Anthrax is an often fatal infectious disease that usually infects grazing herbivores but may infect all warm-blooded animals, including cats and humans. Under-diagnosis and unreliable reporting make it difficult to estimate the true frequency of anthrax worldwide; however, anthrax has been reported from nearly every continent. Under normal circumstances, anthrax outbreaks in the United States are extremely rare. Anthrax received much attention in 2001 in relation to
Amyloidosis is a condition that occurs when amyloid, a substance composed of abnormally folded protein, is deposited in various organs of the body. Some types of amyloidosis are hereditary in cats. Abyssinian cats are known to be at risk for hereditary amyloidosis, in which an abnormal gene causes amyloid to be produced. Other types occur as a result of infections, various cancers, or other inflammatory or immune-related conditions. H
A variety of structural and functional defects have been described in animals. These defects are usually classified by the body system primarily affected, and many are discussed under the appropriate body system. Neonates with birth defects have survived a disruptive event during embryonic or fetal development. Defective development may also cause embryonic loss, fetal death, mummification, abortion (a loss of pregnancy or a miscarriage), stillbirth, a newborn not capable of surv
There are many disorders that can affect multiple parts of the body. These may be caused by bacteria, viruses, poisonous or toxic substances in the environment, and other health hazards. Disorders affecting multiple body systems can also be inherited or develop while the animal is still in the womb. Diseases or conditions that involve multiple organ systems may also be described as systemic or generalized.
Many disorders are discussed in this chapter. A listi
February 4, 2025
Emergency