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Pet Health Articles

Cats + English

  • Cetirizine (Zyrtec®, Reactine®) is an antihistamine used off label to treat and prevent pruritus (itching) associated with atopic dermatitis, urticaria (hives), and insect bite reactions in cats and dogs. It may also be used for respiratory allergy symptoms.

  • Chamomile is given by mouth or applied topically and is used off-label and over the counter to treat inflammatory skin conditions, gastrointestinal upset, and anxiety. Give as directed by your veterinarian. Side effects are uncommon if used at the proper dose, but may include vomiting, diarrhea, or skin irritation. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it or other plants in the daisy family. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.

  • Chediak-Higashi Syndrome is a rare genetic disease that affects smoke-blue Persian cats. The condition affects how the body processes waste products, resulting in changes within the body’s cells and leading to abnormal pigmentation of the skin and coat. The condition can lead to eye abnormalities and problems with blood clotting, but most cats can have a normal lifespan with careful health monitoring.

  • Chemotherapy is the therapeutic use of chemical agents to destroy or inhibit the growth and division of cancer cells. Usually, chemotherapy is used when tumors are widespread or when there is significant or immediate risk of spread from the primary location. It is often used following the surgical removal of tumors. In some cases, chemotherapy is started prior to surgery. The side effects of chemotherapy are related to the effects of chemotherapy on normal -as well as cancerous- cells. The principal goal of cancer care in pets is to provide cancer control without reducing quality of life.

  • Chemotherapy medications are primarily used to treat cancer in people and animals. They can also be used to treat autoimmune disorders, certain blood disorders, or as immunosuppressive agents in organ transplant recipients. They often target and kill rapidly dividing cancer cells, but normal, healthy cells can also be damaged.

  • When you bring a child into your home, it is easy to forget that your pets will need to make some adjustments, too. Fortunately, there are ways to prepare your pet for the new addition. This handout provides some helpful tips for how to make the transition smoother for your family and your pet.

  • Children often have very close relationships with pets, and especially with cats. Losing a pet cat is inevitable and may be the child's first experience of death, but there are ways for parents and others to help the child cope with it. With care and support, your child can grow through the grief and heal.

  • Chin acne in cats is a poorly understood disorder of follicular keratinization (the overproduction of keratin, a protein found in the outer layer of skin). This handout outlines potential causes, clinical signs, treatment, and prognosis of this condition.

  • Chlamydial conjunctivitis in cats is highly contagious and can look similar to herpes conjunctivitis. Young cats and kittens are especially vulnerable to this infection, although chlamydia can be detected in cats of all ages. It is one of the most common causes of infectious conjunctivitis in cats. This handout describes the clinical signs and how this condition can be treated or prevented.

  • Chlorambucil (brand names: Leukeran®, Chloraminophene®, Linfolysin®) is an immunosuppressive and anticancer medication used to treat certain cancers, such as leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma. It can also be used as a supplemental treatment for some immune-mediated diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease.