Cat

Cats have a great way of hiding what they are actually feeling. It would take a very astute cat owner to identify the symptoms related to cat health issues. Here are a few common ailments and how to treat them:

Swallowing of a Foreign Object

Cats might swallow something inedible that can get stuck in their small intestine. Some signs that would indicate that your cat has an intestinal blockage are loss of appetite, vomiting, fever or constipation. If you notice any of these symptoms and believe your cat gulped down on a foreign object, do not try to remove the item yourself because it might cause even more problems. Instead, take your cat to the vet immediately.

Treatment: Your veterinarian will have to locate the blockage in your cat’s small intestine and might prescribe a lubricant that will allow the object to be eased through the digestive system and later expelled. Worst case scenario is your cat may need surgery to remove the object.

Kidney Disease

Kidney disease may be a cause of several factors such as old age, inflammation, and infection. Cats that are experiencing kidney problems are prone to be thirsty more often. They could also show signs of weight loss, vomiting, and diarrhea. They might urinate more often and have no appetite. Take your cat to your veterinarian for a urinalysis and a blood test to determine the extent of the problem.

Treatment: Depending on how severe the illness is, your cat may have to go on a low protein diet. Anemia and high blood pressure are sometimes other related health issues that are associated with kidney disease. The worst case scenario is your cat may need a kidney transplant.

Bladder Stones

These form over time in your cat’s bladder and can cause blockage in the urethra in male cats. If your cat has bladder stones, it can have the urge to urinate more often than usual but have difficulty urinating. They may urinate very little and when they do, blood might be found in their urine. Your veterinarian will need to examine your cat’s abdomen or conduct an ultrasound or an x-ray to check if it has any stones.

Treatment:  If your cat indeed has stones, your vet may require a cystotomy or urohydropropulsion which make use of a sterile saline solution to flush the stones out without an operation.

Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism is manifested in many types of symptoms. Usually, your cat may exhibit weight loss even if it eats and drinks normally. Cats with hyperthyroidism are more high strung than usual and may seem nervous. Take your cat to your veterinarian to check for an enlarged thyroid gland and elevated hormones.

Treatment: Options include thyroid medications, radioactive iodine, and the removal of the thyroid.

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