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Illustrated Articles

Cats + Emergencies

  • Cardiomyopathy in Cats

    Cardiomiopatía es el término usado para describir las enfermedades de la musculatura del corazón. En gatos, existen tres tipos de cardiomiopatías: hipertrófica, dilatada, y intermedia o restrictiva. En todos estos tipos, la enfermedad cardíaca acaba provocando signos de fallo cardíaco. Una cardiomiopatía puede presentarse como una enfermedad primaria o secundaria a otra enfermedad.

  • Sometimes, the location of your cat's wound or the amount of skin lost can prevent surgical closure or bandaging. This handout describes general guidelines for proper care of your cat's open wound at home, though your veterinarian can provide you with specific instructions.

  • A cesarean section is a surgery to remove kittens from the uterus and is most commonly performed as an emergency procedure when there is difficulty with natural birth. During the immediate recovery period, the mother and kittens must be closely monitored and begin eating/nursing within a few hours. If you have any concerns about their health, you should immediately have your veterinarian examine the kittens and their mother.

  • Chemotherapy drugs are used to treat cancer and other conditions in people because they target and kill rapidly dividing neoplastic (cancer) cells and other cells. They are primarily used as anti-cancer agents but may also provide benefits for a variety of auto-immune disorders and organ transplant recipients as immunosuppressive agents.

  • Chlorfenapyr poisoning is suspected if a pet has access to this pesticide and subsequently develops expected signs; it should also be suspected in a pet exhibiting signs and at risk of malicious poisoning. Pets that develop clinical signs following chlorfenapyr ingestion are unlikely to survive and chronic complications may be present for survivors.  

  • This handout outlines corneal ulcers in cats, a painful eye condition often resulting from trauma. Other causes, clinical signs, diagnostic testing, and treatment options are also explained.

  • Blue-green algae, also called cyanobacteria, are found in fresh and brackish water of ponds and lakes. These microscopic bacteria can also grow in backyard fountains, garden pots, bird baths, and anywhere water is stagnant. Regardless of where they are found, cyanobacteria can be dangerous.

  • Cyanosis is a bluish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes of the body caused by inadequate oxygen levels. Cyanosis is an emergency, and the root cause may be life-threatening and may or may not be reversible. Once back home, homecare instructions must be followed carefully.

  • In cats, diseases of the lower urinary tract (bladder and urethra) are often grouped under the term feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD). Typical signs in cats with FLUTD are those of inflammation and irritation of the lower urinary tract. There are many potential causes of FLUTD, and diagnosis is based on assessing clinical signs and laboratory testing. There is no universal treatment for FLUTD. Each case has to be investigated to determine the underlying cause, and then the treatment has to be tailored to the individual cat.

  • Diabetes Mellitus in Cats: Overview

    La diabetes mellitus es una enfermedad del páncreas. El páncreas es un pequeño órgano localizado cerca del estómago que tiene dos tipos diferentes de poblaciones de células. Uno de los grupos de células produce los enzimas necesarios para la digestión. El otro grupo de células, las células beta, producen la hormona insulina. La insulina regula los niveles de glucosa en la sangre y controla la liberación de glucosa a los tejidos del organismo. Los signos clínicos vistos en la diabetes mellitus están relacionados con las elevadas concentraciones de azúcar en la sangre y la incapacidad del cuerpo de usar esta glucosa como fuente de energía.