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Facts You Need To Learn About Blood Thickening In Cats

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Blood thickening usually happens in the older cats and may give imprecise symptoms, which are often seen in some other condition. Due to this circumstance, it is very important for the cat owners to be well aware of the cat’s normal habits, as well as seek some help when the abnormal symptoms or habits happen. In this article, we will be discussing further about blood thickening and more. Read on if you want to learn more about it!

Blood Thickening in Cats: What is this feline condition?

Polycythemia vera or blood thickening in cats is a blood condition in cats, which involves then abnormal thickening of the blood. Mainly, this is because of the increase in production of red blood cell through the bone marrow. Moreover, it is mainly seen in the older cats.

Additionally, blood thickening in cats commonly happens in the older cats and may give some vague symptoms, which are often seen in some other conditions. Due to this fact, it is so important for the cat owners to be well aware of their own cat’s normal behavior, as well as to seek some help when any abnormal symptoms or behaviors happen.

Moreover, polycythemia vera is also a condition, which may cause the blood to get thicker because of the abnormal increase in the number or concentration of red blood cells in the body of the cat. This particular increase actually happens in the bone marrow of the cat, where the blood cells are yielded. Further, there are a few different kinds of the condition. Proper identification of the specific kind of blood thickening in cats is important in the proper treatment of the condition.

Causes of Cat Blood Thickening

Even though it is not always possible to identify the cause of the blood thickening in cats, precisely describing the symptoms of the cat may help the vet in determining the real cause. This is for the reason that each kind of the condition displays different symptoms, and each of them is attributed to a diverse cause.

  • Absolute blood thickening (polycythemia vera), primary, is due to an abnormal increase in the production of red blood cell, specifically in the bone marrow.
  • Absolute blood thickening, secondary (polycythemia vera), is due to an increase in the erythropoietin on the kidneys because of heart failure, lung disease, or abnormalities in the circulatory system.
  • Transient blood thickening (polycythemia vera) is due to the contraction of spleen and injection of red blood cells in the bloodstream during an exercise or excitement.
  • Relative blood thickening (polycythemia vera) is due to an increase in the red blood cells concentration to fluid in cat’s bloodstream because of total blood loss, plasma loss, or dehydration.

Symptoms of Cat Blood Thickening

Commonly, the symptoms develop in a slow manner over time and may become chronic:

  • Brick red or pale mucous membranes
  • Seizures
  • Shaking
  • Vision difficulties
  • Increased thirst
  • Frequent urination
  • Nose bleeding
  • Redness off the skin
  • Small, red spots on the skin
  • Exercise intolerance
  • Loss of appetite or refusal to eating
  • Depression
  • Weakness
  • Breathing difficulties
  • Lethargy

There are three major kinds of blood thickening in cats that may be broken down into subtypes.

  • Absolute blood thickening (polycythemia vera), primary
  • Absolute blood thickening (polycythemia vera), secondary
  • Transient blood thickening (polycythemia vera)
  • Relative blood thickening (polycythemia vera)

Prognosis of Cat Blood Thickening

You may need to give a complete history of the cat’s overall health, including the onset and the nature of the symptoms, to the vet. After which, the vet will perform a thorough physical examination, urinalysis, biochemistry profile, as well as CBC. Further, blood testing may usually reveal a certain increase in the mass of the red blood cell, and in approximately 50% of the cats, an increase in the number of white blood cells.

In order to assess the kidney function and cardiopulmonary systems, the vet may conduct abdominal ultrasounds and X-rays. Meanwhile, echocardiography is essential in the evaluation of the cardiac functions. The vet will also take some samples of the bone marrow and send it to a pathologist for more examination.

Treatments for Cat Blood Thickening

The treatments for blood thickening in cats depends on the kind that the cat has been diagnosed with.

Treatment of Main Causes

In the secondary absolute blood thickening (polycythemia vera), the main condition should be treated to allow the blood to get thinner into its proper concentration. The therapeutic phlebotomy might be performed up until the main condition is already under control.

Medication

Cats with primary absolute blood thickening (polycythemia vera) may be prescribed with hydroxyurea. Further, an antineoplastic medication that prevents the blood marrow from developing excess red blood cells.

Therapeutic Phlebotomy

In this particular procedure, the vet may remove some of the blood from the body of the cat via one of the central veins. In order to prevent an austere drop in the blood pressure while the blood is being removed, saline may instantaneously be administered to the cat. This procedure might need to be done more than once. In several cases, leech application has been beneficial in removing the excess blood from the body of the cat. This is what allows it to thin in a slow manner and prevent any sudden changes in the blood pressure.

Fluid Therapy

The intravenous fluids may be given to the cats who are experiencing blood thickening because of hydration or blood loss. the organs of the cat, like the heart and kidneys, may be monitored during the fluid therapy to ensure that they are responding well in increasing the fluids.

What Should You Know About Entropion In Cats?

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The eyes of the cats may truly be fascinating for those who take time in looking into them. Not just because of the fabulous combinations of colors, yet to the strange behavior of the pupils that change in the size, varying on the amount of light from the environment. The cats’ eyes are very well known for their unique appearance, reflection spots on the roads are actually known as the cat’s yes. Any condition that affects the eyes of the cats, just like entropion, may affect the overall performance and stability of the cat. Read on this article and get to learn about entropion in cats and more!

Entropion in Cats: What is this condition?

Entropion in cats is actually a genetic disease wherein a portion of the eyelid is folded or inverted inward against the eyeballs. This may result in scratches and irritation to the cornea or the front surface of the eyes. This may lead to corneal ulceration, or corneal perforation. Moreover, it might also leave dark-colored scar tissue to build up on the wound. All of these factors might cause a decrease or loss in the vision of the cat.

