Cystitis (a form of Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease - FLUTD) is very common in cats, and is most often caused by stress. This makes it quite difficult to treat, and affected cats often suffer from repeat episodes. Cystitis is a distressing condition for cats, who spend a lot of time getting in and out of the litter tray, squatting, crying and grooming their back end.

FLUTD can also be caused by a bladder infection, or bladder stones. It is potentially life-threatening if a stone gets stuck and urine cannot be passed, which is more likely to happen in male cats. If your cat shows signs of cystitis, please contact us for an appointment.

You can find out more about FLUTD from International Cat Care.

Most episodes of vomiting and diarrhoea in dogs are due to ‘dietary indiscretion’ - the unfortunate tendency of dogs to eat or lick disgusting things that they really shouldn’t! Often these episodes are self-limiting, and we would usually just advise withholding food for a period of time until the stomach and guts settle down.

However animals which become poorly, or have blood in the vomit or diarrhoea might need further treatment, including intravenous fluids and other supportive medication. If vomiting or diarrhoea continue for a period time, this could also suggest a different underlying cause and we may need to run some diagnostic test including bloods, an ultrasound scan and/or xrays.

Ear infections are very common in both dogs and cats, and may be caused by a number of things, including ear mites, hair growth in the ear canal, a foreign body, allergies, or other conditions including hypothyroidism. Otitis externa is when the ear becomes colonised by bacteria and/or yeasts, and can be a very painful condition.

If your pet shows sign of shaking their head, scratching the ear or face or rubbing it on the carpet, holding the head to one side, smelly ears, redness or crustiness on the pinna (ear flap) or discharge from the ear canal, then please make an appointment to see us.

Arthitis is very common in older dogs and cats. As its onset is gradual, owners sometimes find it hard to pick up, and just put slowness and stiffness down to old age. Arthitis can also affect younger animals, often larger breeds of dogs with inherited joint conditions, or any young dog as a result of a traumatic injury.

Arthritis cannot be cured, but can be managed to maintain a good quality of life. Weight management and regular steady exercise are important, and we can offer a range of medications to help preserve joint mobility and reduce inflammation. Additional therapies including physiotherapy and hydrotherapy may help.

If your pet appears lame, stiff, reluctant to jump or go up and down stairs, has swollen joints or is just sleeping and resting more, please come and see us.

Cat bite abscesses are common in outdoor cats, and especially in un-neutered male cats. They often occur as big fluidy swellings on the jaw or head. Cats may develop a temperature and go off their food without the original puncture wound being noticed.

These types of injuries are usually easy to treat with antibiotics and painkillers. Often a swelling will need to be lanced to release a pocket of pus, and then flushed out. Wounds of this type are ususally left open to heal and require daily cleaning while the antibiotics kick in.

Rabbits with snuffles have mucus coming from the nostrils and runny eyes. They might have breathing problems - wheezing, coughing and sneezing, and look miserable with a reduced appetite. Snuffles is caused by a bacterial infection and can be very serious. Ear problems, balance problems and dental disease may also be found at the same time.

If you see signs of snuffles, please make an appointment for your rabbit immediately. You can find out more from the Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund.

Lumps and growths are commonly found on dogs and cats, They can be on/in the skin or attached to body parts under the skin They can soft and squishy or hard and bumpy. Lumps can grow slowly over years, or can come up very quickly. Some are painful and irritated, while others don’t bother the animal at all.

What should you do if you find a lump? The best thing is to make an appointment for us to examine your pet. In some cases we will be able to tell just by looking and feeling what it is, and be able to put your mind at rest. Others may require further tests (Fine Needle Aspirate - FNA, or a biopsy) to be sure.

Most lumps can be removed if necessary, and this is often easier when they are small. Some lumps may be cancerous, so its always best to get these checked out at an early stage.

Atopic dermatitis (atopy) is an allergy to something in the environment (such as pollen, moulds, grass or dust mites). Food allergies and flea allergies can cause skin problems with almost identical symptoms to those of atopic dermatitis.

Dogs with atopy tend to have very itchy skin, usually worst on the paws, ears, tummy and armpits. Constant scratching, licking and biting makes their skin red, sore and open to infection. Certain breeds including West Highland terriers are more commonly affected.

Treatment for atopy often includes a special diet, medication to stop the itch and skin supplements. There are many products which have varying benefits for different dogs. Without treatment, atopy can severely affect a dog’s quality of life but with proper treatment, dogs with atopy can live a long, happy life.

Many dogs and cats have a heart murmur when listened to with a stethoscope, which means that there may be abnormal blood flow within the heart. In puppies or kittens this could mean that they have been born with a heart defect (congenital heart disease). In older dogs or cats, it could be due to a leaky heart valve.

Some heart murmurs need to be investigated, particularly if they are associated with poor exercise tolerance or coughing. Xrays and an ECG can be helpful, and we may also recommend a echocardigram with a specialist.

Some heart conditions required long term medication and regular reassessment to help pets live a long and good quality life.

Diabetes mellitus results when the body stops producing enough insulin, which is needed to control blood glucose levels. Too high blood glucose (hyperglycaemia) results in drinking more, weight loss despite a good appetite, lethargy and secondary problems including cataracts and vomiting.

Diabetes is diagnosed by urine and blood tests. It is likely to be a life-long condition, requiring daily or twice daily injections of insulin, and sometimes changes in diet and exercise. Regular blood tests are required to make sure the correct amount of insulin is given, as overdosage can be dangerous. We can teach you to inject your dog, and our vets and nurses will give you all the support you need to keep your pet happy and well, often for many years after diagnosis.

Learn more about diabetes from Caninsulin.