May 13
17
Ethanol Poisoning in Dogs
Ethanol Toxicosis in Dogs
Ethanol poisoning (toxicosis) occurs from exposure to the chemical ethanol, either orally or through the skin, and results most commonly in a depression of the central nervous system — expressed in the animal as drowsiness, lack of coordination or unconsciousness. Other effects may include damage to body cells, and symptoms such as incontinence, slowed heart rate, and even heart attack.
Ethanol poisoning is seen frequently in dogs, and occurs due to exposure to dyes, inks, disinfectants, mouthwashes, paints, perfumes, pharmaceuticals, gasoline, and certain beverages.
Symptoms and Types
Symptoms of ethanol poisoning vary depending on the amount ingested, and whether the dog’s stomach is full or empty. The main symptom is a depressed central nervous system, which may develop 15 to 30 minutes after ingestion on an empty stomach, and up to two hours later when ingested on a full stomach.
Other symptoms include urinating or defecating involuntarily. Higher doses of ethanol ingestion can lead to behavioral changes ranging from depression to excitement, decreased body temperature (hypothermia), slow reflexes, and flatulence if bread dough is the source of ethanol (see causes, below). Signs of advanced ethanol poisoning include depression, slowed breathing and heart rate, an increase in total body acid (metabolic acidosis), and heart attack. If left untreated, this can result in the dog’s death.
Symptoms of ethanol poisoning may also be similar to early stages of antifreeze (ethylene glycol) poisoning.
Causes
Ethanol poisoning can occur from ingesting a variety of products. Fermented products such as bread dough and rotten apples, which dogs may find in the garbage, may be one case. Other accidental instances may occur from spilled beverages, commercial products, or medications containing alcohol. Exposure of alcohol-containing products through the skin is also possible.
Some cases of intentional ethanol poisoning have been reported, as dogs may readily consume alcoholic beverages if offered by an owner unaware of the consequences.
Diagnosis
Ethanol poisoning can be diagnosed via blood tests measuring blood-ethanol concentration. A urine test for low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) may also point to ethanol poisoning, as well as a pH test measuring for heightened acid levels in the body.
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To slow something down or cause it to stop
The group of processes that involve the use of nutrients by the body
A body temperature that is too low
Low amounts of glucose in the blood
A medical condition in which the body has lost fluid or water in excessive amounts
A condition of the body in which pH levels are abnormally low.
Article source: http://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/neurological/c_dg_ethanol_toxicosis
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Hyperphosphatemia in Cats
Hyperphosphatemia is an electrolyte disturbance in which abnormally elevated levels of phosphate are present in the cat’s blood. It can occur at any age but is more common in kittens or old cats with kidney problems. Additionally, cats with bone diseases and calcium deficiency are susceptible to hyperphosphatemia.
Hyperphosphatemia can affect both dogs and cats. If you would like to learn more about how the condition affects dogs, please visit this page in the PetMD health library.
Symptoms and Types
Although there are no specific signs directly attributable to the condition, symptoms will depend on the underlying cause of hyperphosphatemia. In acute cases, painful muscular spasms and tremors may be seen due to low levels of calcium.
Causes
Vast quantities of phosphorous are located in the bones and teeth, bonded with calcium. Therefore, bone diseases or problems such as bone resorption can cause excessive phosphates to be released in the cat’s bloodstream. Other underlying factors for hyperphosphatemia include:
- Bone cancer
- Osteoporosis
- Kidney disease
- Thyroid disease
- Excessive dietary supplementation (e.g., vitamin D overdose)
Diagnosis
As no particular symptom is related to this condition, most cases are diagnosed with routine laboratory testing such as complete blood count, biochemistry profile, and urinalysis (which should show abnormally elevated levels of phosphate). Additionally, bone X-rays are performed to rule out any potential bone diseases or maladies.
X-rays are also used to evaluate the size and symmetry of kidneys, which will help the veterinarian identify abnormalities related to the disease. Calcium levels, meanwhile, are frequently found to be abnormally elevated (hypercalcemia), although in some cases the levels are abnormally low (hypocalcemia), as in vitamin D intoxication.
In case of diseases related to thyroid gland, your veterinarian may also conduct tests to evaluate thyroid gland functions and hormone levels for diagnosis.
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An in-depth examination of the properties of urine; used to determine the presence or absence of illness
A gland found in the neck of humans and animals that secretes glands responsible for metabolic rate, calcitonin, and others.
