Cat Illnesses - Page 9

Cat Care > Cat Illnesses - Page 9

Haw (third eyelid)
A protective membrane, called the 'nictitating membrane', that can be seen in the corner of the eye as a small pink mass. In a cat that is dehydrated, debilitated or suffering from an irritative condition, the haws may be seen passing sideways across the eyes. It is best to report this to your veterinary surgeon in case the cat requires treatment.
Heart Disease
In common with human beings, cats may suffer from heart disease, which tends to be more common in older age. The form this takes differs, however, in that cats nearly always suffer from increasing weakness and failure of the heart muscle (cardiomyopathy) rather than the 'furring' of the pulmonary arteries, which is so common in people. In about half of all cats with this condition, blood clots are able to form within the chambers of the heart as blood flows more sluggishly. These are eventually carried away in the circulation, and often one lodges in the fork of the major artery that divides to supply each hind limb (aortic thromboembolism). The circulation to the limbs is severely reduced or cut off, and there is pain, coldness and a lack of pulse. The muscles are not able to work properly and the cat cannot use its hind legs. Unfortunately, this condition cannot be cured and may progress to heart failure.
Heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis)
Internal parasites that occur uncommonly in cats in some parts of Europe, Australia and the USA. The larval stage of the parasite is transmitted from one infected animal to another via mosquito bites. Once in the bloodstream, larvae travel to the heart and pulmonary artery, which connects with the lungs. They develop into adult worms and cause a severe cough, breathing problems and possibly even death.
Heatstroke or Heat Hyperpyrexia
A severe condition following exposure of a cat to excessive heat with a consequent rapid rise in its body temperature. It is more common in dogs, but a cat, if confined in a hot, poorly ventilated place with no access to water for a prolonged period, will eventually suffer heatstroke as its temperature regulation mechanisms are overcome. The circumstances in which this might occur are if the cat becomes accidentally trapped in a hot, stuffy shed, car, tumble-drier, airing cupboard, etc. The only mechanisms that the cat has to prevent overheating are seeking out shade, sweating through the paws, panting and drinking water. Symptoms of heatstroke are firstly panting, drooling and anxiety, and the gums turn a bright red color. The temperature climbs rapidly above the normal 38.5°C, leading to coma, respiratory collapse (blue tinge to gums) and death.
Heatstroke is an emergency that requires immediate action to lower the cat's temperature. It may be necessary to give artificial respiration. Place the animal in a bowl or sink full of cold water, supporting its head above the water. After five or ten minutes there should be an improvement and the cat should start to become more aware of its surroundings. Ideally, keep a check on the cat's rectal temperature and remove it from the water once this reaches 39.2°C. This is because the temperature will continue to fall for a time once it has been removed from the water. The temperature regulation mechanism has been disturbed, and it is possible to overcool the cat. Dry the cat and offer it drinking water and keep it confined in cool surroundings while you seek veterinary advice. Sometimes, even after an apparent recovery, symptoms can begin again and it is important to keep a close eye on the cat. Cats should never be left in a car in warm or hot weather, even if the windows are open.
Flat-faced cats such as Persians and elderly and obese animals are more susceptible to heatstroke.
Hernia
The protrusion of a greater or lesser part of an organ from out of its normal position in the abdominal cavity because of a weakness or rupture in restraining sheets of muscle. A congenital hernia is present at birth, and the commonest one is an umbilical hernia in a newborn kitten. A part of the intestine bulges into the umbilicus, because of the failure of muscles beneath in the abdominal wall to close over. This can usually be corrected by surgery. An inguinal hernia is rare in cats but involves a portion of the bowel protruding through the inguinal canal in the lower abdomen or groin. A potentially more serious type of hernia can follow an accidental blow when the muscles of the diaphragm tear or rupture. Loops of intestine are then able to bulge into the chest cavity, and this causes pain and distressed breathing. The cat is not able to lie down, and immediate corrective surgery is needed to repair the damage and save its life.
