A FELINE HEALTH GLOSSARY
AAbandonment: There are more homeless cats than dogs, but the proportion is lower because it is often the cats themselves who choose freedom. The problem of true abandonment arises when, for example, an aged owner dies and his or her family discards the cat, but it is often the saddened pet than runs away Abscess: A deposit of pus that may occur in various parts of the animal's body as a reaction to infection. Often abscesses are caused by wounds suffered in fights that become infected by germs, from the enemy's claws. They cause a painful swelling, with fever frequently present. An abscess should never be squeezed but brought to a head with localized bathing with warm water and salt. It can be cleaned out with hydrogen peroxide and a cotton-tipped swab Acne: A skin disease affecting the chin and the area around the lips. It can be caused by faulty diet, constipation, or hormonal dysfunctions. In mild cases, the affected area should be washed with neutral soap and immediately rinsed. In serious cases, including sizable infected areas or the appearance of boils, the services of a veterinarian are required for the administration of antibiotics or surgery Acquired
immunity: Comes from a vaccination or from overcoming a
previous attack of the illness. Results in resistance to
further infection Acute Metritis: An infection of the uterus Aggressiveness: The tendency of a cat to scratch, bite or bully. Fights between cats are not limited to the mating season, but may come about over territorial rights or food. Often aggressive behavior is irreversible and due to psychological disturbances Aging: - A cat is old at nine years, but its old age can be extended. It will stay at home, wanting only peace and quiet; it will sleep more than before; it will prefer lying in corners away from family activities. Its diet should include less meat and more fish, fresh cheese, and broth, with some fat, but no sweets or tidbits from the table. As it ages, the cat will lose aggressiveness, its sight and hearing will become less acute, it will tend to gain weight, and its bodily functions will be less regular. An aged cat should have a regular checkup by a veterinarian Allele: One of a group of genes that occur at a given place on a chromosome strand and determine physical characteristics Allergen: Any inanimate or living object that creates an allergic reaction Allergy : A state of hypersensitivity to substances normally considered in-offensive - food, medicine, pollen, dust. Symptoms may be swelling, blotching, itching, watering of the eyes, running of the hose, breathing difficulty, pain, digestive upset. Old cats often have food allergies which cause them to scratch themselves and lick their coats. Often a change of diet suffices as a cure. Other allergies affect the respiratory system and cause asthma. The most common allergy among cats is a skin allergy caused by flea bites. The most immediate treatment is to rid the animal of fleas. If the skin is seriously irritated, anti-flea medicines and shampoo could aggravate the affliction. The bet should be called. Besides being victims of allergies, cats can also cause them. The mere presence of a cat in a room can cause attacks of asthma or sneezing in many people Alopecia: A pathological skin condition resulting in the loss of hair outside the moulting season, with the falling out in patches. Avoid home remedies (especially with an alcohol base) and take the cat to the vet immediately Alter:
To surgically remove the reproductive ability of animals
either through spaying (females) or through neutering
(males). Also a type of class in cat shows in which cats
that have been spayed or neutered compete Anesthesia: Any gas or drug used to create a state of unconsciousness or insensitivity to pain. A well-equipped veterinary clinic is prepared to administer anesthesia during surgery with the same methods used in hospitals for humans. These include injected muscle relaxants, sedatives, and general anesthetics. Most operations require general anesthesia, from which the animal will quickly recover Antibiotics : Substances produced from bacteria which can combat harmful microorganisms and their reproduction. The best known antibiotic is penicillin. It should be used only as prescribed by a vet. Prescribed dosages should be followed to the letter Antigen:
A foreign "enemy" substance, such as germs,
that enter the body and lead to the formation of
antibodies by the white blood cells. This
"enemy" can also be a usually innocuous
