Malignant hyperthermia is seen mostly in pigs, but it has also been reported in dogs, cats, and horses. This syndrome is characterized by abnormally high body temperature and muscle contractions that can potentially lead to death. A rapid and sudden increase in body temperature can be followed by muscle rigidity, a very rapid and irregular heartbeat, increased breathing rate, a bluish tinge to the skin and mucous membranes, unstable blood pressure, fluid buildup in the lungs, imp
In both animals and people, fever may indicate infection, inflammation, an immune-mediated disease, or cancer. Determining the cause of a fever requires a history, physical examination, and sometimes laboratory or other diagnostic tests. Often, a fever resolves on its own or in response to antibiotic therapy. However, in a small percentage of animals, the fever continues or keeps coming back and the cause cannot be determined. This is called fever of unknown origi
Potassium is an important electrolyte (salt) that affects the function of nerves, muscles, and the heart. A high level of potassium in the blood is known as hyperkalemia, whereas a low level is called hypokalemia.
Hypokalemia can occur when there is inadequate potassium in a cat's diet or when a cat receives a large amount of intravenous fluids. Severely low blood levels of potassium result in
Most disorders of magnesium metabolism are due to problems associated with absorption of the mineral from the digestive tract. Because of anatomical differences in the digestive tract between species, the rates disorders of magnesium vary in different types of animals. Disorders of magnesium metabolism are less common in cats than in cattle and sheep. Too much magnesium in the blood (hypermagnesemia) is rare but has been reported in cats with kidn
Calcium is an essential component of the skeleton, and it has important functions in muscle contraction, blood clotting, enzyme activity, the nervous system, and hormone release, among others. Many different metabolic disorders affect calcium metabolism and can lead to abnormal levels of calcium in the blood ( see also Disorders of the Parathyroid Glands and of Calcium Metabolism in Cats). A high level of calcium is known as hypercalcemia, w
Congenital erythropoietic porphyria is a rare hereditary disease of cats, cattle, pigs, sheep, and people. It results from low levels of an enzyme involved in the production of heme. Heme is a part of hemoglobin, which is the molecule that carries oxygen in the blood. Affected animals have reddish brown discoloration of the teeth, bones, and urine at birth that continues for life. Abnormal byproducts accumulate in the skin and cause severe sensitivity to the sun (called photosensitivity
Metabolism refers to all processes in the body that break down and convert ingested substances to provide the energy and nutrients needed to sustain life. Foods, liquids, and drugs all generally undergo metabolic processes within the body. Many foods are complex materials that must be broken down into simpler substances, which in turn become “building blocks” for the body to use as needed. For example, protein is broken down into amino acids, which are used in
February 4, 2025
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