CAT HEALTH & MEDICINE

Why You Should Microchip Your Cat

Your cat may never leave the safety of your home. She may wear a collar with an ID tag. Even so, its a smart move to have your veterinarian implant a microchip, according to Emily McCobb, DVM, MS DACVAA, a clinical assistant professor at the Tufts University Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine. …

Keep your pets microchip information current

Remember that your cats microchip only works if its registration information is accurate. To remind pet owners to have their pets microchipped and to keep the registration information up-to-date, AVMA and the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) created Check the Chip Day (August 15). You can join the event on Facebook. Make an appointment with your vet for microchipping if your pet isnt already microchipped. Make sure that the chip is promptly registered. Check your already-microchipped pets…

How to Register Your Cats Microchip

The easiest way to get your cat microchipped is to take him to your vet. You can then contact the registry company to sign up online. You can also look up a microchip registry online, and find either a local vet or a pet supply store that provides microchipping. One popular microchip registry is Home Again (public.homeagain.com). Home Again makes their own microchip but allows you to register any microchip with their registry. The cost is $17.95…

Limb Amputation in Cats

A frightening occurrence: A cat darts into the street near his owners home and is struck by an oncoming car. One or more of the bones in one leg are severely broken, and a quick trip to the nearest veterinary clinic yields some very disturbing news. The fractured limb is beyond surgical repair, and the cats owners are faced with a limited set of options: Either the traumatized cat should be euthanized, the veterinarian tells…

Cat Adjusting to Life on Three Legs

It started out as a quiet evening in late autumn for Renee C. - a Massachusetts housewife and part-time yoga instructor - but it certainly didnt end up that way. She, her husband, and their two-year-old daughter had just finished dinner and were relaxing in their living room when there was a knock at the front door. It was a neighbor, recalls Renee, with some very bad news. Our cat Shady had been struck by…

Cryptococcosis in Cats

Last year, I received a phone call from a cat owner seeking a second opinion. Their four-year-old male orange tabby, Teddy, has always been a bit of a troublemaker, knocking things off counters, chasing imaginary mice and leaving no houseplant un-nibbled. Over the last few weeks, however, Teddy had been battling a stubborn upper respiratory infection (URI), and it was only getting worse, despite treatment. …

What is Cushings Disease?

Heres a complication that youve been dreading for your beloved diabetic cat: At this point, you can no longer control his glucose levels. Neither diet, nor medicines, nor injections of insulin, work. His diabetes remains out of control. So your veterinarian enlists the diagnostic acumen of a veterinary specialist. After more tests, the diagnosis is clear: hyperadrenocorticism, aka Cushings disease. Your cats pituitary - a tiny gland in the brain - is producing too much ACTH…

Dear Doctor – February 2014

Letters to Tufts Veterinarians - Nipples on males; fascination with veggies

Double Whammy – Chronic Kidney Disease and Hyperthyroidism

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a common cause of illness in cats - especially in older cats - and unfortunately the incidence is increasing. In 1990, for every 1000 cats admitted to veterinary teaching hospitals, there were 45 cases of CKD. In 2000, the number increased to 96 cases per 1000 admissions. In my feline specialty practice, CKD remains the most common illness we encounter, and the most common reason for euthanasia. …

Can Cats Take NSAIDs?

Your older cat seems like hes in pain. He doesnt limp or moan, but you notice that he wont jump up on his favorite windowsill the way that he used to, and if you put him there, hes reluctant to jump down on his own. He has trouble walking up and down stairs. Hes not playful any more. …

How Can You Determine If Your Cat is In Pain?

You cat cant tell you shes in pain. But her actions are a clue. Your cat may not be limping, but she may have trouble navigating the stairs, says Dr. Karas. Watch out for changes in activities such as: Running Chasing objects Jumping up - and down Hunting Going up and down stairs Using the litter tray Playing with toys or other cats Decreased grooming (because they are no longer flexible enough) Running, whether it's to food or away from a dog Increased grooming (because…