Cat Information

Actinomycosis Infection in Cats

This infectious disease is caused by a gram-positive, pleomorphic (can change shape somewhat between a rod and coccus), rod-shaped bacteria of the genusActinomyces, most commonly the A. viscous species. Able to survive with little (microaerophilic) or no oxygen (anaerobic), Actinomyces is rarely found as the single bacterial agent in a lesion. It is more often a component of a polymicrobial infection with several bacteria present. In fact, there may even be synergism betweenActinomyces and other organisms.

SYMPTOMS AND TYPES

• Pain and fever
• Infections on the face or neck area; usually localized but may be spread out
• Skin swellings or abscesses with draining tracts; sometimes yellow granules
• Inflammation of the cellular tissue behind the peritoneum, the smooth membrane which lines the abdomen (retroperitonitis)
• Inflammation of the bone or vertebrae (osteomyelitis), especially long bones such as those found in the limbs; is secondary to the skin infection
• When associated with spinal cord compression, motor and sensory deficits (i.e., trouble walking, touching, etc.)

CAUSES

Actinomycosis is thought to occur as an opportunistic infection; i.e., Actinomycesspp. is a normal inhabitant of the cat’s mouths, but cuts, scrapes, or bite wounds in the mucosa or skin can cause an imbalance in the bacterial microenvironment. Other risk factors include periodontal disease and immunosuppressive disorders.

DIAGNOSIS

You will need to give a thorough history of your cat’s health, including the onset and nature of the symptoms, to the veterinarian. He or she will then perform a complete physical examination as well as a biochemistry profile, urinalysis, complete blood count, and electrolyte panel. X-rays of cats with actinomycosis will typically demonstrate periosteal (outer layer of bone) new bone production, reactive osteosclerosis (hardening of bone), and osteolysis (dissolution of bone).

For a more definitive diagnosis, your veterinarian will submit a specimen of pus or osteolytic bone fragments for culturing. Gram staining, cytology, and acid-fast staining may also be employed.

TREATMENT

The cat’s abscesses will be drained and lavaged for several days. In some cases, a Penrose drain will be utilized, whereby a soft rubber tube is placed in the affected area to prevent fluid buildup. Depending on the severity of the infection, your veterinarian may also need to debride (cut open and/or remove tissue) or remove bone, which will require surgery.

Many veterinarians recommend the administration of antibiotics for a minimum of three to four months after the resolution of all signs. This will assist in fighting against other commonly associated microbes.

LIVING AND MANAGEMENT

Observe the affected area for signs of infection and contact a veterinarian if the following signs are noted: itching, swelling, redness, and/or draining. Otherwise, your veterinarian will schedule regular follow-up appointments to monitor your pet closely for recurrence. Redevelopment of infection at the initial site should be expected in about half of the cases.

Adopting a Cat

Cats can make wonderful and long-lasting pets, so it’s important to consider your options when deciding to bring one home. Remember: your decision will affect your life–and your cats–for the next 15 to 20 years! Here are a few considerations to make.

Kitten or Adult

Every kitten will be rambunctious, lively, and silly. It will take a lot of diligence and patience to keep up with one! Kittens may also play at night, so be prepared to potentially lose a little sleep until your kitten is a bit older. Rember also that a cat’s true personality won’t shine through until the cat is an adult; for some prospective pet owners, it’s much easier to adopt an adult cat and avoid the rambunctious stage of kittenhood. Kittens should be introduced to adult cats as early as possible. This will promote proper socialization skills that we humans simply can’t impart properly. Kittens that are bottle-raised and never have contact with other cats have a reputation for being more aggressive towards both humans and other pets.

Male or Female

The choice of whether to adopt a male or female cat is entirely up to you. YOu may find that your particular personality or lifestyle is better suited to one gender or the other; try spending some time with cats of both genders to see which you prefer.

Shelter, Breeder, Pet Story, Stray

The decision of where to get your cat from is an important one. If you’re adopting a stray kitten off the street, be aware of the health and socialization requirements that will be necessary to ensure your new pet turns into a well-functioning adult. If you desire a specific breed of cat, you’ll probably need to contact a breeder. Consider, though, that there are thousands of homeless cats in shelters that need loving homes–you may find that giving a needy pet a home trumps particular coat pattern, coloring, or body shape preferences.

Health of the Cat

It goes without saying that you’ll want to make sure your new cat is healthy. All new cats should undergo a complete veterinary exam before being brought home. You don’t want to expose other pets in the home– or your human family members–to disease or infection carried by your new feline friend. A healthy cat’s eyes should look bright and clear, the coat should look shiny, tidy, and well-moisturized, and there shouldn’t be any visible discharge from the nose or ears. A professional veterinary exam will rule out any intestinal parasites, mites, fungal or bacterial infections, and viral diseases.

Aggression in Cats

Cats are considered semi-domesticated, meaning they are likely to revert to wild instincts in times of stress, play, or social interaction. Often, this manifests itself in aggressive behavior. This can prove undesirable and even dangerous to family members and other pets, so deal with aggressive tendencies early before they get out of control.

Status Aggression

Status-related aggression stems from your cat’s natural instinct to create a hierarchy in the household. It’s most common in multiple-cat homes when cats have disputes over territory. Fights over territory can become quite violent. Try solving status-related aggression by giving each cat in your home their own space. Separating litter pans, feeding bowls, water dishes, and play areas may be necessary. Be sure to provide plenty of one-on-one attention for each cat in the house, so no one feels favored over anyone else. Over time, you can try slowly reintroducing aggressive cats to one another, keeping them separated with pet or baby gates. Let each cat get used to the sight and smell of the others, familiarizing themselves with the other cats’ presence. This process needs to go extremely slowly: if rushed, it may backfire, making it nearly impossible to correct aggression between your cats.

Play Aggression

Play aggression will resemble hunting behavior: a cat will stalk and pounce on an object–a toy, your shoes, or even your hands–and use its teeth and claws to attack it. Troublesome play aggression often occurs when a kitten is orphaned from their mother or weaned at too early an age because mother cats teach their kittens restraint in ways that humans can’t. The best way to combat play aggression is to refocus your cat’s energies. Give your cat appropriate objects to take out their aggression on, like hanging toys and chewing objects. Try laser light toys, as cats can stalk and pounce on these for hours without hurting anyone or anything. Don’t engage in your cat’s aggressive play, since it will only reinforce the notion that this type of behavior is acceptable.

