|
 |
 |
 |
|
|
|
As your Partner in Pet Health, the team at Hillside Animal Hospital would like to provide you with as much information as possible regarding your role in keeping your cat happy and healthy. With this in mind, we have developed new Breed-Specific Wellness Programs. These programs are intended to increase your awareness on health conditions that have been found to be commonly associated with your cat's breed. While many cats live a long, healthy life without facing major health issues, we feel that educating pet owners about possible health conditions is the best way to be proactive in detecting health issues before they become a problem. You'll find important recommendations for scheduling physical exams and diagnostic tests which we encourage you to discuss with the doctor throughout your pet's care. Please contact us at 480-391-7297 if you would like further information or to schedule an appointment.
Abyssinian - Specific Wellness Program
Cardiovascular Conditions
 Dilated Cardiomyopathy
About the condition:
- A condition in which the heart walls are thinner than normal and the heartbeat is not as strong.
- Increased prevalence with age and is more common in males.
How to detect this condition:
- An ultrasound/ECG is recommended at age 6.
Musculoskeletal Conditions
Mysasthenia Gravis
About the condition:
- Nerves are present throughout the body to transmit signals from the brain to different muscles instructing them what to do. In this condition, there is a decrease in the ability of nerves to transmit these signals from the brain to the muscles.
How to detect this condition:
- Symptoms of this condition include muscle weakness and/or lameness (in one particular area of the body or throughout the entire body), drooling, and excessive bending of the neck towards the chest.
Ocular Conditions
Progressive Retinal Atropy
About the condition:
- This disease causes an abnormal accumulation of pigment within the retina resulting in progressive retinal degeneration and visual deficiencies.
How to detect this condition:
- Checking the eyes regularly in conjunction with annual wellness exams can help detect this condition.
Renal and Urinary Conditions
Renal Amyloidosis (usually part of reactive systemic amyloidosis)
About the condition:
- This results from an insoluble protein (called an amyloid) being deposited throughout the body, with emphasis on the kidney. The build up of this protein can cause kidney failure and the dysfunction of other organs.
How to detect this condition:
- Bloodwork and urinalysis is recommended beginning at age 6 and every 2 years thereafter. By doing so, any irregularities in organ function can be monitored and treated before they become a major concern.
This list is not intended to cover all possible diseases and/or conditions found in Abyssinians, but instead lists those that we have found to be most common at Hillside Animal Hospital. Please let your doctor know if you have further questions regarding these or any other conditions.
Wellness Recommendations
An annual physical exam is recommended for the life of your pet so that any problems can be detected. In addition, we recommend the following diagnostic evaluations in order to provide more thorough veterinary prevention and care:
| Age 6 |
51 |
Full blood profile and urinalysis, ECG |
| Age 8 |
57 |
Full blood profile and urinalysis |
| Age 10 |
63 |
Full blood profile and urinalysis |
| Age 12 |
69 |
Full blood profile and urinalysis, x-rays of chest and
abdomen |
| Age 14 |
75 |
Full blood profile and urinalysis, x-rays |
|
|
|
 |
|
|
