Common Conditions

Question 1

Arthritis

Answer 1

• inflammation of the joints
• older animals are more prone to this
• joint instability
• damaged or abnormal cartilage
• trauma ( breaks or fractures)
• over weight animals are prone as well
• no cure
• pain medication would be given.
• surgery may be an option if it becomes to much to control with pain meds
• hydrotherapy .

Question 2

Colitis

Answer 2

• inflamation of the colon
• cause
  
  • parasites ( worms) , gut infections , injury’s to the colon or intestine area
  • symptoms-
    Blood in the stool , Pain / straining , constipation , weight loos , lack of appetite
    ~Diagnosis
• blood sample , stool sample
  Treatment-
  -Bland diet
• de worming
• probiotics
• Anti- inflamitories

Question 3

Pancreatitis

Answer 3

• Inflammation of the pancreas
• causes - over - weight , unwell or recently had surgery or eating highly fatty foods
• symptoms:
• Vomiting , nausea , painful abdomin , eating less
• Diagnosis
  radiographs or ultrasounds or worse case a biopsy
  Treatment-
  Fluid therapy
  Fasting
  Pain meds
  Meds to reduce nausea , vomiting , diarrhoea etc.

Question 4

Pyometra

Answer 4

• Severe infection of the womb
• The womb fills with puss and of left untreated it could lead to kidney failure , toxaemia , dehydration and it some cases death.
• bacterial infection
• Symptoms-
• Thirsty
• licking their private parts , smelly discharge from the private parts , grey ish gums , vomiting and diorrehea
• diagnosis - blood tests and or ultrasound
• Treatment-
  Urgent surgery

Question 5

Diabetes Mellitus

Answer 5

Type one - body can not produce enough insulin
Type two - body produces insulin but can not use it properly
Gestational - Hormonal imbalance occurs only during pregnancy an is a temporary condition.

Type 1 - insulin dependant , constantly being monitored ( 2-3 times a day ) , Genetically predisposed.
Type 2 - Can be resolved by changes in their diet , more common in cats , genetically predisposed.

Symptoms:
- increased urination , excessive thirst , increased hunger , weight loss

Diagnosis - urine tests and blood tests to detect hormones.
Treatment - no cure , insulin injections , control feeding , controlled exercise.

Question 6

Chronic renal failure

Answer 6

• kidney failure

5 symptoms of renal failure
- Pale mucus membranes in the mouth
- weight loss
- increased drinking and urination
- vomiting
- lethargy

Treatment -
Specialist diet
Water access
Fluid therapy

Question 7

Urine tract infection

Answer 7

Can effect all organs associated with urine
- kidneys
- uterus
- bladder
- urethra

Symptoms
- urinating frequently , can be difficult to pass urine , blood may be visible , dripping urine and licking their genitals

Treatment
Antibiotics

Question 8

Congestive heart failure

Answer 8

• The heart becomes unable to pump adequate amounts of blood.
• causes:
• heart defects from birth , - old age , - injury to the heart or areas surrounding the heart , heart worm etc
• Symptoms:
• constant panting , heart rate is really fast even in resting state , reluctant or refusal to exercise , grey gums , collapsing , cough up blood
  Treatment
• oxygen therapy
• meds to open and relax blood vessels , removing excess fluid , strengthen the heart contractions.