The post Anemia in Cats: Signs‚ Causes &; Prevention (Vet Answer) by Dr. Samantha Devine appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it‚ but all of these articles were assigned‚ contracted and paid for‚ so they aren't considered public domain. However‚ we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article‚ then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com. Anemia is an insidious disease that can affect your cat. Unfortunately‚ veterinarians often diagnose anemia when it has progressed to being a significant condition‚ causing weakness and lethargy. The signs are often subtle‚ so what do you look for to diagnose anemia in cats? Read on to learn more about the process. What Is Anemia? Anemia is when there is not a healthy amount of red blood cells circulating around the body. This health issue can also be due to a reduced amount of hemoglobin in the body. Red blood cells transport oxygen from the lungs throughout the body. Without adequate levels of red blood cells‚ your cat will become weak as they can’t get enough oxygen to all the areas of the body. Red blood cells form within the bone marrow. They circulate for roughly two to three months unless they become damaged. In a healthy pet‚ the old red blood cells get replaced by new red blood cells in a continuous cycle. Without the healthy amount of red blood cells circulating around the body‚ the organs do not receive enough oxygen‚ and this can lead to them failing. Severe anemia can be fatal. Image Credit: Zhuravlev Andrey‚ Shutterstock Signs of Anemia in Cats Oxygen is necessary for many of the cellular reactions that occur within your cat’s body. An anemic cat is typically tired or lethargic. Unfortunately‚ lethargy is a relatively nonspecific finding‚ and in older cats‚ you might attribute it to their age. Here are some other signs to be aware of: Pale gums Looking jaundiced or yellow Higher-than-average respiratory rate or heart rate (tachypnea and tachycardia) Trouble breathing Black‚ tarry stools or even actual blood (hematochezia) Diarrhea Blood in their urine A fever and feel warmer than usual to the touch Causes of Anemia in Cats Your veterinarian can classify the causes of anemia into one of the major categories. These are as follows: Red blood cell destruction Red blood cell loss Trouble producing red blood cells 1. Red Blood Cell Destruction If your cat eats certain toxic things‚ these substances could trigger your cat’s body to destroy red blood cells. Tylenol‚ garlic‚ and zinc are just a few materials that can cause erythrocyte oxidative injuries. The spleen helps clean up these damaged red blood cells‚ taking them out of circulation. Infectious diseases can also contribute to red blood cell destruction. Often‚ fleas and ticks transmit these organisms‚ which is just one of the reasons why you should keep your cat on flea and tick prevention. Some of these infectious agents include: Mycoplasma haemofelis Cytauxzoon felis Babesia In some cases of feline anemia‚ cats have immune-mediated hemolytic anemia. While some cases are idiopathic‚ and we don’t know the cause‚ vaccines or viruses such as feline leukemia may trigger some cases. With this condition‚ the immune system destroys the cat’s red blood cells. Image Credit: turbaliska‚ Shutterstock 2. Red Blood Cell Loss Your cat can lose red blood cells in a range of ways. Unfortunately‚ parasites are a common cause of anemia. Your cat could have fleas or ticks that feed on blood‚ and these parasites can transmit infections that contribute to anemia. Injuries can cause anemia. Outdoor cats are in danger of being hit by a car‚ but even cats that hang out on the balcony can fall from a height. Some cancers can contribute to blood loss‚ such as transitional cell carcinoma in the bladder. Abnormalities in the gut‚ like ulcers‚ can also be associated with blood loss. 3. Trouble Producing Red Blood Cells One of the significant conditions affecting senior cats is chronic kidney disease or renal failure. When the kidneys stop functioning normally‚ a hormone known as erythropoietin isn’t produced in appropriate amounts. This chemical messenger tells the bone marrow to produce more red blood cells; you’ll have an anemic cat without it. Anemia of chronic disease is another process where chronic health issues and inflammation cause your cat’s bone marrow to produce fewer red blood cells. Image Credit: Todorean Gabriel‚ Shutterstock Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) How can I prevent anemia in cats? Reducing possible exposure to agents that can cause anemia is essential for preventing anemia in cats. Keeping your cat inside is the best way to accomplish this feat. It’ll minimize their possible exposure to fleas and ticks‚ decrease their chances of getting exposed to viruses like feline leukemia‚ and virtually eliminate the possibility of getting hit by a car. Regular preventative care‚ including screening blood work‚ can help your veterinarian diagnose potential causes of anemia sooner rather than waiting until your cat is already affected by a low red blood cell count and weak. Earlier intervention with kidney failure could buy your kitty more time. Preventative care is also crucial for reducing your cat’s exposure to internal and external parasites like hookworms and fleas. Can a cat recover from anemia? Cats can recover from anemia sometimes‚ but not all the time. The prognosis and recovery time depend on many factors‚ from what is causing the anemia to how healthy your cat is overall. A mild case of flea anemia could be treated using flea prevention and environmental control measures‚ while an autoimmune condition may have a rather poor prognosis for recovery. What do vets give cats for anemia? The treatment your veterinarian prescribes for your anemic cat will depend on what the underlying cause of the anemia is and how severe it is. A blood transfusion may be necessary for a cat with a target low packed cell volume‚ but a mild case might be treatable with a vitamin supplement that contains iron‚ such as Pet-Tinic. Conclusion If your cat has anemia‚ you’re probably wondering what you need to do and if there’s any way you could have prevented it. Your veterinarian will need to run some diagnostic tests‚ but they can help determine your cat’s prognosis and a treatment plan. Sources https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/anemia https://www.merckvetmanual.com/cat-owners/blood-disorders-of-cats/red-blood-cells-of-cats https://www.guilfordjamestownvet.com/site/blog-greensboro-vet/2021/01/28/how-increase-red-blood-cells-cats   Featured Image Credit: Oporty786‚ Shutterstock The post Anemia in Cats: Signs‚ Causes &; Prevention (Vet Answer) by Dr. Samantha Devine appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it‚ but all of these articles were assigned‚ contracted and paid for‚ so they aren't considered public domain. However‚ we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article‚ then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

