Library
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A cataract is an increase in opacity of the eye’s lens. Any type of inflammation or damage to the lens can lead to a cataract. The clinical signs of cataracts vary depending on the size of the cataract; many cataracts are asymptomatic at the time they are diagnosed during a veterinary exam. The ideal treatment for cataracts is surgery, but not all cats are candidates for surgical treatment. In these cases, anti-inflammatory medications may be used to prevent glaucoma and other secondary complications of cataracts.
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Cerebellar hypoplasia is a developmental condition in which the cerebellum of the brain fails to develop properly. It most commonly occurs when a pregnant cat becomes infected with feline panleukopenia virus and passes the infection to her unborn kittens. There is no treatment, but kittens with cerebellar hypoplasia are not infectious to other kittens or cats, are not in any pain, and will learn to adapt to their disability over time.
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Chediak-Higashi Syndrome is a rare genetic disease that affects smoke-blue Persian cats. The condition affects how the body processes waste products, resulting in changes within the body’s cells and leading to abnormal pigmentation of the skin and coat. The condition can lead to eye abnormalities and problems with blood clotting, but most cats can have a normal lifespan with careful health monitoring.
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Chin acne in cats is a poorly understood disorder of follicular keratinization (the overproduction of keratin, a protein found in the outer layer of skin). This handout outlines potential causes, clinical signs, treatment, and prognosis of this condition.
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Chlamydial conjunctivitis in cats is highly contagious and can look similar to herpes conjunctivitis. Young cats and kittens are especially vulnerable to this infection, although chlamydia can be detected in cats of all ages. It is one of the most common causes of infectious conjunctivitis in cats. This handout describes the clinical signs and how this condition can be treated or prevented.
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Cholangitis/cholangiohepatitis syndrome (CCHS) is an inflammatory liver disease. Cholangitis is inflammation of the bile ducts. Cholangiohepatitis is inflammation of the bile ducts, gallbladder, and surrounding liver tissue. This handout outlines clinical signs, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis.
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Chronic bronchitis is a long-term inflammatory condition that affects the pulmonary or respiratory system. This condition is irreversible and is slowly progressive. This article discusses how the condition is diagnosed as well as treatments to slow the progression of the disease.
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Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is the inability of the kidneys to efficiently filter the blood of waste products. It is mainly a problem in mature and senior cats (seven years and older), affecting 30% to 40% of cats over 10 years of age and 81% of cats over 15 years. This handout describes clinical signs, causes, diagnosis, treatment, and nutritional management.
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Chronic upper respiratory tract disease in cats results from long-term inflammation of any part of the upper respiratory tract. It can occur for a variety of reasons. Common signs include sneezing, nasal or eye discharge, and noisy breathing. It is often associated with chronic viral infections and secondary bacterial infections.
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Chylothorax is a relatively rare condition in cats in which lymphatic fluid (called chyle) leaks into the pleural cavity (an area between the lungs and the inner lining of the chest wall), causing lung compression and the inability of the lungs to fill with air. This occurs more commonly in purebred cats. The causes, diagnostics, treatments, and prognosis are explained in this handout.