Cat Health Problems

So now that you have your furry friend, you need to be aware that that little kitty is not there for your entertainment only, but that you need to take care of it and make sure it doesn’t get sick. Prevention of health issues is the key. Five most often health problems you will encounter as a cat owner are:

Obesity

Obesity is one of the most common health issues for your pet to experience and it is usually the owner's fault. Obesity is a result of free-feeding, many treats, high-carb foods and laziness. Research shows that obese cats are at risk for liver disease hepatic lipidosis and are likely to suffer non-allergic skin conditions. Also, obese cats can develop diabetes mellitus. If you have an already obese cat, make sure you talk to your vet and consult about putting your pet on a weight oss program.

Parasites

Even though parasites are pretty common and sound really bed, they are actually pretty easy to prevent. Have your cat stay indoors, wash your cat's bedding regularly (once a week) and apply flea treatment regularly. Parasites are likely to manifest in the form of ticks and fleas. These infections, especially fleas can cause anemia and result in tapeworms. Apart from causing anemia, ticks also transmit Lyme disease.

Skin Problems

Skin problems aren’t that big a problem if you groom your cat regularly. You are likely to discover them in their early stages when they are easily treatable. Some tip-offs of skin problems:

Dry skin
Flakes
Scabs
Redness
Oily hair
Foul skin odor
Blisters
Pimples

If you see your cat biting, scratching or chewing at herself persistently, take it to the vet and have him determine the cause of inflammation. Your cat may be dealing with one of the following:

Ringworm (a fungal infection)
Food or environmental allergies
Flea allergies
Abscesses from bites or scratches

Early treatment is essential.

Feline Lower Urinary Tract Diseases (FLUTDs)

Cats with FLUTDs usually have difficulty when urinating and they are often in great pain. Their urinating is pretty frequent and there are traces of blood in it. FLUTD is most common in overweight and middle-aged cats who have restricted access outside and use an indoor litter box. Also, genetics may have a lot to do with FLUTD manifesting at an early stage of cat's life. Make sure you provide a fresh water supply regularly because increased intake of water will keep FLUTDs at bay. FLUTD can sometimes be a result of stress, although it is not established why. Often, FLUTD can be deadly if not treated within 24 hours. 

Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism is a feline endocrine disorder and it is a result of excessive thyroid hormone production in thyroid glands. Symptoms that will tip off this health issue are:

lethargy
weakness
unexpected weight loss
increased thirst
vomiting
urine output
dull coat

If you notice any of these symptoms, make an appointment with the vet. He will know what to do and it is likely your cat will be treated through: surgery, radioiodine treatment and Methimazole. Most cats respond to these treatments really well.

If your cat is healthy, still take it to regular appointments with the wet as that is the best way to prevent any potential health issues.

This was a Guest Post by Diana Smith. Diana is a great animal lover interested in topics related to pet care and environment. She enjoys spending her free time with her dog LuLu at the local park. She also enjoys seeing her readers getting useful information from her blog.

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Diseases of the Horse

A healthy animal to be working fine, they are not in top condition, performance decreases.
The horse may have mild infections or bone disorders, such is the case of the peak, however, is able to perform the tasks. But we must always be aware of the animal, even if it can fulfill its tasks, not suffer.
This can help you know if your horse is healthy or sick:
Perform this simple test will help you know if your horse is healthy or have a disease.

The horse is healthy if:

1. Horse eyes are clean and bright. 
2. The horse will eat all the food ration and non-stop. 
3. has a pulse between 35 and 42 beats per minute at rest. 
4. Their urine is clear or pale yellow. 
5. limbs In no inflammation and temperature of these is less than the leather. 
6. has a temperature of about 38° C. 
7. Breathing at rest is 8 to 12 breaths per minute, with no abruptness or effort. 
8. shiny hair without hair fall excessive. Maintains strong support on all fours and does not limp.

The horse is sick if:

1. Horse looks sad, tired and gloom. 
2. shows pale eyes expressionless or cry. 
3. has a dull coat or excessive hair fall. 
4. lying or is maintained long romps no apparent reason. 
5. If the touching note that reacts with pain or have any inflamed area. 
6. limps or has the town in disrepair. 
7. If you remove the bed, this restless, or sweat excessively.

