Cat Health Collection Archives - Page 58 of 83

Chronic Kidney Disease in Cats

At a glance

About: Chronic kidney disease is a gradual loss of kidney function over months or years which causes a build-up of toxins in the blood. CKD is a common disease in middle-aged to senior cats.
Causes: There are a number of causes of chronic kidney disease including infection, hereditary, kidney tumours, nephritis and nephrosis, polycystic kidney disease, aging and idiopathic (no known cause).
Symptoms: Frequent urination, increased thirst, weight loss, bad breath, decreased appetite, weight loss, lethargy, oral ulcers, vomiting, drooling (due to nausea), and anemia.
Diagnosis: Thorough physical examination along with baseline tests including biochemical profile, complete blood count, urinalysis as well as urine specific gravity, x-rays, and ultrasound.
Treatment: Low protein diet, phosphorous binders, anti-nausea medications, and in some cases erythropoietin to increase red blood cell production.

Complete Blood Count (also known as CBC or hemogram)

A complete blood count is a series of tests that evaluates the cellular components of blood (red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets). Vets often take this test to check for anemia, infections, and other health problems.

Hemophilia at a glance

About: Hemophilia is an acquired or congenital blood disorder in which the blood doesn’t clot properly due to a lack of clotting proteins (coagulation factors).
Symptoms: Excessive bleeding, bruising under the skin, and in severe cases, anemia can develop.
Diagnosis: A variety of blood clotting tests.
Treatment: Avoid surgery unless necessary, blood transfusions and vitamin K.

At a glance

About: Asthma is a respiratory condition that occurs when the muscles of the airways tighten and become inflamed in response to a trigger. This makes it hard for your cat to breathe air into the lungs.
Causes: Inhaling a substance that triggers an immune response. Common allergens include dust, pollen, perfume, smoke, mould and household chemicals, sprays and dust from cat litter.
Symptoms: Difficulty breathing, dry hacking cough, wheezing, rapid open-mouthed breathing, sitting with the head extended.
Diagnosis: Medical history and complete physical examination including listening to the lungs. Chest X-rays, tracheal wash, fecal flotation and baseline tests to evaluate the overall health of your cat and look for signs of infection.
Treatment: Bronchodilators to open the airways and steroids to reduce inflammation. Long-term care includes avoiding the allergen if known.

What is a feline odontic resorptive lesion?

Also known as tooth resorptive lesions or cervical line lesions, feline odontoclastic resorptive lesions (FORL) is a common dental disorder in which odontoclasts (specialist cells responsible for reabsorbing the roots of deciduous or baby teeth) are reactivated and reabsorb the adult roots of the tooth. FORL occurs in between 20-75% of cats, the cause is unknown.

What are lipomas?

Lipomas are slow-growing, benign (non-cancerous) tumours of the fat cells that are surrounded by a fibrous capsule. They are quite rare in cats, and when they do occur, it is usually in older cats.

The jaw is one of the most common bone breakages to occur in cats. Most broken jaws occur as a result of a serious trauma such as a car accident, gunshot wound, kick or a fall from a height, resulting in the cat smashing his jaw on the ground. Bone cancer, bone infection, hyperparathyroidism and gum disease can all weaken the bones, leading to a broken jaw.

What is a sebaceous cyst?

Sebaceous cysts (epidermal inclusion cysts) are benign tumours of the skin. They are the most common surface tumour found in cats and are composed of a thick, cheesy, yellow substance known as sebum, which is a secretion of the sebaceous gland comprised of fat and cellular debris, which lubricates and protects the skin.

Lumps under the cat’s chin may include bumps, masses and swelling along the jawline or underneath the lips. More than one lump may develop in some cats.

Most lumps under the chin are harmless, however, some can be potentially serious.

What is a skin scraping test?

A skin scraping test is a diagnostic test to determine the cause of almost all skin disorders in cats.

Many possible skin problems can affect cats, including fungal infections, parasites, inflammation, infections, cancer and allergies. Skin scraping tests can help determine the cause of the skin problem, confirm the presence of inflammatory cells, cancerous cells, bacteria, skin parasites such as mites, parasite eggs, fungi etc.

Chronic Kidney Disease in Cats

At a glance

Complete Blood Count in Cats

Complete Blood Count (also known as CBC or hemogram)

Hemophilia in Cats

Hemophilia at a glance

Asthma (Bronchial Disease) in Cats

At a glance

Feline Odontic Resorptive Lesions (Cavities) in Cats

What is a feline odontic resorptive lesion?

Lipomas in Cats

What are lipomas?

Broken Jaw in Cats

Sebaceous Cysts in Cats

What is a sebaceous cyst?

Swollen Chin In Cats

Skin Scraping Test in Cats

What is a skin scraping test?