Feline Medicine (Cats)

An endocrine disorder caused by excessive, prolonged levels of cortisol hormone in the body.

A gradual, irreversible loss of kidney filtration, waste excretion, and urine concentration ability over months or years.

A chronic metabolic disorder characterized by inadequate insulin production or cellular insulin resistance, resulting in elevated blood glucose.

Inflammation of the pancreas that occurs when digestive enzymes activate prematurely inside the gland itself.

A spinal condition where cushioning discs between vertebrae degenerate, bulge, or rupture into the spinal canal, compressing the spinal cord.

A malignant cancer arising from lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell vital to the immune system.

A life-threatening bacterial infection and pus accumulation inside the uterus of intact female animals.

An umbrella term encompassing disorders affecting the feline urinary bladder and urethra, including feline idiopathic cystitis, bladder stones, and urethral plugs.

A common endocrine disorder of older cats caused by an overactive thyroid gland that overproduces thyroid hormones, accelerating metabolism.

A progressive, chronic degeneration of joint cartilage accompanied by joint inflammation, bone remodeling, and chronic pain.

A chronic neurological brain condition characterized by recurrent, unprovoked seizures without an identifiable structural brain defect or toxin.

A clinical syndrome where the heart cannot pump adequate blood forward, causing fluid to congest and back up into the lungs or body cavities.

Acute or chronic inflammation of the external ear canal, commonly complicated by secondary bacterial or yeast overgrowth.

A painful wound or break in the outer epithelial layers of the cornea on the surface of the eye.

A serious, potentially fatal parasitic infection caused by foot-long worms residing in the pulmonary arteries and heart.

A progressive bacterial infection and inflammation of the supporting tissues of the teeth, leading to bone loss and tooth mobility.

A malignant skin cancer arising from mast cells, specialized immune cells that contain bioactive granules of histamine and heparin.

A contagious feline retrovirus transmitted primarily through close, friendly contact that impairs the immune system and predisposes cats to tumors and bone marrow failure.

A lentivirus infection of cats that gradually depletes CD4+ helper T-lymphocytes, leading to progressive immune dysfunction.

A severe, immune-mediated viral disease in cats caused by a mutation of common feline coronavirus (FCoV).

An ocular emergency characterized by increased intraocular pressure (IOP) that causes severe eye pain and rapid irreversible blindness.

An opacity or cloudiness of the crystalline lens inside the eye that obstructs the passage of light to the retina.

A condition in which the tear-producing gland of the third eyelid prolapses and pops out of its normal anatomical pocket, appearing as a red fleshy mass.

A microscopic flagellated protozoan intestinal infection causing malabsorptive soft stool, mucus diarrhea, and weight loss.

A classic neurological complex of four distinct eye signs caused by a disruption of the sympathetic nerve pathway to the eye.

Abnormally increased thirst and excessive water consumption.

The production and excretion of an abnormally large volume of urine.

An uncoordinated, clumsy, or stumbling gait caused by sensory or neurological dysfunction without weakness or paralysis.

Difficult, labored, or painful breathing indicating an inability to ventilate lungs or oxygenate blood adequately.

A yellow discoloration of the skin, sclera (whites of the eyes), gums, and mucous membranes caused by high levels of bilirubin in the blood.

A sudden, temporary loss of consciousness and postural muscle tone followed by spontaneous, rapid recovery.

The passive, effortless expulsion of food or fluid from the esophagus or stomach without nausea or abdominal retching.

The active, coordinated muscular ejection of stomach and upper intestinal contents through the mouth preceded by nausea and abdominal contractions.

The passage of dark, black, sticky, tar-like feces containing digested blood originating from the upper gastrointestinal tract.

The passage of fresh, bright red blood in or on the stool, originating from the lower gastrointestinal tract (colon, rectum, or anus).

The presence of red blood cells in the urine, giving it a pink, red, or brownish discoloration.

A sudden, explosive defensive reflex to clear the airways of mucus, foreign material, or irritating secretions.

An unpleasant cutaneous sensation that provokes the desire to scratch, chew, lick, rub, or bite the skin.

An abnormal state of drowsiness, sluggishness, low energy, and reluctance to engage in normal physical activity.

The complete lack or loss of appetite and refusal to consume food.