Misdirected Aggression

This type of aggression happens when a cat is agitated by another animal, perhaps an outdoor critter saw through a window, and ends up taking out the aggression on an unsuspecting indoor pet or human. Preventing these occurrences is the easiest way to combat misdirected aggression. Take steps to rid your yard of rodent pests or stray cats, or keep the curtains closed and make sure your cat stays away from likely trouble spots. If you see your cat getting agitated, take other pets and children out of the room and let your cat cool off on their own.

Bottle-Raised Kittens

Bottle-raised kittens are known for becoming very aggressive toward their owners, guests in the house, and other pets. As mentioned above, a mother cat teaches her kitten proper manners early on in life. For this reason, place an adult cat–preferably a female–with your orphaned kitten as early as possible. If your cat’s aggressive behavior is becoming a problem, the first thing to do is let your veterinarian know. They can help you determine what’s causing your cat’s aggression and put you on the path the correcting this undesirable behavior.

Allergies in Cats

Skin problems are among the most common troubles for dogs and cats. They can be caused by a variety of diseases, one of the most common being allergies. Allergies that affect the skin are grouped together under the term allergic dermatitis.

As with people, our pets can suffer allergies related to the food they eat and the environment they live in. Additionally, they can have an allergic reaction to the bites of fleas and other parasites.

Signs

More often than not, allergic reactions in cats affect the skin.

Signs include:

• Itchy skin, especially around the face and feet
• Foul odor
• Red bumps or scaly areas
• Bumps that resemble acne
• Darkened skin that feels thicker than usual
• Thinning or loss of hair
• Stained fur due to excessive licking
• Frequent shaking of the head

Diagnosis/Treatment

If your cat is scratching incessantly, it’s time to visit your veterinarian! Because itchy skin also can be caused by conditions other than allergies, your veterinarian may want to rule out the other potential causes, such as parasites, bacterial or fungal infections, or systemic diseases.

Tests can include a thorough physical examination; evaluation for external parasites such as fleas or mites; skin tests to rule out fungal, yeast, or bacterial infections; and others, such as blood tests and urinalysis, to determine if your pet has a systemic disease.

Once your veterinarian determines that your cat has allergies, the next step will be to find out under which category they fall.

Food allergies

Food allergies are common, can affect cats of any age, and represent approximately 10% of all allergic conditions. After performing food trials to determine what ingredient your cat is allergic to, treatment involves feeding a diet that does not contain that ingredient.

Environmental allergies

Another common form of allergy is caused by exposure to environmental allergens your cat either breathes in or absorbs through the skin. In people’s terms, we call this “hay fever.” Common allergens include house-dust mites; pollen, grasses, weeds; and a variety of molds. While allergies often give people runny noses, they usually make cats itchy.

Your itchy pet may benefit from topical treatment including cool baths, medicated shampoos and conditioners, and soothing sprays. If your cat has mild allergies, she may be treated with antihistamines or omega-3 fatty acids. More severe cases may require stronger medications such as prednisone or allergy shots.

Flea allergies

Flea allergy is the most common skin disease in cats (and dogs). It is also called flea bite hypersensitivity because it is caused by an allergic (or hypersensitivity) reaction to flea saliva. Fleas are very common and live both on your pet and in the environment. All pets in a household where there are fleas will be infested. In addition to causing allergies in susceptible cats, they can also transmit other diseases.

Treatment for flea allergies involves eliminating fleas from your cat and the environment using products recommended by your veterinarian that are effective against all stages of fleas-from eggs to adults. To control itching your veterinarian might prescribe various medications including antihistamines, omega-3 fatty acids, prednisone, and others.

Prevention

While there is no way to prevent allergic dermatitis, treatment is often very effective once the type of allergy has been determined. Check your pet often for fleas and watch for signs such as scratching or excessive grooming. If you suspect your cat may have skin allergies, contact your veterinarian right away. Early diagnosis and treatment will keep your pet’s symptoms from becoming severe.

Bite Wounds in Cats

Cats are just as susceptible to everyday minor injuries as any other animal. Many cuts (lacerations), bruises (contusions), and scrapes (abrasions) are not life-threatening and will heal with little treatment. Other wounds can be severe enough to require sutures and more intense emergency care.

WHAT TO WATCH FOR

Fresh wounds will usually show some or all of the following:

• Bleeding
• Swelling
• Missing hair
• Cut, scraped, or torn skin
• Limping
• Tenderness or pain

If a wound is not seen when it is fresh, it can become infected. In addition to swelling and tenderness, you may observe the following:

• Discharge (pus) from the wound
• Abscesses (i.e., an accumulation of pus under the skin) and the resulting hole in the skin when the abscess breaks open and drain
• Signs of a fever (e.g., lethargy and ears that feel hot to the touch)

PRIMARY CAUSE

Wounds can come from bumping or hitting hard or sharp objects, avoiding cars, attacks from animals, and other dangers.

IMMEDIATE CARE

What you can do at home is ultimately up to your cat. Sometimes the only thing you can do is wrap your cat in a towel or put him in a carrier and take him straight to your veterinarian. There are, however, a few things you can do if your cat will let you, especially if it may be a while before you can get to your veterinarian.

1. If there is bleeding, apply direct pressure to the wound. The wound should be covered with sterile gauze or a clean cloth, and then pressure applied. It may take 5 to 10 minutes for bleeding to stop. Once it does, tape the gauze in place; removing it may remove the clot, and bleeding will restart.
2. Check for other wounds.
3. If there is no bleeding and the cut (laceration) or scrape (abrasion) appears minor, try cleaning the wound. Use an antiseptic solution or plain water and gauze or cloth (not cotton) to gently clean around the wound, and a syringe or similar device to flush the solution over the surface of the wound. Antiseptic solutions are made by diluting concentrated solutions bought at the store that contain either povidone iodine or chlorhexidine diacetate as the active ingredient. Do not use alcohol or hydrogen peroxide on the wounds, as these will actually damage the tissue. Povidone should be diluted to the color of weak tea; chlorhexidine should be diluted to pale blue.
4. If the laceration is long or deep, or if it is a puncture wound, you can clean around the edges as already described, but do not flush the wound itself. Let the veterinarian do that.
5. Once you have done all that you can, take your cat to your veterinarian.

Diagnosis

Your veterinarian will carefully examine your cat and evaluate all wounds that are found. Your cat will also be evaluated for indications of other problems. The cat’s hair will need to be shaved off for proper evaluation. Some wounds may require X-rays. Sedation may also be necessary to accomplish the examination.

