Heroes

Oral Health

Chronic Gingivitis – Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums, which is often the first stage of periodontal disease. Maine Coons are prone to developing juvenile gingivitis as early as 7 months old.
Symptoms: Red & swollen gums, bad breath, reluctance to eat, drooling.

Dental Disease – Dental disease, including periodontal disease, affects cats’ gums & teeth. It can lead to infections & tooth loss if not managed. If there are infections in the mouth it can allow bacteria into the body via the blood stream, & cause illness elsewhere.
Symptoms: Bad breath, difficulty eating, lethargy, loss of appetite, excessive drooling.

Cardiac Conditions

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) – The most common heart disease in cats, HCM causes the heart muscle to thicken, which can lead to heart failure over time.
Symptoms: Lethargy, difficulty breathing, loss of appetite, fainting or collapse.

Neurological Disorders

Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) – A genetic disorder that affects the development & strength of muscles, leading to weakness & difficulty with movement.
Symptoms: Muscle weakness, difficulty moving, wobbly walk, tremors.

Endocrine & Metabolic Disorders

Hyperthyroidism – A common endocrine disorder, especially in older cats, which affects metabolism & leads to increased thyroid hormone production.
Symptoms: Increased appetite with weight loss, hyperactivity, vomiting, increased thirst.

Oral Health

Dental Disease – Dental disease, including periodontal disease, affects cats’ gums & teeth. It can lead to infections & tooth loss if not managed. If there are infections in the mouth it can allow bacteria into the body via the blood stream, & cause illness elsewhere.
Symptoms: Bad breath, difficulty eating, lethargy, loss of appetite, excessive drooling.

Different Types Of Cancer

Cancer – Cats can develop cancers like lymphoma, squamous cell carcinoma, & mast cell tumors. These may affect organs, skin, or the lymphatic system & can be serious if not caught early. Early diagnosis & treatment improve outcomes & quality of life.
Symptoms: Weight loss, lumps, lethargy, appetite changes, breathing issues, persistent sores.

Respiratory Conditions

Brachycephalic Airway Obstruction  Syndrome (BAOS) – A condition stemming from their short snouts, BAOS involves several abnormalities of the respiratory system, such as narrow nasal openings (stenotic nares), an elongated soft palate, & a narrowing of the trachea. These issues result in increased effort & noise when breathing. This can lead to exercise intolerance, & difficulty breathing in severe cases.
Symptoms: Noisy breathing, snoring, excessive panting, heat intolerance.

Orthopedic Disorders

Luxating Patella – A condition where the kneecap (patella) slips out of its normal position, typically medially (toward the inside of the leg). Common in small breeds like French Bulldogs, it can range from mild to severe, sometimes requiring surgery.
Symptoms: Intermittent limping, skipping steps, sudden leg extension during movement, pain or discomfort in the hind legs, reluctance to run or jump.

Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) – A degeneration of the disc which can lead to herniation (but not always). The discs separate the vertebrae – cushioning between the vertebrae to absorb pressure put on the spine.
Symptoms: Back pain, spinal pain, reluctance to move, difficulty walking, dragging rear legs.

Joint Disorders

Elbow & Hip Dysplasia –  Labradors are prone to joint issues due to improper formation of the joints, leading to pain, arthritis, & mobility challenges. They are also more likely to rupture cruciate ligaments due to their build or active nature.
Symptoms: Lameness, limping, stiffness, difficulty rising, bunny-hopping gait, reluctance to climb stairs, or jump.

Obesity

Labradors are prone to obesity due to their love of food & tendency to become sedentary. Obesity can worsen mobility issues & increase the risk of joint problems like hip dysplasia & arthritis.
Symptoms: Excessive hunger, joint issues, reduced mobility, difficulty breathing, visible weight gain

Skin Conditions

Labradors are prone to skin infections due to their dense double coat, allergies, & love for water, which can trap moisture & irritants against the skin.
Symptoms: Redness, itching, hair loss, scabs or sores, foul odour, excessive licking or scratching.

Ear Infections

Due to their floppy ears & love for swimming, labradors are prone to moisture-trapped ear infections.
Symptoms: Redness, debris in the ear, head shaking, pawing at ears, foul odour, rubbing ears on surfaces.

Eye Conditions

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) – This degenerative disease affects the retina, leading to gradual vision loss. Typically develops between 3 & 9 years of age.
Symptoms: Night blindness, difficulty in dim light, behavioural changes related to vision loss.

Gastroenteritis & Foreign Body Ingestion

Labradors are notorious for eating anything they can find due to their strong food drive, making them prone to gastrointestinal upset & blockages from swallowing foreign objects such as socks or toys.
Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhoea, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, lethargy, straining or inability to pass stool.

Spinal Conditions

Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) – Due to their long spines, IVDD is one of the most common health concerns in dachshunds. It occurs when the discs cushioning the vertebrae herniate or slip, leading to pain, nerve damage, or paralysis. Symptoms: Trouble walking, limping, reluctance to move, holding the head/neck down, dragging paws, scuffed toenails, muscle spasms.

Dental Conditions

Small breeds are more prone to dental conditions such as gum disease, tooth decay, & bad breath due to plaque & tartar buildup. Regular preventative check-ups are crucial to keep pets’ teeth healthy & prevent dental illnesses.

Orthopaedic Conditions

Patellar Luxation – This occurs when the kneecap dislocates from its normal position, causing discomfort & an abnormal gait. Symptoms: Limping, skipping or hopping.

Hip Dysplasia – A joint disorder where the hip socket doesn’t form properly, leading to joint instability & arthritis – especially in active or aging dachshunds. Symptoms: Stiffness, difficulty rising, reluctance to run or jump.

Eye Conditions

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) – A hereditary disease that leads to retinal degeneration & eventual blindness.
Symptoms: Night blindness, gradual vision loss.

Cataracts & Glaucoma – A common eye condition that can cause vision impairment or blindness.
Symptoms: Cloudy eyes, redness, swelling or discharge, bumping into objects, anxiety in unfamiliar places or pawing at the face.

Endocrine Disorders

Hypothyroidism – A condition where the thyroid gland underproduces hormones, slowing metabolism. Symptoms: Weight gain, lethargy, hair loss, skin conditions.

Addison’s Disease – Common in dachshunds, this hormonal disorder occurs when the adrenal glands don’t produce enough cortisol, affecting stress response & energy levels. Symptoms: Lethargy, vomiting, poor appetite, weight loss, shaking, & in severe cases, collapse.

Diabetes – Dachshunds can be prone to diabetes, especially with age or obesity. It results from the body’s inability to regulate blood sugar properly due to insulin deficiency. Symptoms: Increased thirst & urination, weight loss despite normal or increased appetite, lethargy, & occasionally cloudy eyes.