substance such as pollen or dander Ascarids: Round worms, cylindrical parasites measuring 1 to 4 in. (2.5 to 10 cm) in length, pinkish in colour, which live in the intestines of cats (and in rare instances also plague humans). Sometimes they are so numerous as to form bundles, which can cause occlusion. Ascarid larvae can be transmitted from a nursing mother cat to its young. It is therefore advisable to have kittens wormed during the first few weeks of life. Worms in an advanced state caused by neglect or ignorance cause loss of weight, swelling of the belly, dullness of the coat, vomiting, convulsions, and progressive weakness. They are life threatening to young kittens. The surest evidence is detection of them in the feces. A vet must prescribe the proper medicine. The cat's environment should be disinfected to destroy all eggs Asthma: The word means "difficult breathing." It is a chronic disease characterized by labored breathing, coughing spells, and chest constriction. When bronchitis is not treated promptly, it may develop into asthma. In old cats, complete recovery is difficult, especially if the cat has heart or lung problems. Limited diet, rest in a dry place and visits to the vet are necessary Asymptomatic: Exhibiting no symptoms for a disease Auto-immune disease: A disease in which the body's own defense mechanisms attack normal tissues BBandaging: The purpose of bandaging is to stop bleeding or prevent contamination of a wound. Bandaging a wounded cat, however, is difficult, because the cat is nervous, usually in pain, and will try to remove any bandage with its teeth and claws. Applying a wrapped bandage is probably a job for the vet, except in an emergency Booster vaccination: Injections that are given periodically after the primary injection to continue immunity to a specific disease Breed: A strain or variety of a species of animal, among which aesthetic and psychological qualities are transmitted from one generation to another in a highly selective manner Bronchitis: Inflammation of the bronchial tubes, of which the symptoms are depression, chills, coughing, and loss of appetite. The most common kind of bronchitis is caused by respiratory diseases. Treatment is to keep the cat in a room at constant temperature and to give it expectorants. Chronic bronchitis is a typical disease of old cats. Such cases are mostly treated by the giving of expectorants and sedatives in an effort to avoid the development of asthma. A serious complication is bronchial pneumonia, which is particularly grave because the infection attacks the lung tissue. The cat appears depressed, has a dry cough, high fever, quickened breathing, and loss of appetite with increased thirst. The services of a vet are absolutely necessary. Drugs and antibiotics may bring about recovery in two weeks, but the cat will need a period of convalescence in a dry place, with a light diet of foods particularly to its liking Burns: The most common types of burns are those from heated objects or from boiling water. Often the seriousness of the injury is underestimated because no welts are visible on the cat's skin and the fur is undisturbed. But if the hair comes out easily when pulled, it means that the burn is serious and must be treated immediately. While waiting for the vet's examination, you can relieve pain by applying ice or cold compresses to the burn. Electrical burns may happen when a cat is playing with a lamp cord or similar device. The shock is most frequently sustained by the mouth, but the vet should check to see whether there is any damage to the lungs CCalcivirus: A serious respiratory illness Canine teeth: The large, sharp, curved teeth that are located on each side of the mouth. (Also referred to as eye teeth) Cardiomyopathy:
A progressive, genetically linked heart defect that
causes heart failure Castration: The surgical removal of the testicles of the male cat. Altering should be performed after the sixth or seventh? month or when the vet advises. Contrary to popular belief, altering your cat WILL NOT make it fat Cataract: An eye disease which mainly attacks older cats. The crystalline lens of the eye becomes opaque, and vision is sharply reduced. Causes may be diabetes, poisoning, traumas, or old age. Surgery is recommended, especially if the animal is young Cat Registration: Genealogical listing of all purebred cats with their detailed pedigrees. Every cat fanciers' association keeps such a record of all members' animals. A cat must be entered in the files before a pedigree is issued Cattery: The place where breeders mate cats with the aim of maintaining the purity and perfection of a breed and to supply kittens for sale Cesarean birth - The method by which kittens are delivered by surgical means through the abdominal wall. Cesarean births are sometimes advisable for small females, which are constitutionally unable to cope with normal birth Chromosomes:
Elements in a cell that control inherited characteristics
Cleft
