Indoor Cats Need Physicals Too!
Cats are masters at disguising pain and disease which is why it’s important that our feline friends are getting the medical care they need. South Town’s goal is to provide you with the information you need to make informed medical decisions for your pet. Our vets recommend yearly physical examinations for these furry family members…here’s why.
***RENAL FAILURE: this is caused by kidney disease.
This is the number one cause of death in older cats. Causes can be genetics, age and even poison. Some signs can be excessive urination, increased thirst, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, weight loss, ammonia smelling breath, and lethargy.
A simple urinalysis can help determine if the kidneys are passing waste and at what level. A blood test can also determine loss of kidney function. There is no cure for kidney disease, but diet and medication can extend your cat’s life.
***DENTAL DISEASE: very common in domestic cats.
Cats are very good at hiding their pain, however dental disease is painful. Without an oral exam it is almost impossible to know if there are broken or rotten teeth. These teeth can become infected causing vital body organ infections from bacteria. Cats teeth need to be examined starting at an early age. If a dental procedure is advised by the doctor, she can usually restore the mouth back to a good state of health. There are also special diets available to help control this.
***URINARY TRACT DISEASE: 3% of cats will have this.
Symptoms may include straining to urinate, bloody urine, and urinating out of the box. This can be caused by bacteria, crystals or even bladder stones. Male cats are at a more serious risk, as they can become totally blocked (unable to urinate).
***EYE PROBLEMS: there can be multiple reasons for squinting or draining eyes.Conjunctivitis, cataracts, glaucoma, virus, trauma, inflammation and retinal disease are among the most common eye problems. With the proper eye tools the doctor can determine the eye medications or treatment your cat will need.
Click here to schedule your cat for an exam. 847-695-7387
