Category — cat health library
Heart Attack in Cats
Myocardial Infarction in Cats
Much like in humans, a blockage of blood flow to the myocardium (the heart’s muscular wall), is medically referred to as a heart attack, or myocardial infarction. This is generally due to the formation of a blood clot (or thrombus) within the blood vessels or heart, causing the premature death of a portion of the myocardium.
Heart attacks are rare in both cats and dogs.
- Symptoms and Types
- Causes
- Diagnosis
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- Living And Management
- Prevention
February 25, 2010 No Comments
Abnormal Diaphragm Opening in Cats
Diaphragmatic Hernia in Cats
Diaphragmatic hernias occur when an abdominal organ (such as the stomach, liver, intestine, etc.) moves into an abnormal opening in the cat’s diaphragm, the sheet of muscle separating the abdomen from the rib cage area. This can occur because of an acquired injury from a forceful blow, such as a car accident, or because of a defect at birth (congenital).
The condition or disease described in this medical article can affect both dogs and cats. If you would like to learn more about how this disease affects dogs please visit this page in the PetMD health library.
- Symptoms and Types
- Causes
- Diagnosis
- Treatment and Care
- Living and Management
- Prevention
February 22, 2010 No Comments
Abnormal Eyelid in Cats
Entropion
Entropion is a genetic condition in which a portion of the eyelid is inverted or folded inward against the eyeball. This results in irritation and scratches to the cornea — the front surface of the eye — leading to corneal ulceration, or corneal perforation. It can also leave dark-colored scar tissue to build up over the wound (pigmentary keratitis). These factors may cause a loss or decrease in vision.
Generally, only brachycephalic breeds of cats, such as Persians, are at risk. Entropion is almost always diagnosed around the time a cat reaches its second year of age.
- Symptoms and Types
- Causes
- Diagnosis
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- Living and Management
- Prevention
February 20, 2010 No Comments
Abnormal Protein Production in Cats
Paraproteinemia in Cats
Gamma globulins, or immunoglobulins, are part of the body’s antibody response to fighting infections. They are a class of blood protein produced by a plasma cell - a type of white blood cell (WBC); their purpose is to identify and neutralize invading bacteria and viruses. Their production is a continual process, much like the rest of the blood cells.
- Symptoms and Types
- Causes
- Diagnosis
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- Living and Management
February 16, 2010 No Comments
Abnormality in the Ureter in Cats
Ectopic Ureter
An ectopic (displaced) ureter is a congenital abnormality in which one or both ureters open into the urethra or vagina. Bilateral ectopia affects both ureters, and unilateral ectopia affects one ureter. In cats affected with ectopic ureter, the ureter completely bypasses the bladder and enters the urethra from outside of the bladder walls (extramural type).
- Symptoms
- Causes
- Diagnosis
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- Living and Management
February 15, 2010 No Comments
Abnormally Large Kidneys in Cats
Renomegaly in Cats
Renomegaly is a condition in which one or both kidneys are abnormally large, confirmed by abdominal palpation, ultrasounds, or X-rays. The cat’s respiratory, nervous, hormonal, urinary and digestive systems are all affected by this condition.
In addition, renomegaly is not exclusive to cats, dogs can suffer from it, too. If you would like to learn more about how this condition affects dogs, please visit this page in the PetMD health library.
- Symptoms and Types
- Causes
- Diagnosis
- Treatment
- Living and Management
February 12, 2010 No Comments
Accumulation of Air Between Chest and Lungs in Cats
Pneumothorax in Cats
Pneumothorax is the medical term for an accumulation of air in the area between the cat’s chest wall and lungs (the pleural space). It may be categorized as traumatic or spontaneous, and closed or open.
Both dogs and cats are susceptible to pneumothorax. If you would like to learn more about how this disease affects dogs please visit this page in the PetMD health library.
- Symptoms and Types
- Causes
- Diagnosis
- Treatment
- Living and Management
- Prevention
February 9, 2010 No Comments
Acid Reflux in Cats
Gastroesophageal Reflux
Gastroesophageal reflux is a condition characterized by the uncontrollable reverse flow of gastric or intestinal fluids into the tube connecting the throat and the stomach (esophagus). This may be due to a brief relaxation of the muscular opening at the base of the esophagus (referred to as the sphincter), as well as chronic vomiting. Gastroesophageal reflux is fairly common in cats, and may occur at any age, although younger cats are at greater risk.
- Symptoms and Types
- Causes
- Diagnosis
- Treatment
- Living and Management
- Prevention
February 8, 2010 No Comments
Acral Lick Dermatitis
Skin Diseases in Cats that Involve Licking
Acral lick dermatitis is a firm, raised, ulcerative, or thickened plaque usually located on the back side of the ankle, or between the toes. The age at which it occurs in cats varies with the cause. Some veterinarians believe it may more commonly affect males, while others indicate there is no predisposition.
- Symptoms and Types
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- Diagnosis
- Treatment
- Living and Management
February 6, 2010 No Comments
Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) in Cats
Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) involves severe inflammation of the lungs which ultimately leads to acute respiratory failure and death in affected cats. This is a life-threatening problem, causing death in a majority of patients despite life saving efforts and treatment. An almost 100 percent death rate is reported in affected cats due to ARDS. Genetic factors have been found to play a role in the development of acute respiratory failure in people, but these factors have not yet been investigated in cats.
- Symptoms and Types
- Causes
- Diagnosis
- Treatment
- Living and Management
February 4, 2010 No Comments