Kristopher’s Pet Blog

The thyroid gland secretes a hormone named thyroxine. If the gland starts produces too much thyroxine, your dog will develop hyperthyroidism. When this disease occurs, it usually affects older dogs. This article will discuss canine hyperthyroidism.

Cause

This is a rare condition. Cancer in the thyroid gland is the main cause of hyperthyroidism in dogs. The gland will be prevented from functioning properly by the growing tumor. This will lead to the overproduction of thyroxine.

Signs

Hyperthyroidism in dogs is a slow, progressive disease which can affect many organ systems. Virtually all dogs with this condition suffer weight loss. Although some dogs eat less, others will eat more than normal.

Your dog may also become hyperactive. On the other hand, your dog may also become lethargic. Some of the other symptoms that dogs display are increased heart rate, increased urination, and weakness.

Diagnosis

Your dog will have to undergo a physical exam at first. The heart rate will be elevated and thyroid gland enlarged if hyperthyroidism is the problem. There will also be a number of tests conducted on a blood sample. The level of thyroxine in the bloodstream may appear normal at the office, although it will vary dramatically over time. The level will need to be checked again in a few weeks.

Treatment

Fortunately, this condition is relatively easy to treat effectively. Medication will be used to limit the production of thyroxine. Your dog may even need to undergo surgery.

Although it can easily cause hypothyroidism, surgery involves removing one or both thyroid glands. Hypothyroidism in dogs occurs when there isn’t enough thyroxine produced.

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Ear polyps are benign growth. They can affect the middle ear or the back of the throat. This condition is very rare. Cats less than four years old are usually affected. However, felines of any age or sex are at risk. This article will discuss ear polyps in cats.

Causes

You may be wondering what causes these growths in your cat. Although there are a few possible reasons, vets don’t know an exact cause. One theory points to bacteria or fungi causing inflammation. Vets also speculate that growths can occur because of feline calicivirus.

Signs

Cats with polyps displays symptoms as if they have an ear infection. Cats will scratch and shake their heads a lot. Cats may also experience a thick ear discharge. Cats may also lose the ability to walk straight due to loss of coordination. Difficulty breathing and swallowing are other common symptoms.

Diagnosis

Although benign, these growths can cause severe damage to your cat’s ear drum if not caught in time. The vet will need to use an otoscope to look in your cat’s mouth and ears. Sometimes, a head x-ray may be necessary to detect the growth. If one is found, a biopsy will be done to determine if its cancerous or benign.

Treatment

Surgery is the main method of treatment for ear polyps in cats. Your cat can undergo two different forms of surgery. A non-invasive procedure cuts the stalk of the polyp then removes it. The drawback of this method is that the polyp will likely recur since the base isn’t cut.

There is also an invasive procedure. With this method, the base of the polyps are removed also. So the base can be cut, the bone that surrounds the inner ear needs to be removed. This method of treatment leaves the least chance for recurrence.

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Valley fever in dogs is a fungal infection that although not usually life-threatening, does require extensive treatment. This condition is prevalent in the Southwestern states. The most common states include Arizona, Texas, California, and New Mexico. Here is everything you need to know about valley fever in dogs.

Cause

The fungus that causes this disease dwells in the desert soil. Your dog may dig in this contaminated soil and inhale some of the fungal spores. In most cases, the immune system will kill the infection. However, if the immune system doesn’t act fast enough, the infection will spread to the lungs and the rest of the body and result in valley fever.

Signs

The lungs are most often affected by this fungus. Coughing, lethargy, fever, and weight loss are common signs. As the condition advances, he may also develop severe pneumonia.

Any tissue in your dog’s body can be affected by this fungus. This may cause signs such as swollen lymph nodes, seizures, and neck pain. Some dogs also develop skin ulcerations.

Treatment

The treatment for valley fever in dogs is very extensive. Antifungal medication is required to fight this disease. The medication has to be taken for at least six months up to a year. If the condition has already spread to any organs or bones, treatment may take even longer. It may even be necessary for your dog to take the medication for the rest of his life. Pain relievers and cough suppressants may also be necessary for your dog.

Prognosis

When this disease is properly treated, your dog will most likely recover. Most dogs start back acting normally a week after treatment has begun. However, the outcome isn’t always good. Some dogs die from this disease. The disease can easily be fatal to puppies, dogs with a weak immune system, and older canines.

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There are three common canine worms that can infect your dog. They include roundworms, tapeworms, and hookworms. An infestation can cause signs such as vomiting, weight loss, and diarrhea. This article will discuss these common canine parasites.

Hookworms

The hookworm is one of the most common types of worms to infect dogs. They affect the intestinal tract and infect your dog when he ingests eggs from contaminated soil. These worms suck blood after attaching themselves to the intestinal wall. Severe infestations of these canine worms can be fatal to young puppies. Diarrhea, weight loss, and anemia are common signs of a hookworm infestation.

Roundworms

Roundworms are one of the most common canine worms. Puppies are usually infected by these parasites. These worms can grow to a length of seven inches. Poor growth and a pot belly are two signs of a roundworm infestation in puppies. Severe infestations of these canine worms can even lead to an intestinal blockage which can be fatal.

