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Cats + Diagnosis

  • Cardiomyopathy is a term used to describe diseases of the heart muscle (cardio = heart, myo = muscle, pathy = disease). In cats, various different types of cardiomyopathy have been described.

  • Cat scratch disease, or cat scratch fever, is a disease of humans, not of cats. A cat scratch is often associated with the disease, however this is not believed to be the means by which infection occurs. Recent evidence suggests that the major route of infection is by flea bite. The disease is caused by a bacterium-like organism called Bartonella henselae. Bartonella henselae is sensitive to a number of antibiotics.

  • Aggression can be a serious and dangerous behaviour problem for cat owners. There are many different motivations for aggression and making a diagnosis, determining the prognosis (the chances of safe and effective correction) and developing an appropriate treatment plan are usually best handled by a veterinary behaviourist.

  • Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is formed within the brain. It circulates through the spaces both within and surrounding the brain.

  • There are many different diseases that can affect the kidneys in the cat. Chronic renal failure (CRF) is the end point of a number of different disease processes. Signs can be non-specific and diffucult to distinguish from general signs of ageing. Treatments will vary with each specific disease and situation.

  • Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of this membrane which becomes swollen and reddened often making it more visible. Conjunctivitis can affect one (unilateral) or both (bilateral) eyes.

  • All tissues and organs of the body may develop cancer (an abnormal overgrowth of their constituent cells).

  • Constipation can be defined as an abnormal accumulation of faeces resulting in a difficulty in passing bowel motions. This may result in reduced frequency or absence of defecation.

  • A cough is an expiratory effort producing a sudden, noisy expulsion of air from the lungs, usually in an effort to free the lungs of some foreign material (real or imagined).

  • Cystitis is a general term referring to inflammation of the urinary bladder. The term cystitis does not imply a specific underlying cause.