Library
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Cats can have hearing loss due to increasing age or chronic ear infections, or they may be born with a defect. Deafness in cats can present some challenges, but overall they can have healthy, normal lives. It is possible to teach your cat household routines by using hand signals and body language. It is important to take their deafness into account when considering their safety, and they must remain indoors or in outdoor enclosures.
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Lomustine (brand names: Gleostine®, CeeNU®) is an anticancer chemotherapy used off label to treat brain and spinal cord tumors, mast cell tumors, histiocytic sarcomas, or lymphoma in cats and dogs. It is given by mouth as a capsule or compounded into other forms such as chewable tablets and liquid suspensions.
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Loperamide (brand names: Imodium®, Anti-Diarrheal®, Diamode®) is used to treat the signs of diarrhea in dogs, rabbits, rodents, and small mammals. It is available over the counter but should only be used as directed by your veterinarian. Loperamide is given by mouth in the form of a tablet, capsule, or liquid.
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Lorazepam (brand names Ativan®, Lorazepam Intensol®) is a benzodiazepine medication used off label to treat behavior problems such as anxiety, fears, and phobias in cats and dogs. It can also be used to treat seizures or to stimulate appetite in cats. It is given by mouth or injection. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it or other benzodiazepines, or that have severe breathing problems, or liver disease. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.
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Grief is the normal and natural response to the loss of someone or something. It is a full body experience that includes physical, emotional, cognitive, social, and spiritual responses. Grieving takes time. Usually it gradually lessens in intensity over time, but if it doesn’t, then professional counseling may help.
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Lotilaner is used to treat and prevent flea infestations and treat and control tick infestations in dogs and cats. After being administered to a pet, lotilaner is distributed throughout the body. When fleas or ticks bite the dog or cat, they are exposed to the drug and killed during their blood meal.
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Lufenuron is a medication that controls flea infestations in dogs, cats, rabbits, and ferrets. It is given by mouth in the form of a tablet or liquid to dogs, cats, rabbits, and ferrets. It may also be given by injection to cats. Side effects are uncommon but may include vomiting, diarrhea, lack of appetite, tiredness, reddening of the skin, or itchiness. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.
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Lung flukes are parasitic worms (trematodes) that infect cats’ lungs after they have eaten an infected crayfish or rodents that have eaten infected crayfish. Infected cats can be symptom-free or may develop cough with sometimes bloody mucus, pneumonia, pneumothorax, lethargy and weakness.
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Lung tumors are considered rare in cats and dogs. Many pets may not show symptoms at first, and a tumor may be found coincidentally. Depending on the type and stage of cancer, treatment may be possible; otherwise, symptomatic supportive care may be an alternative option.
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In North America, many parasitic lungworms infect cats. Cats can become infected by swallowing infective stages of parasitic lungworm. The exact means of becoming infected varies according to the life cycle of the particular parasite. Signs can include coughing, heavy breathing, wheezing, sneezing, poor appetite or anorexia, weight loss, fever, enlarged lymph nodes, and ocular or nasal discharge, and may be more prominent in kittens due to their immature immune systems. Although the success rate of treatment depends on the severity of symptoms and the number of parasites present, the prognosis for recovery is generally good.