Find out what diseases can influence both you and your pets and learn to identify and treat them
Although there are several species, humans, cats and dogs share various biological and physiological characteristics. This means that in addition to similar feelings and behaviors, they can also develop the same diseases.
However, it is important to highlight that most of these diseases are not transmitted between humans and animals. That is, the fact that a tutor has a certain condition does not mean that his PET It will develop the same disease. Factors such as genetic predisposition, diet, lifestyle and age can contribute to emerging. See below!
1. Cancer
Cancer is a disease characterized by an uncontrolled abnormal cell growth that forms malignant tumors and can spread to other parts of the body. In dogs and catsThe most common types include skin carcinoma, breast, lymphoma and osteosarcoma (bone cancer).
Symptoms vary according to the type of cancer, but they can include sudden weight loss, apathy, lack of appetite, nodules or lumps around the body, difficulty breathing and not healing wounds. Early diagnosis is essential to increase recovery possibilities. Treatment can involve surgery for the removal of cancer, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and palliative care to relieve pain and guarantee the quality of life to the animal.
2. Diabetes
Diabetes occurs when the body does not produce sufficient insulin or cannot use it correctly, resulting in high levels of glucose in the blood. Us petsThe disease can be caused by genetic factors, obesity, advanced age and hormonal diseases. Dogs are more likely to develop type 1 diabetes, while cats tend to have type 2 diabetes, usually associated with physical inactivity and food inadequate.
The main symptoms in animals include increase in thirst and urine, inexplicable weight loss, excessive tiredness and frequent infections such as otitis and urinary tract infections. If not treated, diabetes can lead to serious complications such as blindness and renal failure. The treatment consists in controlling glucose through daily insulin injections, feeding adjustments and encouraging physical activity to avoid overweight.
3. Epilepsy
Epilepsy is a neurological characterized by recurring convulsions. In dogs, the disease can be hereditary or presented due to trauma, infections, brain tumors or intoxications. Some breeds, such as Retriever Labrador and German Shepherd, have a greater genetic predisposition to develop idiopathic epilepsy. In cats, the condition is less common, but it can be associated with brain diseases such as toxoplasmosis or encephalitis.
Symptoms include convulsions with involuntary movements, excessive salivation, muscle rigidity, disorientation and, in some cases, loss of consciousness. The treatment involves continuous use of anticonvulsant drugs to control crises and improve the quality of life of the animal. Although it does not have a cure, correct management can reduce the frequency and intensity of convulsions.
4. Cataracts and glaucoma
The cataract is characterized by the opacification of the lens, making it difficult to pass the light and compromise the vision. Glaucoma occurs due to the increase in intraocular pressure, causing irreversible damage to the optical nerve. Both conditions are common in dogs and elderly cats, but they can also arise due to trauma, diabetes or genetic predisposition.
The signs include whitish eyes (in the case of cataract), sensitivity to light, excessive laceration and the difficulty of seeing, leading the animal to come across objects and disorientation. In glaucoma there may be intense eye pain, leaving the PET restless or aggressive. The treatment varies according to the severity of the disease and can include hills to reduce intraocular pressure or surgery to remove the compromised lens.
5. Arthritis
Arthritis is an inflammation of the joints that causes pain and rigidity in the movement. As in humans, the disease can be related to agingtrauma, obesity or genetic predisposition. Big dogs, such as Labrador and Golden Retriever, are more prone to the condition due to the weight and wear of the joints. In cats, arthritis can be silent, making the signs more difficult to identify.
Symptoms include difficulty lifting, reluctant to walk or climb the stairs, lick the joints of the excessive joints and change the behavior due to pain. The treatment involves the use of anti -inflammatory drugs, the integration for strengthening the joints, physiotherapy and weight control to reduce joint overload.
6. Hypothyroidism
Hypotyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones, with consequent slowdown in the metabolism. The disease is more common in dogs than in cats and can be caused by inflammation, atrophy of the glands or autoimmune factors.
Symptoms include weight gain without increasing appetite, lethargy, cold intolerance, hair loss and dry skin. The treatment consists in the administration of synthetic hormones to replace the thyroid function and follow -up veterinary for drug regulation.
7. Obesity
Obesity is one of the most common health problems in dogs and cats. According to a study by the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Zootechnics of the University of San Paolo, 40.5% of dogs in the State of San Paolo are overweight.
The condition can lead to the development of other diseases such as diabetes, heart and joint problems. Overweight is usually associated with inadequate diet, lack of exercise and castration without control of diet.
The signs include weight gain, difficulty moving, anxious breathing and lesser will to play. The treatment includes a balanced diet, rigorous control of food and incentives to practice physical activities, such as daily walks for dogs and interactive toys for cats.
8. Chronic renal disease
Chronic kidney disease is common in elderly cats, but it can also affect dogs. The problem occurs when the kidneys progressively lose their function, compromising the blood filter. The condition can be caused by infections, genetic predisposition or aging.
Symptoms include an increase in thirst, weight loss, vomiting, apathy and altosis. The treatment aims to delay the progression of the disease with special diets, drugs and frequent hydration to preserve renal function for the long possible time.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