A low level of calcium in the blood
Term used to imply that a situation or condition is more severe than usual; also used to refer to a disease having run a short course or come on suddenly.
Article source: http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cardiovascular/c_ct_hyperphosphatemia
Posted in Veterinarian Decatur Ga by .
Ovarian Remnant Syndrome in Dogs
Surgical removal of the uterus and ovaries in a female dog is called an ovariohysterectomy. This type of surgery results in the cessation of subsequent estrus (heat) symptoms in the female. However, sometimes after an ovariohysterectomy, some female dogs continue to exhibit the behavioral and/or physical signs pertaining to estrus. This is typically found to be the result of ovary tissue being left behind. If such tissue remains functional and continues to secrete hormones, behavioral and/or physical signs of estrus in the female dog are seen. Such symptoms are usually seen within a few days after surgery and are not uncommon after an ovariohysterectomy.
Symptoms and Types
- Swelling of the vulva
- Vaginal discharge
- Attraction of male dogs
- Passive interaction with male dogs
- May allow sexual intercourse to take place
Causes
- Failure to remove both ovaries completely during surgery
- Presence of abnormal ovarian tissue
- Supernumerary ovary (excessive number of ovaries – rare)
Diagnosis
You will need to give a thorough medical history of your dog’s health, onset of symptoms, and when your dog had the ovariohysterectomy. The history will usually include behavioral changes and signs of estrus that have occurred even after a successful surgical removal of the ovaries and uterus had been done. After taking a complete history, your veterinarian will conduct a complete physical examination. Standard laboratory tests will include a complete blood count (CBC), biochemistry profile, and urinalysis. It is not unusual for the results of these tests to return within normal ranges.
More specific tests for measuring your dog’s hormones may show estrogen and progesterone levels that are higher than should be expected in a post-surgery dog. A cytological examination of samples taken from the vagina will also help in determining the status of estrus in your dog. In addition, ultrasound can be used to determine whether any ovarian tissue residues are present. However, in some cases abdominal surgery may be required to confirm the presence of ovarian tissue. If this is found to be the case, removal of these residual tissues can take place at that time.
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The hollow bodily organ that holds the embryo and fetus and provides nourishment; only found in female animals.
The genitalia of a female; found on the outside
An in-depth examination of the properties of urine; used to determine the presence or absence of illness
A hormone that is created at the time of pregnancy
The time period in which a female is receptive to male attention
The type of female hormone produced in the ovaries that contributes to sex drive and female characteristics
Article source: http://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/reproductive/c_dg_ovarian_remnant_syndrome
Posted in Decatur Ga Vet by .
Hypermagnesemia in Cats
Electrolytes are required in the body for many vital functions, like keeping fluid balance, normal heart and brain functions, delivery of oxygen, and many more. Magnesium, after potassium, is the second most abundant positively charged electrolyte found inside cells. Bones and muscles contain a major portion of magnesium in the body. Hypermagnesemia is the term used to denote abnormally high levels of magnesium in the body. Higher levels of magnesium can result in serious complications like impaired nerve impulses (signals), as well as cardiac problems.
It is uncommon in cats, mostly seen in patients with underlying kidney diseases. High level of magnesium may result in life-threatening conditions, including those of the nervous system and the heart.
Symptoms and Types
Hypermagnesemia leads to the progressive loss of respiratory, cardiovascular, nervous, and muscle functions — all of which can be fatal in the dog. Other symptoms associated with this issue include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Weakness
- Lowered heart rate
- Paralysis
- Mental depression
- Poor reflexes
- Respiratory depression
- Cardiac arrest
- Coma
Causes
- Kidney failure
- Poor intestinal motility
- Constipation
- Administration of high levels of magnesium
- Endocrine disorders (e.g., hypoadrenocorticism, hypothyroidism, hyperparathyroidism)
Diagnosis
After recording a detailed history from you, the veterinarian will perform a complete physical examination. Routine laboratory tests include: a complete blood count, biochemistry profile, and urinalysis. These tests help determine the levels of magnesium in the blood, which will record more than normal in affected cats. Abnormally high levels of calcium are also found in affected cats. As hypermagnesemia mostly occurs in patients with kidney problems, urinalysis and other laboratory tests may reveal abnormalities related to an underlying disease. Additionally, your veterinarian will perform an electrocardiography (ECG), as characteristic ECG changes are seen in patients with hypermagnesemia.
