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Cats + Medical Conditions

  • Obesity occurs when a cat consumes more calories than they expend. Therefore, managing obesity in cats often requires both dietary changes and increased exercise/activity. There are several methods for increasing activity in cats, including play, using cat trees and climbing structures, outdoor enclosures, and intentional, active feeding practices. Each of these can be beneficial in promoting weight loss.

  • Chronic Kidney Disease in Cats

    Los riñones tienen diferentes funciones. Su principal función es limpiar la sangre de toxinas y sustancias de deshecho, regular el nivel sanguíneo de ciertas sustancias esenciales como el sodio o el potasio, ayudar a conservar el agua del cuerpo y producir la orina.

  • An FHO, or femoral head ostectomy, is a surgical procedure that aims to restore pain-free mobility to a diseased or damaged hip by removing the head and neck of the femur (the long leg bone or thighbone). This procedure is commonly recommended for cats, especially those who are at a healthy weight. Active cats often experience better results with FHO than less-active cats. It is important to follow your veterinarian's post-operative instructions. Most cats will show signs of complete recovery approximately six weeks post-operatively.

  • A seizure is an abnormal surge of electrical activity within the brain. Fly-biting seizures are a type of focal seizure in which a dog snaps at the air as if biting at invisible flies. The same anti-epileptic medications used for generalized seizures are typically used in managing focal seizures.

  • Follicular conjunctivitis is an eye condition that primarily affects young dogs, under 18 months of age. Follicular conjunctivitis is often caused by allergens, such as dust, grass, and weeds. Mild cases of follicular conjunctivitis do not require treatment. If your dog’s eye is uncomfortable, treatment may include saline rinses, topical steroids, and possible debridement.

  • Food allergies can be problematic for many cats, especially after years on the same diet. Clinical signs may manifest as gastrointestinal or skin problems. Animal proteins are the most common causes and strict avoidance is the best way to treat affected cats. An 8 to 12-week elimination diet trial on a special veterinary diet is the only definitive method to diagnose a food allergy and, in some cases, the veterinary diet may need to be continued long-term.

  • Giardia in Cats

    La giardiasis es una infección intestinal del hombre y los animales provocada por un protozoo parásitario llamado Giardia intestinalis (conocido también como Giardia lamblia). La Giardia es una especie parásita simple de una sola célula; no es un "gusano", ni una bacteria ni un virus. Este parásito tiene una distribución mundial y es una causa común de la "diarrea del viajero" en las personas.

  • Hookworm Infection in Cats

    Los gusanos gancho son parásitos intestinales de los gatos y los perros. Se llaman de está forma porque sus partes bucales tienen forma de gancho. Usan estas partes para anclarse a la pared de los intestinos. Miden sólo unos 2 o 3 mm (1/8) de largo y son tan pequeños de diámetro que apenas pueden verse a simple vista. Los parásitos gancho se alimentan de los tejidos y sangre del huésped.

  • Hepatic encephalopathy is a neurologic condition in cats and dogs that is caused by an underlying liver condition. It can cause lethargy, seizures, problems with balance and coordination, and coma. Common causes, methods to diagnose the condition, and its treatment options are explained in this handout.

  • Taking care of a paralyzed pet comes with many challenges. This handout reviews the needs of a paralyzed pet and how an owner can help them at home.