Melanoma is a rare type of tumour that arises from pigment-producing melanocytes which can be benign or malignant. 50% are malignant (malignant melanomas) and highly metastatic, which means they readily spread to other parts of the body, such as the lungs, liver, brain, spleen, and bone.
Cat Health Collection
Cat health articles. Browse our health collection for common and uncommon cat health issues.
Spondylosis in Cats
Spondylosis deformans is a progressive disease of the cat’s spine characterised by the formation of bony spurs (osteophytes) on the edges of the vertebrae, which are the small bones that make up the backbone.
The cat’s spine is made up of vertebrae (small bones), sandwiched between each vertebra are pads of tough, fibrous cartilage called intervertebral discs. Ligaments hold the vertebrae together, protect the intervertebral discs and stabilise the spine. The intervertebral discs separate the vertebrae, act as a shock absorber, providing a cushion and allow the spine to move.
Nuclear Sclerosis in Cats
Also called lenticular sclerosis, nuclear sclerosis (NS) is a common age-related change in the nuclear (central portion) of the crystalline lens of the eye which results in a glue/grey hue in the centre of the eye.
Nuclear sclerosis usually becomes noticeable after the age of seven.
Easter Pet Safety Tips
Lilies are a popular floral display, especially at Easter. Many varieties are highly toxic to cats, including:
- Rubrun Lily
- Tiger Lily
- Asiatic Lily
- Daylily
- Stargazer Lily
- Easter Lily
ALL parts of the plant are toxic, including petals, leaves, stamen, pollen, and water. Ingestion can cause acute kidney failure in cats, the exact mechanism is not known.
Insulinoma in Cats
An insulinoma is a rare malignant functional tumour of the beta cells in the pancreas which produces excessive amounts of insulin. Blood sugar levels are kept in check by insulin (a hormone, which is a chemical messenger that travels in the bloodstream) when levels increase; insulin is released, when levels decrease, insulin production stops:
Brain Tumour in Cats
Tumours are the abnormal growth of cells and can occur anywhere in the body. Brain tumours are rare, with an incidence of 0.0035, and account for 2.2% of all tumours [1]. They can be benign or malignant, primary or secondary. A benign tumour does not invade neighbouring tissue or spread to other parts of the … Read more
Poison Awareness Prevention Week
The third week of March is Poison Awareness Prevention Week. Started by John F. Kennedy in 1961, the goal is to raise awareness of the risk of poisoning from household products.
Key-Gaskell Syndrome (Feline Dysautonomia)
What is Key-Gaskell syndrome?
Also called feline dilated pupil syndrome or feline dysautonomia, Key-Gaskell syndrome is a rare condition of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems which work in harmony to prepare the body for fight or flight (sympathetic) or relax the body (parasympathetic). This system is responsible for functions in the body that the cat does not consciously control such as respiration, digestion, heartbeat, hormone secretion and pupil dilation/constriction, collectively called the autonomic nervous system (ANS).
Can Indoor Cats Get Worms?
Can indoor cats get worms?
Yes, even indoor cats can become infected with several types of parasitic worm. The risk of infection is lower by keeping a cat indoors; it is still possible for infection to occur in several ways which are outlined below.
Myths and Facts About Cat Desexing (Spay & Neuter)
Myth vs Fact Despite easy access to early desexing, every spring shelters prepare for an increase in surrendered and abandoned kittens due to pet owners allowing their cat to produce kittens. Some people just don’t get around to it; other people perpetuate several myths surrounding the desexing (spay and neuter) of cats. Every year, hundreds … Read more