Cognitive Decline in Cats – Feline Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CDS)

Written By Dr. Arnold Plotnick; Originally published on Catster. Cats are living longer than ever.  When I began my veterinary career, a 20-year-old cat was a rarity.  Now, I see at least a dozen every year.  It’s wonderful that we get to spend additional years with our beloved companions, but increased longevity is a double-edged sword.  A longer lifespan also…

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Mittens Yawning

Feline Asthma

Written By Dr. Arnold Plotnick; Originally published on Catster. Persistent coughing and labored breathing in humans have taken on heightened significance in the past year, as they are commonly reported symptoms of covid-19 infection.  Not all coughing and wheezing in humans is of viral origin, however.  Asthma in humans is a disease of the lower airways that can cause coughing,…

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world rabies day 2021

Rabies Surveillance in the United States

Readers of my blog know that I have a personal and professional interest in rabies.  As a practicing veterinarian, I’ve vaccinated thousands of cats and dogs against this deadly disease, and in my retirement, I’ve volunteered with the amazing organization Mission Rabies, joining teams of international veterinarians, technicians, and laypersons to help vaccinate dogs in vulnerable communities in Africa and…

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Cat Yawning Showing Teeth

Feline Dental Emergencies

Written By Dr. Arnold Plotnick; Originally published on Catster. Dental disorders are amongst the most common medical issues seen in cats.  If unaddressed, dental problems can lead to a variety of consequences including bad breath, loose teeth, oral pain, and difficulty eating.   Sometimes it can be challenging to tell if a cat is experiencing oral discomfort because cats by nature…

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fever in cats

Fever in Cats

When Peggy Lee sang “Fever isn’t such a new thing, fever started long time ago”, she wasn’t kidding.  Since the beginning of recorded history, fever has been a hallmark of disease.  Body temperature is regulated by a structure in the brain called the hypothalamus.  It controls the body’s “thermal set point” in very similar fashion to a thermostat. When body…

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Household Hazards for Cats

They’re lurking quietly: in your kitchen; in your garden; in your medicine cabinet; on your nightstand. Substances potentially hazardous to your cat are everywhere. Medications. Human medications are a very common cause of toxicity in cats. Cats have a unique metabolism, and some drugs that people tolerate well can be harmful or even fatal to cats.  Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)…

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