Articles
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This handout summarizes atlantoaxial (AA) luxation, a condition in which instability or excessive movement is present between the first two vertebrae within the neck. This instability causes pressure on the spinal cord. Atlantoaxial luxation can be caused by trauma, hereditary factors, or a combination of both.
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This handout discusses atopic dermatitis (atopy), a form of allergic skin disease brought on by an abnormal response to allergens in the environment. The clinical signs, diagnosis, and treatment are outlined.
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Atrial fibrillation describes rapid contractions or twitching of the heart muscle, specifically in the atria. In cats, atrial fibrillation occurs secondary to heart disease. The signs that are observed are often related to that underlying condition, and may include exercise intolerance, cough, or difficulty breathing. Signs, treatment, and outlook are discussed.
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Atrioventricular (AV) valve dysplasia is a developmental malformation of the mitral or tricuspid valve in the heart. Signs include exercise intolerance, accumulation of fluid in the abdomen, weight loss, and stunted growth. Difficulty breathing or collapse may occur if congestive heart failure develops. Treatment of AV valve dysplasia is focused on managing signs of congestive heart failure and/or disturbances in heart rhythm, generally using medications.
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Botulism is a rare condition that causes paralysis in cats. Cats are exposed to botulism by eating raw meat or dead animals containing botulinum toxin produced by Clostridium botulinum.
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Bowel incontinence is the loss of the ability to control bowel movements. There are two broad causes of fecal incontinence: reservoir incontinence and sphincter incontinence. In reservoir incontinence, intestinal disease interferes with the rectum's ability to store normal volumes of feces. In sphincter incontinence, a structural or neurologic lesion prevents the anal sphincter from closing normally. Clinical signs, diagnostic testing, and treatment vary based on the underlying cause.
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Brain injuries are devastating and, unfortunately, often fatal. The typical signs of brain injury in a cat include altered consciousness that may signal bleeding in the skull, decreased blood flow to the brain, or fluid causing swelling within the brain itself. There are many potential causes of brain injury and treatment will always be determined by the underlying problem that led to the injury.
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Calcium oxalate bladder stones are composed of a mineral called calcium oxalate. Cats are more likely to develop oxalate stones when their urine contains high levels of calcium and oxalate. Additionally, a low urine pH promotes the formation of oxalate stones. Bladder stones can cause significant inflammation and irritation of the bladder wall. Signs may include frequent urination, straining to urinate, blood in the urine, and urinating outside of the litterbox. Male cats especially are at risk of a life-threatening urinary obstruction. Treatment options and prognosis are discussed.
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Carpal hyperextension is an abnormality of the carpus (wrist) that causes increased extension of the joint. Carpal hyperextension in cats is typically caused by trauma. Cats can also develop carpal hyperextension in association with other systemic diseases (e.g., inflammatory arthritis, diabetes mellitus, electrolyte abnormalities). Cats with carpal hyperextension have a noticeable bend at the wrist, forcing their foot into an abnormally flattened position. If carpal hyperextension is caused by trauma, it may also be associated with pain and swelling. A tentative diagnosis of carpal hyperextension can be made based on initial observation, but a thorough physical examination is necessary because cats with carpal hyperextension may also have abnormalities in other joints. X-rays and other additional tests may be recommended. Treatment of carpal hyperextension depends upon the severity of the condition and may involve surgery.
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Carpal laxity is a condition in which the carpus has an abnormal or excessive range of motion. Carpal laxity can show up in one of two ways: carpal hyperextension or carpal flexion. The underlying cause of carpal laxity has not been definitively determined but may be caused by nutritional factors, genetic factors, and being raised on slippery flooring surfaces. Signs of carpal laxity may be seen at any time from 6 weeks of age onward, but the condition is most commonly noted between three and six months of age. Activity modification is often recommended for affected kittens by keeping them off slippery surfaces. Most kittens with carpal laxity will appear completely normal within six to eight weeks.
