The following are early signs of disease. Some of these may not seem significant. However, our goal is to diagnose and treat disease in it's early stages when the success rate is much higher. Present your pet for an examination for any of the following:

1. Sustained, significant increase in water consumption.
(Abnormal intake for a dog is greater than 90ml/kg/day or approximately 2 litres/day for a 50 pound dog.)
(Abnormal intake for a cat is greater than 50ml/kg/day or approximately 1.5 cups (8oz cups)/day for a 9 pound cat.)

2. Sustained, significant increase in urination or amount of wet litter.

3. Weight loss.

4. Significant decrease in appetite or failure to eat for more than two consecutive days.

5. Significant increase in appetite.

6. Repeated vomiting.

7. Diarrhea that lasts for a period exceding 3 days.

8. Difficulty in passing stool or urine, prolonged straining while in the yard to defecate for a dog, or prolonged sitting or lying in the litter box for a cat.

9. Change in elimination habits, for a dog especially if urination or defecation occurs in the house, for a cat especially if urination or defecation occurs out of the litter box.

10. Lameness in one or more limbs that lasts more than 1 to 2 days.

11. Noticeable decrease in vision, especially if sudden in onset or pupils do not constrict in bright light.

12. Masses, ulcerations (open sores), or multiple scabs on the skin that persist more than 1 week.

13. Foul mouth odor or drooling that lasts over 2 days.

14. Increasing size of the abdomen.

15. Increasing inactivity or amount of time spent sleeping.

16. Hair loss, especially if accompanied by scratching or if in specific areas (as opposed to generalized).

17. Rapid, heavy or laboured respirations.

18. Inability to chew or eat dry food.



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