Pet Health Articles
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This handout summarizes the various treatments for cats with asthma and includes a list of treatment instructions for home care and warning signs to look for. Treatment options include corticosteroids, bronchodilators, and inhaler use.
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A trichobezoar, or hairball, can form when a pet ingests hair that does not pass through the intestinal tract. When this occurs, the hairball may be vomited up uneventfully or it may lead to a gastrointestinal obstruction. If a trichobezoar causes an obstruction, surgical management is necessary.
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Damage to the tympanic membrane and middle ear infections can be very painful for cats and cause a variety of clinical signs affecting the skin and nervous system. Diagnosis often requires a thorough ear examination with testing while your cat is under sedation or anesthesia. The treatment methods and prognosis depend on the nature of your cat's condition.
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While urinary tract disorders are common in cats, urinary tract infections (UTIs) are fairly uncommon. Cats with UTIs tend to have the following signs: frequently passing small amounts of urine, straining to urinate, blood in the urine, crying out or whining while urinating, licking their genitals, and urinating outside the litterbox. Generally, a UTI occurs when bacteria travel up the urethra and into the bladder. If your cat presents to your veterinarian with urinary signs, your veterinarian will first perform a urinalysis. Once the culture and sensitivity results are received, an appropriate antibiotic will be prescribed. Older female cats and cats with certain health conditions may be predisposed.
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Uveitis is an inflammation of one or more of the structures making up the uvea (part of the eye). Signs of uveitis are severe pain with an intense reddening of the visible parts of the eye. Measurement of intraocular pressure is often performed to diagnose uveitis. Treatment involves reducing the pain and inflammation in the eye as well as treating the initial cause of the disease.
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Vestibular disease is a condition that affects the vestibular system, which helps a cat maintain balance and move normally. The vestibular system has components in the brain and the inner ear. Disease or damage in these areas can affect a cat's balance and coordination.
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Vitamin D poisoning occurs when a cat ingests a toxic dose of vitamin D. Common sources of vitamin D poisoning include rodenticides that contain vitamin D3 and certain human medications. The effects of vitamin D poisoning can last many weeks to months.
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Vomiting is a clinical sign that may occur with many diseases and problems. There can be many causes of vomiting. This handout outlines various types of vomiting, as well as potential causes, diagnosis and treatments for vomiting in your cat.
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Von Willebrand disease (VWD) is an inherited bleeding disorder that is common in humans and dogs, but rare in cats. It is caused by a deficiency in a protein called von Willebrand factor (VWF), which is essential for blood clotting. These cats experience clotting difficulties because their platelets are unable to properly attach to injury sites.
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Von Willebrand disease causes an inability for blood to clot resulting in excessive bleeding. If this disease is suspected, initial screening tests include a complete blood count (CBC), buccal mucosal bleeding time, and a coagulation profile. More advanced diagnostics include assays that assess the quantity and functionality of vWF. DNA testing is available and most commonly used to evaluate animals used in breeding programs.