Cat health conditions

Degenerative myelopathy is a progressive disease of the spinal column that leads to weakness or paralysis of the limbs and other parts of the body.

Dehydration in cats occurs when the body loses more fluid than it is taking in.

Cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS) is a chronic, progressive disease in senior cats characterized by a loss of cognitive performance, also called senility or dementia. Symptoms include disorientation, anxiety, changes to social interaction, changes to the sleep-wake cycle, and urinating or defecating outside of the litter box.

Demodicosis is a form of mange caused by parasitic Demodex spp. mites. It differs from sarcoptic mange and notoedric mange, or “feline scabies”, which are caused by Sarcoptes spp. mites.

Dental abscesses in cats are severe infections around the root of a tooth caused by bacteria entering the pulp cavity, usually through tooth injury and dental decay. The pocket of infection around the tooth root often opens and drains, either along the gumline or through the skin of the face. 

Dental disease is an umbrella term for a number of disorders that affect the teeth, gums, and tooth support structures. In cats, the most common forms are gingivitis, periodontal disease, and tooth resorption (FORLs).

The retina is at the back of the eye and converts light and nerve impulses into vision. The retina can become detached from its underlying tissue causing partial or complete blindness in cats. 

Diabetes insipidus (DI) is a rare disease in cats that should not be confused with diabetes mellitus, or sugar diabetes. DI results from a failure of normal antidiuretic hormone (ADH) signaling

Dietary indiscretion occurs when a cat eats non-food items or food outside of its typical diet.

Dystocia in cats is a difficult birth that requires human assistance. Dystocia occurs with prolonged pregnancy, stalled labor, maternal systemic illness, or fetal distress.

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a condition where the muscle of the lower heart deteriorates, which causes it to stretch and lose function. Fluid accumulates in the lungs as the heart begins to fail. 

Patellar luxation is a condition that affects the kneecap, causing it to dislocate either towards the inside or outside of the leg. In cats, this disorder is usually hereditary and develops gradually with age.

Disseminated intravascular coagulation, or DIC, is a severe, life-threatening condition where blood clots develop within blood vessels throughout the body.

Trigeminal neuropathy is a disorder of the cranial nerve that controls the jaw muscles. It is extremely rare in cats. The underlying cause is not yet understood.

Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) is commonly called ‘dry eye’ because it’s caused by a lack of water in the tears. Without watery tears, the surface of the eye dries out and irritants cannot be flushed away.