Pet Health Articles
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Thrombocytopenia is a decrease in the number of blood platelets (thrombocytes) circulating in the blood that results in abnormal hemorrhage and possible anemia. This handout outlines potential causes for the condition, signs, treatment, and prognosis.
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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 when a cat suddenly develops incoordination, falling or circling to one side, involuntary darting of the eyes back and forth, a head tilt, and often nausea or vomiting. Most cases are idiopathic, meaning the exact cause is unknown. Idiopathic vestibular disease is a short-term, self-resolving condition with a good prognosis.
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Vitamin D poisoning occurs when a dog ingests a toxic dose of vitamin D. Common sources of vitamin D poisoning include rodenticides that contain vitamin D and certain human medications.
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Vomiting may be caused by disorders of the stomach, but is a clinical sign that can occur with many diseases and problems. Different types of vomiting are reviewed. Any required tests are determined based on physical examination of your cat and questions regarding how your cat has been acting and feeling at home.
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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.