Calicivirus in Cats

Feline calicivirus

At a glance

  • About: Calicivirus is a common viral infection that causes flu-like symptoms in cats. Kittens, senior and immunocompromised cats are most at risk.
  • Transmission: Direct contact with respiratory droplets from an infected cat and contaminated surfaces such as food bowls and bedding (fomites).
  • Symptoms: Calicivirus produces similar symptoms to the common cold in people, including; fever, nasal and eye discharge, sneezing, mouth ulcers, loss of appetite, lethargy, red gums and limping.
  • Diagnosis: Complete physical examination, accompanying symptoms and history. Baseline tests such as biochemical profile, complete blood count, and  urinalysis  to evaluate the overall health of your cat. In most cases, a diagnosis of calicivirus is based on presenting symptoms.
  • Treatment: Supportive care such as fluids and nutrition while your cat fights the infection. Antibiotics if a secondary infection is present. Keep eyes and nose free of discharge.

 

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Arthritis in Cats: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Arthritis in cats

At a glance

  • About: Osteoarthritis is a painful condition in which the shock-absorbing cartilage which cushions the joints wears down and is eventually lost.
  • Causes: Obesity is the most common cause of osteoarthritis in cats. Other causes include obesity, hip dysplasia, misalignment or previous trauma.
  • Symptoms: Reluctance to jump, decreased grooming which leads to an unkempt appearance, dislike of being touched, hiding, soiling outside the litter box, loss of appetite.
  • Diagnosis: Complete physical examination and diagnostic imaging to determine the extent of the damage.
  • Treatment: Lifestyle changes such as helping your cat to groom, food bowls and litter trays which are easy to access. Medical management with analgesics and disease-modifying osteoarthritis drugs and nutraceuticals such as glucosamine and chondroitin
    sulfate.

 

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Feline Acquired Symmetrical Alopecia

Feline acquired symmetrical alopecia

What is feline acquired symmetrical alopecia?

Feline acquired symmetrical alopecia (feline endocrine alopecia) is a rare symmetrical thinning and balding of the coat in cats. It was previously thought that the condition was a hormonal disorder, but current thought is that there are many causes with only a small number due to hormonal/endocrine disorders.

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Steatitis (Yellow Fat Disease) in Cats

Yellow fat disease in cats

At a glance

  • About: Steatitis is a painful condition caused by inflammation and yellowing of the fat tissue.
  • Causes: It is caused by feeding a diet in unsaturated fatty acids and deficient in vitamin E, which acts as an antioxidant. When there is an overabundance of saturated fatty acids, damage occurs to the body fat, resulting in painful inflammation.
  • Symptoms: Solid masses under the skin, greasy coat, loss of appetite, reluctance to move, pain when touched and depression.
  • Treatment: Dietary changes, vitamin E supplements, corticosteroids and pain medication.

 

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Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency in Cats

Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency in cats

At a glance

  • About: Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency is an inability to properly digest food due to a lack of digestive enzymes made by the pancreas.
  • Causes: It has many causes including pancreatitis, which is an inflammation of the pancreas, other causes include cancer and flukes which can obstruct the head of the pancreas and pancreatic acinar atrophy.
  • Symptoms: Weight loss, flatulence, greasy and foul-smelling loose stools, poor coat condition, increased or decreased appetite and greasy coat, especially around the anal and tail region.
  • Diagnosis: Thorough physical examination along with baseline tests including biochemical profile, complete blood count, and urinalysis. Other tests include feline Trypsin-Like Immunoreactivity and fecal proteolytic activity.
  • Treatment: Lifelong administration of pancreatic enzyme extract, high protein low fibre diet and
    vitamin B12.

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Eosinophilic Granuloma Complex In Cats

Eosinophilic granuloma complex in cats

What is eosinophilic granuloma complex? Eosinophilic granuloma complex (EGC) is a condition characterised by the presence of skin lesions over various parts of your cat’s body. An eosinophil is a type of white blood cell that participates in allergic reactions and helps to fight certain parasitic infections. A granuloma is an inflammatory lesion that contains … Read more

Endodontic Disease (Pulpitis) in Cats

Endodontic disease in cats

What is endodontic disease?

Also known as pulpitis, endodontic disease refers to any inflammation of the pulp within the tooth. Pulpitis can be reversible or irreversible. Endodontic relates to the inner structures of the tooth, including the pulp and tissues surrounding the tooth root.

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Acetaminophen (Paracetamol) Poisoning in Cats

Paracetamol toxicity in cats

At a glance

  • Also called: Acetaminophen, APAP, Tylenol, Panamax.
  • About: Paracetamol (Tylenol) is a common over the counter medication to treat pain and fever. Cats become poisoned
    either when an owner administers it to treat pain, intentional poisoning or if a cat consumes medication lying around the house. This medication is highly toxic to cats who can not metabolise it efficiently.
  • Symptoms: Loss of appetite, lethargy, hiding, rapid breathing, swelling of the face and paws, brown gums and mucous membranes, dark coloured urine, death.
  • Diagnosis: Based on a history of exposure to the medication, blood tests may reveal methemoglobinemia (build-up of toxic metabolites).
  • Treatment: Gastric decontamination, activated charcoal to prevent further absorption, paracetamol antidote, and supportive care.

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Ear Hematoma in Cats

Hematoma on a cat's ear

Ear hematoma at a glance

  • About: An ear hematoma is a localised pocket of blood due to a ruptured blood vessel in the ear flap.
  • Causes: The most common cause is trauma from scratching due to ear mites. Other causes include head shaking
    or a blow to the ear.
  • Symptoms: Painful swelling of the ear, which will feel warm.
  • Treatment: Needle aspiration to drain the blood, or surgery to remove the blood and staple the affected area.

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