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
A number of whole-body diseases also affect the skin. In some instances, the skin changes are characteristic of the particular disease. Often, however, the signs are not obviously associated with the underlying condition and must be carefully distinguished from primary skin disorders. Some of these secondary disorders are mentioned briefly below and are also described in the chapters on the specific disorders. Some skin disorders may be associated with a poor diet. However, this
Tumors are abnormal growths of cells. Tumors affecting the skin or the tissue just under the skin are the most commonly seen tumors in cats. This is partly because they are the most easily seen tumors and partly because the skin is constantly exposed to many tumor-causing factors in the environment. Chemical carcinogens, solar radiation, and viruses all can cause skin tumors. Hormonal and genetic factors may also play a role.
Distinguishing a tum
Ticks are blood-sucking parasites that attach themselves to animals and people. As they feed, ticks can transmit diseases, including Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Q fever, and Lyme disease. Ticks also release toxins that can harm their hosts. Skin wounds caused by ticks can lead to bacterial infections. Severe tick infestations can lead to anemia and death.
Technically, ticks are not insects. They are arachnids and are related to spiders and mite
Ringworm is an infection of skin, hair, or claws caused by a type of fungus known as a dermatophyte. In cats, about 98% of ringworm cases are caused by the fungus Microsporum canis. The fungus is spread easily in the environment and often infects people.
The fungi spread to people primarily by contact with infected cats and contaminated objects, such as furniture or grooming
Pyoderma can be caused by infection, inflammation, or cancer. It is not common in cats. Bacterial pyoderma is usually caused by an overgrowth of bacteria that normally or temporarily live on the skin. The infection is usually triggered by an underlying condition, such as allergies, flea or mite infestation, and chin acne. However, any disease that causes itching and self-trauma can trigger a pyoderma. Warm, moist areas of the skin (such as areas around the mouth, genitals, and to
One pox virus is known to infect cats. It has been reported occasionally in the United Kingdom (Great Britain) and Western Europe, but not in the United States. The virus is indistinguishable from cowpox virus. Cats are believed to contract this virus while hunting. Most infected cats are from rural environments and are known to hunt rodents, which are believed to be the reservoir host. Infection in cats is seasonal with most cases occurring between September and Nov
Photosensitization is a condition in which skin is overly sensitive to sunlight; it is not the same as sunburn. Certain molecules present in the skin are energized by light. When the molecules return to the less energized state, the released energy causes chemical reactions in the skin. Photosensitization can be difficult to distinguish from actual sunburn.
Photosensitization is often classified according to the source of the photodynamic pigment