Failure to detect and treat inflammation within the external ear canal early enough can lead to the establishment of a bacterial infection within the ear. Often, these infections result when the harmless bacteria that normally inhabit the ear are overwhelmed by the inflammation, allowing their not-so-peaceful counterparts to proliferate and take over. A creamy brown …
Malassezia pachydermatis is the yeast organism most commonly involved in otitis externa. This is not surprising, since Malassezia is normally found within the ear canals of healthy cats, causing no problems whatsoever. However, if inflammation strikes for whatever reason, the yeast takes advantage of a good situation and begins to proliferate. When this growth reaches …
The integrity of the eyelids is vital to protect the eyes from environmental hazards. Any disruption or alteration in the normal lid anatomy can place vision in jeopardy. And certain masses involving the lids can do just that if they become large enough. Chalazions are masses involving the eyelid that originate from the small meibomian …
An opacity involving the lens of the eye that prevents light from reaching the retina is termed a cataract. Cataracts can be inherited (juvenile cataracts) or might develop secondary to eye trauma, infections, or metabolic disease, such as diabetes mellitus. As lens opacity increases, the amount of light allowed to reach the retina is diminished, …
Glaucoma is a condition characterized by an increase in fluid pressure from the aqueous humor within the eye(s). In the normal eye, pressure and aqueous levels are maintained at a constant plateau by the continual drainage of excess aqueous humor out of the eye through tiny ports (drainage angles) located where the edge of the …
Inflammation of the thin, transparent mucous membrane lining the inner portion of the eyelids and front part of the sclera is termed conjunctivitis. Conjunctivitis is the most common cause of “red eyes” in cats. Other signs seen with conjunctivitis include discharge, swelling, and pain. The type of discharge present can sometimes give a clue as …
Deep corneal ulcerations are treated the same way that superficial ulcerations are, yet these require close observation for progression or worsening of the ulcer. Bacterial cultures of such ulcers are necessary to be certain that the antibiotics being used are effective against any organisms involved. For deep ulcers that worsen or fail to respond to …
The transparent cornea enclosing the front portion of the eye is a remarkable organ in itself. Responsible for gathering light and directing it into the eye, healthy corneas are essential for proper vision. It stands to reason, then, that ulcerations (loss of surface epithelium) or scratches involving one or more corneal surfaces can seriously threaten …
Whenever a lump or mass appears on/or beneath the skin of a cat, five possibilities exist as to its source: An abscess A hematoma or seroma A cyst A granuloma A tumor Obviously, because the cause can vary, owners will need to employ the help of a veterinarian for identification of the mass. A fine-needle …
Initiated by the ultraviolet rays of the sun, solar dermatitis can occur in cats with insufficient skin pigmentation to block the harmful effects of sunlight. Cats with white hair coats (or those with white ears and/or white faces) that live in hot, sunny climates are most prone to this dermatopathy. In cats, lesions usually begin …