SPEAKER TALKS

Calcium is an essential mineral for neuromuscular transmission, enzyme activity, coagulation, muscle contraction, intracellular signalling, and normal cellular function. However excessive calcium levels can have devasting effects. Hypercalcaemia can be either a primary or secondary condition.

Many cats with mild hypercalcemia are asymptomatic and it is often an incidental finding on routine blood tests. Clinical signs of hypercalcemia are generally seen when the calcium levels are severely or acutely elevated or have been elevated for a significant time. The most reported cause of hypercalcemia in cats is idiopathic hypercalcemia which differs to our canine patients. This lecture will discuss basic calcium homeostasis and physiology, relevant diagnostic tests, and various treatment options for cats with hypercalcemia.

Lower urinary tract disease in cats is common and often a very frustrating condition to manage. Factors that may influence risk for FLUTD include age, breed, gender, neuter status, body condition, environment and nutrition. Not all feline urinary tract disorders are associated with dietary factors, however most benefit from dietary intervention. In this lecture we will discuss and review the use of various diets for FLUTD cats.