Definition of Arthritis in Cats
Arthritis, also sometimes referred to as degenerative joint disease (DJD) or osteoarthritis (OA), refers to the inflammation and weakening of one or more joints. It can be caused by a number of things, such as trauma,...
Anemia in Cats
Definition
Anemia is defined as a deficiency or reduction in the normal number or concentration of red blood cells - called erythrocytes or “RBCs” that are circulating in a cat’s blood stream. As a general rule, adult cats are anemic when they have...
Anaphylactic Shock in Cats
Definition of Anaphylactic Shock
Anaphylactic shock is an exaggerated allergic reaction to a foreign substance, such as a drug, insect saliva or toxin, which a cat comes into contact with. That substance is called an “allergen.” In people, we usually...
Anal Sac Disease in Cats
Definition of Anal Sac Disease
The anal sacs in cats, also referred to as “scent glands,” are basically pockets on either side of the anus, each of which is about the size of a pea. They are lined with glandular tissue that secretes a smelly discharge...
Understanding Allergies in Cats
Definition of Feline Allergies
Allergies, also called hypersensitivity reactions, occur when a cat’s immune system overreacts to something it comes into contact with in the environment. Allergies can affect the skin, stomach, intestinal lining and...
Addison's Disease in Cats "Feline Hypoadrenocorticisim"
Definition
Addison’s disease, medically called hypoadrenocorticisim, is a condition that occurs when one or both of a cat’s adrenal glands aren’t functioning properly and don’t produce enough of several essential adrenal hormones. Cats with Addison’s...
Anal Sac Disease in Dogs
Definition of Anal Sac Disease
Dogs, like other carnivores, have a pair of small sacs on either side of their anus (commonly called the “butt hole”), which is the end of the digestive tract. These anal glands produce a smelly, yellowish-gray to brownish...
Black Skin Disease in Dogs (Alopecia X)
Definition of Black Skin Disease
“Black skin disease,” also called Alopecia X, growth-hormone-responsive alopecia and adrenal sex-hormone imbalance, is a hormonally-influenced, progressive loss of hair and darkening of skin in adolescent and young...
Canine Alopecia (Dog Hair Loss)
Definition of Alopecia
Hair loss, technically called “alopecia,” is broadly defined as any deficiency in a dog’s normal hair coat. Alopecia doesn’t refer only to hair loss; it also includes coat defects from failure of hair to grow in the first place....
