Hyperthyroidism
Feline Hyperthyroidism is a common disease in both middle-aged
and senior cats. Two thyroid glands are located in the neck
and produce the hormone thyroxin, which controls metabolic rate.
Abnormal growth of these glands (99% of which are a benign or
non cancerous enlargements) can lead to damage and harm many
of the body systems. Clinical signs may include weight loss,
increased appetite, vomiting, vocalization, diarrhea, increased
thirst and/or change in coat. Some cats may be hyperactive but
after a while they may become lethargic and often a heart murmur
is detected by your veterinarian. Left untreated Hyperthyroidism
can cause multiple organ failures. Treatment of Hyperthyroidism
can be discussed with your veterinarian.
Hypertension
Hypertension is defined as elevated blood pressure above the
normal range. Blood pressure is measured easily and is a non
invasive procedure using an inflatable cuff, pressure gauge and
Doppler. This is an important test recommended for all cats over
the age of 8 years (senior cats) or cats that are sick. Left
untreated Hypertension can cause Renal Disease, Cardiovascular
Disease, Retinal detachment (blindness) and/or behaviour
changes.
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Feline Hypertrophic Cardiomypathy (HCM) is a term used to
describe thickening of the heart muscle, and is the most common
form of heart disease in cats. The heart muscle can thicken as a
result of HCM, a primary (inherited) problem, or secondary to
other disorders such as high blood pressure or hyperthyroidism.
HCM can occur at any age. Although many cats with HCM show
absolutely no clinical signs initially, some may cough, breathe
rapidly/heavily, become lethargic or tolerate less exercise. HCM
is usually first suspected when a heart murmur is heard by your
veterinarian during routine examination. Although in some cats
HCM does not worsen over time, in others it can lead to heart
failure and be a fatal disease. Diagnosis and treatment options
can be discussed with your veterinarian.
Renal Disease
Renal Disease, Renal Insufficiency and Chronic Renal Failure
are terms used to describe what happens when the kidneys are no
longer functioning at their best. This is seen most often in
older cats. Waste products of metabolism, which the kidneys
normally dispose of, begin to build up in the blood. Cats with
renal disease may drink more water, urinate more, lose weight
and sometimes develop nausea, vomiting or high blood pressure.
Although there is no cure for the problem, there are many ways
to manage it and slow its progression; these can be discussed
with your veterinarian.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Inflammatory Bowel Disease is the most common cause of long
term vomiting and diarrhea in cats. Cats with IBD may also have
changes in appetite (either increased or decreased) or changes
in attitude (act lethargic, depressed); some may lose weight
slowly. Although the cause of IBD is not yet fully understood,
it is believed to involve a reaction or “Allergy” to certain
food ingredients, parasites or bacteria. IBD can sometimes be
managed simply by changing diet and ensuring kitty has no worms.
Diagnosis and treatment of IBD can be discussed with your
veterinarian.
Microchips
Many years people have relied on tattoos as a permanent form of identification for their cats. Unfortunately, the use of tattoos is not an infallible method because tattoos may fade and become unreadable. Microchips are another form of identification that has been developed to help reunite lost kitties with their families.
Microchips are implanted in cats by injection. The method of implanting a microchip is very much like administering a vaccination. A sterile applicator is used to inject the microchip under the skin between the shoulder blades.
How Microchips work - Each rice-sized microchip is programmed with a unique identification number. Once the microchip is implanted it is read using a scanning device. The scanner emits a low-frequency radio signal, activating the microchip. The microchip sends the identification number back to the scanner were it is displayed. The number is entered into a database, along with the proper contact information.
Advantages to Microchips
• Microchips can be implanted without anaesthetic
• The microchip company is available 24 hours a day. You do not need to wait until business hours to be reunited with your cat.
• International identification. (Tattoo registry is only province wide)
Disadvantages to microchips
• Not visual
• Need a scanner to read (Most veterinarians and all shelters have scanners)
We recommend that your cat wears a name tag, is tattooed and is microchipped for the best chance of getting home!! – Even indoor kitties should have identification.
Links to other resources for cat lovers
Animal Critical Care Group http://www.accg.com/
Cornell Feline Health Center http://web.vet.cornell.edu/Public/FHC/FelineHealth.html
American Animal Hospital Association http://www.healthypet.com/
BC Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals http://www.spca.bc.ca/
Cat Fanciers Association http://www.cfainc.org/
American Association of Feline Practitioners http://www.aafponline.org/
