The health of domestic cats has been a well-researched area in recent veterinary medicine. Many of the diseases that are common in wild cats, have also been found in domestic cats. This suggests that domestic cats may be more susceptible to illness than previously thought. One of the diseases that has been studied is osteoarthritis in cats. Osteoarthritis is common in many cats but it can be quite painful for them. This article will discuss the symptoms of this disease and some ways of preventing osteoarthritis in cats.
Osteoarthritis in cats is an arthritic condition, which affects the cartilage. It usually develops gradually and without any obvious symptoms in cats. The affected area will become stiff and sore, with a lesser ability to move about. The disease can affect any part of the body but most often affects the knees. Cats with this disease may start to limber after they have been injured.
Infectious arthritis is also called feline infectious peritonitis. This is an inflammation of the joints and other areas of the body which contain joint fluid. Symptoms in cats include lameness, swelling, stiffness and pain. Animals with the disease show little activity, tend to rub their eyes and vomit frequently. This is one of the most common infectious diseases affecting companion animals and can also be fatal.
To prevent cats from getting sick using drugs, antiviral medications and antibiotics is best. Careful feeding is important to get them back to good health as food poisoning is one of the leading causes of illness in felines. Veterinarians may recommend that a course of famciclovir be started on infected animals to help treat the disease.
Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) is another potentially life-threatening disease affecting cats. It attacks the immune system and depletes the animals’ ability to fight off infection. An unproven but promising treatment, intravenous immunoglobulin is being used to treat cats with FIV. Though this appears to be a relatively new technique, there have been reports of success in treating infected pets with immunoglobulin.
Rabies is another deadly disease infecting cats. Symptoms include incontinence, drooling, foaming at the mouth, and constant howling. Rabies progresses through a slow progression of muscle weakness, loss of coordination, speech problems, and memory loss. Vomiting, blood in urine, and abnormal behavior may be early signs of rabies. Rabies can be fatal if not treated promptly.
Cats can be vaccinated against a variety of diseases by visiting the veterinarian, but vaccination schedules can vary depending on whether the cat is already immunized or un vaccinated. A majority of veterinarians recommend routine annual exams for cats, although some will consider vaccination as a last resort. During an exam, veterinarians check for signs of illness and diseases through physical observation, diagnostic procedures such as x-rays and stool samples, and diagnostic tools such as catalepsy machines and urinalysis. The cat’s temperature, heart rate, respiration, and swollen lymph nodes can all be analyzed using these tools. If a veterinarian suspects a disease or infection, a course of antibiotics may be recommended.
Many breeds suffer from some types of skin disorder, and cats can share oral or nasal disease. Acrochordons (cats with colored ears and fur) are very prone to a condition called icthyosis, which results from excessive oil in the ears. This condition can lead to swelling, pain, and discharge from the nose. Other common conditions include ear mites, allergies, and inflammatory skin diseases. Uc Davis is the only pediatric urologist on staff at the Children’s Hospital of UTallas.