Dissimilar to that of the dogs, the hereditary entropion in cats is not usual. Sometimes, the hereditary entropion was perceived in the breeds with round and short faces. In general, just the brachycephalic breeds of the cats, like the Persians, are at risk. The entropion is nearly always identified about the time a particular cat finally reaches its two years of age.

Moreover, the entropion in cats is more possible to develop later in life because of some other changes in the eyes. One of the most common cause of it is a spasm on the eyelids that comes with pain from prolonged untreated conjunctivitis or corneal injury. In the adult cats who have herpes virus infections, it can be ajar causes of this condition.

The condition may develop secondary if the eyes move back into its orbit or when it shrinks as a result of austere infection or trauma. Several times, entropion might develop as the result of loss of the eyelids’ normal neurological functions.

Causes of Cat Entropion                     

The facial shape is the main genetic cause of the entropion in cats. In the short-nosed brachycephalic breeds, there’s more tension on their ligaments of their inner eyes than the normal. This, together with the conformation of the face and nose, may lead to both the bottom and to eyelids turning inmost towards the eyeball.

The large breeds actually have the opposite problem. They have the tendency to have an excess slack in the ligaments all over the outer corners of the eyes. This is what permits the outer edges of the eyelids in folding inwards.

The repeated bouts of conjunctivitis may cause spastic entropion in cats. This may lead to the functional entropion. Further, this may also be due to some other kinds of eye irritants and is, in general, the case in the cats, which don’t normally display the condition.

Symptoms of Cat Entropion

The common symptoms of cat entropion commonly include the excess tearing and / or the inflammation of the inner eye. Further, the eye might also be visibly red, or the skin all over the socket may sag. Is some instances, pus or mucus discharge from the outer corner of the eyes may be apparent, thus signaling a possible infection.

Prognosis of Cat Entropion

The diagnosis of entropion in cats is actually done after a through eye examination.

  • In some cats, it is recommendable to test for herpesvirus. This is being carried out with a sample being taken out from the eyes, with the use of a special pad.
  • There are tested and some other components of the eye that helps in determining the underlying cause of the condition.
  • The fluorescein dye is essential in detecting whatever injury there is in the cornea. This might be present because of the constant rubbing of the eyelashes in the cornea. Furthermore, the fluorescein reserved into the damaged areas and it becomes bright green in color.
  • Assess the position of the eyelids right before and after the use of a local anesthetic.

Treatment of Cat Entropion

In case the condition is still mild and the corneas aren’t ulcerated yet, artificial tears may be essential in lubricating the eyes. Furthermore, the ulcerated corneas may be cured using antibiotic and triple antibiotic ointments. Further, surgical operation is often necessary.

This is actually done through the temporary turning of the eyelid inward or outward via suturing. This particular surgery is being done in moderate causes, as well as when an adult cat having no history of the condition shows sign of the condition.

In more austere cases, facial reconstruction is essential, yet generally evaded up until the cat reaches its adult size.

The condition is commonly due to a genetic predisposition, it can’t really be prevented. In case the cat is of a susceptible breed, you need to seek immediate medical treatment as soon as possible, to avoid any complications.

Important Things We Need To Know About Irregular Heart Rhythms In Cats

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Do you happen to notice that your cat’s heart rhythm seem to be of an irregular state? In the actual fact, the heart is being controlled by an electrical conduction system that controls the heart rate. The irregular heart rhythms in cats is not at all times, a serious condition, but still needs to know more about. Read on to this article and get to learn more about this feline condition and more!

Irregular Heart Rhythms in Cats: What is this feline condition?

The heart, as we know is being controlled by a certain electrical conduction system that controls the heart rate. Further, this particular conduction system is what generates the waves or impulses that flow through the heart’s muscles. A healthy heart muscle will then contract and pump blood into the arteries and out into the cat’s body.

The irregular heart rhythms in cats, or cardiac arrhythmia, is vital to bear in mind, yet isn’t always a call for concern. Additionally, the irregular heart rhythms happen every once in a while when a cat is under stress, scared, or nervous. There are also some breeds, like Himalayans, Maine Coon cats, as well as the Persians, which tend to be more susceptible to the irregular heart rhythms than the others.

An intermittent irregular heart rhythm isn’t serious and will not cause any health problems. Nevertheless, a cat may exhibit irregular heartbeat because of the early stages of heart condition, so it’s very wise to take the cat to the vet for some tests. The disturbance in the heartbeat pattern of might be the result of the degeneration of the valves or the heart muscle. Austere causes of irregular heartbeat may lead to the cat’s brain being famished of oxygen due to the reduced blood flow.

Moreover, the irregular heart rhythms may affect a lot of cats and are being characterized by the abnormality in the electrical impulse cycling, which may regulate the beating of the heart. This is what causes the heart to beat either very slow or very fast, or at times to skip beats.

Causes of Irregular Heart Rhythms

The disturbance in the heart rhythm of the cat has a lot of potential underlying causes. While the heart diseases may be due to an irregular rhythm, the cardiac arrhythmia isn’t significantly an indication that the cat is suffering from a heart disease.