Hyperthyroidism
A rare disorder in cats resulting from excessive activity of the thyroid gland (an overactive thyroid), causing an increased production of hormones. One sign of this is an increased appetite but accompanied by a loss of weight.
Hypothermia
The bodily state in which a cat's core temperature falls below 36.7°C as a result of prolonged exposure to cold, wet conditions. At first, shivering occurs and the heart works harder to increase blood flow around the body. Eventually shivering ceases, however, and with increased chilling the function of the body organs becomes disturbed and cardiac output falls. The tissues require less oxygen as their functions start to fail, but eventually the heart is unable to supply even this reduced demand. The symptoms of hypothermia are shivering, and then fatigue, lethargy, confusion, convulsions and coma. The cat's breathing is very shallow and slow, and the body feels cold to the touch. Death follows unless the cat is warmed and its core temperature induced to rise.
Any cat can develop hypothermia if it is out in cold, wet and windy weather for a long time and cannot obtain shelter, particularly if it is injured or trapped and cannot move about. Young kittens, elderly cats and thin-coated breeds such as the Rex types are particularly vulnerable. Immediate first aid treatment is needed in the form of drying the cat and wrapping it in blankets and placing it in a warm room but not directly near a source of heat. It may be necessary to give emergency artificial respiration in some cases.
Incontinence
This may occur in the bladder or bowels in elderly cats and, depending upon the cause, may be difficult to treat successfully. Apparent urinary incontinence in younger male cats may, in fact, be an indication of feline urological syndrome.
Jaundice
A condition characterized by the unusual presence of bile pigment (bilirubin) in the blood, which is normally a symptom of liver disease. With jaundice, bile that is produced in the liver and stored in the gall bladder passes into the blood instead of the intestines, and because of this the skin and mucus membranes take on a yellowish appearance. This is noticed in the whites of the eyes and lining of the eyelids, tongue and sums. The urine also turns a strong yellow or brown color because of the presence of the pigment. Possible causes include feline infectious anemia, diabetes mellitus, poisoning and liver tumor. A jaundiced cat is evidently ill and normally shows other symptoms. Urgent veterinary treatment is essential.
Kidney Disease
There are two common forms in cats, glomerulonephritis, which is an immune system disorder, and progressive kidney failure, which may occur as a natural degeneration in old age. Other possible contributory causes are lymphosarcoma, bacterial infection, and damage to the kidneys, usually sustained as a result of a road accident. The damage or degeneration of the kidneys means that they are no longer able efficiently to filter waste products from the blood These toxic substances accumulate in the circulation and cause symptoms that include loss of appetite and weight, lethargy. Vomiting, extreme thirst, dehydration and eventually the development of painful mouth ulcers.
Unfortunately, chronic kidney failure cannot be reversed and. while the symptoms can sometimes be relieved by feeding i low protein diet and with drugs, it may be necessary to have the cat put humanely to sleep. Acute kidney failure, producing similar symptoms but arising suddenly in cats of younger age caused by, e.g. poisoning, accidental damage, feline urological syndrome or dehydration, are often temporary and respond to treatment, but these cats may be more likely to develop the chronic form in old age. Leptospirosis, which is often responsible for kidney disease in dogs, is virtually unknown in cats.

