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Discover how we can help your furry friends stay healthy and happy!

Common Conditions

Ensuring your cat’s teeth are healthy is crucial, as one in eight cats may experience gum disease. This condition encompasses various gum issues, including gingivitis, periodontitis, cavities, viral infections, ulcers, and growths on the gums.

What is Gum Disease in Cats

Gum Disease in Cats

An abscess is a painful accumulation of pus, caused by a bacterial infection and usually found under the skin in cats.

What are Abscesses in Cats

Abscesses in cats

Learn about asthma in cats

Asthma in cats

True urinary tract infections in cats are rare. Instead, they often face feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD), affecting the bladder or urethra. It’s common, impacting 1-3% of cats annually, regardless of gender. Written by Dr. Mariella Roberts, Veterinary Surgeon, Animal Trust Vets CIC | Published January 2025 | Reviews date January 2027 | This advice is for UK pets only

What are Cat Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

Cat Urinary Tract Infections

Toxoplasmosis is an infection caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii). This common parasitic disease can affect various warm-blooded animals, including humans. The parasite is microscopic and can be found in soil, undercooked meat, water, and other environments.

What is Toxoplasmosis in Cats

Toxoplasmosis in cats

Cats with diabetes either lack insulin (Type I) or struggle to process it effectively (Type II). Insulin, produced by the pancreas, is crucial for digesting protein and carbohydrates, converting glucose into energy.

Cat Diabetes - Causes, Symptoms and Treatment 

Cat Diabetes

Just like in humans, ear infections in cats can be painful. They’re often caused by germs like bacteria and yeasts. Common triggers include ear mites and allergies.

Learn more about Ear Infections in cats 

Ear Infections in Cats

Entropion is when a cat’s eyelids roll inward, causing the eyelashes to rub against the eye. This can be painful, leading to ulcers and potential blindness if not treated.

Entropion In Cats

Hyperthyroidism is a condition where the thyroid glands produce too much hormone. Most hyperthyroid cats develop this due to a harmless swelling of the thyroid (benign nodular hyperplasia). In a small number of cases, it can be caused by thyroid cancer. 

What is Hyperthyroidism in Cats? 

Hyperthyroidism in Cats

Kidney disease in cats occurs when their kidneys aren’t functioning properly, leading to potential kidney failure. The kidneys play vital roles like filtering waste, maintaining electrolyte balance, and producing hormones. Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is common in older cats, and early detection improves outcomes.

What is Kidney Disease in Cats

Kidney Disease in Cats

Arthritis in cats, specifically Osteoarthritis (OA), is a common degenerative joint disease, especially prevalent in older cats. Studies indicate that over 90% of cats aged 12 and above show signs of arthritis on X-rays.

What is Osteoarthritis in Cats

Osteoarthritis in Cats

Canine pyometra is a serious condition affecting un-neutered female dogs. Studies suggest that 1 in 4 un-neutered females may experience this life-threatening condition before reaching 10 years of age.



What is Canine Pyometra

Pyometra in dogs

Mast Cell Tumours (MCTs) are the most common malignant skin tumours in dogs, accounting for up to 20% of skin masses. They consist of mast cells, which play a role in allergic responses and can be found on or beneath the skin.

What are Mast Cell Tumours in Dogs

Mast Cell Tumours in Dogs

Luxating patella is the displacement of the kneecap from its normal position in the groove of the long bone (thigh bone) called the femur, either toward the outside (lateral) or inner side (medial) of the leg. This condition can lead to pain and discomfort and, if untreated, long-term joint damage. Causes can be genetic/hereditary or traumatic due to an injury. It is usually classified into four grades depending on its severity from grade 1 where the kneecap is loose and can be popped back easily into place to grade 4 where the kneecap is dislocated permanently and cannot be pushed back in place. Written by Dr. Mariella Roberts, Veterinary Surgeon, Animal Trust Vets CIC | Published January 2025 | Review date January 2027 | This advice is for UK pets only

What is a Luxating Patella in Dogs  

Patella Luxation

Kennel cough, or infectious tracheobronchitis, is a contagious infection causing coughing in dogs. It spreads easily, especially in places like kennels where dogs are close together.

