Feline Diseases That All New Cat Owners Should Know About

Cat health problems can either be hereditary or brought about by other infections. In either case, your ability to care for your pet will depend on how much you are informed about these ailments, their causes and possible treatments. This article examines some common health problems usually found in cats.



Genetic Feline Diseases



There are some health problems observed in cats that are hereditary and knowing what these are will better equip you to cater to your pet's need should it be affected. Let's take a look at three of them.



- Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: This heart condition is one of the most common genetic diseases that cats can get affected with. In this case, the left vertical heart tissues become thickened.



- Diabetes: This is a health disorder where both gene and environmental changes can be termed as culprits. However, your cat can be cured with proper medical attention and treatment.



- Polydactyly: This is another genetic disorder observed in cats where the cat may have more than eighteen toes.



Common Feline Diseases



Common cat health problems can range from flu and allergies to skin rashes and more. Here are some common ailments that may plague your pet:



- Hairballs: This is one of the most common feline diseases that is observed. A cat often grooms itself and in the process, swallows lots of hair. These hair forms a round or sausage shaped growth in the stomach which the cat vomits out later.



- Cat Flu: When the upper respiratory tract gets infected by a virus, you kitty might get the cat flu. This is a common infection and you should be able to cure it easily with proper medical care.



- FIV: This is AIDS in cats. When a cat is infected with FIV, it may not show any symptoms of its own. However, since this virus affects the immune system, your cat may succumb to FIV infection in the case where it already has some other chronic health disorders.



- Feline Stress: It's a fact that cats are often easily affected by stress and other related health disorders. Stress related health troubles in cats include loss of appetite, shaking, spraying, sudden behavioral changes and more.



Treating cat health problems is part and parcel of caring for your kitty. Should you observe unusual behavior in your cat, it's important to stay calm and try to consult a vet to get your feline friend treated as soon as possible.

Cat Lymphoma - An Owner's Guide to Lymphoma in Cats

Lymphoid tissue is found throughout your whole cat's body. Lymphoma in cats, a disease that affects this tissue, can cause damage to a number of organs. This cancer normally affects cats around ten years of age. Also, cats infected with the leukemia or immunodeficiency virus have an increased risk.



Forms



Cat lymphoma can occur in one of three forms. They include the alimentary, mediastinal, and multicentric forms. The alimentary form affects the digestive tract and surrounding lymph nodes. The mediastinal form affects the chest, thymus, and associated lymph nodes. This is commonly a problem with cats infected with the feline leukemia virus.



The last form of this disease is multicentric. Like the mediastinal variety, it is usually a problem for cats with the leukemia virus. It causes damage to multiple organs and their surrounding lymph nodes.



Symptoms



Unfortunately, lymphoma in cats causes unspecific symptoms. Common signs of this disease include weight loss, decreased appetite, and lethargy. Any other symptoms that your cat experiences will depend on the specific organs that are affected.



Treatment



Cat lymphoma is mainly treated with chemotherapy. If the disease has already spread to multiple areas, this is the only treatment option your cat will have. This medication can be given by an injection, although some cats can take it orally. Radiation, laser, and surgery are options if the cancer is still localized.



Prognosis



Lymphoma in cats is easily a life-threatening disease. The outcome of treatment depends on various factors. These include how early the tumor was detected and its location. If your cat is also battling the leukemia virus, the prognosis will be much worse. Most cats don't survive more than two years, while many die around six months after diagnosis.

Canine Strokes - An Owner's Guide to Strokes in Dogs

Strokes in dogs are very rare. They occur when the blood flow to the brain has been impaired. There are two types of strokes, namely hemorrhagic and schemic. The former occurs when a vessel breaks, while the latter occurs when blood supply is diminished for some reason.



Causes



Canine strokes can occur for a number of reasons. Some occur because of severe trauma to the head, such as being hit by a car. Dogs that ingest poisons may also have a stroke. Underlying medical conditions can also be to blame. Common conditions include Cushing's disease, heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes, and brain tumors.



Symptoms



Unfortunately, strokes in dogs can produce some of the same symptoms caused by other diseases or conditions. Some of the most common signs include head tilting, constant circling, and difficulty walking. It is also common for dogs to experience sudden behavioral changes, loss of bowel control, and blindness.



Diagnosis



If your dog exhibits any of these symptoms, you will need to seek medical assistance quickly. Quick diagnosis and treatment goes a long way towards a complete recovery. The veterinarian will start out by physically examining your dog. If your dog has had a stroke, he will perform a CT scan or MRI to try to determine the cause. These two procedures require that your dog be anesthetized.



Treatment



Canine strokes are treated by determining the underlying medical condition and treated it if possible. Successful treatment of this condition will prevent future strokes. Unfortunately, the damage caused by these strokes is irreparable. Most dogs recover motor functions and have a complete recovery within a few weeks. However, your dog may have certain behavioral changes after having one.