Heartworm disease is a serious and potentially fatal disease caused by worms called Dirofilaria immitus. These worms are “spaghetti-like”, grow up to 12″ long, and reside in the heart. The Larval Form of this worm is transmitted by the bite of a mosquito. Cats of all ages and breeds are susceptible but three to six…
Constipation is the infrequent passage of stool and/or straining to defecate. The feces may be hard or just firmer than normal. Recurrent constipation can lead to Obstipation which is the term used for severe, persistent constipation. The colon, which is the end or terminal portion of the large intestine, becomes dilated and enlarged. Stool retained…
Diarrhea is defined as a change in the frequency, consistency or volume of stools. It is the most common sign of disease of the small intestine in cats and dogs. Abnormal intestinal absorption of nutrients is usually the underlying cause which can occur because of a variety of infectious, toxins and/or dietary factors. SYMPTOMS * Large volumes of…
Twenty-Five percent of cats are clinically obese, which is defined as an excess accumulation of body fat. This is important because obesity can reduce your cats life span. Obesity also predisposes to Heart Disease, Skin Disorders, Arthritis, and Fatty Liver Disease, Cancer, Lower Urinary Tract Disease, and Diabetes. Obesity can either cause or result from Diabetes. In either case…
Cats are naturally finicky when it comes to food and missing an occasional meal is not unusual, but cats that stop eating completely even for a few days can develop a liver problem called Fatty Liver or Hepatic Lipidosis which is very serious. This liver disease perpetuates both the appetite loss and the cat’s illness.…
Proper nutrition is vital to good health and maximizes the quality and length of life. Commercially available premium foods are convenient and their composition is regulated by the American Association of Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) and the United States Food and Drug Administration (USDA). The label should clearly state that the food is nutritionally complete…
Vomiting that occurs occasionally in an otherwise healthy cat is generally not a cause for concern. Vomiting that persists for over 72 hours with or without signs of illness such as appetite loss, depression, lethargy, or diarrhea can indicate a more severe problem and should be addressed. The fluids lost during vomiting result in dehydration…
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…
Cats are naturally fastidious and constantly groom themselves. Vomiting hairballs from time to time is pretty standard, as are occasional bouts of indigestion. As the years go by some owners notice that they are spending a little more time cleaning up hairballs or vomit piles. The litter box may contain more or less stool than…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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.…
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…
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…
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…
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.…
Work together with your cat’s vet as a partner in your pet’s healthcare team.When your cat is sick, jot down the most important facts about his or her problem and keep updated progress reports. Notes should include: *Your cat’s age and history. *Signs of the problem, the date they began, how long they have lasted…
FELINE IMMUNO DEFICIENCY VIRUS (FIV) (FELINE AIDS) FIV is a retrovirus related to but distant from the Feline Leukemia Virus. FIV is classified as a Lentivirus (or “slow virus”) as are the viruses that cause: • Progressive Pneumonia in Sheep • Infectious Anemia in Horses • Arthritis – Encephalitis in Goats • Acquired Immune Deficiency…
Fleas are the most common cause of itching and skin irritation in dogs. Over 50 percent of all skin allergies in dogs are due to fleas. The allergy is actually a reaction to a protein component of the fleas’ saliva. When these “allergic dogs” are bitten by a flea, they itch themselves until their skin…
Cat Rabies is on the increase. Presently the number of documented cases of Feline Rabies exceeds that of all other domestic animals. Cat Rabies is a major public health concern. Because of the fatal outcome and potential for human exposure, Rabies vaccination is recommended, it’s also a law in many states. All cats 12 weeks…
DOMESTIC ANIMAL ZOONOSES Domestic animals, including dogs, cats, cattle, horses, poultry, sheep, and swine can transmit a variety of diseases to people.