Overview Urinary obstruction is an acute obstruction of the urinary tract.  In cats, urinary obstruction is usually caused by a plug of inflammatory debris and crystals, which is part of the common syndrome called feline idiopathic cystitis. Although this disease can affect any pet, it … [Read more...]

Overview Feline upper respiratory infection refers to infections in the area of the nose, throat and sinus area, much like the common cold in humans.  In cats, these infections are quite common and very contagious and commonly caused by one or multiple organisms. The two primary viruses … [Read more...]

Overview Feline hyperthyroidism is caused by an unregulated overproduction of thyroid hormone by the thyroid glands, which is usually related to a benign enlargement (growth or tumor) of one or both thyroid lobes. The cause of the enlargement is unknown. The thyroid gland acts as the … [Read more...]

Overview Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) is a retroviral disease that impairs immune system function and causes anemia and some types of cancer. FeLV is transmitted by prolonged close contact with an infected cat. Kittens can be born with FeLV or acquire the virus through their mother’s … [Read more...]

Overview Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) is a viral infection that attacks the immune system of cats. It is a retrovirus similar to Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), and a syndrome similar to AIDS occurs in cats. Affected cats may have a variety of symptoms including infections … [Read more...]

Overview Feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC) is an inflammation of the urinary bladder. This condition is also known as feline idiopathic lower urinary tract disease (FiLUTD) or feline urologic syndrome (FUS). FIC has been estimated to affect up to 1% of the cat population. Despite many … [Read more...]

Overview Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic condition in which a deficiency of the hormone insulin impairs the body’s ability to metabolize sugar. It is one of the most common endocrine (hormonal) diseases of cats. There are two types of diabetes mellitus. Type I DM occurs when the … [Read more...]

Overview Chronic renal (kidney) failure (CRF) is a common problem in cats. The digestion of food produces waste products, which are carried by blood to the kidneys to be filtered and excreted in the form of urine. When the kidneys fail, they are no longer able to remove these waste … [Read more...]

Overview Asthma is a lung condition associated with airway obstruction caused by sudden narrowing of the bronchial tubes. Typical symptoms include difficult breathing, coughing and/or wheezing. These symptoms are caused by the spasmodic constriction of the bronchial tubes and increased … [Read more...]

Overview Urolithiasis refers to the formation of stones in the urinary tract. Stones can be found anywhere in the urinary tract, in the kidneys, the ureter or the bladder, but are most common in the bladder. Several factors can contribute to development of urolithiasis. These include … [Read more...]