palate: A birth defect in which the two halves of the
mouth do not fuse together properly Colic: A morbid syndrome with acute abdominal pain connected with disease, the swallowing of foreign bodies, or fecal impaction. Diagnosis and treatment must be made by a vet. The use of laxatives should be avoided Colitis:
Inflammation of the large intestine Conjunctivitis: Inflammation of the membrane on the inside surface of the eyes Constipation: Difficulty in bowel movement. When it occurs, a change in diet is recommended (fresh liver has a laxative effect) together with the administration of a spoonful of vaseline oil or corn oil. Constipation may be caused at times by the cat's swallowing hair. If the condition is serious and persistent, surgery may be necessary Contusion: The result of a violent blow from a non-cutting outside object (collision, fall, a thrown stone) usually accompanied by painful swelling. There may be lacerations, bruises, or hematoma (a swelling suffused with blood). The blood is normally reabsorbed quickly upon application of a warm poultice or a pomade Convulsions: Strong and involuntary contraction of the muscles Cystitis: Inflammation of the bladder caused by bacteria. Urination becomes frequent and difficult, and the urine is clouded by albumin or pus. The attack is accompanied by fever and pains. antibiotics offer a quick cure. There should always be a dish of fresh water so that the cat is free to drink as often as it wishes. The litter box should be kept as clean as possible DDandruff: A health cat healthy have a soft skin free from scabs and dandruff. If dandruff is present, it is a possible sign of fleas, tapeworm, allergic dermatitis, or some other ailment. Consult a vet Deafness: A cat' s ears may be afflicted by hardening of the duct, accumulation of wax, perforation of the eardrum, catarrh - all disturbances which can lead to deafness Declawed: A cat that has had its claws surgically removed. Most cat associations do not allow declawed cats to be in competition Dehydration:
Loss of water from the tissues Diabetes - A disease mostly of old cats caused by faulty diet, obesity, genetic factors, or reaction to some drugs. The animal loses weight, drinks an unusual amount of water, urinates frequently, and is weak. Diagnosis is through urine analysis. Treatment is with insulin and diet control Digitalis: A heart tonic sometimes prescribed in small doses to strengthen the heartbeat Disinfestation - The process by which harmful parasites infesting the cat are destroyed. Baths and antiparasite powders are useful. Fleas reproduce in tight corners of the animal's bed and on the adjacent floor. Thus a thorough cleaning is needed in the area where the cat has its bed Distemper: See Feline infectious enteritis Drugs: Drugs used in veterinary medicine are specially formulated for cats; sometimes they are the same as those used for humans. They must, of course, be prescribed carefully to avoid overdoses with harmful results Dysentery: An infection of the lower intestinal tract causing pain, fever, and severe diarrhea. It may come from a number of causes; faulty diet, colds, feline enteritis, intestinal parasites, poisoning or other gastrointestinal afflictions. The cat should be kept in a warm room without eating and the vet should be called Dyspnea: Labored breathing following accidents or during pulmonary afflictions. The cause must be determined immediately and treatment undertaken EEclampsia:
A disease that occurs in late pregnancy or after birth
that causes loss of consciousness, convulsions and can
lead to sudden death. It is caused by a calcium
deficiency Enteritis: Intestinal inflammation from toxic causes (food poisoning, long-term constipation) or from bacterial infection. Mild cases are treated with 24 hours of fasting followed by a diet of skim milk? and broths. More severe cases, accompanied by fever, will call for administration of antispasmodics and/or antibiotics. Infectious enteritis is a contagious disease which, if not quickly diagnosed, may be fatal. It can be prevented by vaccination Estrus: Pertaining to the periods of ovulation in female cats. Referred to as "being in heat" Euthanasia: Death intentionally caused, most often by injection of drugs that cause cessation of heart action. It is used to "put to sleep" pets which have an incurable disease and to spare them from needless suffering Exercise: Docile cats or those who are kept indoors become fat and flabby and have less resistance to fatigue and illness. Thus exercise is a necessity Eyes: An owner should examine the cat's eyes often and, when necessary clean them with a little cotton dampened with lukewarm water. Cat's eyes can be harmed by dust, cold drafts, lesions, or foreign bodies, which may lead