2013 Top Ten Medical Conditions in Cats
- Feline Cystitis (Bladder conditions, including bladder stones and urinary tract infections)
- Periodontitis (Gum disease)
- Chronic Renal Disease (Kidney failure)
- Hyperthyroidism (Overactive thyroid)
- Gastropathy (Stomach issues)
- Diabetes Mellitus (Insulin dependent diabetes)
- Enteropathy (Intestinal inflammation)
- Lymphoma/ Lymphosarcoma (A specific cancer, sometimes in relation to FeLV infection)
- Feline Upper Respiratory Infection
- Atopic/ Allergic Dermatitis (Allergies, which tend to show up as pinpoint scabs all over)
It is interesting to note a few things that are different than the top 10 dog diseases:
First, allergies come in at number ten. In dogs, allergies are responsible for 3 of the top 4 conditions. 3 of the top ten cat issues are actually chronic disease processes (#3, #4, #6). For cats, the top ten incorporates several diseases that highlight the importance of annual blood work (CBC/ Profile/T4). In dogs, this blood work is important, though many of their top ten issues do not require blood work for a definitive diagnosis.
We have recently become a certified Cat Friendly practice. In conjunction with that, we are one of only 6 clinics in our territory to be participating an a nationwide initiative called: "Have we seen your cat lately." The importance of this initiative (and the relevance to this posting) is that many cat diseases come on slowly and subtly. This make the importance of annual and semi-annual physical examinations more important. For more information, please check around on our website and click on the various hyperlinks that are imbedded above.
Written and published by Dr. Fink