What is Kennel Cough in dogs

Kennel Cough in dogs

Lumps on dogs can vary in types, sizes, and locations. They are common and may include abscesses, cysts, seromas (fluid-filled swelling), or areas of inflammation. A vet examination helps determine the cause, and further testing may be recommended based on the lump’s appearance.

What do lumps on dogs mean?

Lumps on Dogs

Canine Papilloma Virus (CPV) causes small, generally harmless growths or warts called papillomas in dogs. These growths are specific to dogs and can be spread through direct contact, contaminated objects, and possibly by insects.

What is Canine Papilloma Virus

Papillomas in Dogs

Addison’s disease, or Hypoadrenocorticism, is a rare condition caused by insufficient levels of two crucial hormones produced by the adrenal glands, located near a dog’s kidneys. These hormones are vital for your dog’s well-being, and if left untreated, Addison’s disease can be life-threatening.

What is Addison’s Disease

Addison’s Disease in Dogs

Cushing’s disease, or hyperadrenocorticism, occurs when a dog’s body produces an excess of the hormone cortisol. Cortisol is crucial for normal body function, but an overproduction can lead to health issues.

What is Cushing's Disease

Cushing’s Disease in dogs

<h2>What Are Dog Skin Tags?</h2>Skin tags are benign, soft, fleshy growths that commonly appear on a dog’s skin. They can develop anywhere on the body but are most often found on the chest, legs, armpits, face, and belly. These growths are usually painless, non-cancerous, and slow-growing, making them more of a cosmetic concern than a medical issue.

Dog Skin Skin Tags - What They Are and When to Worry

Dog Skin Tags

A Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) can make it uncomfortable for a dog to pass urine. It’s often caused by a bacterial infection, though other factors like stones, inflammation, or underlying diseases can contribute.

What is a UTI in Dogs?

Dog Urinary Tract Infections

Cherry eye is a common eye issue in young dogs, especially breeds like Bulldogs and Shih Tzus. It happens when a tear gland in their third eyelid pops out, creating a pink blob near their nose.


Cherry Eye

Cherry Eye in dogs

A cleft palate, occurring in up to 25% of dogs, happens when the roof of the mouth doesn’t close properly during development, creating a hole between the mouth and nasal cavity.

What is a Cleft Palate 

Cleft Palate in Dogs

Cruciate Disease is a common orthopaedic issue in dogs, affecting the cranial cruciate ligament in the knee joint.
This condition in dogs is typically caused by ligament degeneration. Some breeds, are more susceptible, 
and there’s a strong genetic link.

What is Cruciate Disease

Cruciate Disease in dogs

Arthritis in dogs is a long-lasting, inflammatory disease which affects the animal’s joint health. It is caused when the cartilage between joints becomes less smooth and damaged.

Learn more about Arthritis in dogs

Arthritis in Dogs

A corneal ulcer, or eye ulcer, is a common issue in dogs where there is erosion through the clear covering of the eyeball.

What are Corneal Ulcers in Dogs

Corneal Ulcers in Dogs

When your pet can't pee but they need to, it's called a urinary obstruction. The most common cause of urinary obstruction in dogs is urinary stones in the urethra (the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body) and/or the bladder. Small stones can travel to the neck of the bladder during urination and move into the urethra, potentially causing a blockage. Written by Dr. Mariella Roberts, Veterinary Surgeon, Animal Trust Vets CIC | Published January 2025 | Review date January 2027 | This advice is for UK pets only

Understanding Urinary Obstructions / Bladder Stones in Dogs

Urinary Obstruction & Bladder Stones in Dogs

Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome or BOAS is a breathing condition commonly found in flat-faced dog breeds. It involves issues like a long soft palate, narrow windpipe, protruding laryngeal saccules, and tight nostrils, making it challenging for these dogs to breathe comfortably.