to conjunctivitis, corneal ulceration, or cataracts. Any of these afflictions left untended may result in blindness FFatigue: Fatigued cats may appear depressed, indifferent, and may vomit or have blood in their urine. Total rest is the proper cure Fear: The instinct for self-preservation leads unattached cats to avoid humans, dogs, loud noises, and strange places. A housecat, however, is normally much more relaxed and even if frightened by some unexpected event, can usually be easily quieted. Abnormal cases of inborn, or congenital, timidity are hard to remedy Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV): A virus that invades the cat's DNA and uses it to reproduce, causing dysfunction of the immune system Feline Infectious Enteritis (Panleucopenia): This disease is caused by a virus and is fatal, particularly in kittens and young cats if not treated immediately by a vet. The symptoms are listlessness, loss of appetite, vomiting, extraordinary thirst, rise of temperature and rapid deterioration in condition. If a kitten is vomiting and looks poorly, call the vet immediately. Speed is essential. All kittens should be vaccinated against feline infectious enteritis Feline
Infectious Peritonitis (FIP): A coronavirus infection of
the membrane lining the abdominal cavity. This disease is
always fatal Fever: A cat's normal temperature range is 100.5 - 102.5 degrees farenheit. The animal is feverish, sad, has little appetite, and stays by itself - all symptoms of some complaint which must be diagnosed Foreign Bodies: Such foreign bodies as slivers, fish bones, or other pointed bones may get stuck in the cat's throat or gums. If the cat does not succeed in removing such bodies by its own efforts, the services of a veterinarian may be required Fracture: There are two types of fractures - simple, when there is no visible break in the skin, and compound, when a bone protrudes from a wound. Deformations of the legs as a result of a fracture may be apparent, the animal's movements may be abnormal, or the legs may be unable to sustain the cat's weight. Usually the pet cries out continually. The vet should treat all fractures. It is best not apply a splint by yourself GGastritis: An irritation of the stomach caused by indigestion, spoiled food, chills, or vermin. A symptom is the vomiting of a clear or yellow fluid in an effort to rid its body of harmful food. Fasting for 24 hours is recommended. There is also an acute form of gastritis with not only vomiting but also high fever, diarrhea, and excessive thirst. In such cases, a visit to the vet is absolutely necessary Gingivitis: Inflammation of the gums caused by tartar on the teeth, spoiled foods, medicines not tolerated by the cat, or tooth cavities. There may be swelling, bleeding and pus. Treatment is by local disinfection HHeart, diseases of: The four major categories of heart disease are congestive heart failure, pre-heart failure states, arrhythmia, and shock with hypertension. Old cats are most likely to suffer. The most apparent symptoms are difficult breathing, trembling and excessive fatigue. Care of a vet is essential Heartworm: A rare, but potentially life-threatening parasite, that travels through a cat's bloodstream and grows large in the heart Heatstroke: Extremely hot, humid weather may cause heatstroke in cats if they are not kept cool and given ample water. Symptoms include elevated body temperature (110F), suffering, staggering, possible vomiting and collapse. The cat should be removed immediately to a cool place, where ice compresses should be applied. Blood circulation can be improved by body massage. A cat must never be left in a closed car exposed to the sun, nor should it be required to travel for long distances during unusually hot weather. Very young kittens are especially vulnerable to heatstroke, as are old cats and overweight animals Hemorrhage: Continuous loss of blood from a wound or lesion which results from the breaking of veins or arteries. The bleeding should be stopped as quickly as possible by cold compacts and pressure on the wound. Surgery is often required. If the bleeding is from an artery, use of a tourniquet above the wound is necessary. Lesions caused by being hit by a car or other vehicle may cause internal hemorrhaging in which blood accumulates in the abdomen, stomach, or bladder. The animal must be permitted absolute rest under the care of a vet Heredity: The transmission of physical and psychological characteristics from parents to offspring. The extension of characteristics from one generation to another is not all inclusive, since the young may all resemble the father, or all may resemble the mother, or half may resemble one parent and the remaining half the other, thus transmitting traits