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Applying eye ointments to your cat's eye(s) can be a challenging or easy task. The proper administration of eye medications is essential for your cat's prompt recovery. It is important to use the medication as directed for the full duration and contact your veterinarian if you have problems. The tips and instructions in this handout may make administering your cat's eye ointment easier.
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Applying topical medications to your pet can sometimes be a challenge. Creams, ointments, and lotions are for external use only. It is important to prevent your cat from licking and swallowing any of these external preparations as they may contain ingredients that could be harmful if swallowed. Most topical preparations work better if they are gently massaged in for a few moments after application. It is always a good idea to get someone to help hold your cat, especially when applying medications on a sensitive or painful area. If you still have trouble keeping your pet from licking the medication, please contact your veterinarian to get your cat fitted for an Elizabethan collar.
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Arsenic poisoning is the development of clinical signs after ingestion, skin contact, or inhalation of products containing a toxic dose of arsenic. Arsenic is a metal-like substance found naturally in rocks, soil, and water, but usually in small, harmless amounts.
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Osteoarthritis is a common condition affecting bones and joints in many older cats. Medications, physical therapy, nutrition, and surgery may all be considered to help alleviate the pain.
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This handout discusses arthroscopy, the insertion of a telescope-like camera into a joint. The joints commonly examined and treated using this technique, along with the benefits and risks of this procedure, are outlined.
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Ascorbic acid (also known as Vitamin C) is an essential vitamin needed to maintain good nutrition and a healthy immune system. Some animals, such as guinea pigs, need ascorbic acid added to their diet as they cannot produce it on their own. It is used to treat scurvy in guinea pigs, as an antioxidant for certain toxins that cause methemoglobinemia in cats and dogs, and as a stool softener in rabbits.
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This handout discusses aspergillosis in cats, an infection, growth, or allergic response caused by the Aspergillus fungus. If your cat becomes infected, it can be confined to the nasal passages (nasal aspergillosis), or it can spread throughout the body (systemic aspergillosis). The clinical signs, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of both conditions are outlined.
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Aspirin is a commonly used, over-the-counter drug used to treat fever, pain, swelling, and clotting disorders in humans. Aspirin poisoning occurs when a cat ingests a toxic dose of aspirin, either through misuse or accident. Cats are more vulnerable to poisoning than dogs. High doses may damage major organs like the liver, kidneys, and central nervous system.
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Feline asthma is somewhat common in cats and is often associated with bronchitis. Asthma is an acute or chronic inflammation of the airways. It occurs when the airway is hypersensitive to certain stimuli, resulting in airway constriction, excess mucus production, and air trapping. As asthma cannot be cured, treatment is aimed at disease management.
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Ataxia means incoordination within the nervous system. There are several forms of ataxia, depending upon where in the nervous system the abnormality occurs. The most common sign of ataxia is an abnormal, unsteady gait. Treatment of ataxia will be influenced by the root cause. Pain management, supportive care (such as anti-nausea medication), and creating a safe environment (e.g., preventing access to stairs) are cornerstones of ataxia treatment.