It can be heartbreaking when an owner is told that their pet has a disease which is life threatening. While some ailments are treatable, more serious diseases can mean the loss of a life-long companion. Just like with their human counterparts, cats can contract diseases and some can even be prevented with vaccines.
Aujeszky's Disease
This disease is definitely worth mentioning especially if your cat has access to swine. Also known as pseudo-rabies, Aujeszky's Disease is primarily found in pigs but can also affect cats. Cats that have contracted the disease will show restlessness that leads to coma and death within 48 hours of the onset. There isn't any treatment or vaccine for this disease.
Cancer
Cancer is the term used to describe any form of malignant growth. These growths can occur in practically any part of the body. Benign tumors usually grow slowly and generally do not spread to other body parts. Malignant tumors not only invade tissue but they destroy the tissue and spread to other parts causing organs to be affected.
The most common cause of cancer in cats is the feline leukemia virus however the causes of many cancers are still unknown. Before treatment is administered, a biopsy of the tumor will need to be taken. Some tumors can be removed surgically while others are treated with chemotherapy or a combination of both.
Feline Leukemia Virus
Feline leukemia affects the feline immune system much like the AIDS virus affects humans. The cat's body becomes less capable to defend itself against infections. This virus can attack the red and white blood cells and can lead to the development of tumors.
There is no treatment for feline leukemia once a cat has been infected but there is a vaccine available that has proven to be safe and effective against this deadly disease. Most states do not require the vaccine but it highly recommended by veterinarians to have your cat vaccinated for the virus.
Kidney Disease
Kidney disease is a significant cause of illnesses in cats. This disease can be caused by bacterial infections, abnormalities and tumors, among other causes. Signs of kidney disease are much like the same symptoms that humans experience such as excessive thirst, loss of appetite, bad breath and anemia.
Early diagnosis is essential to slow down the progression of kidney disease. A veterinarian may prescribe vitamins and anabolic steroids to stimulate the cat's appetite. A change in diet will be required to reduce the stress on the kidneys. A cat with kidney disease will require a diet that contains easily digested proteins and low levels of phosphorus to reduce waste products that build up in the body.
Rabies
Rabies is a deadly disease that affects the nervous system. The virus that causes rabies is believed to be able to infect any warm-blooded animal including humans. Cats in the beginning stages will have subtle behavioral changes which progresses to uncontrollable aggression. The cat will usually develop paralysis leading to coma and eventually to death.
There is no cure for rabies. The key to eradicating the disease is prevention. There are currently more reported cases of rabies among cats than in dogs. Most believe it is because that all states require that dogs be vaccinated for rabies but not all require it for cats. Veterinarians recommend an initial rabies vaccination be administered when a cat is three to four months old.
Your first cause of action any time you feel your cat may have an ailment is to seek veterinary attention. While some of these major feline diseases have no causes, early diagnosis and treatment of these diseases can mean the difference in the life and death of your pet.
Sources:
A-Z OF CAT DISEASES & HEALTH PROBLEMS by Bradley Viner, copyright 1998.
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