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Medical Conditions

  • Shar-Pei recurrent fever syndrome is a hereditary condition that affects nearly one in four Shar-Pei dogs. Affected dogs experience recurrent episodes of fever and inflammation, with no identifiable underlying cause. Recurrent fever episodes can lead to increasing amounts of amyloid being deposited in the kidneys, which can lead to kidney failure over time.

  • Sidebones are a name for a condition that results in ossification of the collateral cartilages of the foot, i.e., the cartilages transform into much harder and less flexible bone.

  • Ferrets commonly develop skin diseases, including infections with parasites (fleas, mites, ticks), bacteria, viruses (distemper), and fungus (ringworm). They are also subject to both benign and malignant tumors, including mast cell tumors. Adrenal tumors also cause hair loss and itchy skin in ferrets. All skin problems should be brought to the attention of your veterinarian, who will recommend the most appropriate treatment for the specific problem.

  • Solar dermatitis is a skin disease caused by exposure to the sun. It occurs mainly in cats with white or pale patches of skin (non-pigmented areas). The most commonly affected areas are the ears, but the nose and the eyelids are sometimes involved.

  • Solar dermatitis is a skin disease caused by exposure to the sun. It occurs mainly in dogs with white or pale patches of skin (non-pigmented areas). Most commonly affected areas are the flanks, groin, armpits, top of the nose, eyelids, the trunk, and the outside of the legs.

  • 'Spavin' is a common condition in ponies and horses of all ages. There are two forms of spavin; bone spavin and bog spavin. Both affect the hock.

  • Spondylosis deformans is a condition that affects the vertebral bones of the spine and is characterized by the presence of bony spurs or osteophytes along the edges of the bones of the spine. Spondylosis deformans is a chronic condition that is associated with aging and most cats show no symptoms. This condition is usually diagnosed from X-rays of the spine. Treatment recommendations depend on the individual cat and whether they are showing any clinical signs, such as pain and difficulty with movement.

  • Spondylosis deformans is a condition that affects the vertebral bones of the spine and is characterized by the presence of bony spurs or osteophytes along the edges of the bones of the spine. Spondylosis deformans is a chronic condition that is associated with aging and most dogs are free of symptoms. This condition is usually diagnosed from radiographs of the spine. Treatment recommendations depend on the individual dog and whether they are showing any clinical signs such as pain and difficulty with movement.

  • Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a tumor of the cells that make up the contact or upper layer of the skin. UV light exposure has been described as a developmental factor in people and appears to be associated with its development in cats. Areas affected include the ear tips, skin, toes, or peri-ocular region. Fine needle aspiration or biopsy may be performed for diagnosis. The metastatic rate does not appear overly clear, though staging is always recommended. SCC of the toe can occur as a primary tumor or may have spread from the lung (lung-digit syndrome). Surgery is almost always recommended in any case of SCC; the role of chemotherapy is controversial. Radiation therapy has an excellent response rate in cats with the SCC affecting the nasal planum and may give long-term tumor control.

  • Staph (or staphylococcal) dermatitis is an inflammatory skin condition that the skin caused by a group of bacteria called Staphylococcus. Any disorder that causes itching or a change in the skin’s environment can create the ideal conditions to allow Staphylococcus to become a problem. This handout discusses Staphylococcus dermatitis in dogs, as well as a hypersensitivity (allergic) reaction to this bacteria. The clinical signs of these conditions, along with diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis, are outlined.