Chronic Conditions
Numerous chronic conditions that we deal with are issues that your pets can deal with, too. This can cause them just as much, if not more, pain and stress. The reason these diseases are classified as "chronic" is because they can be ongoing or permanent and they typically require long-term treatments, prescriptions, and medications. These conditions include osteoarthritis, endocrine, metabollic, and behavioral.
With these conditions, it's important to thoroughly monitor them with the help of Dr. Segarra to ensure your pet is receiving the appropriate treatments. Over time, your pet's needs may change, which is why we want to keep a close eye on how things are progressing.
Osteoarthritis in Dogs and Cats
This disease is the most common form of arthritis in dogs. It's a chronic joint disease that's characterized by loss of joint cartilage, thickening of the joint capsule and new bone formation around the joint, which leads to pain and limb dysfunction. Contributing factors to OA include weight, obesity, gender, exercise, and diet.
Osteoarthritis in cats mostly affect their hip, knee, ankle, and elbow. Older cats are more likely to be affected by OA. While this an underdiagnosed disease, there is an increasing awareness that's leading to more frequent diagnosis and improved patient care.
Endocrine
This disease can arise from several causes: over- or under-produced hormones, malfuctioning receptors, and disruption of pathways for hormone removal. The results are usually some degrees of hair loss and abnormal skin. Some endocrine disorders are hyperthyroidism, cushing's disease, sex hormone imbalance, and seasonal flank alopecia.
Metabolic
Your pet's metabolic weight is related to their energy requirements, their muscles, organs, and so on. This will help predict your pet's daily food needs.
Behavioral
We strive to help our patients learn the reasons for their pet's behavior instead of dismissing it. These issues are common, but also easily preventable if diagnosed and properly treated early!
