Pleural effusion is an abnormal buildup of fluid up in the pleural cavity, the thin fluid-filled space that lies between the lungs and the chest wall.
Two membranes line the thorax and lungs, and the space between naturally has a small amount of fluid, which helps to lubricate the lungs as he breathes in and out. Small blood vessels in the pleural lining produce this fluid, blood and lymph nodes take away excess fluid to keep it all in balance.
Yes, this is entirely possible. A queen is in heat (estrus) for 1 – 4 days, during this period she will mate several times, and potentially with several different males.
All kittens are born with their eyes closed, which enables the eyes to continue developing after birth and protect them from light. The kitten’s eyes will begin to open from 7 to 10 days post-birth.
Yes, chicken liver is safe for cats to eat in moderation, but must only make up a small percentage of your cat’s diet — 5 % at most per week. Liver contains many nutrients which are essential to good health. However, the liver stores vitamin A and cats who consumes moderate to large amounts are at risk of vitamin A toxicosis. This is a slow and progressive disease which can take months to develop, in some cases, irreversible damage has occurred.
Also known as bobcat fever, cytauxzoonosis is a severe and often fatal blood-borne parasitic infection caused by the protozoal organism Cytauxzoon felis. Its natural host is the bobcat (Lynx rufus), who harbours the parasite with mild or subclinical effects.
Ticks are small ectoparasites, meaning they live on the outside of their host, and are members of the arachnid family (spiders and mites are also members of this family). There are over 800 species of tick, and their distribution is worldwide. Australia has around 70 species of tick. There are several diseases cats can pick up from tick bites which we will cover below.
Medically known as allergic rhinitis, hayfever is a type of allergic reaction to pollen. Normally the immune system ignores harmless substances, but some cats develop an inappropriate immune response to pollen characterised by sneezing, watery eyes and a runny nose.
Sometimes it may be necessary for your cat to stay at the veterinary surgery for a period to be treated for and/or recovery from an illness or surgery. Hospitalisation of a cat is often a difficult time for both the cat and the owner and many people ask if they should visit your cat while he is at the hospital.
Affectionately referred to as tripod cats, leg amputation is the surgical removal of the limb. Cats are such agile creatures, it is hard to imagine how a cat could possibly cope on three legs, but they manage easier than we often give them credit for.