Some of the most common cardiac arrhythmia are as follows:

  • Ingestion of toxins
  • Hypothermia
  • Fever
  • Heartworm infection
  • Pancreatitis
  • Heart disease
  • Heart cancer
  • Low blood oxygen content
  • Taurine deficiency
  • Low levels of magnesium
  • Birth defects
  • Poor reaction to drugs
  • Anemia
  • Electrolytes imbalance
  • Hypertension
  • Hyperthyroidism

Symptoms of Irregular Heart Rhythms

The cat might display no symptoms at all if it is so active or engaging in an athletic training. Commonly, the sinus bradycardia is most ostensible when the cat is at rest. Furthermore, some of the most common symptoms that comes with the sinus bradycardia include the following:

  • Loss of appetite
  • Pale gums
  • Rapid breathing
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Fatigue
  • Depression
  • Physical weakness, because of the long pause between the heart beats
  • Heart murmurs, because of the turbulent blood flow in the heart
  • Heart gallop
  • Heart beats very fast
  • Heart beats very slow

Prognosis of Irregular Heart Rhythms

The vet may perform a complete physical examination on the cat, taking into consideration the background history of the symptoms, the overall activity level and condition of the cat, as well as the possible incidents, which may have led to the onset of the condition.

A thorough blood profile may be conducted as well, including a complete chemical blood profile, blood count, as well as urinalysis. The results of these may indicate the presence of the substances, which may be causing a slower heart rate. Further, these examinations may reveal the deficiencies as well in the blood, in case that is the underlying cause. Moreover, these may also offer some clues to a possible kidney failure.

The vet may also use ultrasound and x-rays to examine the cat’s internal organs visually for the abnormalities in the kidney, heart, and some other organs. An EKG or electrocardiogram recording might be used as well in examining the electrical currents in the heart muscles, as well  as might reveal whatever abnormalities there is in the cardiac electrical conduction that underlies the ability of the heart to beat and contract. Additionally, a 24-hour heart monitoring might be necessary in concluding a diagnosis of irregular heart rhythms in cats.

Treatments for Irregular Heart Rhythms

The therapeutic approaches and the treatments for irregular heart rhythms in cats may be determined through the underlying disease for ventricular rate, SB, as well as the austerity of the clinical signs. Nevertheless, a lot of cats may show no clinical signs at all and need no treatment.

Moreover, if the cat is in its critical state, it might be treated as an inpatient, where tan intravenous fluid therapy may be administered. Furthermore, the restrictions on the activity may not be recommendable, except when the cat has symptomatic SB, which is in connection to the structural heart disease. You also need to restrict until medical or surgical interventions already resolve the problem.

Anaphylaxis In Cats: What Should You Know About This Feline Illness?

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Did your vet happen to say the term ‘Anaphylaxis’ when you consulted him/her with your cat? Well, actually, this term mainly means allergic shock, most especially in cats. Anaphylaxis in cats is actually a life-threatening feline illness. Give this article a read and get to learn more about this.

Anaphylaxis in Cats: What is this feline condition?

As what I have said earlier, Anaphylaxis is the terminology that is used by vets to describe a tremendously austere allergic reaction. The Anaphylaxis state is due to an IgE antibodies, which bind to the antigen, thus causing the release of the cytotoxic granules from mast cells and basophils. The histamine and serotonin are then released, thus causing some clinical symptoms of respiratory, cardiovascular, and gastrointestinal distress in a short while.

Moreover, Anaphylaxis in cats is a deadly, abrupt allergic reaction to whatever consumed or injected. This austere kind of allergic reaction may actually be due to medications, foods, vaccines, as well as insect stings or bites. In case the cat is suffering from this condition, it may develop signs of facial swelling, difficulty in breathing, rapid heart rate, vomiting, weak pulse, and / or diarrhea.

Furthermore, the clinical indications of Anaphylaxis in cats may appear in a matter of minutes, after the allergen gets to enter in the body. This may lead to the worse symptoms of comatose, seizure, shock, pale mucus membrane, cold extremities, even death. There is no way for you to know that one cat may experience this condition when they are exposed to a harmless agent, yet cats, which have some other allergies are at higher risk. The condition is always a tremendous emergency situation, which may result in a rapid death, thus seeking vet care is necessary.

Causes of Cat Anaphylaxis

Almost any environmental or consumed substance may cause Anaphylaxis in cats. The causes of the condition might include food, drugs, and insect stings. In case the cat comes in contact with an austere allergen, the body may commonly react austerely. The reaction might be localized, or there might be a systemic reaction. Further, a serious trauma may also cause the same kind of response.

Moreover, the feline condition may be due to an extreme overreaction of the immune system of the cat’s body to a particular allergen. At some extent on the cat’s life, it may have come in contact with the allergen element and it’s at this point that the immunity has perceived this harmless substance as a menace. The immunity made IgE, or some kind of antibodies, in order to bind into the antigen, as well destroy them when they enter the body of the cat one more. The next time that the cat is vaccinated, consumes a particular food product, or got stung, the antibodies may trigger the mast cell receptors and basophil. Moreover, the immunity cells may respond by way of releasing the cytotoxic granules, which contain histamine and serotonin, thus creating a response we see as an allergic response.

Symptoms of Cat Anaphylaxis

The symptoms of Anaphylaxis in cats may happen in just a matter of minutes or take as long as one hour to appear in the cats. The lungs of the cat are the initial organ to get affected in most of the cases of the condition. Hence causing some obstruction in the airways, as well as the difficulty in breathing. This particular upper respiratory effect commonly comes with hypotensive shock, hypoxemia, as well as gastrointestinal symptoms like vomiting and defecation.

