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• Skin Biopsy in Cats

  A biopsy is one of the more common diagnostic procedures performed in cats. Biopsies provide valuable insight into the type of cells in an abnormal area of skin or a skin growth and whether the growth poses a more serious health threat to your pet. Either the entire mass or a small representative section of skin is removed and submitted to a veterinary pathologist, who will perform a histopathology analysis. The pathologist will attempt to determine the nature of the lesion, identify the type of cells and their relationship to each other, as well as any evidence of malignancy.

• Soft Tissue Sarcomas

  Soft tissue sarcomas are a broad category of tumors that can develop over the chest, back, side, legs, and facial tissues of your pet. The clinical signs depend on where the tumor is located and the tissues that are affected. Often, pets have a noticeable mass that is growing in size. One of the biggest concerns with soft tissue sarcomas is their ability to invade the local surrounding tissues. The most commonly pursued treatment is surgery. Chemotherapy is not usually pursued as a primary treatment unless surgery or radiation are not options for your pet based on the tumor size or location.

• Solar Dermatitis in Cats

  Solar dermatitis is a skin disease caused by exposure to the sun. It occurs mainly in cats with white or pale patches of skin that are non-pigmented areas. The most commonly affected areas in the cat are the ears, but the nose and the eyelids are sometimes involved. Your veterinarian will recommend taking a tissue biopsy from the affected area if there is any concern that the condition may be progressing to squamous cell carcinoma.

• Sources for Adopting Pets

  There are lots of ways to find adoptable pets, and large or small, local or national, online resources and shelters have the same goal: match available pets with the most suitable homes. Social media has helped find homes for countless dogs and cats. Well-developed websites that are updated frequently and actively used by rescue groups and humane societies make shopping for a pet online a fruitful experience. Shelters are another great option if you want to see many pets at one time.

• Spider Bites

  The two groups of spiders responsible for most medically significant spider bites include the widow spiders (Latrodectus spp., including the black widow spider) and the recluse spiders (Loxosceles spp., including the brown recluse). The clinical signs and treatment of black widow and brown recluse spider bites vary significantly due to differences in their venom.

• Squamous Cell Carcinomas in Cats

  Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a tumor of the cells that make up the contact or upper layer of the skin. UV light exposure has been described as a developmental factor in people and appears to be associated with its development in cats. Areas affected include the ear tips, skin, toes, or peri-ocular region. Fine needle aspiration or biopsy may be performed for diagnosis. The metastatic rate does not appear overly clear, though staging is always recommended. SCC of the toe can occur as a primary tumor or may have spread from the lung (lung-digit syndrome). Surgery is almost always recommended in any case of SCC; the role of chemotherapy is controversial. Radiation therapy has an excellent response rate in cats with the SCC affecting the nasal planum and may give long-term tumor control.

• Steroid Treatment - Effects in Cats

  This handout discusses the use of corticosteroid (such as prednisone or dexamethasone) in the cat. Reasons for their use as well as the common short-term and long-term side effects of these drugs are outlined, along with strategies to avoid these effects.

• Stomach Tumors

  Stomach tumors are uncommon in dogs and cats. There are many kinds, including leiomyosarcomas, lymphomas, adenocarcinomas, mast cell tumors, fibrosarcomas, plasmacytomas, gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs), and carcinoids (all malignant); and leiomyomas, adenomatous polyps, and adenomas (benign). Most tumors are malignant. Stomach tumors are more prevalent in older animals, males, and certain breeds. The signs of stomach tumors include chronic vomiting, inappetence, lethargy, and weight loss. Sometimes tumor ulceration will cause anemia. Paraneoplastic syndromes are possible with the muscle tumors. Stomach tumors may be diagnosed with imaging, endoscopy, or surgery, with a biopsy. Treatment may involve surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy.

• Subcutaneous Fluid Administration in Cats

  Administering supplemental fluids can benefit cats with a variety of medical conditions. Giving injections is outside the comfort zone for almost anyone outside the medical profession; however, subcutaneous fluid administration is not nearly as difficult as it sounds. Your veterinary healthcare team will provide you with all the equipment that you will need to administer fluids to your cat. They will go through the steps with you in person. Do not use the fluid bag if cloudiness or discoloration develops in the fluids.

• Surgical Discharge Instructions for Cats

  Home care after surgery mainly involves the restriction of physical activity. Excessive physical activity often leads to injury or serious complications. Monitor the incision daily for signs of redness, swelling, discharge, or excessive licking, and never apply anything to the incision unless instructed to do so. To keep your cat from licking, your veterinarian can provide you with a protective collar or recovery suit. Your cat should gradually improve each day.