Library
-
An abscess usually appears suddenly as a painful swelling that may be firm to the touch or compressible like a water balloon. If the abscess is located inside the body (e.g., in the liver), fever is expected, and if the abscess has ruptured internally, there may also be bacteria in the bloodstream. Treatment depends on the location of the abscess and the severity of the infection.
-
Acute kidney injury (AKI) is the sudden failure of the kidneys to perform normal filtration duties. Clinical signs, potential causes, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis are outlined in this handout.
-
Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), also known as shock lung, is a life-threatening complication of critical illness in cats, such as systemic infection, systemic disease, severe trauma, or near-drowning. Treatment involves targeting the underlying cause while supporting the cat's compromised lung function.
-
Addison’s disease, also known as hypoadrenocorticism, is a condition in which the adrenal glands do not produce enough glucocorticoids (steroids) and is considered rare in cats. When normal adrenal gland tissue is destroyed, cats often have a history of waxing and waning periods of lethargy, decreased appetite, and weight loss.
-
Allergies are one of the most common medical conditions affecting cats. An allergy is a state of over-reactivity or hypersensitivity of the immune system to a particular substance, called an allergen. This handout outlines types of allergies, how they occur, symptoms, and treatment options.
-
Amitraz is a topical insecticide found in flea collars, sprays, dips, and other topical spot-on or pour-on products used to control ticks, mites, and other parasites. It is used in dogs and farm animals, and is found in products used to control parasites on various crops. Amitraz is not recommended for use on cats as they are extremely sensitive to this insecticide.
-
Amyloidosis occurs when amyloid proteins are deposited outside cells in various tissues and organs causing tissue and organ dysfunction. It is uncommon in cats, except for Abyssinians, Siamese, Burmese, Tonkinese, Devon Rex, and Oriental shorthair breeds. Signs depend on the organs involved, but kidney involvement is most common. If kidneys are involved, signs include mouth ulcers, weight loss, vomiting, and dehydration. For cats with liver involvement, signs include weakness, pale gum color, distended abdomen, rapid heart rate, rapid breathing, abdominal pain, and collapse.
-
The anal sacs and ducts can become inflamed or infected for a variety of reasons. This handout outlines signs to watch for, diagnosis, and treatments, including identifying and managing underlying causes.
-
Anemia is a medical term that refers to a reduced number of circulating red blood cells, hemoglobin, or both. It is not a specific disease, but rather the result of some other disease process or condition. The most easily observed and common clinical sign of anemia is a loss of the normal pink color of the gums. Several tests are performed on blood samples to diagnose anemia. If your cat's anemia is so severe that it is life threatening, a blood transfusion will be needed.
-
Anisocoria is a condition in which the pupils of the cat's eyes are different sizes. Anisocoria is a symptom of an underlying condition or disease that needs to be identified and treated. Prognosis is guarded pending the diagnosis and treatment. Blindness may occur as a result of the underlying condition.