Ophthalmia neonatorum is an infection of the conjunctiva (the thin layer of tissue that lines the eyelids) or cornea (the transparent structure that makes up the front part of the eye). It occurs before or just after the eyelids open in kittens, usually during the first 10 to 14 days of life.This ... more >>

Otitis externa, commonly known as an ear infection, is characterized by inflammation of the soft tissue components of the external ear canal. It is a common condition in cats. Several factors may predispose your cat to ear infections, including: Abnormal ear conformation or anatomy such as ... more >>

The ears are responsible for taking sound waves from the air and transporting them to the brain. These waves pass through the ear canal until they come in contact with the nerves that convert them into sound and allow for hearing. The ear canals are divided into three sections; the external, ... more >>

Ovarian tumors are cancerous growths associated with the ovaries, which are the female sex glands where eggs are formed. It is unclear what contributes to the cause of ovarian tumors, except the presence of ovaries in an intact female. There are many different types of ovarian tumors, with ... more >>

Exocrine tumors of the pancreas are tumors that arise from the glandular tissue of the pancreas that produces digestive secretions. Most of these tumors are malignant (adenocarcinomas). Benign exocrine pancreatic tumors are extremely rare.There is no known underlying cause. They occur more ... more >>

The ductus arteriosus is a blood vessel that connects the two main arteries of the body - the aorta and the pulmonary artery. This blood vessel is normal in the fetus, but shortly after birth, it should close. When the ductus arteriosus remains open or patent after birth, this abnormal ... more >>

Pemphigus foliaceus is a severe skin disease that is characterized by pustules and blisters that rupture, causing damage to the skin of the face, ears, feet and eventually the entire skin.This disease results when the animal recognizes a specific component of his own skin (desmoglein I) as foreign ... more >>

A perinephric pseudocyst is an accumulation of fluid in cyst-like masses between the kidney and its surrounding capsule. This disorder is also known as capsulogenic renal cyst, capsular cyst, pararenal pseudocyst, capsular hydronephrosis, and perirenal pseudocyst. Perinephric pseudocysts are ... more >>

The peritoneum is a membrane that lines the abdominal cavity and produces a small amount of fluid that lubricates the abdominal contents. In addition, the peritoneum is also responsible for forming adhesions, or scars, in the presence of an inflammatory process.Peritonitis is an inflammatory ... more >>

Periodontitis is the inflammation of the structures that support teeth, the gum tissue, periodontal ligament, alveolus (small cavity) and cementum (bonelike connective tissue covering the root of a tooth and assisting in tooth support). It is one of the most common infectious diseases in the world ... more >>

Pica is the term used to describe the craving and ingestion of nonfood items. One form of pica is coprophagia, which is the ingestion of feces.Causes Behavioral disorders Primary gastrointestinal maldigestive and malabsorptive disorders (exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, severe inflammatory bowel ... more >>

Pneumothorax is the abnormal presence of air within the chest cavity, which restricts the lungs from inflating normally during inhalation. Air is normally confined to spaces within the lungs. Pneumothorax can be sub-divided into the following categories: Open pneumothorax – occurs when a ... more >>

Pleural effusion is an abnormal accumulation of fluid in the pleural space, which is the cavity between the lungs and the thoracic wall. Normally, a small amount of fluid is present in the pleural space which serves to lubricate the surfaces and prevent friction as the lung expands and deflates. A ... more >>

Fleas are frustrating and annoying insects that thrive on our pets, and getting rid of them is an important and sometimes difficult process. Fortunately, many products are available to reduce the flea population within our homes and on our pets. The most popular products include those supplied in ... more >>

Polycystic kidney disease (PKD), also known as PKD or Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease (ADPKD), is a slowly progressive, irreversible, inherited kidney disease. Ultimately, PKD can result in renal failure, with clinical signs similar to those of cats with naturally occurring kidney ... more >>

Polyneuropathies are a group of diseases that affect multiple nerves in any combination. They may be inherited or acquired later in life.Inherited Causes Spinal muscular atrophy, which is shrinkage of the muscles of the spine         Demyelination, which is ... more >>

A portosystemic shunt is an abnormal communication between blood vessels, which causes blood to bypass the liver. The portal vein is a major vessel in the body which enters the liver and allows toxic components of the blood to be detoxified by the liver. When a shunt is present, the portal vein, or ... more >>

Unless strictly supervised, cats mate when the mood strikes and the time is right. Unfortunately, some breedings are not intended and unwanted pregnancies can occur. In veterinary medicine, dealing with undesired matings and resultant unwanted litters has resulted in various methods of early ... more >>

Liquid potpourri is a popular household item. Typically, a few tablespoons of potpourri concentrate are added to water and allowed to heat slowly in potpourri simmer pots until warm, soothing and pleasant fragrances begin to permeate the house. Unfortunately, liquid potpourri can be toxic to ... more >>

Primary lung tumors are cancers that arise in the lung tissue of both dogs and cats. They are rare in both species, but slightly more common in dogs.The most common type of tumor is a carcinoma. Carcinomas are malignant tumors that develop from the epithelial tissues in the lungs. They may be ... more >>

Proctitis is an inflammation of the rectum. The large intestine is composed of the colon, rectum and anus. The colon extends from the end of the small intestine to the rectum. The rectum is the last part of the large intestine just before the anal opening. The anus is the opening of the large ... more >>

Progressive retinal degeneration or atrophy (PRD, PRA) is premature degeneration (deterioration) of the photoreceptor cells of the retina. There are two types of photoreceptors in the retina and these are the light-sensitive rods and cones. They are responsible for detecting light and converting it ... more >>

Proprioceptive deficits are abnormal body positions or movements due to a lack of normal perception. Loss of proprioception causes abnormal placement reactions in the limbs (legs), abnormal limb position at rest (legs crossed or paws turned under), and abnormal wearing of the toes. Loss of ... more >>

It's ironic that mammals, the most complex organisms in nature, can fall prey to the simplest of organisms – protozoans. Protozoans, as you may remember from junior high biology, are one-celled organisms – the most basic forms of life. But while most single cell organisms are free-living and ... more >>

Protozoal infections are disorders caused by a variety of different organisms affecting multiple systems, causing a variety of many different signs and diseases.General Causes Giardiasis caused by Giardia species Trichomoniasis caused by Pentatrichomonas hominis Amebiasis caused by Entamoeba ... more >>