These symptoms are indicative, remember that in case of doubt, it is always best to call your veterinarian is the only one who can know if you really are sick and the most appropriate treatment to be followed by the horse.
Disease is the situation in which alters the structure of the body.
This alteration has a cause (etiology), with a cycle of evolution and restoration (pathogenic), the outcome (prognosis) and means of treatment or control, criteria that are applicable to all kinds of conditions, being able to subdivisions, when doubts arise about the various origins of the condition. If any of these symptoms it is vital to call the vet:

When to call the vet:
It is very important to know when we have to call the vet, and if any of these symptoms is vital:

1. The horse has a temperature above 38° C. 
2. Present pain symptoms evident in some area of your body. 
3. If you have bleeding profusely or have injuries and / or major cuts. 
4. If saliva in abundance (without making physical effort). 
5. This can be a symptom of having eaten some noxious or poisonous boil or have any object stuck in his mouth.

If wobbles when walking can also be a symptom of poisoning. If it appears that attempts to vomit (arching the neck and back and makes efforts to tummy muscles).
These symptoms are indicative, remember that in case of doubt, it is always best to call your veterinarian is the only one who can know if you really are sick and the most appropriate treatment to be followed by the horse.

Genitalia Disease
Mare: The genital organs consist mare ovaries, Fallopian tubes, uterus, cervix, vagina, vulva and mammary glands.
The primary diseases of these organs are relatively rare, but secondary disorders are common, such as ovarian tumors and uterine infections by Klebsiella or Pseudomonas species, or coital exanthema.
Uterine infections by streptococci and other bacteria appear when forming abnormalities of the vulva and perineum, which facilitate entry of air through the genital tract.

The best-known cases as inflammation of the mammary glands are quite scarce as it is not common practice artificial milking mares, being more common in cows.
It occurs most frequently in infertile mares, which are raising a foal and they have stopped recently.
The older mares a year and even those who do not reach this age may also be affected.
In most cases, it swells and becomes painful half udder discomfort when gravity may occur in the hind limp. Producing bulky swelling in the front of the gland or in an upward direction in the area between the hind legs. Mastitis cases can be treated by antibiotics by intramuscular.

Main types of diseases:

1. Diseases Infertility pregnancy. 
2. pony stallion newborn diseases. 
3. Diseases pony during the first two years of life.

Infertility. It is characterized by a relative reduction in reproductive activity in relation to expected results, its origin can be traced to the mare or stallion. The pathological definition, is one that remains difficult for the mare in foal, due to a slight infection of the uterus, or perhaps a decrease in male semen quality, preventing conception.

Sterility. consists of a complete inability to conceive, is produced by chromosomal abnormalities, senility, uterine disorders indurativos, blocking the Fallopian tubes or ovarian tumors.

Stallion Infertility. It can be temporary is sometimes caused by slight injuries can become permanent.
Symptoms range from a decrease in libido (reduced erectile capacity, actual entry or ejaculating penis, riding the horse) or manifestations of the existence of poor semen quality (i.e low sperm count, low motility).
As occurs in the mare, the stallion may be infertile in some circumstances, as in the case where it is subjected to excessive work, or care is minimal, which does not occur if management is in top condition. Most of the studs should be able to produce 70% of pregnancies in a group of 40 mares, at a rate of 2.5 per intercourse mare coupling each season.

All production levels below these rates are possible, when an individual is unable to stop pregnant at least one of all mares presented, is said to be barren. However, for practical purposes, be considered completely infertile at stud who cannot achieve a fertility rate of over 20%.

Diseases of pregnancy. mare's gestation lasts 320 to 360 days.
The births between 300 and 320 days are considered premature: as they present smallness, weakness, and difficulty surviving. Those born with less than 300 days are considered abortions and have no chance of life.
Possible causes an abortion are present ranging from bacterial, viral or fungal.The infection-causing microbes attack the placenta and / or fetal organs, destroying their ability to live and develop normally.
Of the non-infectious causes of abortion do not have much information, some are caused by genetic disorders, hormonal, immunological, or circulation, however, there is no detailed knowledge of the subject, we can only theoretical information for diagnosis.