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An in-depth examination of the properties of urine; used to determine the presence or absence of illness
A bundle of fibers that are used in the process of sending impulses through the body
Eliminating or the material that has actually been eliminated
Article source: http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cardiovascular/c_ct_hypermagnesemia
Posted in Veterinarian Decatur Ga by .
May 13
15
Enlargement of Esophagus in Dogs
Megaesophagus in Dogs
Megaesophagus is a generalized enlargement of the esophagus — a muscular tube connecting the throat to the stomach — with a decreased to absent motility. Esophageal motility is required for moving food and liquid down to the stomach.
Megaesophagus is seen more often in dogs as compared to cats. Some breeds are born (congenital) with this problem; for example, wire haired fox terriers and miniature schnauzers. Other breeds reported to be predisposed to this condition include: German shepherds, dachshunds, great Danes, Irish setter, Labrador retriever, pug, and Chinese shar-pei.
Symptoms and Types
Regurgitation is considered the hallmark sign of megaesophagus. Also, aspiration pneumonia may develop due to the entrance of food or liquid into the lungs. Other common symptoms include:
- Vomiting
- Cough
- Nasal discharge
- Increased respiratory noises
- Weight loss (cachexia)
- Extreme hunger or lack of appetite (anorexia)
- Excessive drooling (ptyalism)
- Bad breath (halitosis)
- Poor growth
Causes
Megaesophagus can either be congenital in nature (born with) or acquired later in life. The congenital form is typically idiopathic or due an unknown cause; although it is rarely due to myasthenia gravis. The acquired form is also commonly idiopathic, but may also be due to:
- Neuromuscular disease (e.g., myasthenia gravis, distemper, myositis)
- Esophageal tumor
- Foreign body in esophagus
- Inflammation of esophagus
- Toxicity (e.g., lead, thallium)
- Parasitic infections
Diagnosis
Your veterinarian will first ask you for a thorough history of your dog’s health. He or she will then perform a complete physical examination on your dog and attempt to differentiate, with your description, whether it is regurgitating or vomiting, which is important in ruling out underlying diseases that cause vomiting. The shape of expelled material, presence of undigested food, and length of time from ingestion to vomiting (or regurgitation) will also help differentiate between these two issues.
Routine laboratory tests, including complete blood count (CBC), biochemistry profile, and urinalysis results, are usually normal in dogs with megaesophagus. However, abnormalities related to underlying diseases or complications, like aspiration pneumonia, may be seen. Radiographic studies will show the enlarged esophagus filled with fluid, air, or food, and will help identify abnormalities related to aspiration pneumonia.
More advanced techniques, like esophagoscopy, will be sometimes be employed, too. Esophagoscopy allows for the examination of the interior of the esophagus using an esophagoscope, a thin, tube-like instrument with and light and lens for viewing the inner areas of esophagus. It also allows for the removal of foreign bodies, evaluation of obstruction, and neoplasia.
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The prediction of a disease’s outcome in advance
The return of food into the oral cavity after it has been swallowed
An in-depth examination of the properties of urine; used to determine the presence or absence of illness
A medical condition in which muscles become inflamed
The term for weakness of the muscles
Relating to a disease of unknown origin, which may or may not have arisen spontaneously
The term for an esophagus that is enlarged abnormally
The tube that extends from the mouth to the stomach
Article source: http://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/digestive/c_dg_megaesophagus
Posted in Decatur Ga Vet by .
May 13
14
Excess Iron in the Blood in Cats
Iron Toxicity in Cats
While iron is an essential nutrient for the regular functioning of a cat’s body, it can become lethal when it is present in large quantities in the bloodstream. Cats may be ingesting unhealthy amounts of iron when they are being given multivitamins that are not appropriate for their age, size or health status, or when they are ingesting dietary supplements or pregnancy supplements that have been left within their reach but that are not intended for them. In the event that there is a high volume of iron present in the blood, damage can occur within the cells.
Symptoms and Types
Iron toxicity occurs in cats in four separate stages.
Stage I (0–6 hours)
Stage II (6–24 hours)
- Apparent recovery
Stage III (12–96 hours)
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Depression
- Gastrointestinal hemorrhage
- Shock
- Tremors
- Abdominal pain
Stage IV (2–6 weeks)
- Gastrointestinal obstruction from stricture formation
Causes
The most common cause of iron toxicity is the ingestion of pills within the home environment. Contact an emergency hospital or your veterinrian if you believe your cat has ingested a toxic dose of iron.
