Articles

An aural (ear) hematoma is a collection of blood, serum, or a blood clot within the pinna (ear flap). When present, the pinna will be very thick. The swelling may involve the entire pinna or it may involve only one area.

The thyroid gland is located in the neck and plays a very important role in regulating the body's rate of metabolism. Hyperthyroidism is a disorder characterized by the overproduction of thyroid hormone and a subsequent increase in the metabolic rate.

The Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV), sometimes called the Feline AIDS Virus, is an important disease agent of the cat. It is likened to the AIDS virus which affects humans because of the similarities in the two diseases which result. Fortunately, most viruses are species specific.

The aging cat goes through a number of changes which result in the ultimate failure of various body organs and systems. Recent research has identified a problem related to potassium balance which is common in many older cats. Fortunately, the problem is treatable.

What are allergies, and how do they affect cats? One of the most common conditions affecting cats is allergy. In the allergic state, the cat's immune system "overreacts" to foreign substances (allergens or antigens) to which it is exposed.

Giardiasis is an intestinal infection of man and animals. It is caused by a protozoal parasite called Giardia intestinalis.

What should I do to kill the fleas on my cat? This is a simple question with a rather complex answer. Successful flea control has two aspects. Fleas must be controlled on your cat, and fleas must be controlled in your cat's environment.

When an adult loses a beloved pet, grief is a normal reaction. It progresses through very predictable stages which have been defined as denial, sadness, depression, guilt, anger, and finally, relief (or recovery).

What kinds of emergencies might occur? There are many possible emergencies from an automobile injury, to acute internal problems such as an intestinal blockage, but the following are the most serious and require immediate attention:

Feline leukemia virus infection was, until recently, the most common fatal disease of cats. Because we can now protect cats with a leukemia virus vaccine, we are seeing fewer cases of the disease. However, it still remains a major cause of death in cats.