Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Top 15 Cat Medical Conditions

The Top 15 Cat Medical Condition
(according to the Veterinary Practice News June 2010 & VPI)

1) Lower urinary tract disease
2) Chronic renal failure
3) Skin allergies/infections
4) Hyperthyroidism
5) Diabetes
6) Tooth infection requiring extraction
7) Upper respiratory infections
8) Ear infections
9) Eye infections
10) Constipation
11) Asthma
12) Soft tissue injuries/sprains
13) Lacerations and bite wounds
14) Benign skin growths
15) Gastritis/vomiting/diarrhea

Monday, May 3, 2010

Lagan is having heart problems

Lagan is having heart problems. He currently has some heart beat abnormalities.

It is possible that it is the beginning of common heart problems seen in Irish Wolfhounds. According to one study that I read, about 40% of Irish Wolfhounds die of heart problems or complications from having a heart problem. Usually these problems turn up around age 6 (Lagan just turned 6 in January) and are more common in males. Often, these problem initially present with Atrial Fibrillation and then become Dilated Cardiomyopathy.

Our vet is giving us a referral to the Cardiology Dept at the NC State Vet School. There are lots of medication out there for heart problems. The hope is that a more detailed analysis of what his specific heart condition is will provide a clearer picture of his current heart problem and consequently what is the best way to treat it right now.


For more information:
The Prevalence of Cardiomyopathy in the Irish Wolfhound - Journal of American Animal Hospital Association
http://www.jaaha.org/cgi/content/abstract/36/2/125


About general health problems in Irish Wolfhounds:
The Irish Wolfhound Foundation
http://www.iwfoundation.org/health.php

Results of research in the health of Irish Wolfhounds presented by the (British) Kennel Club:
http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/download/1577/hsirishwolfhound.pdf