http://www.petmd.com/cat/health/rss Health Library en http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cardiovascular/c_ct_heart_attack  
Much like in humans, a blockage of blood flow to the myocardium (the heart's muscular wall), is medically referred to as a heart attack, or myocardial infarction. This is generally due to the formation of a blood clot (or thrombus) within the blood vessels or heart, causing the premature death of a portion of the myocardium.
 
Heart attacks are rare in both cats and dogs.
 
Symptoms and Types
 

Weakness
Lethar ...read more]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cardiovascular/c_ct_heart_attack#comments Cardiovascular Fri, 12 Feb 2010 15:50:31 +0000 5461 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/reproductive/c_ct_sperm_duct_cyst  
Cyst epididymis, or sperm granuloma, is a condition in which a cyst has grown in the epididymis (part of the spermatic duct system), resulting in swelling of the duct or ducts. A spermatocele, meanwhile, is a cyst in the ducts or epididymis that conduct sperm, and is usually associated with a blockage. When sperm escape from these ducts into the surrounding tissue, chronic inflammation occurs. This becomes clinically important when bilateral (both sides) obstruction of the duct system leads to no live sperm in the seminal fluid. 
 
...read more]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/reproductive/c_ct_sperm_duct_cyst#comments Reproductive Fri, 26 Feb 2010 23:56:18 +0000 5582 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/mouth/c_ct_discolored_teeth  
Any variation from normal tooth color is considered discoloration. However, the normal color of teeth varies, dependent on the shade, thickness, and translucency of the enamel covering the tooth.
 
Symptoms and Types
 
Intrinsic discoloration is characterized by secondary factors that are happening inside the tooth, discoloring the underlying dentin. Extrinsic discoloration, meanwhile, occurs when exogenous pigment accumulates on the surface of teeth. That is, the cause of the discoloration is from an external source, rather than from a p ...read more]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/mouth/c_ct_discolored_teeth#comments Mouth Thu, 28 Jan 2010 19:53:18 +0000 5392 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/digestive/c_ct_peritonitis  
The abdominal cavity is lined with a thin, watery membrane, called the peritoneum. When the cat's abdominal cavity, also called the peritoneal cavity, is injured, the peritoneum becomes inflamed. The severity of the inflammation depends on the type of injury the peritoneal cavity has undergone. Peritonitis is frequently a painful condition, and the cat will respond when it is touched on its abdomen.
 
Peritonitis can affect both dogs and cats. To learn more about how it affects dogs, please visit ]]> Digestive Fri, 16 Jan 2009 21:17:43 +0000 3795 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/eyes/c_ct_entropion  
Entropion is a genetic condition in which a portion of the eyelid is inverted or folded inward against the eyeball. This results in irritation and scratches to the cornea -- the front surface of the eye -- leading to corneal ulceration, or corneal perforation. It can also leave dark-colored scar tissue to build up over the wound (pigmentary keratitis). These factors may cause a loss or decrease in vision.
 
Generally, only brachycephalic breeds of cats, such as Persians, are at risk. Entropion is almost always diagnosed around the time a cat reaches its secon ...read more]]> Eyes Thu, 22 Jan 2009 21:34:14 +0000 3853 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/digestive/c_ct_rectoanal_polyps  
The growth of flap-like protrusions in the cat's anal and rectal walls is a condition referred to as rectoanal polyps. These polyps may be directly attached to the intestinal walls (sessile), or attached through a stalk-like cylindrical connection.
 
Most rectoanal polyps are non-cancerous, and are merely extensions of the innermost tissue lining of the intestinal walls. And while most cases of polyps are usually isolated, there are occasions cats suffer from multiple polyps.
 
The condition described in this medical article can affect both dogs ...read more]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/digestive/c_ct_rectoanal_polyps#comments Digestive Thu, 22 Jan 2009 21:00:52 +0000 3850 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cardiovascular/c_ct_abnormal_heart_rhythm  
A slower-than-normal rate of impulses in the sinus node is medically referred to as sinus bradycardia (SB). Also called the sinoatrial node (SAN), the sinus node initiates the electrical impulses within the heart, triggering the heart to beat or contract. In most instances, slow sinus electrical impulses is benign and may even be beneficial; however, it can also cause loss of consciousness if it is brought about by an underlying disease that disrupts the cardiac autonomic nerves, which act as the heart's control system.
 
SB is less common in cats as c ...read more]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cardiovascular/c_ct_abnormal_heart_rhythm#comments Cardiovascular Fri, 12 Feb 2010 14:05:30 +0000 5455 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cardiovascular/c_ct_arteriovenous_fistula  
An abnormal, low resistance connection between an artery and a vein is called an arteriovenous fistula. If large enough, the fistula may cause a significant fraction of the total cardiac output to bypass the capillary bed, making it so that the tissues receive little or no oxygen. The heart, in turn, tries to compensate for the lack of oxygen by pumping blood out to the body at a faster rate, which may lead “high output” congestive heart failure.
 
The location of arteriovenous fistulae varies; reported sites include the head, neck, ear ...read more]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cardiovascular/c_ct_arteriovenous_fistula#comments Skin Thu, 13 May 2010 17:41:43 +0000 7351 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/mouth/c_ct_oronasal_fistula  
A fistula is characterized as an abnormal passageway between two openings, hollow organs, or cavities. They occur as a result of injury, infection, or disease. A communicating, vertical passageway between the mouth and nasal cavity is called an oronasal fistula. Oronasal fistulas are rare in cats, but they do occur.
 
These types of fistulas are caused by the diseased condition of any tooth in the upper jaw. The most common location for an oronasal fistula is where the root of the fourth premolar on the upper jaw enters the palate. This condition will ...read more]]> Mouth Wed, 17 Dec 2008 21:16:02 +0000 3676 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cancer/c_ct_paraproteinemia  
Gamma globulins, or immunoglobulins, are part of the body's antibody response to fighting infections. They are a class of blood protein produced by plasma cell, a type of white blood cell; their purpose: to identify and neutralize invading bacteria and viruses.
 
In paraproteinemia, abnormal paraproteins (proteins in the blood or urine) or M components are produced by a single clone of plasma cells. Such production of abnormal proteins is commonly seen in plasma cell tumors and in some other types of tumors, as well as in plasma cell myeloma, a cancer of ...read more]]> Cancer Wed, 30 Sep 2009 15:40:41 +0000 4760 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/skin/c_ct_abscessation Cats, like people, are prone to skin irritations. While they can often be treated with ointments and creams, an abscess can form if an irritation worsens or if bacteria invades the skin. An abscess can also occur when a cat becomes infected from a variety of injuries, and can be found on virtually any part of an animal’s body. It is important to note that while surface wounds are fairly common in pets, they can become problematic if they are infected and are left untreated.
 
Symptoms and Types
 
Cats are most likely to experience abscesses, as they tend to fight wi ...read more]]> Skin Tue, 06 Jan 2009 15:57:45 +0000 3717 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/respiratory/c_ct_pneumothorax  
Pneumothorax is the medical term for an accumulation of air in the area between the cat's chest wall and lungs (the pleural space). It may be categorized as traumatic or spontaneous, and closed or open.
 
Both dogs and cats are susceptible to pneumothorax. If you would like to learn more about how this disease affects dogs please visit this page in the PetMD health library.
 
Symptoms and Types
 
There are four main categories of pneumothorax: traumatic, sp ...read more]]> Respiratory Mon, 19 Jan 2009 18:12:24 +0000 3809 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/digestive/c_ct_acetaminophen_toxicity  
Acetaminophen is one of the most commonly used pain relievers, and it can be found in a variety of over-the-counter medications. Toxic levels can be reached when a pet is unintentionally over medicated with acetaminophen, or when a pet has gotten hold of medication and ingested it. Pet owners often do not realize their animals may break into medicine cabinets or chew through medicine bottles. It is important to be able to recognize the symptoms of toxicity, so that you can properly treat your pet if is has accidentally ingested medication.
 
Symp ...read more]]> Digestive Tue, 06 Jan 2009 16:19:43 +0000 3718 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/digestive/c_ct_gastroesophageal_reflux  
Gastroesophageal reflux is a condition characterized by the uncontrollable reverse flow of gastric or intestinal fluids into the tube connecting the throat and the stomach (esophagus). This may be due to a brief relaxation of the muscular opening at the base of the esophagus (referred to as the sphincter), as well as chronic vomiting. Gastroesophageal reflux is fairly common in cats, and may occur at any age, although younger cats are at greater risk.
 
Gastric stomach acids, pepsin, bile salts, and other components of the gastrointestinal juices ...read more]]> Digestive Mon, 16 Feb 2009 15:59:56 +0000 3944 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/skin/c_ct_acne  
Some cats have a single episode of acne; many, have a life-long recurring problem. The frequency and severity of each occurrence, however, varies with each particular animal. In cats, the acne is concentrated on the chin and lower lip. Unfortunately, the cause is unknown, but sex, age, and breed are not determining factors for cat acne.
 
Symptoms and Types
 

Blackheads or whiteheads, mild red pimples, and watery crusts develop on the chin, and less commonly on the lips
The cat's chin will sometimes swell
In ...read more]]> Skin Tue, 01 Jul 2008 17:30:08 +0000 91 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/skin/c_ct_Acral_Lick_Dermatitis Skin Tue, 06 Jan 2009 16:56:26 +0000 3719 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/respiratory/c_ct_acute_respiratory_distress  
Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) involves severe inflammation of the lungs which ultimately leads to acute respiratory failure and death in affected cats. This is a life-threatening problem, causing death in a majority of patients despite life saving efforts and treatment. An almost 100 percent death rate is reported in affected cats due to ARDS. Genetic factors have been found to play a role in the development of acute respiratory failure in people, but these factors have not yet been investigated in cats.
 
Symptoms and Types
 
Acute respi ...read more]]> Respiratory Wed, 27 May 2009 20:15:31 +0000 4163 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/endocrine/c_ct_hypoadrenocorticism  
Hypoadrenocorticism is characterized by deficient production of glucocorticoids (cortisol) and/or mineralocorticoids (aldosterone). Mineralocorticoids and glucocorticoids are hormones normally produced by the adrenal glands, which are located near the kidneys. Both of these hormones are critical to the healthy functioning of the body, and an abnormal increase or decrease of either of these hormones can lead to serious health problems if not addressed in time. Deficient production of both these hormones can affect the nervous system, the gastrointestinal sys ...read more]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/endocrine/c_ct_hypoadrenocorticism#comments Endocrine Fri, 16 Apr 2010 15:15:40 +0000 7248 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cancer/c_ct_pheochromocytoma  
The adrenal gland is an endocrine gland in the belly that sits atop the kidney and several large blood vessels (aorta and vena cava). The adrenal gland is responsible for the regulation and distribution of several hormones, chief amongst them, cortisol and adrenaline, hormones that control the stress response and activate the fight or flight response when an animal is in danger. These hormones in turn help to control the heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing rate. Other hormones produced in the adrenal glands include testosterone, and aldosterone, a steroi ...read more]]> Cancer Mon, 29 Jun 2009 18:36:19 +0000 4343 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/behavioral/c_ct_aggression Cats are small, and often become the target of other animals, making them vulnerable to all kinds of dangers. Anyone who owns a cat understands that it needs protection, especially from dangers that can be encountered outside of the house. This vulnerability accounts for the built-in aggression response cats have when they perceive a threat. Aggression can also come from fear, a health condition, genetic predisposition, an environmental change, or to protect its territory. However, overaggressive behavior can make a cat difficult to live with.
 
Symptoms and Types
 
Many ...read more]]> Behavioral Thu, 14 Aug 2008 14:30:03 +0000 386 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/respiratory/c_ct_anaphylaxis  
Anaphylaxis is an emergency condition that occurs when a cat is exposed to a certain allergen after having been exposed to it previously. In extreme situations, this reaction can be fatal. The condition is unpredictable, as almost any substance can potentially cause an allergic reaction. The expected outcome is often good if the reaction is detected early and treatment is administered quickly.
 
Symptoms and Types
 
Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction include shock, breathing difficulties, ]]> Respiratory Tue, 06 Jan 2009 21:42:19 +0000 3724 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/infectious-parasitic/c_ct_anaerobic_infections Anaerobes are a normal part of the body's chemical community, living in symbiosis in the cat's abdomen, vaginal canal, intestines and mouth. However, when something happens to disrupt the balance of bacteria, such as what occurs with deep injuries, surgery or internal infections, these bacteria can invade the tissue, leading to deep infection and tissue death. If left untreated, an anaerobic infection can lead to shock and even death.
 
The bacteria which cause anaerobic infections are able to grow best in the absence of free oxygen. Consequently, these bacteria often thrive in ...read more]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/infectious-parasitic/c_ct_anaerobic_infections#comments Musculoskeletal Wed, 16 Dec 2009 16:34:51 +0000 5182 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cancer/c_ct_adenocarcinoma_anal  
While anal gland/sac cancer (adenocarcinoma) is not common, it is an invasive disease that does not generally have a positive outlook. Usually seen as a rectal growth (mass) on a cat, it is also common to find the disease in the lymph nodes. Due to the type of disease, it is typically cancerous (malignant) and can spread quickly into other areas of the cat's body. There are treatment options available, usually surgical, that can help to improve an animal's chances for survival.
 
Symptoms
 
The most common sign of anal gland cancer is a rectal mass ...read more]]> Cancer Tue, 06 Jan 2009 18:43:20 +0000 3721 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/skin/c_ct_anal_sac_disorders Cats have anal glands which produce fluid into sacs that are located on either side of the anus. This fluid is assumed to be a scent marker that is useful in delineating territory. Anal sac disorders involve impaction of anal sac fluid, inflammation of the sac(s), and abscess of the sac(s), which can lead to anal gland rupture. Impaction is the most commonly occurring type of anal gland disorder.
 
Symptoms and Types
 

Scooting along the floor
Straining to defecate
Scratching at the anus
Licking and biting around th ...read more]]> Skin Mon, 23 Mar 2009 14:35:17 +0000 3990 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cardiovascular/c_ct_anemia_aplastic  
Bone marrow plays a pivotal role in the constant replenishment of important cells like red blood cells (RBCs), granulocytes (or white blood cells [WBCs]), and platelets. Once these cells reach the point of maturation they are released into the blood stream. According to one estimate, in various mammals about three million red blood cells are released in one second. This demonstrates the extensive amount of work done by the bone marrow in keeping the numbers of these cells within normal ranges in the body.
 
Aplastic anemia is a diseased condition resulti ...read more]]> Cardiovascular Fri, 05 Jun 2009 21:06:06 +0000 4206 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cardiovascular/c_ct_anemia_chronic_kidney_disease Production of red blood cells (RBCs) takes place in the bone marrow. For development and maturation of red blood cells to take place, bone marrow requires an adequate supply of a hormone called erythropoietin (EPO), a glycoprotein hormone that controls the production of red blood cells. Erythropoietin is produced by the kidneys. In chronic kidney disease (CKD), the kidney cannot produce an adequate amount of erythropoietin, resulting in bone marrow failure. Lack of RBC production will ultimately lead to anemia in cats that are suffering from chronic kidney failure. Middle-aged to older ...read more]]> Cardiovascular Mon, 08 Jun 2009 14:32:26 +0000 4209 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cardiovascular/c_ct_anemia_megaloblastic  
In this disease, red blood cells fail to divide and become abnormally large. These cells are also deficient in necessary DNA material. These giant cells with underdeveloped nuclei are called megaloblasts, or "big cells." Red blood cells are mainly affected, but white blood cells and platelets can also go through changes.
 
For cats that have anemia associated with feline leukemia virus (FeLV), this type of anemia is expected to occur. The seriousness of the anemia can rang from mild to severe.
 
...read more]]> Cardiovascular Tue, 06 Jan 2009 22:28:48 +0000 3727 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cardiovascular/c_ct_anemia_iron_deficiency  
When the body is deficient in iron, red cells do not develop as they should. The lack of iron causes the cells that are produced by the bone marrow to be too small, and too low in oxygen-carrying features. In adult pets, this condition is usually caused by some kind of blood loss. It is important to recognize iron-deficiency anemia, because the underlying disease can be life-threatening.
 
The most common site of the blood loss is the gastrointestinal tract. About 50 percent of kittens from five to ten weeks of age will have transient iron-defici ...read more]]> Cardiovascular Tue, 06 Jan 2009 22:23:05 +0000 3726 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cardiovascular/c_ct_anemia_heinz_body  
This is a condition in which red blood cells are destroyed. The "Heinz body" can be seen under a microscope. This type of anemia can occur as a reaction to certain medications, or as a result of eating onions. It is more likely to occur in cats than dogs, and is usually caused by something the pet has eaten or drunk. Hyperthyroidism, lymphoma, and diabetes may also bring on this condition.
 
Symptoms
 

Fever
Sudden onset of weakness
Loss of appetite (]]> Cardiovascular Tue, 12 Aug 2008 14:18:17 +0000 361 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cardiovascular/c_ct_anemia_immune_mediated  
Cats, like humans, have an immune system that helps them to fight against a variety of diseases to stay healthy. The immune system includes various specialized cells, proteins, tissues, and organs which all work collectively to protect the body against foreign invaders, including bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi. Antibodies are proteins secreted by specific cells of the immune system, which bind to foreign substances, known as antigens, to destroy them. The immune system goes wrong when it mistakenly starts recognizing red blood cells (RBCs) as antigens o ...read more]]> Cardiovascular Mon, 08 Jun 2009 14:42:48 +0000 4210 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cardiovascular/c_ct_anemia_nonregenerative  
A decrease in red blood cells is referred to as anemia. Typically, bone marrow will respond to this loss by increasing red blood cell production. However, in non-regenerative anemia, the bone marrow response is inadequate when compared to the increased need. For this reason, cats that suffer from anemia caused by lead poisoning or feline leukemia are in a very dangerous situation. Also, pets that become anemic over a period of time will fare better than those that have a sudden onset of anemia. When the anemia progresses slowly, the body has time to adju ...read more]]> Cardiovascular Mon, 19 Jan 2009 22:30:38 +0000 3833 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cardiovascular/c_ct_anemia_regenerative  
Blood is made up a cellular portion, and a liquid portion called plasma.
 
Blood is made up a cellular portion, and a liquid portion called plasma. This cellular makeup of blood includes the red blood cells, which carry oxygen throughout the body, platelets, which make it possible for blood to clot, and white blood cells, the cells responsible for fighting disease and infection. When there are not enough red blood cells, the body is said to be anemic. Anemia is generally caused by an underlying disease.
 
Anemia occurs in two forms:
 
< ...read more]]> Cardiovascular Tue, 20 Jan 2009 17:52:00 +0000 3835 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/endocrine/c_ct_l-form_bacterial_infections  
L-form bacterial infections are caused by bacterial variants with defective or absent cell walls. That is, L-form bacteria are defective variations of bacterial cells, which can be almost any type of bacteria. L-forms are different from most other forms of bacteria in the respect that cell walls are an important component of organized cell division. While L-forms are still able to divide, creating more of themselves, they lack the same organizational structure as bacteria with cell walls. L-forms replicate without regard to size, big and small, rat ...read more]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/endocrine/c_ct_l-form_bacterial_infections#comments Endocrine Mon, 31 May 2010 22:06:32 +0000 10042 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cardiovascular/c_ct_cold_agglutinin_disease  
This is a rare type II autoimmune disorder in which antibodies that attack red blood cells have enhanced activity at temperatures of less than 99° F (37.2° C). The term agglutinin refers to an antibody that causes antigens, such as red blood cells or bacteria, to adhere to each each other.
 
Cold agglutinins with low thermal capacity are usually associated with direct red blood cell agglutination (adhesion) at low body temperatures in the peripheral blood vessel network (i.e., the vessels outside of the main circulatory network). Cold l ...read more]]> Cardiovascular Thu, 30 Apr 2009 21:05:27 +0000 4085 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/urinary/c_ct_antifreeze_poisoning  
Ethylene glycol toxicity is a potentially fatal condition that results from the ingestion of substances containing ethylene glycol, an organic compound commonly seen in antifreeze. (In addition to being found in the car's engines to prevent freezing and overheating, it is used in hydraulic brake fluids.) Cats usually come into contact with antifreeze when it leaks from a car's engine onto the ground, when it is spilled onto the ground while being added to a car's engine, or when the container is left uncapped.
 
Antifreeze is recognizable by it ...read more]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/urinary/c_ct_antifreeze_poisoning#comments Urinary Thu, 28 Jan 2010 19:18:51 +0000 5390 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/behavioral/c_ct_compulsive_disorders  
This is a behavioral disorder where a cat will engage in repetitive, exaggerated behaviors that are seemingly without purpose. For example, grooming to the extent that fur is rubbed off; compulsive pacing; repetitive vocalizations; and eating, sucking, or chewing on fabric. If it continues over a long period of time, it may become fixed behavior, no longer requiring the situation or environmental trigger that started the behavior in the first place. The behaviors may reinforce themselves due to the release of pain-relieving chemicals in the ...read more]]> Behavioral Fri, 10 Oct 2008 16:06:16 +0000 635 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cardiovascular/_ct_heart_trauma_arrhythmia  
The prevalence of serious arrhythmias after blunt trauma is relatively low but some patients develop clinically important rhythm disturbances following  trauma to the heart. Therefore, the heart rhythm of all victims of trauma should be carefully assessed.
 
Traumatic myocarditis is the term applied to the syndrome of arrhythmias – irregular heartbeats – that sometimes complicates a blunt trauma injury to the heart.  It is a misnomer, because heart muscle injuries are more likely to take the form of cell death than inflammatio ...read more]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cardiovascular/_ct_heart_trauma_arrhythmia#comments Cardiovascular Wed, 24 Feb 2010 01:07:53 +0000 5545 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/digestive/c_ct_arsenic_poisoning  
Arsenic is a heavy metal mineral that is commonly included in chemical compounds for consumer products, such as herbicides (chemicals to kill unwanted plants), insecticides (chemicals to kill insects), and as wood preservatives. Most cases of toxicity occur in homes where such compounds are placed carelessly with open excess. Cats typically ingest such compounds accidentally. Toxicity can also occur over a long term, such as when cats are exposed to arsenic by eating grass that is regularly treated with herbicides.
 
Symptoms and Types
 
In c ...read more]]> Digestive Mon, 08 Jun 2009 15:02:32 +0000 4212 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/musculoskeletal/c_ct_polyarthritis_nonerosive_immune_mediated  
Nonerosive immune-mediated polyarthritis is an immune-mediated inflammatory disease of the diarthroidal joints (movable joints: shoulder, knee, etc.), which occurs in multiple joints, and in which the cartilage of the joint (articular cartilage) is not eroded away. A type III hypersensitivity reaction, which causes antibodies to be bound to an antigen, in this case joint tissue, causes this condition.
 
These antibody-antigen complexes are called immune complexes, and they are deposited within the synovial membrane (where the fl ...read more]]> Musculoskeletal Thu, 02 Jul 2009 17:26:30 +0000 4371 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/digestive/c_ct_aspirin_tox  
Aspirin, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication, has been found to have beneficial effects for some animals. It has been used for conditions related to blood clotting, inflammation, and for its analgesic properties. However, it can also be toxic to the body. Once ingested, aspirin forms salicylic acid, which is then distributed throughout the body. Aspirin toxicity is a particular concern in cats because they lack the enzyme critical for metabolizing salicylic acid properly. Cat owners must follow their veterinarian's orders strictly if aspirin is prescr ...read more]]> Digestive Mon, 12 Jan 2009 18:10:17 +0000 3749 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/respiratory/c_ct_asthma_bronchitis  
The lower respiratory tract, or lower airways, includes the bronchi, bronchioles, and alveoli. The bronchi begin at the end of the trachea, where they split off into two branches. From there they split off into smaller branches, called the bronchioles. The alveoli are the terminal portion of the lower respiratory tract, within the lungs, where the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide takes place.
 
Bronchitis is the term used to denote inflammation of the bronchi and bronchioles. Chronic bronchitis is a long-standing inflammation of the lower res ...read more]]> Respiratory Mon, 08 Jun 2009 15:11:03 +0000 4213 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/skin/c_ct_actinomycosis  
This infectious disease is caused by a gram positive, pleomorphic (can change shape somewhat between a rod and coccus), rod-shaped bacteria of the genus Actinomyces, most commonly the A. viscosus species. Able to survive with little (microaerophilic) or no oxygen (anaerobic), Actinomyces is rarely found as the single bacterial agent in a lesion. It more often a component of a polymicrobial infection with several bacteria present. In fact, there may even be synergism between Actinomyces and other organisms.
 
Symptoms and ...read more]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/skin/c_ct_actinomycosis#comments Skin Tue, 18 May 2010 02:40:14 +0000 7365 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/respiratory/c_ct_bordetellosis  
Bordetellosis is a contagious bacterial disease of cats that primarily causes upper respiratory tract abnormalities. Easily spread in kennels, bordetellosis is most severe in young kittens (less than six weeks old) and in kittens living in less than ideal hygienic conditions. However, any cat with a pre-existing airway disease (e.g., feline herpesvirus and calicivirus infections) is susceptible to Bordetellosis, no matter how old it is. 
 
Symptoms and Types
 
Carrier cats can seem healthy or have even mild symptoms, but others many have seriou ...read more]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/respiratory/c_ct_bordetellosis#comments Respiratory Fri, 23 Apr 2010 14:36:21 +0000 7282 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/digestive/c_ct_campylobacteriosis  
Campylobacteriosis is not commonly found in cats, but when it does occur, it is most likely to affect kittens younger than six months old. The bacteria which causes the disease can typically be found in the gut (gastrointestinal tract) of most healthy mammals, and will remain harmless for most.
 
Up to 45 percent of stray cats carry the campylobacter bacteria. The bacterium is shed through the feces, where other animals may come into contact with it, contracting the bacteria into their own bodies. Because of this, humans can also contract the disease ...read more]]> Digestive Mon, 12 Jan 2009 22:07:45 +0000 3756 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/reproductive/c_ct_metritis  
Metritis, a uterine infection that usually occurs within a week after a cat gives birth, is symptomized by an inflammation of the endometrium (lining) of the uterus due to a bacterial infection. It can also develop after a natural or medical abortion, miscarriage, or after a non-sterile artificial insemination. The bacteria that are most often responsible for infection of the uterus are gram-negative bacteria like Escherichia coli, which often spreads into the blood, causing a blood infection. The infection may lead to sterility, and if left untreated, septic shock, a ...read more]]> Reproductive Tue, 10 Feb 2009 22:01:50 +0000 3917 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/respiratory/c_ct_nocardiosis  
Both dogs and cats may become exposed to the infectious, saphrophytic organism, which nourishes itself from dead or decaying matter in the soil. Also referred to as Nocardiosis, it is an uncommon infectious disease that affects several body systems, including the respiratory, musculoskeletal, and nervous systems. Typically, exposure occurs either through open wounds or via inhalation.
 
Symptoms and Types
 
Symptoms of nocardiosis are largely dependent on th ...read more]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/respiratory/c_ct_nocardiosis#comments Respiratory Sun, 23 May 2010 19:48:33 +0000 7397 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/urinary/c_ct_pyelonephritis  
Pyelonephritis is a bacterial infection of the renal pelvis, the funnel-like part of the ureter in the cat's kidney.
 
Normally, if pyelonephritis takes place, it is due to an impairment of the cat's defenses: ureteral movement, blood supply to the kidneys, or the flap valves found between the kidney and ureters.
 
Pyelonephritis can also develop due to kidney stones or when microbes climb upward into the ureter, spreading a lower urinary tract infection to the upper urinary tract. Blockage of an infected kidney or ureter can lead to more serious c ...read more]]> Urinary Mon, 19 Jan 2009 21:37:59 +0000 3826 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/skin/c_ct_pyoderma  
When a cat's skin is cut or wounded, there is an increased risk of infection. Pyoderma refers to a bacterial infection of the skin that is generally uncommon in cats. Lesions and pustules (inflamed pus-filled swelling) on the skin, and in some cases partial hair loss, often characterize the infection. Treatment is typically given on an outpatient basis and prognosis is good.
 
The condition described in this medical article can affect both dogs and cats. If you would like to learn how pyoderma affects dogs, please visit ]]> Skin Mon, 19 Jan 2009 21:45:41 +0000 3827 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/respiratory/c_ct_streptococcal_infections  
Streptococcal infection, common in cats, refers to an infection with the Streptococcus bacteria. Kittens and older cats are most susceptible to developing this disease, as their immune systems are not fully developed or have declined.
 
The condition described in this medical article is common in both dogs and cats. If you would like to learn more about how it affects dogs, please visit this page in the PetMD health library.
 
Symptoms
&nbs ...read more]]> Respiratory Mon, 26 Jan 2009 18:03:59 +0000 3866 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/endocrine/c_ct_mastitis  
A bacterial infection of one or more lactating (milk producing) glands in the breasts, a condition referred to clinically as mastitis, is often the result of an ascending infection, trauma to the lactating gland, or an infection that has been spread through the blood stream.
 
Escherichia coli (E. coli), Staphylococci, and β-hemolytic Streptococci are some of the main bacteria that are found to be most commonly involved. It is a potentially life-threatening infection, in some cases leading to septic shock, the direct eff ...read more]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/endocrine/c_ct_mastitis#comments Endocrine Tue, 01 Jun 2010 01:58:59 +0000 10052 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/mouth/c_ct_halitosis  
Periodontal disease caused by plaque bacteria is the most common cause of bad breath in cats. The medical term used to describe the offensive odor that comes from the mouth is halitosis. Any number of causes may be responsible for this condition, but periodontal disease due to bacteria is the most common. Bacteria in the mouth is also associated with plaque and cavities.
 
Small cat breeds and brachycephalic breeds (characterized by their short-nosed, flat-faced features), such as Himalayans and ]]> Mouth Mon, 26 Jan 2009 16:58:37 +0000 3861 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/endocrine/c_ct_hormone_responsive_dermatoses  
Alopecia and dermatosis are skin and hair disorders related to an imbalance of reproductive hormones. Alopecia is characterized by a loss of hair leading to baldness, and dermatosis is characterized by a diseased condition of the skin. There are tests to positively identify the conditions, and the cause behind the skin and hair reactions, but there are a lot of reasons for why a cat would have these types of reactions. If all other indications point to an imbalance in hormones related to reproductive functioning, your veterinarian wil ...read more]]> Endocrine Wed, 14 Jan 2009 15:50:58 +0000 3779 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cancer/c_ct_bile_duct_carcinoma  
Bile duct carcinomas are an aggressive form of cancer, with metastasis occurring in 67 to 88 percent of affected animals. They are historically difficult to completely remove by surgical means.
 
This malignant cancer typically arises from the the epithelia, the cellular lining of the hepatic (liver) bile ducts, and occurs more often in the intrahepatic bile ducts (within the liver) rather than in the extrahepatic bile ducts (outside the liver). Complications of this disease include a failure of the bile to pass through the bile ducts due to ...read more]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cancer/c_ct_bile_duct_carcinoma#comments Cancer Sun, 20 Dec 2009 14:34:15 +0000 5224 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/digestive/c_ct_bile_duct_obstruction  
Bile is a bitter, high alkaline fluid that is created in the liver and stored in the interconnected gallbladder until food has been ingested. It is then released into the small intestine, both to aid in the digestion of food and to emulsify the food so that it can be used appropriately by the body, or carried out of the body as waste.
 
Bile duct obstruction, or cholestasis, is a term used to describe obstruction of the bile duct, preventing bile from entering into the intestine. There are a variety of diseases related to the ]]> Digestive Tue, 29 Sep 2009 19:45:33 +0000 4743 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/reproductive/c_ct_dystocia  
Dystocia is the medical term used to diagnose a difficult birthing experience. This condition may occur as a result of maternal or fetal factors, and can occur during any stage of the labor. Abnormalities of presentation, posture, and the position of the fetus within the uterus can negatively affect the temporal relationship between the birthing offspring and the maternal birth canal.
 
Uterine inertia (inactivity) may be primary or secondary. Primary inertia is symptomized by a failure of the body to commence synchronous uterine contractions, and secondary ine ...read more]]> Reproductive Fri, 31 Jul 2009 20:07:54 +0000 4497 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cardiovascular/c_ct_black_widow_bite  
The black widow spider belongs to the genus Latrodectus – the widow spiders. In the U.S., the three significant species to watch for are the Western widow, the Northern widow, and the Southern widow spiders, all of which are highly venomous to domestic pets and humans. The Western widow is found in western regions of the United Sates; the Northern widow is found in the northernmost U.S. and southeast Canada; and the Southern widow is f ...read more]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cardiovascular/c_ct_black_widow_bite#comments Cardiovascular Mon, 22 Feb 2010 20:41:48 +0000 5527 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cats/conditions/digestive/c_ct_melena   
Melena, the term used to describe a black, tarry appearing feces, is typically seen due to bleeding in the upper portion of the gastrointestinal tract. It is also been seen in cats after they have ingested a sufficient amount of blood from the oral cavity or respiratory tract.
 
Melena is not a disease in itself but a symptom of some other underlying disease. The dark color of the blood is due to the oxidation of iron in the hemoglobin (the oxygen carrying pigment of red blood cells) as it passes through the small intestine and colon.
 
Melena tends ...read more]]> http://www.petmd.com/cats/conditions/digestive/c_ct_melena#comments Digestive Fri, 13 Nov 2009 21:57:19 +0000 4974 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cardiovascular/c_ct_von_willebrand_disease  
VWF is an autosomal (non-sex-linked) trait, which both males and females express and transmit genetically and with equal frequency.
 
Von Willebrand’s disease (vWD) is a blood disease caused by a deficiency of von Willebrand Factor (vWF), an adhesive glycoprotein in the blood required for normal platelet binding (i.e., clotting) at the sites of small blood vessel injuries. In addition, vWF is a carrier protein for coagulation Factor VIII (necessary for blood to clot). A lack of vWF impairs platelet stickiness and clumping. Similar to hemop ...read more]]> Cardiovascular Mon, 29 Jun 2009 19:24:59 +0000 4348 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/eyes/c_ct_retinal_hemorrhage  
Retinal hemorrhage is a condition of the innermost lining of the eye in which there is a local or generalized area of bleeding into that lining. This inner lining is referred to as the retina. The retina lays just beneath the middle choroid coat, which in turn lies between the retina and the sclera – the white outer lining of the eye (the part of the eye that can be seen). The choroid coat contains connective tissue and blood vessels, which deliver nutrients and oxygen to the outer layers of the retina. In some cases the retina may separate from this l ...read more]]> Eyes Mon, 31 Aug 2009 18:09:40 +0000 4623 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/skin/c_ct_petechaiae_ecchymosis_bruising  
Bruising, petechia, and ecchymosis are all identified by skin or mucous membrane discoloration, typically due to injuries that lead to bleeding (hemorrhaging) under the affected area. More specifically, bruising is an injury to the skin, which causes blood vessels to rupture and the discoloration of tissue due to the presence of red blood cells; petechia is a small red or purple spot on the body caused by minor hemorrhaging; and ecchymosis is a purplish patch under the moist tissues of the body (mucous membranes) or under the skin. Petechia, ...read more]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/skin/c_ct_petechaiae_ecchymosis_bruising#comments Skin Mon, 19 Apr 2010 17:52:36 +0000 7267 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/eyes/c_ct_blind_quiet_eye If your cat has loss of vision in one or both eyes without ocular vascular injection or other apparent signs of eye inflammation, it may be suffering from Blind Quiet Eye. This disease may occur due to abnormalities in retinal image detection, retinal focusing, optic nerve transmission, or simply the central nervous system's inability to interpret images correctly.
 
