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Pet Health Articles

Cats + Medical Conditions

  • Icterus is also known as jaundice. It is an excessive accumulation of a yellow pigment called bilirubin in the blood and tissues, most easily seen in the gums and whites of the eyes. Icterus can be caused by hemolysis, liver disease, or obstruction of the bile duct. Your veterinarian will perform screening tests to determine the root cause of icterus.

  • Glomerulonephritis, also known as glomerular nephritis (GN), is a type of renal (kidney) disease characterized by inflammation of the glomeruli (filtration units) in the kidneys. When these structures are damaged, kidney function is greatly impaired and toxins build up in the body, causing serious illness.

  • Immune-mediated thrombocytopenia is a condition in which the body destroys its own platelets. Platelets are cells that help the blood to clot. Causes can be primary (autoimmune) or secondary to other underlying conditions. The prognosis is generally good, though relapses can occur.

  • Contenido en español actualizado.
    Translated from the original English article Ear Infections in Cats (Otitis Externa)

  • Male infertility refers to the inability of a sexually mature tomcat (intact male cat) to impregnate a fertile female. This handout explains the possible causes of infertility in male cats as well as how they may be diagnosed and treated.

  • Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a syndrome affecting the stomach and/or intestines that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, or weight loss. It is a chronic condition, and in most instances, an exact underlying cause cannot be identified.

  • An inguinal hernia occurs when abdominal organs or tissues push through the inguinal ring (a natural opening in the abdominal wall near the pelvis) and bulge into the groin area. Inguinal hernias may be present at birth or develop later in life, possibly due to muscle weakness or trauma. This handout discusses signs, treatment, prognosis, and prevention.

  • Osteoarthritis (OA) is a progressive, degenerative disease of the joints. This handout explains and outlines the use of disease-modifying osteoarthritis drugs (DMOADs) in treating cats with OA. DMOADs slow or change how OA progresses. This handout explains the common DMOADs and how they are used in OA treatment.

  • Otitis interna is inflammation of the inner ear, most often caused by infection. Signs depend on the severity and extent of infection. They may include drooling from the side of the mouth, difficulty eating, inability to blink, and drooping eyelids, lips, and nostrils on the affected side.

  • Contenido en español actualizado.
    Translated from the original English article Congestive Heart Failure in Cats