Giant Killer Toads invade South Florida. People should be
cautious, as pets are often their victims 
Easter Bonnets are in style Pets dressed out in their Easter finery
Mary Fondren, DVM
DISEASES FOUND IN CATS
Below is a list of diseases found in cats. Click on the link to read the information.
Feline Acne
Allergies
Anal Sac Disease
Anemia
Bladder Stones (Urolithiasis)
Blastomycosis
Buspirone for Feline Elimination Behavior Problems
Cardiomyopathy
Cat Scratch Disease
Cholangiohepatitis
Chronic Nasal Discharge
Chylothorax
Coccidiosis
Corneal Ulcers
Cruciate Ligament Rupture
Cryptococcosis
Feline Cystitis (Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease)
Cytauxzoonosis
Dental Disease
Diabetes Mellitus
Diarrhea
Ear Infections
Inappropriate Elimination Disorders
Endoscopy of the Gastrointestinal Tract
Eosinophilic Granuloma Complex
Esophagostomy Tube Feeding
Feline Immunodeficiency Virus
Feline Infectious Anemia (Hemobartonellosis)
Feline Infectious Peritonitis
Feline Leukemia Virus Diseases
Fight Wound Infections
Flea Allergy
Giardia Infection
Heartworms
Hematoma of the Earflap
Feline Hepatic Lipidosis (Fatty Liver Syndrome)
Histoplasmosis
Hookworm Infection
Hypertension
Hyperthyroidism
Icterus
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Kidney Disease
Megacolon
Obstructive Lung Disease: Asthma and Bronchitis
Pancreatitis
Pyometra
Pyothorax
Rabies
Ringworm
Roundworm Infection (Ascariasis)
Seizures
Tapeworm Infection
Thyroidectomy
Toxoplasmosis
Upper Respiratory Infections
Vomiting
Feline Acne
Acne is a skin disease of cats that primarily affects the chin. Most owners present their cats to the veterinarian for evaluation of a “dirty chin.”
Allergies
One of the most common conditions affecting cats is allergy. In the allergic state, the cat's immune system "overreacts" to foreign substances (allergens or antigens) to which it is exposed. Those overreactions are manifested in three ways. The most common is itching of the skin, either localized (one area) or generalized (all over the cat). Another manifestation involves the respiratory system and may result in coughing, sneezing, and/or wheezing. Sometimes, there may be an associated nasal or ocular (eye) discharge. The third manifestation involves the digestive system, resulting in vomiting or diarrhea.
Anal Sac Disease
The anal sacs are located on either side of the anus at the 9 o’clock and 3 o’clock positions; they are positioned just under the skin. They connect to the anus by means of small canal or ducts. Anal sacs produce and store a dark, foul-smelling fluid. These are the same types of organs that a skunk has to scare away its enemies. Although cats can use these for the same purpose, most cats live in an environment that has no enemies. Because the sacs are rarely emptied, the fluid builds up, solidifies, and becomes an ideal environment in which bacteria can grow.
Anemia
Anemia is defined as a reduced number of red blood cells or hemoglobin, or both. It is a clinical sign, not a specific disease. It is a significant finding because red blood cells, or erythrocytes, are needed to transport oxygen to the tissues. When the total numbers of red blood cells are reduced, there can be insufficient oxygen delivery to vital organs.
Red blood cells are produced in the bone marrow, or hollow core of the bones, by specialized cells. Before being released into circulation, the precursor cells must undergo a specific sequence of steps to reach full maturity. Once released by the bone marrow, the red blood cell lives about 60-70 days in cats.
Bladder Stones (Urolithiasis)
Bladder stones, more correctly called uroliths, are rock-like collections of minerals that form in the urinary bladder. They may occur as a large, single stone or as dozens of stones the size of large grains of sand or pea gravel.
Although the kidneys and urinary bladder are both part of the urinary system, kidney stones are usually unrelated to bladder stones.
Blastomycosis
Blastomycosis is a fungal disease caused by the organism Blastomyces dermatitidis. While the first human case was reported in 1898, this disease was not observed in the cat until 1961. During the last 20 years, a number of cases of feline blastomycosis have been reported, and we now know that the disease is more common than originally thought.
