Weight loss or changes in appetite⁠

Weight loss can occur because your dog or cat isn’t feeling well, or – believe it or not! – even if they are feeling well and are eating more than usual.
In the case of losing weight despite a very good appetite, the most common condition we see is Diabetes, which is usually accompanied by excessive drinking and urinating.
Weight loss with a normal appetite can be seen with kidney disease, especially in cats.
Weight loss with a reduced appetite can be caused by many different conditions and is definitely a sign that you should bring your pet to the vet.

Limping, lameness, or signs of bone pain⁠

99% of the time if your pet is limping or lame then they are in pain: there are a few exceptions (like a fused joint) but they are extremely rare. Any lameness that persists for more than a day or two should be investigated by your vet.
Many cases are simple soft tissue injuries, and a short course of veterinary anti-inflammatories and rest resolve the lameness. However, other causes of lameness are thorns, infections of the paw, torn cruciate ligaments, arthritis and fractured bones.

Lumps & bumps⁠

Dogs and cats get lumps and bumps as they get older. In some cases – especially in dogs - these are harmless collections of fat or papillomas, but in many cases they are cancerous. If caught early, most of these can be cured by surgical removal, so if you’re concerned, the sooner your vet examines the lump the better.
In general, all limps on cats are serious: they are almost always an abscess or malignant cancer, so it’s even more important to get your cat to the vet as soon as possible.

Changes including blood in their pee or poop⁠

There should never be blood present in urine or faeces, so in this instance, something has gone quite wrong. In some cases, it can be bacterial cystitis that should respond to an appropriate antibiotic, but it could also be something much more serious.

These are just some of the signs and symptoms to look out for, but this list is not all-inclusive, so if you notice anything out of the ordinary, talk to your vet or email Dr.SteveTheVet@gmail.com.

By Dr. Steve Hallahan MVB PgCertDent MRCVS @drstevethevet@gmail.com

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