Articles
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This handout discusses aspergillosis in cats, an infection, growth, or allergic response caused by the Aspergillus fungus. If your cat becomes infected, it can be confined to the nasal passages (nasal aspergillosis), or it can spread throughout the body (systemic aspergillosis). The clinical signs, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of both conditions are outlined.
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Aspirin is a commonly used, over-the-counter drug used to treat fever, pain, swelling, and clotting disorders in humans. Aspirin poisoning occurs when a cat ingests a toxic dose of aspirin, either through misuse or accident. Cats are more vulnerable to poisoning than dogs. High doses may damage major organs like the liver, kidneys, and central nervous system.
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Feline asthma is somewhat common in cats and is often associated with bronchitis. Asthma is an acute or chronic inflammation of the airways. It occurs when the airway is hypersensitive to certain stimuli, resulting in airway constriction, excess mucus production, and air trapping. As asthma cannot be cured, treatment is aimed at disease management.
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Ataxia means incoordination within the nervous system. There are several forms of ataxia, depending upon where in the nervous system the abnormality occurs. The most common sign of ataxia is an abnormal, unsteady gait. Treatment of ataxia will be influenced by the root cause. Pain management, supportive care (such as anti-nausea medication), and creating a safe environment (e.g., preventing access to stairs) are cornerstones of ataxia treatment.
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Atenolol is used off label and given by mouth to treat certain heart conditions in dogs, cats, and ferrets. Common side effects include tiredness and stomach upset. Contraindications include hypersensitivity to beta-blockers, heart failure, heart block, low heart rate, or certain lung disease. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.
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This handout summarizes atlantoaxial (AA) luxation, a condition in which instability or excessive movement is present between the first two vertebrae within the neck. This instability causes pressure on the spinal cord. Atlantoaxial luxation can be caused by trauma, hereditary factors, or a combination of both.
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This handout discusses atopic dermatitis (atopy), a form of allergic skin disease brought on by an abnormal response to allergens in the environment. The clinical signs, diagnosis, and treatment are outlined.
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Atopivet® topical products are formulated to help maintain a healthy skin barrier and support skin health in cats and dogs. These skin care products are available over-the-counter in the forms of a mousse, spot-on, and skin-care collar.
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Atovaquone (brand names: Mepron, Malanil, Wellvone) is a drug used to treat infections caused by protozoa (single-celled organisms that cause disease). It is often combined with other drugs to treat specific infections.
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Atracurium is an injectable neuromuscular blocking agent used during general anesthesia to produce complete muscle relaxation during surgery or mechanical ventilation in cats, dogs, rabbits, rodents, and other animals. It may also be used when placing a breathing tube (endotracheal intubation) or used in the urethra to help manually express the bladder.