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In the US, a full health-check may include
physical examination, weighing, checking stool
sample, urine sample, blood sample and possibly
tissue biopsies, X-rays or ultrasound scans. In
the UK (due to the indoor/outdoor lifestyle and
toileting outdoors rather than in litter trays)
collecting samples would require an overnight stay
at the vet clinic and are not done routinely due
to the stress of hospitalization - your
observations are therefore important.
Cats nowadays live much longer than in the
past, and the fact that some ailments are more
common in older cats doesn't mean that your cat
will necessarily develop them. A great many cats
reach their teens and twenties with little or no
sign of deterioration. The following symptoms are
worth reporting to your vet as they help him to
make an early diagnosis of a problem before that
problem becomes serious. Remember: prompt
diagnosis prolongs life.
When to
Call the Vet
Sometimes your cat will need
an unscheduled visit the vet. Most good cat care
books contain information about ailments which can
affect cats of all ages. Accidents including
poisoning will mean and unscheduled emergency
visit.
Many household and garden items are toxic to
cats and are listed in cat care books. The list
includes unexpected items such as chocolate and
onion. Aspirin, other human medications, ethylene
glycol (antifreeze) and slug pellets are seriously
toxic to cats. Chemical poisons may burn the mouth
and throat making the cat paw at its mouth and
drool. Behavioral effects include lethargy,
restlessness, anxiety, confusion.
Other symptoms
include vomiting, staggering and collapse.
Poisoning may be fatal or may cause sickness
depending on the toxin, the quantity swallowed and
the age, weight and health of the cat (this is why
medical drugs have dosage per pound/kilo
bodyweight). Making the cat vomit may cause more
harm than good as the vomit may scald the throat
and mouth. Seek emergency vet attention; if you
know what the cat has eaten tell the vet and take
with you any container to help the vet determine
the best treatment.
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