Articles
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Gastrointestinal endoscopy uses a flexible tube with a camera or viewing port to inspect the esophagus, stomach, proximal small intestine, or colon for evidence of disease-causing clinical signs characteristic of gastrointestinal disease. Foreign bodies can often be retrieved. Biopsies are taken of abnormal and normal tissue, as not all conditions cause gross changes to the stomach or intestinal surface. The endoscope cannot reach all areas of the small intestine, so other tests may be needed to diagnose disease in this area. Endoscopic pinch biopsies are not full thickness so if diagnosis is not achieved with endoscopic biopsies, additional testing including surgical biopsies may be needed. 12-18 hours fasting and enemas are required prior to endoscopy depending on the area being studied.
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Giardia in Cats
La giardiasis es una infección intestinal del hombre y los animales provocada por un protozoo parásitario llamado Giardia intestinalis (conocido también como Giardia lamblia). La Giardia es una especie parásita simple de una sola célula; no es un "gusano", ni una bacteria ni un virus. Este parásito tiene una distribución mundial y es una causa común de la "diarrea del viajero" en las personas.
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Glaucoma is a disease of the eye in which the pressure within the eye, called intraocular pressure (IOP), is increased. Glaucoma is caused by inadequate drainage of aqueous fluid. Glaucoma is classified as primary or secondary. High intraocular pressure causes damage to occur in the retina and the optic nerve. Blindness can occur very quickly unless the increased IOP is reduced. Analgesics to control the pain and medications that decrease fluid production and promote drainage are often prescribed to treat glaucoma. The prognosis depends to a degree upon the underlying cause of the glaucoma.
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Glomerulonephritis is an inflammatory condition of one part of the kidneys (glomeruli) that results in excessive urinary protein loss and kidney damage and can cause many life-threatening conditions, including thromboembolic disease. There are many causes though most of the time, no specific cause is identified. Diagnosis involves blood work, repeated urine tests, imaging, blood pressure, and kidney biopsy. Treatments and prognosis are also described in this handout.
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Hookworm Infection in Cats
Los gusanos gancho son parásitos intestinales de los gatos y los perros. Se llaman de está forma porque sus partes bucales tienen forma de gancho. Usan estas partes para anclarse a la pared de los intestinos. Miden sólo unos 2 o 3 mm (1/8) de largo y son tan pequeños de diámetro que apenas pueden verse a simple vista. Los parásitos gancho se alimentan de los tejidos y sangre del huésped.
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Hawthorn is given by mouth and is used over the counter and off label to treat heart conditions, digestive issues, and anxiety. Give as directed by your veterinarian. Side effects are uncommon but may include dizziness or stomach upset. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it or are pregnant or nursing. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.
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Though less common than in dogs, some heart conditions in cats are serious and need to be treated medically. The most common type of heart disease in cats is adult-onset hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. The most common types of congenital heart disease are malformations of a valve, or a septal defect in the wall that divides the right and left sides of the heart. Diagnosis involves X-rays, ECG, and echocardiography. Treatment depends on the cause of the heart disease.
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This handout discusses what a heart murmur is, how it is detected, what recommended tests are advised to determine the underlying cause, and potential treatments or monitoring that should be undertaken when a murmur is detected in your cat.
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Heartworms (Dirofilaria immitis) are blood-borne parasites that reside in the heart or nearby large blood vessels of infected animals. Recent studies of cats with heart and respiratory diseases have found an incidence of heartworms that is far greater than previously thought. Veterinarians now strongly recommend that all cats receive year-round monthly heartworm preventives. There are excellent heartworm preventives now available for cats, making prevention of heartworm disease safe and easy.
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Osteoarthritis (OA) is a progressive, degenerative disease that worsens over time. This handout discusses steps you can take to help your cat deal with osteoarthritis (OA) or degenerative joint disease (DJD). In addition to medications that may be prescribed by your veterinarian, other treatment options such as weight loss, exercise, and complementary therapies such as chiropractic and physiotherapy are outlined.
