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Health library

Pet diseases, explained simply

Symptoms, causes, prevention and clear guidance on when a vet visit cannot wait.

1,699 conditions

Soft-shell turtle syndrome

moderate

Soft-shell turtle syndrome is a metabolic disorder in turtles causing shell softening due to calcium imbalance.

metabolicturtles

Sore hock

moderate

Sore hock is a painful condition affecting the feet of small pets, causing ulcers and inflammation.

dermatologicalrabbitsguinea pigsrats

Sore hock (pododermatitis)

severe

Sore hock, or pododermatitis, is a painful condition affecting the feet of pets, often due to poor hygiene or unsuitable surfaces.

dermatologicalrabbitsguinea pigsrats

Sore Hocks

moderate

Sore hocks in pets, often seen in rabbits, involve painful sores on the feet due to various factors.

dermatologicalrabbitsguinea pigs

Sore hocks (pododermatitis)

moderate

Sore hocks or pododermatitis is a painful condition affecting pet paws, often caused by poor living conditions or obesity.

dermatologicalrabbitsguinea pigsferrets

Sore hocks (pododermatitis) in hamsters

severe

Sore hocks in hamsters, also known as pododermatitis, can cause discomfort and pain. Proper care and environment are crucial.

dermatologicalhamsterrabbitguinea pig

Sore Hocks in Rabbits

moderate

Sore hocks are painful pressure sores on rabbit feet caused by poor flooring, obesity, or inadequate care. Early treatment prevents serious complications.

dermatologicalrabbit

Sour crop (crop impaction)

moderate

Sour crop is a digestive condition in birds where food becomes impacted in the crop, leading to fermentation and potential serious complications.

digestivebirdschickensparrots

Sour Crop (Crop Stasis)

moderate

Sour crop is a digestive condition in birds where food stagnates in the crop, causing bacterial overgrowth and potential serious complications.

digestivebirdparrotcockatiel

Sparganosis

moderate

Sparganosis is a parasitic infection in pets caused by tapeworm larvae, leading to skin and tissue issues.

parasiticdogscatswild animals

Spinal Cord Tumors

severe

Spinal cord tumors are abnormal growths affecting the spinal cord or surrounding structures, causing neurological symptoms and mobility issues in pets.

cancerdogcatferret

Spinal Trauma (Fracture/Luxation)

critical

Spinal trauma involving vertebral fractures or dislocations can cause severe neurological damage and paralysis in pets, requiring immediate emergency care.

neurologicaldogcatrabbit

Spinal Tumors (Neoplasia)

severe

Spinal tumors in pets are abnormal growths affecting the vertebrae or spinal cord, causing pain, weakness, and neurological symptoms.

cancerdogcatferret

Spirocercosis

severe

Spirocercosis is a severe parasitic infection in pets caused by Spirocerca lupi.

parasiticdogsrarely cats

Spirorchiasis

moderate

Spirorchiasis is a parasitic blood fluke infection affecting turtles and other reptiles, causing circulatory and organ damage.

parasiticturtleterrapintortoise

Spirorchiasis (blood flukes in turtles)

severe

Spirorchiasis is a serious parasitic disease caused by blood flukes that infect turtles' circulatory system, potentially causing fatal complications.

parasiticturtletortoiseterrapin

Spirorchidiasis

severe

Spirorchidiasis is a serious parasitic infection affecting aquatic turtles, caused by blood flukes that damage blood vessels and organs.

parasiticturtletortoiseterrapin

Spirorchiidiasis

moderate

Spirorchiidiasis is a parasitic blood fluke infection affecting turtles, causing cardiovascular and organ damage through blood vessel inflammation.

parasiticsea turtlemarine turtlefreshwater turtle

Spirorchiidiasis (turtle blood flukes)

severe

Spirorchiidiasis is a serious parasitic disease affecting turtles, caused by blood flukes that damage cardiovascular and other organ systems.

parasiticturtletortoise

Spirorchis Trematodes

moderate

Spirorchis trematodes are blood flukes that infect aquatic pets, causing vascular damage and potentially serious health complications.

parasiticturtlesaquatic reptilesfish

Splay leg

mild

Splay leg is a musculoskeletal disorder causing limb instability in small pets and birds.

musculoskeletalchickensparrotspigeons

Splayed leg (spraddle leg)

mild

Splayed leg is a musculoskeletal condition affecting young birds and reptiles, causing legs to splay outwards.

musculoskeletalchickensducksturkeys

Spondylosis

moderate

Spondylosis in pets is a degenerative spinal condition causing pain and stiffness.

musculoskeletaldogscats

Sporotrichosis

moderate

Sporotrichosis is a fungal infection affecting pets, caused by Sporothrix schenckii.

infectiouscatsdogshorses