from distant ancestors as well Histamines: Chemicals released by the body when antibodies encounter an allergen. These chemicals cause the familiar allergic reactions such as sneezing and watery eyes Hookworm: A parasitic worm that thrives in unsanitary conditions Hydrophobia (rabies: A very serious disease that may strike dogs, wolves, mice and cats. The rabies virus can be transmitted by the bite of an infected animal. A victim of rabies seeks the dark, is irritable, tries to hide, is given to unprovoked scratching, and is unable to drink because of paralysis of the glottis. Death is certain. Have your cat vaccinated against rabies Hygiene: All the activities aimed at cleanliness of the animal's body, such as combing, brushing, elimination of parasites, bathing and dry shampooing, proper diet, and regularity of bowel movements Hyperthermia: Increased body temperature that can result from heat stroke IIndigestion : Caused by overfeeding, faulty diet, voracious eating, swallowing foreign bodies, gastritis, and other factors. The cat seems depressed, refuses to eat, suffers from stomach pains and whines; it may even seem to be undergoing a nervous attack. A brief period without eating is usually enough to bring the animal back to normal form. Regular eating should be resumed gradually, starting with broth Infection: Sickness caused by penetration of germs into the body, where they reproduce. A cat's wounds, especially if it lives much of its life outdoors, can easily become infected. If neglected or badly treated, infections can worsen into abscesses Influenza : Symptoms include sneezing, discharge of fluid from the eyes, loss of appetite, fever, ulcers, on tongue, drooling, and apathy. If properly treated, the cat should be cured in a week or ten days, but if neglected influenza may open the way for serious viral disease. Even a simple cold is reason enough to keep a cat in a warm place, well protected from dampness and drafts Injection: The process by which liquid medicines are put into some part of the body. It may be subcutaneous or hypodermic, when simply directed beneath the skin. The best place on a cat's body is the flank adjacent to the kidneys after the skin has been caught up into a fold by the owner's fingers. When giving an animal injections, it is a good plan for one or two people to hold the cat down because it will struggle to escape the needle Insect Bites: Such bites become noticeable when there is swelling around the bite. If an insect stinger is visible, it should be removed with tweezers. If the stinger is not visible and swelling continues, with or without respiratory complications, the cat should be taken to the vet LLaryngitis: Inflammation of the larynx, often in association with pharyngitis. Symptoms are tickling of the throat, coughing, hoarseness. The affliction appears after a cold or an attack of influenza Laxative : Medication for the relief of constipation. Emollients used in the preparation of typical laxatives include mineral oil or petroleum jelly (1 tsp in the food for two or three days). Laxatives should be used only on the advice of a vet Licking: If a cat persists in licking a given part of its body, it probably means that it has a wound, foreign body, or perhaps an abscess is forming. The owner should examine the localized area to ascertain what the problem is. Licking, however, is a normal technique of self-grooming and is quite normal when not obsessively confined to one area of the body Limping: When a cat limps or keeps one leg uplifted while walking, it means it has had an accident. The vet will able to ascertain whether it is caused by a bruise, twisting of the leg, dislocation or fracture Loss of Appetite : Whenever a cat that has always eaten normally loses its appetite, the owner should be alerted, since it may be symptomatic of indigestion, feline infectious enteritis or cat flu, a cold, or fever. If the condition lasts for several days and signs of weight loss appear, then treatment by a vet should be arranged Luxating patella: Genetically transmitted problem that causes the knee cap to slip when the joint is moved. Can cause lameness MMange: A disease caused by the presence of parasitic mites barely visible to the naked eye. There are several varieties of parasitic mites, each attacking different sections of the body. Otodectes cynotis live in the ear canal, causing dark wax which in turn itches the cat persistently. Notoedres cati are mites that localize on the head by burrowing beneath the skin, causing itching and loss of hair. Trombiculid mites (chiggers) can land on any part of the body. They are red, orange, or yellowish specks no bigger than the point of a pin. They cause severe itching. All mites must be treated by a vet with