-3s), NSAIDs, physical therapy, surgery (TPO, FHO, THR).

Hypothyroidism

Underactive thyroid gland, causing metabolic slowdown.

Symptoms:
  • Weight gain without appetite increase
  • Lethargy and sluggishness
  • Hair loss, especially on tail
  • Recurrent skin infections
  • Cold intolerance
Treatment:

Daily thyroid hormone replacement (levothyroxine), regular blood monitoring, dietary adjustments.

I

Immune-Mediated Hemolytic Anemia (IMHA)

Autoimmune destruction of red blood cells, leading to severe anemia.

Symptoms:
  • Lethargy and weakness
  • Pale or yellow gums (jaundice)
  • Dark urine (hemoglobinuria)
  • Rapid breathing and heart rate
  • Collapse
Treatment:

EMERGENCY: Immunosuppressants (prednisone, cyclosporine), blood transfusions, supportive care.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

Chronic inflammation of the digestive tract, causing absorption issues.

Symptoms:
  • Chronic diarrhea (sometimes bloody)
  • Vomiting
  • Weight loss despite good appetite
  • Flatulence and abdominal pain
  • Poor coat condition
Treatment:

Hypoallergenic or novel protein diet, immunosuppressants, probiotics, vitamin B12 injections.

Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)

Spinal disc degeneration causing back pain and neurological issues, common in chondrodystrophic breeds.

Symptoms:
  • Back pain and stiffness
  • Hunched posture
  • Hind limb weakness or paralysis
  • Reluctance to jump or climb stairs
  • Loss of bladder/bowel control
Treatment:

Strict cage rest, pain management, anti-inflammatories, physical therapy, surgery for severe cases.

J

No conditions currently listed for this letter.

K

Kennel Cough (Infectious Tracheobronchitis)

Highly contagious respiratory infection caused by multiple pathogens.

Symptoms:
  • Harsh, dry cough (often honking sound)
  • Gagging or retching
  • Nasal discharge
  • Mild fever
  • Lethargy
Treatment:

Antibiotics if bacterial, cough suppressants, rest, isolation from other dogs.

Kidney Disease (Chronic)

Progressive loss of kidney function over months to years.

Symptoms:
  • Increased thirst and urination
  • Weight loss and muscle wasting
  • Bad breath (uremic odor)
  • Vomiting and diarrhea
  • Poor appetite
Treatment:

Special kidney diet (low phosphorus, high quality protein), subcutaneous fluids, phosphorus binders, anti-nausea medications.

L

Luxating Patella

Dislocated kneecap, common in small and toy breeds.

Symptoms:
  • Intermittent skipping or hopping
  • Leg held up briefly while running
  • Audible clicking sound from knee
  • Reluctance to jump or climb
  • Arthritis development over time
Treatment:

Grade 1-2: Weight management, joint supplements, physical therapy; Grade 3-4: Surgical correction (trochleoplasty, tibial tuberosity transposition).

Lyme Disease

Tick-borne bacterial infection caused by Borrelia burgdorferi.

Symptoms:
  • Shifting leg lameness
  • Fever and lethargy
  • Swollen, painful joints
  • Loss of appetite
  • Kidney issues (in severe cases)
Treatment:

Antibiotics (doxycycline, amoxicillin), pain management, tick prevention.

M

Mast Cell Tumors

Common skin cancer originating from mast cells, varying from benign to highly malignant.

Symptoms:
  • Skin lumps (may change size rapidly)
  • Itching or redness at tumor site
  • Ulceration of the mass
  • Gastrointestinal signs if metastasized
  • Anaphylactic shock in some cases
Treatment:

Surgical removal with wide margins, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, tyrosine kinase inhibitors.

Mitral Valve Disease (MVD)

Degenerative heart disease where the mitral valve thickens and leaks, leading to heart failure.

Symptoms:
  • Heart murmur (often detected early)
  • Coughing (especially at night or when resting)
  • Exercise intolerance
  • Rapid or labored breathing
  • Lethargy or collapse (advanced stages)
Treatment:

Lifelong management with medications (pimobendan, diuretics, ACE inhibitors), regular cardiac monitoring, low-sodium diet.

Genetic: Yes (Strong hereditary link in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels)

N

Nail Bed Infections

Bacterial or fungal infection around nails, often secondary to trauma or immune issues.

Symptoms:
  • Excessive licking at paws
  • Swollen, red nail beds
  • Discolored or deformed nails
  • Pain when walking
  • Discharge from nail base
Treatment:

Oral antibiotics or antifungals, medicated foot soaks, pain management, addressing underlying causes.

