This archive article (written 2009–2016) contains advice that may be out of date and is waiting for veterinary review. Please check with your vet before acting on it. About our articles

Cushing's Disease
Cushing's disease is the common name for a disease called hyperadrenocorticism that most commonly affects dogs. It's caused by a hyperactive adrenal gland that pumps too many steroids and other hormones into the bloodstream.

Diabetes Mellitus
Diabetes mellitus is a disease involving glucose (sugar) in the blood and insulin. Insulin is a hormone produced by the body to regulate blood glucose.

Diseases Transmitted by Pets
In 64 million American households pets are a source of joy and perhaps even the key to longer, healthier lives.

Epilepsy
Epilepsy is an abnormality of electrical impulses in the brain that causes a seizure of muscles, or loss of motor control in the body.

Fast Facts about Canine Influenza
It seemed to appear without warning. Suddenly, in late September, newspapers, television news programs and Internet websites were filled with stories about canine influenza, a new flu-like disease rumored to be sweeping the country.

Heart Disease
While the mortality rate from heart disease is declining among humans, it seems to be increasing among pets. Pets are living longer and more heart disease is being detected.

Heartworm Disease
Heartworm is an insidious disease that has spread to virtually all parts of the US and many parts of Canada since the early 1970s.

Hip Dysplasia
Has Rover been limping around your house lately? Is he having trouble making it up the stairs? Does he seem sluggish and reluctant to stand up?

Kidney Failure
Also known as renal failure, kidney failure occurs when the kidneys are unable to function properly.

Parvovirus
Parvovirus is a serious, deadly threat to the unvaccinated dog population. It is so infectious that virtually anyone or any moving object can become a parvovirus carrier simply by coming in contact with an infected dog's feces (bowel movement).

Prevent Poisonings
Have you taken inventory of your medicine cabinets lately? Are you properly storing lawn and garden pesticide containers? When you tidy up around the house, do you put food, liquor and tobacco products safely out of harm's way?

Rabies
Rabies is not only a threat to your pet but to you as well. A fatal, viral disease, rabies affects the brain and nerves. The main source of rabies comes from infected wildlife, such as foxes, raccoons, skunks, bats, and coyotes.

Tick-Transmitted Diseases
Ticks are such small insects, but they can pose a very great danger to us and our companion animals. They prey on the blood of dogs, horses, deer, birds, rodents, and people.

Urinary Tract Infections
If you've noticed that your dog has recently been whining to go out more often, he may be suffering from a urinary tract infection (UTI).

West Nile Virus
With West Nile virus spreading across the U.S., many pet owners have shared concern about their pet's risk of infection. Most West Nile virus infections have been identified in wild birds and horses.

Cancer
When you're standing in an exam room, holding your dog or cat and waiting for a diagnosis, the last thing you want to hear your veterinarian say is "cancer."

Cognitive Dysfunction--Alzheimer's in Animals
Sometimes older dogs get confused, maybe soil the rug or lose their way in the house. It's perfectly natural.    Or is it? In the past ten years,