Conditions Treated at Ambassador Animal Hospital

Your pet's medical needs will change throughout its life. When it's young, it will require frequent wellness visits, but as it ages, it is more likely to develop certain illnesses and conditions. While you can't stop your pets from getting sick, you can choose a veterinarian devoted to helping make them better. That's why we are dedicated to restoring your pet's health at Ambassador Animal Hospital in Columbia, SC.

Allergies

Pets can develop various environmental, food, and flea allergies. Allergies often look like your pet has developed a rash as they cause itchy skin, which can cause them to scratch, lick, or bite themselves excessively. 

Ear Infections

Your pet can develop ear infections for a variety of reasons, including allergies, ear mites, bacteria, or yeast. If your dog has floppy ears or hairy ear canals, it will be more prone to ear infections. Signs of ear infections include constant head shaking, discharge from the ear, foul odor, and redness or swelling of the ear canal.

Rabies

Rabies attacks your pet's central nervous system and is fatal if left untreated. Saliva, through infected animals from a bite or scratch, transmits the disease, which can also be transmitted to humans. The first symptoms include lethargy, fever, vomiting, and anorexia. As the disease progresses, pets may develop neurological symptoms such as ataxia, weakness, paralysis, seizures, and difficulty breathing and swallowing. 

Arthritis

Arthritis is a common problem in senior pets, but it can also affect younger pets. It is a degenerative joint disease that can cause pain, stiffness, and decreased mobility. Signs of arthritis in pets include difficulty standing, walking up stairs, taking a narrow stance in the rear limbs, and wasting away muscles in the hind limbs. 

Heartworm

Heartworm disease occurs when a parasitic worm takes over your pet's heart and lungs. Your pet is at risk year-round, especially in the summer, as mosquitos carry the disease. Early signs of heartworm disease can include coughing, lethargy, and difficulty breathing. As the disease progresses, pets may develop heart failure, severe lung disease, and damage to other organs. 

Diabetes

Diabetes affects pets of all ages and breeds. It causes a lack of insulin or an inability to use insulin properly. This leads to high blood sugar levels. Signs of diabetes in pets include excessive thirst and urination, weight loss, decreased appetite, cloudy eyes, and chronic or recurring infections. 

Caring Veterinary Care from Our Animal Hospital

At Ambassador Animal Hospital, our veterinarian is experienced in treating these conditions and many more. It's our job to identify your pet's pain and discomfort so we can ensure it has the best quality of life possible.

Call our Columbia, SC, office today at (803) 787-3840.