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Demodicosis is a parasitic skin condition caused by Demodex mites. These microscopic mites can be found on the skin of all animals but, in some cases, they multiply to excessive levels and cause clinical signs. Signs vary depending on the species of mite involved, though generally involve hair loss, skin inflammation, and crusting. Demodex mites found on cats and dogs do not spread to humans.
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Feline hemotrophic mycoplasmosis (FHM) is caused by a microscopic bacterial parasite that attaches itself to the surface of the cat's red blood cells. The infected blood cells may break down, or they may be treated as “foreign” by the cat's immune system and be destroyed. Anemia occurs if enough red blood cells are infected and destroyed. The test of choice is called a PCR assay. Broad-spectrum antibiotics such as doxycycline, enrofloxacin, or marbofloxacin are used to treat M.Haemofelis infections. Transmission is not fully understood.
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Feline herpes viral conjunctivitis is a form of primary conjunctivitis caused by the highly infectious feline herpesvirus (FHV-1), which is the most common cause of conjunctivitis in cats. This handout outlines the clinical signs, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis for affected cats.
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Feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC) includes a set of clinical signs associated with abnormal urination and is the diagnosis when there is no identifiable cause of the clinical signs. Cats often suffer waxing and waning of symptoms such as straining to urinate, blood in urine, and inappropriate urination. Treatment and prognosis are discussed.
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eline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) is a virus specific to the cat family. It was first recognized in the mid 1980's and it has been found in cats worldwide. Although widespread, it is not a common infection in cats. Only 1 - 5% of cats show evidence of exposure to the virus.
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Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is an important disease of domestic cats and most members of the cat family (Felidae). It occurs worldwide in cats of all ages, but the disease is most common in young cats less than two years of age. Although FIP is not a particularly common disease, it is important because once a cat develops the disease, the outcome is almost invariably fatal.
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FIP is one of the most challenging diseases to diagnose because feline coronaviruses are commonly found in the intestinal tract of many healthy cats. When this virus mutates or changes, clinical disease occurs. Unfortunately, routine blood testing for feline coronavirus is not clinically useful. Instead, testing is restricted to those cats in which a diagnosis of FIP is strongly suspected due to clinical signs and other supportive laboratory data. Histopathology remains the best way to diagnose FIP in the living cat.
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Feline leukemia virus is a virus that infects cats and can cause a variety of diseases in addition to leukemia. It suppresses the immune system and makes cats susceptible to infections and disease, including causing cancers. It is transmitted between cats through the exchange of bodily fluids, although usually an extended period of contact is necessary. It is easy to diagnose, but there is no cure for it. There is a vaccine available that is recommended based on a cat's lifestyle and risk factors.
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Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) is a virus that infects only cats. It depresses the immune system and cats tend to remain infected for life. FeLV vaccines have been available for many years and have been continuously improved upon. They are helpful in preventing infection with FeLV and, therefore, in controlling FeLV-related disease. Your veterinarian can discuss the pros and cons of vaccinating your cat against this disease based on her specific lifestyle and risk of exposure.
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Feline panleukopenia (FPL), sometimes also called feline distemper, is caused by a virus of the parvovirus family known as feline panleukopenia virus (FPLV). The virus is present in all excretions, particularly the feces, of infected cats. A susceptible cat can be infected by direct contact with an infected cat, or the virus can be transferred via contaminated water, food bowls, or on shoes and clothing. Clinical signs include rough or dry haircoat, dehydration, depression or listlessness, and collapse. If the gastrointestinal tract is affected, vomiting and diarrhea occur frequently. If the cat receives aggressive supportive care through the initial stages of illness, the prognosis for a full recovery is good. Fortunately, excellent vaccines are available and are part of the core feline vaccination program.