Diagnosis
Your veterinarian will need a thorough history of your cat’s health, onset of symptoms, and possible incidents that might have precipitated/preceded this condition. A complete blood profile will be conducted, including a chemical blood profile, a complete blood count, and a urinalysis. If there is an abnormally high level of iron in the bloodstream, this will show up on the results of the blood tests. If it is suspected that your cat ingested iron pills, diagnostic imaging may be used to help locate them and to determine whether they can be removed from your cat’s digestive system before they can be fully absorbed into the body.
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Irritating tissue with a great deal of some type of fluid
A band of tissue that makes a passage narrower
An in-depth examination of the properties of urine; used to determine the presence or absence of illness
Extreme loss of blood
The digestive tract containing the stomach and intestine
Term used to refer to any drug or substance that is used to control vomiting.
Anything having to do with the stomach
A condition of the body in which pH levels are abnormally low.
Article source: http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/endocrine/c_ct_iron_toxicity
Posted in Veterinarian Decatur Ga by .
May 13
10
Enlarged Spleen in Dogs
Splenomegaly in Dogs
Splenomegaly refers to the enlargement of the spleen. This medical condition can occur in all breeds and genders, but middle-aged dogs and larger breeds tend to be more prone. It is also not usually directly related to the spleen, but rather a symptom of another disease or condition. Treatment options will be recommended based upon the cause of the splenomegaly.
Symptoms and Types
An enlarged spleen may lead to such symptoms as:
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Lack of appetite
- Abdominal pain
- Lethargy and reduced activity
- Weakness and even collapse
Causes
A variety of things are known to cause an enlarged spleen including an abdominal injury, canine hepatitis, infectious disorders, inflammatory bowel disease, bacterial infection, cell tumors of the spleen, and other immune disorders. While these are some of the most common causes, the medical causes for an enlarged spleen are not directly related to the spleen itself, but rather a symptom of another disease or condition.
Diagnosis
Upon examination, a prominent spleen or a protruding abdomen may be noticed. A fine needle aspiration may then be used to diagnose the spleen disorder. Also, ultrasounds and X-rays may be used to view the spleen and surrounding areas for abnormalities. In addition to imaging, blood work will give a comprehensive review of all possible underlying medical issues.
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A condition in which the spleen becomes enlarged
A surgical procedure in which the spleen is removed.
A condition in which the liver becomes inflamed
Article source: http://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/cardiovascular/c_multi_splenomegaly
Posted in Decatur Ga Vet by .
May 13
10
Excess Chloride in the Blood in Cats
Hyperchloremia in Cats
Hyperchloremia refers to abnormally high levels of chloride (an electrolyte) in the blood. Electrolytes play important roles within the dog’s body: helping in heart and nervous system functions, fluid balance, delivery of oxygen, and much more. For every electrolyte a very delicate chemical balance is required, and each electrolyte has a specific normal range in the body.
The electrolyte chloride, for example, is responsible in part for metabolism (turning food into energy), and keeping the body’s acid base balanced. Chloride exists in body with sodium (Na) and their common source is sodium chloride (NaCl or table salt). Therefore, conditions responsible for altering the levels of sodium also affect chloride levels in the body. Elevated chloride levels are usually seen in cats suffering from kidney diseases, diabetes, or bouts of diarrhea.
Hyperchloremia is seen in both cats and dogs. If you would like to learn more about how this condition affects dogs, please visit this page in the PetMD health library.
Symptoms and Types
Symptoms of sodium elevation may also exist along with those of hyperchloremia, including:
- Increased thirst (polydipsia) and consumption of water
- Mental confusion
- Coma
- Seizures
Causes
- Diarrhea and/or vomiting
- Over administration of fluids containing NaCl at hospitals
- Lack of access of water for long period of time
- High water loss through urine (often seen in association with diabetes)
- Oral ingestion of chloride (rare in cats)
Diagnosis
Your veterinarian will want a complete medical history of the cat from you and will conduct a complete physical examination, with routine laboratory tests: complete blood count, biochemistry profile, and urinalysis.
Biochemistry profile results will show abnormally high levels of chloride, often coupled with high sodium levels, and in cases in which diabetes is also involved, blood sugar levels may be abnormal as well. Meanwhile, urinalysis will often reveal abnormalities related to kidney diseases. Laboratory tests will also demonstrate abnormalities related to any underlying disease like diabetes.
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An in-depth examination of the properties of urine; used to determine the presence or absence of illness
A medical condition involving excessive thirst
The group of processes that involve the use of nutrients by the body
Article source: http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cardiovascular/c_ct_hyperchloremia
Posted in Veterinarian Decatur Ga by .