Currently, there is only one form of an epidemic nature of abortion;
Which is produced by equine herpes virus type 1., This virus attacks the respiratory system, the cause which produces abortions in cases concerning unknown. It occurs most often from the 7th to the 9th month of pregnancy, it can sometimes occur later, even near the end of pregnancy. Often spontaneous, with no prior breast development, fetal membranes expelled with the fetus, or a little later.

The signs have foals born in the near future at the end of gestation show theoretical septicemia (increasing weakness) dying before completing the four days from birth. In which case, the mare has a normal breast development with the presence of colostrum in the udder.

Non-infectious causes is the existence of twins, which is the most common.The mare placental covers the entire inner surface of the uterus, and therefore the capacity is multiple as to the attachment area to be two fetuses. There are three types of situations that can result in twins equal or unequal sizes. In most cases, one of the two dies, resulting in the expulsion of both as abortion, between the 7th and 9th months of pregnancy.
The mycotic abortion is caused by fungi, is known as the most frequently appearing in the 9th month. Is that the placenta is thickened, producing a dense, brownish exudate on the surface.

The fungus that produces it is spreading gradually around the area and is gradually destroying placental tissue, causing fetal malnutrition causing thinning, abortion occurs as it weakens or dies the fetus and thus, causing the expulsion the uterus. But the factors capable of producing this type of disorder may occur after the first 300 days of gestation, in which case, the Colts are premature, although born at the end, come to suffer conditions such as septicemia or weakness, reducing their chances of living out the womb.

Stallion. The bodies are made up of testes, epididymis,  accessory glands, scrotum and penis in your deck. Primary alterations, which consist of testicular tumors or infections caused by Klebsiella species, are rare.
The stallion can suffer rash sack which is a sexually transmitted infection caused by viruses, and contracted to perform intercourse with infected mare, is characterized by the development of the penis of tiny vesicles that rupture and result in small ulcers. It is necessary that the animal remains in rest for ten days, to produce healing. Otherwise, the ulcers may coalesce and lead to severe pain.

The external genitalia are more prone to injury, because the act of intercourse is controlled by man and there is the risk that a mare is not in the appropriate phase of zeal resist the stallion. The most frequent injuries are penile hematoma, although they can appear on the scrotum blows, causing swelling, for recovery requires long periods of rest.

Diseases of the newborn foal. The first four days after birth are called neonatal period, since this is the time in establishing the most important adjustments except those related to food, which enable the foal to lead an independent existence of the mare. During this period, also begin to show symptoms of the disease characteristics of this stage. As we have seen, many of these disorders have their origin in the womb.
Neonatal diseases are divided into four groups, of which the last three are of noninfectious cause:

Group 1: infections caused by bacteria or viruses. Presenting symptoms are loss sucking reflex gradual, progressive weakness and inability to take suction position. May culminate in a state of coma, convulsions, etc. to death.

Group 2: disorientation syndrome neonatal (SDN) which is manifested by significant behavioral disorders. These include seizures, loss of sucking reflex and inability to recognize and follow the mother.
The older terminology affected foals referred to in different ways. The disorder is associated with brain injury caused by hemorrhage or edema, this leads to severe respiratory disorders as biochemical or side effects due to altered behavior and metabolic status.

Group 3: anatomic abnormalities, cleft palate, parrot mouth, tendon contractures, bladder rupture and various deformities of the head, body or members can be inherited or develop because of abnormal fetal growth are attributed to viral infections, poor nutrition or drug administration. However, specific data are lacking on the subject, which means that, currently, the etiology of equine anatomical aspects are under study.

Group 4: immune hemolytic jaundice newborn foal. Disease characterized by the destruction of erythrocytes strong pony by the action of antibodies that receives's colostrum produced by the mare.
Antibodies are substances that anti-red blood cells form in the bloodstream of the mare, as a result of heredity which is located in the erythrocytes of the foal. Some fetal red blood cells cross the placenta and enter the circulation of the mare during the fetal development stage, acting similarly to a vaccine, stimulating maternal tissues to produce a specific antibody against horse red blood cells.

Antibodies in colostrum are grouped together with those having a protective nature, and are absorbed through the small intestine, immediately after the first food intake following childbirth.
The foal develops jaundice that grows progressively increases heart rate and breathing rate during exercise, in most cases, the colt dies in the first three days.