Treatment

The basic goals of treatment are to prevent infection and speed healing. Different types of wounds require different methods of accomplishing these goals. Most of the time your cat will require sedation or anesthesia to treat the wounds safely and without causing more pain.

• Small scrapes and cuts often require nothing more than a thorough cleaning and maybe a little skin glue to hold the edges of the cut together.
• Long and/or deep cuts require careful cleaning to be sure there is no debris in the wound and careful examination to determine the extent of the damage. If the wound is less than 12 hours old and not heavily contaminated, it will probably be sutured closed.
• Puncture wounds, especially from animal bites, often have extensive damage under the skin that is not visible on the initial exam. After removing any possible foreign materials, these wounds have to be thoroughly probed and then carefully cleaned with large volumes of antiseptic solution. Sometimes these wounds must be opened surgically to treat damage deep in the tissues.
• Meanwhile, puncture wounds and/or wounds that are over 12 hours old, contaminated, or showing signs of infection, abscessed, or missing large amounts of skin are usually not sutured. Instead, they are covered with bandages until such time as the wound is healed or the wound is healthy enough that sutures will actually help the wound rather than trap infection inside.
• Large or deep wounds, contaminated wounds, or multiple puncture wounds often require the placement of a Penrose drain, which is soft rubber tubing that allows excess, contaminated tissue fluid to drain out, and keeps a small opening available for flushing antiseptic solution through the wound.
• Your veterinarian will give your cat medication for infection and possibly for pain, which you will need to continue giving at home.
• Most cats are released within 24 hours of being admitted.

LIVING AND MANAGEMENT

The most important thing you can do once your cat is home is to provide good nursing care. Fortunately, this is usually for only 1 to 2 weeks. Good nursing care includes:

• Keep your cat from licking, chewing, or scratching at the wounds, sutures, bandages, or drains. This may require the use of an Elizabethan collar.
• Keep bandages clean and dry and change the bandages as directed by your veterinarian. This may be as often as 2 or 3 times a day initially. You may need to take your cat back to the vet for the changes, especially if he is not cooperative. If the bandages get wet, or you notice an odor, chafing, or an increase in drainage (or the drainage doesn’t subside), take your cat to the vet for evaluation.
• Place a thin film of an antibiotic ointment around the edges of the wound once or twice a day, but only if the cat can’t lick it off.
• Make sure your cat gets all the medication that has been prescribed. If you are having trouble administering it, contact your veterinarian.

Unless the wounds are severe or complications develop, here is a typical schedule of events after the veterinary visit:

• Penrose drains are removed 3 to 5 days after being placed.
• Sutures are removed 10 to 14 days after being placed.
• Antibiotics are generally given for 7 to 10 days.
• Pain medication, if used, is usually given for 5 to 7 days.
• Bandages may be left on for as little as 24 hours or up to several weeks, depending on the nature of the wound. Bandage changes are at least once a day to start; longer intervals between changes may be possible later in the healing process.

If a wound, especially a puncture wound, was not seen, and if your cat did not take antibiotics, an abscess can form, resulting in symptoms described at the beginning of this article. Abscesses take about 10 to 14 days to develop and often are not noticed until they rupture. An abscess will require another trip to your veterinarian.

PREVENTION

Since cats are most likely to be injured when roaming outside unattended, the best way to prevent injury is to either keep the cat inside or only let him out in a protected, confined area.

Bladder Stones

Overview

Stones of the urinary tract begin as microscopic crystals that aggregate to form stones of variable size and shape anywhere within the urinary system, including the kidneys, ureters, and urethra, although stones of the urinary bladder are the most common.

Risk

There are several factors that can contribute to stones in the bladder and urinary tract. They include changes in diet or water intake, underlying metabolic disease, congenital problems, and bacterial infections of the urinary tract. Cats that get uroliths (stones) once are at risk for a recurrence.

Not all cats with bladder stones show signs of having this problem. In fact, in some cases, the discovery of bladder stones happens only when your cat is in for his annual physical exam.

If your feline friend is suffering from bladder stones, he may exhibit the following signs:

• Straining or signs of pain while urinating
• Staying in the urinating position for a long time
• Urinating only small amounts
• Urinating more frequently
• Blood in the urine
• Vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Accidents outside of the litter pan

Diagnosis/Treatment

If your pet shows any of these signs, you should contact your veterinarian right away. Your veterinarian will review your cat’s history and conduct a physical exam, including palpating your cat’s urethra and urinary bladder. If you see any stones present after your cat urinates, call your veterinarian regarding the proper way to collect and store them; they may be helpful in determining the best way to treat your four-legged friend.

Your veterinarian might also recommend the following tests:

• A urinalysis and urine culture to rule out urinary tract infections and to evaluate the kidney’s ability to concentrate urine
• Chemistry tests to evaluate kidney, liver, and pancreatic function, as well as sugar levels
• A complete blood count (CBC) to rule out blood-related conditions
• Electrolyte tests to ensure your pet isn’t dehydrated or suffering from an electrolyte imbalance
• A thyroid test to determine if the thyroid gland is producing too much thyroid hormone
• X-rays of the urinary tract to identify if stones or other abnormalities are present
• Abdominal ultrasound to evaluate the urinary tract and identify if stones or other abnormalities are present
• A stone analysis of any passed bladder stones to determine the chemical makeup of the stone

If your cat has been diagnosed with bladder or other urinary tract stones, the ultimate goal will be to dissolve the stones or remove them and, most important of all, prevent them from recurring. Your veterinarian will determine the right approach for your pet.

Some options that may be suggested are:

• Fluid Therapy helps flush the kidneys and urinary tract, which can facilitate the passing of small stones and crystals
• Medication to treat the underlying cause, such as an antibiotic, if there is evidence of a bacterial infection
• Pain medication, if needed
• Surgery to remove the stones
• Prescription diets help dissolve some types of bladder stones and prevent them from recurring

Prevention

While you may not be able to prevent your pet from getting bladder stones the first time, you can help prevent their recurrence with the right diet and care. It is very important to follow all instructions provided by your veterinarian, including giving all medications and coming in for follow-up visits and tests.

Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome in Cats

Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome is the medical term given to various upper airway problems found in short-nosed, flat-faced cat breeds. A brachycephalic (having a short, broad head) breed may experience partial obstruction of the upper airway due to physical characteristics such as narrowed nostrils, an overly long soft palate, or collapse of the voice box (larynx). Breathing difficulties may also occur because of an abnormally small trachea, another characteristic common to brachycephalic breeds. Himalayans, Exotic Shorthairs, and Persians are classified as brachycephalic.

SYMPTOMS AND TYPES

Symptoms of an obstructed upper airway may include snoring, tachypnea, noisy breathing when inhaling, frequent panting, difficulty eating or swallowing, coughing and gagging, inability to perform physical activity, especially in warm, humid weather, and occasionally physical collapse. A physical examination may reveal further indications, such as stenotic nares, hyperthermia, and increased respiratory effort evident by open-mouth breathing and panting.

CAUSES

Brachycephalic airway syndrome stems from a cat’s unique head shape, which is inherited naturally at birth. Cats with this condition are bred for their broad-faced, short-nosed appearance, but in some cases, the features can be extreme or stunted. Most cats that are affected adversely are diagnosed as young adults, generally by age three. The most commonly reported cause for the syndrome in cats is a defect of the nasal passages, referred to as stenotic nares, or narrowed nasal passages. Other physical defects that can compound the condition are an elongated soft palate, and enlarged tonsils.

Factors that may increase the risk and further complicate the condition include obesity, allergies, over-excitement, and exercise. Any of these may cause rapid breathing that the obstructed airway can not manage. These problems worsen in warm, humid weather, which also leads to excessive panting.

DIAGNOSIS

If brachycephalic airway syndrome is suspected, two primary diagnostic tests that will be used are a laryngoscopy (or pharyngoscopy), and a tracheoscopy, in which a small fiber-optic scope is inserted through the mouth to examine the larynx/pharynx and trachea. This can reveal characteristics such as an overlong palate, a collapsed trachea (commonly known as the windpipe), or a larynx.

Other possible findings include the presence of a foreign object that is obstructing the airway, an infection in the upper respiratory system, or an allergic reaction that has caused the airway to swell.

Calicivirus

Feline calicivirus infection is a common respiratory disease in cats. The virus attacks the respiratory tract — lungs and nasal passages — the mouth, with ulceration of the tongue, the intestines, and the musculoskeletal system.

It is highly communicable in unvaccinated cats and is commonly seen in multicat facilities, shelters, poorly ventilated households, and breeding catteries.
While vaccination against the calicivirus is strongly advised, vaccinations have failed to decrease the prevalence of the disease. This infection can occur in cats of any age, but young kittens older than six weeks have been found to be most susceptible.

SYMPTOMS AND TYPES

The following symptoms typically present themselves suddenly:

• Loss of appetite (anorexia)
• Eye discharge
• Nasal discharge
• Development of ulcers on tongue, hard palate, tip of nose, lips, or around claws
• Pneumonia
• Difficult breathing after development of pneumonia
• Arthritis (inflammation of joints)
• Lameness
• Painful walk
• Fever
• Bleeding from various sites

CAUSE

Cats typically acquire feline calicivirus (FCV) after coming into contact with other infected cats, such as in a shelter, cattery, or boarding facility. But because FCV is resistant to disinfectants, cats may come into contact with the virus in almost any environment. Lack of vaccination or improper vaccination is thought to be an important risk factor, as well as a lowered immune response due to pre-existing infections or diseases.

DIAGNOSIS

You will need to give your veterinarian a thorough history of your cat’s health, onset of symptoms, and possible incidents or conditions that might have led to this condition. Your veterinarian will perform a thorough physical exam to evaluate all body systems along with the overall health of your cat. A complete blood profile will also be conducted, including a chemical blood profile, a complete blood count, and a urinalysis. The results of these tests, however, are often non-specific and do not provide consistent findings for an initial diagnosis.

The more reliable diagnostic test involves identifying a buildup of FCV antibodies. These antibody tests can be used to detect and measure the levels of feline calicivirus antigen and/or antibodies corresponding to the viral antigen (feline calicivirus). A more advanced test that may be used involves growing the isolated viruses under controlled conditions using a technique called cell culture.

Diagnostic imaging can be used to determine any damage to the lungs; chest X-rays may show changes in the lung tissue, including consolidation of lung tissue in cats with pneumonia.

TREATMENT

Your cat will need to be hospitalized for intensive care and treatment if it has developed pneumonia or is experiencing severe life-threatening hemorrhages. Oxygen will be given if your cat is unable to breathe comfortably due to pneumonia. While there is no specific medication that is given for viral infections of this type, broad-spectrum antibiotics are given to prevent or treat the secondary bacterial infections that are commonly seen with viral infections. Ophthalmic antibiotics are prescribed for use in the affected eyes, and painkillers can be prescribed for patients with painful walking.

LIVING AND MANAGEMENT

Your cat requires good nursing care while recovering from the calicivirus infection. This may include cleaning the cat’s eyes and nose to prevent the accumulation of secretions. Your veterinarian will recommend a food diet made up of highly nutritious and easily digestible foods, to be given at regular intervals so as to maintain a positive energy balance and prevent malnutrition. If your cat is suffering from oral ulcers, it will need to be given soft foods.

Respiratory discomfort and breathing difficulties are also common, so advise your veterinarian if they should develop.

Even though vaccinations have not successfully decreased the prevalence of this virus, an FCV vaccine is still the best preventative for your cat, and may reduce the symptoms should your cat acquire the virus.

Your cat’s overall prognosis depends on the severity of the symptoms. Cats with uncomplicated cases of pneumonia, for example, typically recover within three to four days. However, severe pneumonia may be life-threatening. Oral ulcers and arthritis symptoms, on the other hand, generally resolve without complications.

Caring for a Cat After Surgery

If your loved one needs surgery or other procedure, and you’re wondering how to make sure your cat enjoys good health and comfort afterward, a good place to start is to ask your pet’s vet or surgeon about expected outcomes and what follow-up care is necessary.

Below are some general guidelines for helping ensure your animal’s healthy recovery from common surgeries and procedures, including spaying or neutering, vaccines, and microchipping.

CARE UPON DISCHARGE

After bringing your little one into a quiet, comfortable, and warm home, take note of the following:

DO

• Expect your kitty to have lower energy levels: Your pal may feel like resting for up to a few days.
• Expect a little redness of the skin: This is a completely normal occurrence. It becomes a problem when it lingers on for a couple of days.

