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396 results for “how to care for kittens”
Agalactia in Dogs and Cats
Agalactia is insufficient or absent milk after birth, leaving puppies or kittens hungry, nibbling the mother raw, and at risk of starvation. It is managed by better nutrition, treating the underlying cause, and, when needed, medication to stimulate milk let-down.
Mastitis in Dogs and Cats
Mastitis is acute or chronic inflammation of the mammary gland from infection, often during lactation or from hormonal imbalance in older pets. Signs include red, swollen, painful glands and fever; it needs prompt antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory treatment to avoid gland loss.
Gastric Foreign Body in Dogs and Cats: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention
A gastric foreign body is an indigestible object lodged in the stomach of a dog or cat, causing vomiting, pain, and weight loss. It is removed by a veterinarian, sometimes surgically, with antibiotics to prevent infection.
Canine and Feline Toxoplasmosis: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention
Toxoplasmosis is caused by Toxoplasma gondii, with cats as the definitive host; dogs and cats are often silently infected but can develop respiratory and nervous signs. It is treated with sulfonamide-based anticoccidial therapy.
Canine and Feline Coccidiosis: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention
Coccidiosis is caused by coccidia protozoa infecting the intestinal lining of puppies and kittens, causing watery diarrhea and, in heavy infection, bloody stool and wasting. It is treated with anticoccidial drugs and supportive care.
Canine and Feline Strongyloidiasis: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention
Strongyloidiasis is caused by the threadworm Strongyloides stercoralis, infecting dogs, cats, foxes, humans, and other primates. It causes dermatitis, pneumonia, and enteritis in young animals and is treated with anthelmintics.
Canine and Feline Ascariasis (Roundworm Infection): Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention
Ascariasis is a common roundworm infection of dogs and cats caused mainly by Toxocara canis, Toxocara cati, and Toxascaris leonina. Heavy worm burdens in puppies and kittens cause poor growth, diarrhea, and a pot-bellied appearance, and are controlled with broad-spectrum dewormers.
Feline Chlamydiosis: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention
Feline chlamydiosis is a contagious bacterial infection caused by Chlamydia felis, most often producing conjunctivitis but also rhinitis and pneumonia. It is treated with tetracycline-class antibiotics and isolation of affected cats.
Salmonellosis in Dogs and Cats (Paratyphoid): Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention
Salmonellosis (paratyphoid) is an acute septicemic disease caused by Salmonella. Early signs are gastroenteritis (diarrhea, vomiting) that can progress to nosebleeds and bloody stools. It is zoonotic and can cause abortion in pregnant dogs and cats.
Feline Calicivirus Infection: Symptoms and Treatment
Feline calicivirus is a common viral cause of upper-respiratory and oral disease in cats, marked by fever, mouth ulcers, and runny nose. It spreads easily and causes high illness rates, but deaths are uncommon except in very young kittens.