If detected early the disorder can be prevented by avoiding ingestion of colostrum within the first 24 hours of life, a period during which the foal is placed a muzzle and is given colostrum from another mare, then will be fed with artificial milk. If convenient to suck the milk of its own mother after a period of 24 hours, as the small intestine has lost the ability to absorb the antibody.

Meconium colic, which is produced by digestive disturbances in the passage of the first excrement is a relatively simple alteration, which is included in group 2. The treatment of neonatal conditions which are mostly symptomatic, as in the case of the inability to get through the help of assistants and general care, such inability to get to suck forced to bottle feed the foal, the lack sucking reflex which is solved by feeding the horse; inability to maintain body temperature, warming the animal's manger, and dehydration, with intravenous fluid therapy and transfusions of whole blood or plasma.

Specific treatment comprises administering antibiotics against infections, surgical correction of the ruptured bladder and transfusion of red blood cells in the cases of hemolytic jaundice.

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Ataxia Disease in Cats

Ataxia is a disease that affects the limbs, movement, body position and stability of the cat. 

When the animal is upset and has uncoordinated movements and other difficulties must perform a series of tests to know that evil is suffering and to rule out other diseases. 

If the cat walk as if drunk , is lack of coordination between the head and trunk, inability to walk or jump, climb, drowsiness, etc., may have ataxia. 

Should be taking blood tests, urine tests, x-rays etc. and you can find out if the cat has ataxia. 

Could be cerebral ataxia , vestibular and sensory. cerebral ataxia is when you have problems in the cerebellum, the region that is responsible for balance and coordination of movement. It has a "duck walk. 

"vestibular ataxia is when you have problems in the inner ear, or may be affected certain nerves

 that go from the ear to the brain. They may have side head, walking in circles, and rapid eye movements (nystagmus).sensory ataxia is when there are problems in the cerebellum, the spinal cord, or peripheral nerves. The cats are standing and walking with the legs wide apart, have a great weakness. Cats can be born with a condition or manifest a few days old when even the brain is developing. 

If the cat after the exams are found to have some form of ataxia, there are treatments for all and manage to have very good quality of life. The cat will always seek an outlet for their disability, of course you have to follow all the recommendations of the veterinarian and you can get another young cat to play with him.

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Wounds and Injuries House Cat

One of the pets more prone to home accidents, especially during the first age to maturity, is the mysterious feline, inquisitive and independent was considered sacred animal in ancient Egypt. Cunning seems contradictory that the elasticity of movements and enormous physical gifts of cats are not sufficient to prevent multiple injuries, wounds and bruises that usually visit home on copies.

However, the innate curiosity, ignorance instinctive urban jungle predator's blood running through his veins propitiate the risk until the modified knowledge and behavior conform to the location of the apartment, the back or rural housing share with their masters.

Ingestion of objects

Extremely common in young animals may be due to intestinal obstruction and gastrointestinal serious injury. The instinctive behavior of small kittens leads them to pursue, bite and play with moving objects or small critters. The balls of wool with needles included are irresistible toys that despite the tradition must always be kept well hidden for safekeeping of our pupils. Very young puppies can ingest hair and wool, with its claws tear of carpets and rugs. These indigestible masses can form balls that are not easily expelled with the feces and can even cause death of the animal. Often sufficient to purge olive oil presentation soft occlusions produced by wire, wool or meat gristle, but it is desirable that the decision corresponds to the optional entitled.

Bruises and Falls

The incessant activity of cats and placed them exceptional physical powers sometimes fall situations, dislocation and shock produced by ornaments, vases or semiautomatic operation of appliances that can catch the tail or paw animal. The famous seven lives that are attributed to these cats are due to the power down on all fours if a forward or sliding window, as their sense of balance makes them turn and take that position landing. Also, the elasticity of his muscular body enables them to enter through openings and holes implausible, and speed in the jump, and the amazing ease in climbing trees and wooden structures, allows avoiding the dangers that can ace Charles by dogs and other large animals. If your cat suffers a bruise from a blow or car accident, should be immobilized and warm while requiring urgent vet visit.

Wounds and burns

More frequent than desirable result from falling pots or pans on the animals or because they walk on burning stoves and furnaces. The affected area should be washed with soapy water or hydrogen peroxide, and after cutting the adjacent hair apply healing cream, mercurochrome or other disinfectants, so that cannot be licked by the pussy itself. The prevention of accidents which may be involved our cat is one of the must dispensaries preferential attention.

