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What disorders are canines and felines prone to? -

Skin allergies, urinary tract diseases, arthritis, vomiting, and diabetes are just some of the medical conditions that can affect cats and dogs. But what other disorders are most commonly found in canines and felines?

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Skin problems -

Skin problems are among the most common reasons for cats and dogs to see a vet. Issues with skin are prevalent in both canines and felines and can cause them pain and discomfort.

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Skin problems -

Signs of a skin problem include itchy skin, bald patches (alopecia), dry and flaky skin, and dermatitis.

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Skin problems -

Fleas, parasites, allergies, and infections are common causes of skin problems. Unusual lesions of different sizes and coloring, smelly skin (pyoderma), and swelling are among indicators of more serious conditions.

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Diabetes -

Any breed of cat or dog can develop diabetes. But just like in humans, obesity and fatty foods can increase your pet's chances of being stricken with the disease.

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Diabetes -

Most cats get a form of diabetes similar to type-2 diabetes in humans. As previously indicated, obesity is a primary contributor. Indoor cats are especially prone to weight gain. Having other diseases can promote diabetes, conditions such as pancreatitis and urinary tract infections. And simply being middle aged or elderly is another reason cats can fall victim to diabetes.

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Diabetes -

Similarly, dogs with diabetes can't produce insulin, which causes their blood sugar levels to become dangerously high. Symptoms in canines include weight loss, low energy, and increased thirst. Both cats and dogs need lifelong insulin injections to treat the condition, with cats also requiring a carefully controlled diet.

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Arthritis -

Arthritis is a miserable condition, an inflammation and stiffness of the joints that invariably causes pain, swelling, and discomfort in your pet. Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis affecting cats and dogs.

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Arthritis -

Older pets are more likely to develop arthritis, which is a progressive disease and gets slowly worse over time. Your vet can prescribe medications and treatments to help ease symptoms, but if you own a dog you can make things more comfortable by taking them on regular, controlled walks and keeping their weight down. And always keep your pooch warm and dry.

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Arthritis -

Unfortunately, arthritis in cats is a common malady. But given a feline's propensity to hide pain, it's not always obvious that your cat is  suffering from the condition. Symptoms include limping and stiffness, weight loss, and difficulty jumping up to high places. Besides pain relief and anti-inflammatory medication, other ways to help your stricken kitty is to keep them active and warm. Raised food bowls and low-sided litter trays are also of benefit.

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Epilepsy -

Epilepsy is a disorder of the brain where clusters of nerve cells signal abnormally, prompting repeated seizures. It's a distressing condition that is known to strike cats and dogs, but is more common in canines.

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Epilepsy -

Epilepsy in cats typically stems from disease or injury within the cat's brain (intracranial causes) or external factors such as toxins or metabolic diseases such as diabetes.

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Epilepsy -

Epilepsy is the most common neurological disorder seen in dogs, and it's usually in young adult canines where the disease strikes. Epilepsy cannot be cured. Instead, your pet will require treatment for the rest of its life.

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Vomiting -

Vomiting can be due to many underlying issues. Causes include gastrointestinal problems, or problems rising from other body systems, liver and kidney disease for example, or cancer.

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Vomiting -

Vomiting is common in dogs. But identifying the exact reason why can be tricky. A simple change in diet can induce a bout of vomiting. But so too can a bacterial or viral infection. And it's important to distinguish vomiting from retching and regurgitation, when a dog brings up undigested food.

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Vomiting -

As with canines, vomiting can be a symptom of many different conditions in cats, some mild and some serious. With felines, gastritis and fur balls are common causes. But vomiting can also be indicative of more serious problems, including a gut blockage, kidney disease, and food allergy.

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Worms -

Worms can appear in both cats and dogs. There are several types of intestinal parasites that can infect animals of any age, although puppies and kittens tend to be the usual suspects.

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Worms -

The most common types of parasites are roundworms, tapeworms, hookworms, whipworms, coccidia, and giardia. Heartworms are especially dangerous. They cause inflammation of the blood vessels and can block blood flow, leading to pulmonary thrombosis (clots in the lungs) and, ultimately, heart failure.

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Worms -

Often cats and dogs will have no obvious outward signs that they are carrying parasites. Early diagnosis for the presence and type of intestinal parasite is vital. If your suspect your pet is carrying worms, book an appointment with your vet as soon as possible.

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Ear infections -

Another common ailment in cats and dogs is infection of the ear. Moisture and debris gets easily trapped in the ears of these animals. These obstructions create the ideal environment for bacterial and yeast infections to develop.

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Ear infections -

Ear infections cause pain and discomfort, and can progress from the outer ear to the inner ear, the most sensitive part of the organ.

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Ear infections -

Dogs are more prone to ear infections than their feline counterparts, with allergies and skin diseases often the cause. With cats it's usually because of ear mites. In both cases, your pet will be seen scratching at the affected ear or face and shaking its head, among other reactions. These infections need to be treated promptly to lessen the risk of balance problems, facial paralysis, and even deafness.

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Hyperthyroidism -

Hyperthyroidism is an overactive thyroid most commonly caused by a benign overgrowth of thyroid tissue. It's a condition more common in cats than in dogs, the clinical signs being weight loss, increased appetite, and increased thirst and urination. The coat of affected cats may appear unkempt, matted, or greasy. A common symptom in cats with hyperthyroidism is excessive meowing or yowling.

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Hypothyroidism -

Conversely, hypothyroidism is an underactive thyroid, where it doesn't produce enough of a certain hormone. The disorder affects dogs more than cats, though it can occur in felines, too. Symptoms include lethargy, weakness, weight gain, and hair loss.

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Hyperthyroidism/hypothyroidism -

If effectively managed, cats with hyperthyroidism can live for many years with an excellent quality of life. Similarly, pets treated for canine hypothyroidism have an excellent prognosis and their life expectancy is normal.

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Dental issues -

Periodontal disease is the number one health problem in small animal patients. By age two, 80% of dogs and 70% of cats have some form of issue with their teeth and gums.

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Dental issues -

Over time, bacteria, debris, and plaque accumulate on the outside of their teeth. This process forms tartar and eventually causes gingivitis and even tooth loss.

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Dental issues -

Gum disease, dental abscess, tooth resorption (erosion of dentin), oral tumors, and retained deciduous teeth (also known as "baby teeth") are all conditions associated with adverse dental issues.

Sources: (PR Newswire) (PDSA) (RSPCA) (WebMD) 

See also: Dog breeds that get along with cats

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