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Chediak-Higashi syndrome
Contents 1 Introduction 2 Lysosomes 3 Causes 4 Symptoms 5 Diagnosis 6 Treatment 7 References Introduction Chediak-Higashi syndrome (Oculo-cutaneous albinism) is a lysosomal storage disease causing albinism in cats. To first understand this syndrome, it may help to understand the basics of storage disorders. Chediak-Higashi is inherited as an autosomal recessive disease. Mutations have been found in the CHS1 gene. The primary […]
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Urticaria pigmentosa
Urticaria pigmentosa (‘Devon bumps’) is a relatively common skin disorder of cats, thought to be a nutritional deficiency since it responds to essential fatty acid supplements (EFAs). It is commonly reported in Devon rex and in the Sphinx cats (where a familial gene appears to be responsible)[1][2]. Pathogenesis in the cat is unknown, but may be an immune-mediated response to dietary […]
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Cutaneous asthenia
Cutaneous asthenia are a group of syndromes characterized by defects in collagen production. This results in a variety of clinical signs, including loose, hyperextensible, fragile skin; joint laxity; and other connective tissue dysfunctions. These collagen defects have been described in cats (Himalayan and Domestic shorthair). The mode of inheritance has been demonstrated for Himalayan cats (recessive) and […]
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Hereditary greasy seborrhoea
Hereditary greasy seborrhhoea is an hereditary skin disease of cats. This autosomal recessive condition has been described in Persian, Himalayan and Exotic shorthair breeds in North America[1]. There appears to be no sec predilection with this disease, which often manifests from 2-3 months of age. In affected cats, there is a greasy, matted appearance to coat with keratosebaceous deposits on the skin and […]
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Mosquito-bite hypersensitivity
Allergic reactions to mosquito bites are not unique to cats and occur in all species of mammals. Where there is a history of exposure to mosquitoes, as occurs near water (rivers, lakes, swamps) or if there are water containing vessels surrounding the habitat where the cat resides, then allergic reactions are likely to occur[1]. Generally […]
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Skin diseases
Skin diseases encompasses a feline medical specialty within itself. Skin conditions are one of the most common presentation in cats and account for up to 20% of causes of presentation to veterinary clinics worldwide[1]. See also Morphological description of skin lesions Note: The term miliary dermatitis is a symptom of disease rather than a diagnosis and further investigation […]
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Toxoplasma
Toxoplasmosis, caused by Toxoplasma goondi, is a gut parasite that can cause systemic disease in cats and is zoonotic to humans. In Australia, the prevalence of Toxoplasma in human females is approximately 35-36% of women of child-bearing age. In most cases, this parasite which lives in the intestines, causes mild diarrhoea. It does not normally warrant consideration except that […]
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Heart diseases
Heart disease in cats is relatively common. One of the most challenging aspects of feline heart disease is that cats may not show any warning signs (such as exercise intolerance, coughing, weakness) until the process is very advanced. Untreated heart disease can lead to congestive heart failure and death. The most common heart disease in cats is cardiomyopathy, […]
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Cytauxzoon felis
Cytauxzoonosis is a serious, often fatal, tick-borne disease caused by the apicomplexan protozoal parasite Cytauxzoon felis. This disease affects domestic cats in the south central and south-eastern portions of the United States[1]. It is a genus of protozoa closely related to Theileria spp. The causative organism, Cytauxzoon felis, is classified in the Order Piroplasmida, Family Theileridae. Because of the rapid […]