The post Vestibular Disease in Cats: Causes‚ Signs‚ &; Treatments (Vet Answer) by Dr. Rachel Ellison appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it‚ but all of these articles were assigned‚ contracted and paid for‚ so they aren't considered public domain. However‚ we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article‚ then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com. It can be quite alarming to suddenly see your beloved cat exhibit a tilted head‚ eyes darting back and forth wildly (nystagmus)‚ and falling without being able to get back up. If these sudden and severe signs come into play‚ it’s very likely that the cat’s vestibular system‚ which helps regulate balance and coordination‚ is affected. Read on to find out more about vestibular disease in cats and the causes‚ signs‚ and treatments for this medical condition. What Is Vestibular Disease? A healthy vestibular system normally allows for coordination of the body’s balance‚ position‚ and movement in time and space. The epicenter of the vestibular system is located in the middle and inner ear and sends signals to the 8th cranial nerve (called the vestibulocochlear nerve) that then meet in the medulla‚ where the brain and spinal cord connect. When there are problems with the vestibular system‚ the nervous system is affected‚ and it typically comes about very suddenly. There are two main types of vestibular disease—central and/or peripheral. It is more common to have peripheral vestibular problems than central. The central vestibular system issues are often associated with lesions that are in the brainstem or cerebellum (area of the brain at the back of the skull) while peripheral vestibular system problems are associated with lesions that are in the inner ear and 8th cranial nerve (vestibulocochlear nerve). Although vestibular disease in cats is not unheard of‚ it’s also not extremely common. In cats‚ a type of peripheral vestibular disease called feline idiopathic vestibular disease is one of the most common vestibular diseases diagnosed in cats. Because it is idiopathic‚ by definition‚ it means the cause is unknown at this time. Image Credit: Jenni Ferreira‚ Shutterstock What Are the Signs of Vestibular Disease? Signs that can occur in both or either peripheral and central vestibular disease‚ include: Head tilt Circling‚ falling‚ rolling Nystagmus Ataxia (uncoordinated walking) Vomiting‚ nausea‚ and excess salivation due to “motion sickness” There are many signs that can occur in just central vestibular disease cases and some that occur just in peripheral vestibular disease cases. For example‚ for central cases‚ you may see weakness and depression or changes in posture‚ while peripheral cases may have facial drooping from Horner’s syndrome or a lack of signs seen with central disease. What Are the Causes of Vestibular Disease? Central vestibular disease can be caused by some or any of the following: Infectious and inflammatory causes such as feline infectious peritonitis (FIP)‚ bacterial‚ fungal‚ protozoal‚ etc. Trauma Tumor/cancer Thiamine deficiency Metronidazole (an antibacterial and antiprotozoal medication) toxicity Vascular event Brainstem abscess Peripheral vestibular disease can be caused by some or any of the following: Middle or inner ear infections Feline idiopathic vestibular disease (unknown cause) Nasopharyngeal polyps Toxicity such as from aminoglycoside (a type of antibiotic) or lead Tumor/cancer Trauma such as a fracture of the tympanic bulla (a hollow bone structure that houses the middle and inner ear) or due to ear flushing Image Credit: Julia Cherk‚ Shutterstock How Do I Care for a Cat with Vestibular Disease? If you are seeing vestibular signs‚ such as those mentioned above‚ you’ll likely want to make an appointment with your cat’s veterinarian. At the veterinary hospital‚ a cat would benefit from receiving a full physical exam as well as detailed neurologic and otoscopic (ear) exams. The information from these things combined often can help veterinarians have a starting place if the vestibular disease is central or peripheral. From there‚ they will try to pinpoint or rule out the cause and sometimes further testing may be indicated‚ which can range from bloodwork and ear testing to an MRI or spinal fluid tap analysis for more difficult‚ severe‚ or long-term illnesses. Because there is not a singular cause for vestibular disease‚ there is not one treatment that fits all. For vestibular disease‚ either central or peripheral‚ the treatment will be determined by the specific disease causing the issue. In fact‚ in idiopathic cases where there is no known cause‚ the treatment is often patience and time‚ as these cases may resolve on their own spontaneously. If there is a medication toxicity the medication will need to be stopped. For middle or inner ear infections‚ there are often antibiotics‚ steroids‚ and other treatments to help resolve the issues. Many times‚ supportive nursing care will need to be implemented to help these cats who feel topsy-turvy! A cat’s veterinarian may prescribe a specific medication for nausea and vomiting while a cat is healing. Sometimes‚ more severely ill cats may also need food and/or liquid help which could include subcutaneous or intravenous fluids as well as appetite stimulant medications or even feeding tubes if needed. Image Credit: Milles Studio‚ Shutterstock Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) What’s the overall prognosis for my cat? The overall prognosis for an affected cat will depend on the specific cause of the vestibular disease. For example‚ feline idiopathic vestibular syndrome has a great prognosis and should resolve on its own within a few days to weeks. However vestibular disease due to a tumor may have a more guarded prognosis. Generally speaking‚ peripheral vestibular diseases tend to have an overall better prognosis than central ones. What can I do to help my cat feel more comfortable at home until they improve? At home‚ having a quiet‚ calm environment without bright lights may also be beneficial. It may be best to temporarily keep a cat in a room that has all of their needs in a small amount of space so they don’t have to travel far to get to what they need. Keeping them away from stairs or the ability to jump up on high places can also help. In addition‚ a cat may even need assistance being put into the litter box from time to time or placed by their food and water while they are healing. Because cats naturally love to hide‚ perhaps a box with thick padding or a cat bed may be comforting to them as they recover. Conclusion Vestibular disease in cats can be an alarming thing for both your cat to endure as well as for you to witness. The specific cause of the signs will determine the next step‚ but with some time and some medical intervention‚ many of these cases can recover. If you notice any signs of vestibular disease in your feline friend‚ your cat’s veterinarian is only a phone call away. Sources https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/feline-vestibular-disease https://www.matthews.carolinavet.com/site/pet-health-blog/2022/09/15/vestibular-disease-cat https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/vestibular-syndrome https://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/urinary/vestibular-disease-cats   Featured Image Credit: David Herraez Calzada‚ Shutterstock The post Vestibular Disease in Cats: Causes‚ Signs‚ &; Treatments (Vet Answer) by Dr. Rachel Ellison appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it‚ but all of these articles were assigned‚ contracted and paid for‚ so they aren't considered public domain. However‚ we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article‚ then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