Here are some of the most common symptoms of Anaphylaxis in cats that you need to remember:

  • Difficulty in breathing
  • Swelling
  • Itchiness
  • Facial swelling
  • Hives
  • Pale gums
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Wheezing
  • Trembling
  • Cold extremities
  • Reduced body temperature
  • Collapse

Diagnosis of Cat Anaphylaxis

The reaction of the cat to a specific allergen may take place so suddenly, and there are no current tests in determining whether a cat may be vulnerable to a particular stimulus. Nonetheless, the skin allergen tests may be done for a lot of the most common kind of allergens, when they are thought to be the causal problem. An austere reaction is being considered a medical crisis and frequently needs a hospitalization.

Treatment for Cat Anaphylaxis

It is so important to get rid of the agent that causes the reaction as soon as it’s been identified. Sometimes, a vaccine may be beneficial, yet in austere cases, a life support may be essential, as well as opening an airway so that the cat can breathe right. Additionally, the fluids are often being administered to the reduction or prevention of shock, as well as to hydrate the body. The drugs, just like epinephrine are regularly given in case the shock is austere. Further, the antihistamine may be prescribed to help with the on-going regulation of the allergy. The cat may need close monitoring in a clinic for about 24-48 hours after the treatment has started.

If you are to ask about the preventive measures for it –there are actually no known ways in preventing the initial reaction, yet once the allergen is already identified, it may be controllable.

Abscesses In Cats: What Do You Need To Know About It?

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So much like us humans, skin irritations are usually seen amongst the cats. Stretching from rashes to scratches to open sores, cat skin, just like our skin, may be sensitive and may sustain a lot of the similar conditions. One kind of skin condition, abscesses in cats, while typical in cats, may be alarming when it develops one. Not just that they are horrid, yet the cat might experience some other complications as the result of the abscess. In case you find that the cat has abscesses, it is vital to take it to the vet for some more assessment as soon as possible. The early recognition and prognosis may help avoid any further impacts on the cat’s health.

Abscesses in Cats: What is this feline condition?

Put simply, abscesses in cats may be referred to as the pocket of pus that’s located anyplace in or on its body. Commonly, an abscesses that cats experience is further pronounced using its structural location. For instance, an abscess in the abdomen happens in the abdominal cavity. On the other hand, a subcutaneous abscess happens under the skin’s surface.

In case that your cat’s abscess isn’t found inside a body cavity or deep inside the tissue, it commonly suddenly appears to be as a painful lump or swelling that may either be warm and firm to touch, or squelchy like a water balloon. The abscesses in cats might be large or small and may often cause redness in case it’s visible underneath the skin. In some instances, these abscesses may rupture, thus discharging a reeking secretion or might cause local destruction in the tissues.

Causes of Cat Abscesses

There are actually a few causes of the instigation of the abscesses in cats. these3 may include trauma from all-pervading injuries, bite wounds, dental issues, as well as some conditions, which might prompt a cat to the development of abscesses, just like immunosuppression that comes from medications.

The most common among all the causes of this feline condition is a bacterial infection, which comes from an open wound, commonly a bite from a different cat, coming from a recent catfight. It is already a common knowledge that the mouth of the cats have bacteria in them as well. When a particular cat bites a different cat and wounds the skin, bacteria is being introduced in the resulting wounds. The wound will then become infected and varying on the bacteria involved and how profound the bite, an abscesses may be a resultant.

Moreover, penetrating injuries, which comes from inanimate objects like fencing, sticks, or some other items may also introduce bacteria commonly found on the skin of the cat into the wound and may lead to skin or some internal abscesses. Further, if the cat have had previous infections in the site, there will be an increase in the risks of some other abscesses if the bacteria tends to re-enter the area.

Symptoms of Cat Abscesses                             

Most likely, cats experience abscesses, when they fight with some other cats when they go outside, and a wound may be vulnerable to various bacterial infections when there is no treatment. Nevertheless, animals may also develop infections from somewhat minor abrasions.

The most common bacteria to cause skin infections is the Pasteurella multocida. One more cause of the skin irritation in cats is the Staphylococcus intermedius that can commonly be treated using topical ointments. Nonetheless, if either of these bacteria goes deeper to the skin, the infection might become a serious matter. An abscess that’s painful may form in reaction to the bacterial incursion when the wound is left without any treatment.

Prognosis of Cat Abscesses

The vet may take a swab test of the area infected, in order to determine the strain bacteria existent. Additionally, a standard blood test may commonly be performed to see in case the infection has migrated into the bloodstream. In case that there is already a prognosis made, the vet may prescribe a proper treatment plan.

Treatment for Cat Abscesses

Primarily, most of the skin issues in cats might be treatable using some topical solution sand ointments, yet when the issue starts to become more serious, like when the bacteria has already gone deep in the tissue, or has infected the blood, some alternative medication may be well-thought-out. Furthermore, the cat might need to be taken to the vet so the wound may be appropriately flushed, drained, or cleansed. This may help in preventing much deeper complications and infection. Moreover, the vet may also prescribe antibiotics for the control of the bacteria. In case the abscess is serious enough or deep in the skin, clindamycin might be prescribes as a more aggressive treatment for the condition.

When the cat is finally treated, the vet is likely to recommend some preventative measures in helping to avoid any recurrence. For the skin abscesses, make sure to monitor or limit the activities of the cat outdoor. This is specifically significant if the cat is known to have an engagement in fights with some other cats. On the other hand, for the dental abscesses, a great oral hygiene is the key to prevention. This may involve brushing the cat’s teeth more often than not, giving dental treats, as well as getting rid of harmful dental habits.

Ataxia In Cats: Facts You Need To Learn About It

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Do you know what ataxia is? Ataxia is generally a condition that is related to a sensory dysfunction, which yields loss of coordination in the head, trunk, and / or the limbs. In this article, we will discuss more about this feline condition. So if you want to learn more about it, please give this article a read!

