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Pet Health Articles

Cats + Surgical Conditions

  • Ear canal tumors are abnormal growths that can develop from any part of the ear canal (the skin, the glands of the skin that produce earwax and oil, and the underlying connective tissues, muscles, and bones). Initially, these tumors may appear as one or more pink, white, or purple nodular masses in the ear canal. If benign, they may grow to a certain size and may or may not be problematic. If malignant, they may grow, ulcerate (break open) and bleed, and nearly always become infected, causing recurrent or chronic ear infections. The treatment of choice for ear canal tumors is surgical excision.

  • Contenido en español actualizado.
    Translated from the original English article Anal Sac Disease in Cats

  • Alveolar osteitis, also called expansile osteitis, is a relatively common condition that results from chronic periodontal disease in cats. It is painful and can interfere with grooming and eating. If this disorder is detected early, it may be possible to treat the disease without extracting the tooth.

  • A femoral head ostectomy (FHO) is a surgical procedure that removes the head and neck of the femur (the long leg bone or thighbone) to help restore pain-free mobility to a diseased or damaged hip. This procedure is commonly recommended for cats, especially those who are at a healthy weight.

  • Fight wounds often result in infections that can become serious if left untreated. Punctures from bites seal over quickly, trapping bacteria under the skin. If your cat is bitten, it is important to be seen by a veterinarian for treatment as soon as possible.

  • Glaucoma is a disease of the eye in which the pressure within the eye, called intraocular pressure (IOP), is increased. Glaucoma is caused by inadequate drainage of aqueous fluid. Glaucoma is classified as primary or secondary. High intraocular pressure causes damage to occur in the retina and the optic nerve. Blindness can occur very quickly unless the increased IOP is reduced. Analgesics to control the pain and medications that decrease fluid production and promote drainage are often prescribed to treat glaucoma. The prognosis depends to a degree upon the underlying cause of the glaucoma.

  • Contenido en español actualizado.
    Translated from the original English article Hematoma of the Ear in Cats

  • Hyperthyroidism is a common condition in older cats caused by excess thyroid hormone release resulting in an increased metabolic state. Hyperthyroidism can cause weight loss despite a good appetite, increased water consumption and urination, vomiting, diarrhea, cardiomyopathy, and hypertension. Diagnosis is made by testing blood thyroid hormone levels. Several successful treatment options exist, including medication, thyroidectomy, radioactive iodine, and a prescription diet. The prognosis with treatment is generally good.

  • Contenido en español actualizado.
    Translated from the original English article Fight Wound Infections in Cats

  • Cats love to investigate new sights, smells, and tastes. Unfortunately, this curiosity can lead them into trouble if they ingest something they shouldn't. While some will pass through the digestive tract, some foreign bodies can cause serious problems.