The post Autoimmune Disease in Cats: Causes‚ Signs &; Treatments (Vet Answer) by Dr. Emma Chandley‚ BVetMed MRCVS (Vet) appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it‚ but all of these articles were assigned‚ contracted and paid for‚ so they aren't considered public domain. However‚ we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article‚ then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com. Autoimmune disease is a relatively uncommon phenomenon seen in cats. Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system malfunctions and produces an inappropriate response to its own cells. The immune system mistakenly interprets part of the cat’s body as a threat and attacks it. Autoimmune diseases are complicated and can be extremely challenging to diagnose and treat. A variety of different cell lines and organs of the body can be affected‚ therefore clinical signs vary dramatically. Clinical signs are often generalized and non-specific‚ and not immediately linked to autoimmune disease. Cats can suffer from many different types of autoimmune diseases‚ some of which are life-threatening. If you see any clinical signs indicating that there is something wrong with your cat‚ it is important to visit your vet to have them checked out. What is Autoimmune Disease in Cats? Autoimmune diseases are disorders that affect and disrupt the healthy activity of the immune system. The immune system functions to protect the body against potential pathogens such as viruses and bacteria. Your cat’s immune system will send out specific cells to attack and destroy these pathogens as part of the normal immune response. When the autoimmune disease is present‚ your cat’s body attacks their own cells as well as pathogens causing the destruction of healthy‚ functioning tissue. Much the same as humans‚ cats are capable of developing disorders that alter the functioning of their immune system. Autoimmune disease can affect any part of your cat’s body including internal organs and skin. There are many different types of autoimmune diseases in cats. Common examples include: Systemic lupus erythematosus Pemphigus Myasthenia gravis Immune-mediated hemolytic anemia Immune-mediated thrombocytopenia Inflammatory bowel disease Eosinophilic granuloma complex Immune-mediated polyneuropathy Immune-mediated polyarthritis Dry eye syndrome (DES) Autoimmune diseases can be fatal for cats. They lower the body’s natural defenses and also attack healthy tissue in the body. They can have genetic components and can be inherited. They can be picked up in their environment in the form of viruses. Other causes can involve poor nutrition‚ toxins‚ cancer‚ and stress. Autoimmune disease in cats should be taken seriously. Cats with a diagnosed autoimmune disease that is deemed to be hereditary should not be bred under any circumstances. Image Credit: RJ22‚ Shutterstock What are the Signs of Autoimmune Disease in Cats? Autoimmune disease in cats can manifest in a variety of different ways. This is due to the fact that the disease has the potential to destroy all types of body tissue. Whichever cells in the body have been “labeled” to be attacked will determine the clinical signs witnessed by the owner. The difficulty in identifying the presence of autoimmune disease arises as clinical signs are often vague and non-specific. This is why it is so important if you see any of the clinical signs below‚ to contact your vet immediately. This means that investigations can begin to take place as soon as possible. Clinical signs to watch out for include: Lethargy Fatigue Weakness Pale gums Decreased appetite Weight loss Vomiting Diarrhea Black feces Lameness Swollen joints Rapid breathing Exercise intolerance Increased heart rate High temperature Unexplained bleeding Bruising Skin lesions Increased thirst Increased urination Poor coat condition Collapse As you can see‚ this is an extensive list. A lot of these signs can be intermittent‚ meaning they may come and go. Your cat will seem to be absolutely fine one day and really struggling the next. What are the Causes of Autoimmune Disease in Cats? The underlying cause of any autoimmune disease is the cat’s own immune system. This can make treatment and management very challenging. The immune system deploys a search-and-destroy mission on itself due to a malfunction in signaling. The immune system produces antibodies against specific antigens. Antibodies combat infection and get rid of damaged and diseased cells. Usually‚ the body does not register its own antigens. In autoimmune diseases‚ the body recognizes its own antigens as foreign and is programmed to target them. This leads to normal healthy tissue being attacked and destroyed. The reason the immune system malfunctions can be related to viral infections‚ genetic predisposition‚ and hormonal influence. The exact triggers are not fully understood currently‚ and more research is required. Image Credit: Poto69‚ Shutterstock Diagnosis of Autoimmune Disease in Cats Diagnosis of autoimmune diseases is often challenging. It is a diagnosis of exclusion‚ carried out by your vet and involving lots of tests. More common causes of any clinical signs are investigated to rule them out first. Your vet will begin by carrying out a full clinical exam and taking a detailed history from you. They will then perform appropriate diagnostic tests based on clinical signs reported and witnessed. This may include routine blood tests and urinalysis. They may take X-rays or perform an ultrasound scan. Biopsies of lesions can be taken‚ and bone marrow samples can be indicated. Prompt diagnosis is important for effective management. How Do I Care for a Cat with Autoimmune Disease? Treatment of autoimmune diseases depends on the type of autoimmune disease and the underlying cause. Treatment varies greatly as it is heavily influenced by these two factors. Generally‚ treatment involves immunosuppressive medication such as glucocorticoids (a type of steroid). This is to stop the cat’s immune system from attacking tissues. Often a large loading dose is administered and once the cat goes into remission‚ the dose is lowered gradually. Supportive care is just as