Ataxia in Cats: What is this feline condition?

Mainly, there are three different clinical types of ataxia –cerebellar, vestibular, and the sensory ataxia. All of these produce some changes in the coordination of the limbs. However, the cerebellar and vestibular ataxia produce some changes in the neck and head movement as well. As what we have already told, generally, this is a condition that is related to a sensory dysfunction, which yields loss of the coordination in the trunk, head, and / or limbs.

The sensory ataxia in cats may take place in case the spinal cord is compressed slowly. A common noticeable symptom of the sensory ataxia is mislaying the feet, which comes with a tolerant weakness as long as the disease progresses. Moreover, the sensory ataxia may also happen in the spinal cord, cerebral locations of the lesions, as well as the brain stem.

The vestibulocochlear nerve is what carries the information that’s concerning the balance from the inner ear up to the brain. Any damage into this nerve may cause some changes in the neck and head position, since the cat might feel a deceitful sense of movement, or might be having some difficulty with hearing.

Moreover, the obvious symptoms may include falling, tipping, leaning, as well as rolling over to the floor. The central vestibular indications commonly have varying types of eye movements, weakness in the legs, drowsiness, coma, stupor, and sensory deficits. Additionally, the peripheral vestibular indications don’t include changes in a mental status, weakness in the legs, sensory deficits, or vertical eye movements.

In addition, cerebellar ataxia is in affection with the uncoordinated motor action of the head, neck, and limbs, taking large steps, head tremors, stepping strangely, swaying of the torso, and body tremors. Moreover, there’s also an inadequacy in the actions of motor performance, and in the strength of preservation.

Causes of Ataxia                  

Metabolic                                                                                                              

  • Electrolyte disturbances –low blood sugar and low potassium level
  • Anemia

Spinal cord

  • Trauma
  • Infection
  • Cancer
  • Anomalous (spinal cyst, vertebral and spinal cord malformation)
  • Vascular (loss of blood on the nervous system because of a blockage of the blood vessels via a blood clot)
  • Degeneration of the spinal cords and nerve roots

Vestibular –peripheral nervous system

  • Traumatic
  • Cancer
  • Metabolic
  • Illnesses of unknown cause
  • Infectious (fungal and middle ear)

Vestibular –central nervous system

  • Toxic
  • Inflammatory, immune-mediated, unknown causes
  • Infectious (rickettsia diseases, feline infectious peritonitis)

Neurologic

  • Toxic
  • Inflammatory, immune-mediated, unknown causes
  • Infectious –feline infectious peritonitis
  • Anomalous (cyst near the 4th ventricle and underdevelopment inferior to the perinatal infection with panleukopenia virus in the cats)
  • Degenerative (abiotrophy)
  • Cerebellar

Symptoms of Ataxia

Here are some of the most common symptoms of ataxia in cats:

  • Lack of appetite, because of nausea
  • Abnormal movement of the eyes
  • Changes on the behavior
  • Excessive drowsiness or stupor
  • Swaying, tipping over, stumbling
  • Trouble in hearing
  • Tilting head to only one side
  • Weakness of the limbs

Prognosis of Ataxia

You may need to give the vet all the necessary medical history of the cat’s health, possible incidents, as well as the onset of the symptoms, which may have preceded through this condition. Furthermore, the vet may order some standard examinations, including a complete blood count, blood chemical profile, an electrolyte panel, and a urinalysis.

Imaging is important in the determination of whether the condition is localized to through the peripheral vestibular system, the cerebellum, or the spinal cord. In addition, CT scan, MRI, spinal x-ray, and myelography may all be beneficial diagnostic tool for the non-invasive tests. Additionally, abdominal and chest x-rays are important as well in the determination of systemic or cancer infection is present. An abdominal ultrasound must also be done in checking the kidney, liver, pancreatic or adrenal functions.

In case the source of the condition is in the nervous system, CSF may be taken for some lab analysis.

Treatments for Ataxia

Cat patients might commonly be treated on a casualty basis except when the case is already austere or the cause of the condition is of lethal nature. You must avoid providing any medications to your cat without consulting with your vet first, since a lot of medications may either contribute to the issue or mask the causal condition, which is causing it. Further, the treatments may be based on the underlying origin of the disease.

Moreover, you can restrict or reduce the movement of the cat if the vet suspects that the cause is a spinal cord disease. Even with no diagnosis, you might consider cage rest if you can’t restrict the cat’s movements. Furthermore, make sure to monitor the gait of the cat for the increase of weakness or dysfunction. In case it worsens, you need to contact your vet immediately.

Vestibular Disease In Cats: Things You Need To Know About It

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Do you often see your cat tilting its head unusually? Actually, vestibular disease in cats is a medical condition, which might be an indication of some serious causal condition, commonly of the vestibular system. In case a cat is tilting its head more often than not, to either side of its body, this might already be an indication that the cat is feeling imbalanced. Furthermore, the cat might also struggle in retaining a well-balanced posture, as well as fall.

One common cause of this head tilting or vestibular disease in cats are the disorders of the vestibular system. Know that this particular system is a sensory system, which is located at the inner ear that gives information necessary in holding the body to its upright position, as well as move about with confidence and freedom. Essentially, the vestibular system is what tells the body where it’s related to the earth –may it be up-side-down, moving, upright, or being still, among he others.

