Disease

What is Toxoplasmosis?

Toxoplasmosis is a disease caused by infection with the organism called Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii). This is a microscopic single-cell protozoal organism related to coccidia. Virtually all warm-blooded animals, including people, can be infected with this organism. It is an extremely well adapted parasite and rarely causes significant disease to the individuals it infects.

What is thrombocytopenia?

Thrombocytopenia is a term that refers to a decrease in the number of thrombocytes (blood platelets) circulating in the blood.

What is rabies?

Rabies is a virus disease that can infect all warm-blooded animals, including cats and people, although some species are somewhat naturally resistant to the disease. When signs of rabies occur it is an almost invariably fatal disease.

What is feline poxvirus and what diseases does it cause?

Feline poxvirus is a member of the Orthopoxvirus group, which also includes vaccinia virus, the virus used as a vaccine in the successful eradication of smallpox. The virus cannot be distinguished from cowpox virus that causes a rare infection on the teats and udders of cattle. In cats, the first sign of infection with feline poxvirus is the presence of a single skin lesion, usually on the head, neck or forelimb.

What is feline panleukopenia?

The term panleukopenia means a decrease in the number of all the white blood cells in the body. White blood cells play major roles in immunity and are thus important in defending against infections and diseases. In severe panleukopenia white blood cell numbers may drop from the normal of several thousand per milliliter of blood to just a few hundred. This makes an affected cat extremely vulnerable to other infections.

What is pancreatitis?

The pancreas is a vital organ located in the right side of the abdomen. It has two functions: 1) to produce enzymes that help in digestion of food and, 2) to produce hormones such as insulin. When the pancreas becomes inflamed, the disorder is called pancreatitis. It is a disease process that is seen commonly in the dog and occasionally in the cat. There is no age, sex, or breed predisposition.

Is feline obesity a problem?

Yes - obesity, defined as an excess of body weight of 20% or more, is the most common nutritional disease of domestic cats. Although the frequency varies from one country to the next, on average up to 40% of all adult cats are obese! 

What is megacolon?

The gastrointestinal tract terminates in a tubular organ called the colon. The colon serves as a site for absorption of water and storage of fecal material. It is continuous with the rectum. The walls of the colon contain muscles that are stimulated to contract by nerves from the spinal cord. When the colon contracts, fecal material is pushed out of the body.  Megacolon occurs when the muscles of the colon do not contract normally and feces cannot be expelled properly.