DON’T

• Feed your pet too soon: Your pet will likely not be allowed to eat food until the next day.
• Give too much water too soon: Your vet will likely recommend serving only a small amount of water in the evening. Overdoing it may cause nausea in your feline.
• Pet, brush, groom, bathe or otherwise come into contact with the area where stitches were sewn or a needle or microchip was inserted.

For Up to a Week to Two Weeks Following the Procedure, to help your pet heal properly:

DO

• Limit activity, particularly running, jumping, and playing with other pets or people. Mild exercise is allowed.
• Keep your cat indoors: In some instances, your vet may suggest confining your cat to a crate or small room, particularly if you need to leave your pet alone for an extended amount of time.
• Limit your pet’s access to hiding spots so you can better observe their recovery and be on the lookout for any unusual symptoms. Your cat may be likelier to hide after surgery.
• Avoid giving your cat a bath: The incision should not get wet.
• Think about switching from traditional litter to shredded paper, as the dust from litter could lead to an infection.
• Examine the site of the procedure regularly: Take note and speak with your animal’s vet or surgeon if discharge, swelling, or an opening at the site of the procedure are observed.
• Keep male cats who haven’t been fixed away from your female cat until she has recovered if she was in heat before getting spayed. Though she can’t reproduce anymore, she still could attract male cats, and contact with another cat could hamper her recovery.
• Keep your male cat who has just been neutered away from females who haven’t been fixed: Neutered males can still get female cats that haven’t been fixed pregnant up to 30 days after the procedure.

DON’T

• Introduce a new diet to your little buddy — unless recommended by your vet. Doing so could cause unpleasant symptoms, including nausea and diarrhea, to develop.
• Let your cat lick or otherwise disturb the stitches: A pet cone may be necessary to help keep your pet from disturbing the site of the procedure.
• Use ointments, creams, or other products that could disrupt the natural healing process (unless otherwise directed).

CONTACT YOUR VET IF YOU OBSERVE THESE SYMPTOMS FOLLOWING THE PROCEDURE

• Continuous bleeding or leakage from the part of the body that was operated on
• Intermittent bleeding or leakage from the surgery site for at least a full day or more
• Swelling
• Bruising
• Significantly redder skin
• Strong body odor
• Unusual discharge
• Pale gums
• A higher or lower body temperature
• Shivering
• Poor stability when walking or standing
• Diarrhea
• Trouble urinating or defecating
• Blood in your pet’s urine
• Struggling to breathe
• Loss of appetite
• If your feline has received a vaccination, signs of trouble include a swollen face, hives, limping, drooling, itchiness, or pain or swelling where the vaccine was given
• If your pet is experiencing discomfort, do not administer human pain meds, which could be very detrimental to your loved one; offer only pet pain meds that have been recommended, following your vet’s dosing guidelines

For minor procedures, your pet’s daily routine should resume within a couple of weeks. Others may require maintaining this level of care for a few weeks.

Caring for Kittens

Raising a kitten is one of the most fun things you’ll ever do, but it’s also a big responsibility. The following guide will walk you through the basics of how to take care of that playful, purring bundle of fur.

Kittens are so cute, it’s understandable that cat owners sometimes wish their kittens could stay kittens forever. This is when you, as the pet parent, lay the foundation for your cat’s future health and behavior. Not to mention, it’s the stage where you have to decide what food to buy, what vet to visit, and where to place the litterbox. Fortunately, all of your hard work during these first few months is compensated by loads of snuggling and adorability.

1. VERIFY YOUR KITTEN’S AGE

Though it’s not something you have any control over, your kitten’s age is more than just a number. In fact, it’s crucial that you learn it. Kittens have very specific developmental needs for the first 10 weeks of their lives in terms of nourishment, warmth, socialization, and excretion. For this reason, most breeders and shelters typically wait until their kittens are of age before they’re put up for adoption. If you, by chance, find yourself in a situation where you need to care for an orphaned kitten under 10 weeks old, consult your vet for special instructions.

2. FIND A GOOD VET

If you don’t have a vet in mind already, ask friends for recommendations. If you got your cat from a shelter, ask their advice as they may have veterinarians they swear by. Local dog walkers and groomers are also great resources for pet recommendations.

One of the first things you should do with your new cat, if not the very first, takes him in for an exam. This trip is almost as important for the owner as it is for the kitten because it not only tests for health issues like birth defects, parasites, and feline leukemia, but it allows you to ask all important questions including advice on litterbox training your kitten.

3. GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR FIRST VET VISIT

1. Have your vet recommend a type of food, how often to feed, and portion sizes.
2. Discuss kitten-safe options for controlling parasites, both external and internal.
3. Learn about possible signs of illness to watch for during your kitten’s first few months.
4. Discuss how to introduce your kitten to other household pets.
5. Schedule future visits and vaccinations to establish a preventive health plan for your kitten.

4. SHOP FOR QUALITY FOOD

Feeding a kitten isn’t as easy as grabbing a bag of cat chow at the nearest convenience store. Growing kittens need as much as three times more calories and nutrients than adult cats. That’s why it’s important to find good quality food designed especially for kittens. A name-brand food, formulated for kittens, is the simplest way to ensure that your kitty gets the proper nourishment without supplements. Also, check to make sure your kitten’s food includes a statement from the Association of Animal Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) displayed on the packaging, ensuring the food is nutritionally complete.

5. SET UP A FEEDING SCHEDULE

To keep up with your kitten’s appetite, you’ll want to establish a daily feeding routine. The best way to ensure that you’re not under or over-feeding your kitten is to consult with your veterinarian about how much and how often to feed. At 3 to 6 months of age, most vets recommend feeding your kitten three times a day. Once he’s reached six months, you can scale it back to twice a day. Keep stocking your pantry with kitten food until your baby reaches adulthood, 9 to12 months old. In addition, don’t forget to keep his water bowl fresh and filled at all times. But hold the milk. Contrary to popular belief, milk is not nutritionally sufficient for kittens and can give them diarrhea.

6. BE SOCIABLE

Once your vet has cleared your kitten as free of disease and parasites, it’s safe to let your new kitten explore its new surroundings and other pet roommates. Handling and playing with your kitten at least once a day will help him form a strong emotional bond with you. If you have children, monitor their introduction to the new kitten to make sure it’s a positive experience for both the kitten and the child.

