Library
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Age is not a disease, but many changes occur as cats age that can result in diseases or disabilities. It's important to spend time with your cat to keep their stress low and monitor for changes. Regular veterinary examinations and discussions about your cat's behaviors at home will allow your veterinarian to provide recommendations on how to keep your senior cat healthy.
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Osteoarthritis (OA) is a progressive, degenerative disease that worsens over time. This handout discusses ways you can help your dog deal with OA. In addition to medications that may be prescribed by your veterinarian, other treatment options are outlined, such as weight loss, exercise, and complementary therapies such as chiropractic and physiotherapy.
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When a beloved family member dies, the survivors mourn the loss — including other pets. While dogs and cats may not fully grasp the significance of death, many pets exhibit behavioral patterns that suggest that they have been affected by the loss. This handout provides guidance on how to help your pet through their grief.
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Hepatic encephalopathy is a neurological condition in cats and dogs that is caused by an underlying liver condition. It can cause lethargy, seizures, problems with balance and coordination, and coma. This handout outlines common causes, signs, diagnosis, and treatment options.
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Hepatic lipidosis, also known as fatty liver syndrome, is unique to cats and is one of the most common liver diseases seen in cats. Usually a cat with hepatic lipidosis has recently gone through a period of anorexia (little or no eating) for 3 to 4 consecutive days. Diagnosis of hepatic lipidosis is made from blood tests that demonstrate poor liver function and/or from a liver biopsy or fine needle aspirate. Hepatic lipidosis is treatable with aggressive nutritional support until a normal appetite returns. Treating the underlying initial cause of the inappetence is also essential for full recovery.
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Feline viral rhinotracheitis (FVR) is an infectious disease caused by feline herpesvirus type-1. It is a major cause of upper respiratory disease in cats and is the most common cause of conjunctivitis. (inflammation of the tissues surrounding the eye, especially the lining of the lids and the third eyelid).
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High-calorie nutritional gel (brand name Nutri-Cal®) is a high calorie nutritional supplement for dogs and cats. It comes as an oral gel that is given to pets by mouth. This supplement is recommended for intermittent or supplemental use and should ideally be given at the same time daily.
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The most common cause of hip dislocation is blunt force trauma (a fall or automobile injury), but any traumatic injury to the hip area may cause a hip to dislocate. Most cats with a hip dislocation will have severe hind limb lameness and may not be able to put any weight on the affected limb.
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Histoplasmosis is an infection caused by histoplasma, a fungus found in moist soils and especially prevalent around the Ohio, Mississippi, Missouri, and St. Lawrence rivers, as well as the southern Great Lakes and Alberta. Fungal spores are inhaled or ingested and cause infection in many sites including the lungs, gastrointestinal tract, eyes, joints, and spleen. This handout outlines signs, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis. Histoplasmosis is transmissible to humans, especially if they are immunocompromised.
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Pets face a variety of potential hazards during the holidays, including tinsel, electrical cords, string from meat, ribbons, Christmas tree water, holiday plants, and foods like chocolate and bread dough. By observing a few commonsense guidelines, you can share a safe and healthy celebration with your cat.