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Ceramides are naturally occurring lipid (fat) molecules that make up a large portion of the outer skin layer. Ceramide skin care products are available as over-the-counter veterinary products in various topical forms. They are used to help manage skin conditions in dogs, cats, and other animals. Your veterinarian is the best source of information about the safety of non-drug health products in pets.
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Cerebellar hypoplasia is a developmental condition in which the cerebellum of the brain fails to develop properly. It most commonly occurs when a pregnant cat becomes infected with feline panleukopenia virus and passes the infection to her unborn kittens. There is no treatment, but kittens with cerebellar hypoplasia are not infectious to other kittens or cats, are not in any pain, and will learn to adapt to their disability over time.
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A cesarean section is a surgery to remove kittens from the uterus and is most commonly performed as an emergency procedure when there is difficulty with natural birth. During the immediate recovery period, the mother and kittens must be closely monitored and begin eating/nursing within a few hours. If you have any concerns about their health, you should immediately have your veterinarian examine the kittens and their mother.
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Cetirizine (Zyrtec®, Reactine®) is an antihistamine used off label to treat and prevent pruritus (itching) associated with atopic dermatitis, urticaria (hives), and insect bite reactions in cats and dogs. It may also be used for respiratory allergy symptoms.
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Chediak-Higashi Syndrome is a rare genetic disease of smoke-blue Persian cats. The condition affects how the body processes waste products, resulting in changes within the body’s cells and leading to abnormal pigmentation of the skin and coat. The condition can lead to eye abnormalities and problems with blood clotting, but most cats can have a normal lifespan with careful health monitoring.
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Chemotherapy is the therapeutic use of chemical agents to destroy or inhibit the growth and division of cancer cells. Usually, chemotherapy is used when tumors are widespread or when there is significant or immediate risk of spread from the primary location. It is often used following the surgical removal of tumors. In some cases, chemotherapy is started prior to surgery. The side effects of chemotherapy are related to the effects of chemotherapy on normal -as well as cancerous- cells. The principal goal of cancer care in pets is to provide cancer control without reducing quality of life.
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Chemotherapy drugs are used to treat cancer and other conditions in people and animals, and often target and kill rapidly dividing cancer cells, but normal, healthy cells that grow quickly may also be affected. Side effects of ingestion can include stomach upset, neurological signs, bone marrow suppression, and organ damage.
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The birth of a baby or the adoption of a new child can be associated with both excitement and stress. It is important to prepare your pet for the new addition. Before the baby arrives, introduce novel sounds and scents, and be sure your pet has access to safe resting spaces. Socialize your young pet to children from the start. Children should be directly supervised by an adult when they interact with pets.
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Children often have very close relationships with pets, and especially with cats. Losing a pet cat is inevitable and may be the child's first experience of death, but there are ways for parents and others to help the child cope with it. With care and support, your child can grow through the grief and heal.
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Chin acne in cats is a poorly understood disorder of follicular keratinization (the overproduction of keratin, a protein found in the outer layer of skin). If this excess keratin is trapped in the hair follicle, comedones (blackheads) form. Pustules (pimples) may form if bacteria infect the comedones. The underlying causes are not fully understood but may be associated with excess sebum production, viral infection, immunosuppression, stress, or poor grooming. Treatment options are available and often involve improved hygiene.