Cat Diseases – Lorie A Huston DVM

How to Recognize the Signs of Arthritis in Your Cat

Learning the signs of arthritis in dogs and cats is the first step to recognizing the problem and helping your pet stay comfortable as they age. Learn about arthritis in dogs and cats - the signs, diagnosis, treatment options and ways to prevent further joint damage, including maintaining a healthy weight for your pet.

Lice are a commonly diagnosed parasite in people. Often, the family pet gets blamed for the spread of lice to the family. However, in reality, dogs and cats do not pass lice to people.

Pinworms are a common parasite in people, particularly in children. Often, the family pet gets blamed for the disease. But is your dog or cat really the culprit? Can dogs and cats pass pinworms to people?

Cats should be tested for feline AIDS (feline immunodeficiency virus or FIV) routinely. Cats that are positive for the feline AIDS virus need special care.

Ear infections are common problems for both dogs and cats. Common causes of ear problems in pets include parasites (ear mites), fungal, bacterial agents and foreign bodies (foxtails). Learn what to watch for and how to prevent ear infections in dogs and cats.

Ear infections in cats are common. Though ear mites are the most common cause of infections, there are many other potential causes of ear infections for cats also.

Ear infections in cats can lead to many different types of complications. Learn about some of the complications that your cat might experience as a result of an ear infection.

Cats, like dogs, must be vaccinated for rabies to protect themselves and their humans from this deadly disease.

Otitis and ear infections in the dog are often chronic and can lead to many different types of complications. Learn about some of the complications that occur in a dog with otitis and/or ear infection.

Ear infections in cats are irritating and sometimes painful. Treatment must be based on the cause of the infection. Learn about the options for treating feline ear infections.

Ear infections in cats are common. Cat owners should know the symptoms of ear infections and monitor their cat for them. Learn the symptoms of feline ear infections and find out what your veterinarian might need to do to diagnose an ear infection for your cat.

Cats with diabetes mellitus require a strictly controlled diet. Find out what, when and how to feed a cat with diabetes.

Cleaning your dog or cat's ears should be part of your regular grooming routine for your pet. Learn how to properly clean your dog or cat's ears.

Heart disease in cats is common, but often asymptomatic. Learn to recognize the signs of heart problems in cats, various causes, diagnostic and treatment options, and how to manage your heart patient pet at home. Related: Heart Diease in Dogs

Heartworms can infect cats as well as dogs. In cats, heartworm disease tends to show up as respiratory disease rather than heart disease. Feline heartworm disease can be fatal for infected cats.

Learn more about ringworm, how to recognize it and how to avoid it.

An ear hematoma is an uncomfortable situation for a dog or cat. Learn about the potential causes and the treatment options for canine and feline auricular hematomas.

Cats with diabetes are frequently treated with insulin injections. However, as a diabetic cat owner, you may prefer not to give insulin injections to your cat. Are there alternatives to insulin injections for a diabetic cat?

Dogs with diabetes mellitus require a strictly controlled diet. Find out what, when and how to feed a dog with diabetes.

Pimobendan (Vetmedin®)is used in dogs and in cats to treat various types of heart disease. Learn more about how pimobendan can help dogs and cats with heart disease.

Feline diabetes is a common endocrine disease in cats. However, if your cat is diagnosed with diabetes mellitus early in the course of disease, it is possible for your cat to go into remission and not require insulin injections or other medications any longer.

Canine diabetes mellitus is a serious disease and is frequently diagnosed in dogs. Although diabetes mellitus can be controlled for your dog, usually through periodic insulin injections, treatment for dogs with diabetes mellitus is usually lifelong and it is unlikely that your dog will ever be cured of the disease.

For dogs and cats with diabetes, overdosage of insulin can lead to a phenomenon known as Somogyi effect. Learn how and why blood glucose levels can actually end up too high in diabetic dogs and cats overdosed with insulin.

Feline diabetes mellitus is a serious and potentially life-threatening disease. Learn about the basics of treating a cat with diabetes.

Canine and feline diabetes are both serious diseases in the dog and cat respectively. If your pet has diabetes, he will need to be monitored closely. Learn the basics of how dogs and cats with diabetes are monitored, including the testing that is used to evaluate health and progress.

Canine and feline diabetes are both serious diseases in the dog and cat respectively. If your pet has diabetes, he will need to be monitored closely. Learn the basics of how dogs and cats with diabetes are monitored, including the testing that is used to evaluate health and progress.