Involuntary, rhythmic, oscillatory muscle contractions causing shaking or shivering movements of part or all of the body.

Involuntary, spasmodic contraction of the orbicularis oculi muscle causing squinting or tightly shut eyelids in response to ocular pain.

Involuntary, rhythmic oscillation of the eyeballs, either side-to-side, up-and-down, or rotatory, characteristic of vestibular disease.

The abnormal pathologic accumulation of free fluid within the peritoneal cavity, causing abdominal distension.

Incessant, painful, or ineffectual straining to defecate, typically caused by colonic or rectal irritation.

Slow, painful, spasmodic, or straining urination, typically associated with lower urinary tract inflammation or obstruction.

Hemorrhage originating from the nasal cavity, nostrils, or nasopharynx, manifesting as unilateral or bilateral bleeding.

An offensive, foul, or abnormal odor emanating from the oral cavity, typically caused by periodontal disease, oral necrosis, or systemic metabolic illness.

Pinpoint, non-blanching red or purple hemorrhages in the skin and mucous membranes, signaling severe primary platelet disorders or vasculitis.

Abnormal, loud, harsh respiratory sounds caused by turbulent airflow through narrowed or obstructed upper airways.

Synthetic glucocorticoid steroid medications used to suppress inflammation, relieve allergic reactions, and manage autoimmune conditions.

An analogue of the neurotransmitter GABA used for managing neuropathic and chronic pain, situational feline anxiety, and adjunct seizure control.

A neurokinin-1 (NK1) receptor antagonist antiemetic used to prevent and treat vomiting and motion sickness.

An antithyroid drug that inhibits the production of thyroid hormones to manage feline hyperthyroidism.

A potentiated broad-spectrum aminopenicillin antibiotic combined with a beta-lactamase inhibitor to treat skin, urinary, and respiratory bacterial infections.

A synthetic nitroimidazole antibiotic and antiprotozoal medication with anti-inflammatory bowel properties.

A potent proton pump inhibitor (PPI) that suppresses gastric acid secretion to treat and prevent stomach ulcers and acid reflux.

An H2-receptor antagonist that reduces gastric acid secretion to soothe stomach upset, ulcers, and acid reflux.

A broad-spectrum tetracycline antibiotic that inhibits bacterial protein synthesis, used for tick-borne diseases and respiratory infections.

A potent bactericidal fluoroquinolone antibiotic targeting bacterial DNA gyrase, used for severe Gram-negative infections.

A potent loop diuretic that inhibits sodium and water reabsorption in the kidneys to rapidly clear fluid accumulation from heart failure.

A potent partial mu-opioid agonist providing excellent analgesia, uniquely well-absorbed across feline oral mucous membranes.

A tetracyclic antidepressant that antagonizes central presynaptic alpha-2 and serotonin receptors, used as a powerful appetite stimulant.

A potent 5-HT3 receptor antagonist antiemetic that blocks peripheral and central serotonin nausea triggers.

A long-acting barbiturate anticonvulsant that enhances GABA-mediated neuroinhibition to control epileptic seizures.

A modern anticonvulsant targeting synaptic vesicle protein SV2A, renowned for its wide safety margin and minimal liver burden.

A first-generation bactericidal cephalosporin antibiotic that inhibits bacterial cell wall synthesis, premier for canine bacterial pyoderma.

A core laboratory panel that quantifies and evaluates the three primary cellular components of blood: red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.

A panel of blood biochemical tests that evaluates organ function, electrolytes, blood sugar, and metabolic status.

A physical, chemical, and microscopic examination of urine to evaluate kidney function and the lower urinary tract.

A sensitive renal biomarker produced by cellular metabolism and excreted by the kidneys, detecting kidney function loss earlier than traditional creatinine.

A non-invasive diagnostic imaging modality using ionizing radiation to produce two-dimensional shadow projections of internal bones, lungs, and organs.

A real-time, non-invasive imaging modality using high-frequency sound waves to visualize internal soft tissue organ architecture and fluid.

An advanced cross-sectional imaging technique that uses rotating X-rays and computer processing to create detailed three-dimensional volumetric images.

A premier diagnostic imaging modality utilizing powerful magnetic fields and radio waves to generate exquisite soft-tissue contrast of the brain, spinal cord, and nerves.

