Feline Tooth Resorption
This is a syndrome seen only in cats where their teeth begin to dissolve. A veterinarian usually notices defects, or holes, in various areas of the teeth during a routine examination or during a dental cleaning. Currently, the cause of this syndrome is unknown. Some veterinarians feel these patients may have a calcium imbalance. Most [...]
continue readingFood Allergy
There can be two different syndromes associated with food allergy: a syndrome that affects the skin and a syndrome that affects the gastrointestinal tract. For simplicity, both syndromes will be covered here. For either syndrome, there is a substance within the food that is causing the problem. For skin reactions, it is generally a specific [...]
continue readingFeline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD)
This disease is very complex and misunderstood. The term idiopathic is used with this syndrome meaning the cause is not known. There are many thoughts on why cats develop this frustrating disease, but there is no evidence to prove or disprove each hypothesis. A cat will be diagnosed with the condition if they exhibit the [...]
continue readingFlea Allergy
All pets scratch and chew when they have fleas. Pets with true flea allergy will become intensely uncomfortable with only one flea bite. These pets are allergic to antigens in flea saliva. Dogs tend to have hair loss and intense itching on the back end, down the back of the thighs, and on the front [...]
continue readingFeline Immunodeficiency Virus
This virus is in the same family as HIV, the human immunodeficiency virus. The mode of action is the same as HIV, meaning that the patient’s immune system is compromised. These patients have chronic and recurrent infections or illnesses. The virus is transmitted through cat saliva, namely cat bites. This is more common in outdoor [...]
continue readingFeline Infectious Peritonitis
This virus is highly aggressive and affects many systems in the body, including the gastrointestinal tract, the lungs, and the neurological system. It is more common in cats less than 3 years of age. The diagnosis of FIP is difficult and in most cases, it is a diagnosis of assumption. FIP is caused by viral [...]
continue readingFibrosarcoma Associated with Vaccination
Overall, it is extremely rare for a cat to develop a sarcoma after vaccination. These tumors grow rapidly and can metastasize to the lungs. They are locally destructive and grow into the muscle which makes surgical removal difficult. Usually the rabies or leukemia vaccine is the cause of the tumor. Cats that receive multiple vaccines [...]
continue readingFever
The definition of a fever in dogs and cats is any temperature above 102.5. However, pets routinely have low grade fevers (up to 103.0) due to excitement and stress. Prolonged fevers can cause dehydration and anorexia, and very high fevers (>106.0) can lead to death. Cats: feline leukemia, FIP, FIV, herpesvirus, abscesses, kidney infection, cancer, [...]
continue readingFeline Panleukopenia Virus
Panleukopenia refers to a low white blood cell count. This virus causes destruction of a pet’s white blood cells. This disease is the equivalent of canine parvovirus and the virus is actually extremely similar to the canine form. Feline parvovirus can survive many years in the environment and is extremely contagious. As noted before, this [...]
continue readingFeline Leukemia Virus
This virus can cause immune suppression and cancer in cats. It is more common in outdoor cats although indoor cats have been known to test positive for this disease. This disease is usually fatal within 2-3 years after infection. The virus is very stable in the environment. The most common mode of infection is cat [...]
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