Posts Tagged: cat health January 29, 2025 by Animal Emergency & Referral Center of Minnesota Common Endocrine Disorders of Dogs and Cats Endocrine disorders occur when your dog’s or cat’s body produces or releases hormones improperly. These imbalances can cause various clinical signs and affect your pet’s overall health. Here’s an overview of the three most common endocrine disorders in dogs and cats, along with tips to help you recognize the signs early and get your pet […] Read More 10 Tips to Keep Your Cat Cool This Summer If your pet is experiencing severe heat stress or a heat stroke (symptoms include lethargy, vomiting, difficulty breathing, collapse, or a high rectal temperature) – these are considered “RED” – or true emergencies – on our Fast Track Triage system. We advise you to seek immediate veterinary care. Please call ahead of your arrival so […] Read More Hyperthyroidism in Cats If your pet is experiencing respiratory distress, this is considered a “RED” – or true emergency – on our Fast Track Triage system. We advise you to seek immediate veterinary care. Please call ahead of your arrival so the veterinary team knows to expect you! If your pet is experiencing persistent/severe vomiting, appetite loss for […] Read More Top 5 Most Common Dog and Cat Breeds Affected by Heart Disease If your pet collapses or experiences respiratory distress, these are considered “RED” – or true emergencies – on our Fast Track Triage system. We advise you to seek immediate veterinary care. Please call ahead of your arrival so the veterinary team knows to expect you! In human medicine, it’s important for patients to know their […] Read More Cat Gagging: Common Causes & When to Go to the ER Causes for gagging can vary. If your pet is experiencing the following symptoms, please utilize our Fast Track Triage system and always call ahead of your arrival so the veterinary team knows to expect you: Difficulty breathing or persistent non-productive retching are considered “RED” – or true emergencies – on our Fast Track Triage system. […] Read More How to Know if Your Pet is Experiencing Respiratory Distress If your pet is having difficulty breathing, this is considered a “RED” – or true emergency – on our Fast Track Triage system. We advise you to seek immediate veterinary care. Please call ahead of your arrival so the veterinary team knows to expect you! Remove any neck collars or facial restrictions such as muzzles. […] Read More Recognition and Management of Feline Idiopathic Cystitis and Urinary Obstructions in Cats If your male cat is straining to urinate or has blood in his urine, these are considered “RED” – or true emergencies – on our Fast Track Triage system. We advise you to seek immediate veterinary care. Please call ahead of your arrival so the veterinary team knows to expect you! Note that straining to […] Read More Tips for Managing a Pet with a Chronic Illness Having a pet diagnosed with a chronic disease can be overwhelming. The following are some tips to help navigate your pet’s chronic illness. 1. Ask Questions Make sure you understand the diagnosis. Seek information from your veterinarian and staff so that you fully understand your pet’s disease process, expected treatment, and prognosis. The more you understand your pet’s condition, the better able you will be to provide […] Read More Urinary Crystals in Pets Urinary crystals are one type of “bling” that even fashion-conscious pet owners do not want! Urinary crystals and stones are caused by a buildup of natural minerals found in your pet’s urine. There are several types of urinary crystals and stones with the most common being struvite (magnesium ammonium phosphate) and calcium oxalate. Occasionally, cysteine conglomerations are seen. All these minerals can form crystals that resemble tiny, microscopic […] Read More Fur-Tunately: Stories of Animal Survival | Episode IV: The Usual Suspect: An AERC Tribute to Film Noir Of all the veterinary emergency rooms in all the towns in all the world, Rory walked into AERC’s. Or rather, his owner brought him in. Dr. Thell took one look at Rory and knew one thing: he was in pain, and he was the usual suspect for a feline urinary obstruction. But more on that […] Read More Older Posts