important to manage pain and clinical signs. Medications used to treat or manage autoimmune diseases include: Steroid drugs: Prednisolone and Methylprednisolone are the most common steroids used. They can be administered topically or orally depending on the disease and type of lesions present. Immunomodulation agents: Chlorambucil‚ Azathioprine‚ and Cyclosporine can all be used. Chlorambucil is an alkylating agent used in chemotherapy treatments. Azathioprine and Cyclosporine are immunosuppressive drugs. The side effects are more severe with these types of drugs. Pain relief: Depending on the type of disease and lesions present‚ some cats require pain medication. This can include Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs). NSAIDs interfere with the production of molecules that cause inflammation and trigger swelling and pain. These cannot be used in conjunction with steroids though. Opioids such as codeine‚ morphine‚ fentanyl‚ and buprenorphine can be used for severe pain. There are side effects to these drugs too. Gabapentin is an anticonvulsant drug and can be used to treat neuropathic pain is also an option. Antibiotics: If there are bacterial infections present‚ for example‚ secondary bacterial infections affecting skin lesions‚ antibiotics are indicated. Depending on the type of disease‚ some cats may require whole or part blood transfusions. Some cats may benefit from lifestyle changes or changes in their environment. For example‚ a cat with immune-medicated polyarthritis will benefit from weight loss if they are overweight for their size. They will be more comfortable with lower sides on litter trays and may need more padded beds to sleep on. Each case needs to be assessed on an individual basis. Image Credit: megaflopp‚ Shutterstock Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) What is the most commonly seen autoimmune disease in cats? One of the most common autoimmune diseases seen in cats is Pemphigus foliaceus. The cat experiences scabs‚ crusts‚ and ulcers on the skin near their eyes and ears‚ on their paws‚ and in their groin area. As it develops on their paws‚ the nail beds can be affected too. Can cats make a full recovery from autoimmune disease? There is no distinct cure for autoimmune diseases‚ however‚ there are effective treatment and management options to help control clinical signs in your cat. These will massively improve their quality of life and allow them to live fairly comfortably in most cases. How common are autoimmune diseases in cats? Autoimmune diseases in cats are relatively rare‚ and often diagnosis is by a process of elimination. More frequently seen diseases are ruled out first. Although uncommon‚ autoimmune diseases can make your cat very sick‚ so it is important to have them checked out if they have any worrying clinical signs. What triggers autoimmune disease in cats? The exact trigger for autoimmune disease in cats is currently not understood. Some theories suggest genetics or environmental factors play a part. Some drugs are thought to be involved in the development of diseases such as Pemphigus foliaceus. Conclusion Autoimmune disease in cats is the result of a hyper-defensive immune system that starts to attack its own body tissues as if they are pathogens. Clinical signs and treatment options for autoimmune diseases vary greatly depending on the disease process. Autoimmune diseases can be debilitating and life-threatening. Often it is possible to manage the disease effectively and cats go on to lead relatively normal lives. If you have seen any signs to be concerned about‚ contact your vet immediately to arrange a check-up. Sources https://www.msdvetmanual.com/cat-owners/immune-disorders-of-cats/immune-deficiency-diseases-in-cats https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/6149649/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29248206/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20471527/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30626385/ https://www.msdmanuals.com/home/quick-facts-bone‚-joint‚-and-muscle-disorders/autoimmune-disorders-of-connective-tissue/systemic-lupus-erythematosus-sle https://www.msdvetmanual.com/immune-system/immunologic-diseases/hypersensitivity-diseases-in-animals https://www.msdvetmanual.com/circulatory-system/hemostatic-disorders/platelet-disorders-in-animals   Featured Image Credit: stylefoto24‚ Shutterstock The post Autoimmune Disease in Cats: Causes‚ Signs &; Treatments (Vet Answer) by Dr. Emma Chandley‚ BVetMed MRCVS (Vet) appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it‚ but all of these articles were assigned‚ contracted and paid for‚ so they aren't considered public domain. However‚ we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article‚ then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

The post Haws Syndrome in Cats: Causes‚ Signs &; Treatments (Vet Answer) by Dr. Marti Dudley‚ DVM (Vet) appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it‚ but all of these articles were assigned‚ contracted and paid for‚ so they aren't considered public domain. However‚ we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article‚ then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com. Seeing an obvious change in your cat’s appearance can be concerning‚ especially when the abnormality is associated with the eye. Concerns of vision impairment and pain often arise when visible changes are noted. Fortunately‚ cats with Haws syndrome do not appear to be in discomfort‚ and the eye itself still functions normally. Continue reading below to learn more about this mysterious syndrome that occurs in cats. What Is Haws Syndrome in Cats? Haws syndrome in cats is a condition in which the third eyelid protrudes or is easily visible. Generally‚ both eyes are impacted. This condition is not reported in dogs. The third eyelid in cats and in other species is a critical component in keeping the eye protected. The third eyelid‚ otherwise known as the nictitating membrane‚ will become raised to physically protect the eye and help distribute tears across the globe. The third eyelid is most commonly visualized in the medial canthus‚ or the junction of the eye closest to the nose. Usually‚ the membrane is white or pink in coloration and appears thin. Image Credit: Kristi Blokhin‚ Shutterstock What Causes Haws Syndrome? The protrusion or prolapse of the lid is thought to be due to decreased sympathetic nerve innervation‚ although the underlying reason as to why this occurs is unknown. This syndrome is commonly reported alongside inflammatory gastrointestinal illness‚ so a link is suspected. Signs of Haws Syndrome Cats experiencing Haws will have visibly raised third eyelids. Sometimes patients may have recently experienced or have concurrent diarrhea. Cats with Haws do not appear to experience pain and their vision is intact. Vision impairment may be present due to the physical blockage of the globe by the nictitating membrane. Haws syndrome most often is seen