Library
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Feline chlamydiosis is caused by a bacterium-like organism. Because chlamydia lives inside cells of the body and is not able to survive for long in the environment, spread of infection relies on direct or close contact with an infected cat. The bacterium primarily infects the conjunctiva (the delicate membrane lining the eyelids and covering the edges of the eyeballs) causing inflammation (conjunctivitis). Since chlamydia is a bacterial infection, it can be successfully treated with a course of oral antibiotics.
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Feline eosinophilic granulomas are peculiar lesions which may be found in cats affecting the skin and other sites. The most common site for these lesions is on the lips, usually the upper lips, where they appear as ulcers. The most common method used to treat eosinophilic granulomas is to use corticosteroids. Some forms of eosinophilic granuloma prove more difficult to treat and in such cases your vet might decide to use additional treatments.
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Fibrosarcoma is a tumour originating from the fibroblasts of the skin and subcutaneous connective tissue. The feline sarcoid is a subtype of tumour that is caused by a papilloma (wart) virus.
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Hypertension is the medical term for high blood pressure which is a common problem in people and also an important condition in cats.
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Hyperthyroidism is the most common endocrine (hormonal) disorder of cats. It is most common in older cats, rarely seen in cats under eight years of age.
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Hypokalaemia is a term that refers to low blood concentrations of potassium. Potassium is an important electrolyte (chemical) within the body and is very important for the normal function of muscles and nerves.
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Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) is a retrovirus from the same family of viruses as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). FIV is transmitted primarily by biting through transmission of saliva which has a large concentration of virus in it. FIV is diagnosed on a blood test by looking for an immune response (antibodies) to the virus. A vaccine is available in Australia to prevent FIV infection.
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FIA is caused by a very specialised group of bacteria called mycoplasmas, which attack the cat's red blood cells, leading to anaemia. The earliest indication may be pallor of the mucous membranes. FIA is treated with specific types of antibiotics. Sometimes infection can recur once treatment is stopped so careful monitoring of blood tests is required.
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Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is an uncommon but fatal disease of cats caused by a virus called a feline coronavirus (FECV). The first signs of FIP may be very vague: dullness, lethargy, and inappetance are common findings. FIP is a fatal illness, and essentially all cats that develop clinical signs will go on to die of the disease.
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Feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) is a potentially life threatening viral infection of cats. Fortunately because of attempts to control transmission and with the availability of good vaccines to protect against FeLV, the disease is much less common. As its name implies, FeLV is able to cause neoplasia (cancer) of the white blood cells (leukaemia), but in addition the virus may also cause the development of solid tumours (lymphomas) at various sites in the body. There is currently no specific treatment for FeLV infected cats (i.e., no treatment that is able to eliminate the virus from the body).