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 …
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 …
As with rhinotracheitis, the feline calicivirus is a very contagious organism that can create both acute upper respiratory disease and chronic carriers in all ages. The incubation period of the calicivirus is anywhere from 2 to 10 days. Sneezing, fever, nasal discharge, oral ulcers, and …
Lyme disease has come to the forefront in public awareness because of its ability to cause human illness. The disease, caused by the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi, is spread to dogs and to humans primarily through the bite of an infected tick. The disease is fairly …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
Superficial bacterial skin disease in cats can take on a number of appearances. Feline acne is perhaps the most common type seen in veterinary circles. This disease is characterized by infection of the hair follicles and the appearance of blackheads and/or pustules on the chins …