posted by Tess on Apr 17
The immune system in a cat’s body has a committed task. It is a complex interconnected system of white blood cells, antibodies and other substances that are released to combat infections and eliminate foreign proteins. On recognition of a foreign invasion, the system releases antibodies which chemically bind with antigens to destroy them.
The important part of the immune system is that it is supposed to recognize foreign substances and respond immediately to destroy them. Unfortunately it does not happen like this always. Certain disorders cause the controlling mechanism of the immune system to fail and it produces antibodies that attack the body’s own tissues. These are known as autoantibodies. The resultant disease is known as an autoimmune disease. Even though it is known that an autoimmune disease is caused by production of these autoantibodies, the underlying causes are complicated and not thoroughly understood.
Symptoms of autoimmune diseases vary depending upon the organ or system that has been affected. In certain cases multiple organs and body systems are affected. Autoimmune diseases occur in both cats and dogs, producing relatively similar symptoms.
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posted by Tess on Oct 30
Otitis externa or inflammation of the external ear (including auricle and ear canal) is more common in dogs than cats. The Persian cat breed and kittens however, are more prone to ear infections than other cats breeds or older cats.
The main symptoms of feline ear infections include:
* Shaking head from side to side as the tries to push out the debris or fluids that accumulate in the ears.
* Excessive scratching of ears.
* Red and inflamed ears with an offensive odor.
* A black or yellowish discharge.
Ear mites are the most common cause of infection in a cat’s ears and lead to symptoms similar to ear infections. The average lifecycle of cat ear mites, from egg to adult, is roughly three weeks. In severe infestations, mites create an environment within the ear canal that results in secondary infection. Most of the times the mites have gone by the time you decide to consult a veterinarian but a significant amount of infection remains. A healthy cat is very resistant to ear mites but kittens are more prone to get infected. Dog ear mites, on the other hand can be a little bit more problematic.
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posted by Tess on Jun 13
What is Canine Distemper and what are the symptoms?
Canine distemper is a highly contagious, extremely serious viral disease which occurs in dogs and other wild canids (e.g.. foxes, wolves and coyotes), raccoons, skunks and ferrets.
It is an airborne virus, which affects the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and central nervous system of the animal. Puppies between three and six months and elderly animals are particularly at risk.
Symptoms grow increasingly severe as the disease progresses, they include:
* Conjunctivitis (a watery, pus-like eye discharge) and inflammation of the eye
* Fever
* Nasal discharge
* Pneumonia (Coughing and labored breathing)_
* Lethargy
* Reduced appetite
* Vomiting
* Diarrhea
* Seizures
* Hyperesthesia (increased sensitivity to sensory stimuli, such as pain or touch)
* Muscle twitching
* Progressive deterioration of mental abilities and motor skills
* Complete or partial paralysis
What is the conventional treatment?
There is no doubt that Canine Distemper is a serious illness. According to conventional veterinarian treatment, about 50% of dogs that contract it will die. Those that survive will often be left with debilitating conditions like permanent digestive problems, neurological problems, seizure disorders, deformities of the paw pads, etc.
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posted by Tess on May 2
Why is liver functioning so important for my pet?
The liver is the second largest organ in the body and is often seen as the most important one. In traditional Chinese medicine, for example, a healthy liver is seen as the most critical element in the body’s ability to fight disease and function optimally.
Amongst other important functions, the liver is responsible for eliminating and detoxifying the poisons that enter the blood stream. It also produces bile which is essential in the breakdown of fats and is the organ which stores Vitamin A, D, E and K.
Environmental pollution, processed and unhealthy foods, prescription drugs, frequent vaccinations and sedentary lifestyles all contribute to sluggish and diseased livers. The result? Pets with depressed immune systems, constant fatigue, obesity, sluggish livers and digestive systems, allergies, respiratory ailments, unhealthy skin and many other health problems.
A sluggish or diseased liver can seriously compromise your pet’s health and increase the chances of systemic illness.
How do I know if my pet has a problem liver?
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