Heatstroke is a serious condition that can lead to rapid death. Symptoms of heatstroke must be recognized and treatment must be initiated rapidly. Symptoms Early symptoms of heatstroke are labored breathing, warm dry skin, an anxious attitude, and profuse salivation. As the condition progresses, the animal develops a glazed look, and is somewhat unresponsive to […]
Summer is a fun and exciting time of year. During the warm months, pets are less confined to the interior of the house and spend much more time outdoors. Special precautions must be taken to ensure that Rover and Kitty remain healthy and cool during the hot summer days. Sweating is an efficient mechanism for […]
These intestinal parasites are often found in young puppies and kittens. They measure two to six inches in length and look like very thin pieces of spaghetti. Roundworm infections often cause kittens to appear pot-bellied or bloated, anemic, have diarrhea, weight loss and vomit. The kittens are often less lively and do not grow as […]
Most veterinary hospitals are equipped for feline leukemia virus (FeLV) testing. The test is well worth the money and is used to diagnose FeLV-related illnesses, detect subclinical infections, and identify FeLV infections in multicat households (and catteries). It is highly advisable to test any cat or kitten before introducing him or her into a new […]
Pulling on objects with front claws (scratching) is an instinctive behavior common to all cats. Scratching is necessary in order to remove old dead nail fragments, allowing for the growth of new nail tissue. Cats also mark territory by scratching on objects. Even though scratching is a normal behavior, it can be extremely destructive. Cats […]
Ovariohysterectomy is the medical term for spaying a female cat. Ovariohysterectomy is best performed on kittens and young cats. If necessary, the surgery can be performed at a very early age without any noticeable side effects. Though ovariohysterectomies can be performed at any age, the surgery is much less complicated and there are fewer risks […]
Having your pet spayed (ovariohysterectomy) or neutered (castrated) is an inexpensive and realistic method of pet population control. The number of unwanted adult and young animals that are euthanized each year in the United States is astounding. Aside from the pet overpopulation problem, neutering a male animal and spaying a female helps prevent, and even […]
Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is a contagious viral disease of cats. Young and old cats appear to be most susceptible; however, cats of all ages can become infected. The disease is worldwide and affects exotic cats (lions, cougars, bobcats, lynx, jaguars, and cheetahs) as well as domestic cats. Cats infected with FIP transmit the virus […]
Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) is one of the major causes of illness and death in domestic cats. The virus is contagious and spreads primarily through intimate nose-to-nose contact with infected saliva. This very often occurs during cat fights, grooming, and mating. Contaminated urine, blood, and feces are also sources of infection. The virus can cross […]
Most infectious upper respiratory diseases of cats are due to two highly contagious viruses: feline herpesvirus (also known as feline viral rhinotracheitis – FVR) and feline calicivirus (FCV). Both viruses cause similar clinical symptoms in cats, thus they are grouped together as one disease group, the feline respiratory viruses. A third organism also causes upper […]
