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Cat Illnesses - Page 3
Cat Care > Cat Illnesses - Page 3
- Caesarean section
Surgical delivery of a litter, normally carried out as an emergency procedure by a veterinary surgeon when it is apparent that labor and birth are not going to proceed successfully. This may be because of an awkward presentation so that a kitten has become stuck or ineffective contractions of the womb (uterine inertia). Speed is of the essence if a Caesarean delivery is to be successful in saving the life of a queen cat and her kittens, but it is normally very effective. The cat is anaesthetized and the kittens are delivered via an incision through the wall of the abdomen and another made directly into the womb. The wounds are sutured, and although the queen needs extra care and help following the operation, she can usually feed and care for her kittens in the normal way.
- Cancer
A widely used term describing any form of malignant tumor. Characteristically there is an abnormal growth of cancer cells, which invade surrounding tissues and destroy them. Cancer cells may spread throughout the body via the bloodstream or lymphatic system, a process known as metastasis, and set up secondary growths elsewhere. In common with human beings, cats are subject to a range of cancerous conditions. The most frequently occurring forms are lymphomas affecting lymph tissue of the lymph nodes, spleen and thymus gland and also the kidneys, nasal passages and nervous system. These account for about one third of all malignancies in cats and, unusually, are quite common in young animals. Most cancers are more common with increasing age and, unfortunately, cats appear to be quite susceptible. Other common sites include the mouth, skin and mammary glands in female animals, although growths can occur anywhere in the body.
Secondary growths quite commonly arise in the lungs, causing Breathing problems and coughing. Symptoms caused by a cancer vary according to its site within the body. If a lump is detected or symptoms of illness are noticed, the cat should be taken to a veterinary surgeon for further investigation. Possible forms of treatment include surgery, chemotherapy (drug therapy) and radiotherapy (X-ray radiation). As in human medicine, some malignancies can be successfully treated if caught early, particularly those on the skin. It may be possible to relieve symptoms at least for a time, but in some cases the kindest option is to have the cat put to sleep.
- Candidiasis
An uncommon condition in cats, producing sores on the skin and in the mouth, caused by the yeast organism Candida albicans, which produces thrush infections in people. The condition is treated with antifungal drugs.
- Canker
A popular term used to describe ear problems in cats and dogs in which there is itching, a sticky discharge that may smell and a buildup of wax. In cats it is almost always caused by the presence of ear mites.
- Cataract
A condition in which the lens of the eye becomes opaque or clouded, resulting in a blurring or even total loss of vision. It is not common but may arise in elderly cats.
- Catarrh
Irritation and inflammation of mucous membranes (but generally taken to refer to the nasal passages and airways) with the production and discharge of a thick mucus. As in people, a discharge from the nose, often accompanied by sneezing and breathing difficulties, is an indication of some disorder, usually feline respiratory disease or cat influenza. Often the cat's sense of smell and taste is affected, and the animal refuses food and is apathetic and ill. A cat with catarrh should be taken for veterinary examination and treatment.
- Cat Mint (cat nip)
A plant, Nepeta cataria, that is immensely attractive to cats, producing alterations in behavior. The cat may roll or rub itself against the plant, or objects containing oils from it, and it is often added to toys.
- Claws (broken or infected)
Occasionally a cat may break a claw and the core becomes exposed, causing great pain and lameness. A bacterial infection can arise at the base of a claw, whether it is broken or not, leading to the development of an abscess. It is usually obvious if there is something wrong with a paw or claw as, in addition to pain and lameness, the cat will continually lick the affected area. The animal should be taken to a veterinary surgeon for examination and treatment. It should not be given anything to eat or drink in case a general anaesthetic and corrective surgery are needed.
- Claws (clipping)
Elderly or ill cats may be unable to keep their nails in good order, and these may grow too long and need to be trimmed. It is advisable for this to be carried out by a veterinary surgeon in the first instance, which can then show you how to trim the claws at home. It is usually advisable for two people to be involved, one to restrain the cat and the other to carry out the trimming. It is best to use special clippers designed for the purpose, which can be obtained from a veterinary surgery. The golden rule is to remember that there can be considerable bleeding if too much of the claw is taken off and the quick is exposed. It is far better to take off a little more frequently than a lot all at once, and this is the reason why veterinary advice is so important at first.
- Cleft Palate
A relatively common congenital birth defect in newborn kittens in which an opening is left in the midline of the palate which has failed to fuse during development. Hence there is an opening between the mouth and the nasal chambers so that when the kitten feeds the milk tends to drip from its nose. Unless the condition is very slight, in which case a surgical repair is possible, a veterinary surgeon will normally recommend that the kitten be put humanely to sleep.
Cat Illnesses:
1-10 |
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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