These worms produce very durable eggs. They can survive in the environment for years. Dogs are typically infected when they ingest soil contaminated with roundworm eggs. A mother’s milk is also a method of transmission.

Tapeworms

Fleas are responsible for transmitting tapeworms. They can also be transmitted to your dog if he eats animals that are infected. These worms resemble flat grains of rice. If your dog is infected with these canine worms, you will notice segments in his stool.

Although over-the-counter medications are suitable for hookworms and roundworms, they aren’t effective for dealing with tapeworms in dogs. Therefore, you will have to take your dog to the veterinarian for treatment.

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Hyperthyroidism in cats occurs when one of the thyroid glands become overactive. This endocrine disease is relatively common, especially in middle-aged to older cats. This condition can lead to heart failure and death if left untreated. You may be wondering what could cause your cat to develop hyperthyroidism in cats.

Causes

Cats usually develop hyperthyroidism due to adenomas in the thyroid gland. Adenomas are groups of non-cancerous cells. This condition can also be caused by cancerous cells growing in the thyroid gland. However, this is a very rare situation. If your cat is suffering from this disease, he will exhibit few common symptoms.

Symptoms

The thyroid gland is responsible for controlling the rate of metabolism. If the thyroid gland malfunctions, cats start to eat and drink more than they normally do. Even with the increased consumption, he will begin to lose weight rapidly. Most cats also become much more active.

This disease can also affect your cat’s gastrointestinal system. It’s common for cats to experience vomiting and diarrhea if it is affected. This disease can also cause problems with the heart. This may lead to congestive heart failure, arrhythmias, or an increased heart rate.

Diagnosis

In order to accurately diagnose this condition, the veterinarian has to draw a blood sample. A test will measure the level of thyroid hormone in the blood. One problem diagnosing this disease is that the level of thyroid hormone can vary a lot over time. The vet may also palpate the thyroid gland to see if its enlarged.

Treatment

Cats with hyperthyroidism have three main options for treatment. Drugs, surgery, and radioactive iodine are these methods of treatment. If your cat is given radioactive iodine, it will destroy all thyroid tissue in his body. Radioactive iodine is the most effective treatment method, although it’s the most costly.

Surgery involves removing one or both of the thyroid glands. Since there may still be thyroid tissue in other areas of the body, surgery may not treat the condition effectively. Antithyroid drugs are effective and are taken orally once or twice each day for life. If the medication is ever discontinued, your cat will experience the symptoms again very quickly.

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Distemper is a potentially fatal disease in cats. It is caused by a highly contagious virus. Contact with other cats and humans is the most common method of transmission. Cats can also be infected if they come into contact with infected bedding, water bowls, and litter boxes. Keep reading to learn all about cat distemper.

Symptoms

Cats begin to show symptoms about 10 days after being exposed to the virus. Some of the most common symptoms of this disease include diarrhea, loss of appetite, vomiting, and depression. Your cat may also stop grooming himself on a regular basis. This is why most cats suffering from distemper develop rough hair. Some cats also develop a third eyelid in the inner corner of their eye.

Diagnosis

Cats that are showing signs of distemper need to be taken to the vet as soon as possible. The vet will need to take a blood sample from your cat. If your cat has distemper, the blood sample will show antibodies to the virus. Your cat’s white blood cell count will also be lowered.

Treatment

Your cat will need immediate treatment once diagnosed. Most cats with this disease experience diarrhea and vomiting, as you may recall. Since dehydration can easily become a problem, your cat will likely be given fluids and nutrients.

Cats suffering from distemper frequently experience secondary bacterial infections. Therefore, your cat may be given antibiotics also. This will allow the immune system time to take over. Some cats also need a blood transfusion when dealing with this illness.

Prevention

If you don’t want your cat to get distemper, you need to have him vaccinated. If you have a kitten, he will receive his first shot when he’s eight to ten weeks old. Depending on the specific vaccine used, your cat will need a booster shot every one to three years.

The virus that causes distemper in cats is capable of surviving in the environment for years. Carpet, bedding, and upholstery can all harbor the virus. You can use a normal disinfectant to destroy the virus.

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One of the most common conditions that cats face is diabetes. The condition occurs when insulin fails to balance levels of glucose. This condition affects cats of all ages and breeds. However, obese and older cats are more at risk. Keep reading to learn all about cat diabetes.

Cause

Diabetes develops if the body doesn’t produce insulin or it produces it but doesn’t use it as it should. The risk of developing this condition is increased if your cat suffers from a variety of diseases.

As mentioned earlier, diabetes is very common in obese cats. Other things that can play a role include hormone imbalances, genetics, and diseases of the pancreas. Cats taking certain medications may also develop the condition.

Symptoms

It’s common for no symptoms to be noticed in the earliest stages of this disease. Liver disease and secondary bacterial infections are common as the disease progresses. Increased urination, lethargy, rough hair, and increased appetite are all common signs. Weight loss is also one of the most common signs of diabetes in cats. If your cat develops a disorder known as neuropathy, his hind lings will also become weak.