Buspirone for Feline Elimination Behavior Problems
Buspirone (trade name BuSpar.) is a drug used by physicians to treat anxiety disorders in humans. Clinical trials with the drug have demonstrated its effectiveness in treating cats with elimination behavior problems (urine spraying). Although its success rate is not 100%, it has been shown to be useful in a large number of cats. One study showed about a 75% reduction in urine spraying in half of the cats studied.
It is not labeled as a veterinary-approved product. Although tested in a large number of cats, it is not approved by the FDA for this purpose. Significant side effects have not been observed, but are always possible. Any abnormal behavior in a cat taking the drug should be reported.
Cardiomyopathy
Cardiomyopathy literally means "disease of the heart muscle." This is a disease that occurs in purebred and non-purebred cats of any age. Males and females are equally affected. There are three distinct forms and a variation of one of them.
Cat Scratch Disease
Cat Scratch Disease (CSD), also known as Cat Scratch Fever, is an infectious disease of humans. Evidence is increasing that the cat becomes infected with the causative organism, but it does not appear to produce disease in the cat. Very little is known or understood about the role as of the cat as a reservoir for this disease.
Cholangiohepatitis
Cholangiohepatitis is a long and intimidating word that means an inflammation or infection in the gall bladder (cholangitis) and liver (hepatitis). It is a disease that is fairly common in cats of any age.
Chronic Nasal Discharge
When a cat has a discharge from its nose that lasts more than 2 months, it is considered chronic. Nasal discharge is classified based on the appearance of the draining fluid. The classification is as follows:
1. The discharge may be thin and clear like water - serous
2. The discharge may be thick and yellow or green in color, similar to pus - purulent
3. The discharge may be bloody - sanguineous or hemorrhagic
4. The discharge may be a combination of any of the above
Chylothorax
Chylothorax is a relatively uncommon disorder in the cat whereby lymph fluid (chyle) accumulates in the pleural cavity. This small cavity lies between the lungs and the inner lining of the chest wall. Normally, only about a teaspoon of clear fluid is present in this space. The purpose of the fluid is to keep the surface of the lungs slippery so that they don’t adhere to the chest wall.
Coccidiosis
Coccidiosis is an infection with a one-celled organism; these organisms are classified as protozoa and are called coccidia. Coccidia are not worms; they are microscopic parasites that live within cells of the intestinal lining. Because they live in the intestinal tract and commonly cause diarrhea, they are often confused with worms.
Corneal Ulcers
The cornea is the clear, shiny membrane that makes up the surface of the eyeball. It is much like a clear window. To understand the significance of a corneal ulcer, you must first understand how the cornea is constructed.
The cornea is comprised of four layers. The most superficial layer is the epithelium. Actually, this layer is comprised of many, very thin layers of cells. Below the epithelium is the stroma. The next deeper layer is called Descemet's membrane. The deepest layer is the endothelium; it is composed of a single layer of cells. Because all of these layers are clear, it is not possible to see them without special stains and equipment. The cornea must maintain its transparency to ensure clear vision.
Cruciate Ligament Rupture
The knee joint of the cat is one of the weakest joints of the body. Just as football players frequently suffer knee injuries, the cat also has knee injuries. Fortunately, cruciate ligament injuries are relatively uncommon in the cat.
Cryptococcosis
Cryptococcosis a fungal disease caused by the organism Cryptococcus neoformans. While the first human case was reported in 1894, this disease was not observed in the cat until 1951. Since that time, we have learned a great deal about this common fungal disease of the cat.
Feline Cystitis (Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease)
The term "cystitis" literally means inflammation of the urinary bladder. Although this term is rather general, there is a common form of cystitis that occurs in male and female cats. This disease is also known as Feline Urologic Syndrome (FUS) or Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD). It affects the bladder (not the kidneys), resulting in the production of bloody urine that contains microscopic crystals. The cat often urinates frequently, usually with the passage of only a few drops of urine. This is often confused with constipation.
