When your dog or cat is not feeling well, you need a veterinary team that can accurately evaluate what is happening and build a clear path forward. At Universal Pet Hospital in Palo Alto, we provide comprehensive medical care for dogs and cats, from ear infections and allergic skin conditions to gastrointestinal concerns, endocrine diseases, and cardiac health. Our veterinarians take a thorough, root-cause approach to every medical case, using our in-house diagnostic laboratory and imaging tools to gather the information needed to make confident clinical decisions. Call (650) 362-7969 to schedule a medical consultation for your dog or cat.
Ear and eye infections are among the most common medical conditions we see in dogs and cats at our Palo Alto clinic, and early attention makes a significant difference in the outcome and recovery time for your pet. Ear infections in dogs are frequently caused by bacteria, yeast, or underlying allergies and often present as head shaking, scratching at the ears, redness, odor, or discharge. Cats may develop ear infections from ear mites or secondary bacterial overgrowth, sometimes with minimal outward signs. Eye infections range from mild conjunctivitis to more serious corneal involvement or internal eye disease. We perform thorough ear and eye examinations in clinic, with cytology and other in-house assessments to identify the cause and guide a targeted management plan. Recurring ear or eye infections often indicate an underlying condition, and our team works to identify and address root causes rather than managing symptoms alone.
Gastrointestinal problems in dogs and cats range from a single acute episode of vomiting to chronic, recurring digestive issues that significantly affect quality of life. At Universal Pet Hospital, we evaluate and manage a wide range of GI conditions, including gastritis, inflammatory bowel conditions, intestinal parasites, food sensitivities, constipation, and pancreatitis. Our in-house diagnostic lab allows us to run bloodwork, fecal testing, and urinalysis at the same visit, giving us a clearer picture quickly rather than waiting for outside lab results. For complex GI cases, we may recommend abdominal ultrasound or specialist referral to a veterinary internal medicine specialist. For pets with chronic GI conditions, we work with you on dietary management, long-term monitoring, and realistic expectations for their health over time.
Skin and allergy conditions are among the most frustrating and persistent health concerns pet owners face, and they are one of the most common reasons dogs and cats come to us for medical evaluation. Allergies in pets may manifest as itchy skin, recurring ear infections, hot spots, hair loss, foot licking, chronic redness, or skin thickening. Causes include environmental allergens such as pollen, dust mites, and mold; food sensitivities; and flea allergy dermatitis. At Universal Pet Hospital, we take a methodical, evidence-based approach to skin health. We begin with a thorough history and physical examination, followed by in-house assessments including skin scraping, cytology, and ear cytology as indicated. For complex or poorly responsive cases, we discuss referral to a veterinary dermatology specialist. Our goal is a management plan that reduces your pet's discomfort and addresses the underlying triggers rather than simply controlling symptoms indefinitely.
Endocrine conditions occur when the hormone-producing glands of the body are not functioning correctly, and they can affect nearly every system in your pet. Hypothyroidism is the most common endocrine condition in dogs and causes symptoms including weight gain, hair loss, lethargy, and cold intolerance. Hyperthyroidism is extremely common in older cats and causes weight loss, increased appetite, restlessness, and elevated heart rate. Diabetes mellitus affects both dogs and cats, while Cushing's disease (hyperadrenocorticism) and Addison's disease are important endocrine conditions seen specifically in dogs. Because these conditions often develop gradually, they can be easy to overlook or attribute to normal aging. Bloodwork and specialized endocrine testing allow us to identify these conditions accurately, and most endocrine patients can be managed well with the right monitoring plan and adjustments over time.
Heart disease in dogs and cats often develops silently over months or years, making routine wellness exams a critical tool for early detection. Our veterinarians carefully auscultate every patient's heart and lungs at each exam, and can identify murmurs, arrhythmias, and other abnormal findings that indicate a need for further evaluation. Common cardiac conditions in our patients include degenerative mitral valve disease in small and medium breed dogs, dilated cardiomyopathy in large and giant breeds, and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in cats. When a cardiac concern is identified, we may recommend thoracic radiographs, blood pressure monitoring, or referral to a veterinary cardiologist for echocardiography. We discuss findings clearly and help you understand what they mean for your pet's daily life, activity level, and long-term management. Early identification of cardiac changes allows us to monitor appropriately and act before clinical signs develop.
If your dog or cat is showing signs of a medical concern, do not wait. Call (650) 362-7969 or book online to schedule a medical consultation at Universal Pet Hospital in Palo Alto. Same-day appointments are available when possible.
