Loss of Appetite (Anorexia) in Cats

Loss of appetite in cats

At a glance

  • About: Anorexia is the medical term for loss of appetite; it is a symptom rather than a disease and a sign that something is not right with your cat.
  • Causes: There are many causes which include systemic disease, cancer, pain, nausea, infection, parasites
    and dental problems.
  • Diagnosis: Your veterinarian will perform baseline tests, plus some additional tests depending on his index of suspicion.
  • Treatment: Depends on the underlying cause but will include supportive care such as appetite stimulants, anti-nausea medications, and nutritional support if necessary.

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Anemia (Low Red Blood Cell Count) in Cats

Anemia in cats

At a glance

About: Anemia is a reduction in the number of red blood cells, which are responsible for transporting oxygen around the body.

Causes: There are many causes in two forms, regenerative or non-regenerative. Regenerative means the red blood cells are produced but they are not replaced fast enough. Non-regenerative occurs when there is inadequate production of red blood cells.

  • Cancer
  • Blood loss
  • Parasites (hookworm, fleas)
  • Gastric ulcers
  • Blood clotting disorders
  • Immune-mediated destruction of the red blood cells
  • Heinz body anemia due to toxins
  • Blood type incompatibility
  • Kidney disease
  • Nutritional deficiency

Symptoms: Lethargy, pale gums, rapid breathing, increased heart rate.

Treatment: Address the underlying cause as well as providing supportive care which may include volume replacement, blood transfusions, hormones to stimulate red blood cell production and iron supplements.

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Addison’s Disease in Cats

Addison's disease in cats

About

Also known as hypoadrenocorticism, Addison’s disease is an endocrine disorder, characterised by inadequate production of the steroid hormones cortisol and aldosterone,  due to the destruction of the outer layers of the adrenal gland.

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Acromegaly (Hypersomatotropism) in Cats

Acromegaly in cats

At a glance

About: Acromegaly is a hormone disorder, due to a hormone-secreting tumour of the pituitary gland.

Symptoms:

  • Enlarged facial features
  • Poor coat condition
  • Weight gain
  • Neurological signs

Diagnosis: CT or MRI scan and blood work can diagnose the condition.

Treatment: Surgery, radiation therapy or medications.

Also called: Pituitary gigantism or hypersomatotropism.

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Cat in Pain – Signs of Pain in Cats

Cats are hardwired to hide signs of and discomfort, which serves a useful evolutionary purpose. Larger predatory animals seek out the young and the weak, therefore hiding signs of pain is a way to avoid being singled out as an easy target. As pet owners, however, a cat’s stoic nature can make it difficult for us to determine if our cat is in pain.

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Jaundice in Cats

Jaundice in cats

 

What is jaundice?

Also known as icterus, jaundice is a condition characterised by a yellowing of the skin, whites of the eyes and mucous membranes (gums) due to increased levels of bilirubin in the blood.

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Gastrointestinal Obstruction in Cats

Gastrointestinal obstruction in cats

At a glance

About: A gastrointestinal blockage is a blockage that occurs anywhere along the gastrointestinal tract from the mouth to the anus.

Causes: Ingested foreign object, hairballs, tumours, heavy worm infection, twisting of the intestine, telescoping of the intestine and adhesions.

Symptoms:

  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea or a complete absence of
    defecation
  • Painful abdomen
  • Loss of appetite
  • Weight loss
  • Hunched over appearance
  • Lethargy

Treatment: Surgery to remove or repair the blockage.

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Panting in Cats: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Panting in cats

At a glance

Panting is defined as open-mouthed breathing; it is not as common in cats as it is in dogs; however, the appearance is the same. It can be a sign that a cat is having difficulty breathing.

Causes:

Normal

Not all panting indicates an underlying condition. It is normal for a cat to pant after playing when they are stressed and as a way to cool down. The latter can be an indicator that your cat is suffering from heat stress.

Abnormal

  • Asthma
  • Anemia
  • Bronchitis
  • Fever
  • Heat stress
  • Heatstroke
  • Hyperthyroidism
  • Heart disorders
  • Pleural effusion
  • Pneumothorax
  • Pain
  • Shock

Treatment: The goal of treatment is to find and address the underlying cause as well as provide supportive care to help the cat breathe.

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