Category — cat article

Mycotoxicosis-Deoxynivalenol in Cats

Deoxynivalenol (DON), also known as vomitoxin for its effect on the digestive system, is a mycotoxin produced by the fungus Fusarium graminearum in grains such as corn, wheat, oats, and barley. Mycotoxicosis is the medical term used to describe a diseased state that is brought on by a mycotoxin, a toxic chemical that is produced by a fungal organism, such as molds and yeasts. Mycotoxicosis-deoxynivalenol refers to the toxic reaction that results when a cat ingests pet food that was made with DON-contaminated grain.

• Symptoms and Types
• Causes
• Diagnosis
• Treatment
• Living and Management
• Prevention

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Tooth Root (Apical) Abscess in Cats

Much like humans, cats experience apical abscesses, or pus formations that form under or in the tissues surrounding the cat’s tooth.

Abscesses occur for a variety of reasons, cause extreme pain, and can be treated with much success. If left untreated, however, bacteria can spead into other areas of the mouth, causing serious medical conditions.

• Symptoms and Types
• Causes
• Diagnosis
• Treatment
• Living and Management
• Prevention

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Heart Valve Malformation in Cats

Atrioventricular valve dysplasia (AVD) is a condition in which the mitral or tricuspid valves are malformed. This condition can result in the valves not closing sufficiently to stop blood flow when it supposed to, or to blood outflow obstruction due to a narrowing of the valves. The result of the malformation will depend on the size and location of the anatomic abnormality that is present.

• Symptoms and Types
• Causes
• Diagnosis
• Treatment
• Living and Management

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Wound Irrigation and Debridement

Wound irrigation and debridement (removal of foreign matter and tissue) are necessary for preventing infection of a wound while treating it. Wound irrigation is a process of using a liquid to remove dirt and any contaminating bacteria from the wound. Wounds are irrigated using a lavage technique, where a large amount of irrigating solution is used with pressure to wash away contamination. This method is intended for immediate treatment of a wound or puncture to the skin, and is not meant to replace veterinary treatment.

Wound Irrigation Solutions

Antiseptic solutions with the active ingredient povidone-iodine, or chlorhexidine diacetate, can be used as a base for formulating an irrigation solution. Povidone-iodine should be diluted to a weak tea color, and chlorhexidine diacetate to a pale blue color.

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Chlamydiosis

Chylamydiosis in cats refers to a bacteria based chronic respiratory infection. Animals that have developed this infection will often exhibit traditional signs of an upper respiratory infection, such as watery eyes, runny nose, and sneezing. With treatment, the prognosis is positive.

• Symptoms and Types
• Causes
• Diagnosis
• Treatment
• Living and Management
• Prevention

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Abortion and Spontaneous Pregnancy Loss (Miscarriage)

It is not uncommon for cats to experience spontaneous abortions (miscarriages). A variety of medical reasons can cause this reaction. The cat should be evaluated immediately after a miscarriage to make certain more serious underlying health conditions do not exist.

• Symptoms and Types
• Causes
• Diagnosis
• Treatment
• Living and Management

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Feline Idiopathic Lower Urinary Tract Disease

The medical term idiopathic refers to a disease of unknown cause. Feline idiopathic lower urinary tract disease is a general term for disorders characterized by blood in the urine, difficult or painful urination, abnormal, frequent passage of urine, urinating in inappropriate locations (ie., bath tub), and partial or complete blockage of the urethra. This treatable condition occurs in the bladder and urethra of the lower urinary tract; that is, the tube from the bladder to the outside, through which urine flows out of the body.

• Symptoms and Types
• Causes
• Diagnosis
• Treatment
• Living and Management
• Prevention

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Retained Baby Teeth in Cats

A retained or persistent deciduous (baby) tooth is one that is still present despite the eruption of the permanent tooth (which takes place between three to sevens months of age). Such teeth may go undiagnosed until later in life.

Persistent deciduous teeth can cause the permanent teeth to erupt in abnormal positions, resulting in a bad bite. The “bite” describes how the upper and lower teeth fit together in the mouth and can have a significant effect on biting and chewing. Early recognition and reparative dental care is essential. Retained teeth can cause overcrowding of new teeth,  teeth to bite into the palate, and abnormal tooth position or abnormal jaw position.

• Symptoms and Types
• Causes
• Diagnosis
• Treatment
• Living and Management

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Keeping your cat healthy, groomed, and well fed is important. Take a look at these five easy tips for maintaining your cat and you’re sure to have a lovely companion for many years to come.

Congratulations on getting a new cat! Whether you’re a new cat owner or someone with a few other furry, four-legged creatures around, one thing is for certain: You and your new pet are going to have a great time together.

However, these cute pets do depend on you to keep them in tip-top shape. It’s much like having a furry toddler in your hands, but with less maintenance, and a litter box. (Hopefully no one out there makes their toddlers use litter boxes.)

Follow these five easy tips and you’ll make your cat healthy for many years to come.

1. The Essential Cat

Your cat has certain needs, some of those are basic: food, water, liter box, and bowls or glasses. Bowls are used for food, while drinking water from glasses make cats feel fancy and elegant. Carriers are also important, as are ID collars and microchips, especially if your cat spends time outside.

Did you know cats can sleep up to twenty hours a day? But when they’re not sleeping, eating, or showing off in windows for passersby to admire, they are playing. Toys, therefore, are a great way for your cat (or kitten) to hone its hunting skills, stay fit, and not get bored while you’re away at work.

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Forget Normalcy, Wacky Pet Names Are Here to Stay!

Veterinary Pet Insurance (VPI), the largest provider of pet health insurance in the U.S., recently analyzed its database of more than 470,000 insured pets in search of the most unusual and unconventional names of 2009. This is the second year VPI has set out for the wackiest names in the United States, an homage to those who take pride in their pets’ unconventional names.

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