This type of diabetes should not be confused with diabetes mellitus, which involves abnormal glucose metabolism. Diabetes insipidus involves abnormal water metabolism, and it occurs when there is a lack of the antidiuretic hormone (ADH). ADH is normally produced by the hypothalamus of the brain, yet it exerts its effects on the kidneys, causing water …
Diabetes mellitus is one of the more common endocrine diseases affecting both dogs and cats. The condition is caused by a deficiency in (or in some cases, a resistance to) the hormone called insulin, which is created by special cells within the pancreas. Insulin is responsible for regulating the uptake of blood sugar, or glucose, …
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 tumor involving the thyroid gland. Because thyroid hormone helps regulate …
Feline ischemic encephalopathy (FIE) is a neurologic condition that has been known to strike cats. FIE is caused by a sudden disruption of blood supply to the brain, similar to a stroke in humans. Although a definitive cause has yet to be determined, cardiomyopathy, neoplasia metastasis, and even feline heartworms are suspect. Affected cats exhibit …
Feline hyperesthesia syndrome (“twitchy skin syndrome”) is a condition characterized by some unique clinical signs. Affected cats exhibit a rippling of the skin on their backs, especially when petted in the lower back region. They might chew or lick at their tail incessantly, and appear to be “spaced out,” spontaneously darting throughout a room or …
The vestibular system is a specialized portion of the nervous system found within the inner ear, brain, and spinal cord. Its duty is to maintain a state of equilibrium and balance. By communicating with the nerves supplying the eyes, limbs, and trunk, the body is able to coordinate the position and activity of these regions …
Paralysis can be defined as a disruption of the nervous system leading to an impairment of motor function and/or feeling to a particular region or regions of the body. This impairment can be in the form of a spasticity of the muscles in the involved region, or these muscles may become completely limp. In either …
Those who own a pet that has suffered from seizures know firsthand how scary these episodes can be. A seizure is defined as uncontrollable behavior or muscle activity caused by an abnormal increase in the brain’s nervous activities. Epilepsy is a term used to describe recur- ring seizures. Seizural activity in cats can be quite …
As an electrolyte, potassium serves a variety of functions within the body, including maintaining proper fluid volume and pH. Potassium is also necessary for normal muscle contraction. Many illnesses in cats can also produce deficiencies in this electrolyte, or hypokalemia, within their bodies. This is especially true for those cats suffering from kidney disease, liver …
Hypokalemic Myopathy (Potassium Depletion) in Cats Read More »
Myositis is inflammation of muscle tissue that results in pain, weakness, and muscle atrophy (shrinking). Cats suffering from severe bouts of myositis are reluctant to move and can actually appear as if they are paralyzed as a result of the inflammatory effects on the muscles. Myositis can be caused by a number of different disease …