CONDITION EPILEPSY


DEFINITION


Epilepsy, which results in seizures, is diagnosed when other causes of seizure disorders are not dis- covered; rare in cats, more likely to be caused by infections


FLUTD (feline lower urinary tract disorder)


HIP DYSPLASIA


HYPERTENSION Elevated blood pressure; may be associated with hyper-


thyroidism, heart disease or kidney disease


HYPERTHY- ROIDISM


Increased output of thyroid hormones, usually caused by benign thyroid tumors (thyroid cancer is seen in approximately 10 to 15 percent of cats with hyperthyroidism)


IBD


(inflammatory bowel disease)


Inflammation of any part of the gastrointestinal tract diagnosed by biopsy of the affected part; chronic and untreated IBD can become lymphoma cancer


INAPPROPRIATE URINATION


KIDNEY OR LIVER DISEASE


Behavioral problem as cat eliminates outside of its litter box


A decline or breakdown in function of either organ; Acute: Usually from infection or toxins; Chronic: Common result of aging; require early and aggressive treatment to ensure the best outcome; overweight cats that refuse to eat can easily and quickly develop fatty liver disease; kidney disease is a common cause of death in older cats


UTI


(urinary tract infection)


Bacterial infection of the urinary tract, usually the bladder; stones and tumors in the bladder can also cause urinary-tract disorders; true infections are rare in cats and can only be diagnosed through culture urine; FLUTD is much more common


Methimazole, surgery, radioactive iodine (preferred treatment as it is the only one that cures the condition)


Steroids, antibiotics


Herbs, homeopathics, fatty acids


Is of unknown cause; crystals and/or mucus commonly


develop in the bladder, true infections are rare


CONVENTIONAL TREATMENT


Phenobarbital, Valium


NATURAL REMEDY


DIET CHANGE Natural diet


LIFESTYLE CHANGE


No vaccines; eliminate seizure triggers, if possible


Sedatives (antibiotics are often incorrectly prescribed for this condition)


NSAIDS (careful), surgery


Herbs,


homeopathics, pheromones,


flower essences


Natural canned diet; reduced calories, if needed


Homeopathics, herbs, fatty acids


Natural canned diet (possibly reduced sodium)


No specific changes Encourage exercise


Natural canned diet


No specific changes


No specific changes


Enzymes,


probiotics, glutamine, herbs, homeopathics


Natural canned diet


Eliminate possible causes, such as food intolerances, allergies, infections


Behavior modifying medications


None usually


available; antibiotics or corticosteroids if indicated; fluid support, phosphorous binders


Feline pheromones, herbs, homeopathics, flower essences


Herbs, homeopathics, fatty acids, antioxidants, probiotics


Natural canned diet


Natural canned diet; reduced phosphorous and proteins, if needed


Behavioral training to encourage resumed use of litter box


Fluids adminstered at home, as needed


Medicated diet, antibiotics; surgery for stones; chemotherapy for tumors


Herbs,


homeopathics, olive leaf extract


Natural canned diet


Feed a moist diet to encourage frequent urination


Shawn Messonnier, a doctor of veterinary medicine practicing in Plano, TX, is the award-winning author of The Natural Health Bible for Dogs & Cats; his latest book is Unexpected Miracles: Hope and Holistic Healing for Pets. Visit PetCareNaturally.com.


natural awakenings pet Summer 2011 29


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