For a diabetic dog or cat, a blood glucose curve is an essential part of evaluating their progress and health. Learn how to perform a blood glucose curve at home for your dog or cat with diabetes.

Hypoglycemia is a potential complication of both canine and feline diabetes mellitus. Learn about the symptoms and causes of hypoglycemia in diabetic dogs and cats as well as how to treat it.

Cats with diabetes mellitus have an abnormally functioning pancreas which results in elevated glucose (or sugar) in the blood stream. Learn more about the causes of feline diabetes mellitus and the symptoms that cats with diabetes mellitus might display.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most common heart disease diagnosed in cats. Learn how feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is treated and the prognosis for cats with HCM.

Enalapril (Enacard®, Vasotec®), an ACE (angiotensin converting enzyme) inhibitor, is used to treat dogs and cats with heart disease, kidney disease and high blood pressure. Learn more about the usages and potential side effects of enalapril in dogs and cats.

Diabetes mellitus is a common disease of dogs and cats. Diabetes mellitus occurs when insulin-secreting cells of the pancreas are destroyed and the body is no longer able to regulate glucose (sugar). This results in high levels of glucose in the blood and urine. Learn more about diabetes mellitus in dogs and cats and how this disease is...

Ivermectin in dogs and cats is used for many different purposes. It is also used at many different dosages depending on the reason for treatment. Learn more about the uses of ivermectin in dogs and cats.

The diagnosis of diabetes can be daunting. For many people, monitoring blood glucose and giving daily insulin injections to their pets seems like mission impossible. After some time and practice though, managing your diabetic patient can become second nature. What stories and tips can you share with others who live with diabetic pets,...

Ivermectin is used in dogs and cats to treat a variety of parasitic diseases. It is also a popular heartworm prevention medicine. Learn about the safety and side effects of ivermectin for dogs and cats.

Feline dilated cardiomyopathy is one of the forms of heart disease seen in cats. Learn about how dilated cardiomyopathy in cats is diagnosed and how it is treated.

Benazepril, also known as Fortekor® or Lotensin®, is used in dogs and cats to treat various conditions. Learn more about the potential uses and possible side effects of benazepril in dogs and cats.

Zonisamide is one of the medications used to treat seizures in dogs and (less often) in cats. Learn about how zonisamide is used in dogs and cats and what the side effects of zonisamide may be in treating seizures for dogs and cats.

Treatment of heartworm disease in dogs is possible but is not without risk. Learn about the options available for treating a dog with heartworm disease and the risks involved with treatment of canine heartworm disease.

Seizures caused by epilepsy in dogs and cats can be treated with several different medications, including potassium bromide (KBr). Learn about how potassium bromide is used in canine and feline epilepsy, its advantages and disadvantages and potential side effects.

Furosemide (Lasix®) is used in dogs and cats to treat congestive heart failure and other causes of fluid build-up in the lungs and elsewhere. Learn more about how and when furosemide is used to treat dogs and cats.

Heart disease and heart failure in dogs and cats can be quite serious. Learn about the different medications commonly used to treat heart disease and congestive heart failure for dogs and cats.

Phenobarbital is the medication that is most commonly used to treat seizures and epilepsy in dogs and cats. There are other medications for canine and feline seizures too. Learn more about traditional and newer seizure control medications.

Seizures and epilepsy in dogs and cats are sometimes not responsive to treatment. Learn about some of the reasons your dog or cat may have refractory epilepsy and seizures that continue with medication.

Diazepam (Valium®) is used for several purposes in dogs and cats. Read about the usages and the potential side effects of diazepam for dogs and cats.

Heartworm disease is caused by a parasite that lives mainly in the blood vessels of the lung and in the heart. Heartworm disease has been seen in several species, but dogs are very susceptible. Cats can be severely affected even by only a single heartworm. Heartworm disease may be fatal and difficult to treat, but fortunately heartworm disease...

Gabapentin can be used in dogs and cats to relieve pain and treat seizures. Learn about the uses of gabapentin in dogs and cats and how it can be used to treat seizures and/or pain.

Levetiracetam (Keppra®) is an anti-epileptic drug that can be used to treat seizures in dogs and cats. Read about how levetiracetam can help prevent seizures in dogs and cats and about the potential side effects of levetiracetam in dogs and cats as well.

Dogs frequently suffer from seizures and/or epilepsy. Felbamate is one of the new generation antiepileptic drugs that is being used to treat seizures in dogs. Find out more about using felbamate to treat seizures in dogs.

