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Home care after surgery mainly involves the restriction of physical activity. Excessive physical activity often leads to injury or serious complications. Monitor the incision daily for signs of redness, swelling, discharge, or excessive licking, and never apply anything to the incision unless instructed to do so. To keep your cat from licking, your veterinarian can provide you with a protective collar or recovery suit. Your cat should gradually improve each day.
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Pain management strategies are designed to meet the needs of the individual cat before, during, and after surgery. Your veterinarian will begin managing your cat's pain before the procedure starts by giving preemptive pain medication. During surgery, strategies such as local freezing, continuous rate infusions, and anesthetic blocks may be used. After surgery, pain relief continues, with at-home medication and possibly physical medicine modalities.
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The main objectives of fracture repair are to promote rapid healing of the fracture and to get the cat using its leg as quickly as possible. In most cases, this involves rebuilding the broken bone and fixing it in that position with metallic implants. Post-operative care includes pain medications, antibiotics, adequate nutrition, exercise restriction, and physiotherapy. Most fractures can be repaired very effectively and in many cases, your cat will resume normal activity.
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Skin gland, hair follicle, and sebaceous gland tumors are often benign. Matrical carcinoma and sebaceous gland adenocarcinoma are rare and more aggressive forms of the disease. Regardless of the type (sweat, hair, or sebaceous) diagnosis is made by fine needle aspiration, biopsy, and/or surgical removal and histopathology. Further treatment is reviewed.
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H1N1 influenza virus emerged in pigs as a genetic sharing of DNA from both human and swine influenza viruses. It caused a deadly pandemic in 2009 and continues to be an important cause of illness today. Pets including cats and dogs can be infected from their owners and become ill. It is not yet known to transfer from pets to humans. Good hygiene and restricted exposure should be taken immediately if there is any sign of influenza-like infection to restrict spread between humans, and between humans and their pets or domestic animals.
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Systemic hypertension describes high blood pressure throughout the entire body. Hypertension in cats is often due to an underlying disease. When there is no underlying disease. The treatment of cats with hypertension depends on the underlying cause. Your veterinarian will recommend the best treatment options for your cat based on her specific needs. Prognosis is variable depending on how well the underlying conditions are controlled.
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Systemic lupus is a rare disease in cats and most commonly affects Siamese, Persians, and Himalayans. It is caused by immune system dysregulation resulting in the immune system attacking different cells in the body. Skin changes can include ulceration or erosions of the face, ears, or entire body. Other systems affected include the kidneys, joints, blood cells, and the central nervous system. Diagnosis is difficult, requiring the presence of a minimum of three of the 11 criteria set by the American College of Rheumatology. Treatment involves suppressing the immune system with steroids and other immunosuppressive medications. Prognosis is guarded, as treatment to control the symptoms will be needed lifelong and in some cases may not be effective.
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Tacrolimus ophthalmic is applied to the eye and is used off label to treat KCS (dry eye) and other immune-mediated and inflammatory conditions of the eye. Give as directed. Side effects are not common but may include irritation, eyelid twitches, or hair loss around the eye. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it or have a viral or fungal infection in the eye. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.
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When leaving home for vacations, pet owners are confronted with the problem of what to do with their pets. Should they take them along or leave them at home? Reviewing a summary of boarding options and travel guidelines will make the decision easier while safeguarding the well-being of your pet and providing your own peace of mind.
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Normal body temperature for dogs and cats is 101 to 102.5°F (38.3 to 39.2°C). Pets with temperatures above 104°F (40.0°C) or falls below 99°F (37.2°C) need immediate veterinary care. Temperature can be taken rectally or aurally. If taking your pet’s temperature is too difficult, take your pet to your veterinarian. If your pet’s temperature remains high or low, take him to your veterinarian.