Symptoms and Types
 
Because Blind Quiet Eye directly affects the cat's vision, it may display several signs, including:
 

Clumsy behavior (e.g., bumping into objects, tripping, falling) ...read more]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/eyes/c_ct_blind_quiet_eye#comments Eyes Thu, 27 May 2010 02:29:24 +0000 7429 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/respiratory/c_ct_pulmonary_thromboembolism  
A pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) occurs when a blood clot blocks the flow of blood to an important artery that feeds into the cat's lungs. Slow-flowing blood and blood vessel damage, in addition to blood which clots too easily, can predispose a cat to thrombus formation. Most of the time, PTE is caused by another underlying disease.
 
Pulmonary thromboemboli (blood clots) can originate in the right atrium of the heart, or in many of the major veins throughout the body. As the cat's body makes oxygenated blood to deliver to the heart and lungs, ...read more]]> Respiratory Mon, 19 Jan 2009 21:24:38 +0000 3825 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cardiovascular/c_ct_hemothorax  
Hemothorax is the medical term used to identify a condition in which blood has collected in the chest cavity, or thorax. This condition may occur suddenly or over a long period of time, and it can occur for a variety of reasons. There does not appear to be a particular age, gender, or breed of cat that is more predisposed to this condition than another.
 
Symptoms and Types
 
Acute onset:

Symptoms of decreased blood volume usually occur before sufficient blood volume accumulates in the pleural space (lining of the chest cavity)< ...read more]]> Cardiovascular Mon, 31 Aug 2009 15:49:50 +0000 4614 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/eyes/c_ct_hyphema  
Hyphema, or blood in the anterior chamber of the eye, is a common condition among cats. However, hyphema is a clinical sign and not a specific disease in itself.
 
Symptoms and Types
 
The symptoms of hyphema are dependent on the extent of bleeding, whether vision has been impaired, and whether your cat has other systemic diseases.
 
The most common signs found during a physical examination are:
 

Blood within the anterior chamber of the eye
Corneal edema or corneal lesions
Intraocular Pressure (I ...read more]]> Eyes Fri, 30 Jan 2009 16:55:44 +0000 3877 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/urinary/c_ct_hematuria  
Blood in the urine, a condition known as hematuria, may indicate a serious underlying disease process. Familial hematuria (a condition in which blood in the urine runs in certain families of animals) is usually implicated in young cats, while cancer is the usual cause in older cats. Females are at greater risk for urinary tract infections that lead to blood in the urine than are males.
 
Symptoms
 
Symptoms of hematuria include blood in the urine, a sign in itself. Red-tinged urine, with or without abnormal frequent passage of urine will be evident. In ...read more]]> Urinary Thu, 23 Apr 2009 20:31:40 +0000 4068 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cardiovascular/c_ct_pancytopenia  
Pancytopenia does not actually refer to a disease, but rather to the simultaneous development of a number of blood-related deficiencies: non-regenerative anemia, leucopenia, and thrombocytopenia. The root word pan refers to all or whole, and cytopenia refers to a lack of cells circulating in the blood.
 
Nonregenerative anemia is a condition characterized by a low red-blood cell count and the bone marrow’s lack of response to produce additionally needed red-blood cells; leucopenia refers to a low white-blood cell count; and thrombocytopenia refers to ...read more]]> Cardiovascular Thu, 18 Dec 2008 18:16:20 +0000 3693 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cardiovascular/c_ct_polycythemia_vera  
Polycythemia vera is a blood disorder that involves abnormal blood thickening due to an increase of red blood cell production by the bone marrow. It is primarily seen in older cats.
 
Symptoms and Types
 
The following symptoms gradually appear but run a chronic course:
 

Weakness
Depression
Lack of appetite (anorexia)
Redness of skin (erythema)
Increased thirst and urination (]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cardiovascular/c_ct_polycythemia_vera#comments Cardiovascular Fri, 19 Mar 2010 15:13:28 +0000 7071 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cardiovascular/c_ct_blood_transfusion_reactions There are a variety of reactions that can occur with the transfusion of any blood product. Purebred cats, especially those that have had previous blood transfusions, are at a higher risk for having severe reactions to transfusion than other animals. Most reactions usually occur during, or shortly after, the transfusion.
 
Symptoms and Types
 
Reaction to a blood transfusion may be classified by one of the following conditions: immune system related; acute reaction (an immediate, sudden reaction); or delayed reaction.
 
Acute symptoms of a reaction to blood transfus ...read more]]> Cardiovascular Mon, 12 Jan 2009 20:29:36 +0000 3752 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cardiovascular/c_ct_cyanosis  
Cyanosis most often occurs as the result of inadequate amounts of oxygenated hemoglobin -- the molecule which carries oxygen to the body tissues -- or due to hemoglobin abnormalities. This medical condition is characterized by blue colored skin and mucous membranes.
 
Unfortunately, cats that are suffering from cyanosis caused by advanced lung/airway disease and severe heart disease have a poor long-term prognosis.
 
Symptoms and Types
 

Heart murmur
Crackles heard when listening to the lungs
Muffled h ...read more]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cardiovascular/c_ct_cyanosis#comments Cardiovascular Tue, 19 Jan 2010 19:24:21 +0000 5338 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cancer/c_ct_chondrosarcoma_bone  
Chondrosarcoma (CSA) is a type of cancer that affects the cartilage of the body; the connective tissue that is found between the bones and joints. Chondrosarcoma of the bone is a fast spreading form of bone cancer, which can be life threatening if not diagnosed and treated early. Chondrosarcoma arises from cartilage, metastasizing to other parts of the body, including the ribs of the affected cat.
 
The majority of CSAs involve flat bones, with about 30 percent occurring in the nasal cavity and about 20 percent involving the ribs. This form of ...read more]]> Cancer Tue, 20 Oct 2009 20:35:32 +0000 4854 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cancer/c_ct_fibrosarcoma_bone  
Fibrosarcoma is normally a tumor that originates in the soft tissue, a result of abnormal division of fibroblast cells – the cells that are most prevalent in the connective tissue of the body. In some rare cases, a fibrosarcoma tumor originates in the bone, weakening the structure of the bone, and possibly leading to fractures, and even amputation of the limb. In most cases fibrosarcoma of the bone is benign and non-metastasizing, but there are cases where the tumor is malignant and metastasizes throughout the body, into the organs, lymph nodes ...read more]]> Cancer Fri, 31 Jul 2009 20:41:32 +0000 4503 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/musculoskeletal/c_ct_osteochondrodysplasia  
Osteochondrodysplasia is a growth and developmental abnormality of the bone and cartilage, which results in lack of normal bone growth and bone deformities. Where osteo refers to the bone, chondro refers to the cartilage, and dysplasia is a general term that is applied to abnormal growth. The Scottish fold breed has been found to be predisposed to osteochondrodysplasia of the limbs.
 
Achondroplasia is a form of osteochondrodysplasia in which the bones do not grow to the normal size, based on what is expected of the breed. This i ...read more]]> Musculoskeletal Tue, 29 Sep 2009 21:03:23 +0000 4755 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/musculoskeletal/c_ct_osteomyelitis  
Inflammation of the bone or bone marrow is called osteomyelitis. This most commonly occurs due to bacterial infections, but also shows up rarely as a fungal infections. Inflammation may be due to an acute (sudden) infection, or to a chronic infection. Infections from other areas of body may reach the bones or bone marrow through the bloodstream, or the infection may come from another infection that is close in proximity to the bone. Another common cause of such infections is road-side accidents or injuries involving the bone and soft tissues. Patients that have u ...read more]]> Musculoskeletal Tue, 29 Sep 2009 21:07:02 +0000 4756 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cancer/c_ct_multiple_myeloma  
Multiple myeloma is an uncommon cancer that is derived from a clonal population of cancerous (malignant) plasma cells in the bone marrow. A “clonal population of cells” is a group of cells that have descended from a single cell; all of them have the same genetic make-up. Plasma cells are specialized white-blood cells, lymphocytes that have been altered to produce immunoglobulin, an immune protein or antibody necessary for fighting disease.
 
Three of four defining features must be present for a diagnosis of multiple myeloma: immune protein f ...read more]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cancer/c_ct_multiple_myeloma#comments Cancer Sat, 22 May 2010 16:13:23 +0000 7389 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/musculoskeletal/c_ct_hypertrophic_osteopathy  
Though rare in cats, hypertrophic osteopathy can create extreme discomfort and pain in your pet. It refers to an abnormal increase in size of bone due to new bone formation, which may cause swellings at all four limbs and is often confused with arthritis. Hypertrophic osteopathy may also cause lameness due to swelling and pain at joints and bones.
 
Symptoms and Types
 

Lethargy
Reluctance to move
Swellings at distal portions of limbs, especially forelimbs
Painful limbs
...read more]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/musculoskeletal/c_ct_hypertrophic_osteopathy#comments Musculoskeletal Fri, 26 Mar 2010 19:07:58 +0000 7133 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cancer/c_ct_hemangiosarcoma_bone  
Hemangiosarcoma is a fast spreading tumor of the endothelial cells, which line the interior surface of the body's blood vessels, including the arteries, veins, intestinal tract, and the bronchi of the lungs.
 
The integrity of the bone may be compromised by the tumor, and fractures in the bone, absent an accident related trauma to the body, are characteristic of bone cancer. Most commonly, this type of tumor is found on the limbs or ribs, but it can occur in other locations as well.
 
As with many types of cancers, hemangiosarcoma is ...read more]]> Cancer Fri, 31 Jul 2009 20:49:10 +0000 4505 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/musculoskeletal/c_ct_osteosarcoma  
Osteosarcoma refers to a type of bone tumor that can be found in cats. Although it is rare, the disease is extremely aggressive and has a tendency to spread rapidly into other parts of the animal's body (metastasize). There are treatment options available, but generally the long term prognosis for the animal is poor.
 
The condition or disease described in this medical article can affect both dogs and cats. If you would like to learn more about how this disease affects dogs please visit ...read more]]> Musculoskeletal Wed, 17 Dec 2008 21:35:14 +0000 3677 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/neurological/c_ct_botulism  
Botulism is a rare but serious paralytic disease related to ingestion of raw meat and dead animals. The Clostridium botulinum neurotoxin causes spreading weakness, starting in the back legs and ascending to the trunk, front legs, and neck, followed by paralysis of all four limbs.
 
Cats are generally resistant to the more severe effects of this toxin, but in some cases they may become severely ill. Typically, disease conditions occur within a few hours to six days after eating spoiled animal meat that is infected with the Clos ...read more]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/neurological/c_ct_botulism#comments Neurological Sun, 20 Dec 2009 14:40:04 +0000 5225 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/neurological/c_ct_meningoencephalomyelitis  
Although rare in cats, eosinophilic meningoencephalomyelitis is a condition that causes the inflammation of the brain, spinal cord, and their membranes due to abnormally high numbers of eosinophils, a type of white blood cell, in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Often, the increase of eosinophils is in response to a parasite infection, tumor or allergic reaction in the cat.
 
Symptoms and Types
 
Symptoms vary in location and severity, but are often related to the nervous system such as circling, loss of memory, ]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/neurological/c_ct_meningoencephalomyelitis#comments Neurological Sun, 14 Feb 2010 14:00:51 +0000 5478 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/neurological/c_ct_polioencephalomyelitis  
Polioencephalomyelitis is a non-suppurative meningoencephalomyelitis(non-draining inflammation of the gray matter of the brain and spinal cord). This condition causes nerve degeneration, and demyelination (degeneration of the sheath surrounding the nerve) of the neurons in the thoracic spinal cord (upper back). Lesions can also be seen in the cervical spinal cord (neck), lumbar spinal cord (lower back), brainstem (base of the brain), and the cerebrum (the largest part of the brain).
 
Symptoms and Types
 

Ataxia: chronic, pr ...read more]]> Neurological Tue, 07 Oct 2008 14:47:18 +0000 624 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/neurological/c_ct_neuroaxonal_dystrophy  
Neuroaxonal dystrophy is a group of inherited abiotrophies affecting different parts of brain. The term abiotrophy is used to denote loss of function due to degeneration of cells or tissues without known reasons. The age at onset varies in different breeds, but it is generally at about five weeks in cats.
 
Symptoms and Types
 
Symptoms depend on the part of the brain that is affected.
 

Uncoordinated movements
Abnormal placement of limbs while walking
Strength in limbs is usually normal in ...read more]]> Neurological Tue, 29 Sep 2009 20:45:00 +0000 4751 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/endocrine/c_ct_hepatic_encephalopathy  
Encephalopathy is the medical term for any disorder of the brain, and hepatic refers to the liver. Hepatic encephalopathy is a metabolic disorder that affects the central nervous system. It develops secondary to liver disease (known as hepatopathy). Hepatic encephalopathy is caused by an accumulation of ammonia in the system due to the liver's inability to rid the body of the substance.
 
The liver is the largest gland in the body, performing a number of essential functions, including the production of bile (a fluid substance involved in the diges ...read more]]> Endocrine Mon, 31 Aug 2009 16:16:04 +0000 4616 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/neurological/c_ct_encephalitis_secondary_to_parasitic_migration  
Also known as encephalitis, brain inflammation may be due to a variety of factors. Parasites, for instance, can migrate into the cat's central nervous system (CNS), gain entry via blood or through adjacent tissues, including the middle ear, natural opening in the skull, nasal cavities and cribriform plate (part of the skull), or open fontanelles, also called “soft spots.”
 
These parasites may normally affect another ...read more]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/neurological/c_ct_encephalitis_secondary_to_parasitic_migration#comments Neurological Thu, 27 May 2010 00:51:02 +0000 7423 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/neurological/c_ct_encephalitis  
Inflammation of the brain, also known as encephalitis, is a life-threatening condition that affects cats. It is occasionally accompanied by the inflammation of spinal cord (myelitis), and/or the inflammation of the meninges (meningitis), membranes which cover the brain and spinal cord.
 
Symptoms and Types
 
Although symptoms may vary depending on the portion of brain affected, they typically appear suddenly and are rapidly progressive. Such symptoms include:
 

]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/neurological/c_ct_encephalitis#comments Neurological Fri, 23 Apr 2010 17:59:31 +0000 7284 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/neurological/c_ct_brain_injury There are a variety of things that can cause brain injuries in cats, including severe hyperthermia or hypothermia and prolonged seizures. Primary brain injuries, for example, involve direct trauma to the brain, which once acquired, cannot be altered. Secondary brain injury, meanwhile, is the alteration of brain tissue that occurs after primary injury, but this form of injury can be managed, prevented, and improved with optimal supportive care and treatment.
 
Symptoms and Types
 
Being that it is a vital organ, the brain requires constant supply of oxygen and nutrition. A ...read more]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/neurological/c_ct_brain_injury#comments Neurological Thu, 15 Apr 2010 18:13:48 +0000 7233 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/neurological/c_ct_feline_ischemic_encephalopathy  
Feline ischemic encephalopathy (FIE) is caused by the presence of a parasite, the Cuterebra larva, in a cat’s brain. Entering through the nose, the larva moves to the brain and may cause neurological damage to the middle cerebral artery (MCA) in the brain and degeneration of other cerebral areas. This can result in seizures, circling movement, unusual aggression, and blindness.
 
The disease occurs only in areas where the Cuterebra larvae of the adult botfly live, primarily in the northeast US and southeast Canada. FIE is a seasonal ...read more]]> Neurological Tue, 01 Jul 2008 17:46:14 +0000 96 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/neurological/c_ct_cerebellar_hypoplasia  
The cerebellum is part of the normal animal brain, and makes up a large portion of the brain's matter. The cerebellum lies under the cerebrum and toward the back, above and behind the brainstem. Cerebellar hypoplasia occurs when parts of the cerebellum are not completely developed. This condition can occur due to intrinsic (genetic) causes, or due to extrinsic causes like infections, toxins or nutritional deficiencies. Symptoms are visible when kittens begin to stand and walk, around six weeks of age.
 
Symptoms and Types
 

H ...read more]]> Neurological Wed, 01 Apr 2009 14:17:33 +0000 4004 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/neurological/c_ct_astrocytoma  
Although rare in cats, astrocytomas can be dangerous, even deadly. These tumors affect the brain's glial cells, which surround nerve cells (neurons), giving them support and electrically insulating them. Astrocytomas can also be rarely found in the spinal cord, and there was one reported case of an astrocytoma located in the retina.
 
Symptoms and Types
 
The astrocytoma's biologic behavior depends on the tumor's location and degree of lack of cell differentiation (graded I–IV, from best to worst prognosis). The following are some common symptom ...read more]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/neurological/c_ct_astrocytoma#comments Neurological Tue, 18 May 2010 02:59:46 +0000 7367 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cancer/c_ct_brain_tumors While brain tumors in cats remain fairly uncommon, it is an issue that occurs, and that can sometimes be treated effectively. A tumor is defined as an abnormal growth of cells, and may be classified as primary or secondary. A primary brain tumor originates from cells normally found within the brain and its membranes. A secondary brain tumor, on the other hand, is one that has metastasized to the brain from a primary tumor elsewhere in the body, or that is affecting the brain by extending into brain tissue from an adjacent non-nervous system tissue, such as bone. A tumor may be either m ...read more]]> Cancer Mon, 12 Jan 2009 22:00:53 +0000 3755 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/respiratory/c_ct_dyspnea_tachypnea_panting  
The respiratory system has many parts, including the nose, throat (pharynx and larynx), windpipe, and lungs. Air comes in through the nose and is then carried down into the lungs, through a process referred to as inspiration. In the lungs, the oxygen is transferred to the red blood cells. The red blood cells then carry the oxygen to other organs in the body. This is all part of the physical process of a healthy body.
 
While oxygen is being transferred to the red blood cells, carbon dioxide is transferred from the red blood cells into the ...read more]]> Respiratory Fri, 19 Jun 2009 21:05:01 +0000 4298 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/respiratory/c_ct_brachycephalic_airway_syndrome Respiratory Mon, 12 Jan 2009 21:56:59 +0000 3754 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/reproductive/c_ct_breeding_timing  
Breeding timing refers to a technique that may be utilized to ensure conception in cats by the purposeful timing of insemination during the estrus (heat) period. A fertile female cat is referred to as a queen.
 
Symptoms and Types
 
In order to maximize the odds of conception with properly timed breeding, it is best to pin-point, as close as possible, the day of ovulation for the queen. Symptoms of estrus in the queen are evident by her rubbing against objects, being vocal (much more than usual), and an interest shown by the ...read more]]> Reproductive Mon, 12 Jan 2009 22:18:40 +0000 3758 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/skin/c_ct_brown_recluse_bite  
The brown recluse spider is a member of the genus Loxosceles reclusa. It is generally found in the Midwest section of the U.S. - west to Colorado and New Mexico, and east to Northern Georgia, and throughout the southern U.S. and up the Mississippi River valley to southern Wisconsin. The brown recluse is also known as the “fiddle-back,” or “violin” spider on account of the violin-shaped pattern on its cephalothora ...read more]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/skin/c_ct_brown_recluse_bite#comments Skin Mon, 22 Feb 2010 21:09:14 +0000 5529 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/respiratory/c_ct_pulmonary_mineralizations  
When a cat's lungs begin to calcify (a buildup of the mineral calcium in the soft tissue) or ossify (connective tissues, such as cartilage, are turned to bone or bone-like tissue) it is referred to as pulmonary mineralization.
 
This condition generally affects older cats and it may be generalized or localized. But if the mineralization is discrete, meaning that it is in only one place, individual mineral deposits can be identified. If mineralization is diffuse, however, it will spread out to more than one location, making it impossible to iden ...read more]]> Respiratory Mon, 19 Jan 2009 21:11:24 +0000 3824 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/urinary/c_ct_urolithiasis_calcium_oxalate  
Urolithiasis is described as the presence of stones in the urinary tract. When these stones are made of calcium oxalate, they are referred to as calcium deposits. In most cases the stones can be removed safely, giving the cat a positive prognosis.
 
The development of these stones is more common in dogs than in cats, and occurs more frequently in older animals. If you would like to learn more about how this disease affects dogs please visit this page ...read more]]> Urinary Thu, 05 Feb 2009 17:55:36 +0000 3898 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cancer/c_ct_hemangiopericytoma  
Where hemangio refers to the blood vessels, and a pericyte is a type of connective tissue cell, a hemangiopericytoma is metastatic vascular tumor arising from the pericyte cells.
 
A pericyte might best be described as a non-specialized cell. It is one of the original embryonic cells, but instead of taking on a specific function, it remains in its first stage, waiting until it is needed. The function of the pericyte is to differentiate into whatever type of cell the body requires to function, regenerating new tissue as needed. In this case, the pericy ...read more]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cancer/c_ct_hemangiopericytoma#comments Cancer Fri, 13 Nov 2009 21:08:45 +0000 4969 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/reproductive/c_ct_uterine_tumor  
Uterine tumors are rare occurrences, usually affecting middle-aged to older female cats that have not been spayed. These tumors arise from the uterine smooth muscle and epithelial tissues -- the tissues that line the internal organs and cavities. Cats usually develop malignant metastatic (aggressive and spreading) uterine tumors called adenocarcinomas, tumors that are derived from the glands. These types of tumors are called Müllerian tumors, since the uterus is derived from the Müllerian ducts in the embryo.
 
Symptoms and Types
 

...read more]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/reproductive/c_ct_uterine_tumor#comments Reproductive Sat, 20 Mar 2010 06:22:22 +0000 7092 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/mouth/c_ct_oral_masses Mouth Wed, 17 Dec 2008 19:06:44 +0000 3673 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cancer/c_ct_lymphomatoid_granulomatosis  
When cancerous lymphoid cells (lymphocytes and plasma cells) infiltrate lung tissue, it is known as Lymphomatoid Granulomatosis, a rare disease that affects cats. Metastasis may occue in other body sites and organs like the liver, heart, spleen, pancreas, and kidney.
 
Lymphomatoid granulomatosis is not breed- or gender-specific, but is more common in large and purebred cats.
 
Symptoms and Types
 
Respiratory symptoms are often seen which aggravate over time. The following are a few of the more common symptoms related to this ...read more]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cancer/c_ct_lymphomatoid_granulomatosis#comments Cancer Sat, 10 Apr 2010 20:14:45 +0000 7198 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/respiratory/c_ct_carbon_monoxide_toxicosis  
Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, nonirritating gas produced by the inefficient combustion of carbon fuels. It is potentially toxic for cats as well as humans. Unventilated kerosene or propane heaters, gasoline engines, automobile exhaust, or fumes from carbon-based fuel heating systems are all potential sources for carbon monoxide toxicity.
 
When inhaled, this gas is readily absorbed into the blood, combining with hemoglobin to form carboxyhemoglobin, reducing oxygen delivery to the body, and thereby leading to decreased utilization o ...read more]]> Respiratory Tue, 29 Sep 2009 20:04:59 +0000 4746 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cancer/c_ct_carcinoid_syndrome_tumor  
Carcinoid tumors are rare, slow growing tumors that are formed by the endocrine cells in the mucosal lining of organs, such as the stomach and intestine. These tumors are small neuroendocrine tumors, typically of the gastrointestinal tract, that secrete serotonin, a naturally occurring neurochemical that is usually associated with sleep and memory functions.
 
Carcinoid tumors secrete the amines serotonin and histamine into the bloodstream, as well as a number of peptides - chemical compounds such as bradykinins and tachykinins, which are re ...read more]]> Cancer Mon, 12 Jan 2009 22:25:58 +0000 3759 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cardiovascular/c_ct_cardiac_arrest  
Also known as circulatory arrest or cardiopulmonary arrest, cardiac arrest is the cessation of normal blood circulation ceases due to the heart's inability to contract (heart failure). Like many other body systems, the respiratory and cardiovascular systems work in a coordinated fashion. Therefore, if a cat fails to breathe for more than six minutes, it can lead to heart failure and cardiac arrest -- both of which can be fatal. Cardiac arrest can occur in cats of any age, sex, or breed.
 
Symptoms and Types
 
Blood circulation may remain i ...read more]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cardiovascular/c_ct_cardiac_arrest#comments Cardiovascular Thu, 15 Apr 2010 18:54:27 +0000 7235 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cardiovascular/c_ct_rhabdomyoma  
A rhabdomyoma is an extremely rare, benign, non-spreading, cardiac muscle tumor that occurs only half as often as its malignant version: rhabdomyosarcomas, an invasive, metastasizing (spreading) tumor.
 
Rhabdomyomas are usually found in the heart, and are suspected of being congenital in origin (present at birth). This type of tumor does not become malignant, nor does it metastasize through the body. They are very rarely found outside of the heart, but do occur in other places of the body on occasion. They have been reported in the ears of cats.
 
Rh ...read more]]> Cardiovascular Mon, 05 Jan 2009 21:55:04 +0000 3715 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/eye/c_ct_cataract  
Cataract refers to the cloudiness in the crystalline lens of the eye, varying from complete to partial opacity. When the eye lens (located directly behind the iris) is clouded, it prevents light from passing to the retina, which can cause vision loss.
 
Most cases of cataracts are inherited; for instance, Persian, Birmans, and Himalayans ...read more]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/eye/c_ct_cataract#comments Eyes Fri, 15 Jan 2010 20:35:12 +0000 5329 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/digestive/c_ct_motion_sickness  
Humans are not the only species to get car sick. Cats also get a queasy stomach when traveling in the car (or even by boat or air).
 
Symptoms and Types
 
Cats show their uneasiness in various ways. The first signs of motion sickness may be:
 

Excessive drooling (ptyalism)
Crying out in distress
Immobility, or acting afraid to move
]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/digestive/c_ct_motion_sickness#comments Digestive Wed, 17 Mar 2010 22:20:19 +0000 7056 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/mouth/c_ct_dental_caries  
Dental caries is a condition in which the dental hard tissues decay as the result of oral bacteria on the tooth surface. While dental caries are not common in cats, it does occur and should be watched for.
 
Caries can affect the crown or the roots of the teeth, and is classified as pit-and-fissure caries, smooth-surface caries, or root caries. There is no known breed, age, or gender risk.
 
Symptoms and Types
 

Incipient (about to become apparent) smooth-surface caries appears as an area of dull, frosty-white enamel
...read more]]> Mouth Tue, 20 Jan 2009 22:09:25 +0000 3842 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cardiovascular/c_ct_chediak-higashi_syndrome  
Chediak-Higashi syndrome is a genetic disorder that affects Persian cats with a dilute smoke-blue coat color and yellow-green irises (though it can also affect some white tiger Persians and arctic foxes), which causes the cats to bleed excessively immediately after an injury or minor surgery. Cats with this syndrome may also have an extreme sensitivity to light (photophobia).
 
Despite the affects brought on by Chediak-Higashi syndrome, affected cats usually have ...read more]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cardiovascular/c_ct_chediak-higashi_syndrome#comments Cardiovascular Wed, 30 Dec 2009 10:33:26 +0000 5247 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/urinary/c_ct_hyposthenuria  
Hyposthenuria is a clinical condition in which the urine is chemically imbalanced. This may be due to trauma, abnormal hormone release, or excessive tension in the kidney.
 
The normal concentration and regulation of urine normally depends on an elaborate interaction between antidiuretic hormone (ADH), the protein receptor for ADH on the renal tubule (the tube that plays a role in the filtering, reabsorption, and secretion of solutes in the bloodstream), and excessive tension of the tissue within the kidney.
 
Abnormalities may also occur due to i ...read more]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/urinary/c_ct_hyposthenuria#comments Urinary Fri, 23 Apr 2010 19:16:03 +0000 7287 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/musculoskeletal/c_ct_chest_bone_deformity  
The sternum, or chest bone, is a long flat bone located in the center of the thorax, and the costal cartilages are the cartilages that connect the chest bone with the ends of the ribs. In pectus excavatum, the sternum and costal cartilages are deformed, resulting in a horizontal narrowing of the chest, primarily on the posterior side. In appearance, the middle of the chest appear to be flat or concave, rather than slightly convex.
 
Symptoms and Types
 

]]> Musculoskeletal Wed, 30 Sep 2009 15:45:47 +0000 4761 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/digestive/c_ct_chocolate_toxicity  
Cats, and especially kittens, are known for eating things they are not supposed to. This can be a dangerous combination when there is chocolate around. Also, cats have an excellent sense of smell, making it fairly easy for them to find secret hiding spots for the chocolate.
 
Chocolate is derived from the roasted seeds of Theobroma cacao, which contains certain properties that can be toxic to cats: caffeine and theobromine. When ingested, these two ingredients can lead to various medical complications and may even prove fatal for your cat.
& ...read more]]> Digestive Mon, 05 Jan 2009 20:21:11 +0000 3714 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/digestive/c_ct_perianal_fistula  
Perianal fistula is a disorder in which the anus, rectum, and perineal regions of a cat are inflamed and irritated. This disorder is often painful for the cat, as well as progressive.
 
Dogs and cats are both susceptible to perianal fistulas. If you would like to learn more about how this disorder affects dogs, please visit this page in the PetMD health library.
 
Symptoms
 
Some of the common symptoms can include:
 

< ...read more]]> Digestive Fri, 16 Jan 2009 16:57:28 +0000 3790 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/respiratory/c_ct_chronic_bronchitis  
Also known as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), chronic bronchitis occurs when the mucous membranes of the bronchi (the airways that transport oxygen from the trachea to the lungs) become inflamed. Typically, this leads to a chronic cough that lasts two months or longer -- a cough that is not attributable to other causes like heart failure, neoplasia, infections, or other respiratory diseases.
 
Despite extensive diagnostic efforts by your veterinarian, the specific cause of the inflammation is rarely identified. In addition, breed ...read more]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/respiratory/c_ct_chronic_bronchitis#comments Respiratory Fri, 16 Apr 2010 08:00:24 +0000 7237 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/endocrine/c_ct_cirrhosis_fibrosis_of_liver The liver is the largest gland in the body. Of the liver's many functions, production of bile (a fluid substance involved in digestion of fats) is essential to the normal health of the body. The gallbladder, situated in the concave of the liver, acts as a storage unit for bile, releasing the concentrated bile into the common bile duct as it is needed for fat digestion. The bile ducts begin within the liver itself as tiny channels to transport bile. The ducts join together to form larger bile ducts and finally enter the extrahepatic bile duct, or common bile duct, which empties into the ...read more]]> Endocrine Wed, 01 Apr 2009 14:54:40 +0000 4006 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/skin/c_ct_nail_nailbed_disorders  
Nail and nail bed disorders may refer to any abnormality or disease that affects the claws or the surrounding area. The disorders are generally known as dystrophies. One type of nail disorder, paronychia, is an infection that causes inflammation of the tissue around the nail or claw. Onychomycosis, or fungal infection, can also occur in and around the nail bed.
 
Cats may exhibit extremely brittle nails (onychorrhexis), or have nails that separate, peel, and slough excessively (onychomadesis). Most nail or nail bed disorders have an excellent ...read more]]> Skin Tue, 10 Feb 2009 22:29:23 +0000 3919 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cardiovascular/c_ct_coagulation_factor_deficiency  
Coagulation takes place when blood transforms from a free flowing liquid into a thickened gel like state. In this state the gelled blood is called a clot, and it is through clotting that a wound begins to seal. This process is critically important for healing to take place. When your pet is injured and continues to bleed uncontrollably, this may be symptomatic of a defect in one or more of the processes that bring about coagulation. A complex series of enzyme reactions are involved in turning blood from a fluid to a gel, and a failure in one of th ...read more]]> Cardiovascular Tue, 13 Jan 2009 16:42:45 +0000 3765 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cardiovascular/c_ct_coagulopathy_of_liver_disease  
The liver is vital for the synthesis of anticoagulant, coagulation, and fibrinolytic proteins. In fact, only five blood clotting factors are not produced there. Therefore, liver diseases that cause clotting issues in cats can be very serious and sometimes life-threatening.
 
Symptoms and Types
 

Black feces due to digested blood (melena)
Bright red blood in the feces (]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cardiovascular/c_ct_coagulopathy_of_liver_disease#comments Cardiovascular Thu, 27 May 2010 00:40:17 +0000 7422 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cardiovascular/c_ct_clotting_disorders_platelets  
Thrombocytopathic animals are those which typically have normal platelet counts on examination, but have spontaneous or excessive bleeding due to a failure of the platelets to bind to each other, or clot normally. Thrombocytopathies are defined as disorders of the blood platelet and abnormal functioning of the platelets. Bleeding from the mucous membranes – nose, mouth ears, anus – is the most common sign. Thrombocytopathies may first become apparent in young animals when excessive bleeding occurs with the loss of baby teeth.
 
Thrombocyto ...read more]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cardiovascular/c_ct_clotting_disorders_platelets#comments Cardiovascular Tue, 23 Feb 2010 03:06:39 +0000 5534 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/respiratory/c_ct_pulmonary_edema_noncardiogenic  
Noncardiogenic edema is caused by an increased permeability (or the ability to pass through, as by osmosis) of the blood vessels of the lungs. This increased permeability results in the leakage of fluid into the lung, causing edema, or swelling. This increased permeability results in the leakage of fluid into the lung, causing edema, or swelling. When this becomes severe, the edema may be accompanied by an inflammatory response and an accumulation of inflammatory cells in the lung.
 
There are several factors which can cause changes in the ...read more]]> Respiratory Tue, 14 Jul 2009 14:54:19 +0000 4419 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/digestive/c_ct_colitis_proctitis  
Histiocytic ulcerative colitis is a bowel disease which causes the lining of an animal's colon to thicken, with varying degrees of ulceration and tissue loss to the superficial lining. The thickening is due to the infiltration of various cells in the layers under the lining. When the colon becomes inflamed, there is a reduction in the colon's ability to absorb water and store feces, leading to frequent diarrhea, often with mucus and/or blood. Proctitis, conversely, is inflammation of the anus and lining of the rectum.
 
Inflammation of the colon an ...read more]]> Digestive Tue, 13 Jan 2009 17:23:54 +0000 3768 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/digestive/c_ct_colitis_histiocytic_ulcerative  
Histiocytes are large white blood cells that reside in the normal connective tissue, where they ingest infectious microorganisms and foreign particles. They are an essential component of the immune system. Histiocytic ulcerative colitis is an uncommon disease characterized by ulcers in the lining of the colon, and inflammation with periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) positive histiocytes. The origin and pathogenic mechanism for this disorder is unknown; however, an infectious cause is assumed. Histiocytic ulcerative colitis may also have a possible geneti ...read more]]> Digestive Mon, 11 May 2009 16:45:28 +0000 4105 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cardiovascular/c_ct_atrial_septal_defect  
ASD, also known as atrial septal defect, is a congenital heart anomaly that enables blood flow between the left and right atria via the interatrial septum (the separating wall). Typically, the blood will shunt into the right atrium, causing a volume overload to the right atrium, right ventricle, and pulmonary vasculature, which can sometimes lead to pulmonary hypertension. However, if right-sided pressures are too high, shunting may occur right to left, causing generalized cyanosis.
 
