Cat
Why does my pet need a urinalysis?
A urinalysis is a basic diagnostic tool that can provide veterinarians with a significant picture of what’s going on inside the body of pets. A urinalysis is generally one of the tests that are…
Why does my pet need a complete blood count?
The complete blood count (CBC) is a common blood test that is performed during a routine wellness check or as a tool to diagnose a medical issue. A CBC can be easily performed at most veterinary…
Why does my pet need a chemistry panel?
Blood work is a basic diagnostic tool in veterinary medicine. When your vet says your pet needs some blood work, it usually means a combination of a complete blood count (CBC) and a blood chemical…
What to Expect When Your Pet Has a Wound
There are many reasons why a cat or dog could have a wound. Perhaps, your dog cut herself while playing or when going out for a walk - perhaps she stepped on a piece of glass. Maybe your cat was…
Why does my cat have scabs all over his body?
One of the top reasons for scabs on cats is miliary dermatitis. The scabs are usually itchy and are present on the cat’s neck, back, and tail. Take note that feline miliary dermatitis is not a…
Common Skin Parasites in Cats
No matter what precautions you take in safeguarding your cat’s health and well-being, skin parasites (ectoparasites) are always a constant threat. These ubiquitous creatures can wreak havoc on the…
Are ear mites contagious to humans or other animals?
The presence of ear mites in the ear canal of cats and dogs causes irritation and intense itching. These pesky parasites are also called ear canker mites or otodectic mites. They are very small and…
Saddle Thrombus in Cats
Saddle thrombus, or Aortic Thromboembolism (ATE), in cats is the term used when a blood clot gets lodged in the main artery in the body, the aorta. These clots can also get stuck in other arteries,…
Common Diseases in Cats
You love your cat and want to take the best possible care of them, but it can be difficult to know what to monitor for or expect. Like most things in life, there isn’t an easy answer, but let’s…
How to Stop Your Pet from Licking Their Wounds
Owners are often frustrated when treating a wound on their dog or cat because pets are always wanting/trying to lick the wound, making it challenging to apply topical medications and prolonging the…
Common Causes and Treatment for Ear Infections in Cats
Compared to other domestic animals, cats do not commonly suffer from ear infections. When this happens, mites are usually responsible, but there can be other causes, such as bacteria and fungi.…
My dog’s wound won’t heal. What should I do?
The curious streaks and playful nature of dogs can easily get them into trouble. It’s no wonder they end up with wounds when playing, getting into fights with other animals, or by accident.…
How to Prevent Flystrike in Dogs and Cats
Flystrike in dogs and cats is one of those skin conditions where treatment and preventive medication is not readily available. It’s important that pet owners are aware of how this skin problem…
Cuterebra Infestation in Dogs and Cats
Skin parasites are a common problem in dogs and cats. Commonly encountered external parasites, like fleas, lice, and ticks, can easily be treated and controlled with over-the-counter preventive…
Ringworm Symptoms and Treatment in Cats
Skin disorders are very common in cats. Studies have shown that around 15% of cats have at least one skin problem. Among these skin problems, infections are considered to be the most common. Skin…
FirstVet + Basepaws
FirstVet services just got even better for cat lovers! We’ve teamed up with Basepaws Pet Health to help our pet parents better understand their cat’s healthcare needs. As a FirstVet customer, you…
Pemphigus in Cats
Pemphigus can best be described as an immune-mediated skin disease in cats where a cat’s own immune system begins to attack the connection between the normal layers of skin cells. While there are…
Why is my cat panting?
Panting is defined as a rapid, short, breathing pattern, usually done with an open mouth. Panting in dogs is often considered normal and isn’t usually a cause for concern. In cats, however, panting…