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What you can do to manage common diseases and problems
The first step to managing a cat’s problem is to recognize that the condition exists. Whether detected at home or in the clinic, common problems seen in the adult cat are discussed below. Dental disease is the most common health problem seen in adult cats, it is discussed on it’s own page.
Diabetes Mellitus is characterized by an increased thirst and appetite, increased urine volume, and weight loss. It is caused by the body’s inability to process sugar (glucose), therefore, the glucose levels in the blood are very elevated, yet the level in the tissues is very low. It is diagnosed with both blood tests and urinalysis together. An increased blood glucose level along with glucose in the urine is the definitive finding. Other abnormalities that may be seen secondary to diabetes mellitus, include increased liver enzymes, urinary tract infections, or keto-acidosis (the abnormal breakdown of stored carbohydrates for body fuel). The disease is best treated with daily insulin injections. Each cat is unique, so the dosage and type of insulin will differ between cats. Insulin dosages are started very low and gradually increased until the proper blood glucose level is reached. The first few months of treatment are the most intensive; after the cat becomes regulated, only periodic rechecks are required. We can even show you how to monitor blood glucose levels at home.
Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD) is a disease of the bladder and/or urethra. It can be caused by the presence of bacteria, crystals, white or red blood cells in the urine. Some contributing factors of this disease include stress, feeding a high magnesium diet, obesity, or litter box aversion (holding the urine for long periods of time). Symptoms of FLUTD are easily recognizable: urinating outside of the litter box, visible blood in the urine, urinating small amounts frequently, or painful urination. The disease can progress if left untreated, and can be life threatening if the urethra becomes blocked. Stones in the bladder can also develop. Management of the disease begins by treating the immediate symptoms with pain medication, and anti-spasmodic medication. If there is infection present, antibiotics are given, and if crystals are seen in the urine, a prescription diet will be recommended to dissolve those crystals. Most often, the diet will change again to a food that maintains the proper pH of the urine. You must watch closely for signs of recurrence, and have your cat checked at the first sign of problems.
Obesity is a common problem among all pets. Eating habits are established early in life, and many people are not aware that their cat is obese. Proper body condition is often much thinner than people think. The ribs should be slightly visible and easily felt. A cat should not be fed free choice, but should have food measured out and divided into two or three feedings daily. To help your cat to lose weight, the diet should be changed to a reduced calorie diet recommended by the veterinarian, and your cat should be encouraged to exercise with activity toys. Slow weight loss is best for your cat. Losing weight too rapidly can cause liver problems that can become quite serious. You can monitor your cat’s weight on our clinic scale, no appointment necessary.
Behavior Problems can occur at any age and can be very frustrating to modify. Inappropriate elimination (urination or defecation) is a common cause of cats being euthanized or surrendered to humane societies. Many times, their problems were not properly addressed, and the solution may have been simple. We may never know what sets off a inappropriate elimination episode, but ruling out a physical problem (urinary tract disease, parasites, anal sac problems) is always the first step. Aggression, inappropriate play behavior (stalking or biting), or inappropriate scratching are some of the other common behavior problems we see in cats. We recommend setting up a behavior consultation after all physical or metabolic problems are ruled out.
A behavior consultation involves a detailed questionnaire (about the cat’s homelife and habits), and a physical examination is performed as well. The veterinarian will tailor the "treatments" to each individual cat, as every situation is different. Behavior modification drugs may be prescribed, but other "non-pharmaceutical" solutions are often recommended along with the medication.