Diagnosis

At the beginning of the visit, your veterinarian will perform a thorough physical examination. Based upon your cat’s symptoms, he may suspect diabetes. A blood and urine sample will show a high level of sugar.

Treatment

Your cat will die from this disease if it isn’t treated. Your cat may need to receive shots of insulin once or twice a day. In rare cases, cats can control the disease with a special diet and oral medication. You should also be aware that your cat’s insulin dosage may fluctuate. You will have to take your cat to the vet regularly so that he can determine the correct amount of insulin required for your cat.

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When your cat’s body doesn’t produce enough red blood cells or hemoglobin, he develops a condition known as anemia. It’s important that you understand that it’s not a disease. Instead, it’s a symptom of an underlying condition. Keep reading to learn all about cat anemia.

Causes

Anemia can be caused by various things. The kidneys are responsible for producing hormones that stimulate red blood cell production. So, kidney disease is one of the most common causes. Hookworms and ticks can also cause your feline to develop anemia.

Anemia in cats can also be the result of a traumatic injury. Internal organs and blood vessels can be damaged by this type of injury. The leukemia and immunodeficiency viruses can also lead to anemia. Other causes include ingestion of chemicals and toxins.

Symptoms

Your cat’s gums, tongue, and nose normally have a pink color. These areas will lose their pink color if anemia develops. These areas will be pale instead. Another common sign of anemia is lethargy.

Treatment

As you already know, anemia in cats isn’t a disease but a sign of an underlying problem. It’s necessary for the vet to treat the underlying problem in order to resolve anemia. It’s sometimes necessary for your cat to receive a blood transfusions. Your cat may also need to take medication to simulate hormones that stimulate red blood cell production.

Prognosis

Cats are usually able to recover from this condition without complications. However, if you remember, anemia can be caused by serious conditions. The serious disease could easily prove to be fatal.

Your precious kitty can be susceptible to cat health problems. Fortunately, cat-illnesses.com provides a wealth of information on a range of these conditions. So, stop by today to learn about a wide range of these conditions.

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You cat can develop ringworm thanks to various fungal organisms. Cats less than one year old are usually affected since their immune systems haven’t fully developed yet. Cats with longer hair also have more problems with ringworm. The condition is also very infectious as it can be transmitted to other cats, dogs, and even you. Here is everything you need to know about ringworm in felines.

Forms

As I mentioned earlier, cat ringworm is caused by various fungi. Some of the most common are Microsporum Gypsum, Trichophyton, and Microsporum Canis. Most cats are affected by Microsporum Canis. This disease causes various signs.

Symptoms

The hair follicles become home to the invading fungi. This weakens the shafts which causes hair to fall out. The head and limbs usually lose hair first. It will take the form of circular patches of hair loss. Your cat may also have dry, flaky skin that’s very itchy.

Diagnosis

The vet can diagnose this disease using various methods. The easiest way is to use an ultraviolet lamp. When exposed to this lamp, any fungus will glow a fluorescent green. Another way to diagnose ringworm in cats is to remove a few strands of hair and ship them off to the lab. This method is very time-consuming though. The sample needs to sit for a while because fungus grows slowly.

Treatment

This condition usually goes away within four months on its own. However, in the meantime, your cat could easily pass the disease on to you or other animals. So, it’s best to get it treated quickly.

One of the main methods used to treat cat ringworm is shampoo with lime sulfur. Your cat can also take various antifungal medications. If your cat has long hair, you should clip it so the treatment regimen is more effective. As a precaution, you should also treat any other animals in the household.

Your precious kitty can be susceptible to feline illnesses. Fortunately for you, you can learn about a wide range of these conditions at cat-illnesses.com. So, stop by today to learn about a wide range of these conditions.

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Much like their human counterparts, felines can also suffer from allergies. There are four types of feline allergies. They include flea, inhalant, food, and contact. Let’s take a look at these four different types of allergies in cats.

Food

Certain ingredients in food can prompt an allergic reaction in your feline. This type of allergy usually takes a long time to develop. Common ingredients include eggs, wheat, corn, chicken, milk, and beef. Signs of a food allergy include digestive problems, respiratory problems, and severe itching. You will have to keep an eye on what foods your cat eats. Some cats also have to take steroids and antihistamines.

Flea

Most cats don’t have much of a reaction to a flea bite. However, a single bite can cause a severe reaction in some cats. Your cat will chew and scratch himself constantly. The constant chewing and scratching will cause hair to fall out eventually. Bacteria can also infect the open sores that develop from the scratching. If your cat is allergic to flea bites, it’s important that you have good preventative measures in place.

Inhalant

Inhalant allergies can also be a problem in some felines. This is one of the most common types of allergies that felines suffer from. Cats can be allergic to dust mites, mildew, mold, or pollen. Cats that are allergic to pollen will only experience problems in certain seasons. Cats that are allergic to mold, mildew, or dust mites may experience reactions throughout the year. Some cats are treated using hypoallergenic shampoo, while others undergo desensitization.

Contact

The last common type is the contact variety. This can be caused by various materials around the house. Flea collars and bedding are common items that cause problems. To prevent a reaction, you will simply have to keep your feline away from the material that he’s allergic to.

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