What is Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome

Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (Boas)

Diabetes mellitus is a common endocrine disorder in dogs, characterised by the body's inability to regulate blood sugar levels due to insufficient insulin production or utilisation. This condition leads to elevated blood glucose levels, resulting in various clinical signs and potential complications.In healthy dogs, the pancreas produces insulin, a hormone that facilitates the uptake of glucose into cells for energy. In diabetic dogs, this process is impaired, leading to hyperglycemia (high blood sugar levels). The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) notes that diabetes generally affects middle-aged and older dogs, typically diagnosed between 5 and 12 years of age.

Diabetes in Dogs - what to look out for and how it is treated

Diabetes in Dogs

Entropion is a common eyelid issue in dogs, where the eyelids roll inward, causing eyelashes to rub against the eye. This can lead to pain, corneal issues, ulcers, and even blindness if not treated.

What is Entropion In Dogs

Entropion In Dogs

Gum disease in dogs starts with bacteria on the teeth, forming plaque and causing gingivitis. If not removed, it hardens into tartar. Over 85% of dogs over 3 years old are affected. Small breeds are more prone.

Learn more about Gum Disease in dogs

Gum Disease in Dogs

Hernias in dogs are common conditions where internal body parts push through weakened muscles or body walls.
They can be congenital (present at birth) or result from trauma, such as accidents. While some hernias show no or minimal symptoms, you might notice swelling in your dog’s belly, groin, or bottom. Genetic factors contribute to over 90% of hernias, but trauma can also play a role.

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Hernias in Dogs

Leptospirosis is a disease caused by a bacteria called Leptospira. Dogs most commonly catch leptospirosis from infected urine, for example, from water (in particular, slow-moving or stagnant water) or soil that has been contaminated with infected urine from another animal (mainly rats). Leptospirosis can spread to other pets and humans. Written by Dr. Mariella Roberts, Veterinary Surgeon, Animal Trust Vets CIC | Published January 2025 | Review date January 2027 | This advice is for UK pets only

What is Leptospirosis 

Leptospirosis

Most antifreeze products contain ethylene glycol, which is extremely toxic to cats and dogs. Animals are attracted to the sweet taste of de-icers, leading them to lick spillages on the road or in the garage. Unfortunately, antifreeze can be fatal to pets. Written by Dr. Mariella Roberts, Veterinary Surgeon, Animal Trust Vets CIC | Published January 2025 | Review date January 2027 | This advice is for UK pets only

Understanding Antifreeze Poisoning - Cats 

Antifreeze Poisoning - Cats 

Most antifreeze products contain ethylene glycol, which is extremely toxic to cats and dogs. Animals are attracted to the sweet taste of de-icers, leading them to lick spillages on the road or in the garage. Unfortunately, antifreeze can be fatal to pets. Written by Dr. Mariella Roberts, Veterinary Surgeon, Animal Trust Vets CIC | Published January 2025 | Review Date January 2017 | This advice is for UK pets only

What is Antifreeze Poisoning - Dogs

Antifreeze Poisoning - Dogs

Parvovirus (CPV) is a highly contagious virus that affects dogs, attacking rapidly growing cells in their intestines and bone marrow. This damage causes severe vomiting and diarrhea, leading to dangerous fluid loss and potential infections due to a weakened gut. Additionally, the virus destroys white blood cells, making it hard for the dog's body to fight off the infection, which can lead to septic shock and multiple organ damage. Without treatment, these complications can be fatal. Dogs can contract Parvovirus from contaminated vomit and faeces. The virus is very resilient, surviving for months to even a year in the environment, making it widespread and easy to encounter outdoors. Written by Dr. Mariella Roberts, Veterinary Surgeon, Animal Trust Vets CIC | Published January 2025 | Review date January 2027 | This advice is for UK pets only

What is Canine Parvovirus

Treatment and prevention of Canine Parvovirus

Common Conditions - Pet Advice | Animal Trust Vets

Get expert advice from Animal Trust on common pet conditions to keep your furry friend healthy and happy.