My City Wellness Spring 2021

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This disease most common ly happens in older cats. It is caused by the overproduction of the thyroid hormone which can affect other body systems, specifically the heart. Symp toms are subtle at first but grow over time. These include weight loss despite an insa tiable appetite, increased thirst, restlessness/hyperactivity, ag gression, difficulty breathing, depression, matted or greasy hair, vomiting and diarrhea. Treatment includes a change in diet, medications, surgery or radioactive iodine therapy. Today, more and more cats are developing diabetes mostly due to poor diet and increased weight. Diabetes is characterized by the body’s inability to pro duce enough insulin to balance blood sugar levels. If left un treated, it can cause weight loss, vomiting, dehydration, severe depression, coma and death. Treatment can be a simple change in diet or insulin therapy and insulin shots. Diabetes in ȏ )MEFIXIW 2IPPMXYW

cats cannot be cured but can go into remission with the right diet. The four biggest symptoms are weight loss and an increase in urination, thirst and appetite. Like dogs, dental disease is under-diagnosed in cats. It is es timated that possibly 90% of cats over the age of four have some form of dental disease. Cats with dental disease may exhibit bad breath, tooth discoloration, dif ficulty eating, drooling, pawing at the mouth, red or bleeding gums and weight loss. The three most common dental diseases in cats are gingivitis, periodontitis and tooth resorption. Regular dental treatments at the vet along with brushing your cat’s teeth will help ward off significant problems. If you suspect that your pet may be suffering from any of the common ailments listed, please contact your veterinarian. x ȍ )IRXEP )MWIEWI

FELINE AFFLICTIONS Ȧ 9VMREV] 8VEGX .RJIGXMSR This is the most common malady for cats. If Chairman Meow is crying in the litter box, it could be due to an infection. The UTI can be caused by bac teria in the bladder or urethra, or crystals and stones in the cat’s bladder. Symptoms include frequent urination, urinating outside the litter box, blood in the urine, crying out in pain while urinating and increased licking of the urinary opening. If you think your cat may be suffering from a UTI, call your vet immediately. Depending on severity, it can be treated by antibiotics or surgery. ȶ (LVSRMG 7IREP +EMPYVI Scary, isn’t it? One of the most common ailments for cats is kidney failure. As cats’ lifetimes become longer, chronic disease is more com mon. Chronic renal failure is caused by infections and block ages, advanced dental disease, high blood pressure, thyroid problems and cancer. Treat ment ranges from change in diet to medications and surgery. Symptoms are frequent urina tion, drinking an abnormal amount of water, weight loss and decreased appetite, bloody urine and diarrhea, bad breath with an ammonia-like odor, a dry coat, indifference, a brownish-colored tongue and mouth ulcers.

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