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

	Cat Illnesses - Page 9 Cat Care > Cat Illnesses - Page 9 Haw (third eyelid) A protective membrane, called the 'nictitating membrane', that can be seen in the corner of the eye as a small pink mass. In a cat that is dehydrated, debilitated or suffering from an irritative condition, the haws may be seen passing sideways across the eyes. It is best to report this to your veterinary surgeon in case the cat requires treatment. Heart Disease In common with human beings, cats may suffer from heart disease, which tends to be more common in older age. The form this takes differs, however, in that cats nearly always suffer from increasing weakness and failure of the heart muscle (cardiomyopathy) rather than the 'furring' of the pulmonary arteries, which is so common in people. In about half of all cats with this condition, blood clots are able to form within the chambers of the heart as blood flows more sluggishly. These are eventually carried away in the circulation, and often one lodges in the fork of the major artery that divides to supply each hind limb (aortic thromboembolism). The circulation to the limbs is severely reduced or cut off, and there is pain, coldness and a lack of pulse. The muscles are not able to work properly and the cat cannot use its hind legs. Unfortunately, this condition cannot be cured and may progress to heart failure. Heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis) Internal parasites that occur uncommonly in cats in some parts of Europe, Australia and the USA. The larval stage of the parasite is transmitted from one infected animal to another via mosquito bites. Once in the bloodstream, larvae travel to the heart and pulmonary artery, which connects with the lungs. They develop into adult worms and cause a severe cough, breathing problems and possibly even death. Heatstroke or Heat Hyperpyrexia A severe condition following exposure of a cat to excessive heat with a consequent rapid rise in its body temperature. It is more common in dogs, but a cat, if confined in a hot, poorly ventilated place with no access to water for a prolonged period, will eventually suffer heatstroke as its temperature regulation mechanisms are overcome. The circumstances in which this might occur are if the cat becomes accidentally trapped in a hot, stuffy shed, car, tumble-drier, airing cupboard, etc. The only mechanisms that the cat has to prevent overheating are seeking out shade, sweating through the paws, panting and drinking water. Symptoms of heatstroke are firstly panting, drooling and anxiety, and the gums turn a bright red color. The temperature climbs rapidly above the normal 38.5°C, leading to coma, respiratory collapse (blue tinge to gums) and death. Heatstroke is an emergency that requires immediate action to lower the cat's temperature. It may be necessary to give artificial respiration. Place the animal in a bowl or sink full of cold water, supporting its head above the water. After five or ten minutes there should be an improvement and the cat should start to become more aware of its surroundings. Ideally, keep a check on the cat's rectal temperature and remove it from the water once this reaches 39.2°C. This is because the temperature will continue to fall for a time once it has been removed from the water. The temperature regulation mechanism has been disturbed, and it is possible to overcool the cat. Dry the cat and offer it drinking water and keep it confined in cool surroundings while you seek veterinary advice. Sometimes, even after an apparent recovery, symptoms can begin again and it is important to keep a close eye on the cat. Cats should never be left in a car in warm or hot weather, even if the windows are open. Flat-faced cats such as Persians and elderly and obese animals are more susceptible to heatstroke. Hernia The protrusion of a greater or lesser part of an organ from out of its normal position in the abdominal cavity because of a weakness or rupture in restraining sheets of muscle. A congenital hernia is present at birth, and the commonest one is an umbilical hernia in a newborn kitten. A part of the intestine bulges into the umbilicus, because of the failure of muscles beneath in the abdominal wall to close over. This can usually be corrected by surgery. An inguinal hernia is rare in cats but involves a portion of the bowel protruding through the inguinal canal in the lower abdomen or groin. A potentially more serious type of hernia can follow an accidental blow when the muscles of the diaphragm tear or rupture. Loops of intestine are then able to bulge into the chest cavity, and this causes pain and distressed breathing. The cat is not able to lie down, and immediate corrective surgery is needed to repair the damage and save its life. Hyperthyroidism A rare disorder in cats resulting from excessive activity of the thyroid gland (an overactive thyroid), causing an