Cytauxzoonosis
Cytauxzoonosis is a serious, invariably fatal disease of the cat. It occurs when the cat is bitten by a tick; usually Dermacentor variabilis, or the American dog tick, is involved. A single tick bite can successfully transmit the organism to the cat. The domestic cat is thought to be an “accidental” host for this parasite. The natural reservoir for the organism is the bobcat; in this species, the organism may survive for long periods of time.
Dental Disease
Dental disease is a common and often overlooked problem in cats. While cavities represent the most common dental disease of humans, cats are more frequently bothered by tartar buildup on the teeth. Tartar accumulation leads to irritation of the gums around the base of the teeth, ultimately leading to exposure of the roots. Potential outcomes of this tooth root exposure include gum infections and tooth loss.
Diabetes Mellitus
There are two forms of diabetes in cats: diabetes insipidus and diabetes mellitus. Diabetes insipidus is a very rare disorder that results in failure to regulate body water content. Your cat has the more common type of diabetes, diabetes mellitus. This disease is seen on a fairly regular basis, usually in cats 5 years of age or older. Simply put, diabetes mellitus is a failure of the pancreas to regulate blood sugar.
Diarrhea
Diarrhea is not a disease; rather, it is a symptom of many different diseases. Many mild cases of diarrhea can be resolved quickly with simple treatments. Rarely, diarrhea is the result of a fatal illness, such as cancer. Even diarrhea caused by mild illnesses may result in death if treatment is not begun early enough to prevent severe fluid and nutrient losses.
Ear Infections
Infection of the external ear canal, also called the outer ear, is called otitis externa. When the middle ear and inner ear are involved, these are described as otitis media and otitis interna, respectively.
Inappropriate Elimination Disorders
The term “elimination disorder” is used to describe cats that do not use their litter boxes for urination and/or defecation; instead, these cats eliminate somewhere in the house. Elimination disorders are the most common behavioral problem of cats. Because most owners take pride in their homes, house soiling by the cat can strain the owner-pet relationship to the breaking point. Unfortunately, in some cases, frustrated owners give up their cat to an animal shelter or elect for euthanasia.
Endoscopy of the Gastrointestinal Tract
Your cat has been scheduled for an endoscopic examination of the gastrointestinal tract. The gastrointestinal tract is composed of the stomach, small intestine, and large intestine (or colon). The purpose of this procedure is to visually inspect the lining of the gastrointestinal tract for the presence of obvious abnormalities and to obtain a small amount of tissue for microscopic study.
An endoscope is a flexible tube that contains fiberoptics. This technology allows study of the gastrointestinal tract and offers the potential for diagnosis of many diseases without exploratory surgery.
Eosinophilic Granuloma Complex
The eosinophilic granuloma complex is a group of diseases that appear to be related. They causes are distinct lesions on the skin that respond to the same treatment; this is one of the reasons that they are grouped together as a "complex." The name is somewhat misleading because not all variations of the lesions contain eosinophils (a type of white blood cell).
Eosinophils are normal blood cells that are part of the body's immune system. Their numbers increase in certain diseases, including allergies and parasites. They are also found in high numbers in a few other diseases but are typically not related to cancer.
Esophagostomy Tube Feeding
An esophagostomy tube is a small rubber tube that enters a surgical incision on the side of the neck. Placement of the tube through this incision allows food to enter the esophagus and then flow down into the stomach.. The tube is not placed directly into the stomach.
One of the most common uses of the feeding tube is in management of hepatic lipidosis (“fatty liver” ). Because anorexia can be a significant problem in sick cats, the tube has application in many other situations, as well.
Feline Immunodeficiency Virus
The Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV), often called the Feline AIDS Virus, is an important infectious disease of the cat. It is likened to the AIDS virus which affects humans because of the similarities in the two diseases which result. Fortunately, most viruses are species specific. This is the case with the human AIDS virus and with FIV. The AIDS virus affects only humans, and the FIV affects only cats.
