Complete Guide on Cat Health: Articles on Cat and Cat Health Library.

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

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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
• Treatment
• Living and Management
• Prevention

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Rectoanal Polyps in Cats

The growth of flap-like protrusions in the cat’s anal and rectal walls is a condition referred to as rectoanal polyps. These polyps may be directly attached to the intestinal walls (sessile), or attached through a stalk-like cylindrical connection.

Most rectoanal polyps are non-cancerous, and are merely extensions of the innermost tissue lining of the intestinal walls. And while most cases of polyps are usually isolated, there are occasions cats suffer from multiple polyps.

The condition described in this medical article can affect both dogs and cats. If you would like to learn how rectoanal polyps affects dogs, please visit this page in the PetMD health library.

• Symptoms and Types
• Causes
• Diagnosis
• Treatment
• Living and Management

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Sinus Bradycardia in Cats

Sinus bradycardia (SB) is indicated by sinus impulses are arising at a slower-than-normal rate. The sinoatrial node (SA Node, or SAN), also called the sinus node, is the initiator of electrical impulses within the heart, triggering the heart to beat, or contract, by firing off electrical surges (also referred to as the pacemaker). These irregularities are usually caused by disruptions in the cardiac autonomic nerves (nerves that act as a control system). In most instances, this is usually benign and may even be beneficial; however, it can cause loss of consciousness if it brought about by an underlying disease.

• Symptoms and Types
• Causes
• Diagnosis
• Treatment
• Living and Management

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Oronasal Fistula in Cats

A fistula is characterized as an abnormal passageway between two openings, hollow organs, or cavities. They occur as a result of injury, infection, or disease. A communicating, vertical passageway between the mouth and nasal cavity is called an oronasal fistula. Oronasal fistulas are rare in cats, but they do occur.

These types of fistulas are caused by the diseased condition of any tooth in the upper jaw. The most common location for an oronasal fistula is where the root of the fourth premolar on the upper jaw enters the palate. This condition will need to be surgically corrected to prevent food and water from passing from the mouth into the nasal cavity. If this should occur, it will cause irritation of the nose, runny nose, inflammation of the sinuses, infection, and possibly pneumonia.

• Symptoms and Types
• Causes
• Diagnosis
• Treatment
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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
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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
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• Diagnosis
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• Living and Management

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Hyperchloremia in Cats

Hyperchloremia refers to abnormally high levels of chloride (an electrolyte) in the blood. Electrolytes play important roles within the dog’s body: helping in heart and nervous system functions, fluid balance, delivery of oxygen, and much more. For every electrolyte a very delicate chemical balance is required, and each electrolyte has a specific normal range in the body.

• Symptoms and Types
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• Diagnosis
• Treatment
• Living and Management

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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
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Animals, like people, are prone to skin irritations. While they can often be treated with ointments and creams, an abscess can form if an irritation worsens or if bacteria invades the skin. An abscess can also occur when an animal becomes infected from a variety of injuries, and can be found on virtually any part of an animal’s body. It is important to note that while surface wounds are fairly common in pets, they can become problematic if they are infected and are left untreated.

• Symptoms and Types
• Diagnosis
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• Living and Management

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