Common Feline Diseases – Vocabulary Flashcards

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards covering definitions, key features, diagnostics, and treatments linked to feline hyperthyroidism, FIV, chronic renal failure, and dermatophytosis.

Feline Hyperthyroidism

Endocrine disease in older cats caused by excessive thyroid-hormone production, usually from a benign thyroid adenoma.

Thyroid Adenoma

Benign tumor of the thyroid gland that commonly drives hyperthyroidism in cats.

Radioactive Iodine (I-131) Therapy

Subcutaneous injection of radioactive iodine that selectively destroys overactive thyroid tissue; >95 % cure rate and irreversible.

Surgical Thyroidectomy

Removal of the thyroid gland when iodine therapy is not feasible or methimazole is not tolerated.

Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV)

Lentivirus infection of cats causing chronic immunosuppression; adult, outdoor, intact males at highest risk.

Lentivirus

Slow-acting retrovirus genus that includes FIV; characterized by lifelong infection and delayed disease onset.

FIV Transmission

Primarily via bite wounds and blood contamination between cats.

FIV Acute Phase

Initial few weeks of infection; fever, lymphadenopathy, and respiratory signs often unnoticed by owners.

FIV Clinically Latent Phase

Months-to-years asymptomatic period where immune response controls but does not eliminate the virus.

FIV Terminal Phase

Stage when viral replication overwhelms immunity, leading to opportunistic infections and neoplasia.

FIV False-Positive Antibody Test

Positive screening result due to prior vaccination or maternal antibodies in kittens <6 months.

FIV False-Negative Antibody Test

Negative result in acutely infected cats pre-seroconversion or in terminal cats with waning antibodies.

Chronic Renal Failure (CRF)

Progressive, months-to-years kidney disease marked by azotemia and poorly concentrated urine (USG < 1.035 in cats).

Azotemia

Elevation of blood urea nitrogen and creatinine indicating decreased glomerular filtration.

Isosthenuric Urine

Urine with specific gravity similar to plasma (≈1.008–1.012); in CRF reflects loss of concentrating ability.

CRF Risk Factors

Advanced age, previous acute renal injury, toxins, infections, stones, amyloidosis.

Common CRF Clinical Signs

PU/PD, weight loss, poor appetite, vomiting, lethargy, bad breath, small irregular kidneys.

Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR)

Measurement of kidney filtration efficiency; low values confirm reduced renal function.

Dermatophytosis (Ringworm)

Contagious fungal infection of keratinized tissues in cats, dogs, and humans.

Microsporum canis

Most common dermatophyte species causing ringworm in cats and dogs.

Annular Lesions

Circular patches of alopecia with scaling or crusting characteristic of ringworm.

Wood’s Lamp Examination

Ultraviolet light screening test in which ~50 % of Microsporum canis infections fluoresce apple-green.

Miliary Dermatitis

Pattern of small crusted papules over feline skin, often associated with dermatophytosis.

Zoonotic Disease

Illness transmittable between animals and humans; ringworm is a notable example in cats.