A variety of skin conditions affect the outside part of the ear, called the pinna. Most conditions cause tissue changes elsewhere as well. Rarely, a disease affects the outer ear alone or affects it first. As with all skin conditions, a diagnosis is best made when combined with the results of a thorough history, a complete physical and skin examination, and carefully selected diagnostic tests.
Insects and parasites commonly cause inf
Deafness in cats may be congenital (present at birth) or acquired as a result of infection, trauma, toxins (including certain drugs), or degeneration of the ear.
Deafness present at birth can be inherited or result from toxic or viral damage to the developing unborn kitten. A certain gene in cats causes white fur, blue eyes, and deafness; however, not all blue-eyed white cats are deaf. Deafness in this instance is due to degenerative changes that
Cats are very sensitive to sound, with a range of hearing both above and below the range of frequencies that can be detected by humans. They can hear better than people and even better than most dogs.
The ear is an organ of hearing and an organ of balance. It consists of the outer, middle, and inner ear.
The outer ear includes the pinna (the part you see that is made of cartilage and covered by skin, fur,
Rectal diseases in cats can result from injuries, tumors, or infections.
Anal Sac Disease
The anal sacs are glands located on each side of the anus. They are analogous to the scent glands in skunks and produce small amounts of dark, foul-smelling liquid which is normally squeezed out during defecation. Anal sacs may become clogged (impacted), infected, abscessed, or cancerous. Anal sac disease is much les
The liver performs numerous functions. It has a large storage capacity and functional reserve and is capable of regenerating. These properties provide some protection against permanent damage. However, the liver is also susceptible to injury because of its role in metabolizing, detoxifying, and storing various toxic compounds.
Functions of the Liver
The pancreas is an organ that has 2 main functions: endocrine and exocrine. The endocrine pancreas produces the hormones insulin and glucagon, which regulate blood sugar levels. The exocrine pancreas produces enzymes that are essential for the digestion of complex dietary components such as proteins, triglycerides, and complex carbohydrates. The exocrine pancreas also secretes large amounts of bicarbonate, which buffers stomach acid.
Disorders of the exocrine
Protozoa are single-celled organisms that can sometimes cause disease. They may be free-living or parasites. Some of the more common diseases caused by protozoa in cats are discussed below.
Amebiasis
Amebiasis is a disease caused by the amoeba Entamoeba histolytica. It causes inflammation of the large intestine, which produces persistent diarrhea. Amebiasis is common in pe
Many parasites can infect the digestive system of cats ( see Table: Gastrointestinal Parasites of Cats). The most common ones are described below.
Table
Gastrointestinal Parasites of Cats
Table
Certain bacteria may cause gastrointestinal disease in cats. The most common of these are discussed below.
Campylobacter Infection
Gastrointestinal campylobacteriosis is a bacterial disease. It is caused by bacteria of various Campylobacter species. These organisms can be isolated from carrier cats (those that do not show signs) as well as
Diseases that affect the stomach and intestines include infectious diseases (such as bacterial, viral, and parasitic diseases) and noninfectious disorders (such as tumors and obstruction.)
Inflammation of the Large Intestine (Colitis)
The large intestine (also called colon or large bowel) helps maintain fluid and electrolyte (salt) balance and absorb nutrients; it also temporarily stores feces and provide