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Common Pet Conditions

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Clear symptoms
increased thirst and urination (3) lethargy (2) a pot-bellied appearance (1) Affected cats typically have a voracious appetite yet lose weight rapidly (1) and a poor coat (1) and a poorly groomed coat can occur if untreated (1) and excessive panting. Owners often notice a “pot-bellied” abdomen due to enlarged liver and weakened abdominal muscles. The skin thins and hair loss occurs – often a symmetric alopecia along the flanks. Recurrent skin infections or delayed wound healing can happen due to cortisol’s immune suppression. Muscle weakness (1) and infertility in intact dogs are other possible signs (1) and loses weight. Lethargy (1) and occasional shaking. In an acute crisis (1) and recurrent infections (1) and weakness (1) dehydration (1) diarrhea (1) dogs can collapse with shock (1) Dogs may experience lethargy (1) Dogs typically exhibit increased appetite (1) has a voracious appetite (1) increased appetite (often very food-motivated) (1) increased appetite yet weight loss are classic signs. Owners may notice the cat drinks and pees far more than normal (1) Increased thirst and urination (1) panting (1) severe vomiting/diarrhea (1) Symptoms tend to develop gradually. Common signs are increased thirst and urination (dogs may begin having accidents or need more frequent outings) (1) they may also exhibit hyperactivity (1) thin skin with hair loss (1) vomiting (1) weight loss (1)
Symptom matches are best-effort. If a symptom is severe or sudden, contact a veterinarian promptly.

Endocrine and Metabolic

2 items
Image for Diabetes Mellitus
Diabetes Mellitus
Cat - All breeds (obesity is a risk factor; Burmese cats may have higher risk)
Increased thirst and urination increased appetite yet weight loss are classic signs. Owners may notice the cat drinks and pees far more than normal has a voracious appetite and loses weight. Lethargy dehydration and a poorly groomed coat can occur if untreated

Endocrine disorder characterized by inadequate insulin production or insulin resistance, leading to chronic h…

Image for Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism
Cat - All breeds can develop hyperthyroidism, most commonly in older cats
Affected cats typically have a voracious appetite yet lose weight rapidly they may also exhibit hyperactivity increased thirst and urination and a poor coat

Feline hyperthyroidism is a hormonal disorder caused by overproduction of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) by the…

Legacy / Unmapped

3 items
Image for Addison’s Disease (Hypoadrenocorticism)
Addison’s Disease (Hypoadrenocorticism)
Dog - All breeds can be affected; however, certain breeds (e.g. Standard Poodles, Bearded Collies, Portuguese Water Dogs, Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers, Leonbergers, Great Danes, Labrador Retrievers) have a higher risk
Dogs may experience lethargy vomiting diarrhea weight loss increased thirst and urination and occasional shaking. In an acute crisis +3 more

Addison’s disease is an endocrine disorder in which the adrenal glands fail to produce sufficient cortisol an…

Image for Cushing’s Disease (Hyperadrenocorticism)
Cushing’s Disease (Hyperadrenocorticism)
Dog - All Breeds (usually middle-aged and older; poodles, terriers, dachshunds among breeds often affected)
Symptoms tend to develop gradually. Common signs are increased thirst and urination (dogs may begin having accidents or need more frequent outings) increased appetite (often very food-motivated) and excessive panting. Owners often notice a “pot-bellied” abdomen due to enlarged liver and weakened abdominal muscles. The skin thins and hair loss occurs – often a symmetric alopecia along the flanks. Recurrent skin infections or delayed wound healing can happen due to cortisol’s immune suppression. Muscle weakness lethargy and infertility in intact dogs are other possible signs

Cushing’s disease is an endocrine disorder where the adrenal glands secrete excess cortisol. In 80–85% of cas…

Image for Cushing’s Disease (Hyperadrenocorticism)
Cushing’s Disease (Hyperadrenocorticism)
Dog - Any dog can develop Cushing’s; however, small breeds (e.g. Miniature Poodles, Dachshunds, Yorkshire Terriers, Boston Terriers, Boxers) and certain larger breeds (e.g. German Shepherds) are predisposed
Dogs typically exhibit increased appetite increased thirst and urination lethargy a pot-bellied appearance panting thin skin with hair loss +1 more

Cushing’s disease is caused by chronic overproduction of cortisol. Approximately 85% of cases are due to a be…

For pet owners
Use this page to learn what a symptom can mean, what to track at home, and when to get help. Bring notes to your appointment (timeline, appetite, water intake, urination, stool, vomiting episodes, medications and supplements).
For veterinary perspective
Each condition page summarizes common presentations, typical evaluation steps, and treatment approaches. It is not a substitute for diagnosis. Your veterinarian will consider breed, age, exam findings, and tests.