Clinical Signs and Complaints in Dogs and Cats
The ability to recognize and distinguish what is normal and what is not is a critical key in determining a pet’s longevity. As one may expect, timing is of the essence when it comes to effective treatment or management of disease. The sooner a clinical sign is detected and reported to a veterinarian, the better the chances are of identifying and halting the progression of a disease.
Clinical signs (symptoms) are not disease entities in themselves, but rather the outward manifestations of disease. Onset of symptoms may occur acutely (suddenly) or slowly and progressively over a period of time. In some instances, the underlying disease condition causing the clinical sign may be in advanced development before the symptom even appears. For example, pronounced weight loss, excessive thirst and urination, vomiting, and other signs linked to chronic kidney failure may not become readily apparent until at least 75 percent of the kidney tissue has been rendered nonfunctional. As a result, any delays in seeking professional help once symptoms appear could turn an otherwise manageable condition into a life-threatening crisis.
Note that the clinical signs and complaints presented here are not all encompassing. In addition, the possible etiologies (causes) of each are certainly not limited to those listed. As a result, proper veterinary diagnosis is essential.
Abdominal Pain
Tumor
Bloat
Torsion
Constipation
Granuloma or abscess
Infectious gastroenteritis
Intestinal foreign body and/or obstruction
Kidney disease
Liver disease
Organ rupture
Pancreatitis
Poisoning
Ulcers
Urinary obstruction
Abdominal Swelling
Tumor
Fluid buildup (ascites)
Heart disease
Constipation
Bloat
Urinary obstruction
Granuloma or abscess
Hemorrhage within the abdomen
Intestinal parasites
Liver disease
Obesity
Pregnancy
Uterine infection (pyometra)
Appetite: Increased
Cushing’s disease
Drug therapy (i.e., prednisolone)
Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency
Hyperthyroidism (cats)
Inadequate caloric intake (underfeeding)
Intestinal parasitism
Malabsorption or maldigestion of food
Appetite: Decreased
Infection
Anemia
Heart disease
Dehydration
Dietary boredom
Fever
Gastrointestinal disease
Kidney disease
Liver disease
Loss of smell
Nausea
Neoplasia
Pain
Pancreatitis
Trauma
Upper respiratory infection
Arched Back
Abdominal pain
Pancreatitis
Intestinal foreign body
Back pain
Kidney disorder
Breathing Difficulties
Allergic bronchitis
Anemia
Choking
Heart disease
Pneumonia
Heartworm disease
Neoplasia
Obesity
Pneumothorax
Respiratory foreign body
Pulmonary effusions
Hypothyroidism
Collapsing trachea
Constipation/Straining
Anal sac impaction or infection
Dehydration
Stool impaction
Fractured pelvis
Intestinal parasites
Intestinal neoplasia
Intestinal obstruction
Spinal cord trauma
Urinary obstruction
Coughing
Allergic bronchitis
Heart disease (pulmonary edema)
Kennel cough
Infectious rhinotracheitis
Metastatic lung cancer
Pneumonia
Respiratory foreign body
Tonsillitis
Diarrhea
Dietary indiscretions and changes
Autoimmune disease
Intestinal infections (viral, bacterial, fungal)
Food allergy
Intestinal parasites
Intestinal neoplasia
Intestinal obstruction
Intestinal foreign body
Kidney disease
Liver disease
Pancreatitis
Toxins or drugs
Discharge: Nose
Allergies (clear)
Bacterial infection (mucus, pus, blood)
Fungal infection (mucus, blood)
Tumor, polyp (mucus, pus, blood)
Trauma (blood)
Foreign body (clear, mucus, blood)
Blood clotting disorder (blood)
Periodontal disease (mucus, pus, blood)
Open socket due to tooth loss (mucus, pus, blood)
Viral infection (clear, blood)
Parasitic infestation (blood)
Discharge: Eyes
Allergies (clear)
Bacterial infection (mucus, pus)
Foreign matter (clear, pus, mucus)
Neoplasia or cyst (mucus, pus, blood)
Trauma (blood, clear)
Viral infection (clear)
Discharge: Reproductive Tract
Bacterial infection (mucus, pus, blood)
Neoplasia or cyst (mucus, pus, blood)
Tumor, polyp (mucus, pus, blood)
Vaginitis or metritis (mucus, pus, blood)
Discharge: Ears
Bacterial infection (pus, blood)
Ear mites (black, crusty)
Trauma (blood)
Yeast infection (brown, odorous)
Discharge: Skin
Bacterial infection or abscess (pus)
Fungal infection (brown, blood, granular)
Eye: Redness or Cloudiness
Allergies
Bacterial infection
Cataracts
Corneal pigmentation
Foreign matter
Glaucoma
Neoplasia or cyst
Trauma
Uveitis
Viral infection
Facial Swelling
Abscess
Allergic reaction to insect sting
Fungal infection
Jaw fracture or trauma
Lymphatic obstruction
Oral or bone tumor
Oral foreign body
Snakebite
Fever or Elevated Body Temperature
Infections (bacterial, viral, fungal)
