Diabetes Mellitus
Dogs & CatsDiabetes mellitus is a chronic condition where the body cannot properly regulate blood sugar (glucose). It occurs when the pancreas fails to produce enough insulin, or when the body cannot use insulin effectively.
⚠️ Signs & Symptoms
- •Increased thirst (polydipsia)
- •Frequent urination (polyuria)
- •Increased appetite despite weight loss
- •Lethargy and weakness
- •Cloudy eyes (cataracts — especially in dogs)
- •Recurring infections
💊 Treatment
Diabetes is managed with daily insulin injections, a consistent high-protein/low-carbohydrate diet, regular exercise, and frequent glucose monitoring. Most diabetic pets can live happy, normal lives with proper management. Regular follow-up appointments are essential to adjust insulin doses.
🛡️ Prevention & Early Detection
Maintaining a healthy weight and regular veterinary checkups can help detect early signs. Spaying female dogs reduces risk of hormonal diabetes.
Think your pet may have this condition?
Hypothyroidism in Dogs
DogsHypothyroidism is the most common hormonal disorder in dogs. It occurs when the thyroid gland doesn't produce enough thyroid hormone, slowing the body's metabolism. It most commonly affects middle-aged to older dogs of medium to large breeds.
⚠️ Signs & Symptoms
- •Weight gain without increased appetite
- •Lethargy and exercise intolerance
- •Hair loss (bilateral, symmetrical)
- •Dull, dry coat
- •Skin thickening or darkening
- •Cold intolerance
- •Slow heart rate
💊 Treatment
Hypothyroidism is treated with daily oral thyroid hormone replacement (levothyroxine). Most dogs show dramatic improvement within weeks. Treatment is lifelong, with periodic blood tests to monitor thyroid levels and adjust dosing.
🛡️ Prevention & Early Detection
There is no known prevention. Early detection through routine wellness bloodwork is the best approach, especially in at-risk breeds such as Golden Retrievers, Dobermans, and Cocker Spaniels.
Think your pet may have this condition?
Hyperthyroidism in Cats
CatsHyperthyroidism is the most common hormonal disorder in cats, occurring when the thyroid gland produces excessive thyroid hormone. It typically affects cats over 10 years of age and is usually caused by a benign thyroid tumour.
⚠️ Signs & Symptoms
- •Weight loss despite increased appetite
- •Hyperactivity or restlessness
- •Increased thirst and urination
- •Vomiting or diarrhea
- •Unkempt coat
- •Rapid or irregular heartbeat
- •Difficulty breathing
💊 Treatment
Treatment options include daily oral medication (methimazole), radioactive iodine therapy (curative), surgical thyroid removal, or a prescription iodine-restricted diet (Hill's y/d). Radioactive iodine is considered the gold standard cure. Regular monitoring is essential with all treatments.
🛡️ Prevention & Early Detection
There is no proven prevention. Annual wellness exams with thyroid palpation and bloodwork for cats over 7 years are strongly recommended for early detection.
Think your pet may have this condition?
Cushing's Disease (Hyperadrenocorticism)
DogsCushing's disease occurs when the body produces too much cortisol over a prolonged period. It is most often caused by a small tumour on the pituitary gland (PDH — 85% of cases) or, less commonly, an adrenal gland tumour. It typically affects middle-aged to senior dogs.
⚠️ Signs & Symptoms
- •Pot-bellied appearance
- •Increased thirst and urination
- •Increased appetite
- •Hair loss (bilateral, symmetrical)
- •Thin, fragile skin
- •Muscle weakness and exercise intolerance
- •Panting excessively
- •Recurrent skin and urinary infections
💊 Treatment
Pituitary-dependent Cushing's is treated with trilostane or mitotane (medications that reduce cortisol production). Adrenal tumours may require surgical removal. Treatment requires careful monitoring with regular ACTH stimulation tests. Untreated Cushing's leads to serious complications.
🛡️ Prevention & Early Detection
No prevention is known. Regular wellness bloodwork in dogs over 7 years can help detect early hormonal changes. Breeds at higher risk include Poodles, Dachshunds, Boxers, and Beagles.
Think your pet may have this condition?
Addison's Disease (Hypoadrenocorticism)
DogsOften called the 'Great Pretender,' Addison's disease occurs when the adrenal glands produce insufficient cortisol and/or aldosterone. It is the opposite of Cushing's disease and can be life-threatening if untreated. It is most common in young to middle-aged female dogs.
⚠️ Signs & Symptoms
- •Waxing and waning weakness and lethargy
- •Vomiting and diarrhea
- •Loss of appetite
- •Weight loss
- •Shaking or trembling
- •Increased thirst and urination
- •Collapse (Addisonian crisis — emergency)
💊 Treatment
Dogs with Addison's require lifelong hormone replacement. Most are managed with monthly Percorten-V (DOCP) injections plus daily oral prednisone. Some dogs can be managed with daily fludrocortisone alone. Stress dosing of steroids is required during illness or surgery. With proper treatment, dogs live completely normal lives.
