Chronic Medical Conditions

Chronic medical conditions can significantly impact a pet’s overall well-being.
At Pet Doctors Animal Clinic, we provide specialized care for a variety of chronic conditions, including:

Diabetes mellitus is a common chronic condition that affects both dogs and cats. It is a lifelong condition that requires careful attention. This can lead to a range of health problems, including weight loss, increased thirst, frequent urination, and fatigue.

There are two main types of diabetes in pets:

Diabetes is more commonly seen in middle-aged to older pets, especially those overweight. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to manage the condition and avoid complications such as cataracts, nerve damage, and organ failure. Managing diabetes in pets involves a combination of insulin therapy, diet, exercise, regular monitoring and owner education and support. Our team is here to guide you through.

Just like humans, dogs and cats can suffer from allergies that cause discomfort and affect their overall health. While allergies are not life-threatening, they can significantly impact your pet’s quality of life if left untreated. Common symptoms of allergies in pets include itching, skin irritation, hair loss, ear infections, and digestive upset. 

Managing allergic reactions and sensitivities through testing, medications, and dietary adjustments. Whether your pet suffers from environmental allergies, food sensitivities, or seasonal allergies, our experts provide comprehensive allergy management to minimize discomfort and prevent flare-ups.

Testing and Treatment Options

Diagnosing and managing allergies in pets requires a tailored approach. At Pet Doctors Animal Clinic, we offer several diagnostic tests and treatment options to help manage your pet’s allergies and improve their quality of life.

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a common condition, particularly in older pets, especially cats, and requires ongoing management to prevent further kidney damage and maintain a good quality of life. The kidneys are responsible for filtering waste from blood. When the kidneys begin to fail, toxins can build up in the body, leading to a range of health issues.

CKD often progresses slowly, so early detection and ongoing management are important. It can be caused by various factors like genetics, age, infections, exposure to toxins, or underlying health conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes. Early signs of kidney disease can be subtle and may include:

As the disease progresses, symptoms can become more severe, including oral ulcers, bad breath, and worsening lethargy. We offer a range of treatment options, including:

Here’s how you can help manage chronic kidney disease at home:

Our team at Pet Doctors Animal Clinic is here to support you every step of the way, from diagnosis to ongoing care.

Pets can develop various types of cancer that affect different parts of the body. In partnership with Minnehaha Animal Hospital, we offer the best diagnostic tools and treatment options available, including surgery and chemotherapy. Cancer is never easy. However, with a combination of advanced treatments and compassionate care, we strive to give your pet the best chance for a positive outcome.

The types of cancer that pets may develop are similar to those seen in humans, and include: Lymphoma, Mast Cell Tumors, Osteosarcoma, Hemangiosarcoma, Melanoma, Mammary Gland Tumors, and Oral Cancer. Cancer can develop in pets of any age, but older pets are more at risk. Some cancers have genetic and environmental factors. Early detection is vital in cancer treatment. Regular veterinary check-ups and monitoring of any unusual lumps, bumps, or changes in your pet’s behavior can help catch cancer early.

Diagnostic Tools for Cancer in Pets

At Pet Doctors Animal Clinic, we employ advanced diagnostic tools to accurately diagnose cancer in pets. Identifying the type, location, and stage of cancer is essential for determining the most appropriate treatment plan. Here are some of the diagnostic methods we may use:

Treatment Options for Cancer in Pets

Cancer treatment in pets depends on the type, location, and stage of the disease, as well as your pet’s overall health. At Pet Doctors Animal Clinic, is to help manage cancer and improve your pet’s quality of life. In some cases, we may work in partnership with Minnehaha Animal Hospital or refer you to a veterinary oncologist for specialized care.

Osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative joint disease (DJD), is a common condition in aging pets, causing joint pain and stiffness. This worsens if left untreated. Joint disease can limit mobility and cause pain, especially in senior pets. Our goal is to help your pet stay active and pain-free for as long as possible through personalized pain management plans.

There are several types of joint diseases that can contribute to the development of arthritis, including:

Common signs of arthritis in pets can be subtle at first but tend to become more noticeable as the disease progresses:

If you notice any of these signs in your pet, it’s important to schedule an evaluation at Pet Doctors Animal Clinic. Early intervention can manage symptoms and slow the progression of the disease, improving your pet’s overall health.

Here are some of the pain management and treatment strategies we offer:

Your pet’s comfort and mobility are our top priorities. At Pet Doctors Animal Clinic, we work closely with you to monitor your pet’s condition and adjust their treatment plan as needed.

Cushing’s disease, also known as hyperadrenocorticism, is an adrenal gland disorder causing excessive cortisol production. It is most commonly diagnosed in middle-aged to older dogs, but can also affect cats. Diagnosing and managing this hormonal disorder to reduce symptoms and improve your pet’s quality of life. Cushing’s disease requires careful management of hormone levels to alleviate symptoms such as excessive thirst, weight gain, and skin changes.

Cushing’s disease can be caused by one of three main factors:

Cushing’s disease develops gradually, and has subtle early symptoms, making it challenging to diagnose early. Common signs of Cushing’s disease in pets include: increased thirst, hunger, urination, weight gain, thin skin, hair loss, weakness, panting, infections, behavior changes. If left untreated, Cushing’s disease can lead to serious complications, including diabetes, high blood pressure, kidney infections, and an increased risk of blood clots.

At Pet Doctors Animal Clinic, our goal is to manage your pet’s symptoms effectively and tailor a treatment plan that addresses their specific needs.