Inflammation due to disease or injury
Autoimmune disease
Drug therapy (i.e., tetracycline antibiotics)
Neoplasia
Excitement or fear
Heat stroke
Overexertion
Seizures
Incoordination, Falling, and Circling
Ear infection
Viral infections
Fractures
Infection involving nervous system
Inflammation of brain or spinal cord
Poisoning
Seizure
Parasites
Trauma involving nervous system
Jaundice (Icterus)
Bile duct obstruction
Gallbladder disease
Internal bleeding and/or destruction of red blood cells
Infection
Autoimmune disease
Liver disease
Lameness
Arthritis
Bruised or traumatized footpad
Abscess
Deep fungal infection
Degenerative joint disease
Foreign body penetration
Torn nail
Fracture
Hip dislocation
Hyperparathyroidism
Infections involving bones, joints, or muscles
Joint sprain or muscle strain
Ligament tear
Muscle trauma/bruising
Neoplasia
Odors: Breath
Colitis
Kidney disease
Oral foreign body
Oral ulcer
Periodontal disease
Tumors involving the oral cavity
Odors: Body
Colitis
Ear infections
Haircoat contamination
Allergic dermatitis
Flea allergy
Seborrhea
Skin infections
Skin tumors
Anal sac infection or inflammation
Paralysis
Abscess or fight wound
Brain or spinal cord trauma or inflammation
Ear infection (facial paralysis)
Fractures
Neoplasia
Poisoning
Heart disease
Regurgitation
Esophageal foreign body
Megaesophagus
Esophageal infection
Esophageal ulcer
Salivation: Excessive
Esophageal obstructions
Foreign body within oral cavity
Jaw fractures
Nausea
Oral mass or tumor
Periodontal disease
Poisoning
Rabies (rare)
Reactions to noxious objects, chemicals, or medications
Seizures
Seizures
Brain inflammation secondary to trauma
Brain tumor
Infection of nervous system
Heat stroke
Idiopathic epilepsy
Kidney disease
Liver disease
Metabolic disease
Low blood sugar
Poisoning
Parasites
Low blood calcium (nursing mothers)
Skin: Hair Loss (Alopecia) and Itching
Abscess
Allergies (fleas, food, inhalant)
Any chronic illness
Bacterial skin infections
Cushing’s disease
Diabetes mellitus
Hypothyroidism
Nutritional deficiency
Self-trauma
Skin parasites (fleas, mites)
Stress
Skin: Lumps and Masses on or Beneath
Abscess
Cyst
Fibrous nodular scar
Granuloma
Hematoma or seroma
Swollen lymph node(s)
Tumor benign or malignant
Sneezing
Allergic rhinitis
Nasal infection
Nasal polyp or tumor
Nasal foreign body
Thirst: Excessive
Dehydration
Kidney disease
Bladder infection
Poisoning
Uterine infection (pyometra)
Urination: Excessive
Cushing’s disease
Diabetes mellitus
Drug therapy (i.e., corticosteroids)
Bladder infection
Kidney infection
Hyperthyroidism
Increase in physical activity
Kidney disease
Liver disease
Mineral or electrolyte imbalances
Poisoning
Stress
Uterine infection (pyometra)
Urination: Incontinence
Age-related
Idiopathic (cause unknown)
Spinal cord injury or disease
Urinary tract infection
Urination: Straining (Stranguria)
Bladder infection
Urinary obstruction
Neoplasia
Spinal nerve damage
Trauma to bladder or urethra
Urolithiasis
Vomiting
Abdominal neoplasia
Bacterial gastrointestinal infections
Brain disorders
Diabetes mellitus
Dietary indiscretions or changes
Viral disease
Food allergies
Hairballs (cats)
Gastrointestinal obstruction
Ingestion of a foreign body
Intestinal parasites
Kidney disease
Liver disease
Pyometra
Stomach ulcers
Stress
Toxins or drugs
Vestibular disorders
Pancreatitis
Weakness or Collapse
Heart disease
Heat stroke
Trauma
Poisoning
Diabetes mellitus
Pain
Anemia
Arthritis
Fever
Low blood sugar
Neoplasia
Pleural effusion
Poisoning
Spinal cord disease
Weight Loss and Wasting (Cachexia)
Chronic infections
Diabetes mellitus
Pancreatic disease
Viral infections (Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV); Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV))
Kidney disease
Gastrointestinal parasites
Malnutrition
Heart disease
Hyperthyroidism (cats)
Liver disease
Maldigestion of food
Neoplasia
Persistent fever
Stomatitis
source: vet-zone
Clinical signs (symptoms) are not disease entities in themselves, but rather the outward manifestations of disease. Onset of symptoms may occur acutely (suddenly) or slowly and progressively over a period of time. In some instances, the underlying disease condition causing the clinical sign may be in advanced development before the symptom even appears. For example, pronounced weight loss, excessive thirst and urination, vomiting, and other signs linked to chronic kidney failure may not become readily apparent until at least 75 percent of the kidney tissue has been rendered nonfunctional. As a result, any delays in seeking professional help once symptoms appear could turn an otherwise manageable condition into a life-threatening crisis.
