Library
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Feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) is a potentially life threatening viral infection of cats. Fortunately because of attempts to control transmission and with the availability of good vaccines to protect against FeLV, the disease is much less common. As its name implies, FeLV is able to cause neoplasia (cancer) of the white blood cells (leukaemia), but in addition the virus may also cause the development of solid tumours (lymphomas) at various sites in the body. There is currently no specific treatment for FeLV infected cats (i.e., no treatment that is able to eliminate the virus from the body).
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Feline miliary dermatitis is a general term to describe a skin condition that usually involves an allergic response. It is a very itchy skin problem and affected cats may lick, bite, and scratch at the affected skin. The priority in investigation of miliary dermatitis is to rule out the possible involvement of fleas. The key to successful treatment is identifying the underlying cause and dealing with this. Treatment will be directed initially at preventing fleas, even if no evidence of flea infestation is found.
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Ultrasound consists of very high-pitched sound waves. Humans hear up to 20 thousand hertz (vibrations/second), whereas the ultrasound frequencies that we use in cats are usually around 7-10 million hertz.
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Fits (seizures) or "funny turns" (so-called absences) can be due to many causes. As with any veterinary problem a thorough history and physical examination is the first step.
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The most common flea found on cats and dogs is the cat flea. Many cats live with fleas but show minimal signs. Eradicating fleas can be a demanding task, with the cat and home both requiring treatment. Using a flea preventive can be easier than treating the problem once it has developed. It is important to use products made specifically for cats, as products intended for dogs or other animals can be very dangerous for cats.
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Food allergy is but one of about five specific allergies or hypersensitivities known to affect dogs. It is well known that people can be allergic to certain foods, but it is only relatively recently that food allergies have come to be routinely diagnosed in our dogs.
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GDV is a very much more descriptive term than the old fashioned name, bloat, which is still often used for the condition in farm animals. It means the dog's stomach is distended with gas and may in addition have twisted upon itself thus effectively trapping the gas in the stomach.
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Giardia is sometimes confused with worms because they invade the gastrointestinal tract and can cause diarrhoea. They are not worms; instead, they are one-celled parasites classified as protozoa and have been largely overlooked until recently.
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Glaucoma is an increase in IOP i.e a raised pressure within the eye. The cause of glaucoma is always related to inadequate drainage of aqueous humor rather than its over production.
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This is one of many similar tumours that arise by disordered growth of the hair follicles. These tumours are almost all benign and can be permanently cured by total surgical removal.