The respiratory system consists of the large and small airways and the lungs. When a cat breathes air in through its nose or mouth, the air travels down the trachea, which divides into the tubes known as the right and left bronchi, then into the smaller airways called bronchioles in the lungs. The bronchioles end in the small sacs called
Minerals that naturally occur in urine can clump together to form tiny crystals. When crystals clump together, they form uroliths (also known as urinary stones or calculi). These stones can develop anywhere in the urinary system, including the kidney, ureter, bladder, or urethra. Certain types of stones appear to have increased in cats in recent years. The cause is not clear, but re
Not every disease is caused by infection with bacteria, viruses, or other outside agents. There are a variety of noninfectious disorders that can impair the urinary system. All of these diseases and conditions can be serious threats to the health of your cat.
Kidney Dysfunction
The kidneys’ most important function is to filter waste from the blood. When this does not happen properly, waste products can bu
Most infections of the urinary system are caused by bacteria. The infection usually develops when bacteria enter the body through the urethra. The bacteria then travel to the bladder, and in some cases they set up an infection there. Sometimes bacteria continue to move up the urinary tract to the kidneys and can result in kidney infection (pyelonephritis). There are several factors that increase the risk of urinary system infection. These include problems with urine
Certain urinary tract abnormalities are inherited or congenital (present at birth). These abnormalities are caused by abnormal genes or produced by injury, disease, or exposure to toxic substances in the womb. They may or may not cause health problems later in your pet’s life. These types of abnormalities are rare, but important to consider, if your cat has urinary tract problems.
Disorders of the Kidneys
Your veterinarian can diagnose many common problems involving the urinary system by taking a medical history, performing a physical examination, and performing tests on the cat’s blood and urine. The history might include information regarding changes in how much water your pet drinks, how often it urinates, how much urine it produces, how the urine looks, and how your pet behaves. Your veterinarian will also need information about what medications your pet has taken or is curren
The urinary system or tract includes the kidneys, the ureters (tubes that connect the kidneys to the bladder), the bladder, and the urethra (the tube through which urine exits the body). The urinary system has several important functions. It gets rid of the waste products that are created when food is transformed into energy. It also maintains the correct balance of water and electrolytes (salts) needed for the body’s cells. Another key function is the production of erythropoietin and r
The body sometimes produces too many antibodies (immunoglobulins). Gammopathies are conditions in which there is a dramatic rise in the production of antibodies. There are 2 general types: polyclonal and monoclonal. In polyclonal gammopathies, levels of all the major immunoglobulins are increased. In monoclonal gammopathies, the levels of only a single type of immunoglobulin are increased.
Polyclonal gammopathies
Cancer occurs when cells grow out of control. This can happen with the cells of the immune system. The tumor cells may not perform normal functions, which can lead to immunodeficiencies. Alternatively, tumor cells can be functional and produce large numbers of antibodies.
The normal immune system requires a rapid increase in the growth of lymphocytes to fight foreign invaders. On occasion, this increase in the growth of lymphocytes m
Like people, cats can develop diseases and conditions that impair the function of their immune systems. Immune deficiency diseases have serious consequences and often lower the body’s defenses against infection. Some are inherited, and others are caused by viral infections (for example, feline immunodeficiency virus infection), malnutrition, stress, poisons, or cancer. Animals with inherited immune deficiency should not be bred.