ASD is more common in cats (9 percent of congenital heart defects ...read more]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cardiovascular/c_ct_atrial_septal_defect#comments Cardiovascular Wed, 19 May 2010 16:18:48 +0000 7371 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cardiovascular/c_ct_ebstein_anomaly  
Ebstein's anomaly is a rare congenital malformation of the heart in which the opening of the tricuspid valve (on the right side of the heart, between the right atrium and the right ventricle) is displaced toward the apex of the right ventricle of the heart. It is accompanied by various degrees of tricuspid insufficiency, such as stenosis – an abnormal narrowing in a blood vessel, or rapid heart rhythms caused by an abnormal accessory pathway. A murmur can be detected with a stethoscope in young animals, though it can be much more difficult to hear irreg ...read more]]> Cardiovascular Thu, 22 Jan 2009 19:02:23 +0000 3848 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cardiovascular/c_ct_pulmonic_stenosis  
Pulmonic stenosis is a congenital (present at birth) defect characterized by the narrowing and obstruction of blood through the heart's pulmonary valve, which connects the right ventricle (one of the heart's four chambers) to the pulmonary artery. Depending on the severity of the obstruction, it can cause anything from a murmur to an arrhythmia to congestive heart failure. However, it is rather uncommon in cats, especially as an isolated defect.
 
Symptoms and Types
 
There are three types of pulmonic stenosis: valvular pulmonic stenosis (occurr ...read more]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cardiovascular/c_ct_pulmonic_stenosis#comments Cardiovascular Fri, 19 Mar 2010 15:26:55 +0000 7073 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cancer/c_ct_mast_cell_tumor  
Mast-cell tumors are graded according to their location in the skin, presence of inflammation, and how well they are differentiated. Grade 1 cells are well differentiated with a low potential for metastasis; Grade 2 cells are intermediately differentiated with a potential for locally invasive metastasis; and Grade 3 cells are poorly differentiated or undifferentiated with a high potential for metastasis. Differentiation is a determination of how much a particular tumor cell looks like a normal cell; the more differentiated, the more like the normal cell. In general, ...read more]]> Cancer Thu, 07 May 2009 15:57:19 +0000 4097 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/digestive/c_ct_megacolon  
The colon is the section of large intestine that begins at the cecum, the sac that joins the colon to the end of the small intestine (ileum). From there it proceeds to the rectum in the digestive tract. The main purpose of the colon is to serve as a temporary storage conduit for waste products, extracting water and salt from the waste as it passes through and out of the body. When a condition causes the diameter of the colon to become abnormally enlarged, it is medically referred to as megacolon. This condition is associated with chronic constipation, and with obstip ...read more]]> Digestive Thu, 05 Feb 2009 21:10:50 +0000 3904 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/digestive/c_ct_constipation_obstipation  
Constipation is a condition characterized by infrequent, incomplete, or difficult defecation, with passage of hard or dry bowel movements (feces). Obstipation is pronounced constipation that is difficult to manage or does not respond to medical treatment. Obstipation is caused by prolonged retention of hard, dry bowel movement; defecation becomes impossible for patients with this condition. This is a relatively common condition in cats.
 
Symptoms and Types
 

Straining to defecate with small or no fecal volume
...read more]]> Digestive Thu, 02 Apr 2009 15:54:08 +0000 4009 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cardiovascular/c_ct_coral_snake_poisoning  
There are two clinically important subspecies of coral snake in North America: the Texas coral snake, M. fulvius tenere, found west of Mississippi, in Arkansas, Louisiana, and Texas; and the eastern coral snake, Micrurus fulvius fulvius, found in North Carolina, southern Florida, and west of the Mississippi River.
 
The coral snake is from the Elapidae family of venomous snakes. Elapids have fixed front fangs that are used to inject venom into their victims ...read more]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cardiovascular/c_ct_coral_snake_poisoning#comments Cardiovascular Tue, 23 Feb 2010 04:25:02 +0000 5536 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/eyes/c_ct_corneal_dystrophies  
Corneal dystrophy is an inherited progressive condition which affects both eyes, often in the same way. The cornea, the clear outer layer of the front of the eye, is most affected. The disease is not associated with other diseases, and only rarely occurs in cats.
 
There are three types of corneal dystrophy, categorized by location: epithelial corneal dystrophy, where cell formation is affected; stromal corneal dystrophy, where the cornea will become cloudy; and endothelial corneal dystrophy, where the cells of the lining of the cornea are affected.
...read more]]> Eyes Thu, 02 Apr 2009 19:43:01 +0000 4010 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/eyes/c_ct_eosinophilic_keratitis  
Feline eosinophilic keratitis/keratoconjunctivitis (FEK) refers to an immune-mediated inflammation of the cornea -- the external coating of the eye. This medical condition can also be referred to as proliferative keratitis – where keratitis is the clinical term for inflammation of the cornea, and proliferative refers to the rapid and excessive nature of the inflammation of the cornea. Cats that are experiencing this inflammation do not generally experience pain, although there can be some discomfort. The inflammation can occur in one or both eyes. ...read more]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/eyes/c_ct_eosinophilic_keratitis#comments Eyes Fri, 21 May 2010 19:27:51 +0000 7385 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/eyes/c_ct_nonulcerative_keratitis  
Keratitis is the medical term given to inflammation of the cornea -- the clear outer layer of the front of the eye. Nonulcerative keratitis is any inflammation of the cornea that does not retain fluorescein stain, a dye that is used to identify ulcers of the cornea. If the very top layer of the cornea has been disrupted (as with an ulcer), the dye will enter the lower layers of the cornea and will cause a temporary stain that glows under an ultraviolet light; in nonulcerative keratitis, the top layer of the cornea is not disrupted, so no dye enters the ...read more]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/eyes/c_ct_nonulcerative_keratitis#comments Eyes Sat, 24 Apr 2010 15:27:18 +0000 7299 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/respiratory/c_ct_cough  
Coughing is generally a symptom of an underlying problem, such as a respiratory or cardiovascular system disease. The act of coughing serves as a protective mechanism for preventing the accumulation of secretions and foreign materials inside of the respiratory tract, but coughing can also serve as an early warning sign for respiratory diseases.
 
This automatic and involuntary behavior is one of the most powerful reflexes in the body and is essential for keeping the pharynx and airways free of accumulated secretions and foreign material. This is, therefore, a nor ...read more]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/respiratory/c_ct_cough#comments Respiratory Mon, 09 Nov 2009 19:47:27 +0000 4922 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/urinary/c_ct_crystalluria  
Crystalluria is a medical condition where crystals are expelled into the urine. The detection of urinary crystals is not synonymous with kidney stones or the clinical signs associated with them, nor is detection of urine crystals irrefutable evidence of a stone-forming tendency, but there is some association with an increased risk for kidney stones in animals that are afflicted with crystalluria, and crystals in the urine can be an indication of kidney stones (also referred to as renal stones). Crystals form only in urine that is, or recently has been, supersatura ...read more]]> Urinary Wed, 14 Jan 2009 20:26:14 +0000 3784 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/endocrine/c_ct_Hyperadrenocorticism  
Cushing’s syndrome (hyperadrenocorticism) occurs when the adrenal gland produces too much cortisol. While cortisol is an essential hormone, elevated levels lead to illness. There are several possible causes to this disease, including a tumor in the pituitary gland or the outer layer of the adrenal gland. Although the disease is rare in cats, it is more likely to affect middle-aged or older cats and females more than males. Breed, however, does not seem to be a determining factor. In addition, diabetes almost always accompanies the ailment.
 
S ...read more]]> Endocrine Tue, 01 Jul 2008 18:07:36 +0000 100 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/ears/c_ct_deafness  
Deafness can be classified as either a complete or partial hearing loss. If your cat is deaf at birth (congenital), it will be apparent to you when the cat is still at a young age. Cats that have white hair and blue irises appear to be particularly prone to congenital deafness. Some of the breeds that tend to be at highest risk for congenital deafness are white Persians, white Scottish folds, ]]> Ears Thu, 15 Jan 2009 21:52:30 +0000 3789 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cardiovascular/_ct_septal_defect  
A ventricular septal defect (VSD) is an irregular communication in the ventricular septum, the wall that separates the ventricles (the two lower chambers of the heart) from one another. A VSD typically results in blood being diverted, or shunted, from one side of the heart to the other. The direction and volume of the shunt are determined by the size of the defect, the relationship of the pulmonary and systemic blood vessel resistances, and the presence of other anomalies.
 
Most VSDs in small animals are subaortic (below the aortic valve) and ...read more]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cardiovascular/_ct_septal_defect#comments Cardiovascular Fri, 26 Feb 2010 22:44:48 +0000 5576 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/eyes/c_ct_corneal_degenerations_infiltrations  
The cornea is the transparent lining that covers the external front of the eyeball; that is, the iris and the pupil (respectively, the colored area that expands and contracts to allow light in, and the lens that transmits the light and image to the brain – the black center). The cornea is continuous with the white part of the eye, the sclera, which covers the rest of the eyeball. Beneath the cornea and the sclera is a layer of connective tissue that supports the eyeball from inside, called the stroma.
 
Corneal degeneration ...read more]]> Eyes Tue, 13 Jan 2009 20:07:08 +0000 3773 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/eyes/c_ct_retinal_degeneration  
The retina is the tissue that lines the inner surface of the eye, and is the light sensitive part of the eye that acts as the brain's camera, transmitting images through the rods and cones that are part of its structure, thus enabling the experience of vision. The retina is part of the central nervous system (CNS) and the only part of the CNS that can be easily imaged and examined. In retinal degeneration, the cells of the retina begin to decline in function, thereby leading to impaired vision or even blindness. There are many causes for retinal degenerati ...read more]]> Eyes Mon, 31 Aug 2009 18:03:17 +0000 4622 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/eyes/c_ct_iris_atrophy  
Iris atrophy refers to the degeneration of the iris, the colored part of the eye that surround the black center (or the pupil). This medical condition can affect cats of all ages and breeds, but appears to be more common in cats with blue irises. There is also a secondary type that is due to chronic inflammation or high intraocular pressure resulting from glaucoma.
 
Symptoms and Types
 
Vision is not usually affected by iris atrophy, but there may be some sensitivity to light. Other typical symptoms associated with this of disorder include:
  ...read more]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/eyes/c_ct_iris_atrophy#comments Eyes Sat, 24 Apr 2010 13:05:29 +0000 7291 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/musculoskeletal/c_ct_arthritis_osteoarthritis  
Osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative joint disease (DJD), is defined as the progressive and permanent long-term deterioration of the cartilage surrounding the joints. Arthritis is the medical term for inflammation of the joints, while osteoarthritis is the term referring to a form of chronic joint inflammation caused by deterioration of joint cartilage.
 
Cats are susceptible to DJD, with older animals being at the highest risk.
 
Symptoms and Types
 
Cats with DJD are unlikely to exhibit lameness, instead having difficulty grooming, ...read more]]> Musculoskeletal Mon, 12 Jan 2009 17:21:02 +0000 3746 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/skin/c_ct_superficial_necrolytic_dermatitis  
Superficial necrolytic dermatitis is characterized by the deterioration and death of skin cells. High levels of the hormone glucagon in the blood (which stimulates production of blood sugar in response to low blood sugar levels) and deficiencies in amino acids, zinc, and essential fatty acid are believed to play a role in superficial necrolytic dermatitis, either directly or indirectly. Fortunately, this disorder is uncommon in cats.
 
Superficial necrolytic dermatitis is uncommon in dogs and rare in cats. If you would like to learn mor ...read more]]> Skin Tue, 27 Jan 2009 16:33:49 +0000 3870 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/neurological/c_ct_cognitive_dysfunction_syndrome  
With advancing age comes many complications and disorders. Cognitive dysfunction syndrome is one such condition that is directly related to the aging of a cat's brain; it ultimately leads to changes in awareness, deficits in learning and memory, and decreased responsiveness to stimuli. Although the initial symptoms of the disorder are mild, they gradually worsen over time, also known as “cognitive decline.”
 
Symptoms and Types
 

Disorientation/confusion
Anxiety/restlessness
Extr ...read more]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/neurological/c_ct_cognitive_dysfunction_syndrome#comments Neurological Fri, 16 Apr 2010 08:20:27 +0000 7239 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/endocrine/c_ct_hypopituitarism  
Hypopituitarism is a condition associated with low production of hormones that are produced by the pituitary gland, a small endocrine gland located near the hypothalamus at the base of the brain. Several hormones are produced by the pituitary gland, any one or more of which may be lacking. Of these hormones, some of the more clinically significant ones are the thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), the adrenocorticotropin hormone (produced by the anterior pituitary gland that stimulates the adrenal cortex), the luteinizing hormone (stimulates secretion of sex stero ...read more]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/endocrine/c_ct_hypopituitarism#comments Endocrine Sun, 18 Apr 2010 07:38:00 +0000 7258 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/behavioral/c_ct_destructive_behavior It is normal for cats to scratch things. They do this to sharpen their claws and exercise their feet. It is also normal for cats to spend a lot of time licking themselves, since this is how they clean themselves. When cats scratch or lick the wrong things and do not respond to discouragement, they are diagnosed as having a destructive behavior problem. Not all destructive behavior is the same, however. When a cat scratches on the wrong things but does not have any other symptoms, this is usually a primary destructive behavior. Conversely, cats that spend too much time licking or scrat ...read more]]> Behavioral Fri, 19 Jun 2009 20:04:44 +0000 4292 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/endocrine/c_ct_diabetes_mellitus_without_complication  
Diabetes is a disorder of carbohydrate, protein, and fat metabolism caused by an absolute or relative insulin deficiency. Metabolism refers to how the body digests and uses food for growth and energy, and this process is largely dependent on a sufficient amount of insulin in the body.
 
Insulin is a hormone that is produced in the pancreas, releasing into the cells in response to the digestive conversion of proteins into glucose in the bloodstream. Much of the food that is ingested is broken down into glucose, a type of sugar in th ...read more]]> Endocrine Tue, 29 Sep 2009 20:14:32 +0000 4747 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/endocrine/c_ct_diabetes_mellitus_hyperosmolar_coma  
The pancreas is an organ located in the abdomen, near the stomach. Under normal circumstances, the pancreas makes insulin, a polypeptide hormone that helps to control blood sugar (glucose) levels in the body. When a cat eats food, its blood sugar rises in accordance with the sugars in the food (whether they are natural sugars or not). The pancreas then makes insulin to lower the blood sugar levels to a healthy level. In this way, the other organs in the body are able to absorb and use this sugar for energy.
 
In the case of diabe ...read more]]> Endocrine Fri, 19 Jun 2009 20:22:42 +0000 4296 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/endocrine/c_ct_diabetes_with_ketoacidosis  
The term “ketoacidosis” refers to a condition in which levels of acid abnormally increased in the blood due to presence of “ketone bodies.” Meanwhile, diabetes is a medical condition in which the body cannot absorb sufficient glucose, thus causing a rise the blood sugar levels. In diabetes with ketoacidosis, ketoacidosis immediately follows diabetes. It should be considered a dire emergency, one in which immediate treatment is required to save the life of the animal. Typically, the type of condition affects older cats ...read more]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/endocrine/c_ct_diabetes_with_ketoacidosis#comments Endocrine Sat, 10 Apr 2010 12:12:56 +0000 7183 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/digestive/c_ct_diarrhea_antibiotic_responsive  
It is not known why some types of diarrhea are responsive to antibiotic while others are not. Veterinarians often find it controversial to give antibiotics to treat diarrhea, but when antibiotics do resolve the diarrhea, they speculate that the cause of this kind of diarrhea was from a small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. 
 
Current theories as to its cause focus on the possibility of immune dysregulation possibly associated with abnormal CD4+ T cells (immune cells), IgA plasma cells (antibodies), and cytokine (a chemical messenge ...read more]]> Digestive Mon, 11 May 2009 18:26:32 +0000 4108 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/digestive/c_ct_diarrhea_chronic  
Feline chronic diarrhea is defined as a change in the frequency, consistency, and volume of feces for three weeks or with recurrence. The cause of diarrhea may originate in either the large or small intestine.
 
Symptoms and Types
 
Symptoms vary depending on the cause and origin. If diarrhea originates in the small intestine, symptoms include:

Unusual volume of feces
Weight loss
Abnormally frequent defecation
Black tar-like feces (melena)
Vomiting 

  ...read more]]> Digestive Tue, 01 Jul 2008 17:39:15 +0000 94 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/digestive/c_ct_diarrhea_acute  
Acute diarrhea has four general reasons for occurring: osmotic imbalances, over secretion, intestinal exudation or motility disorders. Osmotic imbalances occur when the concentration of food molecules in the intestine is too high. Water is drawn into the intestine by the excess molecules, causing diarrhea. Over secretion occurs when the intestine secretes too much fluid after being exposed to bacteria or toxins. Intestinal exudation describes a slow oozing of blood fluids through ulcers or other breaks in the intestine’s tissue layers. This exudation can b ...read more]]> Digestive Thu, 30 Apr 2009 21:22:47 +0000 4086 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/digestive/c_ct_clostridial_enterotoxicosis  
Clostridium perfringens bacterium is a normal bacteria found in the environment, commonly inhabiting decaying vegetation and marine sediment, as well as raw or improperly cooked meats and poultry. However, when abnormally high levels of this bacteria is found in the intestine, it can lead to Clostridial enterotoxicosis.
 
Generally, the implications of the intestinal syndrome are limited to infections of the intestinal tract and do not progress to systemic disease conditions. Symptoms typically last a week in acute cases and include ...read more]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/digestive/c_ct_clostridial_enterotoxicosis#comments Digestive Wed, 30 Dec 2009 14:33:13 +0000 5253 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/digestive/c_ct_dyschezia_hematochezia  
Dyschezia is a condition in which defecation is extremely difficult or painful, and hematochezia is symptomized by bright red blood in the stool. Both conditions are visible symptoms of an underlying disease that causes inflammation or irritation of the rectum or anus. Hematochezia can also be concurrent with diseases of the colon.
 
Symptoms and Types
 

Crying and whimpering during defecation
Straining to defecate
Inability to defecate
Mucosal, bloody diarrhea
Hard f ...read more]]> Digestive Fri, 31 Jul 2009 20:01:35 +0000 4496 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/eyes/c_ct_orbital_diseases
Exophthalmos, enophthalmos, and strabismus are all diseases in which the cat's eyeball is abnormally positioned. With exophthalmos, the eyeball protrudes, or bulges, from the orbit of the eye. This may be due to a space-occupying mass behind the eyeball. Enophthalmos causes the eyeball to recess or sink into the skull. This is possibly because there is a mass in front of the eye, or because the eyeball itself has lost volume, becoming smaller in size. Strabismus is when the eye appears to look off at a different angle, unable to focus in ...read more]]> Eyes Wed, 17 Dec 2008 19:20:09 +0000 3674 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/eyes/c_ct_lens_luxation  
Lens luxation is the total dislocation of the lens from its normal location. It occurs when the lens capsule separates 360° from the zonules (the fiber-like processes that extend from the ciliary body to the capsule of the lens of the eye) that hold the lens in place. If it occurs at the front of the eye, it comes forward through the pupil into the front chamber. If it goes to the back (posterior), it goes into the posterior segment/vitreous chamber.
 
Secondary luxation, the most common type of lens luxation diagnosed in cats, may result from long ter ...read more]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/eyes/c_ct_lens_luxation#comments Eyes Fri, 28 May 2010 22:18:36 +0000 10034 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/eyes/c_ct_horners_syndrome  
Conditions of the body that affect the nerves supplying the face muscles and eyes can lead to a group of symptoms known as Horner’s syndrome. This condition is characterized by a drooping eye, an eyelid that is protruding from the eye, or a severely constricted eye pupil. Any brain or spinal injury may cause this syndrome, and it has also been linked to conditions affecting the middle ear, but in many cases the origin remains unknown. In almost 45 percent of diagnosed cats, the exact cause remains elusive.
 
Symptoms and Types
 
...read more]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/eyes/c_ct_horners_syndrome#comments Eyes Fri, 16 Apr 2010 14:40:11 +0000 7246 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/respiratory/c_ct_drowning   
There are four phases in a typical drowning: breath-holding and swimming motion; water aspiration, choking, and struggling for air; vomiting; and cessation of movement followed by death. The mammalian diving reflex may occur, leading to a slowed heart rate, a halt in breathing, and blood circulation limited only to the essential organs of the body. Large volumes of water are not typically aspirated at this stage.
 
Near-drowning is determined by an event that involves prolonged submersion in water, followed by survival for at l ...read more]]> Respiratory Wed, 21 Oct 2009 19:27:31 +0000 4862 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/eyes/c_ct_keratoconjunctivitis_sicca  
Severe drying and inflammation of the cornea (the transparent front part of the eye) and conjunctiva (the clear membrane that covers the white part of the eye) can often be attributed to a medical condition known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS). Characterized by a deficiency of aqueous tear film over the surface of the eye and in the lining of the lids, the condition is also sometimes called dry eye syndrome. Although KCS is relatively uncommon in cats, there is some suspicion that females may be more predisposed to the condition than males.
&nb ...read more]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/eyes/c_ct_keratoconjunctivitis_sicca#comments Eyes Sat, 24 Apr 2010 13:50:00 +0000 7294 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/digestive/c_ct_e_coli_infection  
Escherichia coli, commonly known as E. coli, is a bacterium that normally resides in the lower intestines of most warm blooded mammals, including cats. Normally, the presence of E. coli is benign, and even beneficial, but in some cases it can cause a diseased condition called colibacillosis.
 
E. coli infection is most commonly seen in kittens in the first weeks of life. In the first day after giving birth, queens produce a watery milk that is rich in antibodies. This milk, called colostrum, plays a pivotal role in prot ...read more]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/digestive/c_ct_e_coli_infection#comments Digestive Tue, 19 Jan 2010 20:47:56 +0000 5344 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/ears/c_ct_ceruminous_gland_adenocarcinoma  
Ceruminous gland adenocarcinoma is the primary malignant tumor of the sweat glands found in the external auditory canal. Though rare, it is one of the most common malignant tumor of the ear canal in older cats. And while it may be locally invasive, it has a low rate of distant metastasis (spreading of the cancer).
 
In addition, there is no known gender predisposition for this type of tumor, but it is more common in cats than ...read more]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/ears/c_ct_ceruminous_gland_adenocarcinoma#comments Ears Thu, 27 May 2010 01:10:22 +0000 7425 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cancer/c_ct_squamous_cell_carcinoma_ear Cancer Fri, 31 Jul 2009 21:04:50 +0000 4508 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/reproductive/c_ct_premature_labor  
There are many conditions that can cause a pregnant cat, or queen, to experience premature contractions leading to preterm delivery of kittens. Bacterial infections, viral infections, death of one or more fetuses, ovarian cysts, hormonal imbalances, injury, malnutrition, a change in environment/moving, and basically any kind of stress that can send a cat into mental and physical distress can lead to early labor. In some cases, a cat may be genetically predisposed to preterm labor.
 
Preterm delivery in cats is defined by a birth that occurs before the id ...read more]]> Reproductive Mon, 31 Aug 2009 17:32:20 +0000 4619 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/endocrine/c_ct_neonatal_mortality  
Neonatal mortality, or fading syndrome, involves the death of a kitten at an early age of life (generally, less than two weeks). Because of their immature body organs and systems, kittens are prone to various insults, including infections and environmental, nutritional, and metabolic factors. The immune system (vital for fighting infections) is still in the building stage, so if it is not yet strong enough to ward off an infection the young cat may not survive the condition. Also, young animals do not yet have strong body temperature reg ...read more]]> Reproductive Tue, 29 Sep 2009 20:33:52 +0000 4749 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/endocrine/c_ct_hypophosphatemia http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/endocrine/c_ct_hypophosphatemia#comments Endocrine Sat, 17 Apr 2010 16:18:12 +0000 7256 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/digestive/c_ct_gingival_hyperplasia  
Gingival hyperplasia is a medical condition by which a cat's gingival tissue becomes inflamed and enlarged. Enlargement is typically caused by dental plaque or other bacterial growth along the gum line. This condition is relatively rare in cats, and in many cases can be prevented with good oral hygiene habits.
 
Symptoms and Types
 
Common symptoms of gum enlargement include:
 

Thickening of the gums
Increase in the height of the gums
Pockets developing in the gums
Areas of inflam ...read more]]> Digestive Mon, 26 Jan 2009 16:46:47 +0000 3859 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cardiovascular/c_ct_cardiomyopathy_dilated  
The heart has four chambers: two chambers at the top, the right and left aorta; and two chambers on the bottom, the right and left ventricles. Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a heart disease that affects the ventricular muscle. It is characterized by dilated, or enlarged heart chambers, and reduced contraction ability. That is, a reduced ability to push blood out of the respective ventricle. DCM causes the heart to become overloaded, and will often lead to congestive heart failure. Before 1987, DCM was one of the most common heart diseases in cats. This is ...read more]]> Cardiovascular Fri, 10 Oct 2008 14:17:28 +0000 633 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/endocrine/c_ct_hepatomegaly  
Due to certain diseases and conditions that can either directly or indirectly affect the liver's ability to function, the organ may increase in size, which is referred to as hepatomegaly.
 
Symptoms and Types
 
Kittens normally have larger livers in regard to their actual body mass, as compared to adult cats. However, hepatomegaly is most commonly diagnosed in older cats. Depending on the underlying cause, the enlargement may involve the whole liver or only part of the liver. For example, infections and/or inflammation may lead to a generalized sy ...read more]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/endocrine/c_ct_hepatomegaly#comments Endocrine Fri, 16 Apr 2010 11:29:44 +0000 7243 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cardiovascular/c_ct_splenomegaly  
Splenomegaly refers to the enlargement of the spleen. This medical condition can occur in all breeds and genders, and is not usually directly related to the spleen, but rather a symptom of another disease or condition. Treatment options will be recommended based upon the cause of the splenomegaly.
 
Symptoms and Types
 
An enlarged spleen may lead to such symptoms as:

Diarrhea
Vomiting
Lack of appetite
Abdominal pain
Lethargy and reduced activity
Weakness, and possib ...read more]]> Cardiovascular Wed, 01 Jul 2009 15:27:42 +0000 4358 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/digestive/c_ct_megaesophagus  
Megaesophagus is the enlargement of the esophagus, a muscular tube that runs from the throat to the stomach. The esophagus functions solely to deliver food from the mouth to the stomach.  Magaesophagus involves a lack of motility required for the movement of food and liquid down to the stomach and can be the result of a variety of underlying diseases or causes.
 
Siamese and Siamese-related cats are found to be predisposed to the this condition.
 
Symptoms and Types
 

]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/digestive/c_ct_megaesophagus#comments Digestive Sun, 11 Apr 2010 16:08:25 +0000 7214 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/neurological/c_ct_seizures  
Epilepsy is a disease that is characterized by convulsions (seizures), and sometimes the two terms are confused.
 
Symptoms and Types
 
A seizure may have several symptoms or only a few, including:
 

Loss of consciousness
Muscle contraction
Hallucinations
Involuntarily urination, defecation, drooling (salivation)
Loss of recognition of owner
Vicious behavior
Pacing
Running in circles

&nbs ...read more]]> Neurological Tue, 12 Aug 2008 14:28:20 +0000 362 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/reproductive/c_ct_ovarian_remnant_syndrome  
An ovariohysterectomy is a surgical procedure in which the uterus and ovaries are removed from a female cat. Such a removal results in the cessation of subsequent estrus (heat) symptoms in the female. However, some female cats continue to exhibit the behavioral and/or physical signs pertaining to estrus even after such a surgery, and are found to have some ovarian tissue that had not been removed during surgery and was left behind. If such tissue remains functional and continues to secrete hormones, estrus behavior will continue. Such symptoms are typi ...read more]]> Reproductive Wed, 30 Sep 2009 14:26:32 +0000 4758 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/neurological/c_ct_ethanol_toxicosis  
Exposure to ethanol, either orally or through the skin, is a common source of toxicity in household pets. Depression of the central nervous system is typical of ethanol poisoning -- expressed as drowsiness, lack of coordination or loss of consciousness. Other effects may include damage to body cells, and symptoms such as incontinence, slowed heart rate, and even heart attack.
 
Ethanol poisoning in cats can occur as a result of exposure to dyes, inks, disinfectants, mouthwashes, paints, perfumes, pharmaceuticals, gasoline, and certain beverages.
  ...read more]]> Neurological Wed, 11 Feb 2009 16:27:30 +0000 3920 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/urinary/c_ct_renal_tubular_acidosis  
Renal tubular acidosis (RTA) is a rare syndrome that causes the kidney to be unable to excrete acid through the urine, leading to extreme acidity of the cat's blood. Cats with RTA will also have abnormal levels of potassium in the blood. This condition occurs as a part of the metabolic process, by which food is transformed into energy.
 
Although RTA is seen in both cats and dogs, it rarely occurs in cats. If you would like to learn more about how this disease affects dogs, please visit ]]> Urinary Wed, 11 Feb 2009 22:21:43 +0000 3930 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/eyes/c_ct_hypopyon_lipid_flare  
Hypopyon is the accumulation of white blood cells in the front (anterior) chamber of the eye. An inflammatory breakdown of the blood-aqueous barrier allows for entry of blood cells into this chamber; chemoattractants, chemical substances that influence the migration of cells, can act as a conveyor for this cellular movement. The cells often settle in place because of gravity, forming a fluid line in the lower front chamber of the eye.
 
Lipid flare, on the other hand, resembles hypopyon, but the clouded appearance of the anterior chamber is caus ...read more]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/eyes/c_ct_hypopyon_lipid_flare#comments Eyes Sun, 18 Apr 2010 08:03:26 +0000 7260 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/endocrine/c_ct_hypercalcemia  
Hypercalcemia is characterized by an abnormally high amount of calcium in the blood. A cat is considered hypercalcemic when its total serum calcium level is greater than 10.5 mg/dL.
 
Behind the thyroid gland in the neck, there are four parathyroid glands which secrete the hormones the body needs to regulate calcium and phosphorus. Parathyroid hormones and vitamin D interactions work to release calcium from the bones, gut, and kidneys for deposit into the bloodstream. When these interactions are disturbed, or when cancerous cells secrete hormones, hypercal ...read more]]> Endocrine Fri, 30 Jan 2009 15:52:40 +0000 3874 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cardiovascular/c_ct_hypercapnia  
Hypercapnia is synonymous with hypoventilation, or inadequate inhalation of fresh air. It is generally the result of alveolar hypoventilation, a failure of the air cells in the lungs to take in adequate amounts of clean oxygen. It may also be related to lung disease or to environmental conditions that result in increased levels of carbon dioxide in the breathable air.
 
Hypercapnia is characterized by an increase in the partial pressure of carbon dioxide in the arterial blood. Carbon dioxide is a normal part of the atmosphere, and a normal component of the c ...read more]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cardiovascular/c_ct_hypercapnia#comments Cardiovascular Fri, 26 Mar 2010 15:35:46 +0000 7126 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cardiovascular/c_ct_hyperchloremia  
Hyperchloremia refers to abnormally high levels of chloride (an electrolyte) in the blood. Electrolytes play important roles within the dog's body: helping in heart and nervous system functions, fluid balance, delivery of oxygen, and much more. For every electrolyte a very delicate chemical balance is required, and each electrolyte has a specific normal range in the body.
 
The electrolyte chloride, for example, is responsible in part for metabolism (turning food into energy), and keeping the body's acid base balanced. Chloride exists in body with sodium ...read more]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cardiovascular/c_ct_hyperchloremia#comments Cardiovascular Sun, 14 Feb 2010 02:31:45 +0000 5466 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/endocrine/c_ct_iron_toxicity  
While iron is an essential nutrient for the regular functioning of a cat's body, it can become lethal when it is present in large quantities in the bloodstream. Cats may be ingesting unhealthy amounts of iron when they are being given multivitamins that are not appropriate for their age, size or health status, or when they are ingesting dietary supplements or pregnancy supplements that have been left within their reach but that are not intended for them. In the event that there is a high volume of iron present in the blood, damage can occur within the cells.  ...read more]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/endocrine/c_ct_iron_toxicity#comments Endocrine Sat, 24 Apr 2010 13:25:01 +0000 7292 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cardiovascular/c_ct_hypermagnesemia  
Electrolytes are required in the body for many vital functions, like keeping fluid balance, normal heart and brain functions, delivery of oxygen, and many more. Magnesium, after potassium, is the second most abundant positively charged electrolyte found inside cells. Bones and muscles contain a major portion of magnesium in the body. Hypermagnesemia is the term used to denote abnormally high levels of magnesium in the body. Higher levels of magnesium can result in serious complications like impaired nerve impulses (signals), as well as cardiac problems.
  ...read more]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cardiovascular/c_ct_hypermagnesemia#comments Cardiovascular Fri, 26 Mar 2010 18:43:27 +0000 7130 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cardiovascular/c_ct_hyperphosphatemia  
Hyperphosphatemia is an electrolyte disturbance in which abnormally elevated levels of phosphate are present in the cat's blood. It can occur at any age but is more common in kittens or old cats with kidney problems. Additionally, cats with bone diseases and calcium deficiency are susceptible to hyperphosphatemia.
 
Hyperphosphatemia can affect both dogs and cats. If you would like to learn more about how the condition affects dogs, please visit this pag ...read more]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cardiovascular/c_ct_hyperphosphatemia#comments Cardiovascular Tue, 08 Dec 2009 13:46:37 +0000 5128 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cardiovascular/c_ct_hyperviscosity_syndrome  
Thickening of the blood, medically referred to as hyperviscosity, or high blood viscosity, typically results from markedly high concentration of blood plasma proteins, although it can also result (rarely) from an extremely high red blood cell count. It is most frequently seen as a paraneoplastic syndrome (the consequence of the presence of cancer in the body), and is often associated with multiple myeloma (a cancer of the plasma cell) and other lymphoid tumors or leukemias.
 
The clinical signs that are associated with hyperviscosity are caused b ...read more]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cardiovascular/c_ct_hyperviscosity_syndrome#comments Cardiovascular Sun, 11 Apr 2010 09:49:45 +0000 7199 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/urinary/c_ct_proteinuria  
While in some cases abnormally high protein levels in the urine can be attributed to the diet and easily modified, other cases are represented by a more serious underlying medical condition. Proteinuria is one of those cases and is detected through a urine test.
 
Proteinuria can affect both dogs and cats. If you would like to learn how this disease affects dogs, please visit this page in the PetMD health library.
 
