Articles
-
Heartworms are blood-borne parasites that reside in the heart or nearby large blood vessels of infected animals. Heartworm disease is much less common in cats than dogs, but more common than previously thought. This handout explains the disease and outlines signs, diagnosis, treatment and prevention.
-
Heartworm disease is challenging to treat in cats because there is currently no approved medication that safely eliminates adult heartworms. Treatment often focuses on managing symptoms and reducing the risk of sudden death while the infection resolves naturally, a process that can take several years. Prevention is the best treatment in cats.
-
Feline viral rhinotracheitis (FVR) is an infectious disease caused by feline herpesvirus type-1. It is a major cause of upper respiratory disease in cats and is the most common cause of conjunctivitis. (inflammation of the tissues surrounding the eye, especially the lining of the lids and the third eyelid).
-
Histoplasmosis is an infection caused by histoplasma, a fungus found in moist soils and especially prevalent around the Ohio, Mississippi, Missouri, and St. Lawrence rivers, as well as the southern Great Lakes and Alberta. Fungal spores are inhaled or ingested and cause infection in many sites including the lungs, gastrointestinal tract, eyes, joints, and spleen. This handout outlines signs, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis. Histoplasmosis is transmissible to humans, especially if they are immunocompromised.
-
Hookworm is a parasitic infection of the gastrointestinal tract. The parasites have hook-like mouthparts they use to anchor themselves to the lining of the intestinal wall. This handout outlines clinical signs, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.
-
Vaccinations are important to prevent serious illness in cats. Even cats that spend all their time indoors should be vaccinated. Some viruses can be carried into your home on inanimate objects such as shoes and clothing. Your veterinarian can help you determine what vaccinations your cat needs to be protected.
-
This handout outlines common internal parasites in cats and what you can do to prevent or treat infection. Included are parasites of the gastrointestinal tract (roundworms, hookworms, and tapeworms), as well as parasites of the circulatory system (heartworms).
-
The Ebola virus is very contagious and is transmitted through blood, body fluids, and tissues, but not through air, water, or food. Ebola affects humans, non-human primates, and is carried by fruit bats. Other species do not appear to be affected, although there has been evidence of exposure to the disease in dogs, cats, and other domestic animals. Domestic animals are not believed to transmit the virus; however, there is a risk that they could transmit body fluids such as saliva on their fur to other humans. Any potential exposure to Ebola should be reported to your veterinarian who will contact the Center for Disease Control (CDC).
-
Poxvirus is related to the virus that causes smallpox in humans. In cats, infection usually causes skin lesions, such as ulcerations, scabs, or abscesses. Cats often recover on their own with no further symptoms unless they are immunocompromised. There is no specific treatment or vaccine.
-
Rabies is a devastating viral disease that affects mammals, including cats and humans, and is caused by the rabies virus. Once clinical signs of rabies occur, the disease is nearly always fatal. Vaccination is the cornerstone of rabies prevention.