Educational Articles
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Serotonin is a neurotransmitter produced by the body that regulates mood, sleep, body temperature, pain perception, blood vessel constriction, gastrointestinal function, and even blood clotting. An animal with serotonin syndrome experiences excessive effects of serotonin. This handout reviews the causes, diagnosis and treatment.
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Strokes are rare in cats. Some causes include a blood clot such as a thrombus or embolus that lodges in a cerebral blood vessel, cerebral bleeding from trauma, or a blood clotting disorder; however, the cause is often unknown. Signs of a stroke are variable depending on the regions of the brain affected and the degree and duration of blood and oxygen deprivation. Magnetic resonance imaging is the ideal diagnostic test for diagnosing a stroke. Treatment is complex and there is no guarantee of complete success. Your veterinarian will help you assess progress and plan remedial action.
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Struvite bladder stones are one of the most common bladder stones in cats. In some cats, struvite bladder stones form because of a urinary tract infection. Signs of bladder stones typically include frequent urination, straining to urinate, blood in the urine, and urinating outside of the litterbox. If your cat is having urinary issues, your veterinarian will first recommend a urinalysis. Blood tests, abdominal X-rays, and ultrasound may also be recommended. Medical dissolution and surgical removal are two categories of treatment. Cats who have developed struvite bladder stones are likely to experience a recurrence later in life, unless the conditions that led to the formation of stones can be corrected.
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Stud tail, or tail gland hyperplasia, is a condition in which the oil glands near the base of the tail enlarge. This condition causes hair loss, excess accumulation of oils in the skin and on the fur, plugged hair follicles, and secondary infections. It is more prevalent in intact male cats, as these glands are under hormonal control, but any cat can be affected. Poor grooming can be the underlying issue in many cats. Other hormonal imbalances and skin disorders are less common causes. Prognosis is generally good, especially if the underlying cause can be identified and controlled.
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Systemic hypertension describes high blood pressure throughout the entire body. Hypertension in cats is often due to an underlying disease. When there is no underlying disease. The treatment of cats with hypertension depends on the underlying cause. Your veterinarian will recommend the best treatment options for your cat based on her specific needs. Prognosis is variable depending on how well the underlying conditions are controlled.
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Systemic lupus is a rare disease in cats and most commonly affects Siamese, Persians, and Himalayans. It is caused by immune system dysregulation resulting in the immune system attacking different cells in the body. Skin changes can include ulceration or erosions of the face, ears, or entire body. Other systems affected include the kidneys, joints, blood cells, and the central nervous system. Diagnosis is difficult, requiring the presence of a minimum of three of the 11 criteria set by the American College of Rheumatology. Treatment involves suppressing the immune system with steroids and other immunosuppressive medications. Prognosis is guarded, as treatment to control the symptoms will be needed lifelong and in some cases may not be effective.
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Nebulization and coupage are used in patients with a variety of lung conditions and can be performed by veterinary staff and pet owners. Nebulization may be used to deliver a variety of medications to the lungs, in cases of infection, allergic lung disease, or other lung conditions. Coupage is often recommended for patients with pneumonia or bronchitis.
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Telemedicine is defined as the act of practicing medicine at a distance. Telemedicine can be offered in a number of different ways: telephone calls, text messaging, online chat, email consultations, and visits conducted through videoconferencing programs. Telemedicine is not appropriate for every concern, such as a pet hit by a car; however, a number of common veterinary complaints can be addressed via telemedicine (e.g., flea allergies, minor limping, mild diarrhea). While it is impossible to perform a complete, comprehensive exam during a telemedicine appointment, in many cases your veterinarian can gather enough information to arrive at a reasonable diagnosis and start treatment. If your veterinarian determines that your pet requires in-person care, your veterinarian can help you determine when and where your pet should be seen and may be able to give you an idea of what to expect during the in-person veterinary visit.
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Telmisartan is an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) used to treat high blood pressure in cats and off-label to treat kidney disease in both cats and dogs. This medication is given by mouth in the form of a liquid or tablet. It may be given with or without food but is better absorbed if given on an empty stomach. Side effects may include vomiting, diarrhea, lack of appetite, low blood pressure, and decreased energy. There are several drugs that can contribute to adverse effects when given with telmisartan. Be sure to tell your veterinarian about any medications (including vitamins, supplements, or herbal therapies) that your pet is taking. If you suspect an overdose or an adverse reaction to the medication, call your veterinary office immediately.
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Nutrition plays an essential role in treating and preventing urinary stones (uroliths). Since the diet can affect urine dilution, composition and pH, pet foods can be critical to the success or failure of treatment and prevention. Important factors are covered, such as the importance of water intake, diet composition, relative supersaturation (RSS) testing, and urinary diets.