Cat
Why is my cat itchy?
Itchy skin can be very frustrating for cats. To find relief, they engage in excessive grooming, licking, and scratching at the affected areas until there is hair loss and the skin becomes raw. When…
Why does my pet need an echocardiogram?
An echocardiogram is a basic diagnostic tool that is used in both human and veterinary medicine. Also called an echo or cardiac ultrasound, it is performed on pets to evaluate the condition and…
Why does my pet need an abdominal ultrasound?
An ultrasound, also known as ultrasonography or sonographic imaging, is one of the non-invasive imaging modalities that are used in veterinary medicine. The procedure provides images of the internal…
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 x-rays?
For decades, radiographs, commonly known as x-rays, have been the most common form of medical imaging used by veterinarians. Like other medical imaging techniques, radiographs are non-invasive,…
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…
Bandage and Splint Care for Your Pet
At some point in time, your four-legged family member may need to have a bandage or splint placed by your vet. Although a bandage or splint may seem like a simple form of therapy, proper at-home…
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…
Feline Infectious Anemia
Feline Infectious Anemia is caused by a group of bacteria called mycoplasma, that attach to the surface of red blood cells. Fighting between cats, mosquitos, ticks, and fleas are all thought to be…
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…
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.…
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…