Pet advice

Hip dysplasia is a disease of the hip where a dog’s ball and socket joint is malformed.

Ringworm is not caused by a worm but a fungal infection of the outer layers of the skin, hairs and nails.

The canine parvovirus or CPV is a highly contagious viral illness that affects dogs.

Just like in humans, a stroke can occur in pets when there’s a lack of oxygen supply to the brain. Tumours, parasites and bacteria or bleeds on the brain can cause a stroke.

Arthritis is inflammation of the joints – any joint can be affected. Unfortunately, it’s very common in older dogs and cats.

Diabetes Mellitus is a condition caused by a lack of the hormone insulin. Insulin is produced by your pet’s pancreas – if they don’t have enough, their blood glucose levels will rise.

Dry eye or Keratoconjunctivitis sicca is caused by a deficiency of aqueous tear film over the surface of the eye and in the lining of the lids.

Brachycephalic airway syndrome is the medical term given to various breathing problems found in short-nosed, flat-faced cat breeds. Himalayans, Exotic Shorthairs and Persians are classified as brachycephalic.

Cataracts is when the lens of the eye clouds over - this affects a pet's vision and can eventually lead to blindness. It can affect cats and dogs.

There are several foods and plants that can be poisonous to small animals. Take a look at our list below of foods and plants to avoid.

When filling up your car or de-icing your windows, be sure to mop up any spillages, and store it in a sealed, labelled container, out of your pets’ reach.

If your pet has an abnormal gait they may have ataxia. Ataxia is a sensory condition in dogs and cats which produces loss of coordination of the limbs, head, and body.