in young adult cats‚ although cats of any age can be impacted. Diagnosing Haws Syndrome Haws syndrome can be diagnosed with a physical examination and a phenylephrine test. This test involves placing a drop of phenylephrine into each eye and waiting to see if the third eyelids return to their normal position within 20 minutes. If this occurs‚ Haws can be confidently diagnosed‚ as this proves a decrease in sympathetic nerve influence. A thorough ophthalmic examination is critical. The eye in affected cats is normal‚ and no other eye abnormalities are present. It is important to note this‚ as there are other diseases or illnesses that can cause the nictitating eyelids to become prominent or visible‚ including conjunctivitis and ulcerations. Image Credit: Mary Swift‚ Shutterstock Treatment of Haws Syndrome Haws syndrome does not require treatment‚ as it is self-limiting and typically resolves quickly. Concurrent diarrhea should be appropriately addressed. It can take several weeks for the appearance of the eyes to return to normal. If the eyelids are raised for several weeks‚ it may be necessary to perform additional diagnostics to look for other explanations. Caring for a Cat With Haws Syndrome Cats with Haws syndrome do not typically require significant intervention or care. Close monitoring should be done to ensure favorable progress in their condition. If the condition doesn’t improve within 6 weeks‚ the eye should be reexamined. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) My Cat’s Third Eyelid Is Raised. Is This Due to Pain? Some conditions resulting in third eyelid elevation can be painful. Patients with Haws have bilaterally elevated third eyelids and the condition is not associated with discomfort. Will My Cat Require Eye Drops if Haws Is Diagnosed? Fortunately‚ no! Typically‚ this condition is self-limiting and resolves on its own. Your pet may require other types of supportive care if concurrent gastrointestinal illness is present. Image Credit: Imageman‚ Shutterstock Conclusion Although aesthetically concerning‚ cats with Haws do well‚ as the condition is self-limiting. Concurrent gastrointestinal illnesses may require intervention. Resolution of signs can take several weeks to occur‚ so do not feel discouraged if your pet is diagnosed with Haws. If the third eyelids appear protruded for 6 weeks or longer‚ the eyes should be reevaluated. Fortunately‚ this condition is not painful to your companion‚ and cats with Haws syndrome have a good prognosis. Sources Veterinary Partner: Haws Syndrome in Cats Forest Vets: Haws Syndrome VIN: Third Eyelid Haws Syndrome (Feline)   Featured Image Credit: Mary Swift‚ Shutterstock The post Haws Syndrome in Cats: Causes‚ Signs &; Treatments (Vet Answer) by Dr. Marti Dudley‚ DVM (Vet) appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it‚ but all of these articles were assigned‚ contracted and paid for‚ so they aren't considered public domain. However‚ we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article‚ then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

The post Homemade Cat Toys vs Commercial Toys: Olga’s Unusual Favorites by Christopher Bays appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it‚ but all of these articles were assigned‚ contracted and paid for‚ so they aren't considered public domain. However‚ we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article‚ then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com. I give Olga a pack of catnip mice to play with every Christmas‚ and she loves batting them around for about a week. Whether she’s only attracted to toys with fresh catnip or gets tired of playing with the mice‚ I don’t know‚ but I’m lucky she doesn’t have expensive taste. My yearly catnip purchase is the extent of my pet toy budget‚ and for the remaining 51 weeks of the year‚ Olga chases paper balls and plays with a three-pronged plant holder. Premium Pet Toys Several years ago‚ when I was in college‚ I met a student who spent nearly $1‚000 on a carpeted cat tree. It was shaped like a giant mushroom and was at least 4 feet wide and 8 feet tall. It took up most of the space in her bedroom‚ and although it was a bright green monstrosity‚ I was impressed that her hefty cat slept on the tree and seemed to like it. At the time‚ I thought it was careless for anyone‚ especially a college student‚ to spend that much on their cat‚ but I’ve changed my mind. I still think it’s excessive‚ but I understand how owners feel about their pets. In this age of digital purchases‚ there are plenty of moronic ways to blow your paycheck. Is a $1‚000 cat tree more ridiculous than buying a rare non-fungible token (NFT) featuring an animated pickle for the same amount? Luckily‚ Olga doesn’t have expensive taste… Homemade Toys for Olga I’ll spend any amount at the veterinarian’s office to ensure Olga stays healthy‚ but I’m unaccustomed to buying expensive toys since Olga prefers homemade ones. She loves dribbling a paper ball around the house like a soccer player‚ and if she gets tired of playing with it by herself‚ she hits it in my direction. A few months ago‚ her paper ball hit me in the head while I was watching a movie and ignoring her performance. When she’s had enough exercise‚ she’ll rub her head on the paper and cuddle it. She’ll do the same with her plastic plant holder‚ and it’s the only time she’ll let me rub her belly like a dog. Even more than the paper balls‚ the plant holder puts her in a trance that makes her more tolerant of petting. Getting a plastic plant holder face massage When Olga Was a Kitten I didn’t let Olga play with the plant holder as a kitten because I was worried she would tear it up and swallow the plastic pieces. However‚ the plastic is braided and tough and isn’t damaged after years of abuse. She was a wild beast as a kitten who loved to bite anything in sight‚ including my hands‚ feet‚ and writing utensils. As an almost mature adult‚ she’s less fond of biting but still enjoys hitting my leg when I walk by to encourage me to play tag or fetch. Playing tag is another of her favorites‚ and most of the time‚ she hits me without using her claws. Some cat owners aren’t as lucky‚ and their cats aren’t interested in playing free games like tag or cuddling a $2 piece of plastic. However‚ I don’t think spending a bundle on a cat is odd if the toys or equipment make them happy. If I owned an elitist feline demanding premium products‚ I would probably relent and buy a hurricane-proof catio decked out in stone‚ an automated litter box resembling R2D2‚ and a 14-karat gold cat brush. The post Homemade Cat Toys vs Commercial Toys: Olga’s Unusual Favorites by Christopher Bays appeared first on Catster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it‚ but all of these articles were assigned‚ contracted and paid for‚ so they aren't considered public domain. However‚ we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article‚ then linking out to the rest of the piece on Catster.com.

