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Cat Illnesses - Page 2
Cat Care > Cat Illnesses - Page 2
- Bad Breath (Halitosis)
It is not uncommon for older cats to develop bad breath, and this is nearly always related to disorders of the teeth and gums, particularly an abscess or periodontal disease. Kittens that are losing their milk teeth and acquiring their permanent ones may sometimes develop bad breath. Rarely, the milk teeth fail to come out as the adult ones come through, and this can cause infection, mouth ulcers and bad breath. In cats of any age, a piece of food or bone that has become firmly lodged in the teeth may be a cause of bad breath. A far less common reason is the presence of a growth or tumor. The cause of bad breath should always be investigated and diagnosed by a veterinary surgeon so that appropriate treatment can be given. Bad breath may be a symptom of kidney disease (uremia) in older cats.
- Baldness (Alopecia)
True loss of hair or baldness is really quite rare in cats. Usually the appearance of bald patches in the cat is the result of some form of skin disorder, often the presence of external parasites or eczema. A less common cause is hypothyroidism (myxoedema), in which there is a lack of the hormones produced by the thyroid gland. Patchy hair loss in a cat should always be investigated by a veterinary surgeon so that the underlying cause can be established and appropriate treatment given.
- Bee and Wasp Stings
Cats may be at risk from stings and bites, particularly young and playful animals that chase after insects. Stings on the body are painful but unless they are numerous should not usually prove harmful. A bee sting is likely to be left in the skin and continues to discharge its poison. The complete sting should be carefully removed with tweezers, and this can be tricky since it is barbed. Stings can be bathed with cold water or a solution of half a pint of water containing one teaspoonful of sodium bicarbonate. A cold ice pack or compress can be applied to reduce any localized swelling.
The danger arises if the cat is stung on its tongue as this may then swell and block the windpipe, causing breathing difficulties. A further risk is that of anaphylactic shock, which can be caused by an insect sting in a hypersensitive individual. A cat that is experiencing breathing difficulties needs immediate veterinary attention, and it may be necessary to attempt artificial respiration in order to save its life. Unfortunately, however, if there is a great deal of swelling in the region of the throat this may not be successful.
- Biopsy
An aid to diagnosis that involves removing a small sample of living tissue from the body for examination under the microscope. The technique can be used to distinguish between benign and malignant tumors. This procedure is one that would normally be carried out under a general anaesthetic.
- Bites
Most cats receive bites at some time or other, most commonly either during fights or from a prey animal such as a rat. Superficial bits can be bathed with an antiseptic solution, but deeper or more extensive wounds are likely to require veterinary attention and stitching. Since there is a great risk of abscess formation with any bite, it is wise to seek veterinary advice, as the cat may need a course of antibiotics to combat infection. Rarely, in upland and moorland countryside, a cat may be bitten by an adder. If this occurs it should be kept calm and quiet and taken for veterinary treatment immediately, as it will require an injection of antidote for adder venom. Cats are much less likely to be bitten than dogs, and so are at a lower risk from the highly venomous snakes that live in some parts of the world.
- Bladder Worm
A species of parasitic worm that affects cats in Australia.
- Blastomycosis
A rare respiratory illness affecting cats in certain parts of the USA and caused by a fungus.
- Blisters
Small, fluid-filled sores beneath the surface of the skin that do not usually occur in cats but may arise as a result of a burn or frictional injury. A minor blister can be bathed with warm water containing antiseptic solution, dried and covered with a clean dressing.
- Blood Samples and Transfusions
In the case of illness, it may sometimes be necessary to obtain blood samples to aid diagnosis or check on a cat's progress, and this is carried out by a veterinary surgeon. Similarly, a cat that is very ill and hospitalized, may occasionally require blood transfusions, generally as a result of serious injuries or during or after a major operation
- Breathing Problems
Breathing problems are a fairly common occurrence in cats, and the cause should always be established by a veterinary surgeon. Some of the causes are feline respiratory disease or cat 'flu, bronchitis, infestation by certain internal parasites, malignant lung tumors and heart disease. Symptoms include labored noisy breathing, especially after exercise, coughing and panting.
Cat Illnesses:
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11-20 |
21-30 |
31-40 |
41-50 |
51-60 |
61-70 |
71-80 |
81-90 |
91-100 |
101-110 |
111-120 |
121-130 |
131-140 |
141-148
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