Articles
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This handout explains post-vaccination sarcomas (also called injection-site sarcomas) in cats. They are a rare consequence of vaccine injections (and other drugs or materials) that can cause a very aggressive form of cancer at the site of the injection. The incidence of this condition, as well as precautions you and your veterinarian can take, are highlighted.
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A telemedicine visit is typically conducted over telephone, text messaging, chat, email, or videoconference. This may allow a veterinarian to diagnose and treat your pet’s medical condition remotely, without the need for an in-person visit. Your appointment will be conducted by a licensed veterinarian.
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Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) is a group of degenerative diseases that affect photoreceptor cells in the eyes. With this disease, the cells deteriorate over time, eventually leading to blindness. There are two main forms of PRA recognized in cats, an early-onset, inherited form called retinal dysplasia, and a late-onset form. PRA is an inherited condition in Abyssinian and Persian cats. When a cat develops PRA, it should be removed from the breeding program, along with its parents and siblings. As PRA progresses, your cat's vision gradually worsens until she becomes completely blind. There is currently no effective treatment for PRA.
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Prostatic disease in cats is uncommon and, as a result, relatively little is known about these conditions. Enlargement of the prostate is a common sign with most prostatic diseases and may be noted by your veterinarian on a rectal exam. Other diagnostic tests may be required to determine the cause of your cat's condition.
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Enteropathy means any disease of the intestinal system. Protein-losing enteropathy (PLE) is not a specific disease but a group of diseases that cause the loss of proteins from the bloodstream into the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Symptoms include diarrhea, weight loss, and fluid buildup in areas of the body. Treatment and prognosis are determined by the underlying cause.
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Pulmonary hypertension is a condition in which the peak blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs is much higher than normal. There are many potential causes of pulmonary hypertension, which are outlined in this handout, along with signs, treatment, and prognosis.
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Pulmonary thromboembolism describes a condition in which a blood clot lodges in one of the pulmonary arteries, blocking blood flow into the portion of the lung served by that artery. The signs of pulmonary thromboembolism include sudden difficulty breathing, rapid breathing, decreased appetite, fainting, coughing, spitting up blood, weakness, exercise intolerance, and the inability to get comfortable. Sudden death is possible. This article discusses potential causes, treatment, and prognosis.
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Pyelonephritis is an upper urinary tract infection that involves the kidneys and ureters (the tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder). It is usually caused by a bacterial infection that moves up the urinary tract from the bladder to the kidneys. Signs, diagnosis, and treatment are discussed.
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Pyometra is a serious and life-threatening bacterial infection in the uterus that must be treated quickly and aggressively. It develops due to normal hormonal changes after a female cat’s heat cycle. The preferred treatment is to surgically remove the uterus and ovaries.
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Pyothorax is the presence of inflammatory fluid or pus within the chest cavity, usually caused by a bacterial infection. This handout outlines causes, signs, treatment, and prognosis.