An endocrine blood test that evaluates adrenal gland reserve capacity by measuring blood cortisol before and after injecting synthetic adrenocorticotropic hormone.

An 8-hour dynamic endocrine test that screens for Cushing’s disease and differentiates pituitary-dependent from adrenal-dependent forms.

A liver enzyme found inside liver cells that leaks into the bloodstream when hepatocytes are damaged or inflamed.

A waste byproduct of normal muscle breakdown excreted exclusively by the kidneys; the primary blood biomarker for renal filtration and IRIS staging.

A metabolic waste product of dietary protein digestion and liver metabolism, excreted primarily by the kidneys.

An inducible enzyme found on the biliary membranes of the liver, bone cells, and (in dogs) induced by steroid hormones.

A non-invasive ultrasound examination of the heart that evaluates cardiac chamber dimensions, muscle thickness, valve function, and blood flow velocity.

The percentage of whole blood volume made up of red blood cells, providing the primary measure of anemia and hydration status.

A quantitative count of circulating thrombocyte cell fragments essential for primary blood clotting and plugging vascular leaks.

An in-clinic ELISA blood test that simultaneously screens cats for Feline Immunodeficiency Virus antibodies and Feline Leukemia Virus antigens.

A quantitative laboratory test measuring the ratio of protein to creatinine in urine to diagnose and quantify renal glomerular protein loss.

An ophthalmic diagnostic test utilizing water-soluble orange-fluorescent dye to detect corneal epithelial defects, ulcers, and nasolacrimal drainage.

An ophthalmic diagnostic procedure measuring intraocular pressure (IOP) in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) to screen for glaucoma and uveitis.

A quantitative serum immunoassay measuring the total concentration of circulating thyroxine (protein-bound and free T4).

An in-clinic ELISA or lateral-flow immunoassay detecting uterine glycoprotein antigens secreted by mature adult female Dirofilaria immitis heartworms.

A microscopic parasitological test utilizing high-density flotation solutions and centrifugal force to concentrate and identify intestinal parasite eggs and cysts.

A dynamic paired liver function test measuring serum bile acid concentrations before and 2 hours after a meal to evaluate hepatic vascular and parenchymal integrity.

A quantitative serum blood test measuring glycated serum protein to evaluate average blood glucose concentrations over the preceding 2 to 3 weeks.

The surgical removal of the entire spleen, most commonly performed for bleeding splenic masses, trauma, or splenic torsion.

The surgical removal of the eyeball and associated eyelid margins, usually performed for blind, persistently painful, or cancerous eyes.

A surgical incision into the urinary bladder, most frequently performed to remove bladder stones (uroliths) or biopsy bladder tumors.

A quick, minimally invasive diagnostic procedure using a fine needle to collect cells from a lump, organ, or fluid for microscopic cytology.

The surgical removal of a female animal’s ovaries and uterus (ovariohysterectomy) or ovaries alone (ovariectomy) to prevent reproduction, heat cycles, and reproductive diseases.

The surgical removal of both testicles in a male animal to prevent reproduction, eliminate testicular tumors, and reduce androgen-driven behaviors.

The surgical excision of a cutaneous, subcutaneous, or internal tissue mass with appropriate surgical margins to diagnose and treat tumors or cysts.

The microscopic evaluation of cells collected from body fluids, ear exudate, skin scrapings, or fine-needle aspirates.

A comprehensive medical procedure performed under general anesthesia to scale plaque and calculus above and below the gumline, polish tooth surfaces, and take dental radiographs.

An emergency diagnostic and therapeutic procedure in which a needle or catheter is inserted through the chest wall into the pleural space to evacuate fluid or air.

A diagnostic or therapeutic puncture of the abdominal wall using a needle or catheter to aspirate free peritoneal fluid.

A surgical reconstructive procedure in male cats that removes the narrow penile urethra and creates a permanent, wider urethral opening to prevent urinary obstruction.

A minimally invasive diagnostic and therapeutic procedure using a flexible video endoscope to visualize the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum.

An endoscopic examination of the internal nasal passages and nasopharynx using rigid and flexible scopes.

A minimally invasive diagnostic sampling procedure using real-time ultrasound guidance to direct a fine needle into deep internal organs or masses to harvest cells for cytology.

