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| Lesson 3: Diseases That Target Senior Cats  | We're learning that cats are much like humans with their aging. In addition to conditions like arthritis, dental problems, hearing loss, and vision loss, other, potentially more serious diseases find easy targets in aging cats whose immune systems may not be as active as in their younger days. Today, we'll study some of these diseases and learn how to spot the warning signs, and how to help our old gentlemen and lady cats fight them or live with them. | | | The Most Important Lesson | Know When to Call Your Vet
Judging from the number of urgent health-related questions I receive by email, or posted on the Cats Forum, I have concluded that many people don't know when to call the veterinarian. "Franny's Three Rules," along with a number of tips, may help ease your mind, and some of them may save your cat from needless suffering. These tips are applicable for cats of all ages, but are particularly important for older cats.
| | An Overview | Diseases That Target Senior Cats
Diabetes, kidney disease, heart problems and cancer number among the more serious diseases that can strike the elderly cat. On the plus side, many of these conditions can be treated successfully, and your cat can continue to live a relatively normal life.
| | Further Details | Disease Profile: Chronic Renal Failure
CRF is probably the cause of death in more older cats than any other cause. The kidney's nephrons, which filter and reabsorb the fluids that balance the body simply start shutting down and toxins build up in the blood. Fortunately, the kidney can survive with only 25% of the nephrons working actively. Even more fortunately, there are many things you can do to help your cat live reasonably comfortably with CRF.
| Disease Profile: Feline Diabetes Mellitus
Feline Diabetes Mellitus presents as one of two types: Type 1, caused by the insufficient production of insulin, and Type 2, related to the body's cells inability to handle insulin efficiently. Although diabetes can strike cats of any age, it is more prevalent in older, obese cats, and is found more often in male cats. Learn more about the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of cats with feline diabetes.
| Disease Profile: Feline Hypertension
Hypertension (high blood pressure) in cats is almost always associated with either kidney disease, hyperthyroidism or certain heart diseases. (This is called secondary hypertension). Unlike humans, stress does not seem to be a factor in feline hypertension, and primary hypertension is rarely seen in cats. Although hypertension was uncommon in cats at one time, since cats are living longer today, it is seen more frequently than in previous years.
| Disease Profile: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Often referred to as HCM, this disease is a thickening of the heart muscle, and is believed to be largely genetic in origin, with several breeds considered suspect. It is found most often in middle-aged cats, and in males. Although there is no known cure for this condition, with prompt diagnosis and early treatment, cats may live on for years after diagnosis. HCM is often associated with Hyperthyroidism in cats.
| Disease Profile: Feline Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism, also known as "hyperthyroid disease," occurs when the thyroid gland enlarges, and starts producing excess amounts of thyroid hormone. This anomaly is usually caused by a benign tumor on one or both of the thyroid gland's lobes. Although thyroid tumors can be cancerous, the chances are only 2% to 5% of malignancy. My own hyperthyroid cat, Bubba, died at 18.5 years from hyperthyroidism related side effects.
| Preview of Tomorrow's Lesson
Tomorrow, we'll explore "The Comfort Factor," and explore ways to improve our fuzzy old guys' and ladies' quality of life. We may not be able to extend their lives indefinitely because of serious medical problems, but there are many things we can do to help ensure quality living for our treasured senior cats.
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