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Articles

Medical Conditions

  • Cervical vertebral instability (wobbler syndrome) is caused by compression of the spinal cord, usually at the base of the neck. Although the spinal cord compression occurs in the neck, the hind legs are often affected first. In severe cases, the dog may suddenly develop total paralysis of all four limbs. The condition is most prevalent in Great Danes and Doberman Pinschers. Most pets enjoy a relatively normal lifestyle following surgery.

  • Chameleons may be affected by a variety of medical conditions. A swollen abdomen needs attention by a veterinarian in case of possible egg retention. Swollen joints are most likely an indication of uric acid deposits, a condition called articular gout. Chameleons with poor perching ability and/or abnormal leg angles likely have metabolic bone disease. Swellings of the tissue around the eyes is common and needs proper treatment, possibly surgery, to correct.

  • Chediak-Higashi Syndrome is a rare genetic disease that affects smoke-blue Persian cats. The condition affects how the body processes waste products, resulting in changes within the body’s cells and leading to abnormal pigmentation of the skin and coat. The condition can lead to eye abnormalities and problems with blood clotting, but most cats can have a normal lifespan with careful health monitoring.

  • Cherry eye is a common name for a prolapsed (popping out) third eyelid gland. The gland is responsible for most tear production in the eye, and treatment is recommended to prevent long-term damage, although some dogs will have a recurrence of the problem. An artificial tears ointment can help keep the eye lubricated until surgery is performed.

  • Chin acne in cats is a poorly understood disorder of follicular keratinization (the overproduction of keratin, a protein found in the outer layer of skin). This handout outlines potential causes, clinical signs, treatment, and prognosis of this condition.

  • Chlamydial conjunctivitis in cats is highly contagious and can look similar to herpes conjunctivitis. Young cats and kittens are especially vulnerable to this infection, although chlamydia can be detected in cats of all ages. It is one of the most common causes of infectious conjunctivitis in cats. This handout describes the clinical signs and how this condition can be treated or prevented.

  • Cholangitis/cholangiohepatitis syndrome (CCHS) is an inflammatory liver disease. Cholangitis is inflammation of the bile ducts. Cholangiohepatitis is inflammation of the bile ducts, gallbladder, and surrounding liver tissue. This handout outlines clinical signs, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis.

  • Chronic bronchitis is a long-term inflammatory condition that affects the pulmonary or respiratory system. This condition is irreversible and is slowly progressive. This article discusses how the condition is diagnosed as well as treatments to slow the progression of the disease.

  • Chronic bronchitis (also known as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD) is a long-term inflammatory condition that affects the pulmonary or respiratory system. The most common sign is a chronic dry cough. This condition is irreversible and is slowly progressive. The diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis are outlined in this handout.

  • This handout summarizes the normal function of the dog heart and outlines the abnormalities and changes associated with degeneration of the four different valves in the heart. Clinical signs associated with valve disease are summarized, as well as the recommended tests and treatments for this condition.