The tech industry is renowned for innovation‚ from self-driving cars that will one day confidently plow into lane dividers or street signs‚ to bitcoin currencies perfect for reducing fortunes to pocket change‚ to everyone’s favorite‚ the torment nexus. Now allegations have emerged that a tech conference used technology to circumvent a demographic challenge: Unable to attract actual women to speak at the event‚ it seems the conference may have embellished its list of speakers using entirely fictional women instead. As bold as this stratagem is‚ the science fiction world got there long before the tech industry’s giant brains. When one thinks of it‚ creating personas to suit roles is an obvious coping mechanism when faced with a dire lack of appropriate candidates. Consider these five works. Note that each synopsis is a giant spoiler for the book in question. No kidding: spoilers abound!   John Joseph Bonforte from Double Star by Robert A. Heinlein (1956) The Humanists want to retain human domination of the Solar System. The Expansionists prefer a more inclusive approach‚ one that would include Martians and other such folk. Lumbered as they with a democratic government‚ the Expansionists require a leader with a rare combination of charisma and moral fortitude‚ a leader who can convince human voters to abandon privilege while at the same time convincing aliens that this isn’t a cruel confidence trick. The Expansionists had such a man in John Joseph Bonforte. Bonforte has been kidnapped on the eve of a crucial Martian ceremony. Without the real Bonforte‚ the Expansionists have no choice but to turn to a fake one… which is where actor Lawrence Smith‚ AKA Lorenzo Smythe‚ comes in. Lorenzo the Great is no paragon‚ but perhaps he can learn to play one. It’s the role of a lifetime. There is probably a fascinating conversation to be had about the degree to which professional politicians adopt false versions of themselves to get elected. This comment section probably is not the correct venue for that thread.   Interface by Stephen Bury (1994) The Network has clear policy goals and a subtle mastery of public relations techniques. Being a shadowy cabal of corporate interests‚ the Network cannot run for President. Had they only a suitably compliant volunteer‚ the Network could guide that person infallibly past the shoals of public opinion and into the Oval Office. Illinois governor William Cozzano is the perfect catspaw. After suffering a stroke‚ he has an experimental biochip implanted into his brain—and once microchipped‚ the charming puppet Cozzano dances on the Network’s strings. The Presidency is Cozzano’s (or rather the Network’s)… unless‚ of course‚ an unforeseen twist of fate undoes their plan. Unsurprisingly‚ Bury (actually Neal Stephenson and George Jewsbury‚ who was then using the penname J. Frederick George) takes a rather cynical view of American politics.   Chip Livingston from Bimbos of the Death Sun by Sharyn McCrumb (1987) Famed author Appin Dungannon is noted for two things: his wildly popular fantasy novels featuring Tratyn Runewind‚ and being a proud‚ arrogant‚ contentious‚ and all-around abrasive person. To know Dungannon is to dislike him. Thus‚ the attendees of the Rubicon SF convention should not have been astounded when someone murdered Dungannon‚ only surprised that it did not happen sooner. Lt. Thomas Ayhan is delighted to deal with SF fans rather than mystery fans‚ who are inconveniently well-informed about police procedure. But he soon learns that the obvious suspect‚ Chip Livingston‚ is a fan who seems to be simultaneously everywhere and yet is nowhere to be seen. This is because Chip is a composite persona played by a number of people; Livingston does not exist‚ and cannot be the murderer. Ayhan must look elsewhere. Here I insert the necessary “Bimbos is very mean-spirited about fans” warning. Also‚ readers should know that this is a cozy‚ which means that despite Ayhan’s diligence‚ he’s not going to solve the crime. That must fall to some observant bystander. I am not really sure why cozies even bother having police around.   Emmanuel Goldstein from Nineteen Eighty-Four by George Orwell (1949) Oceania is diligently guided by the Party. Every aspect of daily life is regimented. Omnipresent monitoring and draconian punishment ensure conformity. Routine editing of archives and books ensure that history is whatever the Party deems it to be‚ from moment to moment. While fear ensures compliance‚ hatred ensures enthusiastic compliance. Perhaps there once was a real Emmanuel Goldstein. The Goldstein that Oceanians know is the creation of the Party‚ the hateful man behind every misfortune‚ a figure into whom the whole of the public’s hatred can be poured without endangering the Party. Even the Party’s enemies serve the Party. Despite being (or choosing to be) limited to mid-20th century technology‚ the Party is adept at manipulating the public. One has to wonder what use they might have made of social media. Big Brother would be such a memorable Xitter character.   