7. PREPARE A ROOM

Before you bring your kitten home, it’s best to designate a quiet area where the kitten can feel comfortable and safe. In this base camp, you’ll need to put a few essentials like food and water dishes, a litterbox (preferably one with low sides), and some comfortable bedding. Tip: Remember, cats don’t like their food and litterbox too close together. So place the food dishes as far away from the litter as possible within the space.

8. GEAR UP

Here’s a list of the most essential items you’ll want to have before bringing your kitten home:

1. Quality food, specifically formulated for kittens
2. Collar and ID tags
3. Food bowls, preferably metal or ceramic
4. Litterbox and cat litter
5. A comfortable, warm cat bed
6. Cat carrier
7. Scratching post
8. Kitten-safe toys, no small pieces that your kitten can swallow
9. Cat brush
10. Cat toothbrush and toothpaste (get him started at a young age)

9. WATCH FOR EARLY SIGNS OF ILLNESS

Young kittens are more susceptible to a number of illnesses, and it’s always best to catch a health issue in its early stages. Contact your vet immediately if your kitten displays any of the following symptoms.

1. Lack of appetite
2. Poor weight gain
3. Vomiting
4. Swollen or painful abdomen
5. Lethargy (tiredness)
6. Diarrhea
7. Difficulty breathing
8. Wheezing or coughing
9. Pale gums
10. Swollen, red eyes, or eye discharge
11. Nasal discharge
12. Inability to pass urine or stool

Cat Scratch Disease

You’ve probably heard of the disease. It’s known as cat scratch disease, or sometimes cat scratch fever. The disease gets a fair amount of media attention and cats are often blamed as the culprit of the infection. However, there’s much more to the story.

What Is Cat Scratch Disease?

Cat scratch disease is more likely to pose a threat to you than it is to your cat. In people, cat scratch disease usually starts with a swelling (known as a papule) at the site of infection/contamination. The local lymph node may swell and become somewhat painful. Flu-like symptoms may develop. In most cases though, the infection will resolve without incident.

Immunosuppressed people can suffer much more serious effects from cat scratch disease, however. In these people, the infection may invade the body leading to a number of potential syndromes, including encephalitis, heart valve infection, and other conditions.

The disease is caused by a bacteria known as Bartonella henselae, which is carried by fleas.

How Do People Get Cat Scratch Disease?

People become infected with the organism when a cat scratch is inoculated with infected flea dirt. If your cat’s claws become contaminated with flea dirt, you may be exposed to the disease if your cat subsequently scratches you. Bite wounds can also be contaminated and cause cat scratch disease. However, the common denominator is the flea. Without fleas, there is no contamination of any wound with flea dirt and no infection.

What If My Cat Is Infected with Bartonella henselae? Will He Get Sick?

The vast majority of infected cats remain asymptomatic. You may never even know that your cat has become infected. There has been a link made between a condition of the mouth known as stomatitis and infection with Bartonella henselae. However, the significance of this link is not known and it may not be significant.

Most infected cats never require any treatment for the disease. Treatment of infected cats does not reduce the potential for disease spread to people.

How Can I Protect Myself and My Family from Cat Scratch Disease?

The best form of prevention is flea control. Because fleas are required for the disease to spread, keeping your cat free of fleas is essential to protecting yourself and your family.

Avoiding scratches and bites by learning to play safely with your cat can help as well. Learn to recognize the changes in your cat’s body language that indicates that your cat is becoming aggravated and likely to attempt to scratch or bite. Never play with your cat with your bare hand. Use a toy or suitable substitute to avoid accidental scratches.

In addition, cats younger than one year are more likely to be infected. If someone in your family is immunocompromised, you may want to consider adopting a more mature cat to reduce the potential for disease. Healthy adults with strong immune systems are rarely at risk though.

Now you know the truth about cat scratch disease. Though cats are often involved in its spread to infected people, the cat is not solely responsible. Fleas play at least an equally important role in the spread.

Cat Vaccinations

Vaccinations are a necessity for keeping your cat healthy, particularly as a kitten. But which vaccines and when should they be given?

Let’s start at the beginning. A vaccination, which is sometimes also referred to as immunization, is a medication that stimulates an immune response in your pet to provide protection against a particular disease, or group of diseases.

Vaccinations are divided into two groups: the core vaccines and the non-core vaccines. Core vaccines are recommended for all cats either because the disease the vaccine protects against is extremely severe and/or especially common, or the disease is a threat to humans. Non-core vaccines are recommended only for those cats whose lifestyles or living situations place them at risk for the disease in question.

For cats, core vaccines include feline panleukopenia, feline calicivirus, feline rhinotracheitis (also known as feline herpesvirus), and rabies.

• • Feline calicivirus and feline rhinotracheitis are the two viruses most commonly responsible for upper respiratory infections in cats. They are common viruses and almost all cats will be exposed to them at some point in their life.
• Feline panleukopenia is a parvovirus that can prove to be fatal for infected cats, especially young cats. The disease is often called feline distemper, although this name is, in fact, a bit of a misnomer.
• Rabies is a fatal disease that is contagious not only to other animals but to people as well.

Kittens should be started on vaccinations as early as six weeks of age. Vaccines are available that protect against feline panleukopenia, feline calicivirus, and feline rhinotracheitis all in one vaccination. This vaccination should be repeated at 3-4 week intervals until your kitten is at least 16 weeks of age and then repeated one year later.

Rabies vaccines, depending on the type of vaccine your veterinarian uses, can be given either at 8 weeks or at 12 weeks of age. This vaccine should be repeated in one year.

For adult cats, you’ll need to consult with your veterinarian concerning the proper vaccination interval. In some instances and depending on which vaccine brand is being used, vaccinations may need to be given at one-year intervals. For instance, some rabies vaccines must be repeated yearly. In other cases, revaccination every three years may be recommended.

Non-core vaccinations for cats include vaccinations for diseases such as:

• Feline leukemia
• Feline AIDS
• Feline infectious peritonitis
• Chlamydophila felis
• Bordetella bronchiseptica

The need for these vaccinations is determined on a case-by-case basis. In the case of the feline leukemia vaccine, only those adult cats at risk of infection should be routinely vaccinated, although many veterinarians (but not all) believe that all kittens should be vaccinated against feline leukemia.

Some veterinarians recommend the feline AIDS vaccine for cats that are at risk while others believe that the risk of the vaccine does not outweigh the risk of the disease. Your veterinarian can advise you about the risks of the vaccine for your cat and help you make an appropriate decision.

The vaccine for feline infectious peritonitis is not generally recommended for most cats. Only under very specific circumstances would this vaccination be recommended for your cat.