Causes of Vestibular Disease in Cats

Even though the causal cause for the vestibular diseases is not that known, the below factors might contribute to the onset of the condition:

  • Inflammation of the inner and central ear canal because of some parasitic, bacterial, or some other kinds of infection
  • Toxicity like the use of antibiotics on the ears
  • Nutritional deficiencies like the thiamine deficiency
  • Neoplasia or the abnormal growth of tissue
  • Metabolic disorders
  • Brain illness
  • Ear injury

Symptoms of Vestibular Disease

Here are some of the most common symptoms of the vestibular disease in cats:

  • Vomiting
  • Nausea
  • Circling or turning in a circular manner
  • Erratic eye movements, ostensible incapacity to focus
  • Continuously falling over
  • Lack of coordination
  • Stumbling
  • Head tilting to either sides
  • Abnormal posture of the head

Diagnosis of the Condition

The vet may perform a wide-ranging normal physical examination, including a thorough blood count. A blood chemical profile, an electrolyte panel, and a urinalysis. Furthermore, you may also need to give a systematic background of the history of the cat’s health, which may have lead up to the instigation of the symptoms. Furthermore, the results of the blood tests are commonly normal, even though changes might be present varying on whether there’s a prevailing disease, just like an infection. Additional tests may be necessary in diagnosing the causal systemic conditions like infections and thyroid conditions.

Moreover, the nutritional status may be evaluated, and it might be necessary to recount the normal diet of the cat, together with the supplements or extra foods you may have fed to the cat. Additionally, thiamine deficiency, for instance, may be the result of feeding the cat food, which doesn’t have any B1 in it –the thiamine source, in its own ingredients. Furthermore, the thiamine deficiency might also result from the excessive consumption of the raw fish or meats.

In order to determine if an ear infection is really present, the vet may thoroughly examine the ear canal of the cat and may take a sample of the materials in the ear canal. This is for further examining. Moreover, the visual diagnostic tools, computed tomography scan, magnetic resonance imaging, and x-rays might be necessary in confirming a middle ear disease. One more important test that is used in diagnosing this disease is the CSF analysis. Cerebrospinal fluid is a clear liquid, which surrounds and safeguards the spinal cord and the brain. The results of this analysis is beneficial in the prognosis of the inflammation or the infection within the brain.

Treatments for Vestibular Disease in Cats

In the case of austere condition, the cat might need to be hospitalized for supportive care and treatment. Furthermore, fluid replacement therapy is also necessary in patients that have fluid deficits because of the frequent vomiting. These patients do not need a special diet unless the cases where the nutritional deficiencies is actually visible. For instance, the thiamine supplements are often necessary in patients with their head tilt because of the thiamine deficiency.

In some instances, surgical operation is necessary in treating the causal condition. In case an ear infection is already present, the vet may prescribe broad-spectrum antibiotics, which may enter and get rid of the infection in the middle ear, as well as the brain.

Management and Living

The diagnosis of the vestibular disease in cats is greatly variable, varying on the causal disease. When the head tilt is because of the involvement of the ear, chances for the complete recovery are somewhat high. Further, in some instances, the head tilt might persist. You may bring the cat to the vet for a regular checkup. You also need to follow the guidelines for the treatment of the cat thoroughly, as well as give the medications additionally, don’t use medications for human, or any medications that are approved by a vet, most especially in the ear, because it might just complicate the symptoms even more.

Hyperglycemia In Cats: What Should You Know About It?

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Did you know that not only people, but also animals may experience high blood pressure? Yes, you read it right. Even our pets at home may get affected by it. In the actual fact, high blood pressure or hyperglycemia in cats is common. In this article, we will discuss more about this. Read on to learn more!

Hyperglycemia in Cats: What is this feline condition?

The terminology hyperglycemia actually refers to the higher-than-the-normal levels of blood sugar. A simple carb sugar, which circulate in the blood, it is the main source of energy for the entire body, of which the normal levels may range in between 75 to 120 milligrams.

Insulin, a hormone, which is being produced and released through the pancreas right into the bloodstream when the sugar levels rise, actually plays a critical role in the maintenance of the blood sugar levels in its normal limits. In case the concentration of insulin is so low or there’s outright insulin deficiency, the levels of sugar may rise abruptly, thus leading to hyperglycemia in cats.

Moreover, some of the causes of the hyperglycemia might be pancreatitis, as well as the consequential incapacity to yield insulin. The normally occurring hormones, most especially in the female cats, diets, and bodily infections –including the urinary tract or teeth.

The older and middle-aged cats are at more risk for developing hyperglycemia, yet else, there is no breed that’s specifically disposed to this particular condition. The neutered male cats are at much higher risk. In general, cats are susceptible to high blood sugar level, commonly during periods of stress, where the glucose might reach about 300 to 400 milligrams. Moreover, this is often a provisional increase in the blood sugar, and though it warrants more observation, it might not cause to analyze chronic hyperglycemia, or even diabetes mellitus.

Causes of Hyperglycemia in Cats

Aside from the high-stress situations, harmful interaction to drugs -like heartworm medications, as well as the intake of nutritional solutions comprising high glucose levels, below are the possible causes of hyperglycemia in cats:

Infections

  • Urinary tract infection
  • Kidney infection
  • Dental infection
  • Infections in the body may drive the blood sugar levels high

Physiological causes

  • Stress
  • Excitement
  • Exertion
  • Soon after eating a meal

High sugar production

  • Pancreatic neoplasia
  • Glucagonoma
  • Pheochromocytoma
  • Hyperadrenocorticism

Low sugar consumption in the body, leading to high blood pressure levels

  • Scarce excretion of wastes by the kidneys
  • High levels of progesterone
  • Acute pancreatitis
  • Diabetes mellitus

Symptoms of Cat Hyperglycemia

The clinical symptoms might vary relying on the underlying condition or disease. The cat might not be showing any austere symptoms, most especially those when the increased sugar is believed to be just temporary, stress, hormonal induced hyperglycemia.