Dirac Angestun Gesept from Wasp by Eric Frank Russell (1959) Terra and the Sirian Combine are at war. While humanity is significantly technologically superior‚ the Sirians outnumber the Terrans ten-to-one. Quantity has a quality all its own. Terra’s High Command’s solution is to adopt tactics in which the weight of numbers is irrelevant. Disguised as a Sirian‚ James Mowry is dispatched to the backwater Sirian world of Jaimec to foment as much chaos and fear as he can. Sirian political activists yearning for change would be invaluable allies against the Sirian government. Since there are none‚ Mowry creates Dirac Angestun Gesept from whole cloth. Dirac Angestun Gesept strikes again and again…despite the notable handicap of not existing at all. In a quote often included on the covers of newer editions of Wasp‚ Terry Pratchett stated that he “can’t imagine a funnier terrorists’ handbook‚” if that gives curious readers a sense of what to expect from Russell’s Eisenhower-era classic. ***   This is‚ of course‚ a very small sample of a very large field. I didn’t even mention the relevant character from The Moon is a Harsh Mistress. Feel free to mention other examples in comments below. In the words of fanfiction author Musty181‚ four-time Hugo finalist‚ prolific book reviewer‚ and perennial Darwin Award nominee James Davis Nicoll “looks like a default mii with glasses.” His work has appeared in Interzone‚ Publishers Weekly and Romantic Times as well as on his own websites‚ James Nicoll Reviews (where he is assisted by editor Karen Lofstrom and web person Adrienne L. Travis) and the 2021‚ 2022‚ and 2023 Aurora Award finalist Young People Read Old SFF (where he is assisted by web person Adrienne L. Travis). His Patreon can be found here.

The Golden Globes returned last night‚ and that went about as well as can be expected for an awards show that is famously something of a mess (and with a troubled history‚ to boot). But there’s good news among all the baffling fashion choices and predictable wins! Studio Ghibli won its very first Golden Globe for The Boy and the Heron‚ genius director Hayao Miyazaki’s latest film. Otherwise‚ the night was very light on recognizing work with SFF elements: Barbie won Best Song‚ and Yorgos Lanthimos’ Poor Things took home a couple of the big awards‚ winning for Best Musical or Comedy‚ and Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Musical or Comedy for Emma Stone. Miyazaki’s Golden Globe win is not quite as exciting as his 2001 Best Animated Feature Oscar (for Spirited Away)‚ but it could be read as a good sign that the director may win another Oscar in March. The Boy and the Heron has been something of a surprise smash: It’s earned almost $40 million in the U.S. already‚ which‚ for context‚ is more than Pan’s Labyrinth made in its entire theatrical run in this country. No streaming release date has been set yet for The Boy and the Heron‚ which is still playing in some theaters.

Mark Pellington’s 2002 film‚ based on John Keel’s 1975 book‚ was my gateway drug to the weirdness that is the Mothman. I’ll tackle the book next week. For now‚ let’s just sit back and watch the horror ever so slowly unfold‚ as Richard Gere plays Washington Post ace reporter John Klein. John has a perfect career as a political reporter. His perfect wife‚ Mary (Debra Messing)‚ joins him on a cold winter evening to tour a gorgeous house-for-sale. Of course they offer on it‚ and the offer is instantly accepted (this is‚ after all‚ fantasy)—but the ominous soundtrack and the shadowy visuals warn us not to get complacent. Sure enough‚ on the way home from the house‚ Mary sees a monstrous shadow with red eyes‚ and crashes the car. She wakes‚ eventually‚ in the hospital‚ with John hovering and emoting. She’s been diagnosed with a brain tumor‚ which presumably caused the hallucination. It’s a very rare form‚ of course‚ a glioblastoma‚ and of course it’s inoperable and naturally it’s terminal. Pellington has fridged the perfect wife. After she rather quickly dies (offstage‚ no less)‚ a helpful nurse tells John what Mary did while John was‚ presumably‚ either working or hanging morosely with his buddy. She kept drawing “angels”—but they’re not the pretty‚ happy kind. They’re dark and heavily scrawly and terrifying. The clearest of them looks like a kind of alien moth. Fast-forward two years to John doing his reporter thing and ducking his friend’s attempts to hook him up with a nice woman. John has a gig in Richmond‚ interviewing the governor‚ which he’s using as an excuse for avoiding the latest would-be Mrs. Klein. The interview gets postponed to later the next day‚ but he decides to drive to Richmond overnight. Somehow‚ mysteriously‚ his car ends up breaking down on a dark road very far indeed from Richmond‚ though it’s some little time before he discovers this. All he knows is that he’s stranded and he needs to find a convenient phone to call for help. In 2002‚ cell phones have not yet become ubiquitous. People have to actually trek to the nearest landline‚ which in this case results in John being cornered in a retro pink-tiled shower by wild-eyed‚ gun-toting Gordon. Gordon (Will Patton)‚ who rather resembles later-season Jim Hopper (David Harbour) in Stranger Things‚ swears that this is the third night running that John has knocked at his door in the wee tiny hours and asked to use his phone. Local cop Connie (Laura Linney) saves the day‚ or rather the night‚ and extricates John from the shower. She gives him a ride to a motel‚ where he can stay until his car is retrieved and checked out by a mechanic. John has‚ somehow‚ traveled four hundred miles in ninety minutes‚ at normal highway speeds‚ to the town of Point Pleasant on the border of West Virginia and Ohio. Most of the rest of the film unfolds here‚ as John learns that there’s nothing wrong with his car‚ but a great deal wrong with people in Point Pleasant. An