The parathyroid glands are positioned on the thyroid glands. (Para is from the Greek meaning alongside). Both parathyroid glands are located at the front of a pet’s neck near the trachea just below the skin. The parathyroid glands secrete a hormone that regulates calcium and phosphorus levels in the body. They adjust the amounts entering […]
Cat Diseases
One of the first things any cat owner does after adopting a cat is visit the vet. Cats can catch diseases just like humans can. Some are contagious to humans (these are called zoonoses) but the majority are not. Cats can also suffer from non-contagious diseases such as diabetes and cancer. Changes in appetite or elimination or changes in behavior are signs that something is wrong and you should consult your vet. See more: How to Tell if Your Cat is Sick
These articles discuss cat diseases, prevention and treatment:
Encephalitis in Pets
Encephalitis is an inflammation of the brain or spinal cord (myelitis) due to viral or bacterial infection, skull fracture, wounds, parasites or fungi. It may be idiopathic (unknown)and can be immune-mediated where the immune system attacks the brain or spinal cord. Symptoms depend on the area of the brain affected and can appear suddenly and […]
Osteogenesis Imperfecta in Pets
Osteogenesis Imperfecta, also known as Brittle Bone Disease, is a genetic disorder in which bones and teeth are very fragile. It is caused by a mutation of one of two genes for collagen, an abundant body protein which is the major component of skin, bones, cartilage, tendons and ligaments. Collagen is one of the main […]
Zika Virus and Your Pets
The Zika virus is a mosquito-borne virus. It’s in the family of other viruses carried by mosquitoes such as West Nile virus, malaria, yellow fever, dengue fever and more. The Zika virus was first discovered in Uganda in 1947. It was found in a Rhesis monkey whose habitat was the Zika (overgrown) Forest. Little research […]
Diabetes in Cats
Diabetes in cats appears to be on the increase these days. Diabetes occurs when the hormone insulin, produced by the pancreas, is not regulating the flow of glucose. Glucose is needed by cells to supply energy. Without enough insulin, the cat’s body begins to break down stored fats and proteins for energy. The cat may […]
Saddle Thrombosis in Cats
Saddle Thrombosis is most often seen in cats but rarely in dogs. It is a thromboembolism and occurs when an aortic blood clot travels and lodges where the aorta branches out to the back legs. The clot blocks the flow of blood. The blockage is called an embolism. Saddle Thrombosis is usually seen when there […]
Colitis in Pets
Colitis is the term for inflammation of the large intestine (colon). Inflammation decreases water absorption so feces don’t remain in the colon causing frequent bouts of diarrhea sometimes with mucous and/or blood. Colitis has several causes, among them stress, infections, other illnesses, contaminated food, parasites, trauma, IBD (inflammatory bowel disease), contact with infected pets. Symptoms […]
Head Pressing in Pets
Both dogs and cats butt their heads and rub against us when looking for food or attention or just to show love. But head pressing is a different behavior. If you see your dog or cat pressing the top of the head against furniture, walls, floors or any hard surfaces for no discernable reason, it […]
Promising Drug for FIP in Cats
FIP (Feline Infectious Peritonitis) is a coronavirus iTn cats. While it infects a large number of kittens, they usually show a mild case of diarrhea and afterwards fully recover. In grown cats, the virus can lie dormant and then suddenly appear in a mutated version called FIP. The prognosis for cats with FIP has been […]
Diet May Help With Some Cat Diseases
Some diseases in cats will respond well to diet changes and you may even be able to lower their medications. While the changes may not be a cure, they have shown to help in treating some diseases. Diabetes Mellitis – Cats are obligate carnivores which means they need a diet high in protein to survive. […]