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Diseases Cats Can Get- Page 2
Cats can acquire diseases specific to cats,
such as feline leukemia, but also non-contagious diseases or conditions that
humans can develop, such as asthma, diabetes, and kidney disease, to name a
few. Below is information and links to some diseases cats can come down with.
Chronic Renal
Failure (CRF) is a disease of the kidneys. It is ultimately terminal, however with
prompt and proper treatment, most cats with CRF can do very well for a long
time, even many years.
The most telling, initial signs of Chronic Renal Failure
are increased thirst (polydipsia) and excessive urination (polyuria). You might
notice larger than usual urine clumps in the litter box, if you use clumping
litter. You may see your cat lifting his rear while urinating, overshooting the
sides of the litter box. The cat will do that to keep the urine from pooling
around his feet as he is urinating an overly large amount at one time.
As the
condition progresses, the cat may experience nausea, loss of appetite, vomiting,
weight loss, poor hair coat and emaciation. It can be hard to tell a cat is emaciated just by looking at it, particulary a longer haired, fluffy cat. But if you feel the cats body under the fur you can tell the cat is emaciated when all you feel is skin and bones!
Since only 30% of kidney capacity is
needed for normal functioning, no symptoms will be seen until approximately 70%
of renal function is lost. It is important to begin treatment as soon as the
first symptoms appear, since by then, the cat has no reserves left and will die
soon without treatment.
Creatinine and BUN are the two most important elements of the
blood test for cats with CRF. When these are elevated and the urine is dilute,
the cat is most probably in chronic renal failure.
Normal ranges may vary somewhat depending upon the lab.
In general:
Normal BUN in cats: 16.0
- 36.0 mg/dl Normal
Creatinine: 0.8-2.4
Read the
diary of Galen's diagnoses of CRF and treatment at Galen.
He went from a near death, emaciated cat to a cat that seems totally healthy, after getting
proper treatment.
http://www.manhattancats.com/Articles/CRF.html An excerpt: "Fluid
therapy remains an important part of the treatment for renal failure. In an attempt to rid their bodies of toxins, cats with CRF will urinate
more often, and they need to take in more water in order to maintain hydration. Dehydration reduces the blood volume and consequently, the blood flow to
the kidneys becomes reduced, further impairing kidney function. Some cats require hospitalization and intravenous fluid therapy. While there are ways to encourage additional water intake (feeding canned
food rather than dry food, adding water or broth to the food), a few cats may
require additional therapy in the form of subcutaneous (under the skin) fluids
administered .."
Why Terumo needles are the best and better to use:
Terumo needles have thinner walls that those of other brand needles. This allows for a faster flow of fluids in corresponding sized needle of other brands. Also, Terumo needles seem sharper, and do go in the cat's skin easier. Read more details in the article below:
Online veterinary supply stores to order Sub-q
supplies (cheaper than what most vets charge):
Lambriar Vet Supply. Their site is a little hard to navigate, see particular links below:
For Terumo needles (some states require a
prescription, but not all do.) Terumo needles are the best to use.
The venoset (tubing connecting fluids to
needle- no prescription needed in some states)
Fabulous syringes for dispensing liquid
medicines or paste like supplements such as Nutrical- has a silicone O-Ring
seal that slides much easier than those with
the rubber tip. These really are better: O-Ring syringes
This comprehensive resource brings together cutting edge
information about fluid, electrolyte, and acid-base physiology and fluid
therapy as they apply to small animal practice. It also offers complete
coverage of relevant physiology and pathophysiology, as well as important
information for interpreting and analyzing biochemical test results.
Diet Information
Phosphorus levels in food have been found to be of greater importance than the protein levels, though protein levels are also an important consideration.
If a cat has borderline kidney problems and is not at the point of needing a prescription diet for managing Chronic Renal Failure, one might try serving a commercial cat food with the lowest phosphorous percentages than other commercial cat foods. (Most cat food lables do not give the phosphorus information, so contacting the manufacturer is necessary to find that information.) Then, have blood work done again after a few months to see if there was a positive effect.
Lists of cat foods giving protein, phosphorous and other nutrient percentages:
Diabetes is a disorder affecting the
processing of glucose (blood sugar) in the body, in which a body either doesn't
produce or doesn't properly use the hormone insulin. Cats can develop
diabetes, just as humans can. And like humans, cats can be treated for
diabetes, living a normal, happy, healthy life.
