Feline Common Medical Problems

What is anemia?

Hemorrhage (bleeding) or a number of other health conditions and diseases can cause feline anemia which is an inadequate number of red blood cells in the circulatory system.

Signs of anemia include:

• Inactivity
• Pale gums
• Loss of appetite

If left untreated, anemia could be fatal.

What should I know about feline asthma?

Feline asthma is most commonly identified by a distinct wheeze and dry, hacking cough, which makes it easy to confuse this condition with symptoms associated with hairballs. If let untreated, asthma can develop into serious difficulty breathing. If you suspect your cat has asthma, visit a Yankee Hill Veterinarian for a proper diagnosis.

What are feline bladder control issues?

In cats, loss of bladder control often indicates a feline health issue, such as diabetes, hyperthyroidism, or urinary infection. A urinalysis, performed by your veterinarian, will help identify the cause of your pet’s incontinence and determine an appropriate treatment.

What are common eye problems?

If your cat’s eyes have a discharge or are squinting, inflamed, tearing, unequal in pupil size, or cloudy, visit a veterinarian. These symptoms could indicate a serious eye condition caused by the feline herpes virus (FHV-1).

Here are a few of the more common conditions:

• Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the membrane that lines the eyelids. Common among kittens, the signs include clear or mucus discharge from both eyes, along with respiratory infection symptoms, such as nasal discharge and oral ulcers. Adult cats tend to have discharge in only one eye, which may be accompanied by signs of a respiratory infection.
• Keratitis is a condition that causes inflammation of the cornea, producing similar symptoms as conjunctivitis.

Other common eye problems in cats:

• Cataracts turn the pupils white and the eyes cloudy, and can cause blindness. Removal of the cataract via surgery can restore sight in some cats.
• Glaucoma is a condition that causes a fluid buildup, which increases eye pressure. This can lead to partial or total blindness. Medication or surgery can usually control this condition.

How can I prevent hairballs?

Hairballs are common among cats, and are usually the result of self-grooming. Hairballs can cause vomiting, dehydration and hinder digestion.

Brushing his or her fur daily helps prevent hairballs. Dietary supplements and special diets will also help prevent hairballs.