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Cats Symptoms Cure |
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Symptoms Cats
> Signs
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When a veterinarian's help is needed
Any emergency
Whenever you fail to diagnose the problem
Whenever home treatment fails
For any problem that requires X-ray pictures, ultrasound, or other specialized medical equipment, laboratory analysis, or anesthesia
For any problem requiring prescription drugs, including antibiotics
For yearly physical examination and booster vaccination
Cat Symptoms
Decreased appetite
Decreased activity
Shivering, restlessness, sleeplessness
Vocalization
Dilated pupils
Licking, chewing, or scratching at a specific body site
Rapid breathing
Rapid and/or irregular heartbeat
You should watch carefully for signs of illness. Sometimes a cat is very
sick before signs of illness are obvious (even to a practiced eye). Because
cats can't talk, the practice of veterinary medicine is often more difficult
than that of human medicine. Since you are closest to your cat you may be
able to notice signs of illness before your veterinarian can find any
abnormalities on a simple physical examination. Anything you can tell your
veterinarian about signs may be very important.
The value of specialized tests
A relatively few signs signal the presence of many diseases. Very
different diseases cause the same signs and can sometimes be
differentiated from one another only by specialized diagnostic aids, such
as × rays, blood tests, and urinalysis. Keep this in mind if you think your cat
has all the signs of a particular illness but fails to respond to the suggested
treatment. Also, keep in mind the value of intuition in recognizing that your
cat is ill or injured. You know your cat best. If “something just doesn’t seem
right,” sit down with your cat, take his or her temperature, and perform a
physical examination. Often you will turn up specific signs that you can read
about and deal with at home. If you don’t, don’t assume that you are wrong
and that your cat is okay. Rely on your intuition and get your cat examined
by a veterinarian. The doctor may find something wrong on physical
examination or can perform specialized tests if necessary.
Three common general signs of illness in cats are change in behavior,
change in appetite, and fever. Two other general signs you may see are
shivering and dehydration.
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