Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
Cancer will cause a variety of clinical signs, depending on where
the cancer is. Most cats with cancer will have weight loss, elevated
white blood cell counts and anemia.The blood tests available today are
not geared to specifically detect cancer. Testing for cancer markers in
the blood of cats is not as advanced as it is in humans, but expect the
technology to be available in the future.
Diabetes Mellitus
A cat with diabetes mellitus is unable to properly use glucose, which is the
major source of energy for the body. The cat will eat food and produce
glucose in the blood, but that glucose will not be transported into cells for
nourishment, so even though the cat is eating, her body starves.
The clinical signs associated with diabetes are similar to those of
chronic renal disease. Diabetic cats have voracious appetites, and they
typically drink a lot of water, urinate a lot and lose weight.
The condition arises when the islet cells of the pancreas are unable
to produce enough insulin to metabolize the glucose. Insulin is the hor-
mone that allows glucose to enter cells in the body. Most diabetic cats
need to be given insulin injections twice a day. Chapter 18 contains
more information about diabetes in cats.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a problem that affects the lining of
the stomach and/or intestines. Cats with IBD typically have vomiting
and/or diarrhea that does not respond to conventional remedies. To
definitively diagnose IBD, biopsies of the stomach and intestine are
needed. Biopsies can be obtained using an endoscope (a tube with tiny
instruments at the end that is passed down the cat's digestive tract—
under anesthesia, of course) or through exploratory surgery.
Treatment for IBD involves reducing inflammation, controlling
infection and, usually, long-term medication. The prognosis for cats
with IBD is good, but IBD can progress in some animals to a type of
cancer called intestinal lymphosarcoma. Chapter 14 contains more
information about IBD in cats.
Liver Disease
The liver is a vital organ responsible for digestion, vitamin and mineral
storage, metabolic processes and removing wastes from the bloodstream.
If it is not too severely damaged by disease, the liver can regenerate.
