The Dog’s Head
The Dog’s Head
Looking carefully at a dog’s head can give you a good general indication of his or her overall health status and temperament. First of all, dogs eyes should be clear and bright.
Ear Problems in Cats: Causes and Treatment
The inside lining of the ear is normally smooth with a small amount of wax buildup. Many problems can cause the ears to be irritated, inflamed and/or infected. Any of these causes left untreated can lead to more complicated problems, including middle and inner ear damage and hearing loss. Most cats let you know that…
Cat Eye Disorders
EYE TUMORS Seventy-five percent of eye tumors in the cat are malignant, aggressive forms of cancer (in dogs the ratio is reversed, 75 percent of tumors are benign and do not spread or become life-threatening). An Iris melanoma is the most common type of tumor affecting cat’s eyes. Older cats may develop a visible brown…
Feline Asthma and Wheezing
Feline Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease characterized by sudden episodes of breathing difficulty. Episodes are most often triggered by allergies or stress, which cause constriction of the airways. This leads to breathing difficulty, coughing and wheezing. A low-grade, chronic cough may be the only sign but an acute crisis can occur at any time…
Bad Breath in Cats
MOUTH INFECTIONS FELINE STOMATITIS/LPGS Feline Stomatitis is also called Lymphocyte Plasmacytic Gingivitis Stomatitis (LPGS). LPGS is a severe disease of the oral cavity in certain cats. These cats develop an allergic reaction to the plaque around their teeth. This response causes severe inflammation at the junction where the tooth meets the gum line. CAUSE The…
Eye Infections in Kittens
EYE INFECTIONS IN KITTENS (CONJUNCTIVITIS NEONATORUM) Conjunctivitis Neonatorum is an inflammatory condition of the conjunctiva, the white tissue lining the eyelids that occurs due to Herpes Virus infection in kittens. The virus enters the eye through the eyelids before they have opened. Prompt intervention prevents rupture of the cornea and permanent scarring of the eye.…
Cat Eyelid Problems
EYELIDS AND DRY EYE The eyelids serve many important functions. They protect the cornea, the clear outer portion of the eye, and the eye itself from trauma. They keep light out and determine the size and shape of the opening of the eye. The eyelids also produce and spread tears over the eye. Tears supply…
Oral (Mouth) Cancer in Cats
Squamous Cell Carcinoma is the most common type of oral cancer in cats. SIGNS Drooling and lack of appetite usually occur after tumor has been present several months. Oral examination reveals a red, raised swollen area of gum tissue that may or may not be ulcerated. CAUSES The true cause is unknown but experts speculate…
Feline Dental Hygiene
Disease of the oral cavity is the most common health problem treated in small animal clinics today. 85 percent of all cats and dogs over two years old have periodontal disease. Left untreated, this is now known to be a leading cause of heart disease in pets and in people. Bacterial from the mouth are…
Feline Eye Problems; Corneal (eye) Ulcers
Corneal ulcers are very common in cats and are defined as an abrasion or defect of the cornea, which is the clear front part of the eye. Squinting and tearing are common signs and occur because ulcers are painful. CAUSES OF CORNEAL (EYE) ULCERS Causes include: 1. Chronic Herpes Virus infections commonly cause corneal ulcers.…
Feline Eye Problems; Conjunctivitis
SIGNS OF CONJUNCTIVITIS * Red eyes. * Mucous or watery eye discharge. * Thick yellowish-green eye discharge. * Swollen eyes. * Pawing and/or rubbing eyes. CAUSES OF CONJUNCTIVITIS * Conjunctivitis most often occurs secondary to viral upper respiratory infections (Cat Flu) due to Feline Herpes Virus and/or Calici Virus. Chlamydia and occasionally Mycoplasma may also…
Cat Eyes
Yours cat’s eyes should normally be clear, bright, and free of discharge. Red eyes in a cat can signal problems requiring treatment from eye drops to emergency surgery. Conjunctivitis is the most common eye problem in cats and is defined as an inflammation of the white membranes lining the inside of the eyelids. It leads…
Runny Eyes Chlamydia: Feline Pneumonitis
Chlamydia Psittaci is a microscopic bacteria like organism that lives in the white tissues of the eye called the conjunctiva. Chlamydial infection causes a syndrome called Pneumonitis and usually affects the respiratory system and/or the eyes. The most common sign is runny eyes due to conjunctivitis. However, unlike the conjunctivitis caused by Feline Herpes Virus,…
Cat Flu
In this article Cat Flu is used to refer to Feline Upper Respiratory Disease. This is a complex illness commonly caused by a combination of viral and bacterial infections. All cats are susceptible but kittens with immature immune systems and breeds with facial flattening, like Persians are predisposed and more prone. Once cats are infected,…
Vaccines
Vaccines help protect your cat against many of the most serious potentially fatal diseases. Newborn kittens receive natural protection from antibodies in their mother’s first milk (called colostrum) while nursing. This protection lasts for the first few months of life then your kitten has to fend for himself. Most kittens need a series of shots…
The Importance of Observing a Cat’s Head
Careful observation of a cat’s head can give a good general indication of overall health status and temperament. Take a few minutes each day; look, listen and feel your cat starting with his or her head. First of all, cat’s eyes should be clear, bright and free of tears and the nostrils should be clean.…