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Deafness in Dogs and Cats - Loss of Hearing

Deaf Dogs and Cats

Complete loss of hearing is called deafness, and can occur in one or both ears. A deafness of both ears is called bilateral, and one ear is called unilateral. It may also happen that the dog has a hearing threshold greater than in normal animals in one or both ears, denominating this condition partial deafness (hearing loss) of one or two ears.

Causes of deafness in dogs and cats

The causes of deafness in pets can be divided into two main categories: conduction deafness and sensor neural deafness. Conductive hearing loss in dogs is observed when there are disturbances in the transmission of sound vibrations to the inner ear and the auditory pathway. Any defect or disease that affects the dog's external ear canal, tympanic membrane, auditory pathway and / or middle ear may be grounds for conduction deafness.

Sensor neural hearing loss occurs when there are abnormalities in the inner ear structures in cochlear nerve and / or the auditory pathway anywhere on their way to the cerebral cortex. The main causes include hereditary deafness, neuronal damage by ototoxic substances (antibiotics such as gentamicin or diuretics such as furosemide) or senile deafness.

Hereditary deafness has been reported in many breeds of dogs and cats. It is caused by degeneration of the inner ear structures and spiral ganglion neurons. This process occurs during postnatal maturation of the auditory system. The clinical signs are among the first few weeks and the first 2 months of life. Were associated with a greater predisposition to hereditary deafness in dogs with predominantly white robe, blue or speckled gray. The breeds most often affected are: Dalmatian, English Setter, Australian Shepherd, Collie and Shetland Sheepdog limit, but has been reported in at least 54 breeds of dogs, including the Gran Danish Rye s, Boxer, Bull Terrier and Cocker Spaniel, including.

It is assumed that hereditary deafness in dogs is predominantly autosomal dominant, however, in the Bull terrier is described an autosomal recessive inheritance.

Brief concepts about inheritance of deafness in dogs and cats

The legacy of disease, genetic abnormalities, or traits is described: a) by the type of chromosome that is the abnormal gene (chromosome autosomal or sex chromosome), and b) if the trait is dominant or recessive. Autosomal diseases (such as deafness) are inherited through the non-sex chromosomes and sex-linked diseases are inherited through one of the "sex chromosomes", the X chromosome (diseases are not inherited by through the Y chromosome). Dominant inheritance occurs when an abnormal gene from one parent is capable of causing disease even though the matching gene from the other parent is normal. The abnormal gene exerts control over the outcome of the gene pair.

Recessive inheritance occurs when both genes must be abnormal to produce disease. If only one gene in the pair is abnormal, then the disease manifests slightly hard of hearing or not manifest. In other words, the normal gene can replace the pair of gene function, so that said abnormal gene recessive acts. However, an animal with a single defective gene is called a carrier, indicating that the disorder can happen to the puppies. Both parents must be carriers for the puppy is deaf.

Chance of inheriting deafness in dogs and cats

In the case of autosomal dominant inheritance: if one parent is a carrier and the other is normal, there is a 50% chance that each puppy inherits the abnormal gene and therefore the dominant feature. In other words, if we assume that in a litter with 4 cubs, one parent is a carrier of an abnormal gene for deafness, the statistical expectation is: 2 normal and 2 puppies deaf. This does not necessarily mean that puppies suffer hearing loss, but it does mean that each puppy has a 50:50 chance of inheriting it. Puppies that do not inherit the abnormal gene will not develop or pass deafness.

In the case of autosomal recessive: if both parents are carriers of an autosomal recessive trait, there is a 25% chance that a puppy inherits two abnormal genes and therefore manifest deafness, and 50% chance that a puppy inherits only one abnormal gene (thus being carrier). In other words, assuming that in a litter with 4 puppies, both parents are carriers (not manifest hearing loss), the statistical expectation is: 1 puppy with two normal chromosomes (normal), 2 puppies with one normal chromosome and one abnormal (carriers, without hearing loss), and one puppy with 2 abnormal chromosomes (deaf). This does not mean that this distribution will be observed compulsorily, but it does mean that each of the puppies has 1 in 4 chance of inheriting the disorder and a chance of being a carrier 50:50.

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