a form of insecticide formulated for cats plus a topical treatment for relief of the symptoms Mastitis: Acute inflammation of the nipples in a nursing female cat. It is caused by a trauma, infection, or blocked passage of the milk through the mammary glands. Symptoms are swelling orhardening of the nipples, which may also become fevered or purplish, possibly with the emission of discoloured milk that may be streaked with blood. The affliction may strike only one nipple. Hot compresses applied to the area may give relief until the animal can be seen by a vet Mites: Very small arachnids that cause and carry a variety of diseases NNephritis: Inflammation of the kidneys resulting from a severe illness that overtaxes the kidneys. In the acute form of nephritis, the animal suffers from depression, colic, painful and increased urination, thirst, vomiting or loss of appetite. Urinalysis is the key to accurate diagnosis. If neglected, this disease can be fatal Neurosis: Strong emotions, toxic reactions, and extended sickness can cause a cat to become neurotic, with changes in humour and behaviour, onset of fears and constant mewing. The cause(s) of the neurosis should be eliminated and treatment begun to remedy the animal's condition Neuter: A surgical procedure that prevents a male cat from being able to impregnate a female Nictating membrane: The third eyelid which a cat can pull across its eye for addition protection OObesity: Overweightness is harmful to joints, the heart and the lungs. The obese cat becomes lethargic. Overweightness is almost always caused by overeating. A low-calorie diet with vitamin and mineral supplements should be started and strictly adhered to Otitis: Inflammation of the outer ear. It becomes reddened, there is an excessive flow of wax, and the cat tends to scratch its ear more than normally. Regular cleansing of the ear can prevent the onset of otitis, which is encouraged by the presence of eczema, mange mites, or foreign bodies. If untended, otitis may lead to deafness Onychectomy (Declawing): A surgical process that permanently removes the nails on an animal. (Note: Declawing is NOT advisable) For further information, please click here Ovariohysterectomy (Spaying): A sterilization procedure, in which the female cat's ovaries are removed PPanleukopenia: Viral infection that attacks the bones and intestinal walls Paralysis: An affliction in which abnormalities in the nervous system lead to partial or total loss of sensation in certain parts of the body. In cats, paralysis can be caused by calcium deficiency, which leads in turn to decalcification of the bones, fractures, a broken spinal column with lesions in the spinal cord, or by a cerebral hemorrhage. Immediate treatment is necessary Parasites: Creatures that live upon others, often causing discomfort or disease. Parasites that take up residence on the cat's skin include fleas, ticks, and lice, which can be eliminated by the use of powders, certain compresses, or pesticide collars. Internal parasites invade the cat's stomach, intestine, or blood stream. These include roundworms, hookworms, heartworms, protozoans, strongyloides, and tapeworms. Tests, including micro-examination of the feces, can determine whether a cat is free from or afflicted by parasites. Left untreated, internal and external parasites weaken the animal, leaving it more susceptible to disease. Pleurisy: Inflammation of the pleura, which is the serious membrane surrounding the lung. Causes include deep wounds in the thorax, severe colds, bronchial pneumonia, tuberculosis. The cat finds breathing painful, has a dry cough, and a slight fever. It should be taken to a vet for treatment. Pericarditis:
An inflammation of the membrane covering the heart. Pneumonia: An acute virus infection of the lungs caused by a severe cold in a weak animal. It is often associated with bronchitis and pleurisy. Symptoms include high fever, dry cough, difficulty in breathing, loss of appetite. The disease attacks young cats particularly. Treatment by the vet includes injections of antibiotics and the administration of expectorants. Convalescence in a warm environment takes about one month Poisoning: May be caused by spoiled food, poisoned meat set out to destroy pests, mice killed by arsenic, household or garden chemicals, or poisons cruelly fed to the animal by others. Other household poisons are lead, petroleum distillates, detergents, lye, cleansers, mothballs and medications such as aspirin. It is almost never possible to notice poisoning at the moment it occurs but only later, when the symptoms become evident. Such symptoms include heavy flow of saliva, a sense of suffocation, diarrhea, collapse and nervous attacks. Get the animal to a vet immediately Pyometra: An