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 Sarcoptic mange (also known as scabies) is a highly contagious parasitic disease caused by a microscopic mite called Sarcoptes scabiei that affects animals and people. The hallmark of the disease is intense itchiness. There may also be small red bumps located on the margins of … [Read more...]

Overview Ringworm is a contagious fungal infection of the skin, caused by Microsporum canis. It is spread from person to person, from animal to person, or indirectly from contaminated objects.  Ringworm is typically seen in young cats, long-haired cats, and cats with pre-existing skin … [Read more...]

Overview Pyometra is the medical term used to describe an infected uterus. This infection can be open (draining pus from the vagina) or closed (pus contained in the uterus by a closed cervix). Pyometra can be a life threatening infection and may require emergency surgery. A closed … [Read more...]

Overview Pneumonia is an inflammation of the lungs and the bronchi, usually related to a bacterial infection. The route of infection is typically inhalation but sometimes the bacteria can be spread by the blood stream from an infection in other parts of the body. Pneumonia can occur … [Read more...]

Overview Periodontitis is the inflammation of the structures that support teeth and gums. It is one of the most common infectious diseases in the world in pets and is caused by bacteria that make up plaque. Periodontitis causes tooth and bone loss, which can even lead to jaw fracture. … [Read more...]

Overview Mast cell tumors arise most commonly in the skin. They develop from a normal component of body tissues called the mast cell that play a role in the process of tissue repair by releasing inflammatory mediators. Mast cell tumors in the skin of cats rarely spread to other organs … [Read more...]

Overview Mammary gland tumors are a type of cancer that arises from breast tissues. About 50 percent of these tumors are malignant, which means they can spread, and 50 percent are benign and do not spread. The cause of mammary tumors is not well understood. Hormones such as estrogen … [Read more...]

Overview Lymphosarcoma (lymphoma) is a malignant cancer that involves the lymphoid system. In a healthy animal, the lymphoid system is an important part of the body’s defense against infectious agents such as viruses and bacteria. Lymphoid tissue normally is found in many different … [Read more...]

Overview A parasite is a plant or animal that lives upon or within another living organism. They can be either internal or external parasites – living primarily on the skin (fleas), in the respiratory tract (lungworms), in the gastrointestinal tract (roundworms) or in the blood vessels … [Read more...]