Vaccinations against Chlamydophila felis and Bordetella bronchiseptica are not routinely administered to most cats either. They may be considered if your cat is required to enter an environment in which these bacteria are causing disease.

Chediak-Higashi Syndrome

Chediak-Higashi syndrome is a genetic disorder that affects Persian cats with dilute smoke-blue coat color and yellow-green irises (though it can also affect some white tiger Persians and arctic foxes), which causes the cats to bleed excessively immediately after an injury or minor surgery. Cats with this syndrome may also have an extreme sensitivity to light (photophobia).

Despite the effects brought on by Chediak-Higashi syndrome, affected cats usually have a normal lifespan.

SYMPTOMS AND TYPES

A cat with Chediak-Higashi syndrome will bleed for an abnormally long period, often due to minor surgery or injuries. The cat’s eyes will reflect a red eyeshine when exposed to light; excessive blinking and eye-watering may also occur.

CAUSES

Genetic inheritance

DIAGNOSIS

Your veterinarian will perform a thorough physical exam and take a background medical history of your cat’s health leading up to the onset of symptoms. A complete blood profile will be conducted, including a chemical blood profile, a complete blood count, and a urinalysis.

Other diseases will need to be ruled out, but if your cat fits the genetic type, your veterinarian will do a smear test for Chediak-Higashi syndrome using a sample of the blood that was taken.

TREATMENT

Your veterinarian will give your cat vitamin C to improve blood cell and platelet function and help decrease bleeding time. If your cat is having trouble with prolonged bleeding, a transfusion of platelet-rich plasma (from healthy cat blood) will be given to your cat to temporarily normalize the bleeding time.

LIVING AND MANAGEMENT

You will need to remain aware of your cat’s condition and maintain an environment that prevents accidents as much as possible so that your cat does not suffer an injury that would cause bleeding. Any scrapes or cuts could become a life-threatening issue, so it is best to try to avoid them. You will also need to keep this in mind when seeking veterinary care for your cat, making sure that the caregiver knows of your cat’s disease so that precautions can be taken to prevent prolonged bleeding after having blood drawn.

Because this is a genetically acquired condition, it is strongly advised that cats that have been diagnosed with Chediak-Higashi syndrome be neutered or spayed immediately to prevent it from being passed on to offspring.

Declawing Cats

The AVMA strongly encourages client education prior to consideration of onychectomy (declawing). It is the obligation of the veterinarian to provide cat owners with complete education with regard to the normal scratching behavior of cats, the procedure itself, as well as potential risks to the patient. Onychectomy is an amputation and should be regarded as major surgery. The decision to declaw a cat should be made by the owners in consultation with their veterinarian. Declawing of domestic cats should be considered only after attempts have been made to prevent the cat from using its claws destructively or when its clawing presents an above-normal health risk for its owner(s).

The following points are the foundation for full understanding and disclosure regarding declawing:

• Surgical declawing is not a medically necessary procedure for the cat in most cases. While rare in occurrence, there are inherent risks and complications with any surgical procedure including, but not limited to, anesthetic complications, hemorrhage, infection, and pain. If surgical onychectomy is performed, appropriate use of safe and effective anesthetics and perioperative analgesics for an appropriate length of time is imperative. Pain management is necessary (not elective) and required for this procedure. Multimodal pain management is recommended, and there should be a written aftercare plan. The surgical alternative of tendonectomy is not recommended.
• Scratching is normal feline behavior, is a means for cats to mark their territory both visually and with scent, and is used for claw conditioning (“husk” removal) and stretching activity.
• Owners should provide suitable implements for normal scratching behavior. Examples are scratching posts, cardboard boxes, lumber or logs, and carpet or fabric remnants affixed to stationary objects. Implements should be tall or long enough to allow full stretching and be firmly anchored to provide the necessary resistance to scratching. Cats should be positively reinforced in the use of these implements.
• Appropriate claw care (consisting of trimming the claws every 1 to 2 weeks) should be provided to prevent injury or damage to household items.
• Temporary synthetic nail caps are available as an alternative to onychectomy to prevent human injury or damage to property. Plastic nail caps are usually applied every 4 to 6 weeks.
• Declawed cats should be housed indoors and allowed outside only under direct supervision.
• Scientific data do indicate that cats that have destructive scratching behavior are more likely to be euthanatized, or more readily relinquished, released, or abandoned, thereby contributing to the homeless cat population. Where scratching behavior is an issue as to whether or not a particular cat can remain an acceptable household pet in a particular home, surgical onychectomy may be considered.
• There is no scientific evidence that declawing leads to behavioral abnormalities when the behavior of declawed cats is compared with that of cats in control groups.

Dental Health for Cats

Cats can suffer dental disease and other oral health issues just as dogs, and even people, can. In fact, roughly two-thirds of cats over the age of three suffer some degree of dental disease. Unfortunately, oral health is frequently overlooked and/or neglected in cats.

Cats can suffer from plaque build-up and tartar/calculi accumulation both above and below the gum, just like dogs. They also commonly develop gingivitis (inflammation of the gums) and other forms of periodontal disease as a result.

However, there are some forms of oral disease that are seen more commonly in cats than in dogs. Stomatitis is a good example. Stomatitis is inflammation of the mucous tissues of the mouth. In cats, stomatitis can become quite widespread, involving not only the gum tissue on the upper and/or lower jaw but also sometimes the pharynx (throat area) and even the tongue. Depending on the extent of the disease, it is also sometimes referred to as gingivostomatitis.

Stomatitis is thought to be an extreme reaction to plaque or tartar on the teeth. An association with infectious diseases such as feline leukemia, feline AIDS, and Bartonella has been suggested also, but these diseases have not been concretely proven to be a cause of stomatitis at this time.

Prevention and control of feline stomatitis are through good oral care, with regular veterinary cleanings and routine tooth brushing at home to keep plaque, tartar, and calculi at a minimum. In some cases, particularly when it is impossible to care for the cat’s teeth properly at home, extraction of the teeth is recommended. It may be necessary to remove all of the teeth for your cat, or your veterinarian may recommend removing your cat’s back teeth, leaving only the canine teeth and incisors. This will depend on your cat’s individual situation.