Diabetes can affect any cat, but it most often occurs in
older, obese cats. When insulin is deficient or ineffective, the cat's body
starts breaking down fat and protein stores to use as alternative energy
sources. As a result, the cat eats more yet loses weight. Additionally, the cat
develops high levels of sugar in the bloodstream, which is eliminated in the
urine. In turn, sugar in the urine leads to excessive urination and thirst. The
common signs of diabetes are:
Ravenous appetite, weight loss, increased urination, and
increased water consumption.
Diabetes is diagnosed based on the cat's signs, physical
examination findings, laboratory test results, and the persistent presence of
abnormally high levels of sugar in the blood and urine. Once diabetes has been
diagnosed, immediate treatment is necessary. Left untreated, diabetes will
shorten a cat's lifespan. A dangerous, sometimes fatal condition called
ketoacidosis may develop, indicated by loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea,
lethargy, weakness, dehydration, and breathing abnormalities. Additionally,
diabetes can lead to an unhealthy skin and coat, liver disease, and secondary
bacterial infections. (From http://www.vet.cornell.edu/fhc/)
Some cats can be treated with oral medications, while others
require insulin injections. The injections can be given at home, which most cats
don't even notice. The needles are super-small, with the injection given
under the skin.
ONE TOUCH Ultra requires only a tiny blood sample so you
can use a shallow stick and extra fine ONE TOUCH® UltraSoft lancets. Accurate results in just 5 seconds.
Diabetic Neuropathy (decrease
in nerve function often affecting the lower limbs in people and animals with
diabetes)
In cats, signs of Diabetic
Neuropathy are:
Weak hind legs
Feet slipping out from
under him/her on the floor
Walking down on the
hocks in back and/or on the wrists in front
Lying down more
frequently, especially after short walks
METHYLCOBALAMIN,
which is a form of vitamin B12, has shown great benefit to cats (and
people) with diabetic neuropathy and other neuromuscular diseases. It is
sometimes referred to as Methyl-B12. Methylcobalamin is not the same vitamin B12 sold in drug stores and
supermarkets. Not all vets are aware that Methylcobalamin can help cats with
diabetic neuropathy, but it does. Cats can take 1.5 to 5 milligrams per
day. Read Jasper's
Story for more detailed information on using Methyl-B12 for cats with
diabetic neuropathy.
Jasper's
Story- "Just 2 days
after starting the methylcobalamin, Jasper stood up on his own. This was
amazing, considering that he was unable to move at all before starting the
vitamin." http://www.laurieulrich.com/jasper
Posts from a W. V. Cats forum user whose cat was walking on
his hocks due to Diabetic Neuropathy:
"Margaret had told me about a
vitamin to give FB when his diabetic neuropathy
got so bad. It is a B12, but not the kind you buy in the drug store. She would
have to refresh my memory on the certain kind because FB no longer needs it and
I stopped giving it to him a few months ago. When I told the vet about this B12,
he was very skeptical but said it can't hurt because it is a natural vitamin.
But oh boy did this help!!! He now walks on his toes again and if he gets bad
again with the neuropathy, I will get more and
give it to him. The vet had told me that nothing could really help the
neuropathy,
but he was wrong and he told me after he saw how it helped FB."
"Margaret,
even the vet could not believe what a difference that the B12 made in FB. I gave
it to him for about 2 months day and night and the difference was amazing!! When
I told the vet about it....I even printed out your post and research on it...he
tried his best to be gentle with me. He said not to believe everything I read on
the internet, the the neuropathy wasn't going to
go away because it is nerve DAMAGE. He asked me to email him several times a
week with a report on how FB was doing. He still didn't believe me until I took
him in for a check-up and he saw for himself. He was amazed. He did say it could
return because FB is still diabetic, but admitted
that the B12 did the trick. You will never know how grateful I am that you can
do searches like that."
_________________
Cindy
The sublingual form dissolves under the
tongue. However, cats might not cooperate with that and probably need it
administered as with any pill. This product has no salicylates,
yeast, dairy, corn, soy, wheat, starch, salt, or artificial
preservatives.
Veterinarians are seeing an increase of health problems in cats, dogs, and horses — chronic diseases, immunological illnesses, cancer, and more. Conditions thought to affect only one breed are showing up in others. This illustrated book explores the causes and treatments.
Disclaimer: All material on www.wvcats.com is provided for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional veterinary care.
No content or pictures may be copied, reprinted or used without permission of the owner/authors. One copy of content may be saved for personal study only. Email inquiries to admin@wvcats.com. All Rights
Reserved
Neuro B-12, Methylcobalamin 1mg Sublingual Tablet (1 mg, 60
small sublingual tablets)
Source Naturals - Methylcobalamin, 1 mg, 120
tablets
Includes
flow charts of 200 of the most common feline symptoms