infection of the uterus Pyorrhea (peridontitis): A disease of the gums surrounding the teeth resulting in the eventual loss of a tooth if not treated. The affliction is found chiefly in old cats. Symptoms are hesitancy to chew hard food, also bleeding gums. Treatment is removal of plaque and/or tartar QQuick: The root inside the nail, carrying blood RRabies: See Hydrophobia Renal amyloidosis: A genetically linked kidney condition that can cause kidney failure Respiratory ailments - The first symptom of respiratory illness is sneezing followed by watering of the eyes, listlessness, and loss of appetite. If the breathing rate increases or there is fever, attention by the vet is required. The complaint may prove serious in the case of old animals with heart problems, but in most cases treatment with antibiotics is sufficient Rheumatism : A localized or spreading pain in the muscles, joints, and associated structures possibly due to exposure to cold and dampness. The animal whines and tends to limp. Most of the time the acute form of the disease will clear up in about a week. Chronic forms are long-lasting and painful. The cat should live in dry surroundings, carefully dried if it comes into the house with a wet coat, and care should be taken to ensure that it does not sleep on cold floors. Rheumatism is a general term for various related diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, rheumatic fever, or osteoarthritis Rhinotracheitis: A serious respiratory illness Rickets: A disease that attacks the skeleton, resulting in deformations thereof. Symptoms of rickets appear especially in young cats as the result of an insufficient amount of vitamin D or defective diet. In kittens it results in crooked legs and curvature of the spine. Spontaneous fractures and a tendency to pick up diseases may characterize an animal with rickets. In treatment and prevention, the diet should include milk, soft cheeses, minerals, and vitamin D in addition to meat. An all-meat diet creates an imbalance in the calcium/phosphorous ratio. However, there is more danger in overdosing vitamin D. Consult a vet Ringworm: A highly contagious skin disease caused not by a worm, but a fungus. It appears in patches, frequently growing from the center outward in a ring pattern. It may show up under an ultraviolet light. A vet will prescribe suitable treatment. Gloves should always be worn when handling an animal with suspected ringworm, as it is also very contagious to humans Roundworm: A parasitic worm resembling round spaghetti that may cause illness, particularly in young, old or weakened cats SScurvy: A disease caused by a deficiency of vitamin C. It may strike cats that have had deficient diets and strays at all ages. A symptom is the ease with which blood vessels break; sometimes there is ulceration of the gums and anemia. Treatment is by a diet rich in vitamin C (raw liver, milk, vegetables, vitamin C supplements) and medicines as prescribed by the vet Shock:
A condition that occurs after the body has undergone
severe injury that results in a shut down of the bodyıs
circulatory system Stomatitis: Inflammation of the mucous membrane of the mouth. It may be caused by too hot food, gingivitis, or infectious disease. The cat tends to stay by itself, exhibits increased thirst, salivates excessively, and eats unwillingly. Treatment must be under the care of a vet TTapetum Lucidum: Mirror-like layer of cells behind the cat's retina. These cells reflect light for night vision Tapeworm: A long, flat, white parasite that inhabits the intestinal tract and causes illness. This infection can spread to humans Toxoplasmosis: A disease caused by infection with a micro-organism, toxoplasmosis gondii, producing symptoms from mild to severe; sometimes causing death. (For a listing of plants toxic to cats, please click here, and to read a related story, please click here) Tumor: Abnormal tissue growth in an organism, progressive and usually tending to get worse. There are tumors of the vicera, skin and nervous centers. Old cats are especially likely to get tumors. Benign tumors can be removed by surgery and do not return. Malignant tumors tend to spread even after the basic tumor has been removed by surgery UUlcer: A small lesion formed in the stomach or intestine and caused by ingestion of corrosive substances, gastroenteritis, stomatitis, presence of parasites. Symptoms: loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, depression, nervous manifestations, and expressions of pain. Ulcers must be treated by the vet Umbilical hernia: A hernia of fat and sometimes the intestines in the region of the naval VVaccine: An injection that helps the body build immunity to disease
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