Symptoms and Types
 
Other than the abnormally high prot ...read more]]> Urinary Mon, 19 Jan 2009 19:58:15 +0000 3818 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cardiovascular/c_ct_hypernatremia  
Hypernatremia is the term used to denote abnormally high levels of sodium in blood. A vital electrolyte, sodium is involved in many critical bodily functions, including maintaining blood pressure, blood volume, maintain the delicate acid/base balance in the body, as well as play a role in the transmission of nerve impulses (signals) within nerves.
 
A common source of sodium is table salt (NaCl). Due to the presence of chloride (Cl) in NaCl, chloride derangements are commonly seen along with sodium.
 
If not treated quickly, hypernatremia can lead t ...read more]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cardiovascular/c_ct_hypernatremia#comments Cardiovascular Sun, 28 Mar 2010 09:58:44 +0000 7154 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/endocrine/c_ct_hyperthyroidism  
Hyperthyroidism is a disease caused by overproduction of thyroxine, a thyroid hormone that increases metabolism in the body. The thyroid gland normally produces thyroid hormones in response to stimulation by the pituitary gland, the "master gland" of the body. Thyroid hormones normally increase chemical processes occurring within the cells of the body, especially those related to metabolism; however, in hyperthyroidism, the excessive hormone levels push the cells and body into overdrive, resulting in increased metabolism with concurrent weight loss, a ...read more]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/endocrine/c_ct_hyperthyroidism#comments Endocrine Fri, 15 Jan 2010 19:50:52 +0000 5327 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/digestive/c_ct_small_intestine_bacterial_growth  
While it is common for small intestine to have bacteria, it can become a problem when the count is too high. Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth is a disorder which causes an abnormal amount of bacteria to accumulate in the small intestine, which can then affect the normal intestinal functions, causing loose stools and weight loss. Often clearing up within a few days, but up to a few weeks; treatment options for this bacterial infection give an excellent prognosis.
 
Symptoms and Types
 
Common symptoms include loose stools, rapid ...read more]]> Digestive Fri, 24 Apr 2009 15:49:53 +0000 4071 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cardiovascular/c_ct_disseminated_intravascular_coagulation  
Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is a bleeding problem in which clotting factors are activated with an absence of injury. Micro clots form within the blood vessels, and the clotted material goes on to consume platelets and proteins, using them up and leaving a lack of sufficient clotting factors and platelets. This condition can lead to a disruption in normal blood flow to the organs and excessive bleeding, both external and internal.
 
Clotting factors, such as proteins in the blood plasma, are components of the ...read more]]> Cardiovascular Fri, 31 Jul 2009 19:51:53 +0000 4494 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cardiovascular/c_ct_hypercoagulability  
Blood platelets are minute, disc shaped cell fragments in the blood that are responsible for clotting the blood. Too many active platelets, or too few active platelets, can result in severe health disorders. One of these disorders, hypercoagulability (hyper-clotting), has several causes, but in essence it reflects a greater amount of procoagulants than anticoagulants in the blood. This means that the blood coagulates (clots) abnormally more than usual. One of the possible causes of hypercoagulability is when there are too many active platelets in the bl ...read more]]> Cardiovascular Fri, 30 Jan 2009 16:08:03 +0000 3875 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/musculoskeletal/c_ct_acromegaly  
Acromegaly is a rare syndrome resulting from the excessive production of the growth hormone somatotropin by tumors in the anterior pituitary gland of adult cats. Clinical signs of this syndrome are a result of the hormone's direct catabolic (breaking down) and indirect anabolic (building up) effects. 
 
The anabolic effects, meanwhile, are mediated by somatomedin C (insulin-like growth factor I), which is secreted by the liver in response to growth hormone stimulation. The excessive levels of somatomedin C, however, promote protein synthesis and growth i ...read more]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/musculoskeletal/c_ct_acromegaly#comments Musculoskeletal Fri, 23 Apr 2010 14:20:02 +0000 7281 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cardiovascular/c_ct_hyperkalemia  
The condition of hyperkalemia is expressed by markedly higher than normal concentrations of potassium in the blood. Normally eliminated in the kidneys, potassium and its increased acidity in the cat's blood can have a direct impact on the heart's ability to function normally, making this a high priority condition. Elimination is enhanced by aldosterone, a hormone that causes the tubules of the kidneys to retain sodium and water. Therefore, conditions that can inhibit renal elimination of potassium can be a direct cause of hyperkalemia.


Symptoms
  ...read more]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cardiovascular/c_ct_hyperkalemia#comments Cardiovascular Fri, 26 Mar 2010 18:22:16 +0000 7128 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/mouth/c_ct_ptyalism  
Saliva is constantly produced and secreted into the oral cavity from the salivary glands. Production of saliva increases because of excitation of the salivary nuclei in the brain stem. Ptyalism is a medical condition characterized by the excessive flow of saliva, also referred to as hypersalivation. The stimuli that lead to the over production of saliva are taste and touch sensations involving the mouth and tongue. Higher centers in the central nervous system can also excite or inhibit the salivary nuclei, and lesions involving either the central nervous system or th ...read more]]> Mouth Thu, 02 Jul 2009 19:55:19 +0000 4377 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/neurological/c_ct_excessive_vocalization  
Excessive vocalization refers to uncontrollable, excessive meowing or crying, often occurring at inappropriate times of the night or day. Such vocalization can be due to pain, illness, cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS), or may be related to a decline in hearing in senior pets.
 
CDS is often associated with night waking, during which excessive vocalization occurs. Excessive meowing may also be related to behavioral conditions, which may be controlled by behavior modification training.
 
Cat breeds that are naturally high energy ma ...read more]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/neurological/c_ct_excessive_vocalization#comments Neurological Fri, 05 Feb 2010 20:53:33 +0000 5436 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/behavioral/c_ct_fear_phobia_anxiety  
A phobia is a persistent and excessive fear of a specific stimulus, such as a thunderstorm. Immediate, excessive anxiety response is characteristic of a phobic condition, and it has been suggested that once a phobic event has been experienced, any event associated with it, or the memory of it, is sufficient enough to generate a response. The most common phobias are associated with noises (such as thunderstorms or fireworks).
 
Fear is the instinctual feeling of apprehension resulting from a situation, person, or object that appears to prese ...read more]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/behavioral/c_ct_fear_phobia_anxiety#comments Behavioral Fri, 05 Feb 2010 19:14:37 +0000 5425 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/eyes/c_ct_congenital_eye_defects  
Congenital abnormalities of the eyeball or its surrounding tissue can be evident in a kitten shortly after birth, or may develop within the first six to eight weeks of life. Most defects are genetically inherited; for example, photoreceptor dysplasia, which is indicated by pupils inability to contract normally in response to light, is more prone in Abyssinian, Persian, and Domestic Shorthair cats. This affects the cat's ability to see in both low light and daylight.
 
Ocular abnormalities can also develop spontaneously (e.g., colobomas of the ...read more]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/eyes/c_ct_congenital_eye_defects#comments Eyes Tue, 19 Jan 2010 19:14:01 +0000 5336 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/eyes/c_ct_proptosis  
Proptosis is a medical condition which causes a cat's eye to move forward and protrude from it's eye socket. This typically noticeable (and unseemly) medical condition is frequently associated with a head trauma and is often vision threatening. Therefore, immediate veterinary examination and treatment is vital to restoring or saving the cat's eyesight.
 
Proptosis affects both dogs and cats. If you would like to learn how this condition affects dogs, please visit this page in the PetMD]]> Eyes Mon, 19 Jan 2009 19:54:15 +0000 3817 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/eyes/c_ct_ophthalmia_neonatorium  
One of the infections that can affect a newborn kitten is infection of the conjunctiva, the mucous membrane that lines the inner surface of the eyelids and the eyeball, or of the cornea, the transparent front surface coating of the eyeball. The infection will typically take place after the top and bottom eyelids separate and open, at about 10 to 14 days of age.
 
Often the source of the infection is from infectious vaginal discharge that is transmitted at birth, but an unhygienic environment can also cause infection in newborns. Staphylococcus spp. bacter ...read more]]> Eyes Wed, 11 Feb 2009 19:45:07 +0000 3926 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/eyes/c_ct_blepharitis Blepharitis refers to a condition that involves inflammation of the outer skin and middle (muscle, connective tissue, and glands) portions of the eyelids. This condition is usually seen with the secondary inflammation of the inner surface of the eyelid (palpebral conjunctiva).
 
Symptoms and Types
 

Scaly, flaky skin near the eye
Intense itching, scratching of the eye
Watery, mucous or pus containing eye discharge
Edema and thickening of the eyelids
Abraded area(s) where the skin is tor ...read more]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/eyes/c_ct_blepharitis#comments Eyes Wed, 19 May 2010 18:39:30 +0000 7375 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/eyes/c_ct_conjunctivitis  
Conjunctivitis refers to the inflammation of the moist tissues in a cat's eye, which are the portions of the eye located near the globe and up to the edge of the cornea -- the front part of the eye. It can cause the cat's eye to discharge fluid and other uncomfortable symptoms for the animal. Treatment, ultimately, is based on the underlying cause of the condition.
 
Symptoms and Types
 
There are several common symptoms of this disease, including:
 

Persistent squinting
Regular and excessive blinking
]]> Eyes Wed, 16 Jul 2008 20:49:06 +0000 251 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/eyes/c_ct_anterior_uveitis  
The uvea is the dark tissue at the front of the eye that contains the blood vessels. When the uvea becomes inflamed, the condition is referred to as anterior uveitis (the literal translatiobn of which is inflammation of the front of the eye). This very painful condition affects the cat's iris and the surrounding pupil tissue, which in turn, may threaten your cat's vision.
 
Symptoms and Types
 

Pain
Redness of the eye
Excessive tears
Discharge
Squinting
Pupil i ...read more]]> Eyes Thu, 14 Aug 2008 16:52:24 +0000 393 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/eyes/c_ct_corneal_scleral_lacerations  
In medical terms, a penetrating injury is a wound, or a foreign object that enters the eye but does not completely pass through the cornea or sclera. A perforating injury, on the other hand, is a wound or foreign body that completely passes through the cornea or the sclera. Needless to say, the latter injury is a greater risk to vision. The cornea is the transparent outer layer at the front (anterior) of the eye. The sclera, the white of the eye, is composed of a tough covering that protects the eyeball.
 
Again in medical terms, a ...read more]]> Eyes Wed, 14 Jan 2009 16:26:27 +0000 3780 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/eyes/c_ct_trichiasis_distichiasis_ectopic_cilia  
Trichiasis, distichiasis, and ectopic cilia are eyelash disorders that are rarely found in cats. Trichiasis is in-growth of the eyelashes; distichiasis is an eyelash that grows from an abnormal spot on the eyelid; and ectopic cilia are single or multiple hairs that grow through the inside of the eyelid. In all of these conditions, the eyelash hair can come into contact with and damage the cornea or conjunctiva of the eye.
 
Symptoms and Types
 
Trichiasis

Change in pigmentation of the iris (colored port ...read more]]> Eyes Tue, 20 Oct 2009 21:13:06 +0000 4859 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/eyes/c_ct_prolapsed_gland  
Prolapsed gland of the eyelid, also known as “cherry eye,” refers to a pink mass protruding from the cat's eyelid. Normally, the gland development is anchored by an attachment made up of fibrous material.
 
This medical condition occurs in both dogs and cats, although it typically affects younger animals. If you would like to learn how this disease affects dogs,please visit this page in the PetMD health library.
 
Symptoms and Types
...read more]]> Eyes Mon, 19 Jan 2009 19:48:13 +0000 3816 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/neurological/c_ct_facial_nerve_paresis  
Facial nerve paresis is a dysfunction of the seventh cranial nerve, the facial nerve. This condition is evidenced by paralysis or weakness of the muscles of the ears, eyelids, lips, and nostrils.
 
The cause of this disease is impairment of the facial nerve, or of the place where the nerves come together, and it affects the electrical impulses of the nerves involved. The facial nerve is affected, and sometimes the ophthalmic system as well, interfering with the function of the tear glands. Dry eye syndrome also accompanies the tear gland i ...read more]]> Neurological Tue, 13 Jan 2009 21:11:09 +0000 3777 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/neurological/c_multi_facial_nerve_paresis  
Facial nerve paresis is a dysfunction of the seventh cranial nerve, the facial nerve. This condition is evidenced by paralysis or weakness of the muscles of the ears, eyelids, lips, and nostrils.
 
The cause of this disease is impairment of the facial nerve, or of the place where the nerves come together, and it affects the electrical impulses of the nerves involved. The facial nerve is affected, and sometimes the ophthalmic system as well, interfering with the function of the tear glands. Dry eye syndrome also accompanies the tear gland i ...read more]]> Neurological Mon, 02 Mar 2009 22:18:46 +0000 3964 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cardiovascular/c_ct_cyclic_hematopoiesis  
Cyclic hematopoiesis is a disorder of the formation of blood cells, which rarely affects cats. When it does occur, reports are related to cats that are infected with the leukemia virus (FeLV) infection, a virus that suppresses the immune system in cats. Cyclic hematopoiesis that has been observed in cats appears to be another possible non-cancerous manifestation of the FeLV infection.
 
Symptoms and Types
 

Signs and symptoms of FeLV
Weakness/lethargy
Swollen lymph nodes
Loss of appet ...read more]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cardiovascular/c_ct_cyclic_hematopoiesis#comments Cardiovascular Fri, 03 Apr 2009 15:46:22 +0000 4012 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/reproductive/c_ct_false_pregnancy  
A hormonal imbalance is thought to play a central role in the development of a false pregnancy, or pseudopregnancy, in which a non-pregnant female cat shows such symptoms as lactation or nursing without producing kittens. The affected female cat shows these symptoms about a month or two after her estrus (heat) is over. Depending on the severity of problem, the symptoms may last for more than a month. 
 
Symptoms and Types
 

Behavioral changes
Non-pregnant female cat may show symptoms of mothering activity, ...read more]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/reproductive/c_ct_false_pregnancy#comments Reproductive Sat, 10 Apr 2010 13:29:48 +0000 7187 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/skin/c_ct_panniculitis  
Panniculitis is a condition where the layer of fat just under the cat's skin (subcutaneous fat tissue) becomes inflamed. Though uncommon, the fatty tissue typically concentrates and affects the trunk area as a single nodule or as multiple nodules. In addition, as a result of secondary infections and other complications, the fat cells within the nodule(s) may die.
 
Cats of any age, sex, or breed may be affected by panniculitis.
 
Symptoms and Types
 
Most cats have a single nodular lesion on the trunk that vary from a few millimeters to severa ...read more]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/skin/c_ct_panniculitis#comments Skin Mon, 19 Apr 2010 17:33:09 +0000 7265 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/digestive/c_ct_hepatic_lipidosis  
Hepatic lipidosis, known commonly as fatty liver, is one of the most common severe feline liver diseases in cats. The liver's main functions include protein synthesis, the production of chemicals necessary for digestion, and the detoxification of the body. The liver also plays an important role in metabolism, the emulsification of fats, the production of coagulation factors (necessary for blood clotting), and in the decomposition of red blood cells. The liver is of such importance to the body, carrying out so many complex functions, that there is no way to c ...read more]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/digestive/c_ct_hepatic_lipidosis#comments Digestive Fri, 13 Nov 2009 21:33:37 +0000 4971 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/skin/c_ct_lipoma  
Lipomas are soft masses or tumors that lie beneath the surface of the skin. They are usually palpable, with limited mobility under the skin. The overlying skin is usually not affected. Over time they can grow larger and can impede movement if they are located between the legs or low on the chest. It is important to recognize that additional masses do not necessarily indicate malignancy or metastasis. Because other cutaneous masses may appear similar to lipomas, it is recommended that each mass be checked.
 
Another sub-classification of benign lipomas is the infi ...read more]]> Skin Wed, 04 Feb 2009 16:38:33 +0000 3893 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/endocrine/c_ct_steatitis  
Steatitis is a rare disease in cats, characterized by a lump under the skin surface due to inflammation of the fatty tissue. Nutrition is often involved in the pathology of this condition. Ingestion of large amounts of unsaturated fats without sufficient antioxidant activity may result in peroxidation (where free radicals "steal" electrons from the lipids in cell membranes, resulting in cell damage) with subsequent fat necrosis (death of fat cells) and steatitis. Cats that are fed large amounts of tuna, particularly red tuna, tend to be more prone to steati ...read more]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/endocrine/c_ct_steatitis#comments Endocrine Sat, 27 Feb 2010 23:44:26 +0000 5586 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/endocrine/c_ct_lipoma_infiltrative  
Infiltrative lipoma is an invasive, benign tumor composed of fatty tissue, a variant that does not metastasize (spread), but which is known to infiltrate the soft tissues, notably the muscles, but also including the fasciae (the soft tissue component of the connective tissue system), tendons, nerves, blood vessels, salivary glands, lymph nodes, joint capsules, and occasionally the bones. Muscle infiltration is often so extensive that surgery cannot be performed without severe consequences.
 
Infiltrative lipoma occurs much less frequently than does < ...read more]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/endocrine/c_ct_lipoma_infiltrative#comments Endocrine Mon, 31 May 2010 22:30:24 +0000 10044 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/respiratory/c_ct_pulmonary_fibrosis  
Cats can suffer from many forms of pneumonia, pulmonary fibrosis being one of them. The development of this disease results in inflammation and scarring of the tiny air sacs of the cat's lungs and lung tissue. The reactive scarring of the lungs results in fibrotic tissue buildup, where the tissue becomes excessively thick, reducing the ability of the affected sacs to pass oxygen into the blood stream. Therefore, as the disease progresses, less oxygen is passed into the body’s tissues when the cat breathes.
 
The factors which initiate pulmonary ...read more]]> Respiratory Mon, 19 Jan 2009 21:00:32 +0000 3823 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/neurological/c_ct_pyrethrin_pyrethroid_toxicity  
Pyrethrin and pyrethroid are insecticides typically used for treating flea and tick infestations. Pyrethrins are naturally-based and derived from the Chrysanthemum cinerariaefolium plant and from pyrethrum-related plant species. Pyrethroids, meanwhile, are synthetic, making them longer-lasting; these include allethrin, cypermethrin, deltamethrin, fenvalerate, fluvalinate, permethrin, phenothrin, tetramethrin, and etofenprox, an ether.
 
An adverse reaction to any of these toxins will affect the cat's nervous system, reversibly prolongin ...read more]]> Neurological Mon, 19 Jan 2009 22:05:15 +0000 3829 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/skin/c_ct_flea_bite_hypersensitivity  
Flea bite hypersensitivity or flea allergic dermatitis is very common in cats. In fact, it is the most common skin disease to be diagnosed in pets. Flea allergies usually develop when cats are young (less than one and up to five years of age), but can begin at any age. Flea saliva is actually believed to be the cause for the allergy or sensitivity.
 
The flea life cycle includes the adult flea, egg, larva and pupa. Adult fleas do bite, but cannot survive long if they are not on an animal. Once the adult flea lays its eggs on the host cat it wi ...read more]]> Skin Fri, 19 Dec 2008 21:38:59 +0000 3707 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/urinary/c_ct_hydronephrosis  
In most cats, hydronephrosis occurs when fluid builds up in the kidney, causing progressive distention of the renal pelvis (the funnel-like dilated proximal part of the ureter in the kidney) and diverticula (out pouching, with atrophy of the kidney secondary to obstruction).
 
The disease is usually one-sided and occurs secondary to complete or partial obstruction of the kidney or ureter by kidney stones, tumor, retroperitoneal (the anatomical space behind ...read more]]> Urinary Mon, 31 Aug 2009 17:16:34 +0000 4618 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cardiovascular/c_ct_pericardial_effusion  
Pericardial effusion is a condition in which an abnormally large amount of fluid collects in the pericardial sac that surrounds the cat's heart (pericardium). A secondary condition, referred to as cardiac tamponade, results from this retention of fluid, as the swelling of fluid applies pressure on the beating heart, compressing it and restricting its ability to pump blood.
 
The pressure inside the heart increases, and since the right atrium and ventricles normally have the lowest cardiac filling pressures, they are the most affected by cardiac tamp ...read more]]> Cardiovascular Fri, 16 Jan 2009 17:23:14 +0000 3791 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cardiovascular/c_ct_ascites  
Ascites, also known as abdominal effusion, is the medical term referring to the buildup of fluid in the abdomen. This may cause symptoms such as vomiting, abdominal discomfort, and loss of appetite. A wide variety of causes may be responsible for ascites, thus treatments vary accordingly.
 
Symptoms and Types
 
Some of the outward symptoms your cat may show are difficulty breathing (or dyspnea) due to pressure on the chest from abdominal swelling, or from a related buildup of fluid in the space between the chest wall and lungs (referred to as pleural effu ...read more]]> Cardiovascular Mon, 12 Jan 2009 17:29:41 +0000 3747 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/respiratory/c_ct_pleural_effusion  
Pleural effusion is the abnormal accumulation of fluid within the chest cavity, which is lined by a membrane -- the pleural lining. This occurs in cats either because too little fluid is being absorbed in the pleural cavity, or because too much fluid is being produced in the pleural cavity. Alterations in the cat's blood pressure and protein content in the blood, or the penetrability of blood vessels and lymphatic function, may contribute to fluid accumulation.
 
The condition or disease described in this medical article can affect both dogs and cats. I ...read more]]> Respiratory Mon, 19 Jan 2009 17:18:59 +0000 3804 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/respiratory/c_ct_chylothorax  
Chyle is a milky to slightly yellow fluid made up of lymph and fats from the intestines and transferred to the circulation through the thoracic duct (the main trunk of the lymphatic system, which crosses the chest near the spine and empties into the circulation system), and lymph is a watery fluid that is produced by the tissues of the body and which contains white blood cells, which are essential for protecting the body. Chylothorax is a medical condition that results from the accumulation of lymphatic fluid in the pleural (chest) cavity where the heart and lungs ...read more]]> Respiratory Tue, 13 Jan 2009 16:32:12 +0000 3764 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/respiratory/c_ct_pulmonary_edema  
Pulmonary edema refers to fluid buildup in the lungs and is often associated with pneumonia, although there are many other possible causes. Normal lungs have fluid that is moved from the lungs into the internal space of the body, an on-going process for normal healthy function. If there is added pressure in the lungs or other underlying conditions, this mechanism can become damaged and fluid can begin to build in the lungs.
 
If this excess fluid is not removed, edema forms. Damage can occur if this condition is left untreated, but when treated appropria ...read more]]> Respiratory Mon, 19 Jan 2009 20:47:47 +0000 3822 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/endocrine/c_ct_lymphedema  
Although it is less common in cats than in dogs, lymphedema is a serious medical condition. It is occurs when localized fluid retention and tissue swelling circulates throughout the lymphatic system. Also known as lymph, this watery fluid typically collects into interstitial spaces, especially subcutaneous fat, as a result of a compromised lymphatic system.
 
Symptoms and Types
 
The fluid accumulation (edema) is usually not painful and pits; that is, a depress ...read more]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/endocrine/c_ct_lymphedema#comments Endocrine Sun, 18 Apr 2010 08:32:35 +0000 7262 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/digestive/c_ct_intussusception  
A change in the shape of the intestine can cause the affected portion of the intestine to slip out of its normal place (prolapse) into an adjoining cavity or duct in the body. Intussusception, the medical term used to describe this condition, can also be used to describe a folded portion of the intestine (invagination), causing that section of the intestinal tract to be blocked. Either of these conditions can result in inflammation of the intestines.
 
While intussusception can occur in animals of all ages, it is more common in younger animals that have ...read more]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/digestive/c_ct_intussusception#comments Digestive Fri, 23 Apr 2010 20:04:00 +0000 7290 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cancer/c_ct_squamous_cell_carcinoma_digit  
Cats can be afflicted with several types of skin tumors, even on their feet and toes. One type of tumor that can affect the toes is a squamous cell carcinoma. A squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) can be described as a malignant and particularly invasive tumor that takes hold in the scale like cells of the epithelium – the tissue that covers the body or lines the cavities of the body. These scale like tissue cells are called the squamous.
 
Carcinoma is, by definition, an especially malignant and persistent form of cancer, often returning ...read more]]> Cancer Fri, 31 Jul 2009 21:01:06 +0000 4507 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/digestive/c_ct_esophageal_obstruction  
Cats often swallow unusual things and are known for the odd range of objects they will swallow. When a cat ingests foreign material or foodstuffs that are too large to pass through the esophagus (the throat), the esophagus can become blocked. One of the objects commonly found in cats is thread, which may be of surprisingly long size or thickness. Unfortunately, because of cats' tendency to eat and swallow string, they may also swallow needles (i.e., sewing) that are attached to string. Esophageal foreign bodies cause mechanical blockage, swelling and dea ...read more]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/digestive/c_ct_esophageal_obstruction#comments Digestive Wed, 16 Dec 2009 16:53:38 +0000 5185 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/neurological/c_ct_brachial_plexus_avulsion  
Cats can experience a forelimb issue after experiencing an injury due to jumping, being in a road accident, a traumatic fall, or after being caught in, or on, something. Prompt medical attention is advised, since the possibility of a spinal cord injury or other severe damage to the body will require that a proper examination and assessment be made. Injuries to the forelimb are sometimes referred to as brachial plexus avulsion.
 
Symptoms and Types
 
Cats that are experiencing this condition will often exhibit muscular weakness, absence of ...read more]]> Neurological Mon, 12 Jan 2009 21:27:55 +0000 3753 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/skin/c_ct_fungal_disease_skin http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/skin/c_ct_fungal_disease_skin#comments Skin Tue, 23 Feb 2010 04:48:51 +0000 5538 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/respiratory/c_ct_blastomycosis  
Blastomycosis is a systematic yeastlike fungal infection caused by the organism Blastomyces dermatitidis, which is commonly found in decaying wood and soil.
 
The blastomyces fungus thrives in wet environments, such as riverbanks, lakes and swamps, where damp soil lacking direct sunlight fosters growth of the fungus. It is also present in areas that are rich in decaying matter, such as wooded areas, forests, and farms. It is a naturally occurring North American fungus, with the highest prevalence of infection taking place in geographic areas locat ...read more]]> Respiratory Mon, 12 Jan 2009 18:54:48 +0000 3751 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/skin/c_ct_malassezia_dermatitis  
Malassezia pachydermatis is a yeast commonly found on the skin and ears of cats. However, an abnormal overgrowth of the yeast can cause dermatitis, or inflammation of the skin. The exact reasons behind this disease are not yet known, but it has been linked to allergy, seborrhea, and possibly congenital (born with) and hormonal factors.
 
Malassezia dermatitis is also less common in cats when compared to cats, but can affect any breed of cat.
 
Symptoms and Types
 

Irritation of skin
Loss of hair (< ...read more]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/skin/c_ct_malassezia_dermatitis#comments Skin Sun, 11 Apr 2010 15:27:22 +0000 7210 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/respiratory/c_ct_pneumocystosis  
Pneumocystosis is a respiratory infection involving Pneumocystis carinii, a fungus commonly found in the environment. Although pneumocystosis  may lead to a variety of health issues, it only affects dogs (or humans) with compromised immune systems because the weakened body defenses allows the P. carinii organism to multiply and grow to critical levels in the lungs.
 
Symptoms and Types
 
Generally, the breathing difficulties will progressively worsen over a four-week period. Other signs associated with pneumocystosis ...read more]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/respiratory/c_ct_pneumocystosis#comments Respiratory Wed, 17 Mar 2010 21:04:20 +0000 7051 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/digestive/c_ct_mycotoxicosis_deoxynivalenol  
Deoxynivalenol (DON), also known as vomitoxin for its effect on the digestive system, is a mycotoxin produced by the fungus Fusarium graminearum in grains such as corn, wheat, oats, and barley. Mycotoxicosis is the medical term used to describe a diseased state that is brought on by a mycotoxin, a toxic chemical that is produced by a fungal organism, such as molds and yeasts. Mycotoxicosis-deoxynivalenol refers to the toxic reaction that results when a cat ingests pet food that was made with DON-contaminated grain.
 
Symptoms and Types
&nbs ...read more]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/digestive/c_ct_mycotoxicosis_deoxynivalenol#comments Digestive Sat, 22 May 2010 18:14:41 +0000 7393 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/digestive/c_ct_cholecystitis_choledochitis  
All of the components of this digestive system work in tandem, and if one fails to function properly, the result is that most of the body will suffer ill effects. The gallbladder rests in the abdomen, firmly affixed to the liver and serving as a storage receptacle for bile, a fluid that is essential for digesting food in the stomach and intestines. The bile duct transports bile from the liver into the gallbladder and into the small intestine, and the liver functions in the secretion of the bile. Inflammation of the gallbladder is often associate ...read more]]> Digestive Tue, 13 Jan 2009 16:17:13 +0000 3762 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/digestive/c_ct_cholelithiasis  
Gallstones are typically made up of calcium or other secreted substances, which form into small stone-like structures within the body. Cholelithiasis is a medical condition that can result from the formation of stones in the gallbladder. Stones in the bile ducts or the gallbladder may be visible on an X-ray, or they may not. Unless there are serious symptoms, surgery is not recommended for gallstones.
 
Symptoms and Types
 
There are cases where there are no apparent symptoms. However, if there is an infection in addition to the gallstones, your ca ...read more]]> Digestive Tue, 13 Jan 2009 16:23:58 +0000 3763 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/digestive/c_ct_flatulence  
It may be surprising to find that the source of intestinal gas in cats is different in many ways from flatulence in humans. For example, most of the internal gas comes from swallowed air. Bacterial fermentation of nutrients, as in humans, does also result in the noxious gases that escape from time to time.
 
Symptoms and Types
 
Besides the obvious increase in gas or the smell of the gas, disease may also play a part in the condition. When gastrointestinal disease is the cause, there are usually other symptoms, such as diarrhea and vomiting. Your cat m ...read more]]> Digestive Fri, 13 Feb 2009 16:24:28 +0000 3938 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/musculoskeletal/c_ct_polymyositis_dermatomyositis  
Polymositis and dermatomyositis are both generalized disorders which involve the inflammation of the cat's muscles. More specifically, polymyositis involves skeletal muscle damage due to inflammation, but with no pus formation, whereas dermatomyositis is a form of polymyositis in which characteristic skin lesions are also seen.
 
These disorders are rarely seen in cats and are more common in dogs.
 
Symptoms and Types
 

...read more]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/musculoskeletal/c_ct_polymyositis_dermatomyositis#comments Musculoskeletal Fri, 26 Feb 2010 01:27:18 +0000 5570 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cancer/c_ct_malignant_fibrous_histiocytoma  
Histiocytes are white blood cells that reside within the connective tissue of the body. Referred to as tissue macrophages, histiocytes play a defensive role in the body’s immune response, engulfing cellular debris and infectious agents, as well as initiating defense mechanisms in the system. The term histiocytoma refers to a tumor containing an excessive number of histiocytes.
 
Generally, histiocytomas are benign growths, but there are documented cases of malignant fibrous histiocytomas, where the tumor is composed of both histioc ...read more]]> Cancer Thu, 05 Feb 2009 16:20:28 +0000 3895 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/mouth/c_ct_gingivitis  
Gingivitis is considered the earliest stage of periodontal disease. This stage is reversible with proper care. It is indicated by inflammation of the gingiva, or gums. In the early phases of gingivitis, some plaque is present and there is a mild redness of the gums, but the gingival surfaces are smooth.
 
Dental calculus is calcium phosphate and carbonate mixed with organic matter. In advanced gingivitis there are plaque and calculus under the gums, moderate-to-severe redness of the gums and the gum surfaces are irregular. Plaque is the result of a collection ...read more]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/mouth/c_ct_gingivitis#comments Mouth Fri, 05 Feb 2010 20:00:10 +0000 5430 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/eyes/c_ct_glaucoma  
Glaucoma is a condition in which high pressure occurs in the eye, with a failure of normal fluid drainage from the eye. A chronic condition with pressure against the optic nerve will eventually cause permanent damage to the optic nerve, resulting in blindness.

 
Symptoms and Types
 
There are two main types of glaucoma: primary and secondary. Symptoms for sudden primary disease, due to the eye's inability to drain through the filtration angles of the eye, are as follows:


High pressure within the eye< ...read more]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/eyes/c_ct_glaucoma#comments Eyes Thu, 03 Dec 2009 20:09:25 +0000 5100 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/endocrine/c_ct_glomerulonephritis The term glomerulonephritis refers to the inflammation and subsequent dysfunction of the glomeruli -- the small mass of capillaries in the kidney that filters waste products from the blood and into the urine so they can be secreted from the body. The most common cause of glomerulonephritis is the deposition and entrapment of antigen-antibody complexes (such as a toxin or enzyme) within the glomeruli. Moreoever, the disease affects both genders, but occurs in more often in males.
 
Symptoms and Types
 
Symptoms may vary depending on the underlying cause, like inflammation ...read more]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/endocrine/c_ct_glomerulonephritis#comments Endocrine Fri, 16 Apr 2010 11:02:14 +0000 7241 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/endocrine/c_ct_glycogen_storage_disease  
Glycogen storage disease, also known as glycogenosis, is a rare inherited disorder with various types, all characterized by deficient or defective activity of the enzymes responsible for metabolizing glycogen in the body. This leads to an abnormal accumulation of glycogen, the main carbohydrate storage material in the body which aids short term energy storage in cells by converting to glucose as the body needs it for metabolic requirements. Accumulation of glycogen in the tissues can result in the enlargement and dysfunction of various organs, including the liver, ...read more]]> Endocrine Mon, 26 Jan 2009 16:53:39 +0000 3860 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/mouth/c_ct_periodontal_disease  
Periodontal disease is an inflammation of some or all of a tooth’s deep supporting structures. It is one of the most common diseases in cats today.
 
If food particles and bacteria are allowed to accumulate along the cat's gumline, it can form plaque, which, when combined with saliva and minerals, will transform into calculus. This causes gum irritation and leads to an inflammatory condition called gingivitis. Gingivitis, which is evidenced by a reddening of the gums directly bordering the teeth, is considered to be an early stage of periodonta ...read more]]> Mouth Fri, 16 Jan 2009 20:14:06 +0000 3793 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/skin/c_ct_hair_follicle_tumors  
There are two types of hair follicle tumors, which arise from cystic hair follicles (follicles that have closed over, like a sac), and, which arise from the cells that produce the hair follicles. Hair follicle tumors are generally benign tumors that originate in the hair follicles in the skin.
 
Trichoepitheliomas are small benign tumors, often found along a cat's back, shoulders, flank, tail or limbs. Pilomatricomas are rare skin tumors that develop from the hair matrix, where the cells which grow the hair follicles develop and are ...read more]]> Skin Fri, 31 Jul 2009 20:45:46 +0000 4504 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/skin/c_ct_alopecia  
Hair loss (alopecia) is a common problem for cats. The hair loss can be partial or complete, and the patterns varied or symmetrical. Treatment options exist, though they are limited.
 
Symptoms and Types
 
Signs include partial or total hair loss. The skin surrounding the area of hair loss can appear normal or it can have redness, bumps, scabs, and skin loss. Alopecia may appear in a symmetrical form, or it can be random on the cat's skin.
 
