Well over three million dogs have some form of acquired heart disease and may be in heart failure. Heart failure results when the heart is unable to pump blood at a rate necessary to meet the body’s needs. As the heart tries to work harder, further damage occurs.
Cat Diseases
Feline Leukemia is the leading viral killer of cats today. The virus is spread by prolonged cat-to-cat contact and through bite wounds. The virus is shed in saliva, tears, urine, and feces.
Feline Heart Problems
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most common heart disease in cats affecting heart muscle function so that it can not pump blood effectively. Blood circulation is impaired and the body is deprived of oxygen and vital nutrients.
Feline Urinary Tract Problems
Urine forms in the kidneys, is stored in the urinary bladder, then passes through a narrow tube called the urethra, and is eliminated. Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease – (FLUTD) is a common group of conditions affecting the urinary bladder and/or urethra in neutered cats.
Feline Kidney Problems
The kidneys filter and remove toxic waste products from the cat’s blood via the urine. They also regulate calcium and vitamin D levels, maintain the cat’s level of hydration and secrete the hormone responsible for red blood cell production.
Cat Liver Problems
The liver is a vital organ and is affected by 5 major disorders in cats. These include toxins from poisons or bacteria; a variety of Cancers which tend to spread and Portosystemic Shunts in which blood circulation in the liver is abnormal.
Hormone Disorders in Cats
The hormone or endocrine system is made up of seven glands that produce substances called hormones, which travel to different parts of the body and stimulate a response. Disorders occur when the glands produce either too much or too little of a particular hormone.
Your Cat’s Golden Years
Over 75% of our cats and dogs have passed middle age and are entering their “golden years”.
To call a cat old, one mustn’t consider chronological age, but rather physiological condition. Biological and chronological aging are not inexorably linked.
Systemic Illness
Systemic illness is defined as a disease of any major organ system or any condition that ultimately affects the whole body. The signs will vary depending on which organ system is involved, for instance the heart, liver or kidneys.
HOMEMADE DIET FOOD OPTIONS A cats diet is generally 60 to 80 percent protein, 20 percent vegetables and 20 percent grain. Homemade foods to fulfill these dietary requirements may include: Protein Sources: * Raw ground chuck * Raw organic chicken * Cooked chicken, turkey, lamb or beef Vegetable Sources * Use finely grated raw zucchini…