Many systems in the body rely on the muscles. A cat’s ability to see, breathe, urinate, breed, and even chew and swallow may be affected by a muscular condition. Many disorders can show themselves in the muscles but be traced back to the nervous system. Disorders that primarily affect the muscle membrane or muscle fibers are called myopathies. Muscle membrane disorders may be hereditary or acquired. Diagnosing a myopathy usually requires laborator
Bones provide rigid structure to the body and shield internal organs from damage. They also house bone marrow, where blood cells are formed, and they maintain the body’s reservoir of calcium. Old bone tissue is continuously replaced with new bone tissue in a process called remodeling. This helps keep the bones healthy.
Bones come together to form joints. The type of joint formed determines the degree and di
The musculoskeletal system includes the bones, cartilage, muscles, ligaments, joints, tendons, and other connective tissue. It supports the body, permits movement, and protects the vital organs. Because many other body systems (including the nervous system, blood vessels, and skin) are interrelated, disorders of one of these systems may also affect the musculoskeletal system.
Diseases of the musculoskeletal system most often affect the body’s ability to move.
Erythrocytosis (often referred to as polycythemia) is an increase in the number of red blood cells in the bloodstream. (Polycythemia varies from erythrocytosis in that polycythemia may also refer to an increase in white blood cells or platelets.) Primary erythrocytosis (polycythemia vera) is a disease in which the blood-producing cells in the bone marrow develop and reprodu
Leukocytes, or white blood cells, in the blood of mammals include neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils. These cells vary with regard to where they are produced, how long they circulate in the bloodstream, and the factors that stimulate them into going in or out of the intricate network of tiny blood vessels that branch out through the tissues
When bleeding occurs in an organ or body part, a process is set in motion to stop the bleeding. This is called hemostasis. To work, hemostasis requires an adequate number of platelets, the right amount of blood clotting proteins (often referred to as factors), and blood vessels that constrict properly. When an injury occurs, the wall of the blood vessel breaks. A norma
Blood parasites are organisms that live in the blood of their animal hosts. These parasites can range from single-celled protozoa to more complex bacteria and rickettsiae. The method of transmission varies depending on the parasite, but often they are transmitted through the bites of ticks or flies.
Anemia occurs when there is a decrease in the number of red blood cells. It can develop from loss, destruction, or lack of production of red blood cells. Anemia is classified as regenerative or nonregenerative. In a regenerative anemia, the bone marrow responds to the decreased number of red blood cells by increasing red blood cell production. Anemias due to bleeding or the d
Blood groups are determined by the presence or absence of certain antigens (proteins or sugars) found on the red blood cell membrane. The number of blood group systems varies among domestic species. Cats have 4 known blood types, A, B, AB, and mic. Type A is most common (about 99% of cats in the United States are Type A). Certain breeds have a higher prevalence of Type B. Typ
Platelets, produced in the bone marrow, are small, cell-like particles that start the formation of blood clots. Platelets gather where bleeding occurs and clump together to form the initial plug that stops or slows down the flow of blood. Platelets also release other substances needed to complete the clotting process.
Platelet disorders can result fr