Cat Illness & Disease


This collection of Cat Illness & Disease articles has been curated for you by Animal Hospital of Springfield. If you would like to talk to a veterinarian, please give us a call at 217-615-5664.

Heartworm in Cats: Why You Shouldn't Wait Until There Are Symptoms

Many pet owners associate heartworm with dogs, but it’s also a potentially devastating disease for cats, too. Cat owners must be aware of the signs and symptoms, as cat heartworm that has progressed to the adult stage becomes very difficult to treat and is often fatal. Prevention is the ultimate goal due to the severe nature of an infestation and to ensure the longevity of your cat.


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Diabetes In Dogs And Cats

Dogs and cats can get diabetes just like humans. The most common type of diabetes in dogs and cats is diabetes mellitus, which is similar to Type II diabetes in humans. Although diabetes can happen to any pet, overweight and obese cats and dogs are most at risk along with certain dog breeds.
 


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Creepy Crawlies: Cats and Ear Mites

This Halloween, you may think spiders and worms are the creepiest pests around, but cats have a whole other idea of what creeps them out: microscopic parasites that crawl into their ears and make themselves at home. This might sound like something out of a horror film, but it’s a common occurrence for cats (and dogs) – ear mites!


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Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) - What Is It?

FeLV is a retrovirus that infects cats and is responsible for more deaths than any other organism. It is, unfortunately, not uncommon. FeLV is highly contagious and is easily spread once a cat has been in close contact with another infected cat. Kittens and immune-compromised cats are more susceptible to the disease. Cats can contract the virus through saliva, urine, using the same litter box, nursing, and cat bites.


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Cats and Glaucoma: An Eye Emergency

Glaucoma is rare in cats, though when it occurs, it’s very painful and can lead to blindness. It can’t be cured, though sometimes it can be treated.

Healthy eyes have a balance of fluid and drainage. In cats with glaucoma, the fluid stops draining and builds up behind the eye, causing a lot of pressure. Sometimes the eyes bulge. Glaucoma also damages the optic nerve.


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What is Cherry Eye?

Have you thought about the health of your pet’s eyes? Chances are, as long as your dog or cat seems to see okay, you may not have thought much about it.

However, they can be susceptible to eye problems, and one of those eye problems is known as cherry eye.

This unsightly condition gets its name from a reddish mass in the eye. It can protrude from the eye and sits like a red bump in the corner.


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How Can the Weather Affect Your Pet?

Outdoor temperature plays a role in health from both an Eastern and Western perspective. A healthy body—whether human or animal—should be able to adapt easily to changes in weather, until it starts getting into extremes. However, if the body is already out of balance, your dog or cat may experience more inflammation as the temperature rises.


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