Causes
 
In older cats diagnosed with canc ...read more]]> Skin Tue, 01 Jul 2008 17:33:31 +0000 92 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/skin/c_ct_Feline_Paraneoplastic_Alopecia  
Feline paraneoplastic alopecia is a cancer related  skin condition. This condition is rare, and generally is a sign of internal tumors. While the link between skin lesions and cancer is unknown, most cats with paraneoplastic alopecia have pancreatic cancer. By the time the skin lesions appear, the cancer may have already spread to other areas (metastasized).
 
Because this condition is linked to cancer, many parts of the body are affected. There is the initial tumor and any additional cancer that has spread internally, and externally; ...read more]]> Skin Tue, 01 Jul 2008 17:48:59 +0000 97 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/neurological/c_ct_headpressing  
Head pressing is characterized by the compulsive act of pressing the head against a wall or other object for no apparent reason. This generally indicates damage to the nervous system, which may result from a number of varying causes, including prosencephalon disease (in which the forebrain and thalamus parts of the brain are damaged), or toxic poisoning.
 
There is no evidence that any certain cat breed or age-range is at greater risk for this condition.
 
Symptoms and Types
 
The act of head pressing is just one sign of p ...read more]]> Neurological Mon, 26 Jan 2009 17:03:19 +0000 3862 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/neurological/c_ct_head_tilting  
Head tilt is a medical condition that may be indicative of a serious underlying disorder, usually of the vestibular system. If a cat is tilting its head frequently to either side of the body (away from its orientation with the trunk and limbs), this is an indication that the cat feels imbalanced. The cat may even struggle to retain a balanced posture and fall.
 
A common cause of head tilting in cats are disorders of the vestibular system, a sensory system located in the inner ear which provides information needed to hold the body in an upr ...read more]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/neurological/c_ct_head_tilting#comments Neurological Tue, 19 Jan 2010 21:11:30 +0000 5347 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cardiovascular/c_ct_aortic_thromboembolism  
The aorta is the largest artery in the body, distributing oxygenated blood to various parts of the body such as the legs, kidneys, intestines, and brain. Aortic thromboembolism, also referred to as saddle thrombus, is a common heart condition which results from a blood clot dislodging within the aorta, leading to the interruption of blood flow to tissues served by that segment of the aorta. Therefore, complications arising in the aorta can be very serious.
 
Aortic thromboembolism is more common in cats in comparison to ]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cardiovascular/c_ct_aortic_thromboembolism#comments Cardiovascular Thu, 15 Apr 2010 08:00:36 +0000 7227 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cardiovascular/c_ct_aortic_stenosis http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cardiovascular/c_ct_aortic_stenosis#comments Cardiovascular Fri, 26 Mar 2010 13:19:39 +0000 7117 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cardiovascular/c_ct_chemodectoma  
Aortic and carotid body tumors, classified as chemodectomas, are generally benign tumors that grow from the chemoreceptor tissue of the body. These are the tissues most sensitive to chemical changes in the body, such as oxygen content and pH levels in the blood. While chemoreceptor tissues can be located throughout the body, chemodectomas mainly affect the chemoreceptor organs: the aorta and the carotid organs (i.e., heart and carotid artery).

 
Chemodectomas are rare in cats, but when they do occur, older cats tend to be more predisposed. However, there ...read more]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cardiovascular/c_ct_chemodectoma#comments Cardiovascular Wed, 30 Dec 2009 10:42:39 +0000 5248 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cardiovascular/c_ct_endomyocardial_diseases  
Endomyocarditis, or inflammation of the inner heart muscle and lining, is an acute heart and lung (cardiopulmonary) disease that typically develops following a stressful event. It is characterized by interstitial pneumonia, and inflammation of the innermost portion of the heart. Pneumonia is usually severe and commonly results in death.
 
Endomyocarditis occurs predominantly in males, between the ages of 1 and 4 years. The development of biventr ...read more]]> Cardiovascular Wed, 16 Jul 2008 19:56:25 +0000 232 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cardiovascular/c_ct_atrial_fibrillation_atrial_flutter  
There are four chambers in the heart. The two top chambers are called the atria (single: atrium) whereas the bottom chambers are called the ventricles. Valves are provided between each atrial and ventricular pair, each on the left and right side. The valve between the right atrium and right ventricle is called the tricuspid valve, where the valve between the left atrium and left ventricle is called the mitral valve. The heart works with exceptional synchronization between the various atrial and ventricular structures, resulting in a consi ...read more]]> Cardiovascular Mon, 08 Jun 2009 15:17:28 +0000 4214 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cardiovascular/c_ct_atrial_premature_complexes  
Under normal circumstances, the heart works with exceptional synchronization between the various atrial and ventricular structures, resulting in a consistent rhythmic pattern. Atrial premature complexes result in an abnormal rhythmic disturbance, where the heart beats prematurely, before the normal timing, or pacing. 
 
Excluding animals born with a congenital heart disease, atrial premature complexes often affect older cats. Atrial premature complexes (APCs) can be seen on an electrocardiogram (EKG) as a premature wave called a P wave. ...read more]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cardiovascular/c_ct_atrial_premature_complexes#comments Cardiovascular Wed, 16 Dec 2009 16:17:03 +0000 5180 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cardiovascular/c_ct_atrial_standstill  
If ECG (electrocardiogram) findings identify missing P-waves in the cat's atria, it is probably suffering from a rare heart rhythm disturbance called atrial standstill. A measure of the electrical activity of the atria (the top two chambers in the cat's heart), P-waves that are absent may be an indicator of a more serious underlying disease.
 
Atrial standstill can be temporary, persistent, or terminal due to complications such as heart failure. Along with absent P-waves, the ECG of the cat may demonstrate a slow heart rate with regular or irregular rh ...read more]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cardiovascular/c_ct_atrial_standstill#comments Cardiovascular Thu, 15 Apr 2010 08:33:24 +0000 7229 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cardiovascular/c_ct_atrioventricular_block_complete  
Much like a control center, the heart's sinoartial node (SA) is responsible for controlling the heart rate. This electrical conduction system generates electrical impulses (waves), which propagate through the atrioventricular (AV) node and into the ventricles, stimulating the heart's muscles to contract and push blood through the interior arteries and out into the body.
 
Complete, or third-degree, atrioventricular block is a condition in which all impulses generated by the SA node are blocked at the AV node, leading to i ...read more]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cardiovascular/c_ct_atrioventricular_block_complete#comments Cardiovascular Sat, 10 Apr 2010 11:38:25 +0000 7179 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cardiovascular/c_ct_atrioventricular_block_first_degree http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cardiovascular/c_ct_atrioventricular_block_first_degree#comments Cardiovascular Wed, 16 Dec 2009 16:29:08 +0000 5181 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cardiovascular/c_ct_atrioventricular_block_mobitz_type_1  
Second-degree atrioventricular block occurs when the electrical conduction within the AV node is delayed. 
 
The sinoatrial node (SA Node, or SAN), also called the sinus node, is the initiator of electrical impulses within the heart, triggering the heart to beat, or contract, by firing off electrical surges. The atria, the two upper chambers of the heart that receive  and send out blood, are prompted into action by the SA node's electrical impulse, which then activates the atrioventricular node (AV node ...read more]]> Cardiovascular Mon, 11 May 2009 14:39:59 +0000 4102 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cardiovascular/c_ct_atrioventricular_block_second_degree_mobitz_type_II  
The heart of a cat, like other mammalian hearts, is divided into four chambers. The two top chambers are called the atria (singular: atrium) and the bottom chambers are called the ventricles. The heart has an electrical conduction system that is responsible for controlling the heart rate. This electrical conduction system generates electrical impulses (waves), which propagate throughout the musculature of the heart, stimulating the heart's muscles to contract and push blood through the interior arteries and out into th ...read more]]> Cardiovascular Mon, 08 Jun 2009 15:43:45 +0000 4216 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cardiovascular/c_ct_left_anterior_fascicular_block  
Left Anterior Fascicular Block (LAFB) is a condition that affects the heart's conduction system, which is responsible for generating electrical impulses (waves) that propagate throughout the musculature of the heart, stimulating the heart muscles to contract and pump blood. If the conduction system is disrupted, not only will contraction of the heart muscles be affected, but the timing and frequency of heartbeats too.
 
This is the most commonly described form of bundle branch block in cats.
 
Symptoms and Types

There are no spec ...read more]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cardiovascular/c_ct_left_anterior_fascicular_block#comments Cardiovascular Sat, 27 Mar 2010 14:38:48 +0000 7142 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cardiovascular/c_ct_left_bundle_branch_block  
Left Bundle Branch Block (LBBB) is a defect in the heart’s electrical conduction system. It occurs when the left ventricle (one of the cat's four heart chambers) is not directly activated by the electric impulses through the left posterior and anterior fascicles of the left bundle branch, causing the deflections in the electrocardiographic tracing (QRS) to become wide and bizarre. LBBB may be complete or partial in nature.
 
Symptoms and Types
 
Often, no specific symptoms are seen that can be attributed to LBBB, only those t ...read more]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cardiovascular/c_ct_left_bundle_branch_block#comments Cardiovascular Sat, 24 Apr 2010 14:06:10 +0000 7295 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cardiovascular/c_ct_right_bundle_branch_block  
Right Bundle Branch Block (RBBB) is a heart defect in the electrical conduction system in which the right ventricle (one of the cat's four heart chambers) is not directly activated by the electric impulses through the right bundle branch. RBBB may be complete or partial in nature; however, it is not as frequent as left anterior fascicular block.
 
Symptoms and Types
 
Often, no specific symptoms are seen that can be attributed to RBB, only those that are related to the underlying disease causing the defect.
 
Causes
  ...read more]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cardiovascular/c_ct_right_bundle_branch_block#comments Cardiovascular Fri, 19 Mar 2010 16:35:40 +0000 7077 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cancer/c_ct_hemangiosarcoma_heart  
A hemangiosarcoma of the heart is a tumor that originates in the blood vessels that line the heart. Hemangio refers to the blood vessels and sarcoma a type of aggressive, malignant cancer that arises from the connective tissues of the body. A hemangiosarcoma may originate in the heart, or it may have metastasized to the heart from another location in the body.
 
This tumor often will go undetected until complications arise. Because a hemangiosarcoma arises from the blood vessels, when it reaches an unsustainable size it will burst, often resul ...read more]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cancer/c_ct_hemangiosarcoma_heart#comments Cancer Fri, 13 Nov 2009 21:42:24 +0000 4972 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cardiovascular/c_ct_patent_ductus_arteriosus  
The aorta is the main artery that feeds oxygenated blood from the left side of the heart to the body. The pulmonary (lung) artery carries deoxygenated blood to be oxygenated, traveling from the right side of the heart to the lungs. Once the blood has been oxygenated by the lungs, it then returns to the left side of the heart, through the pulmonary veins to be pumped out into the body by the aorta.
 
In the womb, the fetus’ descending aorta is connected to the pulmonary artery by the ductus arteriosus blood vessel, allowing blood to flow di ...read more]]> Cardiovascular Tue, 20 Jan 2009 18:57:56 +0000 3836 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cardiovascular/c_ct_cardiomyopathy_hypertrophic  
The heart has four chambers: two chambers at the top, the right and left aorta; and two chambers on the bottom, the right and left ventricles. The left ventricle is responsible for receiving oxygenated blood from the lungs and pumping the blood out into the aortic valve, the main artery of the body, which feeds the oxygenated blood to all parts of the body. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) affects the left ventricle, and its functional ability to pump blood into the aorta. The normal, healthy left ventricle is already thicker than the right ventri ...read more]]> Cardiovascular Fri, 10 Oct 2008 15:39:08 +0000 634 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cardiovascular/c_ct_restrictive_cardiomyopathy  
A cat's heart is composed of four chambers: the top two chambers are the left and right atria and the bottom two chambers are the left and right ventricles. The valves of the heart are located between the left atrium and the left ventricle (the mitral valve), between the right atrium and the right ventricle (the tricuspid valve), from the left ventricle to the aorta (the main artery of the body, the valve of which is the aortic valve), and between the right ventricle to the main pulmonary artery (the pulmonary, or lung valve).
 
Cardiomyopathy ...read more]]> Cardiovascular Mon, 23 Mar 2009 18:15:23 +0000 3992 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cardiovascular/c_ct_sick_sinus_syndrome  
The sinoatrial node (SA Node, or SAN), also called the sinus node, is the initiator of electrical impulses within the heart, triggering the heart's contractions by firing off electrical surges. One of the disorders that can affect the heart’s electrical impulse formation within the sinus node is called sick sinus syndrome (SSS).
 
This disorder complicates conduction of the electrical impulse out of the sinus node and the specialized conduction system of the heart. Secondary pacemakers, such as the muscle fibers of the sinus node, will als ...read more]]> Cardiovascular Thu, 12 Feb 2009 19:01:17 +0000 3932 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cardiovascular/c_ct_atrioventricular_valve_endocardiosis  
There are four chambers of the heart: the upper two are called the atria (singular: atrium), and the bottom two chambers are called the ventricles. A valve is present between each atrial and ventricular pair. These valves are referred to as the atrioventricular valves. The valve between the left atrium and ventricle is called the mitral valve, and the valve between the right atrium and ventricle is the tricuspid valve.
 
Endocardiosis is a condition in which excessive fibrous tissue develops in the atrioventricular valves, affecting ...read more]]> Cardiovascular Mon, 08 Jun 2009 15:51:35 +0000 4217 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cardiovascular/c_ct_left_sided_congestive_heart_failure  
The heart has four chambers: two chambers at the top, the right and left atria; and two chambers on the bottom, the right and left ventricles. The right side of the heart collects blood from the body and pumps it into the lungs, where the blood is oxygenated. The oxygen rich blood is then collected by the left side of the heart, and from there it is pumped out into the body's various organs.
 
Congestive left-sided heart failure refers to a condition in which the left side of the heart is not able to push blood through the body eff ...read more]]> Cardiovascular Tue, 03 Feb 2009 22:27:36 +0000 3890 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cardiovascular/c_ct_congestive_heart_failure_right_sided  
Right-sided congestive heart failure occurs when the heart fails to pump blood at the rate required to meet the basic needs of the body. While it is not curable, there are treatment options that can improve the quality of life for your cat.
 
Symptoms
 
All organ systems in the body can be affected by congestive heart failure. Common signs include weakness, lethargy, difficulty breathing, an enlarged liver, and abdominal distension. Upon physical examination, several signs of disease may present, including jugular vein diste ...read more]]> Cardiovascular Tue, 13 Jan 2009 17:31:26 +0000 3769 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cardiovascular/c_ct_sinus_arrest_sinoatrial_block  
The sinoatrial node (SA Node, or SAN), also called the sinus node, is the initiator of electrical impulses within the heart, triggering the heart to beat, or contract, by firing off electrical surges. Sinus arrest is a disorder of heart beat impulse formation caused by a slowing down or cessation of spontaneous sinus nodal automaticity – the automatic behavior of the tissues that set the pace for the heart's rhythm. It is the failure of the sinoatrial (SA) node to initiate an impulse at the expected time that leads to sinus arrest. Persi ...read more]]> Cardiovascular Fri, 24 Apr 2009 15:23:35 +0000 4070 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cardiovascular/c_ct_myocarditis  
Inflammation of the heart's muscular wall (or myocardium) is medically referred to as myocarditis. It is often caused by bacterial, viral, rikettsial, funal, and protozoal infections, which may affect the heart directly or reach the heart from other body parts.
 
Clinical symptoms depend on the type of infection and extent of lesions, but in severe cases, heart failure may result.
 
Symptoms and Types
 
The inflammation itself may be focal or diffused throughout the myocardium. Other symptoms associated with myocarditis include:
 

...read more]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cardiovascular/c_ct_myocarditis#comments Cardiovascular Sun, 14 Feb 2010 14:32:11 +0000 5482 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cardiovascular/c_ct_digoxin_toxicity  
Digoxin is commonly used for treating congestive heart failure, its primary benefit being to help the heart contract. While digoxin can be an extremely useful medication, the difference between a therapeutic dosage and a toxic dosage can be negligible, and overdoses frequently occur.
 
For this reason, your veterinarian will need to monitor digoxin blood levels throughout treatment. Owners also need to be aware of toxicity signs, as they can be subtle and may have the same symptoms as heart failure.
 
Symptoms and Types
 
One of the most s ...read more]]> Cardiovascular Thu, 22 Jan 2009 18:10:04 +0000 3846 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cardiovascular/c_ct_heart_murmur Extra heart vibrations that are produced as a result of a disturbance in the blood flow -- enough, in fact, to produce audible noise -- are referred to as murmurs. Often, the murmurs are classified according to a variety of characteristics, including their timing. Systolic murmurs, for example, occur when the heart muscle contracts; diastolic murmurs occur when the heart muscle relaxes between beats; and continuous and to-and-fro murmurs occur throughout all or most of the cardiac cycle.
 
Heart murmurs can occur in both dogs and cats. If you would like to learn more about how t ...read more]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cardiovascular/c_ct_heart_murmur#comments Cardiovascular Fri, 14 May 2010 01:20:11 +0000 7354 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cardiovascular/c_ct_pericarditis  
If a cat's pericardium (the membranous sac surrounding the heart and roots of the vessels) becomes inflamed, it is a condition referred to as pericarditis. The pericardium is made up of two layers: a fibrous outer layer and a membranous inner layer that adheres closely to the heart. Within the sac is a layer of pericardial fluid made up of serum, a watery fluid that serves to keep the surfaces of the membranous sac and heart moist. The body's membranes will also secrete serum when they detect inflammation of the surrounding tissues and organs.
 
When either ...read more]]> Cardiovascular Fri, 16 Jan 2009 19:41:10 +0000 3792 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cardiovascular/c_ct_myocardial_tumors  
Myocardial tumors are rare types of tumors that affect the heart. When they do occur, they tend to occur in older animals. A myocardial tumor can take either of two forms: a benign tumor, which is a mass of tissue that does not metastasize; and a malignant tumor, which does metastasize throughout the body. A benign tumor might be categorized as a hemangioma – a harmless growth consisting mainly of newly formed blood or lymph vessels. Conversely, a malignant tumor might be categorized as a hemangiosarcoma - a are and abnormal, rapidly reproducing tissue ...read more]]> Cardiovascular Tue, 10 Feb 2009 22:13:01 +0000 3918 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cardiovascular/c_ct_endocarditis_infective   
Inflammation of the inner lining of the heart is medically referred to as endocarditis. Infective endocarditis can occur in response to any infection of the body. Generalized infections in the body may invade the inner lining of heart, as well as the valves of the heart. If the underlying disease if not treated in time, complications can lead to heart failure and death. This condition is rarely seen in cats.
 
Symptoms and Types
 
Variable set of symptoms may be present in patient depending upon the nature and site of infection, comp ...read more]]> Cardiovascular Tue, 20 Oct 2009 20:57:16 +0000 4857 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cardiovascular/atrioventricular_valve_dysplasia  
Atrioventricular valve dysplasia (AVD) is a condition in which the mitral or tricuspid valves are malformed. This condition can result in the valves not closing sufficiently to stop blood flow when it supposed to, or to blood outflow obstruction due to a narrowing of the valves. The result of the malformation will depend on the size and location of the anatomic abnormality that is present. 

 
Valvular insufficiency causes the atrium on the same side as the affected valve (right or left) to be dilated and the ventricle to enlarge. ...read more]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cardiovascular/atrioventricular_valve_dysplasia#comments Cardiovascular Wed, 16 Dec 2009 16:40:25 +0000 5183 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cardiovascular/c_ct_atrioventricular_valvular_stenosis  
There are four chambers in the heart. The top two chambers of the heart are the atria, and the bottom two chambers of the heart are the ventricles. The valves that communicate between the atria and ventricles are the atrioventricular valves. The mitral valve communicates between the left atrium and left ventricle, and the tricuspid valve communicates between the right atrium and the right ventricle.
 
Abnormalities in the mitral valve, on the left, affect blood flow to the lungs. The tricuspid valve, on the right side of the heart, is ...read more]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cardiovascular/c_ct_atrioventricular_valvular_stenosis#comments Cardiovascular Wed, 16 Dec 2009 16:46:27 +0000 5184 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cardiovascular/c_ct_hemoglobinuria_myoglobinuria  
Hemoglobin serves to carry oxygen to the tissues, and also carries the pigment that causes the blood to appear red. The destruction of blood cells within the blood vessels frees hemoglobin into the blood plasma (the yellowish colored liquid matter of the blood), where it binds with haptoglobin, a blood plasma protein which functions for the purpose of binding with free hemoglobin in order to prevent loss of iron. However, when all of the haptoglobin is used up, hemoglobin spills over into the blood, binding reversibly to blood proteins, and cha ...read more]]> Cardiovascular Tue, 27 Jan 2009 16:13:37 +0000 3868 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/respiratory/c_ct_pulmonary_contusions  
Pulmonary contusion, or a hemorrhage of the lung, occurs when the cat's lung is torn and/or crushed during direct trauma to the chest. This then impedes the cat's ability to breath and pass arterial blood to a capillary bed in synchrony. Cats suffering from capillary damage may also develop pulmonary fluid in the lungs, as well as hemorrhage.
 
Pulmonary contusion occurs in both dogs and cats and there is no specific breed, age, or gender predilection. If you would like to learn more about how this disease affects dogs, please visit ]]> Respiratory Mon, 19 Jan 2009 20:43:26 +0000 3821 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/musculoskeletal/c_ct_hereditary_noninflammatory_myopathy  
Muscular Dystrophy is an inherited, progressive, and non-inflammatory degenerative muscular disease caused by a deficiency of dystrophyin, a muscle-membrane protein. This generalized muscle disorder is primarily seen in newborn cats or those less than one year old. Domestic short-haired and Devon Rex cats are also more prone to this form of muscular dystrophy.
 
Symptoms and Types
 

Vomiting ...read more]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/musculoskeletal/c_ct_hereditary_noninflammatory_myopathy#comments Musculoskeletal Wed, 24 Feb 2010 01:34:10 +0000 5547 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cardiovascular/c_ct_peritoneopericardial_diaphragmatic_hernia  
Peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia is a congenital defect that affects the communication between the peritoneum (membrane that forms the lining of abdominal cavity) and pericardium (double-wall sac containing the heart). Like other hernias, the protrusion of the septum affects the surrounding area -- in this case, the abdomen.
 
Symptoms and Types
 
Symptoms will largely depend on the amount on the amount and nature of abdominal contents herniated. Some common ones include:
 

]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cardiovascular/c_ct_peritoneopericardial_diaphragmatic_hernia#comments Cardiovascular Fri, 19 Mar 2010 14:58:22 +0000 7069 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/musculoskeletal/c_ct_hiatal_hernia  
A hernia occurs when one part of the body protrudes through a gap or opening into another part of the body. For example, a hiatal hernia takes place at the opening of the diaphragm where the food pipe joins the stomach. Part of the stomach pushes through the opening, and a hernia is formed. It is most likely to occur before a kitten has reached the first year, and is usually inherited (congenital). However, trauma may bring on an acquired hiatal hernia, and this can occur at any age.
 
Symptoms
 

Anorexia
Regurgitation]]> Musculoskeletal Wed, 28 Jan 2009 22:22:18 +0000 3873 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cardiovascular/c_ct_systemic_hypertension  
Hypertension, more commonly referred to as high blood pressure, occurs when the cat's arterial blood pressure is continually higher than normal. When it is caused by another disease, it is called secondary hypertension; primary hypertension, meanwhile, refers to when it actually is the disease. Hypertension may affect many of the cat's body systems, including heart, kidneys, eyes, and the nervous system.
 
Systemic hypertension can affect both dogs and cats. If you would like to learn more about how this condition affects dogs, please visit ]]> Cardiovascular Mon, 02 Feb 2009 16:46:46 +0000 3882 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cardiovascular/c_ct_pulmonary_hypertension  
Pulmonary hypertension in cats occurs when pulmonary arteries/capillaries vasoconstrict (narrow), are obstructed, or receive excessive blood flow. Where pulmonary refers to the lungs and their immediate environs. The capillaries of the lungs are very tiny branches of blood vessels only one cell in thickness, connecting the smallest veins to the smallest arteries for the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide to the blood and tissues. Arteries carry oxygenated blood from the heart to the lungs, so high blood pressure in the left atrium of the heart can al ...read more]]> Cardiovascular Tue, 14 Jul 2009 16:25:23 +0000 4421 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cardiovascular/c_ct_portal_hypertension  
When ingested food enters into the intestinal tract, the nutrients and toxins that are a part of the food that has been ingested are released into the digestive blood stream. Before this blood can flow into the systemic blood stream, it must first go through a filtering and detoxification process. The filtering process is carried out mainly by the liver, which detoxifies the blood and sends it out into the main circulatory system. The portal vein, the main part of the hepatic portal system, carries this deoxygenated, prefiltered blood from the digestive tra ...read more]]> Cardiovascular Thu, 02 Jul 2009 19:03:33 +0000 4374 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/endocrine/c_ct_high_blood_sugar  
The term hyperglycemia refers to higher than normal levels of glucose in the blood. A simple carbohydrate sugar that circulates in the blood, glucose is a major source of energy for the body, of which normal levels range between 75-120mg.
 
Insulin, a hormone that is produced and released by the pancreas into the bloodstream when glucose levels rise, plays a pivotal role in maintaining the blood sugar levels within normal limits. If insulin concentration is too low or there is absolute deficiency of insulin, levels of glucose rise sharply leading to hyperg ...read more]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/endocrine/c_ct_high_blood_sugar#comments Endocrine Mon, 25 Jan 2010 15:53:00 +0000 5361 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/endocrine/c_ct_hyperlipidemia  
Hyperlipidemia is characterized by abnormally excessive amounts of fat, and/or fatty substances in the blood. Chylomicrons are micro particles of liquid fat, in the class of lipids, which include both triglycerides and cholesterol, and which are formed during the digestion of fats from food. After eating a meal, the nutrients in an animal’s body pass into the small intestine, from which chylomicrons are absorbed 30-60 minutes later. Normally, the absorption of chylomicrons increases serum triglycerides for 3-10 hours, but some animals will have high choles ...read more]]> Endocrine Fri, 19 Dec 2008 22:17:49 +0000 3709 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/urinary/c_ct_azotemia_uremia  
An excess level of nitrogen-based substances compounds such as urea, creatinine, and other body waste compounds in the blood is defined as azotemia. It can be caused by higher than normal production of nitrogen-containing substances (with high protein diet or gastrointestinal bleeding), improper filtration in the kidneys (kidney disease), or reabsorption of urine back to bloodstream.
 
Uremia, meanwhile, also leads to an accumulation of waste products in the blood, but is due to improper excretion of the waste products through the urine because of ab ...read more]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/urinary/c_ct_azotemia_uremia#comments Urinary Thu, 15 Apr 2010 17:48:23 +0000 7231 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/musculoskeletal/c_ct_hip_dysplasia  
Hip dysplasia is the failure of the hip joints to develop normally (known as malformation), gradually deteriorating and leading to loss of function of the hip joints.
 
The hip joint is composed of the ball and the socket. Dysplasia occurs when part of the hip joint is abnormally developed, resulting in dislocation of the ball and socket. The development of hip dysplasia is determined by an interaction of genetic and environmental factors, though there is a complicated pattern of inheritance for this disorder, with multipl ...read more]]> Musculoskeletal Wed, 25 Mar 2009 17:14:31 +0000 3999 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/respiratory/c_ct_tracheal_hole  
Tracheal perforation is a loss of the integrity of the tracheal wall, in the form of a hole or rip, allowing leakage of air into the surrounding tissues and creating air pockets under the skin, air collection in the mediastinum (in between the lungs), and potentially air in the sac around the heart, free air in the chest cavity, and air in the most posterior part of the abdominal cavity (pneumoretroperitoneum). This loss of integrity can be caused by a penetrating trauma, trauma from inside the trachea, or blunt neck or chest trauma.
 
The severity ...read more]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/respiratory/c_ct_tracheal_hole#comments Respiratory Fri, 19 Mar 2010 19:09:13 +0000 7081 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/endocrine/c_ct_chronic_kidney_failure  
Secondary hyperparathyroidism refers to the excessive secretion of parathyroid hormone due to chronic kidney failure. The parathyroid glands are the small endocrine glands that produce parathyroid hormone (PTH). The major function of the parathyroid gland is to control concentrations of calcium in the blood and within the bones. This is not to be confused with the thyroid gland, which has a different function.
 
The major cause of secondary hyperparathyroidism is absolute or relative lack of cal ...read more]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/endocrine/c_ct_chronic_kidney_failure#comments Endocrine Fri, 15 Jan 2010 21:20:11 +0000 5332 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/endocrine/c_ct_excess_parathyroid_hormone  
Hyperparathyroidism is medical condition in which abnormally high levels of parathyroid hormone (also known as parathormone or PTH) are circulating in the blood as the result of an overactive parathyroid gland. The parathyroid hormone is responsible for regulating calcium and phosphorus levels in the blood, increasing blood calcium levels by causing calcium to be reabsorbed from bone. The parathyroid glands are small, hormone-secreting glands that are located on or near the thyroid glands. The term para- refers to adjacent o ...read more]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/endocrine/c_ct_excess_parathyroid_hormone#comments Endocrine Fri, 12 Feb 2010 15:23:49 +0000 5459 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/reproductive/c_ct_paraphimosis_phimosis  
Paraphimosis is a condition that causes the cat to be unable to protrude its penis from its outer orifice. Phimosis, on the other hand, refers to the cat's inability to retract its penis back into the sheath.
 
 
Both of these medical conditions can occur in male dogs and cats at any age. If you would like to learn more about how paraphimosis and phimosis affect dogs please visit this page in the PetMD pet health library.
 
Symptoms and Types
...read more]]> Reproductive Thu, 18 Dec 2008 22:15:25 +0000 3705 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/neurological/c_ct_hypermetria_dysmetria  
Dysmetria and hypermetria describe the incoordination of an animal's limbs during voluntary movement. More specifically, dysmetria is characterized by a cat's inability to judge the rate, range, and force of its movements -- literally, an inability to measure space. Hypermetria, meanwhile, describes the action of overreaching, or high stepping, the intended location.
 
Symptoms and Types
 
Signs of cerebellar disease that may be present include:
 

Head tilt
Body swaying
Body tremors; often ...read more]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/neurological/c_ct_hypermetria_dysmetria#comments Neurological Sat, 10 Apr 2010 18:37:56 +0000 7191 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/digestive/c_ct_polyphagia  
Polyphagia is the name of a medical condition in which a cat increases its food intake to the extent that it appears ravenous most or all of the time. It is also normally associated with polydipsia as well as polyuria.
 
This condition can be caused by different circumstances, and it is important to find out whether the cat’s increased food consumption is due to a psychological condition, or to a disease. Should the reason be a psychological problem, then it is likely that the cat has developed a learned behavior, which could lead to obesity.
 
H ...read more]]> Digestive Mon, 19 Jan 2009 19:28:37 +0000 3814 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cardiovascular/c_ct_ventricular_tachycardia
Ventricular tachycardia (VT) is a potentially life-threatening disease of the heart that causes arrhythmia, an abnormally fast heartbeat. This may be due to an underlying heart disease, a metabolic disease, or an electrolyte imbalance. Ventricular tachycardia can degenerate into ventricular fibrillation, a condition in which the ventricles (the bottom two heart chambers) become disorganized, contracting chaotically. This state can result in asystole – a sudden lack of electrical activity in the heart – and sudden death.
 
Ventricular tachyc ...read more]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cardiovascular/c_ct_ventricular_tachycardia#comments Cardiovascular Sat, 20 Mar 2010 07:35:02 +0000 7100 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/urinary/c_ct_polydipsia_polyuria  
Polyuria refers to an abnormally high urine production in cats, while polydipsia refers to the animal's increased level of thirst. While serious medical consequences are rare, your pet should be evaluated to ensure that these conditions are not symptoms of a more serious underlying medical condition. Your veterinarian will want to either confirm or rule out renal failure, or hepatic diseases.
 
Polyuria and polydipsia can affect both dogs and cats, and can be brought on by a variety of factors. If you would like to learn more about how these dise ...read more]]> Urinary Mon, 19 Jan 2009 19:34:35 +0000 3815 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/reproductive/c_ct_infertility_female  
Normal fertility in a cat, and the ability to reproduce kittens, requires a normal estrous cycle, with a healthy reproductive tract, normal ova (eggs), normal and stable levels of reproductive hormones, fertilization by normal spermatozoa, implantation of an embryo in the lining of the uterus (endometrium), normal placenta placement, and stable levels of progesterone concentration. These conditions must be maintained for the entirety of the two month gestational period, or the process of reproduction will be altered, with resultant infertility.
 
...read more]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/reproductive/c_ct_infertility_female#comments Reproductive Fri, 23 Apr 2010 19:46:52 +0000 7289 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/musculoskeletal/c_ct_panosteitis  
Panosteitis refers to a painful condition that affects the cat's long leg bones and is characterized by limping and lameness. It can occur with any breed, but it is more common in medium- to large-sized cat breeds and young cats around 5 to 18 months in age.
 
The inflammation can affect one or more of the cat's limbs, making it challenging and painful to move around. With treatment, the inflammation can be reduced and the cat can regain full function and activity.
 
Panosteitis can affect both dogs and cats. If you would like to learn more about how ...read more]]> Musculoskeletal Thu, 18 Dec 2008 19:49:34 +0000 3701 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/digestive/c_ct_bile_peritonitis  
Bile is a bitter fluid essential component in digestion, emulsifying the fats in food, thereby aiding in their absorption in the small intestine. Bile is secreted by the liver and released into the gallbladder, to be stored until is is released into the duodenum -- the small intestine -- after a meal is taken.
 
Under abnormal circumstances, however, bile can be released into the abdominal cavity, irritating the organ and causing inflammation. This may occur after injury, infection of the gallbladder, swelling of the gallbladder, blockage of the gallb ...read more]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/digestive/c_ct_bile_peritonitis#comments Digestive Sun, 20 Dec 2009 13:43:20 +0000 5221 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/digestive/c_ct_esophagitis  
Esophagitis is the term applied to inflammation of the esophagus -- the muscular tube that carries food down from the mouth cavity to the stomach. Gastrointestinal reflux, or acid reflux, is the most common cause of esophagitis in cats. Acid reflux is the result of stomach acids passing into the esophageal canal, causing irritation to the tissue lining of the esophagus.
 
Young cats born with congenital esophageal abnormalities are at an increased risk fo ...read more]]> Digestive Tue, 20 Oct 2009 21:05:08 +0000 4858 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/ears/c_ct_otitis_media_interna  
Otitis media refers to an inflammation of the cat's middle ear, while otitis interna refers to an inflammation of the inner ear, both of which are commonly caused by bacterial infection.
 
The condition or disease described in this medical article can affect both dogs and cats. If you would like to learn more about how this disease affects dogs please visit this page in the PetMD health library.
 