Seizures and epilepsy are a common diagnosis in both dogs and cats. Learn the answers to frequently asked questions about epilepsy and other seizure disorders in dogs and cats.

Seizures are one of the most common neurological problems seen in cats and dogs. A seizure happens when the cerebral cortex, part of the brain, functions abnormally. There are many different diseases that can cause seizures in dogs and cats. Sometimes, as in the case of idiopathic epilepsy, the cause of seizure activity is unknown.

Seizures are one of the most common neurological problems seen in cats and dogs. A seizure happens when the cerebral cortex, part of the brain, functions abnormally. There are many different diseases that can cause seizures in dogs and cats. Sometimes, as in the case of idiopathic epilepsy, the cause of seizure activity is unknown.

Seizures are one of the most common neurological problems that are seen in both dogs and cats. Seizures have many possible causes and signs seen vary with the animal and the cause. Learn more about seizures in pets - the signs, possible causes, diagnosis and treatment options in this collection of resources.

Seizures or epilepsy can occur in cats. Learn about the medications that are used to treat seizures and epilepsy in cats.

Feline seizures can have many different causes. Learn about the diseases and conditions that can cause seizures in cats.

Phenobarbital is commonly used to treat seizures and epilepsy in dogs and cats. Learn how phenobarbital works in dogs and cats. Find out the benefits and possible side effects of using phenobarbital for your dog or cat.

Seizures are not as common in cats as they are in dogs. However, they can occur and can be focal or generalized. Learn how to recognize the appearance of a cat seizure.

Status epilepticus is defined as a persistent state of seizure. Learn how status epilepticus can affect dogs and cats and what you should do if your dog or cat has a seizure that will not stop.

Seizures are a common problem in dogs and are sometimes seen in cats also. Seizures may be due to epilepsy or to other diseases or conditions. Learn how veterinarians diagnose the cause of canine and feline seizures and/or epilepsy.

Canine and feline seizures are a common neurological occurrence. However, there are a few other diseases that can appear similar to a seizure in a dog or cat. Learn what conditions to look for and how to tell them apart from a seizure in your dog or cat.

Seizures and epilepsy can occur in both dogs and cats. Learn how the terms seizure and epilepsy are defined and understand the difference between how the words seizures and epilepsy are used in the dog and cat.

Watching your dog or cat have a seizure is a frightening experience. Learn how to take care of your dog or cat if he does have a seizure.

Food allergy in dogs and cats can cause skin disease, itching and scratching. Treatment for food allergy in dogs and cats requires feeding protein and carbohydrate sources to which your dog or cat is not allergic.

Dilated cardiomyopathy is one of the types of cardiomyopathies that can cause heart disease in cats. Learn about the causes and signs of feline dilated cardiomyopathy.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, or HCM, is a commonly diagnosed heart disease in cats. Learn to recognize the symptoms of feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and find out how HCM is diagnosed in the cat.

Heart disease is common in dogs and cats. The signs can be difficult to detect at first, but coughing, exercise intolerance, and difficulty breathing are common signs of heart (and lung) problems. Some heart diseases, such as heartworm, are preventable and treatable. Some conditions (e.g.) murmurs may be a congenital problem. What signs did you...

Cardiomyopathies are common heart diseases in cats. While the majority of feline cardiomyopathies are hypertrophic, they may also be dilated, restrictive or unclassified.

In cats, HCM or hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a serious heart disease. Find out what causes feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

Heart disease in cats can be a devastating disease. There are many different diseases that can cause feline heart disease.

Heart murmurs are occasionally heard in cats and do indicate the presence of heart disease. However, the severity of the heart disease cannot be evaluated by the sound of the heart murmur itself.

Skin Problems in Dogs and Cats - Secrets to Prevent Skin Problems in Dogs and Cats

Canine and feline heart disease is common and can be life-threatening. Learn how heart disease and heart failure is diagnosed in dogs and cats.

Heart disease and/or heart failure is a frightening diagnosis for a pet owner. Learn how to care for and what to watch for if your dog or cat has heart disease or is suffering from heart failure.

Allergies in dogs and cats are a common cause of skin problems. Fleas, substances in the environment and foods are the most common causes of allergies in dogs and cats.

Flea allergies in dogs and cats are common causes of skin disease. Treatment of flea allergies in dogs and cats requires controlling the flea infestation.

Itching, scratching, fleas, allergies and hair loss are among the most common questions to veterinarians. Hair loss and scratching are very common signs that represent a multitude of possible health or parasite problems. Often the scratching, chewing and licking lead to secondary problems. Your veterinarian will need to do an examination and...