Note that the clinical signs and complaints presented here are not all encompassing. In addition, the possible etiologies (causes) of each are certainly not limited to those listed. As a result, proper veterinary diagnosis is essential.
Abdominal Pain
Tumor
Bloat
Torsion
Constipation
Granuloma or abscess
Infectious gastroenteritis
Intestinal foreign body and/or obstruction
Kidney disease
Liver disease
Organ rupture
Pancreatitis
Poisoning
Ulcers
Urinary obstruction
Abdominal Swelling
Tumor
Fluid buildup (ascites)
Heart disease
Constipation
Bloat
Urinary obstruction
Granuloma or abscess
Hemorrhage within the abdomen
Intestinal parasites
Liver disease
Obesity
Pregnancy
Uterine infection (pyometra)
Appetite: Increased
Cushing’s disease
Drug therapy (i.e., prednisolone)
Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency
Hyperthyroidism (cats)
Inadequate caloric intake (underfeeding)
Intestinal parasitism
Malabsorption or maldigestion of food
Appetite: Decreased
Infection
Anemia
Heart disease
Dehydration
Dietary boredom
Fever
Gastrointestinal disease
Kidney disease
Liver disease
Loss of smell
Nausea
Neoplasia
Pain
Pancreatitis
Trauma
Upper respiratory infection
Arched Back
Abdominal pain
Pancreatitis
Intestinal foreign body
Back pain
Kidney disorder
Breathing Difficulties
Allergic bronchitis
Anemia
Choking
Heart disease
Pneumonia
Heartworm disease
Neoplasia
Obesity
Pneumothorax
Respiratory foreign body
Pulmonary effusions
Hypothyroidism
Collapsing trachea
Constipation/Straining
Anal sac impaction or infection
Dehydration
Stool impaction
Fractured pelvis
Intestinal parasites
Intestinal neoplasia
Intestinal obstruction
Spinal cord trauma
Urinary obstruction
Coughing
Allergic bronchitis
Heart disease (pulmonary edema)
Kennel cough
Infectious rhinotracheitis
Metastatic lung cancer
Pneumonia
Respiratory foreign body
Tonsillitis
Diarrhea
Dietary indiscretions and changes
Autoimmune disease
Intestinal infections (viral, bacterial, fungal)
Food allergy
Intestinal parasites
Intestinal neoplasia
Intestinal obstruction
Intestinal foreign body
Kidney disease
Liver disease
Pancreatitis
Toxins or drugs
Discharge: Nose
Allergies (clear)
Bacterial infection (mucus, pus, blood)
Fungal infection (mucus, blood)
Tumor, polyp (mucus, pus, blood)
Trauma (blood)
Foreign body (clear, mucus, blood)
Blood clotting disorder (blood)
Periodontal disease (mucus, pus, blood)
Open socket due to tooth loss (mucus, pus, blood)
Viral infection (clear, blood)
Parasitic infestation (blood)
Discharge: Eyes
Allergies (clear)
Bacterial infection (mucus, pus)
Foreign matter (clear, pus, mucus)
Neoplasia or cyst (mucus, pus, blood)
Trauma (blood, clear)
Viral infection (clear)
Discharge: Reproductive Tract
Bacterial infection (mucus, pus, blood)
Neoplasia or cyst (mucus, pus, blood)
Tumor, polyp (mucus, pus, blood)
Vaginitis or metritis (mucus, pus, blood)
Discharge: Ears
Bacterial infection (pus, blood)
Ear mites (black, crusty)
Trauma (blood)
Yeast infection (brown, odorous)
Discharge: Skin
Bacterial infection or abscess (pus)
Fungal infection (brown, blood, granular)
Eye: Redness or Cloudiness
Allergies
Bacterial infection
Cataracts
Corneal pigmentation
Foreign matter
Glaucoma
Neoplasia or cyst
Trauma
Uveitis
Viral infection
Facial Swelling
Abscess
Allergic reaction to insect sting
Fungal infection
Jaw fracture or trauma
Lymphatic obstruction
Oral or bone tumor
Oral foreign body
Snakebite
Fever or Elevated Body Temperature
Infections (bacterial, viral, fungal)
Inflammation due to disease or injury
Autoimmune disease
Drug therapy (i.e., tetracycline antibiotics)
Neoplasia
Excitement or fear
Heat stroke
Overexertion
Seizures
Incoordination, Falling, and Circling
Ear infection
Viral infections
Fractures