May 13
9
Enlarged Liver in Dogs
Hepatomegaly in Dogs
The term hepatomegaly is used to describe an abnormally enlarged liver. Often occurring due to certain diseases and conditions that can either directly or indirectly affect the functioning of the liver, the liver organ may increase in size, taking on a diseased condition of its own.
Symptoms and Types
Puppies normally have larger livers in respect to their body mass as compared to adult dogs. However, hepatomegaly is most commonly diagnosed in older dogs. Depending on the underlying cause, the enlargement may involve the whole liver or only part of it. For example, infections and/or inflammation may lead to generalized symmetrical enlargement of the liver, whereas tumors, hemorrhages, cysts, or rotation of liver lobe may lead to asymmetrical or focal enlargement. That is, only a part of the liver may be enlarged.
Symptoms can vary depending on the cause. Enlargement of the abdomen is the most commonly observed symptom. On examination your veterinarian will find an enlarged liver or a palpable mass in the abdominal area. The mass is usually observed behind the rib cage and may even be visible with naked eye. However, in obese dogs it is difficult to detect an enlarged liver on physical examination.
Causes
- Extra blood pooling near the liver
- Hepatitis (liver infection)
- Chronic liver disease (cirrhosis)
- Obstruction in blood flow passing through the liver
- Heart disease and failure
- Liver neoplasia
- Heartworm disease
- Rotation of the liver lobe around its axis
- Diaphragmatic hernia (hernia resulting from the protrusion of part of the stomach through the diaphragm)
- Abnormal deposition of metabolic products within the liver tissue
- Accumulation of fat in the liver tissue
- Tumor involving the pancreas
- Liver abscess
- Liver cyst
- Drug toxicity
Diagnosis
You will need to give a detailed history of your dog’s health, onset and nature of symptoms, and possible incidents that might have led to this condition. Your veterinarian will perform a thorough physical exam to evaluate all body systems, and a complete blood profile will be conducted, including a chemical blood profile, a complete blood count, and a urinalysis. The results of the routine laboratory tests are highly variable depending on the underlying cause of the liver enlargement. The complete blood count may reveal anemia, abnormal spherical red blood cells (spherocytes), disrupted red blood cells (schistocytes), red blood cells with spots due to hemoglobin accumulation (Heinz bodies), presence of parasites with red blood cells, immature white blood cells (blast cells) in the blood, red blood cells with nucleus, and abnormally low or high number of platelets (tiny cells used in blood clotting). The biochemistry profile may show abnormally high levels of liver enzymes, and a high cholesterol level. Further testing may include blood clotting profile as blood clotting abnormalities are common in patients with liver involvement. Your dog may also be tested for presence of heartworm disease.
The abdominal X-rays may show an enlarged liver with rounded margins, or a displaced stomach and kidneys. The chest X-rays may help in determining any metastasis of a tumor to the chest cavity, and will also show diseases involving the heart and lungs. Abdominal ultrasonography can be used to view further details in the abdominal cavity, revealing changes in liver size and surface contour, as well as the presence of concurrent disease. Abdominal ultrasound will also help in discriminating diffuse or localized types of liver enlargement. More advanced diagnostic tests, like electrocardiography and echocardiography, can be used to evaluate the structure and functions of heart.
If tumors are seen or suspected, your veterinarian will want to take a sample of liver tissue in order to confirm either its benign or malignant nature, but even without a tumor present, a tissue sample can be helpful for determining the cause, severity and stage of the liver disease. The samples will be sent to laboratory for microbial cultures, and in case of infection, the culturing of the sample will help in determining the type of microorganism that is involved so that suitable drugs can be prescribed.
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The growth of pathogens away from the original site of the disease
The group of processes that involve the use of nutrients by the body
Something that becomes worse or life threatening as it spreads
A gland that aids in both digestive and insulin functions
The prediction of a disease’s outcome in advance
An in-depth examination of the properties of urine; used to determine the presence or absence of illness
A procedure of imaging internal body structures by exposing film
The condition of having a part of a body part protruding through the tissue that would normally cover it
The protein that moves oxygen in the blood
Out of proportion or unbalanced; may also be referred to as unsymmetrical.
A condition of the blood in which normal red blood cell counts or hemoglobin are lacking.
A localized infection, usually a lesion filled with pus. Can be large or small in size.
Not being able to cause harm; the opposite of malignant.
