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VCA City Cats Hospital 665 Massachusetts Ave., Arlington MA 02476 Tel: 781-641-3673 |
| City Cats home |
| our team |
| our services |
| directions/maps |
| cat care reference |
| adopt a kitty |
Hours:
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definitions and resources
| declawing surgeries | Standard declawing procedures call for
the removal of the claw and the first bone of the toe. The operation,
usually performed on the front feet, is actually an amputation comparable
to the removal of human fingertips at the first knuckle. |
| Diabetes mellitus | A chronic endocrine disorder characterized
by high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) and results when the pancreas
is unable to produce enough insulin to meet the animal's needs. Insulin
is a hormone that transports glucose (blood sugar) as well as certain
amino acids and minerals through the blood to energy-producing cells.
When a lack of insulin occurs, glucose cannot move into the cells
and the glocose level in the blood rises to abnormally high levels. |
| Feline Osteoclastic Resorptive Lesion (dental page) |
A feline osteoclastic resorption lesion (FORL) is a painful degenerative condition that affects up to 60-70% of cats. They are characterized by resorption, which starts in the cervical region of the tooth. As the disease progresses, there is destruction of the tooth and bone. This type of lesion is rarely seen in man or other animals and appears to be a unique feature of feline teeth. Despite a number of studies, to date there is no clear-cut explanation for the cause and high prevalence of the disease. |
| heart murmur | an usual sound or irregular heartbeat, which is checked via an echocardiogram to rule out heart disease. |
| retractable claws | Retractable claws are actually a misnomer.
In the normal relaxed position, claws are sheathed, which prevents
wear from contact with the ground, and keeps them sharp. During a stretch, such as that involved in catching prey, the connecting tendons are pulled taut, which forces the claws outward. |
Arlington, MA nonprofit humane organization with cats available for adoption.
VCA City Cats Hospital
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