Articles
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Pleural effusion is the abnormal accumulation of fluid in the chest cavity. Fluid accumulates in the pleural sac, not the lungs, so the lungs are essentially floating in a chest full of fluid. This fluid occupies space within the chest, so the lungs cannot expand as fully as they should. Treatment and prognosis vary depending on the underlying cause.
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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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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.
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Pyrethrin insecticides are naturally derived from the Chrysanthemum flower, and pyrethroids are the synthetic versions. Pyrethroids are commonly found in products around the home for insect control. Cats and fish are very sensitive to these products.
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Retinal detachment can cause sudden blindness or vision changes. It is generally secondary to an underlying condition like high blood pressure. Diagnostics and treatment are discussed. Prognosis is guarded to good depending on the underlying cause.
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Sago palms are highly toxic to dogs and cats. They naturally occur in warmer areas of the United States and serve as indoor decor in many colder climates. All parts of the sago palm are poisonous, but the seeds (nuts) are the most toxic to pets. As with all poisoning cases, early detection and treatment increases the rate of success.
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A seizure, also known as a convulsion or fit, is a temporary, involuntary disturbance of normal brain function. If abnormal brain activity occurs in the motor cortex of the brain, it may cause uncontrollable muscle activity. Epilepsy is a condition that involves repeated seizures that may occur alone or in clusters. These seizures may be infrequent and unpredictable or they may occur at regular intervals.
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Smoke inhalation injuries are caused by a combination of heat and airborne toxins. Clinical signs of smoke inhalation vary, depending on the materials contained within the smoke and how much smoke the cat inhales. Common signs include coughing, shortness of breath, eye injuries, and burns. Neurologic signs can also occur, especially in cases of carbon monoxide inhalation. Treatment typically involves oxygen therapy and other supportive care measures.
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Strokes are rare in cats. Some causes include a blood clot such as a thrombus or embolus that lodges in a cerebral blood vessel, cerebral bleeding from trauma, or a blood clotting disorder; however, the cause is often unknown. Signs of a stroke are variable depending on the regions of the brain affected and the degree and duration of blood and oxygen deprivation. Magnetic resonance imaging is the ideal diagnostic test for diagnosing a stroke. Treatment is complex and there is no guarantee of complete success. Your veterinarian will help you assess progress and plan remedial action.