Free clinical reference

Veterinary condition reference library

Clinical overviews and printable, plain-language client handouts for common conditions - free, no signup required.

Parvovirus in Dogs

A highly contagious viral disease of the GI tract, most common in unvaccinated or incompletely vaccinated puppies between 6 weeks and 6 months old.

Cats

Feline Hyperthyroidism

One of the most common endocrine disorders in middle-aged to older cats, caused by excess thyroid hormone production from a benign thyroid growth.

Dogs

Hip Dysplasia in Dogs

A developmental orthopedic condition, most common in medium, large, and giant breeds, where the hip joint fails to develop and fit together normally.

Cats

Chronic Kidney Disease in Cats

A progressive, irreversible decline in kidney function that is one of the most common conditions diagnosed in older cats.

Dogs

Diabetes Mellitus in Dogs

A condition of insulin deficiency requiring lifelong insulin therapy in almost all diagnosed dogs, unlike the diabetic remission sometimes seen in cats.

Dogs

Otitis Externa in Dogs

Inflammation of the external ear canal and one of the most common presenting complaints in small-animal practice, often with an underlying allergic cause.

Cats

Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD)

An umbrella term for conditions affecting the bladder and urethra in cats; feline idiopathic cystitis is the most common cause in cats under 10, and urethral obstruction is a life-threatening emergency.

Dogs

Atopic Dermatitis in Dogs

A chronic, genetically-predisposed allergic skin condition and one of the most common causes of long-term itching in dogs, typically starting between 6 months and 3 years of age.

Dogs

Osteoarthritis in Dogs

A progressive degenerative joint disease and one of the most common sources of chronic pain in dogs, especially as they age.

Cats

Diabetes Mellitus in Cats

Commonly resembles Type 2 diabetes in humans and is often linked to obesity - unlike dogs, a meaningful proportion of diabetic cats can achieve remission with early, aggressive management.

Dogs

Heartworm Disease in Dogs

A serious, mosquito-transmitted parasitic disease affecting the heart and lungs - far safer and cheaper to prevent than to treat.

Dogs

Periodontal Disease in Dogs

The most common clinical condition seen in adult dogs, caused by plaque and tartar accumulation that progressively damages the tissues supporting the teeth.

Dogs

Cushing's Disease in Dogs (Hyperadrenocorticism)

Caused by chronic excess cortisol production, most often from a pituitary tumor, and one of the most common endocrine diseases in middle-aged to older dogs.

Dogs

Hypothyroidism in Dogs

One of the most common endocrine disorders in dogs, usually caused by immune-mediated destruction of the thyroid gland in middle-aged, medium-to-large breed dogs.

Dogs

Kennel Cough (Canine Infectious Tracheobronchitis)

A highly contagious respiratory disease complex commonly seen after exposure at boarding facilities, dog parks, or shelters, usually mild and self-limiting.

Cats

Upper Respiratory Infection in Cats

Most commonly caused by feline herpesvirus-1 or calicivirus, highly prevalent in shelter and multi-cat environments, with herpesvirus capable of causing recurrent flare-ups during stress.

Dogs

Pancreatitis in Dogs

Inflammation of the pancreas ranging from mild to life-threatening, often linked to a high-fat meal, dietary indiscretion, obesity, or a concurrent endocrine disease.

Dogs

Cranial Cruciate Ligament Rupture in Dogs

One of the most common causes of hind-limb lameness in dogs, involving a torn knee ligament that often develops gradually rather than from a single injury.

Dogs

Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) in Dogs

Degeneration and herniation of the cushioning discs between vertebrae, particularly common in chondrodystrophic breeds like Dachshunds, French Bulldogs, and Corgis.

Dogs

Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (Bloat) in Dogs

A life-threatening emergency in which the stomach fills with gas and twists on itself, most common in large and giant breed, deep-chested dogs.

Cats & Dogs

Ear Mites in Cats and Dogs

A highly contagious surface mite infestation of the ear canal, most common in kittens, puppies, and cats with outdoor access.

Cats & Dogs

Flea Allergy Dermatitis

A hypersensitivity reaction to flea saliva in which even a single bite can trigger significant itching in allergic pets.

Cats

Chronic Gingivostomatitis in Cats

A severe, painful inflammatory condition of the gums and oral mucosa in cats, believed to involve an exaggerated immune response to dental plaque.

Dogs

Addison's Disease in Dogs (Hypoadrenocorticism)

Insufficient adrenal hormone production, sometimes called "the great pretender" for its vague, waxing-and-waning signs that mimic many other diseases.

Dogs

Laryngeal Paralysis in Dogs

Progressive dysfunction of the muscles controlling the larynx, most common in older, large-breed dogs, causing noisy breathing and reduced exercise tolerance.

Dogs

Tracheal Collapse in Dogs

Progressive weakening of the tracheal cartilage, most common in small and toy breed dogs, causing a characteristic "goose-honking" cough.

Dogs

Cherry Eye in Dogs

Prolapse of the tear-producing gland of the third eyelid, appearing as a pink or red mass in the corner of the eye - more common in certain breeds.

Dogs

Megaesophagus in Dogs

Generalized dilation and loss of motility of the esophagus that prevents food from moving normally to the stomach, causing regurgitation.