Mite infestation, commonly known as mange, requires the diagnostic and treatment expertise of a veterinarian. The common mites infecting dogs and cats are microscopic, requiring skin scrapes and subsequent microscopic examination by the veterinarian for diagnosis. Notoedres Mange (Cats) The most common mange mite infecting …
The accumulation of hair within the stomach is the most common cause of vomiting in cats. Because of their self-grooming habits and the roughened nature of their tongues, cats are prone to hairballs. Incidence of this problem increases during the spring and fall months because …
Immunization can help protect the cat against some infectious diseases. Vaccinations trigger the production of antibodies against certain microorganisms, making a cat immune to many diseases without causing the symptoms of the disease. For example, cats can be vaccinated against feline infectious enteritis, feline herpes …
Mucopolysaccharidosis is an inherited disorder that has been documented in Siamese cats. It results from an enzyme deficiency that allows polysaccharide carbohydrates to accumulate within the cells of the body. The skeletal system is particularly affected, with stricken cats suffering from bony spurs on the …
Cats can suffer from allergies, producing a range of symptoms, including itchy skin (and redness if the cat has been persistently scratching itself), sneezing, asthmatic wheezing, vomiting, diarrhea, and bloating. Allergies occur when the immune system overreacts to a foreign substance, usually harmless, leading to …
From the very first day, get to know your cat’s usual physical condition and normal behavior so that you recognize good health and can quickly detect any signs of illness. By monitoring your cat for changes in activity or behavior, you can spot illness or …
Without a functioning immune system, our pets would easily fall prey to every hostile organism that came around. Immunity is designed to protect against such infectious invaders and eliminate any foreign matter or cells that somehow gain entrance into the body. Preventing the growth of …
A condition of hyperthyroidism in cats is caused by an increase in circulating levels of thyroid hormones, namely, thyroxine (T3) and triiodothyronine (T4). When it occurs, hyperthyroidism is most commonly seen in cats greater than 8 years of age, usually as a result of a …
Anemia is defined as an overall reduction in the number of red blood cells within the bloodstream relative to normal levels within that pet. This reduction can occur from a number of processes, including an increased destruction or decreased production of red blood cells within …
The respiratory system works in conjunction with the circulatory system to provide oxygen to and to remove carbon dioxide from the body tissues. Oxygen is the driving force behind all chemical reactions that occur internally. Obviously, life could not exist without it. As a result, …