Symptoms and Types
 
The symptoms apparent in cas ...read more]]> Ears Thu, 18 Dec 2008 17:02:34 +0000 3684 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/ears/c_ct_otitis_externa_and_otitis_media  
Otitis externa is a chronic inflammation of a cat's external ear canal. Otitis media, meanwhile, is an inflammation of the cat's middle ear. Both of these terms are used to describe clinical symptoms and are not diseases in themselves.
 
Otitis externa often results when a change in the normal environment of the ear canal causes the glands lining the canal to enlarge and produce excessive wax. Gradually, the outer skin (epidermis) and the inner skin (dermis) produce excessive fibrous tissue (fibrosis) and the canal becomes narrowed. It is ...read more]]> Ears Wed, 17 Dec 2008 22:30:59 +0000 3678 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/endocrine/c_ct_pancreatitis  
The pancreas is part of the endocrine and digestive system, which is integral for the digestion of foods, producing the enzymes that digest food, and producing insulin. When the pancreas becomes inflamed, the flow of enzymes into the digestive tract can become disrupted, forcing the enzymes out of the pancreas and into the abdominal area.
 
If this occurs, the digestive enzymes will begin to break down fat and proteins in the other organs, as well as in the pancreas. In effect, the body begins to digest itself. Because of their proximity to the pancreas, th ...read more]]> Endocrine Thu, 18 Dec 2008 18:02:36 +0000 3690 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/mouth/c_ct_stomatitis  
Stomatitis is the condition where the soft tissues in an animal's mouth become irritated and inflamed. In a cat's mouth, these tissues include the gums and tongue. It can become a major issue if bacteria or an infection enters the cat's blood stream.
 
Treatment options are available, and the prognosis is positive for cats suffering from this medical condition.
 
Stomatitis can affect both dogs and cats. If you would like to learn more about how this disease affects dogs, please visit t ...read more]]> Mouth Mon, 26 Jan 2009 17:54:55 +0000 3865 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cardiovascular/c_ct_phlebitis  
Phlebitis is associated with a condition known as superficial thrombophlebitis -- an inflammation of veins close to the surface of the body, also known as the superficial veins. Phlebitis is generally due to an infection, or because of thrombosis -- the formation of a clot (or thrombus) inside a blood vessel, which in turn obstructs the flow of blood through the body.
 
Superficial venous thrombophlebitis is the most common form of this condition, and is usually localized in one area.
 
Deep tissue thrombophlebitis, conversely, is associated with clinic ...read more]]> Cardiovascular Mon, 19 Jan 2009 16:48:28 +0000 3801 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/digestive/c_ct_inflammatory_bowel_disease Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a group of gastrointestinal diseases for which no single cause is known. IBD results in the inflammation of the intestines. In affected animals, chronic symptoms are seen to be related to the gastrointestinal system. Siamese cats have been found to be predisposed to IBD.
 
Symptoms and Types
 

Diarrhea
Weight loss< ...read more]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/digestive/c_ct_inflammatory_bowel_disease#comments Digestive Fri, 26 Mar 2010 19:39:23 +0000 7137 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/digestive/c_ct_gastroenteritis_lymphocytic_plasmacytic  
Lymphocytic-plasmacytic gastroenteritis is an inflammatory bowel disease in which lymphocytes and plasma cells (antibodies) enter the lining of the stomach and intestines. It is thought to be caused by an abnormal immune response to environmental stimuli due to loss of normal immune regulation. Bacteria in the intestine may also be a trigger.
 
Continued antigen exposure (substances that stimulate the production of antibodies), along with unregulated inflammation, results in disease, although the exact mechanisms and patient facto ...read more]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/digestive/c_ct_gastroenteritis_lymphocytic_plasmacytic#comments Digestive Fri, 05 Feb 2010 19:44:10 +0000 5428 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/digestive/c_ct_coprophagia_and_pica  
Pica is a medical issue referring to a craving for non-food items and the subsequent eating of them. Coprophagia is the eating and ingesting of feces. Generally, neither of these conditions are the result of an underlying disease, but may be the result of a mineral or vitamin deficiency. Fortunately, there are treatment options in these types of cases, or behavior modification practices that can be implemented if it is a non-threatening issue.
 
Symptoms and Types
 
You may observe your cat eating dirt, clay, rocks, soap, or other items that ...read more]]> Digestive Tue, 13 Jan 2009 19:54:09 +0000 3772 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/skin/c_ct_feline_idiopathic_seborrhea  
Persian cats are known to inherit a disorder called idiopathic seborrhea. This primary skin disease leads to overproduction of an oily, waxy substance by the skin glands, which clumps in the fur and causes a bad smell.
 
Though often seen in Persians, seborrhea can affect various breeds of cat and typically in the same way -- the skin becomes red and irritated, which leads to scratching and further cellular damage.
 
Symptoms and Types
 
There are two common forms of seborrhea: seborrhea sicca, in which the skin becomes more dry and fla ...read more]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/skin/c_ct_feline_idiopathic_seborrhea#comments Skin Wed, 28 Jul 2010 21:09:56 +0000 10291 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/neurological/c_ct_%20organophosphate_carbamate_toxicity Neurological Wed, 17 Dec 2008 20:15:31 +0000 3675 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/urinary/c_ct_oliguria_anuria  
Oliguria is the medically defined term for a condition in which an abnormally small amount of urine is produced by the body - with urine production at a rate of less than 0.25 milliliters per kilogram per hour. Anuria is the medical term used to describe a condition in which essentially no urine is produced by the body, with urine production at a rate of less than 0.08 milliliters per kilogram per hour.
 
Physiologic oliguria occurs when the kidneys limit loss of renal water in order to preserve body fluid and electrolyte balance. Pathologic oliguria ...read more]]> Urinary Wed, 11 Feb 2009 19:24:06 +0000 3925 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cancer/c_ct_adenocarcinoma_stomach_small_large_intestine  
Adenocarcioma is a malignant tumor that may occur in the gastrointestinal (GI) system of a cat. It can occur in any part of the GI system, including the stomach, the small and large intestine, and the rectum. This tumor is rare in cats, but when it does occur older cats are the most commonly affected. No particular cat breed is known to be predisposed, though it is more common in males than females. The prognosis for cats with adenocarcinoma of the gastrointestinal tract is usually poor.
 
Symptoms and Types
 
S ...read more]]> Cancer Wed, 27 May 2009 21:06:41 +0000 4169 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/digestive/c_ct_gastrointestinal_obstruction  
Gastrointestinal obstruction refers to blockage that may occur in the stomach or intestines. It is a fairly common condition to which cats are susceptible. Younger cats are generally at a higher risk because they tend to be less discriminating about what they ingest.
 
Gastrointestinal obstruction is defined as the partial or complete blockage of the flow of nutrients (solid or liquid) ingested into the body, and/or secretions from the stomach into and through the intestines. The term gastro refers to the stomach, while intestinal refers to ...read more]]> Digestive Mon, 16 Feb 2009 16:26:19 +0000 3946 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/digestive/c_ct_strongloidiasis http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/digestive/c_ct_strongloidiasis#comments Digestive Sat, 29 May 2010 01:55:44 +0000 10037 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/digestive/c_ct_protein_losing_enteropathy  
Nutrients make their way through the body by way of the bloodstream. From the stomach, the food that has been eaten enters into the intestines, where it is divided into what is useful for the body and what is not. The useful, nutritious bits are picked up by the bloodstream as it passes through the intestines, carrying them to the rest of the body, where they are converted into various types of energy.
 
As the bloodstream picks up these nutrients, a small amount of protein leaks from the blood vessels back into the intestines. Usually these p ...read more]]> Digestive Fri, 31 Jul 2009 20:55:07 +0000 4506 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/digestive/c_ct_leiomyoma  
A leiomyoma of the stomach and intestinal tract is an unusual, but harmless and non-spreading tumor arising from the smooth muscle of the stomach and intestinal tract. The main concern is that this type of tumor can block the normal progress of fluids and solids through the digestive tract, or displace organs, resulting in secondary health complications. It typically occurs in middle-aged to older cats, generally over six years of age. Otherwise, there is no gender or breed predisposition.
 
Symptoms and Types
  ...read more]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/digestive/c_ct_leiomyoma#comments Digestive Sat, 24 Apr 2010 14:25:10 +0000 7296 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/digestive/c_ct_adenoma  
Apudoma is a gastrointestinal tumor which secretes peptide hormones -- hormones that play a role in regulating metabolism, growth, development, and tissue function. In the long run, the tumor(s) can cause ulcers, damage the esophagus because of chronic reflux, and damage the lining of the intestines.
 
Symptoms
 

Vomiting (sometimes with blood)
Weight loss
Loss of appetite (anorexia)
Diarrhea
Lethargy
Fever
Depression
Excessive thirst
...read more]]> Digestive Mon, 12 Jan 2009 16:29:13 +0000 3744 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/digestive/c_ct_rotavirus_infections  
The rotavirus is a double-stranded, wheel-shaped RNA virus which causes inflammation of the intestines and in severe cases, dysfunction in the intestinal walls. This virus is the leading cause of diarrhea and gastrointestinal upset in cats. And although it can be seen in cats at any age, kittens are more prone to rotavirus infections.
 
Dogs are also susceptible to rotavirus infections. If you would like to learn more about how this disease affects dogs, please visit this ...read more]]> Digestive Mon, 16 Feb 2009 17:14:44 +0000 3949 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/respiratory/c_ct_reovirus_infections  
The reovirus is generally found in the cat's intestinal walls, destroying any cells in its surrounding area. Caused by a group of viruses that contain double-stranded RNA (ribonucleic acid), a reovirus infection limits the absorption of nutrients from the intestines and results in diarrhea and dehydration.
 
The virus is transmitted through contact with infected feces, or by inhalation of airborne virus particles. These viruses can suppress the immune system, causing the affected animal to develop various infections. The cat's outward conditions, mea ...read more]]> Respiratory Thu, 12 Feb 2009 16:16:11 +0000 3931 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/digestive/c_ct_astrovirus_infection http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/digestive/c_ct_astrovirus_infection#comments Digestive Wed, 30 Dec 2009 10:27:57 +0000 5246 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cardiovascular/c_ct_premature_ventricular  
Ventricular premature complexes are a type of irregular heart beat. An electrical impulse is initiated within the ventricles instead of the sinoatrial (SA) node, causing the ventricles to contract too early (thus the “premature” in ventricular premature complexes).
 
In order to pump blood to the lungs and body, the heart must work in a coordinated fashion. The heart has an electrical conduction system that is responsible for controlling the heart rate. This electrical conduction system generates electrical impulses (waves), which pro ...read more]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cardiovascular/c_ct_premature_ventricular#comments Cardiovascular Fri, 26 Feb 2010 01:58:02 +0000 5572 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cardiovascular/c_ct_idioventricular_rhythm  
When the sinus node's conduction impulses are blocked or inhibited from reaching the ventricles, the role of pacemaker is taken over by the lower heart, resulting in indioventricular rhythm, or ventricular escape complexes; that is, irregular heartbeats. Accelerated idioventricular rhythms occur mainly due to a fluctuation in the heartbeat. Sometimes the ECG reading will show a cat's heart beat rate at less than 100 beats per minute (bpm) (the normal rate for a cat is 110-130 bpm).
 
This electrical conduction system generates electrical impulses ...read more]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cardiovascular/c_ct_idioventricular_rhythm#comments Cardiovascular Fri, 23 Apr 2010 19:34:31 +0000 7288 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cardiovascular/c_ct_arrhythmia  
The sinoatrial node (SA Node, or SAN), also called the sinus node, is the initiator of electrical impulses within the heart, triggering the heart to beat, or contract, by firing off electrical surges (also called the heart's pacemaker). The sinus discharge rate depends on two opposing influences of the nervous system: stimulation from the vagus nerves (nerves that originate in the lower brain stem [medulla] and send signals to the autonomic organs of the body) decreases the spontaneous discharge rate and predominates over sympathetic stimulation (mediating the ...read more]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cardiovascular/c_ct_arrhythmia#comments Cardiovascular Fri, 12 Feb 2010 14:37:47 +0000 5457 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/digestive/c_ct_irritable_bowel_syndrome  
Irritable bowel syndrome is commonly associated with chronic inflammation and discomfort of an animal's bowels, but is not linked with any type of gastrointestinal disease. It is not always known what underlies irritable bowel syndrome, but some of the suspected causes are thought to be related to diet intolerances, possibly due to allergies, the ability of the food to effectively pass through the gastrointestinal tract, and mental distress.
 
Symptoms and Types
 
The most common symptoms of irritable bowel syndromes ...read more]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/digestive/c_ct_irritable_bowel_syndrome#comments Digestive Sat, 24 Apr 2010 13:38:13 +0000 7293 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/skin/c_ct_pruritus  
Pruritus is the medical term used to define a cat's sensation to itch, or the sensation that provokes its desire to scratch, rub, chew, or lick its hair and skin. Pruritis is also an indicator of inflamed skin. Intense scratching can eventually lead to partial or full hair loss, but with treatment, prognosis is positive.
 
The condition or disease described in this medical article can affect both dogs and cats. If you would like to learn more about how pruritus affects dogs, please visit this page< ...read more]]> Skin Mon, 19 Jan 2009 20:02:53 +0000 3819 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cancer/c_ct_synovial_sarcoma  
The synovial membrane is the layer of soft tissue that lines the surfaces within the joints, such as those between the joints at the knees and elbows. Synovial sarcomas are soft tissue sarcomas – malignant cancers – that arise from the precursor cells outside the synovial membrane of the joints and bursa (the fluid-filled, sac-like cavity between joints that helps to facilitate movement).
 
Precursor cells have the ability to differentiate into one or two closely related  forms: epithelial cells (skin cells) or fibroblastic (connective ...read more]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cancer/c_ct_synovial_sarcoma#comments Cancer Sat, 27 Feb 2010 23:57:23 +0000 5588 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/musculoskeletal/c_ct_polyarthritis_erosive_immune_mediated  
Erosive, immune-mediated polyarthritis is an immune-mediated inflammatory disease of the joints, in which the cartilage of the cat's joint (articular cartilage) is eroded away.
 
Leukocyte cells, leukocyte enzymes (catalyzing reactions), cell-mediated immunity, immune complexes (an antibody bound to its triggering antigen), and autoallergic reactions are all directed against cartilage components. This leads to an inflammatory response by the tissue surrounding the cartilage, and protein activation (complement) in response to the im ...read more]]> Musculoskeletal Mon, 19 Jan 2009 19:11:07 +0000 3812 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/musculoskeletal/c_ct_joint_luxation  
Bones provide a rigid framework to body, helping maintain its normal shape, as well as protecting vital organs of the body. A joint is a structure where two or more bones meet (articulate) together. A capsule is present in articulating joints, which has a thick fibrous layer that helps in stabilizing the joint. In most joints, ligaments are also present, which ensure movements of joints within normal ranges. Therefore, if joints become damaged, disrupted, or undergo abnormal development, they become unstable.
 
The term luxation is used for the dislocati ...read more]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/musculoskeletal/c_ct_joint_luxation#comments Musculoskeletal Sat, 27 Mar 2010 14:18:40 +0000 7140 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/neurological/c_ct_dysautonomia_key_gaskell_syndrome  
Dysautonomia is characterized by a malfunctioning of the autonomic nervous system (ANS), the system that controls the heart rate, respiration, digestion, urination, salivation, perspiration, eye pupil dilation,blood pressure, intestinal contractions, glandular activity, and physical arousal. The body functions that occur within the ANS are largely performed without conscious thought, with the exception of breathing, which works in coordination with conscious thought. This condition is also referred to as Key-Gaskell syndrome.
 
This is a rare condition, but ...read more]]> Neurological Fri, 31 Jul 2009 19:56:46 +0000 4495 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cancer/c_ct_adenocarcinoma_renal  
Adenocarcinoma of the kidneys is an extremely rare neoplasm in cats. When it does occur, it commonly affects older cats. There is no breed predisposition in cats for this type of tumor. Like other adenocarcinomas, adenocarcinoma of the kidney is very aggressive, growing rapidly and metastasizing to other parts and organs of the body. Another version of kidney adenocarcinoma, known as cystadenocarcinoma, is less aggressive; affected cats survive for longer period of time as compared to those with adenocarcinoma.
 
Symptoms and Types
 
The symp ...read more]]> Cancer Wed, 27 May 2009 20:54:11 +0000 4167 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/urinary/c_ct_congenital_developmental_renal_diseases  
Congenital (existing at birth) and developmental kidney diseases are part of a group of diseases in which the kidney may be abnormal in its ability to function normally, or may be abnormal in appearance, or both. These diseases result from inherited or genetic problems or disease processes that affect the development and growth of the kidney before or shortly after birth. Most patients are less than five years of age at the time of diagnosis.
 
Symptoms and Types
 
Symptoms:
 

Lack of appetite ...read more]]> Urinary Wed, 01 Apr 2009 16:22:06 +0000 4008 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/endocrine/c_ct_polycystic_kidney_disease  
When large portions of a cat's renal parenchyma -- the functional tissue of the animal's kidneys which are normally differentiated -- are displaced by multiple cysts, the medical condition is referred to as polycystic kidney disease.
 
A cyst is a closed sac that may be filled with air, fluid, or semi-solid material. Renal cysts (a closed sac that may be filled with air, fluid, or semi-solid material) develop in pre-existing nephrons (the functional filtering cells of the kidney tissue) and in the collecting ducts of the organ. Invariably, the ...read more]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/endocrine/c_ct_polycystic_kidney_disease#comments Endocrine Mon, 19 Jan 2009 19:24:43 +0000 3813 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/urinary/c_ct_renomegaly  
Renomegaly is a condition in which one or both kidneys are abnormally large, confirmed by abdominal palpation, ultrasounds, or X-rays. The cat's respiratory, nervous, hormonal, urinary and digestive systems are all affected by this condition.
 
In addition, renomegaly is not exclusive to cats, dogs can suffer from it, too. If you would like to learn more about how this condition affects dogs, please visit this page in the PetMD health library.
 
Symptoms and Types
  ...read more]]> Urinary Thu, 12 Feb 2009 19:44:47 +0000 3933 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/urinary/c_ct_renal_failure_chronic  
Sixteen out of every 1,000 cats that are examined suffer from chronic renal disease. And while cats of any age can be diagnosed with the kidney disease, it is more commonly seen in older cats.
 
Failure of the kidney -- which among other things regulates blood pressure, blood sugar, blood volume, water composition in the blood, and pH levels, and produces red blood cells and certain hormones -- can take so place so slowly, that by the time the symptoms have become obvious, it may be too late to treat the condition effectively. Often, the kidney wil ...read more]]> Urinary Thu, 05 Feb 2009 21:25:28 +0000 3906 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/urinary/c_ct_renal_failure_acute_uremia  
The sudden onset of abnormally high levels of urea, protein products, and amino acids in the cat's blood is referred to as acute uremia. This condition usually follows kidney injuries or occurs when the urinary tubes that connect the kidney to the bladder (ureters) are obstructed. As a result, the outflow of urine is obstructed, creating an imbalance in fluid regulation and leading to a buildup of potential toxins in the body. Fortunately, acute uremia can be successfully treated and cured if it is identified on time and treated promptly.
  ...read more]]> Urinary Thu, 05 Feb 2009 21:17:05 +0000 3905 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/endocrine/c_ct_nephrotic_syndrome  
One of the body’s main methods for disposing of waste products is through the establishment and formation of urine. This process occurs in the kidney, where penetrable clusters of capillaries called glomeruli function to filter waste from the blood, thus establishing the formation of urine. When filtration cells (podocytes) in the kidney’s glomeruli become damaged, due either to immune complexes in the blood (called glomerulonephritis), or to dense deposits of hard protein (amyloid) - the abnormal accumulation of which is called amyloidosis - deg ...read more]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/endocrine/c_ct_nephrotic_syndrome#comments Endocrine Wed, 11 Feb 2009 18:38:53 +0000 3923 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/urinary/c_ct_perirenal_pseudocysts  
A perirenal pseudocyst is a condition in which fluid accumulates in a capsule surrounding the kidney, causing the kidney to enlarge. However, it is not technically a cyst because it lacks a true membrane covering. Perirenal pseudocysts primarily affects mature male cats (more than 8 years); if found in young cats, it commonly affects only one kidney.
 
Symptoms and Types
 
Although most cats with a perirenal pseudocyst have a nonpainful, enlarged abdomen, some may not display any symptoms (asymptomatic). In severe cases, symptoms of renal fa ...read more]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/urinary/c_ct_perirenal_pseudocysts#comments Urinary Thu, 18 Mar 2010 07:40:18 +0000 7063 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/urinary/c_ct_nephrolithiasis  
Cats that develop clusters of crystals or stones -- known as nephroliths or, more commonly, “kidney stones” -- in the kidneys or urinary tract are said to be suffering from a condition called nephrolithiasis. The kidney is composed of thousands of nephrons, each consisting of blood capillaries and a series of tubes through which filtered fluid flows as urine is produced. The tubes of the nephron drain into ducts through which urine flows; these ducts eventually enter the renal pelvis and a tube through which urine follows into the ureter. Kidney sto ...read more]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/urinary/c_ct_nephrolithiasis#comments Urinary Tue, 01 Jun 2010 02:16:16 +0000 10054 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/urinary/c_ct_drug_induced_nephrotoxicity  
Certain medications administered for the purpose of diagnosing or treating medical disorders may cause kidney damage. When this occurs, it is referred to as drug-induced nephrotoxicity. It is more commonly recognized in dogs than cats. And although drug-induced nephrotoxicity may occur in cats of any age, older cats are more susceptible.
 
Symptoms and Types
 
Signs associated with nephrotoxicity may include:
 

]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/urinary/c_ct_drug_induced_nephrotoxicity#comments Urinary Sat, 22 May 2010 21:30:01 +0000 7395 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/musculoskeletal/c_ct_patellar_luxation  
Patellar luxation occurs when the cat's kneecap (patella) is dislocated from its normal anatomic position in the groove of the thigh bone (femur). When the kneecap is dislocated from the groove of the thigh bone, it can only be returned to its normal position once the quadriceps muscles in the cat's hind legs relax and lengthen. Cats feel pain as the kneecap slides out of the thigh bone ridges, but do not feel any pain or discomfort once the kneecap has come to a rest out of the normal position.
 
Patellar luxation is thought to be quite rare in cats.
...read more]]> Musculoskeletal Thu, 15 Jan 2009 16:45:59 +0000 3785 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cardiovascular/c_ct_carnitine L-carnitine is an important nutrient that acts as a transport for fatty acids, essential for the cellular production of energy. Deficiency of this nutrient can cause a variety of health problems for a cat; most significantly, the association with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), a disease of the heart. The heart and skeletal muscles do not synthesize the carnitine nutrient on their own, requiring it to be transported there for use. Therefore, a deficiency of carnitine in the body will have a negative effect on the heart and skeletal muscles. While carnitine supplements are not always succ ...read more]]> Cardiovascular Wed, 02 Jul 2008 17:25:02 +0000 160 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/urinary/c_ct_incontinence_urinary  
Problems with the bladder often are caused by an impaired bladder or from some kind of obstruction in the bladder. Disorders of this type are referred to as incontinence. Incontinence is most likely to affect middle-aged to older cats and large cat breeds.
 
Symptoms
 

Involuntary urine leakage
Wet hair on their lower abdominal area, or between the rear legs
Wet spots or puddles in the bedding or sleeping area
Urinary tract infections
Inflammation of the skin around the ...read more]]> Urinary Fri, 30 Jan 2009 17:18:10 +0000 3880 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/digestive/c_ct_exocrine_pancreatic_insufficiency  
Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) develops when the pancreas fails to produce enough digestive enzymes. The pancreas is the organ in the body responsible for producing insulin (which regulates the body’s blood sugar levels) and digestive enzymes (which aid in the digestion of starches, fats, and proteins in a cat’s diet).
 
EPI may affect a cat’s general nutrition, as well as its gastrointestinal system. Chronic diarrhea and weight loss are common complications of this disease.
 
Symptoms and Typ ...read more]]> Digestive Wed, 11 Feb 2009 21:37:20 +0000 3929 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/digestive/c_ct_ileus  
The term ileus (functional or paralytic) is used to denote temporary and reversible blockages in the intestines due to the absence of bowel motility. This absence of normal intestinal movements (or peristalsis) results in accumulation of intestinal contents in certain areas of intestine. It should be remembered that ileus itself is not a primary disease in cats, but a complication seen due to some other disease or condition affecting normal motility of the intestines.
 
Symptoms and Types
 

Loss of appetite (]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/digestive/c_ct_ileus#comments Digestive Fri, 26 Mar 2010 19:19:47 +0000 7135 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cardiovascular/c_ct_acidosis Cardiovascular Tue, 03 Feb 2009 22:03:42 +0000 3889 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/respiratory/c_ct_laryngeal_disease  
The voice box, or larynx, serves as a passage for airflow from the external environment to the lungs. It protects the lungs from aspiration during swallowing and regurgitation, and allows for vocalization (such as meowing). Laryngeal disease refers to any condition that alters normal structure and/or function of the voice box or larynx.
 
In cats, the incidence of laryngeal disease is based on limited reports in the literature, but it appears to be significantly lower than in dogs. Affected cats are usually older, but it is seen occasi ...read more]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/respiratory/c_ct_laryngeal_disease#comments Respiratory Thu, 27 May 2010 01:29:04 +0000 7427 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/digestive/c_ct_lead_poisoning  
Lead poisoning in cats is a medical condition caused by increased levels of metal lead in the blood. Lead has the ability to disrupt and damage normal cell functions and may affect multiple systems throughout the body. One of the ways in which lead can adversely affect the body is by displacing and substituting calcium and zinc in the body, both of  which are important for normal cell metabolism. Lead toxicity can lead to death if the cat is not treated in time.
 
A large number of lead sources has been described, and the type of these so ...read more]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/digestive/c_ct_lead_poisoning#comments Digestive Sun, 14 Feb 2010 02:49:09 +0000 5468 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cancer/c_ct_acute_lymphoblastic_leukemia  
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia is a disease in which cancerous lymphoblasts (cells that are in the beginning stage of development) and prolymphocytes (cells in the intermediate stage of development) reproduce, and then circulate through the bloodstream, entering into the body's organs. These cells will also infiltrate both the inside of the bone marrow and the outside (extramedullary) of the bone marrow, displacing hematopoietic stem cells. Hematopoietic cells are the normal, healthy precursors of red blood cells, lymphocytes, erythrocytes, platelets ...read more]]> Cancer Tue, 06 Jan 2009 17:38:33 +0000 3720 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cancer/c_ct_chronic_lymphocytic_leukemia  
Animals with abnormal and malignant lymphocytes in the blood are said to have a rare form of cancer called chronic lymphocytic leukemia. An integral component to the immune system, lymphocytes can affect many body systems when damaged.
 
Although rare, this form of leukemia affects both dogs and cats.
 
Symptoms
 
The symptoms for chronic lymphocytic leukemia are usually non-specific and may include:
 

I ...read more]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cancer/c_ct_chronic_lymphocytic_leukemia#comments Cancer Mon, 22 Feb 2010 21:45:54 +0000 5531 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/digestive/c_ct_lily_poisoning  
One of the most toxic household plants for cats is the common lily. In fact, eating as little as two or three leaves from the flowers can result in liver failure and, if left untreated, can have a fatal outcome for cats. Lilies are a widely used houseplant, with 10 to 11 million plants produced annually within the United States. Some of the most common lilies are Easter lilies, Tiger lilies, Japanese show lilies, Rubrum lilies, and Day lilies.
 
Symptoms and Types
 
One of the most immediate symptoms of lily poisoning is the sudden on ...read more]]> Digestive Wed, 04 Feb 2009 16:24:30 +0000 3892 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cancer/c_ct_cancer_spleen_liver  
Hemangiosarcomas are fed by the blood vessels and fill with blood. Because of this, the tumor can rupture, leading to sudden and severe hemorrhage, collapse, and rapid death. Often, owners do not realize their cat is affected until the sudden hemorrhage or collapse.
 
Hemangiosarcomas of the spleen and liver are highly metastatic and malignant vascular neoplasms (blood vessel tumors) that arise from the endothelial cells, which line the interior surface of blood vessels. It begins as a large mass that develops in the liver or spleen, ...read more]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cancer/c_ct_cancer_spleen_liver#comments Cancer Wed, 17 Feb 2010 02:47:50 +0000 5504 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cancer/c_ct_liver_cancer  

Hepatocellular carcinoma describes a rare but malignant tumor of the epithelial tissues of the liver (the tissue that lines the cavities and surfaces of body structures – in this case the liver). This type of tumor is rare in cats – cats are more commonly affected by bile duct carcinoma. There are no breed predispositions, but affected cats are on average older than ten years of age.
 
Symptoms
 
The following symptoms are typically  absent until the disease reaches an advanced stage:
 

]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cancer/c_ct_liver_cancer#comments Cancer Sat, 27 Mar 2010 15:10:14 +0000 7144 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/endocrine/c_ct_copper_storage_hepatopathy  
Copper storage hepatopathy is a condition caused by an abnormal accumulation of copper in the liver, which can lead to hepatitis and cirrhosis of the liver over the long term. This condition is believed to be secondary to a primary disease, usually the result of a genetically-based abnormal copper metabolism.
 
This disease has been found in cats, but these cases are considered rare and isolated.
 
Symptoms and Types
 
Primary copper liver diseases (medically referred to as hepatopathies) generally fall into one of three categori ...read more]]> Endocrine Tue, 13 Jan 2009 18:15:41 +0000 3771 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/endocrine/c_ct_hepatic_failure_acute  
Hepatic failure, or acute liver failure, is a condition characterized by the sudden loss of 70 percent or more of the liver's function. This diseased state may be due to sudden, massive, hepatic necrosis (tissue death in the liver).
 
Symptoms
 
Primary and secondary hepatobiliary disorders - those dealing with the liver, gallbladder, bile ducts or bile - are generally associated with variable hepatic necrosis. However, acute liver failure from severe hepatic necrosis is an uncommon phenomenon. Acute liver failure can affect the body thro ...read more]]> Endocrine Wed, 28 Jan 2009 22:15:00 +0000 3872 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/endocrine/c_ct_hepatitis_chronic_active  
Long-term, ongoing inflammation of the liver, a medical condition referred to as hepatitis, is associated with an accumulation of inflammatory cells in the liver and progressive scarring or formation of excessive fibrous tissue in the liver (fibrosis). These biological changes lead to decreased functioning of the liver.
 
Symptoms and Types
 

Sluggishness
Lack of appetite
Weight loss
...read more]]> Endocrine Fri, 13 Mar 2009 17:27:00 +0000 3972 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/endocrine/c_ct_inflamed_liver_tumor  
Hepatitis granulomatous is a complicated form of hepatitis, which is characterized by a mass of inflamed tissue (granuloma) growing on a simultaneously inflamed liver (hepatitis). This diseased state is most commonly due to fungal infection, but it can also be brought about by bacteria, viruses, parasites, or cancer.
 
Hepatitis granulomatous is relatively uncommon in cats, but it is not limited by age or breed.
 
Symptoms and Types
 

Lack of appetite
]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/endocrine/c_ct_inflamed_liver_tumor#comments Endocrine Mon, 25 Jan 2010 16:29:57 +0000 5363 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/digestive/c_ct_suppurative_hepatitis  
The term hepatitis is used to denote inflammation of the liver. In some cats, infections can travel to the liver from other body sites and result in the formation of abscesses in the liver. These abscesses may be single or multiple in number and contain pus. A single abscess may be present in the case of a liver tumor infected with bacteria overtime. In cases with liver absecessation, the following may be seen: bile duct inflammation, presence of gallbladder stones, and formation of many small abscesses. Cats with diabetes have a high ...read more]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/digestive/c_ct_suppurative_hepatitis#comments Digestive Sat, 27 Mar 2010 17:12:55 +0000 7151 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/endocrine/c_ct_cholangitis_cholangiohepatitis_syndrome  
Cholangitis is the medical term given for inflammation of the bile ducts and intrahepatic ducts -- the ducts that carry bile out of the liver. Bile, an essential component in the digestive process, begins in the liver and is then stored in the gallbladder until a meal is taken. The bitter fluid is then released into the cat's small intestine, where it emulsifies fats in the food to be used as energy by the rest of the body.
 
Cholangiohepatitis, meanwhile, describes inflammation of the bile ducts and liver. Together, these disease ...read more]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/endocrine/c_ct_cholangitis_cholangiohepatitis_syndrome#comments Endocrine Wed, 30 Dec 2009 10:52:46 +0000 5250 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/digestive/c_ct_hepatocellular_adenoma  
Hepatocellular adenoma is a benign tumor involving the liver cells. It stems from an over-growth of epithelial cells, which are used for secretion in the body. Fortunately, this type of tumor is very rare in cats.
 
Symptoms and Types
 
Mostly no symptoms are obvious in affected animals, though a rupture of a tumor mass may result in blood accumulation in the abdomen. The following are symptoms of hepatocellular adenoma in cats:
 

Weakness
Abdominal pain
]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/digestive/c_ct_hepatocellular_adenoma#comments Digestive Fri, 26 Mar 2010 14:29:34 +0000 7122 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/digestive/c_ct_chronic_gastritis  
Intermittent vomiting that lasts longer than one to two weeks is medically referred to as chronic gastritis. It is typified by inflammation of the stomach. The stomach lining can be irritated by chemical irritants, drugs, foreign bodies, or infectious agents. Hyperacidity syndromes, where more than normal amounts of hydrochloric acids (the stomach acids that aid in digestion) are excreted into the stomach, will also result in inflammation of the stomach’s lining over the long-term.
 
Long-term allergen exposure or an immune-mediated disease (wher ...read more]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/digestive/c_ct_chronic_gastritis#comments Digestive Fri, 05 Feb 2010 17:20:54 +0000 5420 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/digestive/c_ct_anorexia  
Anorexia, as a behavioral condition that applies to humans, has been in the news so much that most of us are familiar with it on some level. The behavioral condition is referred to as anorexia nervosa, but anorexia as a medical condition is a very serious indicator of an underlying condition that needs prompt treatment. A cat will be diagnosed with anorexia when it is consistently refusing to eat and its food intake has decreased so much that drastic weight loss has occurred. If your cat is showing symptoms of medical anorexia you will need to consult your veterinaria ...read more]]> Digestive Mon, 12 Jan 2009 16:23:47 +0000 3743 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/neurological/c_ct_ataxia  
There are three clinical types of ataxia: sensory (proprioceptive), vestibular, and cerebellar. All three types produce changes in limb coordination, but vestibular and cerebellar ataxia also produce changes in head and neck movement. Ataxia, in general, is a condition relating to a sensory dysfunction that produces loss of coordination of the limbs, head, and/or trunk.
 
Sensory (proprioceptive) ataxia occurs when the spinal cord is slowly compressed. A typical outward symptom of sensory ataxia is misplacing the feet, accompanied by a progres ...read more]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/neurological/c_ct_ataxia#comments Neurological Thu, 19 Nov 2009 18:45:26 +0000 5023 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/endocrine/c_ct_hypoalbuminia  

Hypoalbuminemia is a condition in which the levels of albumin in the cat's blood serum are abnormally low. A protein formed in the liver and carried into the blood, albumin is responsible for regulating blood volume by controlling pressure in the blood compartment. It is also important for retaining fluid in the vascular compartment. TTherefore, a deficiency of albumin can pose grave risks for a cat, including dangerous fluid buildup.
 