Some of the most common symptoms of hyperglycemia in cats include the following:

  • Tissue damage because of oxidizing effect of the surplus sugar in the tissues
  • Non-healing Wounds
  • Infections increased due to the excess glucose feeds bacterial and fungal invaders
  • Austere depression
  • Nerve damage in the legs
  • Enlargement of the liver
  • Bloodshot eyes because of the blood vessels
  • Cataract
  • Dehydration
  • Excessive hunger
  • Obesity
  • Weight loss
  • Depression
  • Increase in urination
  • Increase in thirst

Prognosis

An entire blood profile may be conducted, comprising a chemical blood profile, thorough blood count, as well as urinalysis. Vets may also test the blood samples instantly for the blood sugar levels. In some instances, the solitary unusual finding may be the increase in the blood sugar. Additionally, this is actually true in the instances that are in connection to provisional conditions, like hormones or stress. Except there is a causal condition or disease present, the results of the blood test are commonly normal.

Furthermore, urinalysis might also reveal the higher levels of glucose, bacteria, pus, as well as an excessive amount of ketone bodies on the urine, just like in the diabetes mellitus. Moreover, , the low levels of insulin, which comes with high blood sugar levels are also an indication of diabetes. The high levels of amylase and lipase enzyme may be an indication of inflammation on the pancreas. In some instances, the high levels of liver enzyme are present as well because of fatty deposits on the liver tissue. Ultrasound and abdominal x-rays might give significant information about the underlying condition.

In addition, if the cat has had previous infection in the body, you need to tell the vet about it, since it might still be there and causing sugar levels to stay high.

Treatments

Since there are several conditions, which may raise the levels of blood sugar, the treatments for hyperglycemia in cats may depend on the correction of the underlying causes. In the cases of physiological rise in the levels of blood sugar, stress may need to be eliminated or minimized.

It is never advisable to attempt and reduce the blood sugar levels brusquely, because it might lead to lower blood sugar levels or hypoglycemia. In the diabetic cat patients, the sugar levels may fluctuate –this is common, and the adjustment of the insulin dose or some other drugs may help in resolving the problem. There are various situations that blood sugar are high, yet don’t impose an increase in the insulin and may even get worse by the increase in the doses of insulin. Additionally, the vet may guide you in the determination of when you can adjust the levels and when to not adjust it.

Lymphoma In Cats: What Is This Feline Condition?

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Lymphoma is a kind of cancer, which comes mainly from the lymphocyte cells. This is a kind of white blood cell that plays an important and integral role in the defenses of the body, especially in the immunity. Lymphoma affects people, but animals can be affected too. Lymphoma in cats, for instance, is a common feline illness,

There are two main forms of lymphocytes, the T and B cells. Lymphoma might involve neoplastic proliferation of the B or T, or the non-T or non-B lymphocytes, happening mainly in the bone marrow, visceral organs and lymph nodes.

Furthermore, lymphoma is also found to be responsible for about 90% of the blood cancer cases. And may account for over 33% of all the tumors in cats. Furthermore, this is also the most common cause of hypercalcemia in various cats.

Causes of Lymphoma        

The occurrence of the lymphoma in cats is actually believed to have an association with the exposure of cat to FeLV or Feline Leukemia Virus, as well as the FIV or Feline Immunodeficiency Virus. Cats, which have already been infected with either of the two viruses have an importantly higher rate of lymphomas, rather than the overall cat population.

Forms and Symptoms of Lymphoma in Cats

The symptoms of lymphoma in cats are greatly variable and vary on the anatomical form of the tumor itself. Below are some forms of lymphoma with the corresponding symptoms of them in cats:

Renal Form

This mainly occurs on the kidneys of the cat.

  • Increase in urination
  • Increase in thirst
  • Weakness
  • Vomiting
  • Anorexia

Solitary Form

This may occur on any organs or body parts of the cat.

  • The symptoms may vary on the location

Multicentric Form

This mainly occurs on the lymph nodes of the cat.

  • Depression
  • Weight loss
  • Loss of appetite
  • Swelling on the lymph nodes, including groin, underarms, jaw, etc.

Alimentary Form

This mainly occurs on the gastrointestinal tract, liver, and abdomen of the cat.

  • Fresh blood in the stool
  • Tarry or black stool
  • Diarrhea
  • Constipation
  • Vomiting
  • Lethargy
  • Anorexia

Mediastinal Form

This mainly occurs on the spaces in between the pleural lungs or sacs of the cat.

  • Weight loss
  • Loss of appetite
  • Cough
  • Open mouth breathing

Prognosis of Lymphoma in Cats

You might need to give your vet a precise history of the cat’s health, as well as the onset of any symptoms. Further, the history and the details you give might give the vet clues in which organs are the ones that are mainly affected. Getting to know a starting point might make the prognosis much easier to determine. After the initial history has already been acquired, the vet may perform a thorough physical examination on the cat. Routine lab testing may include a urinalysis, biochemistry profile, and complete blood count.

Moreover, the results of the blood test might show anemia, or the occurrence of the abnormally high level of lymphoblasts on the peripheral blood. This particular condition is what they often call as the lymphoblasts. The lymphoblasts are immature cells that distinguish to form mature lymphocytes. They are commonly present in the bone marrows, yet if they flourish irrepressibly , they might migrate into the peripheral blood. This will then result to the abnormal condition, which is known as the lymphoblastosis.

