Chronic Conditions in Dogs & Cats

Addison's Disease

Underactive adrenal glands producing too little cortisol. Known as the great pretender because the signs — lethargy, gut upset, weakness — are vague and can flare into a crisis.

Cushing's Disease

Overproduction of cortisol causing excessive thirst, hunger, urination, and a pot-bellied appearance.

Diabetes Mellitus

Inability to regulate blood sugar levels, requiring daily insulin injections and careful diet management.

Hyperthyroidism

Over-active thyroid gland producing excess thyroid hormone. The most common endocrine disorder of older cats, typically causing weight loss despite a hearty appetite, restlessness, increased thirst and a poor coat.

Hypothyroidism

Underactive thyroid gland causing weight gain, lethargy, and skin problems.

1 pet tracked

Obesity

Excess body weight increasing risk of diabetes, arthritis, and reduced lifespan.

1 pet tracked

Atopic Dermatitis

Chronic allergic skin disease causing itching, redness, and recurrent skin infections.

1 pet tracked

Food Allergy

An allergic reaction to one or more ingredients in the diet, causing itchy skin, recurrent ear trouble and sometimes tummy upset. Diagnosed and managed with a strict elimination diet trial and long-term avoidance.

Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome (BOAS)

Breathing difficulty in flat-faced breeds (French Bulldogs, Pugs, Bulldogs) caused by narrowed airways. Worse with heat, exercise and excitement.

Feline Asthma

Inflammation and narrowing of the lower airways in cats, causing coughing, wheezing and breathing difficulty. Open-mouth breathing is an emergency.

Cancer (General)

Various types of cancer. Track symptoms, treatment side effects, and quality of life.

1 pet tracked

Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (CCD)

Age-related decline in memory, awareness and sleep — often called dog dementia. Recognised through the DISHA signs (disorientation, interaction changes, sleep-wake disruption, house-soiling, activity changes). Cats can be affected too.

Epilepsy

Recurrent seizures with no identifiable underlying cause.

Chronic Kidney Disease

Progressive loss of kidney function over months to years.

Feline Idiopathic Cystitis (FLUTD)

The most common cause of lower urinary tract signs in cats — straining, blood and frequent toileting, often stress-related. A cat unable to pass urine is an emergency.

Chronic Pancreatitis

Ongoing or recurring inflammation of the pancreas causing pain, nausea and appetite changes. Often low-grade and grumbling, with flare-ups.

Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI)

The pancreas no longer makes enough digestive enzymes, so food passes through poorly digested. Managed for life with enzyme supplements and diet.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

Chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract causing vomiting, diarrhoea, and weight loss.

Cruciate Ligament Disease

Partial or complete rupture of the cranial cruciate ligament in the knee.

Hip Dysplasia

Abnormal formation of the hip socket causing lameness and arthritis.

Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)

Disc degeneration in the spine causing pain, nerve damage, and potential paralysis.

Osteoarthritis

Degenerative joint disease causing pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. The most common chronic condition in dogs.

2 pets tracked

Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM)

Enlarged, weakened heart muscle reducing the heart's ability to pump blood.

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM)

Thickening of the heart muscle that reduces how well the heart fills and pumps. The most common heart disease in cats, and a cause of sudden decline or clots.

Mitral Valve Disease

Degeneration of the heart's mitral valve, the most common heart disease in dogs.

FIV & FeLV

Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) are lifelong retroviruses that weaken a cat’s immune system. Many positive cats live well for years with good monitoring, watching for weight loss, mouth disease and secondary infections.

Immune-Mediated Haemolytic Anaemia (IMHA)

The immune system destroys red blood cells faster than they can be produced.

Noise Phobia

An intense fear response to loud or sudden noises such as fireworks, thunderstorms or traffic. Pets may tremble, hide, pace, drool or try to escape. Managed with a safe retreat, sound desensitisation, calming aids and event medication.

Separation Anxiety

Distress when left alone or apart from a person the pet is bonded to. Signs include vocalising, destruction, toileting, pacing or drooling, usually within the first half hour alone. Managed with gradual departure training, enrichment, a settled routine and sometimes medication.

Vision Loss

Reduced or lost eyesight — from gradual conditions like cataracts, glaucoma or progressive retinal atrophy, or from sudden sight loss. The underlying cause varies, but the day-to-day support is shared: a safe, predictable home and helping a pet navigate by scent and sound. Dogs and cats both adapt remarkably well with time.