“Mufasa” is a 7 year old male cat who was straining to urinate during the middle of June.  The urinary tract of male cats can become blocked when tiny stones or crystals plug their narrow urethra.  This is what occurred with Mufasa. A urinary catheter was placed to drain the bladder and remove the blockage.  A urinary obstruction in male cats is potentially fatal if left untreated because toxins can build up in the body. This condition is usually exclusively a problem in males as the female urethra is much shorter and wider, making it more difficult to block. Mufasa came back a few days later with another obstruction and had to have a surgical procedure called a perineal urethrostomy (PU).  A PU is the surgical reconstruction of the urethra to make it shorter and wider to prevent further blockage.  The cause of this condition is not completely understood but can sometimes be treated and prevented with a special diet.   

“Sake” is a 7 year old Siamese cat who came to our clinic with labored breathing in March. Several radiographs were taken of his chest which showed a large amount of pleural fluid was present in his chest cavity. His chest was tapped and approximately 2 ounces of fluid was removed. Sake was diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM).  This is a disease which causes the walls of the heart to become thickened. HCM can be identified through radiographs which often show an enlargement of the heart or a valentine shaped heart.  There is no cure for HCM but with prompt diagnosis and early treatment, cats can live for years after being diagnosed.  Sake is currently on two medications, a diuretic to help remove the fluid in his chest, and an ACE inhibitor to help improve heart function.  He is being monitored and is continuing to do well!     

“Pepper” is a 13 year old German Shepherd who presented with a distended abdomen in February. Several radiographs were taken of her abdomen and they indicated a large mass was present on her spleen.  The spleen is an organ that functions to filter blood and participates in some immune responses. Pepper underwent a splenectomy and her spleen was removed as well as a ten pound tumor!! Sections of the tumor were sent into a lab for diagnostics and no cancerous tissue was noted.  Pepper has recovered quickly and is continuing to do well!    

“Snowball” is a 17 year old Domestic Shorthair who was diagnosed with kidney disease in 2004.  Kidney disease, which is the irreversible deterioration of kidney function, is extremely common in older cats.  Symptoms of this disease include loss of appetite, increased drinking, frequent urination, vomiting, and dehydration.  To diagnose this condition, blood work is required in order to check the values of blood components involving kidney function.  There is no cure for this disease, but the most common and effective way to manage it is to administer fluids and special low protein prescription diets. Snowball has been receiving subcutaneous fluids at home 1-2 times a week for the last several years and is doing well!  

     February is National Pet Dental Health Month and to support this cause Downtown Pet Hospital is offering 10% off Dentals!!  Dental health is an important aspect of preventative care and it begins at home!  Food particles and bacteria can build up in the mouth and form plaque and tarter.  This can cause gingivitis and severe periodontal disease which can lead to tooth decay, bad breath, bleeding gums, and tooth loss, as well as more serious health problems including damage to the heart, liver, kidneys, and lungs.  One way to remove the plaque and tarter is through a dental procedure.  Similar scaling instruments that are used by human dentists aid in the removal of plaque from the teeth.  Polish is also applied afterwards to smooth out any scratches on the enamel.  Downtown Pet Hospital also recommends applying a sealant called Oravet to help prevent and decrease future plaque.  Please ask us for more information about your pet’s dental health!