Hypoalbuminemia has not been found to occur at any particular age. Moreover, there are no apparent breed or gend ...read more]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/endocrine/c_ct_hypoalbuminia#comments Endocrine Sun, 11 Apr 2010 10:06:33 +0000 7200 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/cardiovascular/c_ct_hypocalcemia  
The term "hypocalcemia" refers to abnormally low levels of calcium in the blood. This mineral plays an important role in vital bodily functions such as bone and teeth formation, blood clotting, milk production, muscle contraction, heart pumping, vision, and in the metabolism of hormones and enzymes. Therefore, calcium deficiency is a serious condition that requires immediate treatment.
 
Symptoms and Types
 
Symptoms vary depending on the underlying cause and severity of the problem. However, some of the more common symptoms include:
  ...read more]]> http://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/cardiovascular/c_ct_hypocalcemia#comments Cardiovascular Fri, 05 Feb 2010 18:42:17 +0000 5421 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cardiovascular/c_ct_hypoxemia  
Hypoxemia occurs when the blood in the arteries is not being oxygenated sufficiently. The condition is dangerous in cats because the oxygen that is vital for the functioning of all the organs is adversely affected. The brain can suffer irreversible damage when deprived of oxygen for even relatively short periods of time. Oxygen deficiency may also lead to anemia and/or hypoxia in the organs, which can progress to arrhythmia and heart failure. This is a serious condition that needs to be treated quickly.
 
Symptoms and Types
 

Coughing ...read more]]> Cardiovascular Fri, 30 Jan 2009 17:12:20 +0000 3879 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/endocrine/c_ct_low_potassium  
A cat with abnormally low concentrations of potassium in the blood is said to have hypokalemia. A vital element to an important group of blood minerals called electrolytes, potassium functions in both cellular and electricual functions, such as in the conduction of electrical charges in the heart, nerves, and muscles. Therefore, lower levels of potassium in the bloodstream will compromise the normal functioning ability of these tissues.
 
Potassium is a vital element of both electrical and cellular functions. It belongs to an important group of blood minera ...read more]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/endocrine/c_ct_low_potassium#comments Endocrine Mon, 25 Jan 2010 16:47:02 +0000 5365 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/endocrine/c_ct_low_blood_sugar  
The blood sugar, or glucose, is a main energy of source in an animal's body, so a low amount will result in a severe decrease in energy levels, possibly to the point of loss of consciousness. The medical term for critically low levels of sugar in the blood is hypoglycemia, and it is often linked to diabetes and an overdose of insulin.
 
However, there are different conditions, other than diabetes, that can also cause blood sugar levels to drop to dangerous levels in cats. In most animals, hypoglycemia is actually not a disease in and of itself, but is only ...read more]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/endocrine/c_ct_low_blood_sugar#comments Endocrine Sun, 14 Feb 2010 03:06:14 +0000 5470 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cardiovascular/c_ct_hypothermia  
Hypothermia is a medical condition that is defined as below-normal body temperature. It has three phases: mild, moderate, and severe. Mild hypothermia is classified as a body temperature of 90 - 99°F (or 32 - 35°C), moderate hypothermia at 82 - 90°F (28 - 32°C), and severe hypothermia is any temperature less than 82°F (28°C). Hypothermia occurs when an animal’s body is no longer able to maintain normal temperature, causing a depression of the central nervous system (CNS). It may also affect heart and blood flow (cardiovascular), breath ...read more]]> Cardiovascular Fri, 30 Jan 2009 17:05:54 +0000 3878 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/endocrine/c_ct_hypoparathyroidism   
An absolute or relative deficiency of parathyroid hormone in the blood, a condition called hypoparathyroidism, may be characterized by low levels of calcium in the blood, which can lead to hypocalcemia. The parathyroid hormone regulates calcium and phosphorus levels in the blood, normally increasing blood calcium levels by causing calcium to be reabsorbed from the bone.
 
The parathyroid glands are small, hormone-secreting glands that are located on or near the thyroid glands, which are in turn located at the front of the neck, in alignment with ...read more]]> Endocrine Tue, 20 Apr 2010 20:21:25 +0000 7275 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cancer/c_ct_adenocarcinoma_lung  
Adenocarcinoma is a malignant neoplasm, making up about 75 percent of all primary lung tumors in cats. Adenocarcinoma grows rapidly and metastasizes to distant parts of the body and organs, including the brain, eyes, bones, and lymph nodes. Like other malignant tumors, adenocarcinoma of the lungs is usually seen in older animals (more than ten years). This type of carcinoma is relatively rare in cats, with no known breed disposition.
 
Symptoms and Types
 
Most symptoms are related to the respiratory system, but in cases of metastasis the symp ...read more]]> Cancer Wed, 27 May 2009 20:28:45 +0000 4164 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cancer/c_ct_squamous_cell_carcinoma_lung  
The squamous epithelium is the outer layer of the epithelium, consisting of flat, scale-like cells. The epithelium is the cellular covering of all of the internal and external surfaces of the body, effectively protecting the organs, inner cavities and outer surfaces of the body in a continuous layer of multi-layered tissue. A squamous cell carcinoma of the lung is a type of metastasizing tumor that arises from the squamous epithelium in the lung cavity.
 
This is a rare form of primary tumor in cats. However, it has a high metastatic potential, es ...read more]]> Cancer Wed, 21 Oct 2009 19:34:19 +0000 4863 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/respiratory/c_ct_lung_lobe_torsion  
In lung lobe torsion, one of the lung's lobes becomes twisted, which results in obstruction of the bronchus and vessels, including the veins and arteries. The obstruction of the blood vessels causes the lung lobe to engorge with blood, which results in necrosis and death of the affected lung tissue. This may lead to many complications, including coughing up blood, tachycardia, or shock.
 
Though lung lobe torsion is rare in cats, it is still a very serious condition, one which will require immediate veterinary attention.
 
Symptoms and Types
&n ...read more]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/respiratory/c_ct_lung_lobe_torsion#comments Respiratory Sun, 11 Apr 2010 11:01:30 +0000 7203 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/respiratory/c_ct_lungworms  
Lungworms are a parasitic worm species that cause severe breathing (respiratory) problems. Cats that are allowed to roam outdoors and hunt rodents and birds are especially at risk for developing this type of parasitic infection.
 
Symptoms and Types
 
There are several species of worm that can migrate to the lungs of animals. Capillaria aerophila and Aelurostrongylus abstrusus are two of those most commonly found parasites in cats. They may cause such symptoms as coughing and shortness of breath (dyspnea).
  ...read more]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/respiratory/c_ct_lungworms#comments Respiratory Wed, 28 Jul 2010 20:55:00 +0000 10288 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/endocrine/c_ct_lymphadenitis  
Lymphadenitis is a condition of the lymph nodes, characterized by inflammation due to an active migration of white blood cells into the lymph nodes. There are different types of white blood cells that can cause this: neutrophils, the most abundant type of white blood cells in the body; macrophages, the cells that engulf and digest cellular debris and pathogens in the bloodstream; or eosinophils, the white blood cells of the immune system.
 
Because of the filtration functions of the lymph nodes, they are likely to be exposed to infectious agents. Lymphaden ...read more]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/endocrine/c_ct_lymphadenitis#comments Endocrine Mon, 31 May 2010 23:01:31 +0000 10046 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cancer/c_ct_lymphadenopathy  
Lymph nodes play an integral part in the functioning of the immune system, acting as filters for the blood and as storage places for white blood cells. Consequently, they are often the first indicators of disease in the tissues. When tissues become inflamed, the regional lymph nodes that these tissues drain into will also become inflamed and swollen in response. This swelling is due to a reactive increase in white blood cells (hyperplasia) due to the localized presence of an infectious agent. This is medically defined as reactive hyperplasia: when white blood ...read more]]> Cancer Thu, 05 Feb 2009 16:08:12 +0000 3894 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cancer/c_ct_lymphoma   
Lymphoma is a type of cancer that originates in the lymphocyte cells. A type of white blood cell, lymphocytes play an important and integral role in the body's defenses in the immune system.
 
There are two forms of lymphocytes: B and T cells. Lymphoma may involve neoplastic proliferation of T or B, or non-B/non-T type lymphocytes, occurring primarily in the bone marrow, lymph nodes, and visceral organs.
 
Lymphoma is found to be responsible for around 90 percent of blood cancers and account for about 33 percent of all tumors in ca ...read more]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cancer/c_ct_lymphoma#comments Cancer Sun, 14 Feb 2010 13:31:57 +0000 5474 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/endocrine/c_ct_hypomagnesemia  
Hypomagnesium is a clinical disorder in which the body is suffering from a deficiency in magnesium. Magnesium is second only to potassium as the most abundant substance in the cells. Most is found in the bone (60 percent) and soft tissue (38 percent), and most of the soft tissue magnesium resides in the skeletal muscle and liver. Magnesium is required for many metabolic functions, it is an activator or catalyst for more than 300 enzyme systems, including enzymes that involve adenose triphosphat (ATP), which transports chemical energy within the cells for metabol ...read more]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/endocrine/c_ct_hypomagnesemia#comments Endocrine Sat, 17 Apr 2010 07:30:56 +0000 7250 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/endocrine/c_ct_mammary_gland_hyperplasia  
Mammary gland hyperplasia is a benign condition in which an an excessive amount of tissue grows, resulting in enlarged masses in the mammary glands. This is primarily limited to young, sexually intact, cycling, or pregnant queens, but it can also affect cats of either gender after neutering, and cats of either gender that are on progestogen medication.
 
Symptoms and Types
 

Enlargement of one or more mammary glands
Firm, nonpainful masses in the chest, and abdominal area

 
Causes
 
< ...read more]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/endocrine/c_ct_mammary_gland_hyperplasia#comments Endocrine Sat, 22 May 2010 15:49:38 +0000 7388 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cancer/c_ct_mammary_gland_tumor Over 85 percent of mammary tumors in cats are malignant and they tend to grow and metastasize quickly. Like breast tumors in humans, they start as a small lump in a mammary gland. Often, more than one mammary gland is affected. This disease is preventable by having female cats spayed before six months of age. 
 
Symptoms and Types
 
Mammary gland tumors begin as masses underneath the skin. However, over time they can become aggressive and ulcerate the skin. Cats tend to lick and groom the area excessively, and a strong odor can result as the tumor becomes necrotic an ...read more]]> Cancer Tue, 01 Jul 2008 18:09:59 +0000 101 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/skin/c_ct_Demodicosis Skin Tue, 20 Jan 2009 21:59:37 +0000 3841 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/endocrine/c_ct_hypoangrogenism  

Hypoandrogenism refers to the relative or absolute deficiency of masculinizing sex hormones, such as testosterone and its by-products. Also known as androgens, these hormones are produced by the adrenal cortex -- part of the adrenal glands, which are located above each kidney -- and by the ovaries in the female, and the testes in the male. There are two subtypes of the condition: primary and secondary.
 
Primary hypoandrogenism in the male is a rare condition associated with bilaterally symmetric hair loss in older castrated male cats. It may be se ...read more]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/endocrine/c_ct_hypoangrogenism#comments Endocrine Sat, 10 Apr 2010 18:53:35 +0000 7193 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/reproductive/c_ct_vaginal_hyperplasia_and_prolapse  
A mass protruding from a cat's vaginal area is referred to as vaginal hyperplasia and prolapse. The condition is similar in nature to fluid-filled tissue (edema). If serious, it can prevent normal urination. Vaginal hyperplasia affects cats all ages, although it is found more commonly in younger animals. The outcome is positive for most cats, but the chance of the condition recurring is high.
 
Vaginal hyperplasia and prolapse can affect both dogs and cats. If you would like to learn more about how this disease affects dogs please visit ...read more]]> Reproductive Thu, 05 Feb 2009 19:48:36 +0000 3901 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/behavioral/c_ct_maternal_behavior_problems  
Maternal behavioral problems are classified as either excessive maternal behavior in the absence of newborn pups or the lack of maternal behavior when dealing with the mother's own young. (Other types of maternal behavior problem also exist but are still poorly defined.)
 
Symptoms and Types
 
Inadequate Maternal Behavior 

Abandons her own newborn pups (most common after caesarean section)
Does not allow her offspring to nurse
Insufficient cleaning of the young
...read more]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/behavioral/c_ct_maternal_behavior_problems#comments Behavioral Mon, 31 May 2010 18:03:44 +0000 10040 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/neurological/c_ct_meningitis_meningoencephalitis_meningomyelitis  
The system of membranes which envelops the cat's central nervous system is called the meninges. If this system becomes inflamed, it is referred to as meningitis. Meningoencephalitis, meanwhile, is the inflammation of the meninges and brain, and meningomyelitis is the inflammation of the meninges and spinal cord.
 
Inflammation of meninges commonly leads to secondary inflammation of the brain and/or spinal cord, resulting in various neurological complications. Long-term inflammation can also obstruct the flow of ce ...read more]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/neurological/c_ct_meningitis_meningoencephalitis_meningomyelitis#comments Neurological Sun, 14 Feb 2010 13:48:23 +0000 5476 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cancer/c_ct_mesothelioma Mesotheliomas are rare tumors derived from the cellular tissue that lines the cavities and interior structures of the body. These linings are called the epithelial linings. The mesothelial lining, specifically, is a membranous epithelial lining that is derived from the mesoderm cell layer, with its main functions being to line the body cavity, to cover and protect the internal organs, and to facilitate movement within the body cavity (coelom).
 
Mesotheliomas are the result of abnormal division and replication of mesothelial cells, and their migration to other sites in the body. ...read more]]> Cancer Tue, 10 Feb 2009 21:31:22 +0000 3916 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/musculoskeletal/c_ct_noninflammatory_metabolic_myopathy  
Non-inflammatory metabolic myopathy is a rare muscle disease associated with metabolic disorders like various enzyme defects or storage of abnormal metabolic byproducts and others. Unfortunately, little is known about how the disorder affects cats exactly.
 
Symptoms and Types
 

Muscular weakness
Cramps
Exercise intolerance
Regurgitation and/or difficulty swallowing (]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/musculoskeletal/c_ct_noninflammatory_metabolic_myopathy#comments Musculoskeletal Wed, 24 Feb 2010 14:38:24 +0000 5561 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/respiratory/c_dg_mediastinitis  
An inflammation of the mid-chest area is usually caused by a bacterial infection or a fungus. It’s rare in dogs, but in severe cases it may be life-threatening. It is also likely to spread, infecting the bloodstream. Abscesses sometimes develop, and the short vein (called the cranial vena cava in animals) that carries deoxygenated blood from the upper half of the body to the heart's right atrium may become infected. These abscesses can cut off the flow of blood to the heart, resulting in death.
 
Symptoms
 

Gagging
...read more]]> Respiratory Wed, 02 Jul 2008 14:24:23 +0000 121 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/reproductive/c_ct_abortion_spontaneous_pregnancy_loss  
It is not uncommon for cats to experience spontaneous abortions (miscarriages). A variety of medical reasons can cause this reaction. The cat should be evaluated immediately after a miscarriage to make certain more serious underlying health conditions do not exist.
 
Symptoms and Types 
 
If a cat has experienced a miscarriage, the most common thing an owner notices is abnormal and extended vaginal bleeding. There may also be an abnormal amount of discharge. An expelled fetus may be found, especially if the cat was in the ...read more]]> Reproductive Tue, 01 Jul 2008 16:46:24 +0000 90 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cancer/c_ct_adenocarcinoma_salivary_gland  
Saliva contains many useful enzymes that help in the digestive process. These enzymes increase solubility of food by lubricating the contents. There are four major salivary glands, including the mandibular, sublingual, parotid, and zygomatic gland. Adenocarcinoma can affect any of these salivary glands in cats, but the major target of this tumor in cats is the parotid gland, the largest of the salivary glands. Adenocarcinoma of the salivary gland is highly metastatic and can metastasize into distant organs and tissues in the body. ]]> Cancer Wed, 27 May 2009 21:00:43 +0000 4168 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cancer/c_ct_ameloblastoma  
Ameloblastoma, previously known as adamantinoma, is a rare neoplasm that affects the tooth structures of cats. In most cases it is found to be benign in nature, but a malignant, more highly invasive form is also reported to occur as well. It may affect any tooth structure within the tooth arcade. Ameloblastoma is an extremely rare neoplasm in cats. However, as with many cancers, mostly older cats are affected.
 
Symptoms and Types
 
Ameloblastoma is usually benign in nature and remains well localized. You may notice a firm and smooth mass covering i ...read more]]> Cancer Fri, 05 Jun 2009 20:49:34 +0000 4204 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cancer/c_ct_chondrosarcoma_oral  
Chondrosarcomas are malignant, cancerous tumors of the cartilage, the connective tissue between bones. These tumors are characteristic for their slow but progressive invasion of the surrounding tissues. They are often mistaken for benign (non-spreading) tumors because of their slow spread and lack of symptoms. They are often found by accident, when they have become large enough to notice, appearing as a lump in the mouth or under the skin of the face, or when they have started to cause pain for the affected animal.
 
These tumors have a smooth to sl ...read more]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cancer/c_ct_chondrosarcoma_oral#comments Cancer Wed, 30 Dec 2009 14:24:01 +0000 5252 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cancer/c_ct_fibrosarcoma_gingival  
As cats age, they sometimes develop growths in their mouths. One type of growth is a fibrosarcoma, a cancerous growth derived from fibrous connective tissue. Fibrosarcomas are relatively low in malignancy, growing slowly and generally not spreading to other organs, though they do aggressively invade other tissue and bone that is near them. The most common location for a fibrosarcoma of the the mouth is in the gums (gingiva).
 
Cats that are afflicted with gingival fibrosarcomas are, on average, seven and a half years old, but these tumors have been ...read more]]> Cancer Mon, 29 Jun 2009 17:51:38 +0000 4336 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cancer/c_ct_squamous_cell_carcinoma_gingiva  
Carcinoma is a type of tissue cancer that is particularly virulent, metastasizing quickly through the body, often with fatal results. Carcinomas can occur in any part of the body, including the mouth. Of the several types of cancerous oral growths that a cat can be affected by, a squamous cell carcinoma is the most common one. These tumors grow very rapidly and typically invade nearby bone and tissue. Unlike other carcinomas these tumors do not usually spread to other organs, but, like other carcinomas, they are mainly seen in older cats, arou ...read more]]> Cancer Wed, 15 Jul 2009 14:39:18 +0000 4427 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/mouth/c_ct_oral_melanocyctic_tumors  
Oral tumors can be extremely debilitating and painful disease for cats, often resulting in death. Melanocytic tumors, which are the third most common oral tumors in cats, arise from a local invasion by neoplastic menlanocytic cells (melanin-producing cells) to the gingival surface. These tumors are usually raised, irregular, ulcerated, have a dead surface, and are highly aggressive and invasive to the bone. In fact, such tumors may cause death as they render an animal unable to eat and metastasize to other body parts.
 
Symptoms and Types
  ...read more]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/mouth/c_ct_oral_melanocyctic_tumors#comments Mouth Sun, 11 Apr 2010 17:31:57 +0000 7218 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/mouth/c_ct_oral_ulceration_cups  
Oral ulceration and chronic ulcerative paradental stomatitis (CUPS) is a disease of the mouth which causes painful ulcers on the gums and mucosal lining of the mouth cavity. The cause of this condition has been determined to be a hypersensitive immune response to bacteria and plaque on the tooth surfaces, and sometimes signs of CUPS will start subsequent to a dental cleaning, when these materials are loosened in the mouth. 
 
Cats with this condition tend to develop lymphocytic plasmacytic stomatitis (LP ...read more]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/mouth/c_ct_oral_ulceration_cups#comments Mouth Mon, 15 Feb 2010 13:21:52 +0000 5488 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/mouth/c_ct_Gingivostomatitis  
Gingivostomatitis and caudal stomatitis are painful inflammatory conditions seen in the gums and mouth of cats. Gingivostomatitis refers to swelling of the gums, while caudal stomatitis refers to a specific site of swelling inside the mouth. Purebred cats are predisposed to this condition.
 
Symptoms and Types  
 
Symptoms of gingivostomatitis and caudal stomatitis include chronic bad breath, an unhealthy scruff and/or coat of hair, excessive drooling (pytalism), and difficulty swallowing. Full or partial loss of appet ...read more]]> Mouth Tue, 01 Jul 2008 17:56:59 +0000 99 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/endocrine/c_ct_mucopolysaccharidoses  
Mucopolysaccharidoses are a group of metabolic disorders characterized by the accumulation of GAGs (glycosaminoglycans, or mucopolysaccharides) due to the impaired functions of lysosomal enzymes. It is the mucopolysaccharides which help in building bones, cartilage, skin, tendons, corneas, and the fluid responsible for lubricating joints.
 
Domestic shorthair and Siamese cats are predisposed to mucopolysaccharidoses.
 
Symptoms and Types
 

Dwarfism
Severe bone disease
...read more]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/endocrine/c_ct_mucopolysaccharidoses#comments Endocrine Wed, 24 Feb 2010 03:37:28 +0000 5551 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/digestive/c_ct_mucus_in_stool  
You should not be very concerned if you see a small amount of mucus in your pet's stool. Cat stool normally contains some mucus -- a slime-like substance made by the intestines to keep the lining of the colon lubricated and moist.
 
But if you notice an excessive amount of mucus in the stool, or if it is accompanied with blood or a radical change in your cat's bowel movements, seek immediate veterinary medical attention. He or she will be better able to identify the underlying cause and recommend a proper course of treatment. Common causes inc ...read more]]> Digestive Tue, 11 May 2010 18:21:23 +0000 7348 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/musculoskeletal/c_ct_myoclonus  
Myoclonus is a condition in which a portion of a muscle, entire muscle, or group of muscles contracts in a coarse, repetitive, involuntary, and rhythmic manner at rates up to 60 times per minute (sometimes even occurring during sleep). These abnormal contractions occur due to nervous dysfunction and most commonly affect groups of muscles involved in chewing and/or any of the skeletal muscles of the limbs.
 
Myoclonus is rarely seen in cats and is more common in dogs ...read more]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/musculoskeletal/c_ct_myoclonus#comments Musculoskeletal Mon, 15 Feb 2010 12:57:15 +0000 5486 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/musculoskeletal/c_ct_muscle_rupture  
Normal activity can cause a disruption in a muscle. A normal muscle can be stretched, pinched, or injured directly, resulting in fiber disruption, weakening, and immediate or delayed separation of the uninjured portions. Alternatively, the muscle structure may be compromised by systemic or iatrogenic (physician-caused) conditions. The rupture may be complete or incomplete, and may be in the middle of the muscle or at the muscle-tendon junction. The acute (sudden and severe) stage is characterized by a typical inflammatory reaction that becomes chronic over time ...read more]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/musculoskeletal/c_ct_muscle_rupture#comments Musculoskeletal Sat, 22 May 2010 17:28:15 +0000 7390 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/neurological/c_ct_fungi_poisoning  
The term “mycotoxicosis” is used to denote poisoning by food products contaminated by fungi (i.e., moldy bread, cheese, English walnuts, or even a backyard compost). As well as being toxic to humans, fungi release various toxins, also called mycotoxins, that are toxic to animals. However, this is found to be rare in cats as compared to dogs.
 
Symptoms and Types
 
The severity and type of symptom will ultimately depend ...read more]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/neurological/c_ct_fungi_poisoning#comments Neurological Wed, 24 Feb 2010 00:52:52 +0000 5543 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/neurological/c_ct_hypomyelination  
A fatty substance that covers the axons (the portions of the nerve cells that transfer impulses to other cells of the body), myelin serves an important function for the nerve cells: as an insulator, protecting the nerve from outside influences, and as an aid for forwarding the process of cellular transmission of nervous system actions. Therefore, hypomyelination, or an insufficient production of myelin in the body, can be devastating for the central nervous system (CNS). It can even cause tremors, which are most apparent when the cat is active.
 
CNS hy ...read more]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/neurological/c_ct_hypomyelination#comments Neurological Sat, 17 Apr 2010 08:03:12 +0000 7252 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cancer/c_ct_myeloproliferative_disorders http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cancer/c_ct_myeloproliferative_disorders#comments Cancer Sun, 14 Feb 2010 14:15:55 +0000 5480 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/neurological/c_ct_narcolepsy_cataplexy  
Narcolepsy and cataplexy, disorders that affect the way an animal is able to physically operate, are rare but well studied disorders of the nervous system. Narcolepsy is symptomized by excessive daytime sleepiness, lack of energy, and brief losses of consciousness. The episodes are typically brief and go away by themselves. Cataplexy is characterized by sudden muscle weakness and paralysis without loss of consciousness. A cat that is affected by cataplexy will remain alert and capable of following movement with its eyes throughout the episode. Cat ...read more]]> Neurological Wed, 11 Feb 2009 16:42:44 +0000 3921 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/respiratory/c_ct_bronchiectasis  
A cat's trachea, or wind pipe, is divided into two main bronchi, or tubes, which feed air into the lungs. The two tubes that begin the bronchial tree further divide into smaller branches, which further divide several more times to form bronchial tree.
 
In bronchiectasis, the bronchi are irreversibly dilated due to a destruction of the elastic and muscular components in the airway walls. This may occur with or without accompanying accumulation of lung secretions. Dilatation may be associated with infections of the bronchi, pneumonia, lung damage, chronic ...read more]]> Respiratory Tue, 29 Sep 2009 19:59:23 +0000 4745 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/digestive/c_ct_pyloric_stenosis  
Pyloric stenosis, or chronic hypertrophic pyloric gastropathy, is the narrowing of the pyloric canal due to an overgrowth of muscles of that region. This region of the stomach connects with the first part of the small intestine called the duodenum. The exact cause of the disease is still unknown; it is rarely found in cats.
 
Symptoms and Types
 
The severity of symptoms directly correlates to the extent of the pyloric canal's narrowing; these include chronic, intermittent ]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/digestive/c_ct_pyloric_stenosis#comments Digestive Sat, 27 Mar 2010 16:57:15 +0000 7149 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/digestive/c_ct_rectal_stricture  
Rectal stricture occurs when a cat's rectal or anal opening is constricted due to the presence of scar tissue from inflammation, a previous injury, or an aggressive cancer growth. This narrowing of the opening(s) obstructs the passage of stool, thereby resulting in issues with the cat's digestive system. Rectal stricture is not hereditary.
 
Dogs and cats of both genders, and most breeds and ages may be affected by strictures. If you would like to learn more about how this condition affects dog, please visit ]]> Digestive Thu, 22 Jan 2009 20:40:31 +0000 3849 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/digestive/c_ct_esophageal_stricture  
The esophagus is the tubular organ that runs from the throat to the stomach; an esophageal stricture is an abnormal narrowing of the internal open space of the esophagus. There is no apparent genetic factor involved, and it occurs in cats at any age.
 
Symptoms and Types
 

Regurgitation (return of food or other contents from the esophagus)
Liquid meals are often tolerated better than solid meals
Difficulty swallowing is seen with upper esophageal strictures
Howling, crying, or yelping ...read more]]> Digestive Tue, 13 Jan 2009 21:03:45 +0000 3776 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/respiratory/c_ct_nasopharyngeal_stenosis  
Nasopharyngeal stenosis, a narrowing of the nasal section of the pharynx, occurs due to the formation of a thin but tough membrane in the passage of the nasal cavity. Any of the four portions of the nasal cavity may be affected and narrowed, including the common, inferior, middle, or superior portion. Chronic inflammation and subsequent fibrosis (the formation of excess fibrous tissue) after suffering an infection is one probable cause. Inflammation of the nasal tissues after chronic regurgitation, or vomiting of acidic material are also suspected to be ...read more]]> Respiratory Tue, 29 Sep 2009 20:21:47 +0000 4748 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/neurological/c_ct_lumbosacral_stenosis_and_cauda_equina_syndrome  
Cauda Equina Syndrome involves narrowing of vertebral canal, which results in compression of spinal nerve roots in lumber and sacrum regions. A cat's spine is composed of multiple bones with disks located in between adjacent bones called vertebrae. Seven cervical vertebrae are located in neck (C1-C7), thirteen thoracic vertebrae present from the area of shoulder to end of ribs (T1-T13), seven lumbar vertebrae are present in the area that starts from end of ribs to pelvis (L1-L7) and remaining vertebrae are called sacral and coccyg ...read more]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/neurological/c_ct_lumbosacral_stenosis_and_cauda_equina_syndrome#comments Neurological Sun, 11 Apr 2010 10:54:46 +0000 7202 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/musculoskeletal/c_ct_neck_back_pain It is often difficult to determine the exact location of the pain when an animal has been injured, because unfortunately, your cat can not tell you where it hurts. Your veterinarian may even have trouble determining the location. And because there are a number of reasons for neck and back pain, zeroing in on the underlying cause may take some time.
 
Symptoms and Types
 
Following are some of the possible symptoms your cat may show after an injury to the neck or back:
 

Change in posture
Back is curved upward
The spine doe ...read more]]> Musculoskeletal Wed, 11 Feb 2009 17:06:21 +0000 3922 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/neurological/c_ct_peripheral_neuropathies%20  
Unlike the central nervous system, which has the vertebrae of the spine, and the bone of the skull to protect it, the peripheral nerves are more exposed to the elements that enter into the body and come into contact with the body, so they are more susceptible to physical injury and toxic damage. The peripheral nerves are spread over the entire body. They are made up of the motor, sensory, autonomic, and/or cranial nerves, and are responsible for conscious, coordinated movement (somatic), for automatic physical responses (autonomic), and ...read more]]> Neurological Wed, 01 Jul 2009 20:58:22 +0000 4368 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/neurological/c_ct_schwannoma  
Schwannomas are tumors that originate in the myelin sheath. The myelin sheath is produced by the Schwann cell, a specialized cell which surrounds the peripheral nerves, providing mechanical and physical support for the nerves as well as insulating the nerves that transmit the nervous system’s electrical signals. The peripheral nervous system consists of the nerves outside of the central nervous system (brain and spine). Peripheral nerve sheath tumor is the term that has been proposed to include schwannomas, neurofibromas (nerve fiber tumors), neurofibrosarcoma ...read more]]> Neurological Wed, 01 Jul 2009 20:01:37 +0000 4366 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/neurological/c_ct_myasthenia_gravis  
A disorder of signal transmission between the nerves and muscles (known as neuromuscular transmission), and characterized by muscular weakness and excessive fatigue, is clinically known as myasthenia gravis. The disorder is congenital (present at birth) and familial (runs in families or lines).
 
It can also be acquired (not inherited, but present later in life/after birth), but as with other autoimmune diseases, it requires the appropriate genetic background for the disease to occur. Multiple factors are involved, including environmental, infectious, ...read more]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/neurological/c_ct_myasthenia_gravis#comments Neurological Sat, 22 May 2010 17:46:20 +0000 7391 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/respiratory/c_ct_noisy_breathing  
Stertor is noisy breathing that occurs during inhalation. It is a low-pitched, snoring type of sound that usually arises from the vibration of fluid, or the vibration of tissue that is relaxed or flabby. It usually arises from airway blockage in the throat (pharynx).
 
Stridor is high-pitched, noisy breathing. The higher-pitched sounds result when relatively rigid tissues vibrate with the passage of air. It often occurs as the result of partial or complete blockage of the nasal passages or voice box (larynx), or collapse of the upper part of the wind ...read more]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/respiratory/c_ct_noisy_breathing#comments Respiratory Wed, 24 Feb 2010 11:15:00 +0000 5557 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/musculoskeletal/c_ct_noninflammatory_hereditary_myotonia  
Non-inflammatory hereditary myotonia is a muscle disease characterized by persistent contraction or delayed relaxation of muscles, especially during movement. Although it can be acquired later in life -- often experimentally induced with ingestion of herbicides -- this article pertains to congenital myotonia.
 
Symptoms and Types
 
The symptoms below are commonly associated with non-inflammatory hereditary myotonia; they may improve after exercise and/or worsen due to the cold:
 

Voice change
]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/musculoskeletal/c_ct_noninflammatory_hereditary_myotonia#comments Musculoskeletal Wed, 24 Feb 2010 11:39:35 +0000 5559 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/musculoskeletal/c_ct_noninflammatory_myopathy_endocrineathy This form of non-inflammatory myopathy is a type of muscle disease caused by endocrine maladies such as hypo- and hyperthyroidism. However, non-inflammatory myopathy of endocrine origin has also been associated with corticosteroid use.
 
Symptoms and Types
 

Muscle weakness
Loss of muscle bulk
Stiffness
Cramps
Regurgitation
Difficulty in swallowing (]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/musculoskeletal/c_ct_noninflammatory_myopathy_endocrineathy#comments Musculoskeletal Wed, 24 Feb 2010 15:05:23 +0000 5563 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/urinary/c_ct_nonsteroidal_anti_inflammatory_drug_toxicity This is one of the more common forms of toxicity, and is among the ten most common poisoning cases reported to the National Animal Poison Control Center. Classified as carboxylic acids (e.g., aspirin, ibuprofen) or enolic acids (e.g., phenylbutazone, dipyrone), Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug toxicity (or NSAIDs) can be extremely toxic when ingested over the long-term (chronic) or when acutely ingested.
 
Species differ greatly in how their bodies absorb, excrete, and metabolize NSAID agents, but both dogs and cats are susceptible to NSAID toxicity. In fact, if left untreate ...read more]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/urinary/c_ct_nonsteroidal_anti_inflammatory_drug_toxicity#comments Urinary Sun, 23 May 2010 19:58:26 +0000 7398 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cancer/c_ct_squamous_cell_carcinoma_nasal_paranasal_sinuses http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cancer/c_ct_squamous_cell_carcinoma_nasal_paranasal_sinuses#comments Cancer Tue, 06 Apr 2010 16:04:00 +0000 7173 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/respiratory/c_ct_rhinitis_and_sinusitis  
Inflammation of a cat's nose is referred to as rhinitis; sinusitis, meanwhile, refers to the inflammation in the nasal passages. Both medical conditions can cause mucus discharge to develop. With prolonged inflammation, bacterial infections are common.
 
Viral rhinitis is especially prevalent in kittens. And older animals will often experience the growth and presence of abnormal tissue (neoplasia), or dental disease, resulting in inflammation.
 
Rhinitis and sinusitis may occur in both dogs and cats. If you would like to learn more about ho ...read more]]> Respiratory Fri, 13 Feb 2009 18:28:18 +0000 3940 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/respiratory/c_ct_epistaxis  
A bleeding nose can be the result of several conditions. One such condition is coagulopathy — a condition where the blood is not coagulating as it should. There are several other possible causes for nose bleeds: a wound or injury that is not apparent, such as from a snake bite; disease, like cancer in an organ, leukemia, or a number of other diseases. Regardless of the cause, this is a condition that needs to be checked out by your veterinarian promptly.
 