Infection involving nervous system
Inflammation of brain or spinal cord
Poisoning
Seizure
Parasites
Trauma involving nervous system
Jaundice (Icterus)
Bile duct obstruction
Gallbladder disease
Internal bleeding and/or destruction of red blood cells
Infection
Autoimmune disease
Liver disease
Lameness
Arthritis
Bruised or traumatized footpad
Abscess
Deep fungal infection
Degenerative joint disease
Foreign body penetration
Torn nail
Fracture
Hip dislocation
Hyperparathyroidism
Infections involving bones, joints, or muscles
Joint sprain or muscle strain
Ligament tear
Muscle trauma/bruising
Neoplasia
Odors: Breath
Colitis
Kidney disease
Oral foreign body
Oral ulcer
Periodontal disease
Tumors involving the oral cavity
Odors: Body
Colitis
Ear infections
Haircoat contamination
Allergic dermatitis
Flea allergy
Seborrhea
Skin infections
Skin tumors
Anal sac infection or inflammation
Paralysis
Abscess or fight wound
Brain or spinal cord trauma or inflammation
Ear infection (facial paralysis)
Fractures
Neoplasia
Poisoning
Heart disease
Regurgitation
Esophageal foreign body
Megaesophagus
Esophageal infection
Esophageal ulcer
Salivation: Excessive
Esophageal obstructions
Foreign body within oral cavity
Jaw fractures
Nausea
Oral mass or tumor
Periodontal disease
Poisoning
Rabies (rare)
Reactions to noxious objects, chemicals, or medications
Seizures
Seizures
Brain inflammation secondary to trauma
Brain tumor
Infection of nervous system
Heat stroke
Idiopathic epilepsy
Kidney disease
Liver disease
Metabolic disease
Low blood sugar
Poisoning
Parasites
Low blood calcium (nursing mothers)
Skin: Hair Loss (Alopecia) and Itching
Abscess
Allergies (fleas, food, inhalant)
Any chronic illness
Bacterial skin infections
Cushing’s disease
Diabetes mellitus
Hypothyroidism
Nutritional deficiency
Self-trauma
Skin parasites (fleas, mites)
Stress
Skin: Lumps and Masses on or Beneath
Abscess
Cyst
Fibrous nodular scar
Granuloma
Hematoma or seroma
Swollen lymph node(s)
Tumor benign or malignant
Sneezing
Allergic rhinitis
Nasal infection
Nasal polyp or tumor
Nasal foreign body
Thirst: Excessive
Dehydration
Kidney disease
Bladder infection
Poisoning
Uterine infection (pyometra)
Urination: Excessive
Cushing’s disease
Diabetes mellitus
Drug therapy (i.e., corticosteroids)
Bladder infection
Kidney infection
Hyperthyroidism
Increase in physical activity
Kidney disease
Liver disease
Mineral or electrolyte imbalances
Poisoning
Stress
Uterine infection (pyometra)
Urination: Incontinence
Age-related
Idiopathic (cause unknown)
Spinal cord injury or disease
Urinary tract infection
Urination: Straining (Stranguria)
Bladder infection
Urinary obstruction
Neoplasia
Spinal nerve damage
Trauma to bladder or urethra
Urolithiasis
Vomiting
Abdominal neoplasia
Bacterial gastrointestinal infections
Brain disorders
Diabetes mellitus
Dietary indiscretions or changes
Viral disease
Food allergies
Hairballs (cats)
Gastrointestinal obstruction
Ingestion of a foreign body
Intestinal parasites
Kidney disease
Liver disease
Pyometra
Stomach ulcers
Stress
Toxins or drugs
Vestibular disorders
Pancreatitis
Weakness or Collapse
Heart disease
Heat stroke
Trauma
Poisoning
Diabetes mellitus
Pain
Anemia
Arthritis
Fever
Low blood sugar
Neoplasia
Pleural effusion
Poisoning
Spinal cord disease
Weight Loss and Wasting (Cachexia)
Chronic infections
Diabetes mellitus
Pancreatic disease
Viral infections (Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV); Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV))
Kidney disease
Gastrointestinal parasites
Malnutrition
Heart disease
Hyperthyroidism (cats)
Liver disease
Maldigestion of food
Neoplasia
Persistent fever
Stomatitis
source: vet-zone
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