Diaphragmatic Hernia in Cats

Hernia in cats

At a glance

About: A diaphragmatic hernia is a defect or tear in the diaphragm, which allows the abdominal contents to enter the chest cavity.Symptoms:

  • Difficulty breathing
  • Exercise intolerance
  • Lethargy

Additional symptoms can occur if one or more of the abdominal contents enter the chest cavity.

Diagnosis: History of recent trauma or fall and imaging to examine the internal organs and diaphragm.

Treatment: Mild cases may require rest only; severe cases will need surgical repair.

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Cat Dental Care – Caring For Your Cat’s Teeth

Caring for a cat's teeth

Why is dental care so important?

Poor dental care will cause gingivitis and left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis. Infection and inflammation spread from the gums (gingiva) to the ligaments and bone that support the teeth. Loss of support causes the teeth to become loose and eventually fall out.

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Cushing’s Syndrome (Hyperadrenocorticism) in Cats

Cushing's disease in cats

At a glance

About: Cushing’s syndrome is a rare condition that occurs due to prolonged exposure to high levels of the hormone cortisol.

Causes: Long-term use of corticosteroids, pituitary gland tumour or adrenal gland tumour.

Symptoms:

  • Increased thirst and urination
  • Enlarged (pot) belly
  • Increased appetite
  • Muscle wasting
  • Bilateral hair loss
  • Thin skin
  • Lethargy

Treatment:

Gradual withdrawal of corticosteroids or surgery to remove the tumour.

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Cat Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)

CPR for cats

Hopefully, CPR is something that you will never have to use, but sometimes accidents happen and there isn’t enough time to get the cat to the vet for treatment, and it will fall on you, the cat’s carer to intervene with emergency first aid in order to keep your cat alive until you arrive at the veterinarian’s surgery and he can take over.

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Coughing In Cats – Is It Normal For A Cat To Cough?

Coughing in cats

At a glance

  • About: Coughing is a common reflex action that clears the throat and lungs of mucus and foreign
    irritants.
  • Causes: Coughing can be mild and self-limiting or potentially life-threatening. Common causes of coughing in cats include; parasites (lungworm, heartworm, roundworm migration), infection (cat flu, bordetella, plague, pneumonia), asthma, allergies,
    pulmonary edema, hairballs, heart disease, lung tumours, inhalation of irritants, collapsed trachea, upper airway obstruction, brachycephalic syndrome.
  • Diagnosis: A thorough physical examination and baseline tests. Additional diagnostics will depend on the veterinarian’s index of suspicion but may include x-ray, heartworm tests, fecal analysis, tracheal endoscopy, thoracic fluid analysis, echocardiogram.
  • Treatment: The goal of treatment is to find and address the underlying cause.

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Rashes (Hives) in Cats

Rashes in cats

Urticaria is a cutaneous (skin) hypersensitivity, characterised by small, raised patches of skin accompanied by itching. Rashes are rare in cats and usually associated with certain medications, flea bites, food allergies, chemicals (such as household chemicals), insect bites or stings and pollens, plants, food and flea collars.

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Head and Facial Swelling in Cats

Head and facial swelling in cats

 

Head and facial swelling in cats have several possible causes from mild and self-limiting to life-threatening.

Any type of head or facial swelling must be evaluated by a veterinarian, while some causes are mild and self-limiting, there are several serious pathologies associated with swelling on the head or face.

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Constipation in Cats

Xray of constipated cat

At a glance

About: Constipation is a reduction in the frequency of bowel motions along with difficulty passing stools as they
become hard and dry.

Causes: Dehydration, reluctance to defecate (dirty litter trays, pain), obstruction of the colon, low-fibre diets,
full or partial blockage due to ingestion of hard to digest products such as feathers or fur, certain drugs, neurological disorders, systemic disorders, pelvic injuries and unknown (idiopathic).

Symptoms:

  • Crouching and straining for prolonged periods in
    the litter tray, with either no feces being passed or small, hard, dry
    stools
  • Blood on the stool or around the anus
  • Defecating outside the litter tray
  • Lethargy
  • Abdominal pain
  • Vomiting
  • Depression
  • Hunching over, due to discomfort
  • Loss of appetite
  • Weight loss

Treatment:Find and treat the underlying cause as well as supportive care which can include high fibre diets, increase water consumption,
stool softeners and enemas.

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Cat Dental Problems

Common cat dental problems

Dental problems are one of the most common problems vets encounter with cats. Good dental hygiene can prevent many dental conditions.

It is prudent for cat owners to keep a regular check of their cat’s mouth and seek veterinary attention if they notice anything amiss. Things to look for include:

Common dental problems in cats

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