Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
IT'S JUST GOOD,
CLEAN FUN
Some cats almost appear to be having seizures when exposed to cat-
nip. Catnip, Nepata cataria, is a member of the mint family. But really,
they are just enjoying themselves.The active chemical in catnip
is called nepetalactone, which is a hallucinogenic compound that
induces a pleasure response in cats. A cat's genetic makeup is a factor
affecting the animal's responsiveness to catnip. Apparently catnip is
an acquired taste, as young kittens usually do not respond to it.
therapy is usually started. The most commonly used drug to treat
seizures is phenobarbital, but diazepam is sometimes used. Potassium
bromide, although effective for controlling seizures in dogs, has been
implicated as a cause of lung disease in cats.
BORN WITH NEUROLOGIC PROBLEMS
Three congenital abnormalities are occasionally seen in cats. The first is
hydrocephalus, otherwise known as water on the brain. In a hydro-
cephalic animal, cerebral spinal fluid (not water) abnormally pools in cer-
tain parts of the brain.The classic appearance of a cat with hydrocephalus
is a dome-shaped skull. Siamese are the most commonly affected breed.
This condition is noticed in young kittens. Abnormal physical appear-
ance, behaviors and seizures may be seen, and there is no treatment.
The second congenital abnormality can be found in some Manx
cats. Manx cats do not have normal tails, and some are born with mal-
formations of nerves and spinal cord segments. One condition is called
spina bifida, which is a defect in the closure of the vertebrae.This con-
dition leads to a protrusion of the spinal cord and nerves. The clinical
signs observed are loss of urinary and fecal control, otherwise known as
incontinence.
Even if a Manx cat does not have spina bifida, she may have minor
spinal cord defects. Possible clinical signs associated with these defects
are difficulties with urination and/or defection, and rectal prolapse
(where the rectum protrudes from the anus). Most Manx cats “bunny
hop” when they run, a significantly different movement from that of
other cats.This change of gait is related to their short tails and possi-
ble vertebral malformations. Bunny hopping, without incontinence,
does not create any management problems for Manx owners.
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