Skip to main content

Library

Cats + English

  • Timolol ophthalmic is a beta-blocker used to reduce intraocular pressure (pressure within the eye) in cats and dogs with glaucoma. Timolol ophthalmic is also used to prevent glaucoma in the normal eye of an animal with unilateral (one-sided) glaucoma. This medication is used off label in veterinary medicine.

  • **This article has been specifically written for pet sitters and how they can reduce their exposure to COVID-19.** COVID-19 is a new respiratory disease in humans, initially discovered late in 2019. Although all coronaviruses are related, they are not all the same virus. As a pet sitter, it is important to limit direct contact with your clients. People can shed the virus without showing any symptoms of disease, so it is important to practice social distancing even with clients who appear healthy. It is also important to limit your contact with potentially contaminated items in your clients’ homes, whether they are at home or not. The most important things you can do to minimize your risk of infection, and minimize the risk of transferring infection to your clients, is to be cautious when interacting with clients and when touching anything that could be contaminated. Communicate with your clients regularly during this pandemic. Having information about your clients’ health can help you avoid taking unnecessary risks. Finally, if you develop any signs of COVID-19, including cough, fever, and/or shortness of breath, it is important that you stay home from work.

  • Helping your pet lose weight may be challenging at first, but with a little patience and persistence, you can be successful. Research has shown that small amounts of weight loss help improve the quality of life for overweight pets: they feel better, move easier, play more often, and live healthier lives. This handout focuses on commonly asked questions and tips for owners to help their overweight pet successfully achieve some weight loss.

  • Toad poisoning occurs when a cat is exposed to the toxins secreted by certain species of toads. The two most common species of toads that cause poisoning in the United States are the cane or marine toad and the Colorado River or Sonoran desert toad. While there are toads in Canada that secrete toxic substances, their effects are much less severe than the toxins secreted by the cane or Sonoran desert toads. Death can occur quickly and immediate treatment is required.

  • Tobramycin ophthalmic is an antimicrobial medication used to treat eye infections in cats, dogs, and exotic companion animals. Tobramycin ophthalmic comes in ointment and liquid drop suspension form. Caution when using this medication in pets with kidney disease and/or glaucoma. Do not confuse this medication with combination products containing tobramycin and a steroid.

  • Toceranib phosphate is given by mouth and is used on and off label to treat mast cell tumors and other cancers in cats and dogs. Common side effects include diarrhea, decreased or lack of appetite, lameness, or weight loss. Do not use in pets that are allergic to it, are breeding, pregnant, or lactating, are less than 24 months old, weigh less than 11 lbs (5 kg), or that are having or have had surgery in the past 2 weeks. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.

  • Tooth resorption in cats is a painful condition with no known cause. The most affected teeth are the premolars of the lower jaws. Tooth resorption is divided into specific types based on the X-ray appearance of the tooth root. Signs and treatment are discussed.

  • A tooth root abscess develops when bacteria enter the exposed root canal of the tooth. The abscess may leak directly into the oral cavity or may leak out onto the skin. A tooth root abscess is painful and must be treated as soon as possible. Signs and diagnosis are discussed. Treatment options include root canal therapy or extraction.

  • Total ear canal ablation and bulla osteotomy (TECA-BO) is a surgery performed to remove the ear canal and a portion of the middle ear. This surgery is performed in cases where the pet is suffering from chronic and unresponsive ear infections. The surgical technique, reasons for performing the procedure, the diagnostic steps, and potential post-op complications are outlined in this handout.

  • Toxoplasma occurs worldwide. However, infection is uncommon in pet cats that do little or no hunting and primarily or exclusively eat commercial cat foods. Despite the high number of cats infected with T. gondii, very few show significant clinical signs. Humans are most commonly infected by eating contaminated food. Most people infected with this organism do not develop clinical disease. However, infection during pregnancy may be transmitted to the fetus and sometimes cause severe damage. Many pet cats will never be exposed to Toxoplasma and, therefore, cannot pass the infection on to humans.