Cats and dogs are very good at hiding illnesses. Cats in particular ... we often think of them as mighty predators, but they are in fact a prey animal. This means that they often instinctively hide signs of illness until they are in fact quite ill.

 

Signs that your cat or dog may be sick include:

• change in appetite (increased or decreased)

• change in water consumption (especially increased)

• change urination (small spots of urine, much larger
  clumps of urine, crying when in the litterbox,

• change in bowel habits (defecating outside a litterbox,
  constipation, diarrhea, blood in the stool),

• change in weight (loss or gain),

• vomiting, diarrhea,

• vocalizing (especially at night),

• a change in eye appearance,

• coughing,

• lumps and bumps.

 

As our pets age age, they are more likely to develop endocrine disorders (like diabetes, thyroid disease, cortisol imbalances), kidney disease, intestinal disease, and cancer. Routine testing of blood, urine, and blood pressure helps set a baseline so that when a pet s sick, we can compare normal to abnormal.

 

Many diseases of older pets are treatable, and some are even curable (hyperthyroidism in cats, for example). When routine blood tests don't provide the answer, we may need to perform further testing. This may include a different blood panel, x-rays, ultrasound, and sometimes biopsies.

 

We also know that sometimes the unexpected happens, and your pet may need emergency care. Concerns that warrant an emergency or urgent vet visit may include: 

• Trauma (puncture wounds, lacerations, hit by vehicle)

• Trouble breathing

• Seizures

• Anorexia, vomiting, diarrhea that persists/worsens

• Bleeding

• Sudden onset red eye, squinting

• Suspected allergic reaction (hives, facial swelling)

• Sudden lameness, fracture, inability to walk

​

North Heart Vet understands that your pet is part of the family, and we have made the investment to provide as much in house diagnostics as possible. We can run most blood and urine tests here in the clinic when answers are needed quickly, can culture urine, perform digital x-rays/ultrasounds/endoscopy, and biopsies. However, sometimes it is in your pet's best interest to be referred to a specialist, and we will assist in choosing the right one for your cat or dog.