Educational Articles
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Acetaminophen (Tylenol®, paracetamol, APAP, N-acetylparaminophenol) is used for pain in fever in humans. Acetaminophen should NEVER be given to a cat under any circumstances. Cats are especially sensitive to acetaminophen, are more vulnerable to poisoning, and develop symptoms at much lower doses than dogs.
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Acute kidney injury (AKI) is the sudden failure of the kidneys to perform normal filtration duties. Clinical signs, potential causes, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis are outlined in this handout.
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Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), also known as shock lung, is a life-threatening complication of critical illness in cats, such as systemic infection, systemic disease, severe trauma, or near-drowning. Treatment involves targeting the underlying cause while supporting the cat's compromised lung function.
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Exposure to ethanol (also called ethyl alcohol) by ingestion, inhalation, or skin absorption can lead to alcohol poisoning. Isopropanol (isopropyl alcohol/rubbing alcohol) and methanol (methyl alcohol) can also cause alcohol poisoning. Early intervention is key to successful treatment of alcohol poisoning.
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Amitraz is a topical insecticide found in flea collars, sprays, dips, and other topical spot-on or pour-on products used to control ticks, mites, and other parasites. It is used in dogs and farm animals, and is found in products used to control parasites on various crops. Amitraz is not recommended for use on cats as they are extremely sensitive to this insecticide.
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Anisocoria is a condition in which the pupils of the cat's eyes are different sizes. Anisocoria is a symptom of an underlying condition or disease that needs to be identified and treated. Prognosis is guarded pending the diagnosis and treatment. Blindness may occur as a result of the underlying condition.
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A cat that does not want to eat, or is not eating, is a cat with a potentially life-threatening medical condition. Many conditions can lead to the inability of your cat to eat or lose her appetite completely. It is important to find the underlying cause so that an appropriate treatment plan can be created. Appetite stimulants may be prescribed, and in some cases, a feeding tube may be placed by your veterinarian. Decreased food intake or any change in eating habits warrants investigation by your veterinarian.
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Anticoagulant rodenticides are poisons used to kill mice, rats, and other rodents by preventing blood clotting. Poisoning occurs when a cat ingests a rodenticide that is placed without a protective bait station. Secondary poisoning can also occur when a cat eats a rodent that has died from poisoning.
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An aortic thromboembolism (ATE) results when a blood clot is dislodged and travels through the aorta, becoming lodged in a distant location. This clot causes severely reduced blood flow to the tissues receiving blood from that section of the aorta, leading to decreased oxygen in the tissues. A heart condition called hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is the most common cause. This article outlines clinical signs, treatment, monitoring, and prognosis for cats with this condition.
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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.
