Mammary gland hyperplasia is a relatively uncommon condition in cats. One or more mammary glands swell up due to hormonal changes thought to be associated with progesterone levels. I have seen this condition develop most frequently a few weeks after a young queen is spayed. It may also develop in intact females after their first heat cycle during pseudopregnancy. Male …
Author Archives: kristennelsondvm
Veterinary Orthopedic Implants
Ethics matter. I usually try to keep the blog fairly upbeat but every once and awhile, ethical concerns need to be presented for your consideration. A few months ago, I used a product from Veterinary Orthopedic Implants in one of my patients. I was very unhappy with the performance of the product so I contacted the company. The response from …
Epilepsy in Cats
The diagnosis of epilepsy is given to cats who have had more than one seizure. During a seizure, a cat may exhibit a variety of clinical signs from twitching and staring off into space to a complete loss of consciousness with uncontrollable movement of the legs, urination, defecation and loud meows. Before a seizure, some …
You Make The Diagnosis: Abnormal X-rays in a Dog
Pictured below is the x-ray from a dog who was having accidents in the house. The owner noticed blood in the urine as well. Look closely at the film and then answer the following questions: What is wrong with this dog? What are the dark black areas in the middle of the dog’s abdomen? Diagnosis: Kidney …
Continue reading “You Make The Diagnosis: Abnormal X-rays in a Dog”
Rhinovirus in Cats
Feline viral rhinotracheitis is the name given to respiratory disease caused by a Herpes virus called Feline Herpes Virus 1. This virus infects felines of all shapes and sizes. It does not infect humans. The virus loves to infect the eyes of cats and kittens. It causes severe inflammation of the conjunctiva, that’s the pink …
Hookworm Infection in Cats
Hookworms are much less common in cats than in dogs. Cats may become infected with two types of hook- worms, Ancylostoma tubaeforme and Ancyclostoma braziliense. Adult worms live in the intestines of an infected cat. They produce eggs which pass out in the feces. The egg hatches into a larva that eventually hatches into a third …
You Make The Diagnosis: Dog Orthopedic X-rays
Below are the x-rays of a puppy who presented for sudden lameness. She screamed when she tried to walk on her front legs. Look at the x-ray closely then answer the following questions: How many bones are broken? What is the extra material on the pup’s legs? What are the circular structures under her toes (note: you will …
Continue reading “You Make The Diagnosis: Dog Orthopedic X-rays”
Alopecia in Cats
Alopecia in cats is one of the most frustrating problems I have to deal with as a veterinarian because there are so many things that can cause it. To help narrow down the possible causes, I want to know if the cat actually pulls their hair out while grooming or if the hair falls out …
Cold Symptoms in Kittens
Colds in kittens are usually caused by a virus. Calicivirus and Feline Herpes Virus 1 are usually the culprits. The most common clinical signs are sneezing, runny eyes, loss of appetite and a runny nose. Ulcers on the nose and lips are also seen with calicivirus. These symptoms last 7 – 10 days. Sometimes, the ocular discharge …
Helping Blind Cats
In my experience, blind cats learn how to ‘see’ with their other senses and live happy lives without much help from people. In fact, many people don’t even know their cat is blind until I tell them! This seems unlikely I know but it happens because their cat is doing everything like normal. Here are three …