Itching, scratching, fleas, allergies and hair loss are among the most common questions to veterinarians. Hair loss and scratching are very common signs that represent a multitude of possible health or parasite problems. Often the scratching, chewing and licking lead to secondary problems. Your veterinarian will need to do an examination and...

Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) is a contagious viral disease of cats. Find out if your cat is at risk for feline immunodeficiency virus.

Hair loss and scratching in dogs and cats are frequent causes of veterinary visits. There are several diagnostic tests your veterinarian will want to perform to help diagnose the cause of hair loss and scratching in your dog or cat.

Yeast and bacterial infections can contribute to dermatitis in dogs and cats. Treatment of yeast and bacterial infections in dogs and cats involves anti-fungal medications and antibiotics, respectively.

Atopy is frequent cause of allergies in dogs and cats. Learn about the treatment of allergies caused by atopy in dogs and cats.

Arthritic cats may not openly show their pain, but arthritis is a painful condition. There are several things a cat owner can do make the home more amenable to and comfortable for an arthritic cat.

Hair loss and scratching in dogs and cats are commonly seen symptoms. There are many diseases that can cause hair loss and scratching in dogs and cats. These are some of the most common causes.

Arthritis in dogs and cats may not be completely preventable. However, the most important thing that can be done to prevent arthritis in dogs and cats is to maintain an ideal body weight and ideal body condition. Obese dogs and cats are more likely to suffer the signs of arthritis.

Allergies are a common problems in dogs and cats. Allergies in dogs and cats can cause skin and ear problems as well as other symptoms.

Arthritis in cats can be treated using several different treatment options. Arthritis in cats in a painful disease and successful treatment methods must relieve the pain caused by feline arthritis.

Kidney failure, also referred to as renal failure or renal insufficiency, can occur in both dogs and cats. In a healthy animal, the kidneys filter waste products that are produced by the body. In kidney failure, these waste products are not filtered properly and start to build up in the blood stream. This is when clinical signs of kidney...

Kidney failure in dogs and cats is a common problem. However, there are some simple precautions that can help prevent kidney failure in dogs and cats.

Acute renal failure in dogs and cats is also known as kidney failure and it is a serious, life-threatening condition. The most important aspect of treatment for acute renal failure in dogs and cats is fluid therapy but other treatment methods are usually needed as well.

Chronic canine and feline renal failure requires ongoing treatment. Learn about the options available for treating chronic canine and feline renal failure.

Canine and feline kidney failure can be diagnosed using several different laboratory tests. Monitoring ongoing cases of canine and feline kidney failure is important also and involves many of the same tests used to diagnose kidney failure in the dog and cat.

Kidney failure in dogs and cats can have many different causes. Both acute and chronic canine and feline kidney failure can occur. Common causes of kidney failure in dogs and cats include bacterial infections, immune-mediated disorders, inadequate blood flow to kidneys resulting from shock or trauma, toxins and metabolic diseases.

Kidney failure in dogs and cats is commonly seen. Kidney failure is especially common in older dogs and cats but can occur in dogs and cats of any age. It is important that pet owners know the symptoms of kidney failure in dogs and cats so that veterinary care can be sought if the symptoms occur.

Arthritis is a disease that can affect any joint causing pain and discomfort. Dogs and cats who suffer from arthritis may be slow to get up or lay down, reluctant to go up or down stairs, or resist being picked up or handled. Have you noticed signs of arthritis in your pet? What sign(s) did you notice first? Did you visit your vet to help keep...

Heart disease and heart failure are commonly seen in cats. Learn to recognize the symptoms of feline heart disease and heart failure.

Heart disease in dogs and cats is commonly diagnosed and in many cases will eventually lead to heart failure. Learn the difference between heart disease and heart failure in dogs and cats.

Diabetes mellitus is common in both dogs and cats. Learn about the different diagnostic tests that are used to diagnose canine and feline diabetes mellitus.

Preventing an ear infection for your cat may not be totally possible, but there are some things you can do to help make ear infections less likely. Learn some tips for keeping your cat free of ear infections.

Toxoplasmosis is a disease that can infect cats and people. It is especially dangerous for pregnant women. Learn about toxoplasmosis and how to protect yourself from this disease.

Roundworms, also known as ascarids, are intestinal parasites that can infect dogs, cats, people and numerous other species of animals.

Tapeworms are intestinal parasites that can infect dogs, cats, people and many other animals. Learn about the life cycle of the tapeworm, how infection can occur and how to avoid tapeworm infections.