🛡️ Prevention & Early Detection
No prevention is known. Breeds at higher risk include Standard Poodles, Portuguese Water Dogs, Bearded Collies, and Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers. Genetic testing is available for some breeds.
Think your pet may have this condition?
Allergies in Dogs
DogsAllergies are one of the most common reasons dogs visit the vet. Dogs can develop allergic reactions to environmental allergens (atopy), food ingredients, fleas, or contact allergens. Allergies cause chronic inflammation of the skin and are often lifelong but manageable.
⚠️ Signs & Symptoms
- •Itchy skin (face, paws, belly, armpits, ears)
- •Excessive licking, chewing, or scratching
- •Recurrent ear infections
- •Red, inflamed, or thickened skin
- •Hair loss from scratching
- •Runny eyes or nose
- •Gastrointestinal signs (with food allergy)
💊 Treatment
Treatment depends on the allergy type. Environmental allergies may be managed with Cytopoint injections, Apoquel, steroids, or allergen-specific immunotherapy (allergy shots). Food allergies require a strict hydrolyzed or novel protein elimination diet for 8–12 weeks. Flea allergy requires rigorous flea prevention. Identifying the trigger is key.
🛡️ Prevention & Early Detection
Year-round flea prevention is essential. For environmental allergies, regular bathing helps remove allergens from the coat. Early introduction to diverse environments and foods may reduce risk in puppies. Omega-3 fatty acids support skin barrier health.
Think your pet may have this condition?
Vaccinations for Dogs & Cats
Dogs & CatsVaccinations are one of the most important tools we have to protect pets from serious, often fatal diseases. Core vaccines are recommended for all pets; non-core vaccines are given based on lifestyle and risk factors.
💊 Treatment
Vaccinations should begin at 6–8 weeks of age for puppies and kittens. Booster schedules vary based on vaccine type and individual risk. Dr. Ogilby will create a personalized vaccine plan for your pet during your appointment.
🐕 Dog Vaccines
| Vaccine | Schedule | Type |
|---|---|---|
| DA2PP (Distemper, Adenovirus, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza) | Puppy series, then every 1–3 years | Core |
| Rabies | 1 year, then every 1–3 years (legally required) | Core |
| Bordetella (Kennel Cough) | Annually or every 6 months for high-risk dogs | Non-core |
| Leptospirosis | Annually — recommended for Toronto dogs | Non-core |
| Lyme Disease | Annually in tick-endemic areas | Non-core |
| Canine Influenza | Recommended for boarding/dog park dogs | Non-core |
🐈 Cat Vaccines
| Vaccine | Schedule | Type |
|---|---|---|
| FVRCP (Herpesvirus, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia) | Kitten series, then every 1–3 years | Core |
| Rabies | 1 year, then every 1–3 years (legally required) | Core |
| FeLV (Feline Leukemia Virus) | Recommended for outdoor or multi-cat households | Non-core |
| FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus) | For cats at high risk of cat bites/fights | Non-core |
Think your pet may have this condition?
Flea, Tick & Parasite Prevention
Dogs & CatsParasites are more than just a nuisance — fleas, ticks, heartworm, and intestinal parasites can cause serious illness in pets and some can be transmitted to humans (zoonotic). Year-round prevention is strongly recommended in Toronto and surrounding areas.
⚠️ Signs & Symptoms
- •Fleas: scratching, red skin, flea dirt (black specks), hair loss
- •Ticks: found on skin, tick-borne illness (Lyme, anaplasmosis, ehrlichiosis)
- •Heartworm: coughing, exercise intolerance, weight loss (dogs primarily)
- •Intestinal worms: pot belly, diarrhea, scooting, visible worms
- •Ear mites: dark ear discharge, head shaking, scratching ears
💊 Treatment
Treatment depends on the parasite. Flea infestations require treating the pet AND the home environment. Ticks must be removed promptly and carefully. Heartworm-positive dogs require a strict treatment protocol with melarsomine injections and cage rest. Intestinal parasites are treated with specific dewormers based on parasite type.
🛡️ Prevention & Early Detection
Year-round prevention is key. Dr. Ogilby recommends monthly flea/tick/heartworm prevention products. Top options include Simparica Trio (dogs), Revolution Plus (cats), and NexGard Combo. Annual heartworm testing for dogs is essential. Regular fecal exams help detect intestinal parasites early. Tick checks after outdoor activities are important in Ontario.
🛒 Recommended Prevention Products
Think your pet may have this condition?
Don't Forget Routine Lab Testing
1 year in a pet's life = ~7 human years. Would you go 7 years without a blood test?
Learn what a CBC, chemistry panel, and urinalysis test for — and why annual testing is the single best tool for catching disease early.
⚕️ Medical Disclaimer
The information on this page is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional veterinary advice. If your pet is showing signs of illness, please book a consultation with Dr. Ogilby for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.