Pet Health Articles
-
Flea allergy dermatitis (FAD) is a skin condition caused by an allergic reaction to the proteins in flea saliva. Cats usually experience only minor skin irritation in response to flea bites, but in cats with flea allergies, the antigens in flea saliva cause an intensely itchy response. Strict flea control is essential for treatment and prevention.
-
Fleas are the most common nuisance and parasite affecting cats, and an infestation can lead to serious health problems. Homes with carpets and central heating provide ideal conditions for the year-round growth of fleas. This handout outlines flea control options for your cat and your home.
-
Fluralaner (brand name Bravecto®) is given by mouth or applied topically to treat and prevent flea and tick infestations in dogs and cats. It is sometimes used off label to treat sarcoptic mange, demodectic mange, or ear mites in dogs and cats. It is also sometimes used for skin and ear mites in rabbits and hedgehogs.
-
Contenido en español actualizado.
Translated from the original English article Giardia in Cats -
Giardia is a microscopic, parasitic organism that causes an intestinal infection in humans and animals called giardiasis. It is relatively rare in healthy adult cats and more commonly seen in kittens and debilitated adult cats, often occurring in densely populated groups such as catteries or animal shelters. Infected cats may have no signs.
-
Harvest mites, also known as red bugs, trombiculid mites, scrub-itch mites, berry bugs or, in their larval stage, as chiggers, are mites commonly found in forests and grasslands. Larval stages affect warm-blooded animals and cause a very itchy skin reaction.
-
Heartworms are blood-borne parasites that reside in the heart or nearby large blood vessels of infected animals. Heartworm disease is much less common in cats than dogs, but more common than previously thought. This handout explains the disease and outlines signs, diagnosis, treatment and prevention.
-
Heartworm disease is caused by a parasite that is much less common in cats than in dogs. However, heartworm infection in cats is difficult to diagnose, so the true rate of infection may be higher than it appears. Heartworm is usually diagnosed with a simple blood test. Treatment options are limited in cats.
-
Heartworm disease is challenging to treat in cats because there is currently no approved medication that safely eliminates adult heartworms. Treatment often focuses on managing symptoms and reducing the risk of sudden death while the infection resolves naturally, a process that can take several years. Prevention is the best treatment in cats.
-
Hookworm is a parasitic infection of the gastrointestinal tract. The parasites have hook-like mouthparts they use to anchor themselves to the lining of the intestinal wall. This handout outlines clinical signs, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.