Additionally, biochemistry might show an unusually high levels of creatinine, liver enzymes, calcium, and serum urea nitrogen. Further, the urinalysis might also reveal the unusually high protein and pigment bilirubin levels in the urine. The affected cats might also get tested for the FeLV –that is frequently in association with the lymphoma in cats. Vets might also use some diagnostic imaging, in order to search for the tumor/s. Additionally, conducting X-rays of various parts of the cat’s body, especially the areas, which appear to be affected. A bone marrow biopsy of the cat may help in ratifying the prognosis decisively.

Treatment for Lymphoma

The treatment for lymphoma in cats is highly unlikely and there’s no available treatment yet to treat the condition. The main goal is to improve the quality of life for the cats for as long as it is possible. Chemotherapy, as well as radiotherapy may be beneficial, yet you will need some consultation to a vet oncologist, in order to determine if the cat is a good candidate for this kind of therapy. Furthermore, it may depend on the stage of the condition, the cat’s age, as well as its overall well-being, among some other considerations.

Then again, varying on the stage and the type of the condition, surgical operation might be essential to some patients. This might be a feasible solution for some of the forms of intestinal obstructions, as well as for the removal of the masses. A particular surgical incision might also allow the vet to gather some specimen of the tumor for some lab evaluation.

Even though their is no treatment available for the condition yet, there are some resolutions in some cases. You might provide an extra care for the betterment of the quality of life of your cat. It is so important to monitor its water and food intake closely, while it is in its recovery stage. The diagnosis of the condition is highly variable and varies on the first treatment responseanatomic form of the tumor, tumor burden, and FeLV status.

Facts About Lice In Cats That You Need To Know

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Do your cat have lice? It is actually a normal happenstance for cats to have these insects in their fur or coat. However, having an infestation of them is another thing. You need to know if it is already a call for concern or not. Give this article a read and get to learn about lice in cats and more!

Lice in Cats: What should you know?

Lice, as we know, are small, wingless insects which live in the feathers, furs, or hairs of animals and people. Most of the lice are of the chewing or biting type. This includes the cat louse. Lice in cats are most frequently seen on the older, long-haired cats, which are no longer able to groom themselves. Due to the widespread use of monthly tick and flea preventive treatments, the infestations of lice are now rare in dogs and cats. When it is seen, the infestations are commonly seen on feral, stray, debilitated, or shelter animals.

The lice live within the environment that’s provided by the hair and the skin. They tend to move from a host to another by way of direct contact. In various temperate regions, lice are most common to see during the colder months and not easy to find in the summer season. Most of the chewing lice have some definite preferences based on their hosts: they may often live on just one species or several closely in relation species.

Moreover, lice in cats aren’t as common as the ticks and fleas, and they might not be transferred in between different species. Nonetheless, the mere presence of the lice might lead to full infestation, tapeworm incursion, as well as some other problems when you leave it without any treatment.

The lice that affect cats aren’t the same kind of lice that affect humans. However, they may still cause some irritation though chewing on the skin or sucking the cat’s blood. Furthermore, you might also notice the cat scratching or biting the area, which has already been affected by the lice. These areas may include the head, anus, tail, groin, shoulders, and ears. Further, the fur of the cat might also become matted because of the excessive scratching.

Causes of Lice

There’s just one species of lice that infest cats –the Felicola Subrostrata. Lice might not be transferred from a certain species to another, but there are some situations which may lead to the transfer of this prickly condition from a cat to another.

  • Contact with the possessions of another cat with lice on its body
  • Contacts with other cats that suffer from lice
  • Inability to clean itself for some reason
  • Living in an unhygienic situation

Symptoms of Lice

You may effortlessly spot lice in cats through parting the hair and searching for nits, eggs, or mature lice on the skin. Furthermore, there is also a probability that you may see the lice moving into the fur. Some other symptoms of lice in cats may include:

  • Small brown or white spots on the skin and fur
  • Matting or hair loss
  • Excessive scratching or biting

Prognosis of Lice

The presence of lice may be confirmed through the inspection of the fur of the cat for some small brown or white spots, which indicate adult or immature lice or eggs. A vet may give an official diagnosis and may rule out some other conditions like allergies, ticks, and fleas.

You might also expect that your vet will ask some questions regarding the cat’s medical history, as well as some other symptoms, like excessive scratching. Moreover, your vet may also diagnose the lice through parting the fur in order to look for the lice that may commonly be seen moving or feeding on the body. Further, they may also search for nits so that they might recommend the best form of treatment for the cat.

The vet might diagnose the kind of lice by placing the lice and nits under a microscope. The cat might also be suffering from sucking or biting lice. Both of which may cause irritation when they get to feed on the body. The chewing lice has huge mouthparts, while the sucking ones has narrow mouth.

Treatments for Lice

There are actually a wide variety of shampoos and insecticidal powders and sprays that are efficient in killing the lice. Additionally, products like selamectin and fipronil may also be used. It might also be essential to treat the cat more than once, in order to kill the emerging nits while they are still hatching. You also need to follow the instructions of your vet thoroughly, as the products used in killing lice may be harsh on some breeds of cats.

In the circumstances where the fur of the cat is matted badly, it might be essential to shave the fur to make sure that it gets deeper to kill lice and nits.

In order to prevent any reinfection, dispose or wash all the cat’s bedding and thoroughly clean all the places the cat spends time with. Some of the items, which can’t be laundered or washed might be sealed securely in plastic containers for several weeks. You may also do some disinfecting all the things your cat uses to get rid of any infections.