Feline Infectious Anemia (Hemobartonellosis)
Feline Infectious Anemia (FIA) is a blood disease of cats caused by a microscopic parasite called Hemobartonella felis (H. felis). Because of the organism’s name, this disease is also sometimes called hemobartonellosis. This organism attaches to the surface of the cat's red blood cells, where its presence is eventually detected by the immune system. Once the immune system recognizes the parasite, it attempts to eliminate it by destroying the red blood cells. With destruction of a large number of red cells, anemia may result.
Feline Infectious Peritonitis
Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) is a progressive, almost always fatal, viral disease of domestic cats. It affects some exotic cats, with the cheetah being particularly susceptible. It does not affect non-feline species, such as dogs.
Feline Leukemia Virus Diseases
Feline leukemia virus infection was, until recently, the most common fatal disease of cats. Because we can now protect cats with a leukemia virus vaccine, we are seeing fewer cases of the disease. However, it still remains a major cause of death in cats.
"Leukemia" means cancer of the white blood cells. This was the first disease associated with the feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and, thus, the source of its name. We often use the term "leukemia" rather loosely to include all of the diseases associated with the virus, even though most are not cancers of the blood. This virus causes many other fatal diseases, in addition to leukemia.
Fight Wound Infections
Cats are very territorial animals and will fight with other cats to establish territory or to defend existing territory. As a result, fight wounds are common in cats. These wounds frequently result in an infection that can be quite debilitating, especially if left untreated.
Flea Allergy
One of the most common conditions affecting cats is allergy. In the allergic state, the cat's immune system "overreacts" to foreign substances (allergens or antigens) to which it is exposed. These overreactions are manifested in three ways. The most common is itching of the skin, either localized (one area) or generalized (all over the cat). Another manifestation involves the respiratory system and may result in coughing, sneezing, and/or wheezing. Sometimes, there may be an associated nasal or ocular (eye) discharge. The third manifestation involves the digestive system, resulting in vomiting or diarrhea. The specific response that occurs is related to the type of allergy present.
Giardia Infection
Giardiasis is an intestinal infection of man and animals caused by a protozoal parasite called Giardia intestinalis. It is widely known as the source of ‘traveler’s diarrhea.” These single-celled parasites are not to be confused with the common intestinal parasites: roundworms, hookworms, and tapeworms.
Giardiasis is a important cause of illness in animals and man. Fortunately, even though the prevalence rate is high in cats and dogs, clinical disease is less common.
Heartworms
Heartworms are 9-11” long worms that live in a cat’s heart or in the arteries going to the lungs (pulmonary arteries). Although they occur commonly in dogs, most people do not consider them a problem for the cat. However, recent studies of cats with heart and respiratory diseases have found an incidence of heartworms that is far greater than we previously thought.
Hematoma of the Earflap
An aural (ear) hematoma is a collection of blood, serum, or a blood clot within the pinna (earflap). When present, the pinna will be very thick. The swelling may involve the entire pinna or it may involve only one area.
When something irritates the ear canal, the cat responds by scratching or shaking the head. Excessive shaking causes blood vessels to break, resulting in bleeding. An understanding of the ear's anatomy makes the sequence of event more logical.
Feline Hepatic Lipidosis (Fatty Liver Syndrome)
Hepatic lipidosis, also known as fatty liver syndrome (FLS), is one of the most common liver disorders of the cat. It is also seen in horses, dairy cows and rarely in very young puppies. In dogs, however, it is not thought to cause a significant illness. In humans, it is a serious disease which can occur with pregnancy.
Histoplasmosis
Histoplasmosis is a systemic (multiple organ) fungal disease caused by the organism Histoplasma capsulatum. The first human case was reported in 1906, but it was not reported in the cat until 1949.
Hookworm Infection
Hookworms are intestinal parasites of the cat (and dog). Their name is derived from the hook-like mouthparts they use to anchor to the lining of the intestinal wall. They are only about 1/8" (1-2 mm) long and so small in diameter that they are barely visible to the naked eye.
The scientific names for the most common feline hookworms are Ancylostoma tubaeforme and Ancylostoma braziliense. Occasionally, cats will also become infected with the dog hookworm, Ancylostoma caninum.