O

Obesity

Excess body weight affecting overall health and predisposing to other conditions.

Symptoms:
  • Excess body fat (no palpable ribs)
  • Difficulty exercising or breathing
  • Labored breathing even at rest
  • Reluctance to move or play
  • Joint pain and arthritis
Treatment:

Controlled calorie diet, increased exercise gradually, veterinary weight management plan, regular weigh-ins.

P

Pancreatitis

Inflammation of the pancreas, often triggered by high-fat foods.

Symptoms:
  • Severe vomiting
  • Abdominal pain (praying position)
  • Loss of appetite
  • Diarrhea (sometimes bloody)
  • Fever and dehydration
Treatment:

Hospitalization, IV fluids, pain management, anti-nausea medications, low-fat diet long-term.

Parvovirus

Highly contagious viral disease affecting rapidly dividing cells, especially in puppies.

Symptoms:
  • Severe, bloody diarrhea
  • Profuse vomiting
  • Lethargy and depression
  • Fever or hypothermia
  • Rapid dehydration
Treatment:

EMERGENCY - Intensive hospitalization with IV fluids, antibiotics, anti-nausea medications, nutritional support.

Q

No conditions currently listed for this letter.

R

Ringworm (Dermatophytosis)

Fungal skin infection (not actually a worm), contagious to other animals and humans.

Symptoms:
  • Circular hair loss with scaly center
  • Red, inflamed skin lesions
  • Itching (variable)
  • Broken hairs around lesions
  • Nail bed infections
Treatment:

Oral antifungal medications, topical creams/sprays, lime sulfur dips, thorough environmental cleaning.

S

Skin Allergies

Hypersensitivity reactions causing skin inflammation from various triggers.

Symptoms:
  • Intense itching and scratching
  • Red, inflamed skin
  • Recurrent ear and skin infections
  • Hot spots (moist dermatitis)
  • Hair loss and skin thickening
Treatment:

Allergy testing, immunotherapy, antihistamines, medicated shampoos, omega-3 supplements, steroids for flare-ups.

Subaortic Stenosis (SAS)

Congenital heart defect where a fibrous ring below the aortic valve obstructs blood flow from the heart.

Symptoms:
  • Exercise intolerance
  • Fainting/collapse (syncope)
  • Heart murmur (detected by vet)
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Sudden death (in severe cases)
Treatment:

Beta-blockers (atenolol), restricted exercise, surgical correction in some cases, balloon valvuloplasty.

T

Tapeworms

Intestinal parasites transmitted by fleas or eating infected rodents.

Symptoms:
  • Scooting or licking anal area
  • Rice-like segments in stool or bedding
  • Increased appetite
  • Weight loss (heavy infestations)
  • Mild diarrhea
Treatment:

Deworming medication (praziquantel), flea control, preventing access to rodents.

U

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

Bacterial infection of the urinary system, more common in females.

Symptoms:
  • Frequent urination in small amounts
  • Straining to urinate
  • Blood in urine (hematuria)
  • Accidents in house
  • Licking genital area excessively
Treatment:

Antibiotics based on culture/sensitivity, increased water intake, urinary acidifying diets, cranberry supplements.

V

Valvular Heart Disease

Degeneration of heart valves, most commonly affecting the mitral valve in small breeds.

Symptoms:
  • Coughing (especially at night or when resting)
  • Exercise intolerance
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Reduced appetite
  • Fainting episodes
Treatment:

Heart medications (pimobendan, diuretics, ACE inhibitors), low-sodium diet, regular veterinary monitoring.

Von Willebrand's Disease

Inherited bleeding disorder caused by deficient or defective von Willebrand factor.

Symptoms:
  • Prolonged bleeding after injuries/surgery
  • Spontaneous nosebleeds (epistaxis)
  • Bleeding gums
  • Blood in urine or stool
  • Excessive bleeding during heat cycles
Treatment:

Desmopressin (DDAVP) for mild cases, blood/plasma transfusions for severe bleeding, avoiding NSAIDs, pre-surgical testing.

W

Whipworms

Intestinal parasites causing colitis and chronic diarrhea.

Symptoms:
  • Chronic, intermittent diarrhea
  • Weight loss
  • Blood in stool (mucoid feces)
  • Dehydration
  • Poor coat condition
Treatment:

Deworming medication (fenbendazole, milbemycin), repeat treatments due to long life cycle, environmental cleanup.

X

No conditions currently listed for this letter.

Y

No conditions currently listed for this letter.

Z

No conditions currently listed for this letter.