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Leaky gut syndrome refers to an increase in the permeability of the intestines. This condition may be caused by any significant insult to the intestines. Acute cases of leaky gut may be caused by infection, trauma, toxins, or medication overdoses. Chronic cases, in contrast, may be caused by food allergies, long-term NSAID use, or other causes. Your veterinarian will perform diagnostic tests to determine the underlying cause of your cat’s intestinal disease and treatments will be targeted at the specific underlying disease that is causing your cat’s leaky gut.
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The liver is an important organ necessary for controlling many different body functions. Signs of liver disease include increased drinking and urination, abdominal swelling, jaundice, digestive upset, and weight loss. Because of the varied actions of the liver there are several blood and urinary tests that can reveal liver disease. Imaging can be used to determine if there is a change in liver size or irregularity in liver tissue. Ultimately, a liver biopsy is often needed to definitively diagnose liver disease. A biopsy may be obtained by fine needle aspiration through the body wall or a surgical biopsy may be necessary. Anesthesia in a cat with liver disease will carry increased risk but often is relatively low. Treatment of liver disease depends on the diagnosis, but sometimes specific diets are recommended to help manage or slow the disease.
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Lung flukes in North America are parasites called Paragonimus kellicotti that infect the lungs of cats after they have eaten an infected crayfish or rodents that have eaten infected crayfish. Eggs are then released by the parasite into the cat’s sputum to be coughed out or swallowed and released in the feces to continue the life cycle. Lung flukes can be found anywhere in North America but more commonly around the Mississippi River and Great Lakes. Infected cats can be symptom-free or may develop cough with sometimes bloody mucus, pneumonia, pneumothorax, lethargy and weakness. Diagnosis can include locating eggs of the parasite from feces or mucus from the lungs. X-rays can also reveal cysts in the lungs caused by the parasite. Treatment requires one of 2 commonly used anti-parasitic medications: Praziquantel or Fenbendazole. Although zoonotic, these parasites won’t transmit directly from cats to humans.
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In North America, many parasitic lungworms infect cats. Cats can become infected by swallowing infective stages of parasitic lungworm. The exact means of becoming infected varies according to the life cycle of the particular parasite. Signs can include coughing, heavy breathing, wheezing, sneezing, poor appetite or anorexia, weight loss, fever, enlarged lymph nodes, and ocular or nasal discharge, and may be more prominent in kittens due to their immature immune systems. Although the success rate of treatment depends on the severity of symptoms and the number of parasites present, the prognosis for recovery is generally good.
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A luxating patella is a kneecap that 'pops out' or moves out of its normal location. Signs include intermittent lameness, an unusual 'skipping' on the affected leg when the cat walks or runs, or difficulty jumping. A luxating patella can be corrected surgically, especially if the patella luxates frequently. If your veterinarian performs surgery before arthritis or another knee injury occurs, the prognosis is excellent.
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Lymphocytic plasmacytic gastroenteritis is a form of inflammatory bowel disease. While the exact cause is not known, it is possible that the intestinal bacteria themselves may be involved in stimulating the immune response. Signs include diarrhea, vomiting, loss of appetite, weight loss, and blood in the stool/vomit. Treatment may include nutrition management, immunosuppressive medications, and dietary supplementation of cobalamin, prebiotics, and probiotics.
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Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphocytes. Lymphocytes are cells that are involved in the immune system. Feline lymphoma most commonly affects the intestines; therefore, clinical signs of lymphoma are often similar to other intestinal diseases. Diagnosing lymphoma requires finding cancerous cells on microscopic examination. This cancer cannot be prevented, but the likelihood of a cat developing lymphoma can be decreased by preventing feline leukemia virus infection.
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A mammary tumor develops because of abnormal replication of the cells that make up the breast tissue. In cats, most mammary tumors (80-96%) are malignant. Sexually intact cats have a seven-fold increased risk for mammary tumors compared to spayed cats. Detecting and treating these tumors when they are small, and prior to metastasis, provides your cat with the best chance of long-term control. Surgery is by far the best treatment and, given the high metastatic rate in these tumors, chemotherapy is typically pursued afterward.
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Feral cats are fiercely independent and survive (but may not thrive) without the help of humans. They avoid people and hide, back away, or flee when they spot humans. Lack of immunization, parasite control, adequate nutrition, and hygiene put feral cats at risk of many life-threatening problems. TNR (Trap, Neuter, and Release) programs are the hallmark of controlling feral cat populations.
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Mast cells are a type of white blood cell that plays a large role in allergic response through degranulation. Mast cell tumors (MCT) can occur in the skin, spleen, or gastrointestinal tract of cats. Their cause is unknown; however, many affected cats show a genetic mutation in the KIT protein involved in replication and cell division. Cutaneous MCTs most often appear as hard pale/white plaques or nodules, often around the head and they may be itchy. Splenic MCTs cause decreased appetite, weight loss, and vomiting. Intestinal MCTs may cause GI upset and bloody stools, and a mass may be palpable. Diagnosis is typically achieved via fine needle aspirate although histopathology can be used. Treatment usually requires surgical removal of the masses or the spleen. Sometimes, chemotherapy or radiation is needed.