Hypertension
Hypertension is the term for high blood pressure.
Contributing Factors
In humans, hypertension is related to several factors, including a stressful lifestyle. Although not all the causes of feline hypertension have been identified, stress does not appear to play a role in the development of this disorder in cats. However, kidney disease and thyroid disease are known to cause feline hypertension and will be described in more detail below.
Hyperthyroidism
The thyroid gland is located in the neck and plays a very important role in regulating the body's rate of metabolism. Hyperthyroidism is a disorder characterized by the overproduction of thyroid hormone and a subsequent increase in the metabolic rate. This is a fairly common disease of older cats. Although the thyroid gland enlarges, it is usually a nonmalignant change (benign). Less than 2% of hyperthyroid cases involve a malignancy.
Many organs are affected by this disease, including the heart. The heart is stimulated to pump faster and more forcefully; eventually, the heart enlarges to meet these increase demands for blood flow. The increased pumping pressure leads to a greater output of blood and high blood pressure. About 80% of cats with hyperthyroidism have high blood pressure.
Icterus
Icterus is also known as jaundice or yellow jaundice. It means that a yellow pigment is found in the blood and in the tissues. It is most easily seen in the gums, the sclerae (white part of the eyes), the skin between the ears and the eyes, and the pinnae (ear flaps). However, if these tissues normally have a dark color, icterus may not be visible.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is an important and relatively common medical problem of cats. It is not a specific disease; rather, the term IBD represents several processes that are manifested as inflammation of the bowel. It may involve only the small intestine, large intestine, or stomach; in some cases, all parts of the gastrointestinal tract are affected.
Kidney Disease
Chronic kidney disease is a relatively common disorder in cats, especially geriatric cats. Renal (kidney) insufficiency or renal failure occurs when the kidneys are no longer able to perform their normal function of removing waste products from the blood. The former is the early stage of the latter.
Kidney failure is not the same as the inability to make urine. In fact, most cats with kidney failure are producing large volumes of urine in an attempt to remove the waste products that have accumulated in the blood. This apparent contradiction between the large volume of urine produced and declining kidney function is often a source of confusion for owners.
Megacolon
The colon is a tubular, muscular structure, which represents the termination of the intestinal tract. It is continuous with the rectum. The colon has several functions, such as absorption of water, storage of feces, and defecation (emptying of the bowel). When the muscles in the wall of the colon are stimulated to contract by nerves from the spinal cord, fecal material is pushed out of the body.
Megacolon is a condition of colonic dilation and is a fairly common problem in the cat.
Obstructive Lung Disease: Asthma and Bronchitis
Obstructive and allergic lung diseases affect many cats and are sometimes called asthma, bronchitis, or bronchial asthma. Unfortunately, these diseases are not easily classified and probably represent a variety of lung disorders. They do share a common finding of “hyper-responsive” (over-reactive) airways.
When the airway of the cat is sensitive to certain stimuli, exposure to these agents leads to narrowing of the airways. The inciting agents are usually direct irritants to the airways or things that provoke an allergic response in the respiratory tract. Regardless of the cause, the end-result is the same: muscle spasms in the bronchi (breathing tubes), buildup of mucus, and accumulation of cellular material. In particular, the inability to clear the bronchi of this material leaves the cat susceptible to secondary infections.
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Pancreatitis
The pancreas is an important digestive organ, which has two primary functions:
1) to produce enzymes that help in digestion of food and,
2) to produce hormones, such as insulin. The pancreas is located in the right side of the abdomen near the ribs. Pancreatitis is a disorder of the pancreas that involves an intense inflammatory process. Although pancreatitis occurs less commonly in the cat than in the dog, recent research efforts have demonstrated that it occurs more commonly than previously believed.
Pyometra
In its simplest terms, pyometra is an infection in the uterus. However, most cases of pyometra are much more difficult to manage than a routine infection.
