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Cats + English

  • A cat’s claws are an integral part of their anatomy. Scratching behaviors are normal and serve many purposes, yet cats can cause damage and injury with their claws. By gaining an understanding of the reason that your cat uses her claws, you can provide her with alternative outlets and prevent her from causing damage to your property.

  • Seboliance (brand name Douxo®S3 SEB) is a natural extract from the pomegranate plant (Punica granatum) used to help control dandruff, reduce odor, and help hydrate dry skin in cats and dogs. Seboliance may be part of a combination product containing ophytrium. Seboliance comes in mousse and shampoo forms.

  • Seborrhea, also called seborrheic dermatitis, is a skin disorder in which the skin’s sebaceous glands produce an excessive amount of sebum, which is an oily, waxy substance that helps moisturize and protect the skin. The excess sebum causes scaly, flaky, itchy, and red skin. Seborrhea typically affects the back, face, and flanks and is worse in skin folds. Treatment or management depends on the cause.

  • A seizure, also known as a convulsion or fit, is a temporary, involuntary disturbance of normal brain function. If abnormal brain activity occurs in the motor cortex of the brain, it may cause uncontrollable muscle activity. Epilepsy is a condition that involves repeated seizures that may occur alone or in clusters. These seizures may be infrequent and unpredictable or they may occur at regular intervals.

  • Selamectin (brand names: Revolution®, Paradyne®, Stronghold®, Chanhold®) is an avermectin antiparasitic used topically to treat parasites in dogs and cats, both on and off label. Use with caution in sick or underweight pets, or dogs with the MDR1 mutation.

  • Selamectin + and sarolaner (Revolution Plus®) is used in cats 8 weeks and older to prevent heartworms and intestinal parasites (hookworms and roundworms), kill and prevent fleas, ticks and to control ear mites. It may also be used off label (extra label) “off-label” for the treatment of treat Demodex mites (demodicosis) in cats. Drug sensitivities can develop over time, with repeated exposure. It is important to watch for signs of an allergic reaction over the entire course of treatment and notify your veterinarian if you have any concerns.

  • Selegiline is typically given by mouth and is used off and on label in dogs and cats to treat signs due to cognitive dysfunction syndrome, pituitary-dependent Cushing’s disease, anxiety, and certain phobias.

  • Cats older than 10 years are considered senior, although this varies by breed and size. As cats enter their senior years, aging affects every organ system, so a few extra health, lifestyle, and veterinary care considerations become important.

  • Septic arthritis occurs when bacteria or another infectious agent is introduced into one or more joints, leading to painful inflammation. The signs of septic arthritis include heat, swelling, and pain in one or more joints. There is typically decreased range of motion in the affected joint(s), as well as fever, lethargy, and lack of appetite. This handout discusses causes, signs, treatment, and follow-up care.

  • Serotonin is a neurotransmitter produced by the body that regulates mood, sleep, body temperature, pain perception, blood vessel constriction, gastrointestinal function, and even blood clotting. An animal with serotonin syndrome experiences excessive effects of serotonin. This handout reviews the causes, diagnosis and treatment.