The muscle in the abdomen that aids in breathing
The space in the abdomen that holds the major digestive organs in an animal. Normally referred to as the area between the diaphragm and the pelvis. Also referred to as the peritoneal cavity.
A procedure that is used to evaluate the health and structures of the heart
An enlargement of the liver to an abnormal size
Article source: http://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/endocrine/c_dg_hepatomegaly
Posted in Decatur Ga Vet by .
Hypercapnia in Cats
Hypercapnia is synonymous with hypoventilation, or inadequate inhalation of fresh air. It is generally the result of alveolar hypoventilation, a failure of the air cells in the lungs to take in adequate amounts of clean oxygen. It may also be related to lung disease or to environmental conditions that result in increased levels of carbon dioxide in the breathable air.
Hypercapnia is characterized by an increase in the partial pressure of carbon dioxide in the arterial blood. Carbon dioxide is a normal part of the atmosphere, and a normal component of the chemical make-up of the mammalian body. Carbon dioxide is the end product of aerobic cellular metabolism (the function of cells that require oxygen to operate). It is considered the primary drive to breath, by stimulation of central chemoreceptors in the medulla oblongata (the lower portion of the brainstem). It is carried in the blood in three forms: 65 percent is as a bicarbonate; 30 percent is bound to hemoglobin; and 5 percent is dissolved in plasma. As a natural part of the atmosphere and the air that is inhaled, carbon dioxide is constantly being added to and removed from the air cells in the lungs. The normal amount of carbon dixide in the arterial blood is 35-45 mm Hg (a measurable unit of pressure).
However, an excess of carbon dioxide in the bloodstream can lead to an abnormal condition, causing symptoms ranging from dizziness to convulsions. Left untreated, a state of hypercapnia can lead to death.
Any breed, age, or gender of cat can be affected by this disorder.
Symptoms
Because the brain is primarily affected by this condition, nervous system signs abound. Other symptoms include:
- Abnormal breathing pattern
- Weakness
- Severe condition may lead to slow heartbeat and slow breathing
- Upper airway obstruction
- Pulmonary parenchymal (internal cells in the lungs) disease
- Hypoventilation owing to muscle weakness or neuropathy
- Excess abdominal fluid
Causes
Hypoventilation that results from a decrease in alveolar ventilation; may be the result of one of the following:
- Anesthesia
- Muscular paralysis
- Upper airway obstruction
- Air or fluid in the pleural space
- Restriction in movement of the thoracic (chest) cage
- Diaphragmatic hernia (where there is a hole in the diaphragm, allowing a any one of the abdominal organs to push through the hole into the chest space, often interfering with breathing in the process)
- Pulmonary parenchymal disease (disease of the lung tissue)
- Central nervous system disease
- Administration of sodium bicarbonate (used in some foods and medications, esp. some medicines that are used for treating acidosis), which dissociates into carbon dioxide when there is inadequate ventilation
It may also occur spontaneously in patients during inhalation of anesthesia or due to increased inhaled carbon dioxide, such as what occurs from rebreathing gases that had been exhaled. The most common cause, however, is due to an exhausted carbon dioxide absorbent in the anesthesia machine is the most common cause.
Diagnosis
Because there are several possible causes for this condition, your veterinarian will most likely use differential diagnosis. This process is guided by deeper inspection of the apparent outward symptoms, ruling out each of the more common causes until the correct disorder is settled upon and can be treated appropriately. If your cat is conscious, your doctor will check your cat for symptoms of hyperthermia (body temperature that is too high), hypoxemia (lack of oxygen), and head trauma. If your cat is not conscious, especially if it is due to being anesthetized, your veterinarian will check your cat for hypoxemia.
If none of these disorders are found to be the cause of the symptoms, your veterinarian will perform an upper airway endoscopy to rule out a laryngeal mass or paralysis of the larynx (muscles of the throat).
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The group of processes that involve the use of nutrients by the body
The inside part or region of something
The area between the folds of the pleura; airtight
Pertaining to the lungs
Pertaining to the chest
The voice box; this is one part of the respiratory system
High body temperature
The muscle in the abdomen that aids in breathing
The protein that moves oxygen in the blood
The condition of having a part of a body part protruding through the tissue that would normally cover it
High levels of carbon dioxide in the blood
A condition of the body in which pH levels are abnormally low.
Article source: http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/cardiovascular/c_ct_hypercapnia
Posted in Veterinarian Decatur Ga by .
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