How serious are common pet illnesses and health conditions in pets?

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! There are a few possibilities that come to mind with what you are describing. Endocrine disorders such as diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism, and hyperadrenocorticism (Cushing's) are some of the first places I would start. Under-devoloped or suppressed immunity can be some rare things such as bone marrow hypoplasia or a deficiency in specific cell signalling chemicals produced by the body or receptors for those chemicals. I would consider consulting with a specialist. If Hero's primary problem is with his skin, a dermatologist would be the one to see. If other infections are more prevalent, consider seeing an internist. Hope this helps!

Ticks can cause illness, but it is also possible that something else is wrong and the tick has nothing to do with it. I would encourage you to have her evaluated by your veterinarian soon. They may recommend an x-ray and / or blood work to help diagnose the problem. With intact females I am always concerned about a uterine infection called pyometra as well. It can cause lots of vague symptoms. I would recommend taking a fresh poop sample with you when you go to the veterinarian as well. Best of luck and I hope she improves soon. Thank you for using Pet Coach.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Maxi! There are many reasons for a senior dog to become weak: kidney, liver problems, arthritis, neurological degeneration of the spine, cancer. Tick infestations, if severe can make any age dog weak by removing too much blood and causing anemia. Also ticks carry infectious diseases like Lyme, Ehrlichia, anaplasma and many others. I recommend, ideally, to have Maxi seen by a Vet and have blood work done and check her for the above 3 tick borne diseases. Then if healthy enough give her a flea and tick preventative. There are great drugs out now for fleas and ticks, like Nexgard, Simparica, Bravecto and the Seresto collar. I am so sorry that Maxi is sick and I wish her a speedy recovery! If you need anything else please contact us, we are here to help!

Flystrike - insecticides Mastitis - antibiotics Foot rot - foot trimming, foot baths/foot soaks, dry chemicals, oral therapy, antibiotics Fleas - spot on treatments (such Revolution or Advantage) or oral treatments (Nexgard, Bravecto) for cats and dogs, pour ons for cattle and sheep Worms - deworming treatments (the type depends on the animal Abscesses - drain and flush, antibiotics

Hello. Yes, I think you should be concerned. This looks like a painful infection & it really depends on what is found on examination that will determine if it can be cured. Please make an appointment with your veterinarian at your earliest convenience to have this diagnosed. Only then can the proper treatment be initiated. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

I can understand your concerns here, especially when you feel you don’t have adequate care for your pets available in your area. Here are some symptoms to watch out for in cats, since they are known to hide disease and some extra tips for caring for Muezza. - coughing - decreased appetite - excessive vomiting (more than once a week) - increased urination or drinking - hiding more than normal - lethargy - pale gums - limping Also it is a good idea to get baseline bloodwork ran on Muezza once a year and a physical exam done twice a year to help keep her healthy. Also feeding her a high quality cat food such as Royal Canin, Hill’s Science diet, Evo or Eukanuba are some good ones to consider. Having a water fountain is also a good idea since most cats aren’t big water drinkers and this will help with their bladder and kidney health. Best wishes with your pet Muezza and I hope she lives a long healthy life. You seem like a caring pet parent and I am confident you will give Muezza the best life she can have. Take care.

Hi and thanks for posting on Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It is hard to say exactly what the cause of the sneezing and coughing, decreased eating/drinking may be without examining her first. However, it could be an upper respiratory infection (which can be contagious to other cats), due to dental disease or another oral health issue, feline asthma, or certain heart conditions. I would recommend Pickels's see her veterinarian soon for an exam to determine a diagnosis so she can get the proper treated. Her veterinarian may want to take chest x-rays to get a better view of the heart and lungs or suggest other diagnostics as needed. I hope this helps!