Disorders of the Feline Spleen
Is Aspirin Safe for Cats?
Dear Doctor – Catnip experts discuss fatty growth
[From Tufts January 2010 Issue]
I was lifting up my cat onto his perch, and I felt a fatty-type growth under his fur near his groin. I have felt a similar type of growth in a pet rat of mine. Should I be concerned?
Paige G. Small
Dear Doctor – Catnip experts discuss vomiting
[From Tufts February 2010 Issue]
Do you know why my overweight cat vomits? She is elderly, but I dont know her exact age. I feed her half of a 3-ounce can of Fancy Feast at night and three-quarters of a cup of a dental-diet dry food during the day.
The vomit looks like it has been digested (like small chewed pieces of dry food in very yellow fluid). Fortunately, she can sometimes go 10 days without an episode. I appreciate any advice you can offer.
Treating Feline Gastritis
Go Ahead, Sleep with Your Cat
[From Tufts July 2011 Issue]
Recently, the U.S. Centers for Disease Controls journal, Emerging Infectious Diseases, published an article that listed illnesses that people might contract if they get too close to their cats. Authors Bruno B. Chomel and Ben Sun examined cases of diseases that apparently healthy animals might have passed to their owners while they were all sleeping together in the same bed. The article generated nationwide headlines implying that people were risking their health if they shared their beds with their cats.
Dear Doctor – Cat Vaccinations
[From Tufts July 2011 Issue]
Velvet, my 16-year-old healthy, active British shorthair, is strictly an indoor cat. The last time that her vaccinations were up to date was four years ago, when I adopted her from a shelter. The only time she might come into contact with other cats would be when I take her to the veterinarians clinic this month for her wellness checkup, or in the event that she might slip out the door (seldom) and encounter another cat (never, so far).
What are the recommended vaccinations for indoor cats like Velvet?
Meridee St. Claire
Case Study: Severe Kidney Infection
[From Tufts August 2011 Issue]
Editors note: This is the second in an occasional series that spotlights cats treated for various medical conditions at Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University.
Michelle Downer was going into labor, but as she left the house, she noticed that her cat, Boots, had vomited. That was a little odd, but she wasnt too concerned. Sometimes, cats throw up for no apparent reason. Downers stay in the hospital lasted three days, and at one point, her father commented that although Boots was eating his treats, he looked a little wobbly.
Dear Doctor – Our experts offer advice for over grooming
[From Tufts August 2011 Issue]
I have a cat who is a purebred Pixie-bob that has a propensity to lick portions of his body until they are devoid of hair. He has no weight loss, a good appetite, no hairballs and no cutaneous infections. He has been neutered and is 8years old.
I do not want to give him medications if possible. Is there something else, like a diet change or an environmental alteration that I could make that would improve his condition? If he went untreated, could he cause significant damage with his incessant licking behavior?
Dear Doctor – Seeking medications for cat with kidney disease
[From Tufts August 2011 Issue]
Our cat, Jill, needs fluids because she is in kidney failure. Weve been hydrating her for years, and she seems to be responding well. Her kidney values appear fairly stable.
Lately, weve noticed that she throws up almost every time after we give her the fluids. She throws up quite frequently even when not being hydrated, but not with such regularity. Every morning we have been giving her metoclopramide for nausea. Our veterinarian does not understand why Jill throws up after hydration. She suggested giving the metoclopramide in the afternoon, prior to hydration, but this change in the schedule hasnt helped. Any advice you could give us would be greatly appreciated.
Judy and Pedro Hecht
Dear Doctor – Looking for ways to transition cats into her home
[From Tufts August 2011 Issue]
My neighbors have two domestic shorthaired cats, ages 10 and 14.I have taken care of them in the past, in their own homes, when my neighbors have gone on vacation.Now my neighbors have both retired and want to travel more, planning to be gone for months at a time, and want to find a new home for their cats.
My 16-year-old cat died in March, so we have agreed to adopt the cats. Do you have any suggestions about easing the transition to a new environment?We have no other pets and no children.I did clean the carpets after my cat died, so hopefully any cat scent will be lessened.The two cats are in good health, even though they are senior cats.
Getting the Most from a Veterinary Visit
[From Tufts September 2011 Issue]
Whether youre taking your cat to the veterinarian for a routine check-up or for treatment of a chronic health problem, you want to get the most from your visit. To accomplish this goal, owners should begin by considering whats normal for their cat.
A veterinarian will ask about subtle changes in a cats behavior, says John Berg, DVM, a surgical specialist at Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University. Cats can hide their illnesses very well, so owners need to be aware if they start hiding under the furniture, are less interactive with the family or are just less visible around the house as this could indicate a problem.
