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Pet Health Articles

Cats + English

  • Chronic bronchitis is a long-term inflammatory condition that affects the pulmonary or respiratory system. This condition is irreversible and is slowly progressive. This article discusses how the condition is diagnosed as well as treatments to slow the progression of the disease.

  • Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is the inability of the kidneys to efficiently filter the blood of waste products. It is mainly a problem in mature and senior cats (seven years and older), affecting 30% to 40% of cats over 10 years of age and 81% of cats over 15 years. This handout describes clinical signs, causes, diagnosis, treatment, and nutritional management.

  • Chronic upper respiratory tract disease in cats results from long-term inflammation of any part of the upper respiratory tract. It can occur for a variety of reasons. Common signs include sneezing, nasal or eye discharge, and noisy breathing. It is often associated with chronic viral infections and secondary bacterial infections.

  • Chylothorax is a relatively rare condition in cats in which lymphatic fluid (called chyle) leaks into the pleural cavity (an area between the lungs and the inner lining of the chest wall), causing lung compression and the inability of the lungs to fill with air. This occurs more commonly in purebred cats. The causes, diagnostics, treatments, and prognosis are explained in this handout.

  • Cidofovir ophthalmic is a topical medication used in cats to treat viral infections of the eye, such as feline herpesvirus-1 (FHV-1). Cidofovir ophthalmic must be compounded by a veterinarian or a veterinary pharmacy into an eye drop solution for cats.

  • Cimetidine is given by mouth and is used off label in cats, dogs, small mammals and horses to treat various gastrointestinal conditions related to acid production, such as ulcers and reflux. Side effects are uncommon and have not been documented in animals. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it or other histamine2 blockers.

  • Ciprofloxacin ophthalmic (brand name Ciloxan(R)) is an antibacterial agent used in the treatment of eye infections in dogs and cats. Its use in dogs and cats is off label or extra label. This medication should not be used in dogs that are allergic to quinolones. Some medications may interact with ciprofloxacin, so it is important to tell your veterinarian about any medications that your pet is taking. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.

  • Ciprofloxacin is a systemic fluoroquinolone antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections. It is often given by mouth, but an injectable form is also available. The most common side effect is gastrointestinal distress, but other side effects are possible. It is contraindicated in young or dehydrated pets, or in pets with liver or kidney disease. It should not be the first-choice fluoroquinolone for veterinary patients.

  • Cisapride is used off label and is given by mouth to treat gastrointestinal motility disorders in cats, dogs, and small mammals. Common side effects include vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal discomfort. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it or in pets with conditions that would be made worse by increased intestinal movement. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.

  • Clarithromycin is given by mouth and used off label to treat certain bacterial infections in several animal species. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it or other macrolide antibiotics, in rabbits, gerbils, guinea pigs, hamsters, or horses more than four months old.