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Diagnosis

  • Tumours that occur on the haired eyelids are similar to those arising elsewhere in the skin. They include cysts, overgrowths (hyperplasias), benign (non-spreading) and occasionally malignant (spreading) cancers.

  • Cancers of the pancreas are of two main types, those arising from the part which produces enzymes to aid digestion (exocrine) and those arising from the groups of cells that produce hormones such as insulin (endocrine).

  • Tumours of the spleen are common in older dogs, but rare in cats.

  • Most swellings and tumours of the uterus are not cancerous. The commonest in the female dog is cystic endometrial hyperplasia (overgrowth of the inner lining of the uterus) due to hormone stimulation.

  • Ultrasound examinations (known as ultrasonography, or echosonography) are imaging techniques in which deep structures of the body can be visualised by recording echoes of ultrasonic waves which are directed into the tissues. Depending on the images produced, ultrasound can take various forms.

  • 'Cat flu' is a common disease in cats of all ages despite widespread vaccination, but tends to be particularly severe in young and old cats.

  • Incontinence indicates leakage of urine without the dog being aware of it happening. It can occur when the dog is lying down, often when asleep.

  • Kidney tumours are rare in dogs and cats. When they do occur, they are almost invariably malignant (invasive and spreading) and called renal carcinoma.

  • A urine analysis (or urinalysis) is a collection of relatively simple tests that can be undertaken in practice. The tests assess the physical and chemical composition of the urine.

  • Uveitis is inflammation within the eye. It has a variety of synonyms.