Articles
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Alveolar osteitis, also called expansile osteitis, is a relatively common condition that results from chronic periodontal disease in cats. It is painful and can interfere with grooming and eating. If this disorder is detected early, it may be possible to treat the disease without extracting the tooth.
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A femoral head ostectomy (FHO) is a surgical procedure that removes the head and neck of the femur (the long leg bone or thighbone) to help restore pain-free mobility to a diseased or damaged hip. This procedure is commonly recommended for cats, especially those who are at a healthy weight.
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Fight wounds often result in infections that can become serious if left untreated. Punctures from bites seal over quickly, trapping bacteria under the skin. If your cat is bitten, it is important to be seen by a veterinarian for treatment as soon as possible.
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Glaucoma is a disease of the eye in which the pressure within the eye, called intraocular pressure (IOP), is increased. Glaucoma is caused by inadequate drainage of aqueous fluid. Glaucoma is classified as primary or secondary. High intraocular pressure causes damage to occur in the retina and the optic nerve. Blindness can occur very quickly unless the increased IOP is reduced. Analgesics to control the pain and medications that decrease fluid production and promote drainage are often prescribed to treat glaucoma. The prognosis depends to a degree upon the underlying cause of the glaucoma.
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Hyperthyroidism is a common condition in older cats caused by excess thyroid hormone release resulting in an increased metabolic state. Hyperthyroidism can cause weight loss despite a good appetite, increased water consumption and urination, vomiting, diarrhea, cardiomyopathy, and hypertension. Diagnosis is made by testing blood thyroid hormone levels. Several successful treatment options exist, including medication, thyroidectomy, radioactive iodine, and a prescription diet. The prognosis with treatment is generally good.
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Cats love to investigate new sights, smells, and tastes. Unfortunately, this curiosity can lead them into trouble if they ingest something they shouldn't. While some will pass through the digestive tract, some foreign bodies can cause serious problems.
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An inguinal hernia occurs when abdominal organs or tissues push through the inguinal ring (a natural opening in the abdominal wall near the pelvis) and bulge into the groin area. Inguinal hernias may be present at birth or develop later in life, possibly due to muscle weakness or trauma. This handout discusses signs, treatment, prognosis, and prevention.
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Otitis interna is inflammation of the inner ear, most often caused by infection. Signs depend on the severity and extent of infection. They may include drooling from the side of the mouth, difficulty eating, inability to blink, and drooping eyelids, lips, and nostrils on the affected side.
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A joint luxation is a dislocation or complete separation between the bones that normally move back and forth to form a joint. Subluxation refers to a partial separation of the joint. The most commonly subluxated joint in cats is the hip, although any joint can be affected. Your veterinarian may suspect a joint subluxation based on a history of trauma and physical examination findings such as pain and limping. A radiograph is necessary to definitively diagnose a joint subluxation. In many cases, the joint can be reduced or replaced to its original orientation by a procedure called a closed reduction, with a good prognosis if treated immediately. Surgery correction, however, may be needed.
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One particularly dangerous type of foreign body in cats is a linear foreign body: a long, thin object such as string, yarn, or tinsel. If one end of the linear foreign body becomes lodged in the gastrointestinal tract, intestinal perforation may occur due to bunching up of the intestines. The most common signs of a linear foreign body include vomiting, anorexia (refusal to eat), dehydration, and lethargy. If your veterinarian suspects a linear foreign body, your cat will need an exploratory laparotomy (abdominal surgery).