A neurosurgical spinal decompression procedure that removes one side of a vertebral lamina to access and extract herniated intervertebral disc material crushing the spinal cord.

A vital stabilizing ligament inside the knee joint (stifle) that prevents the shin bone from sliding forward relative to the thigh bone.

A vascular lymphoid organ located in the cranial abdomen that filters blood, stores red blood cells, and mounts immune responses.

Paired, small endocrine glands located immediately in front of each kidney that produce vital stress hormones, steroid hormones, and adrenaline.

A delicate, V-shaped organ nestled along the stomach and duodenum that has both digestive enzyme (exocrine) and hormone (endocrine) functions.

A dual-leaflet one-way heart valve that prevents blood from flowing backward from the left ventricle into the left atrium during heart contractions.

The complex synovial joint connecting the femur, tibia, and patella, equivalent to the human knee joint.

Fibrocartilaginous shock-absorbing pads situated between adjacent vertebrae along the spinal column.

The microscopic functional filtration unit of the kidney that filters waste products and water from the blood while retaining vital proteins.

A distensible, muscular reservoir organ in the caudal abdomen that stores urine produced by the kidneys prior to urination.

The fibromuscular tubular conduit that conveys urine from the bladder neck to the outside of the body.

Small, bean-shaped immune filtration organs positioned along lymphatic vessels throughout the body.

The external cartilaginous projection of the ear that captures and funnels sound waves into the ear canal.

The thin, semitransparent membrane separating the external ear canal from the middle ear cavity.

The transparent, convex front surface of the eyeball that admits light and provides the major refractive optical power of the eye.

The major long bone of the hindlimb extending from the hip joint to the stifle (knee) joint.

The cartilaginous and membranous airway tube conducting air from the larynx to the bronchi of the lungs.

The largest internal metabolic and detoxifying organ in the body, positioned cranial to the stomach behind the diaphragm.

Paired retroperitoneal organs that filter metabolic waste from the blood, balance fluids and electrolytes, and concentrate urine.

The spiral, snail-shell-shaped bony cavity of the inner ear housing the organ of Corti for acoustic sensory transduction.

The muscular tube conveying food and liquids from the pharynx down to the stomach via coordinated peristaltic contractions.

A prescription abbreviation originating from Latin meaning "bis in die," directing a medication to be given twice a day, approximately 12 hours apart.

A prescription abbreviation from Latin "ter in die," directing a medication to be administered three times a day, roughly every 8 hours.

A veterinary prescription abbreviation from Latin "semel in die," directing a medication to be given once a day, every 24 hours.

A medical route abbreviation from Latin "per os," meaning that a medication or food must be administered orally by mouth.

An injection route abbreviation designating administration into the subcutaneous connective tissue layer beneath the skin.

A medical directive from Latin "nil per os," meaning nothing should be given by mouth (no food, treats, or water) for a specified period.

A clinical medical chart abbreviation indicating that an anatomical structure, organ system, or laboratory test value falls completely within expected healthy parameters.

A clinical demeanor assessment denoting an animal that is mentally alert, visually interactive, and energetically engaged with their environment.

A clinical demeanor assessment indicating that an animal is conscious and responds to stimuli, but is calm, subdued, timid, or mildly lethargic.

An informal yet universally recognized veterinary clinical shorthand for "Ain’t Doing Right," denoting vague, non-specific malaise or illness without localized signs.

A prescription abbreviation from Latin "quater in die," directing a medication to be administered four times a day, approximately every 6 hours.

A prescription abbreviation from Latin "pro re nata," directing a medication to be administered only as needed or as circumstances arise.

An administration route abbreviation designating delivery of fluids or medications directly into a vein.

An injection route abbreviation designating administration of medication directly into a muscle belly.

A physical examination assessment measuring the time in seconds it takes for blanched mucous membrane color to return, assessing peripheral perfusion and blood circulation.

The foundational triad of baseline vital signs recorded at every veterinary visit: rectal body temperature, pulse (heart rate), and respiratory rate.

The frequency of cardiac ventricular contractions, measured in beats per minute (bpm).

The frequency of breaths taken by an animal, measured in breaths per minute (brpm).

The universal four-part clinical documentation structure used by veterinarians: Subjective, Objective, Assessment, and Plan.