Pyothorax
Pyothorax is a bacterial infection that develops in the chest cavity, also called the pleural space. This space is located between the lungs and the chest wall. Presence of bacteria in the chest cavity causes white blood cells and fluid to migrate into the pleural space; eventually, pus will begin to accumulate. The presence of fluid in the chest cavity causes a mechanical problem in that it limits the amount of room available for the lungs to expand. As fluid accumulates, the cat tries to compensate by breathing more rapidly. As more and more fluid builds up, the cat is forced to take very shallow breaths. Pain associated with inflammation in the pleural space (pleuritis) may also contribute to shallow breathing. In addition to respiratory difficulties, the infection in the chest releases toxins into the blood stream; this is a further stress on the cat.
Rabies
Rabies is a viral disease that may infect any warm-blooded animal. Regardless of the initial site of virus introduction into the animal, the virus eventually invades the central nervous system. With rare exception, it is a uniformly fatal disease.
Ringworm
Ringworm is a skin disease caused by a fungus (plural: fungi). Because the lesions are often circular, ringworm was once thought to be caused by a worm curling up in the tissue. However, ringworm has nothing to do with any type of worm.
Ringworm is also known as dermatophytosis. There are four species of fungi that can cause dermatophytosis in cats; however, it is most often caused by the organism called Microsporum canis. The Microsporum canis organism is so well adapted to cats that up to 20% of cats are thought to be asymptomatic carriers, meaning they have the organism but show no outward signs.
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Roundworm Infection (Ascariasis)
Roundworms are the most common intestinal parasite of the cat. Infection rates in kittens are thought to approach 100%. They can represent an important cause of illness, and even death, in kittens. As their name implies, these are large-bodied round worms, averaging about 3-6 inches (8-15 cm) in length. They do not attach to the wall of the intestine, as do hookworms. Instead, they are literally "swimming" within the intestine. Return to top ˆ
Seizures
Seizures are one of the most frequently seen neurological problems in cats. A seizure is also known as a convulsion or fit. A seizure represents a period of abnormal brain wave activity that leads to a variety of clinical signs.
Tapeworm Infection
Tapeworms are intestinal parasites of the cat (and dog). Because they are classified as cestodes, they belong to a different family than the hookworms and roundworms (called nematodes). Several types of tapeworms are known to infect cats; Dipylidium caninum is by far the most common.
The tapeworm uses its hook-like mouthparts for anchoring to the wall of the small intestine. Eventually, adult tapeworms may reach several inches in length. As the adult matures, individual segments (proglottids) break off from the main body of the tapeworm and pass into the cat’s feces. Return to top ˆ
Thyroidectomy
Thyroidectomy is the surgical removal of one or both lobes of the thyroid gland. This surgery is performed on cats with hyperthyroidism.
The thyroid gland is divided into two lobes, each about ½ ” long and very flat. They are located on each side of the trachea (windpipe). When they are normal, they are high in the neck at the level of the larynx. As they enlarge due to hyperthyroidism, they move down the neck toward the chest.
Toxoplasmossi
Toxoplasmosis is an infectious disease caused by a one-celled parasite called Toxoplasma gondii. It is a prevalent parasite of cats throughout the world, although other species can become infected. The cat is unique in that it is the definitive host of the parasite, meaning that the organism must pass through the cat to complete all stages of its life cycle.
Upper Respiratory Infections
Cats may become infected with upper respiratory viruses that resemble the common cold in humans. By "upper respiratory," we mean that the infection is limited to the nose, throat, and trachea; the eyes may also become involved. Lower respiratory tract infections involve the lungs.
Vomiting
Vomiting is not a specific disease; it usually is a sign of a number of different diseases. In general, the veterinarian must to decide whether the cause of vomiting is more likely to fall into a particular category of causes.
These are:
1. Vomiting caused by a disorder outside the gastrointestinal tract (systemic disease). Examples of systemic diseases include liver failure, kidney failure, thyroid disease, heartworms, and diabetes mellitus.
2. Vomiting caused by a disorder within the gastrointestinal tract or abdomen. Examples of these disorders include intestinal parasites, dietary indiscretion, pancreatitis, inflammatory diseases of the stomach and/or intestinal tract, and cancer.
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