ever-increasing number of them have been seeing the same creature that Mary drew so obsessively in her deathbed journal. John has no choice but to stay in Point Pleasant and try to solve the mystery. He was guided here‚ he’s convinced‚ and it’s tied in somehow with his late wife. How can he walk away from that? The plot gets thicker the longer John stays in Point Pleasant. The creature he names the Mothman appears to be a harbinger of disaster. He’s led to this conclusion by Gordon‚ who becomes a friend‚ and by weird and unsettling communications from a being called Indrid Cold‚ as well as by elusive Mothman expert Alexander Leek (Alan Bates). There’s even a cameo by a person who looks and talks exactly like Mary. The Mothman remains a mystery‚ but as far as John can determine‚ he (or it) appears before major tragedies. He’s seen all over the world. Leek doesn’t believe he causes the tragedies; he’s more of an observer. He’s not human; nor is Indrid Cold‚ who may or may not be either the Mothman himself or his spokesperson. It’s all very murky‚ like the soundtrack and the cinematography. In the end‚ after a wrong turn or two‚ John discovers that he’s been brought to Point Pleasant to witness the collapse of the Silver Bridge. The actual event occurred on December 15‚ 1967. Forty-six people died—Pellington claims thirty-six. Leek urges John to stay away from the doomed town‚ but naturally he can’t do that. After he’s left for home‚ Connie invites him to her family’s Christmas Eve party (another alteration of the historical record)‚ and he drives all the way from Georgetown to attend—arriving just in time for the collapse of the bridge and his leap into the river to rescue Connie‚ who has dreamed that she’s the thirty-seventh victim. The film’s brief epilogue claims that no one ever found out what happened to cause the bridge to fail; that’s not in fact true. But it makes for nice movie drama. The Mothman‚ supposedly‚ was never seen again in Point Pleasant. That hasn’t prevented the town from turning itself into Mothman Central. I’ll talk more about that in the next installment or two. After all‚ what’s a poor town to do when it’s blessed or cursed with a famous cryptid‚ but make the most of its notoriety? There’s a lot more to the Mothman than we see in the film. Mostly here‚ it’s about John. His lost love. His determination to find out what really killed her—surely it’s not a simple brain tumor; surely she wasn’t just hallucinating. His new friends in Point Pleasant‚ and his heroic rescue of the helpless Connie. He loses the woman he loves‚ but he saves a woman he cares about. He’s never in any real danger himself‚ and he’s mostly led around by others’ expertise: Mary’s visions‚ the voices in Gordon’s head‚ Connie’s reports from the law-enforcement front‚ Indrid Cold’s eerie communications‚ and Leek’s superior knowledge and dire warnings. The Mothman remains a shadowy being‚ never clearly seen and never properly understood. As far as we can tell‚ John’s quest ends when the bridge falls. Maybe he ends up with Connie. Maybe he goes back to his job at the WaPo. Or maybe‚ like John Keel‚ he spins off into a career as a parapsychologist and pseudoscientist‚ tracking the weird across the world. Judith Tarr is a lifelong horse person. She supports her habit by writing works of fantasy and science fiction as well as historical novels‚ many of which have been published as ebooks. She’s written a primer for writers who want to write about horses: Writing Horses: The Fine Art of Getting It Right. She lives near Tucson‚ Arizona with a herd of Lipizzans‚ a clowder of cats‚ and a blue-eyed dog.

Monopoly GO has started the Gardening Partners event‚ and if you want to build up your four attractions‚ then you’ll need as many Flowers as you can get your hands on. All ways to get Flowers in Monopoly GO For your general information‚ here are all the ways to get Flowers for the Gardening Partners event in Monopoly GO. We’ll go over the best strategy after‚ don’t worry. Quick Wins Free Gift (refreshes 8 hours after opening) Board Pickups (like shields) By Gifts from your partners’ spinning As rewards from other events There are truly so many ways to get Flowers in this game that it’ll be difficult not to get them‚ quite frankly. Best strategy for getting Flowers in Monopoly GO Image: Scopely My personal strategy‚ and the one I think is the best for getting as many Flowers as possible‚ is keeping the following points in mind. To provide you with a solid baseline every day‚ make s...

The second Monopoly GO milestone event of the new season‚ Monopoly Origins‚ is out now! The Road to Riches milestone event is one sure to bring us plenty of goodies. The Road to Riches milestone event started at 3 pm UTC on January 4. This event also represents the Monopoly Origins theme‚ as Monopoly has had its own journey of success. Will you be successful in this event? Full list of Milestones and Rewards for Road to Riches in Monopoly GO Below is a complete list of all the rewards for the Road to Riches Milestone Event in Monopoly GO. Note that cash rewards vary from player to player‚ so I can’t give any values. Excitingly‚ this event will also reward Flowers for the Gardening Partners event! MilestonePoints RequiredRewards1570 Flowers2520 Free Rolls35Green Sticker Pack41080 Flowers545120 Free Rolls65120 Flowers71010 minutes of Cash Grab815Green Sticker Pack910150 Flowers10120150 Free Rolls1115Cash1220Green Sticker Pack1320180 Flowers1425...