increased production of hormones. One sign of this is an increased appetite but accompanied by a loss of weight. Hypothermia The bodily state in which a cat's core temperature falls below 36.7°C as a result of prolonged exposure to cold, wet conditions. At first, shivering occurs and the heart works harder to increase blood flow around the body. Eventually shivering ceases, however, and with increased chilling the function of the body organs becomes disturbed and cardiac output falls. The tissues require less oxygen as their functions start to fail, but eventually the heart is unable to supply even this reduced demand. The symptoms of hypothermia are shivering, and then fatigue, lethargy, confusion, convulsions and coma. The cat's breathing is very shallow and slow, and the body feels cold to the touch. Death follows unless the cat is warmed and its core temperature induced to rise. Any cat can develop hypothermia if it is out in cold, wet and windy weather for a long time and cannot obtain shelter, particularly if it is injured or trapped and cannot move about. Young kittens, elderly cats and thin-coated breeds such as the Rex types are particularly vulnerable. Immediate first aid treatment is needed in the form of drying the cat and wrapping it in blankets and placing it in a warm room but not directly near a source of heat. It may be necessary to give emergency artificial respiration in some cases. Incontinence This may occur in the bladder or bowels in elderly cats and, depending upon the cause, may be difficult to treat successfully. Apparent urinary incontinence in younger male cats may, in fact, be an indication of feline urological syndrome. Jaundice A condition characterized by the unusual presence of bile pigment (bilirubin) in the blood, which is normally a symptom of liver disease. With jaundice, bile that is produced in the liver and stored in the gall bladder passes into the blood instead of the intestines, and because of this the skin and mucus membranes take on a yellowish appearance. This is noticed in the whites of the eyes and lining of the eyelids, tongue and sums. The urine also turns a strong yellow or brown color because of the presence of the pigment. Possible causes include feline infectious anemia, diabetes mellitus, poisoning and liver tumor. A jaundiced cat is evidently ill and normally shows other symptoms. Urgent veterinary treatment is essential. Kidney Disease There are two common forms in cats, glomerulonephritis, which is an immune system disorder, and progressive kidney failure, which may occur as a natural degeneration in old age. Other possible contributory causes are lymphosarcoma, bacterial infection, and damage to the kidneys, usually sustained as a result of a road accident. The damage or degeneration of the kidneys means that they are no longer able efficiently to filter waste products from the blood These toxic substances accumulate in the circulation and cause symptoms that include loss of appetite and weight, lethargy. Vomiting, extreme thirst, dehydration and eventually the development of painful mouth ulcers. Unfortunately, chronic kidney failure cannot be reversed and. while the symptoms can sometimes be relieved by feeding i low protein diet and with drugs, it may be necessary to have the cat put humanely to sleep. Acute kidney failure, producing similar symptoms but arising suddenly in cats of younger age caused by, e.g. poisoning, accidental damage, feline urological syndrome or dehydration, are often temporary and respond to treatment, but these cats may be more likely to develop the chronic form in old age. Leptospirosis, which is often responsible for kidney disease in dogs, is virtually unknown in cats. 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	Cat Care Cat Teeth Care Cat Ear & Eye Care Hair loss in cats Cat Worming Cat Vaccination Cat Neutering Leaving a Cat at Home Acquiring A Cat Choosing a Pet Kitten Choosing an Adult Cat The Cat that Chooses You Bringing Home a New Kitten Settling In of Kitten Taking Home an Adult Cat Cat Diet Raw/Cooked Food for Cat Bones for Cat Water for Cat Home-prepared Foods Commercial Foods for Cat Grass for Cats Feeding a Kitten Overfeeding and Obesity Underfeeding/Weight Loss Adaptations of Cat Cat's Eyes Cat's Ears Smelling Sense of Cat Whiskers of Cat Cats Balance Sense Cat's Teeth Cat Breeding Male Cat Female Cat or Queen Gestation Period for Cats Pseudo Pregnancy in Cat Cat Pregnancy Preparing Birth of Kittens Cat Labour and Birth When to Call a Vet Routine Care of Queen Cat Weaning A Kitten Rearing Orphan Kittens Determining Sex of Kittens Cat Parasites Cats Internal Parasites Cats External Parasites Cat Training Training a Kitten Cat Toilet Training Cat Learning Its Name Cat Walking on a Lead Using a Cat Flap or Cat Door Training an Adult Cat List of Cat Breeds Cat Grooming Cat Behaviour Cat Names Cat Language Elderly Cat Care Cat Illnesses First Aid for Cats Sitemap