Diagnosis
 
It will probably take several tests to determine what is causing the bleeding. Y ...read more]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/respiratory/c_ct_epistaxis#comments Respiratory Mon, 19 Jan 2009 16:41:44 +0000 3800 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditons/cancer/c_ct_chondrosarcoma_nasal_paranasal_sinus  
A chondrosarcoma (CSA) is a malignant, invasive and fast spreading tumor in cats. It is relatively uncommon in cats, representing about one percent of all primary tumors. A CSA of the nasal and paranasal sinuses arises from the mesenchymal tissue, a connective collagenous tissue that is found throughout the body, and metastasizes to other parts of the body, including the nasal bones. It usually occurs on one side of the nasal cavity and extends to the other side over time.
 
Older cats are at increased risk, but any age ...read more]]> Cancer Tue, 03 Nov 2009 16:56:55 +0000 4905 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cancer/c_ct_fibrosarcoma_nasal_and_paranasal_sinus  
A fibrosarcoma specifically refers to the abnormal development of cells. It is typically a slow and invasive process that advances before it is discovered. Nasal and paranasal fibrosarcoma is characterized by a malignant tumor based in the connective tissue of the nasal passage or in the surrounding area.
 
This disease is fairly rare in cats. Typically, by the time the tumor is found, it has metastasized dangerously, but that is not to say that it cannot be treated satisfactorily. Associated factors include age, with most affec ...read more]]> Cancer Thu, 12 Feb 2009 22:01:40 +0000 3935 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cancer/c_ct_adenocarcinoma_nasal  
Nose cancer (or nasal adenocarcinoma) occurs when too many cells in a cat's nasal and sinus passages come together. The disease progresses slowly. Studies have shown nose cancer is more common in larger animal breeds than in smaller ones, and it may be more common in males than females. Options exist when the disease is caught early and aggressively treated.
 
Symptoms
 

Sneezing
Loss of appetite (anorexia)
Seizures
Mucus-like material from the nose (nasal discharge)
Facial deformi ...read more]]> Cancer Tue, 06 Jan 2009 20:14:50 +0000 3722 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cancer/c_ct_squamous_cell_carcinoma_nasal_planum   
The epithelium is the cellular covering of all of the internal and external surfaces of the body, protecting the organs, inner cavities and outer surfaces of the body in a continuous layer of multi-layered tissue. The squamous epithelium is a type of epithelium that consists of the outer layer of flat, scale-like cells, which are called squamous cells.
 
In this case, squamous cell carcinoma of the nasal planum arises from the tissue in the nose pad, or in the mucous membranes of the nose. A squamous cell carcinoma is a ...read more]]> Cancer Thu, 05 Nov 2009 22:51:32 +0000 4914 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/digestive/c_ct_obesity  
Obesity is a nutritional disease which is defined by an excess of body fat. Cats that are over nourished, lack the ability to exercise, or that have a tendency to retain weight are at risk for becoming obese. Obesity can result in serious adverse health effects, such as reducing the lifespan of an affected cat, even if the cat is only moderately obese. Multiple areas of the body are affected by excess body fat, including the bones and joints, the digestive organs, and the organs responsible for breathing capacity.
 
Obesity usually occurs in middle-aged ...read more]]> Digestive Wed, 11 Feb 2009 18:53:51 +0000 3924 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/eyes/c_ct_optic_neuritis  
Optic neuritis is a condition in which one or both of the cat's optic nerves are swollen, resulting in impaired visual function. The optic nerve, sometimes called the cranial nerve, is a nerve in the eye that takes visual information and transmits it to the brain. Optic neuritis affects the ophthalmic and nervous systems of the body.
 
The primary form of optic neuritis is uncommon; the secondary form, however, is more common and occurs secondary to another disease, such as those affecting the central nervous system.
 
The condition or disease desc ...read more]]> Eyes Wed, 17 Dec 2008 18:21:50 +0000 3667 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/urinary/c_ct_urethral_prolapse  
An out-of-place urethral mucosal lining (the mucus-producing lining of the urethral canal that carries urine out of the bladder) is commonly referred to as urethral prolapse. This condition causes mucosal lining to move to the outer portion of the urethra, vaginal, or penile opening, making it visible.
 
Urethral prolapse can affect several other parts of a cat's body, including the urinary bladder (the storage sac for urine), the urinary tract, reproductive organs, and the immune system.
 
In many instances, no specific treatment is required un ...read more]]> Urinary Thu, 05 Feb 2009 16:35:04 +0000 3896 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/reproductive/c_ct_ovarian_tumors  
There are three kinds cat ovarian tumors: epithelial tumors (skin/tissue), germ cell tumors (sperm and ova), and stromal tumors (connective tissue). The most common type of ovarian tumor in in cats is sex-cord (granulosa-theca cell) ovarian tumors. Granulosa cells are follicular cells (hollow cells) surrounded by theca cells (which form a surrounding sheath). Ovarian tumors are prone to metastasizing (spreading), and some are capable of producing hormones.
 
The tumors described in this medical article can affect both dogs and cats. If you would like to le ...read more]]> Reproductive Thu, 18 Dec 2008 17:39:59 +0000 3685 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cardiovascular/c_ct_polycythemia  
Polycythemia is a condition of the blood, characterized as an abnormal increase in the amount of red blood cells in the circulatory system. Polycythemia entails an increase in packed cell volume (PCV), hemoglobin concentration (the red pigment of the blood cell), and in red blood cell (RBC) count, above the reference intervals, due to a relative, transient, or absolute increase in the number of circulating red blood cells. Erythropoiesis describes the production of red blood cells. It is stimulated by erythropoietin (EPO), a carbohydrate protein hormone which stim ...read more]]> Cardiovascular Mon, 05 Jan 2009 16:30:47 +0000 3711 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cardiovascular/c_ct_overproduction_white_blood_cells  

Hypereosinophilic syndrome, characterized by persistent eosinophilia -- that is, sustained overproduction of eosinophils (white blood cells of the immune system) in the bone marrow, is a disorder of unknown cause. However, its suspected cause is a link to a severe reaction to an unidentified antigen, or impairment of the immune response and control of eosinophil production. This is a multi-system syndrome, with invasion of the tissues by eosinophils and subsequent organ damage and dysfunction.
 
Organ damage can result from the effects of eo ...read more]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cardiovascular/c_ct_overproduction_white_blood_cells#comments Cardiovascular Sat, 27 Mar 2010 15:32:51 +0000 7146 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/neurological/c_ct_pain  
One of the biggest challenges in animal care is determining the source of your cat's pain. This is partly due to their limited ability to convey the pain. Cats vary greatly in their specific responses to pain, and the animal's age, species, experience, and current environment will also affect their response levels. There are numerous causes of pain; most are commonly associated with tissue damage. Treatment options are available that can help to reduce the amount of pain that your cat is experiencing.
&n ...read more]]> Neurological Mon, 02 Mar 2009 22:24:17 +0000 3965 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/neurological/c_ct_neuropathic_pain  
An injury or disease relating to the body’s nerves and how they function, or within the spinal cord itself is commonly the origin of neuropathic pain. This particular kind of pain is difficult to pinpoint, especially in patients that are unable to respond to specific inducements. A common condition seen in cats is diabetes, and a tingling and pain in the hind legs is one form of neuropathic pain.
 
Symptoms and Types
 
Damage to the tissues of the body, and the nerves running through them, creates a constant (chronic) pain that is brought o ...read more]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/neurological/c_ct_neuropathic_pain#comments Neurological Thu, 18 Mar 2010 07:07:56 +0000 7061 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/digestive/c_ct_acute_abdomen  
Acute pain in the abdomen due to sudden inflammation of the abdominal tissues, or peritoneum, is medically referred to as peritonitis. It causes fluid to shift into the peritoneal cavity, leading to severe dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. This disorder may be due to infectious causes such as the stomach flu or non-infectious causes such as a hernia.
 
While younger cats tend to have peritonitis due to infectious and traumatic causes, malignant cancers are more often the cause of acute abdomen in older cats. It is crucial to determine the underlying cau ...read more]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/digestive/c_ct_acute_abdomen#comments Digestive Sun, 20 Dec 2009 13:29:37 +0000 5219 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/urinary/c_ct_dysuria_and_pollakiuria  
While the urinary bladder and urethra normally serve to store and release urine, there are two disorders that affect the lower urinary tract by damaging the bladder wall or stimulating the nerve endings in the bladder or urethra. Dysuria is a condition that leads to painful urination, and pollakiuria refers to abnormally frequent urination. In other words, you'll have a cat that goes to the bathroom often; the cat may even have pain or show discomfort while urinating.
 
Symptoms
 

Extreme irritability
Discomfor ...read more]]> Urinary Thu, 22 Jan 2009 18:23:01 +0000 3847 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cancer/c_ct_adenocarcinoma_pancreas  
Neoplasm, or tumor, can be either benign or malignant in nature. Carcinomas are malignant tumors found both in humans and animals. This type of tumor tends to be particularly malignant, often recurring after surgical excision. Adenocarcinomas originate in the glandular tissue and are glandular in structure. Adenocarcinoma of the pancreas is a rare tumor in cats, and like other carcinomas it grows rapidly and metastasizes to distant parts and organs of the body. In most cats metastasis is found at the time of diagnosis, thus making treatment difficult ...read more]]> Cancer Wed, 27 May 2009 20:40:26 +0000 4165 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cancer/c_ct_insulinoma  
Insulinomas are malignant neoplasms – fast growing cancerous tissue - of the beta cells in the pancreas. The beta cells primarily make and secrete insulin, which has a variety of effects in the body, the primary one being to regulate glucose throughout the body's cells. Because insulinomas secrete excessive insulin, the blood stream becomes low in glucose (hypoglycemia), which causes weakness and/or neurological problems. This disease does not effect cats as much as it does some other household pets, but it can and does occur.
 
Symptoms
 
The mo ...read more]]> Cancer Tue, 03 Feb 2009 20:25:31 +0000 3887 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/neurological/c_ct_myelomalacia  
The terms “myelomalacia” or “hematomyelia” are used to denoted an acute, progressive, and ischemic (due to blockage of blood supply) necrosis of the spinal cord after injuring the spinal cord. The premature death (necrosis) of the spinal cord cells first appears at the site of the injury but progresses forward and backward from the point of injury over time. 
 
Dogs and cats of any age or breed can succumb to this condition.
 
...read more]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/neurological/c_ct_myelomalacia#comments Neurological Wed, 24 Feb 2010 10:49:16 +0000 5555 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cardiovascular/c_ct_schiff_sherrington_phenomenon  
Schiff-Sherrington phenomenon occurs when the spinal cord is transected by an acute, usually severe lesion to the cat's lower back (second lumbar vertebrae), causing exaggerated posturing in the upper extremities (front limb extension). Hind limb paralysis (regarded as the release phenomenon) can also occur due to damage to the border cells and interneurons located in the lumbar spinal cord (mainly L2-4), which normally exert influence on the spinal segments below the transection.
 
Symptoms and Types
 

Unusual gait]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cardiovascular/c_ct_schiff_sherrington_phenomenon#comments Cardiovascular Sun, 25 Apr 2010 11:32:12 +0000 7301 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/neurological/c_ct_paralysis  
A cat’s ability to move around and perform daily activities depends on the ability of its brain, spine, nerves and muscles to coordinate in tandem. This complex communication system involves nerves in the brain sending messages about the outer environment to the body, and the body sending messages to the brain regarding what it is actually experiencing in the environment. These messages are transmitted through nerves in the spinal cord, which is embedded in the vertebral, or spinal, column. Together, the nerves in the brain and spinal cord make up t ...read more]]> Neurological Tue, 14 Jul 2009 14:30:41 +0000 4418 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/neurological/c_ct_trigeminal_inflammation  
Trigeminal nerve neuritis (inflammation) is characterized by the sudden onset of the inability to close the jaw owing to dysfunction of the mandibular (jaw) branch of the trigeminal nerves (one of the cranial nerves). This may be due to nerve injury, which ranges from neuritis, demyelination (loss of the fatty sheath around the nerve which helps conduct the signal), and sometimes to fiber degeneration of all the branches of the trigeminal nerve and the nerve cell body.
 
This condition is uncommon in cats when compared to ]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/neurological/c_ct_trigeminal_inflammation#comments Neurological Fri, 19 Mar 2010 19:37:38 +0000 7083 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/neurological/c_ct_myelopathy_paresis_paralysis  
Myelopathy refers to any disease affecting the spinal cord. Depending upon the severity and location of the disease, it can cause weakness (paresis) or complete loss of voluntary movements (paralysis). Paresis or paralysis may affect all four of the cat's limbs (teraparesis/plegia), the hind limbs (para-), front limbs (hemi-), or just one limb (mono-).
 
Symptoms and Types
 
The severity and extent of the spinal cord disease, as mentioned above, will determine how severe the weakness and paralysis is. However, external stimuli w ...read more]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/neurological/c_ct_myelopathy_paresis_paralysis#comments Neurological Sat, 24 Apr 2010 14:33:13 +0000 7297 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cancer/c_ct_paraneoplastic_syndromes  
Paraneoplastic syndromes (PNS) are a group of disorders that result from the abnormal secretions of a hormone or hormone-like product from a cancerous tumor, or from the body's immune response to the tumor. These secretions affect the related tissues or organs (that is, the tissues and organs that are directly related to the affected organ) and generate an abnormal clinical response in cats dealing with cancer.
 
Such a response is not due to the invasiveness of the primary tumor, but is a secondary response to the ...read more]]> Cancer Wed, 30 Sep 2009 14:45:48 +0000 4759 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cardiovascular/c_ct_hemotrophic_mycoplasmosis  
The mycoplasma bacteria are the most common cause of urinary tract infections and pneumonia. They are a class of bacterial parasite belonging to the order of Mollicutes. These parasites lack true cell walls and are able to survive without oxygen, making them resistant to antibiotics and therefore a greater challenge to detect and treat.
 
Hemotrophic mycoplasmosis is an infection of the red blood cells by mycoplasma. It can be either M. haemofelis, the most severe form that affects cats, or M. haemominutum]]> Cardiovascular Wed, 28 Jan 2009 21:58:44 +0000 3871 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/respiratory/c_ct_respiratory_parasites  
Respiratory parasites can be worms, or insects such as maggots or mites that live in the respiratory system, either in the passages or in the blood vessels. The infestation might affect the upper respiratory tract, including the nose, throat, and windpipe, or the lower respiratory passage, including the bronchi and lungs.
 
Such parasites affect all of the host’s systems: the respiratory system, the cardiovascular system (the heart), the circulatory system, and the endocrine system (the liver and kidneys).
 
Animals that live in multip ...read more]]> Respiratory Mon, 31 Aug 2009 17:54:41 +0000 4621 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/urinary/c_ct_cylindruria  
Particle matter in the urine may indicate that there is a primary kidney disease, or that there is a systemic disorder that is affecting the kidneys secondarily. The medical term for this condition is cylindruria, and it is characterized by an abnormally high amount of particle matter (casts) in the urine sediment. If there is particle matter in your cat's urine, you will need to have a urinalysis done within two hours of excretion, since the casts will typically dissolve after two hours.
 
Causes
 
Listed below are several possible conditions that wo ...read more]]> Urinary Thu, 15 Jan 2009 21:34:58 +0000 3788 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/skin/c_ct_feline_symmetrical_alopecia  
Alopecia is the medical term given for hair loss. Feline symmetrical alopecia is a distinctive form of hair loss in cats, characterized by hair loss forming in a symmetrical pattern with no gross changes to the skin. This symptom is a characteristic manifestation of a number of underlying disorders, including parasites (such as fleas), or infection.
 
There is no apparent age, breed, or gender that is more susceptible to this form of hair loss in cats.
 
Symptoms and Types
 
Feline symmetrical alopecia is evident by partial to ...read more]]> Skin Mon, 03 Nov 2008 15:44:56 +0000 690 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/behavioral/c_ct_pediatric_behavior_problems  
Pediatric behavior problems refer to undesirable behaviors exhibited by kittens between birth and puberty. It is important to address this as early as possible, because behaviors acquired during this age range may be difficult to change later. Preventative measures to avoid such behaviors are essential, as kittens are very vulnerable to physiological and environmental influences.
 
The most common problems are related to play, fearfulness, defensive aggression, and ...read more]]> Behavioral Thu, 30 Oct 2008 20:14:25 +0000 682 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cardiovascular/c_ct_pelger_huet_anomaly Pelger-Huët anomaly is an inherited disorder in which the neutrophils become hyposegmented (i.e., the nucleus of the cells has only two lobes or no lobes at all). For the most part, this is a harmless disorder which affects domestic shorthair cats.
 
Symptoms and Types
 
There are two types of this benign defect: heterozygous and homozygous. The heterozygous version is more common and is recognized because the cat's mature neutrophils resemble bands (slightly immature neutrophils) and metamyelocytes (a predecessor of granular leukocytes). Heterozygous anomaly is not ...read more]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cardiovascular/c_ct_pelger_huet_anomaly#comments Cardiovascular Sat, 24 Apr 2010 15:36:21 +0000 7300 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/respiratory/c_ct_nasal_nasopharyngeal_polyps  
Nasal polyps refer to protruding pink polypoid growths that are benign (not cancerous), and that are found to arise from the mucous membranes - the moist tissues lining the nose. Nasopharyngeal polyps refer to similar benign growths, but in this case may be found extending into the ear canal, pharynx (throat), and nasal cavity. Kittens and young adult cats between the ages of four months to approximately seven years are especially susceptible to the development of nasopharyngeal polyps.
 
The symptoms caused by nasal polyps can mimic illn ...read more]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/respiratory/c_ct_nasal_nasopharyngeal_polyps#comments Respiratory Sat, 22 May 2010 18:29:17 +0000 7394 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cardiovascular/c_ct_pit_viper_poisoning%20  

Pit vipers are known by several species: Crotalus (rattlesnakes), Sistrurus (pigmy rattlesnakes and massassauga), and Agkistrodon (copperheads and cottonmouth water moccasins). These snakes are of the family Crotalinae, and are recognized for their retractable fangs. They can be distinguished from other snakes by the heat-seeking pit located between the nostril and eye on their triangle-shaped heads. Their range is throughout the c ...read more]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cardiovascular/c_ct_pit_viper_poisoning%20#comments Cardiovascular Fri, 26 Feb 2010 00:51:00 +0000 5568 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/respiratory/c_ct_pneumonia_aspiration  
Aspiration pneumonia is a condition in which a cat's lungs become inflamed due to the inhalation of foreign matter, from vomiting, or from the regurgitation of gastric acid contents. This type of pneumonia can also be a direct result of a neuromuscular disorder, which would cause difficulty with swallowing, as well as problems associated with the esophagus, with possible paralysis of the esophagus.
 
Other causes for a dysfunction of the lungs may be an obstructed airway, or inhalation of gastric acids, which can cause extensi ...read more]]> Respiratory Mon, 19 Jan 2009 17:26:51 +0000 3805 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/respiratory/c_ct_pneumonia_bacterial While pneumonia refers to an inflammation of the cat's lungs, bacterial pneumonia refers specifically to an inflammation of the lungs in response to a disease-causing bacteria. This inflammation is characterized by an accumulation of cells and fluid in the lungs, airways, and alveoli (the portion of the airways in which oxygen and carbon dioxide are exchanged).
 
Prognosis for bacterial pneumonia is generally good if properly treated. However, there are two secondary effects (hypoxemia and sepsis) that may result from bacterial pneumonia, and which are associated with increase ...read more]]> Respiratory Mon, 19 Jan 2009 17:36:30 +0000 3806 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/respiratory/c_ct_pneumonia_fungal  
Fungal pneumonia refers to a form of pneumonia in which the lungs become inflammed due to a deep fungal infection, known as a mycotic infection. The inflammation in this form of pneumonia may occur in the interstitial tissues (the spaces between the tissue cells); in the lymphatic vessels (the vessels within the body that transport white-blood-cell-rich lymph liquid); or in the peribronchial tissues of the lung (the tissues surrounding the bronchi -- the airways going from the windpipe to the lungs).
 
Both dogs and cats may develop fungal pneumonia, al ...read more]]> Respiratory Mon, 19 Jan 2009 17:47:23 +0000 3807 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/respiratory/c_ct_pneumonia_interstitial  
Pneumonia refers to an inflammation in the cat's lungs. Interstitial pneumonia, meanwhile, refers to a form of pneumonia in which the inflammation occurs in the walls of the cat's alveoli (the air cells of the lungs), or in the interstitium (the spaces between the tissue cells of the alveoli). The alveoli are cellular components of the cat's airway -- where oxygen and carbon dioxide are exchanged.
 
Interstitial pneumonia can occur in both cats and dogs, with some breeds being more susceptible than others. If you would like to learn more about ho ...read more]]> Respiratory Mon, 19 Jan 2009 17:53:58 +0000 3808 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/respiratory/c_ct_petroleum_hydrocarbon_toxicos  
When a cat is exposed to refined petroleum oil products, or ingests products of this type, it can result in a severe and disease-like physical reaction, which is referred to as petroleum hydrocarbon toxicosis.
 
Petroleum products that commonly poison small animals are fuels, solvents, lubricants, and waxes, as well as some pesticides and paints that have a petroleum base. Petroleum products like benzene and turpentine are more likely to be inhaled into the lungs, causing chemical pneumonitis, a life-threatening condition in which the pet ...read more]]> Respiratory Mon, 19 Jan 2009 15:42:42 +0000 3796 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/urinary/c_ct_pelvic_bladder  
A cat's bladder may be displaced from its normal position due to anatomical irregularities, which can in the course of time affect the urethral size and/or position of the urethra, leading to concurrent infections of the urethra and/or bladder.
 
With posterior displacement of the bladder, the bladder is displaced caudally (i.e., near the tail). This condition is also referred to as caudal displacement, and as pelvic bladder, as the bladder is found in the pelvic area, rather than closer to the abdominal area.
 
When compared to dogs, this conditio ...read more]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/urinary/c_ct_pelvic_bladder#comments Urinary Mon, 15 Feb 2010 23:29:07 +0000 5493 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/reproductive/c_ct_eclampsia  
Eclampsia is a deficiency of blood calcium (hypocalcemia) that develops in the weeks after giving birth, although it may develop prior to birth or during lactation. Also called "milk fever," eclampsia is usually due to an underactive parathyroid gland, the gland that is responsible for regulating the parathyroid hormone, which in turn regulates the amount of calcium that is stored in the bones, to be removed as needed for use in the blood. As the parathyroid gland has not being signaled to stimulate the parathyroid hormone to release calcium from ...read more]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/reproductive/c_ct_eclampsia#comments Reproductive Thu, 28 Jan 2010 20:08:09 +0000 5394 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/digestive/c_ct_esophageal_diverticula  
Pulsion diverticula is a pushing outward of the wall of an internal, hollow organ, in this case, the esophagus. It is caused by increased pressure from within the esophageal cavity (intraluminal). This is directly related to esophageal diverticula, which is characterized by large, pouch-like sacs on the esophageal wall. Traction diverticula occurs secondary to inflammation, where fibrosis and contraction pull the wall of the esophagus out into a pouch, resulting in obstruction or failure of the esophageal muscles to move food through to the stomach.
&n ...read more]]> Digestive Tue, 13 Jan 2009 20:53:26 +0000 3775 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cancer/c_ct_adenocarcinoma_prostate  
The prostate gland is an important part of the male reproductive system. It contains many valuable and essential enzymes, including calcium and citric acid,and also plays an important role in the protection and motility of sperm. The liquid secreted by the prostate gland aids in the liquefaction of semen after ejaculation, and in the protection of sperm in the vagina.
 
Adenocarcinoma of the prostate gland is reported in cats but is relatively rare in this species as compared to dogs. Adenocarcinoma of the prostate gland originates in the glandu ...read more]]> Cancer Wed, 27 May 2009 20:47:15 +0000 4166 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/reproductive/c_ct_prostatitis  
Prostatitis is an inflammation of the prostate that is commonly the result of a long-standing infection that has gone undetected. An abscess of the prostate, demonstrated by a pus filled sac, may lead to prostatitis. Prostatitis is divided into two phases: acute (early), and chronic (later, farther into the disease).
 
Acute prostatitis occurs with the sudden onset of a bacterial infection in the prostate. Occasionally, the abscess may rupture and its contents will spill into the abdominal cavity.
 
Chronic prostatitis occurs whe ...read more]]> Reproductive Mon, 31 Aug 2009 17:41:50 +0000 4620 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/endocrine/c_ct_hepatic_amyloidosis  
Hepatic amyloidosis refers to the deposition of amyloid in the liver. Amyloidosis belongs to a group of disorders, all sharing a common feature: the pathologic and abnormal deposition of the fibrous protein amyloid into various tissues of the body, disrupting normal functioning of these areas. The accumulation of amyloid often occurs secondary to an underlying inflammatory or lympho-proliferative disorder. For example, when lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell, are produced in excessive quantities, amyloidosis can be a reaction to this condition. ...read more]]> Endocrine Mon, 29 Jun 2009 17:58:19 +0000 4337 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/endocrine/c_ct_amyloidosis  
Amyloidosis is a condition in which a waxy translucent substance – consisting primarily of protein – deposits in a cat’s organs and tissues. Prolonged excess of this condition may lead to organ failure. The kidney and liver are the most commonly affected, but amyloid deposition can also take place in other organs as well. No genetic involvement has been found, but familial liver amyloidosis is seen in Siamese and ]]> Endocrine Fri, 05 Jun 2009 20:54:03 +0000 4205 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/digestive/c_ct_rectal_prolapse  
Anal or rectal prolapse is a condition in which one or more layers of the cat's rectum are displaced through the anus, the opening which allows digestive waste to leave the body. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including disorders of the digestive, urinary, or genital systems.
 
Although cats of any gender, age, or breed may be affected by this disorder, the Manx cat appears to be more prone to the conditions. If you would like to learn how these disorders affect dogs, please visit ]]> Digestive Tue, 20 Jan 2009 16:24:29 +0000 3834 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/mouth/c_ct_tooth_root_abscess Mouth Mon, 02 Feb 2009 17:08:34 +0000 3885 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/respiratory/c_ct_pyothorax  
Pyothorax occurs when pus, the body's natural immune response to an invasion of bacteria, accumulates in the chest (pleural) cavity. Made up of white blood cells (neutrophils) and dead cells, pus gathers at the site of an infection. Eventually, the white blood cells die, leaving the thick whitish-yellow fluid that is characteristic of pus.
 
Pus that accumulates in the chest cavity, however, differs from an abscess, in that it does not create an enclosed wall of tissue to inhibit the bacteria from spreading. Instead, the pus forms into sacs that line the pleur ...read more]]> Respiratory Mon, 19 Jan 2009 21:59:56 +0000 3828 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/urinary/c_ct_pyuria  
Pyuria is a medical condition that can be associated with any pathologic process (infectious or noninfectious) that causes cellular injury or death, with tissue damage provoking oozing inflammation. Pyuria is characterized by evidence of increased white and red blood cells and protein in the urine. Large numbers of white blood cells in voided urine samples can indicate an active inflammation somewhere along the urogenital tract.
 
Symptoms
 

Local Effects of Inflammation
Redness of mucosal surfaces (e.g., redness of vaginal or ...read more]]> Urinary Wed, 01 Jul 2009 19:40:23 +0000 4365 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cardiovascular/c_ct_pyruvate_kinase_deficiency Pyruvate Kinase (PK) is an enzyme that plays an important role in energy generation and its deficiency impairs the red blood cells' (RBCs) ability to metabolize, which in turn may cause anemia and other blood-related issues.
 
Breeds more prone to PK deficiency include the Abyssinian, Somali, and domestic shorthair cats.
 
Symptoms and Types
 

Anemia
Weakness
Muscle wasting
Jaundice (rare)
Pale mucous membranes
Elevated heart rate (tachycardia)
Inability to perform rou ...read more]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cardiovascular/c_ct_pyruvate_kinase_deficiency#comments Cardiovascular Fri, 19 Mar 2010 16:16:16 +0000 7075 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/neurological/c_ct_q_fever  
Q fever is a disease caused by an infection with Coxiella burnetii, a pathogenic bacterium that is structurally similar to the Rickettsia bacteria but genetically different.
 
A cat will most commonly become infected with the organism if it ingests infected bodily fluids (i.e., urine, feces, milk, discharges), tissues, or diseased carcasses (e.g., those from cattle, sheep, or goats). The bacteria can also become airborne and is transmittable through fleas or lice, which carry C. burnetii in its parasitic form.
  ...read more]]> Neurological Mon, 19 Jan 2009 22:17:31 +0000 3831 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/neurological/c_ct_rabies Rabies is an inflammatory infection that specifically affects the gray matter of the cat's brain and its central nervous system (CNS). The primary way the rabies virus is transmitted to cats in the United States is through a bite from a disease carrier: foxes, raccoons, skunks, and bats. Infectious virus particles are retained in a rabid animal's salivary glands to better disseminate the virus through their saliva.
 
Once the virus enters the cat's body, it replicates in the cells of the muscles and then spreads to the closest nerve fibers, including all peripheral, sensory and ...read more]]> Neurological Mon, 19 Jan 2009 22:22:40 +0000 3832 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cardiovascular/c_ct_supraventricular_tachycardia  
Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) is a medical condition that is characterized by a rapid heart rate that occurs during times of rest or low activity (i.e., at times other than exercise, illness, or stress). A heart rate that remains excessively high over the long-term (such as those seen with SVT) can lead to progressive myocardial (heart muscle) failure as well as congestive heart failure.
 
SVT may go unnoticed when it is periodic, but when there are repetitive supraventricular premature electrical heart depolarizations (changes in the h ...read more]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cardiovascular/c_ct_supraventricular_tachycardia#comments Cardiovascular Tue, 08 Dec 2009 14:26:08 +0000 5132 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cardiovascular/c_ct_rapid_heart_beat  
Changes in heart rate usually involve a reciprocal action of the parasympathetic and sympathetic divisions of the autonomic nervous system (i.e., the automatic impulses of the system that control such actions as breathing and heart rate). Sinus tachycardia (ST) is clinically described as a sinus rhythm (heartbeat) with impulses that arise at a faster-than-normal rate: greater than 240 beats per minute in cats.
 
Severe tachycardia can compromise cardiac output, as too rapid rates shorten the diastolic filling time, the point in which the chambers of th ...read more]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cardiovascular/c_ct_rapid_heart_beat#comments Cardiovascular Fri, 26 Feb 2010 22:32:14 +0000 5575 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/eyes/c_ct_red_eye  
Red eye is a condition that causes the cat's eye to turn, well, red. This inflammation may be due to various factors, including excess blood in the eyelids (hyperemia) or in the eye's blood vessels (ocular vasculature). This occurs when ocular blood vessels expand in response to extraocular or intraocular (outside of, and within the eye, respectively) inflammation, or a passive accumulation of blood.
 
The condition described in this medical article can affect both dogs and cats. If you would like to learn more about how red eye affects dogs, ple ...read more]]> Eyes Thu, 22 Jan 2009 21:15:09 +0000 3851 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/eyes/c_ct_episcleritis  
Episcleritis is a medical condition of the eye, where the episclera (white part of the eye) appears red, but does not have any related discharge or excess tearing. This condition is typically benign and easy to treat using topical ointments or eye drops. The inflammation may appear as either a nodule or a thickening of the sclera (white part of the eye). Although it is typically limited to the specific area, it is possible for the inflammation to spread to other areas of the eye. The outcome is generally positive with treatment, although there are possible complic ...read more]]> Eyes Mon, 19 Jan 2009 16:35:57 +0000 3799 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/digestive/c_ct_regurgitation When a cat's stomach contents (i.e., food) move backwards, up into the esophageal track and into the mouth, this is referred to as regurgitation. This medical condition can be congenital or it can be acquired from a variety of causes. Fortunately, modifications to your cat's diet, in conjunction with medication, will correct the condition in most cases.
 
Regurgitation can occur in both dogs and cats. If you would like to learn how this medical disorder affects dogs, please visit this page in the P ...read more]]> Digestive Thu, 22 Jan 2009 21:27:07 +0000 3852 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/mouth/c_ct_retained_baby_teeth  
A retained or persistent deciduous (baby) tooth is one that is still present despite the eruption of the permanent tooth (which takes place between three to sevens months of age). Such teeth may go undiagnosed until later in life.
 
Persistent deciduous teeth can cause the permanent teeth to erupt in abnormal positions, resulting in a bad bite. The “bite” describes how the upper and lower teeth fit together in the mouth and can have a significant effect on biting and chewing. Early recognition and reparative dental care is essential. Reta ...read more]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/mouth/c_ct_retained_baby_teeth#comments Mouth Mon, 15 Feb 2010 23:39:24 +0000 5495 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/reproductive/c_ct_cryptorchidism  
Cryptorchidism is a condition characterized by incomplete or nonexistent descent of the testes. The testes normally descend into the scrotum while an animal is still very young. For cats, the testes have generally dropped into place before birth. When the descent of one, or both, of the testes does not take place, the testis that has not descended is retained somewhere in the lower part of the body. For example, they are sometimes retained in the inguinal canal - a passage in the groin that conveys the spermatic cord to the testes. If the testis is in the inguin ...read more]]> Reproductive Wed, 14 Jan 2009 16:43:13 +0000 3782 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/skin/c_ct_dermatophytosis%20  
Dermatophytosis is the medical term for a parasitic fungal infection affecting the skin, hair, and/or nails (claws). The most commonly isolated fungal organisms are Microsporum canis (more commonly referred to as ringworm), Trichophyton mentagrophytes, and Microsporum gypseum. This disease occurs in dogs, cats, and other mammals. In cats, these infections are more common in long-haired breeds than short-haired breeds. It is also diagnosed more commonly in young animals than in old.
 
The condition or disease described in this medical article can affect b ...read more]]> Skin Tue, 13 Jan 2009 20:31:34 +0000 3774 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/digestive/c_ct_salmonellosis  
Salmonellosis is an infection found in cats caused by the Salmonella bacteria. Along with causing gastroenteritis and septicemia in cats, salmonellosis is a zoonotic bacterial disease, meaning it can be transmitted to humans.
 
Salmonellosis can also affect dogs. If you would like to learn more about how this disease affects dogs, please visit this page in the PetMD health library.
 
Symptoms and Types
 
The severity of the disease will often determin ...read more]]> Digestive Thu, 12 Feb 2009 21:17:18 +0000 3934 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/skin/c_ct_scaling_skin  
Exfoliative dermatoses refers to a group of skin disorders that can be traced to one or more underlying disorders, which may vary in severity and treatment methods, but that share the common symptom of scaling skin. Therefore, exfoliative dermatoses is not the primary diagnosis, but the main descriptor. It is typically due to excessive or abnormal shedding, excessive accumulation of skin cells, or a loss of the cells' ability to adhere to each other.
 
If your cat is pregnant, you will need to make your veterinarian aware immediately, as some medi ...read more]]> http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/skin/c_ct_scaling_skin#comments Skin Mon, 25 Jan 2010 17:04:52 +0000 5367 at http://www.petmd.com http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/eyes/c_ct_retinal_detachment