At a glanceAbout: A diaphragmatic hernia is a defect or tear in the diaphragm, which allows the abdominal contents to enter the chest cavity.Symptoms:
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. |
Cat Health Collection
Cat health articles. Browse our health collection for common and uncommon cat health issues.
Cat Dental Care – Caring For Your 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.
Cushing’s Syndrome (Hyperadrenocorticism) in Cats
At a glanceAbout: 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:
Treatment: Gradual withdrawal of corticosteroids or surgery to remove the tumour. |
Cat Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
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.
Coughing In Cats – Is It Normal For A Cat To Cough?
At a glance
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Contact Dermatitis in Cats
What is contact dermatitis?
This is the least common of the four types of allergy in cats. Contact dermatitis is a red, itchy rash caused by direct contact with a substance or an allergic reaction to it.
Rashes (Hives) 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.
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.
Constipation in Cats
At a glanceAbout: Constipation is a reduction in the frequency of bowel motions along with difficulty passing stools as they Causes: Dehydration, reluctance to defecate (dirty litter trays, pain), obstruction of the colon, low-fibre diets, Symptoms:
Treatment:Find and treat the underlying cause as well as supportive care which can include high fibre diets, increase water consumption, |
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:
- Bad breath
- Drooling
- Lumps or bumps
- Red, inflamed or bleeding gums
- Reluctance to eat, especially hard foods
- Reluctance to groom