Feline oral resorptive lesions, sometimes referred to as FORLs, are another common tooth disease in cats, in which there are areas where the tooth is actually being resorbed. They are sometimes also called neck lesions because they frequently occur at the “neck” of the tooth, near the gumline. FORLs are extremely painful lesions and more than one tooth may be affected. Though restoration of these teeth is an option, some veterinarians believe that extraction is the treatment of choice because of the likelihood that these lesions will progress. Your veterinarian will help you make the correct choice for your cat if your cat suffers from this type of lesion.

Regular veterinary checkups are a necessity for all cats and an oral examination should be part of the routine veterinary examination. Your veterinarian will check your cat’s mouth for evidence of plaque accumulation, periodontal disease, stomatitis, FORLs, broken teeth, tumors/growths, and other diseases that could cause problems for your cat.

More information about feline oral resorptive lesions, stomatitis, and other feline oral health care issues is available through the American Veterinary Dental Society and the Ameican Veterinary Dental College.

Discoloration of the Teeth in Cats

Any variation from normal tooth color is considered discoloration. However, the normal color of teeth varies, dependent on the shade, thickness, and translucency of the enamel covering the tooth.

SYMPTOMS AND TYPES

Intrinsic discoloration is characterized by secondary factors that are happening inside the tooth, discoloring the underlying dentin. Extrinsic discoloration, meanwhile, occurs when exogenous pigment accumulates on the surface of teeth. That is, the cause of the discoloration is from an external source, rather than from a physical condition. Common symptoms associated with both discoloration types include:

• Abnormal coloration of one or more teeth
• Fractured tooth
• Pitted enamel (the glossy covering of the tooth) with staining
• Rings or lines of discoloration around one or more teeth

CAUSES

Intrinsic discoloration

• Internal (trauma, injury)
• External resorption (destruction) of the tooth
• Localized red blood cell destruction in the tooth (trauma)
• Systemic infections
• Medications (tetracycline)
• Exposure to too much fluorine (ingestion of toothpaste containing fluoride)
• High levels of bilirubin in the blood (from bile, the liquid in the gallbladder that helps to dissolve food in the intestines)
• Amelogenesis imperfecta (a condition in which dental enamel does not calcify enough)
• Dentinogenesis imperfecta (a condition in which the dentin does not develop correctly)

Extrinsic discoloration

• Bacterial stains from plaque (mucin, debris, bacteria, and a thin film of food) and calculus
• Foods
• Bleeding gums
• Dental restorative materials
• Medications
• Metal

DIAGNOSIS

A complete blood profile will be conducted, including a chemical blood profile, a complete blood count, and a urinalysis. You will need to give a thorough history of your cat’s health, onset of symptoms, and possible conditions that might have caused this condition, such as diet, injury, recent illnesses, etc. The history you provide may give your veterinarian clues to the origin of the dental condition.

An oral exam is part of a thorough physical exam. Your veterinarian will need to x-ray your cat’s teeth in order to identify internal or external resorption, and whether restorative materials or bacterial stains from bacteria are entering the crown of the teeth. Your veterinarian may also use a strong fiber optic light that is focused on the teeth to determine vital from dead dental pulp (the nerves and blood vessels in the tooth). If the tooth (or teeth) need to be removed, your veterinarian will most likely need to subdue your cat with general anesthetization in order to extract it.

TREATMENT

Intrinsic stain removal may be done to improve the function of the teeth and relieve pain for your dog. This often involves using endodontic treatment (endodontics treat the interior of the tooth, pulp, and surrounding tissue of the teeth). Crowns and veneers may be used to protect the teeth and the pulp in the teeth.

Extrinsic stain removal can be performed for cosmetic reasons. These procedures often involve internal and/or external treatments such as bleaching, veneers, and crowns.

LIVING AND MANAGEMENT

Any discolored teeth should be treated to prevent plaque and calculus buildup and to prevent further periodontal disease. Discolored teeth are more prone to fracture, which could result in tooth abscessation (the formation of an abscess, usually in response to a bacterial infection).

Discoloration may be prevented in future litters by avoiding giving certain medications to the pregnant bitch. With proper attention, discoloration of teeth can be prevented in puppies.

External Parasites that Affect Cats

External parasites in cats may affect the eyes, ears, and skin. While fleas are the external parasites that are most frequently seen in felines, there are also other parasites that may cause health problems including mites, lice, or ticks. External parasites may cause discomfort, anemia, and allergies, or may also carry various diseases that can be transmitted when the parasites bite the pet.

FLEAS ON CATS

The fleas are insects from the Siphonaptera order. The fleas don’t have wings but may jump and feed on the cat’s blood. The fleas are species-specific, which means that cats may be affected only by cat fleas, also known as Ctenocephalides felis. Fleas reproduce quickly and have a complex life cycle, so they can be problematic to eliminate. Fleas may cause various problems in felines:

• Can cause skin itchiness and irritation, as they bite
• Cause allergies in more sensitive pets
• Cause anemia, especially in kittens, as they feed on blood
• If swallowed, fleas can cause the occurrence of intestinal worms such as the tapeworm, as fleas may carry worm larvae
• Secondary skin infections are also common in cats with fleas, due to the weakened immunity and the fact that the cat scratches his skin and there are various bacteria or infectious agents under the nails

There are several flea treatments, which aim at eliminating the parasites and relieving the cat’s discomfort. When administering flea treatment, the cat’s environment needs to be cleaned and disinfected, as the fleas may leave eggs behind and this could lead to a new infestation. There are also flea preventive solutions, which you can apply to your pet.

CATS AND MITES

Mites that affect felines can fall into 2 categories:

• Demodex mites, causing the demodectic mange and hair loss, and itchiness
• Sarcoptes mites, leading to sarcoptic mange, a condition that may be transmitted to humans as well

Feline mange can be treated with topical solutions that contain steroids or antibiotics if secondary infections occur. Demodectic mange may go away without treatment, but vets recommend applying some solutions to relieve the pet’s discomfort.

TICKS ON CATS

Ticks, along with mites, belong to the family of insects known as Ixodoidea. There are several types of ticks, which inhabit various regions. The main problem with ticks is that they carry diseases such as:

• The Lyme disease
• Babesiosis
• The Rocky Mountain Spotted fever
• Ehrlichiosis

These insects may also cause tick paralysis and severe allergic reactions in weaker felines. Ticks should be removed within 4 hours of entering the cat’s skin, to prevent the release of toxins in the blood flow. Tweezers can be used to remove the parasite and the area should be disinfected. There are tick collars or sprays that you can use to prevent tick bites.

CATS AND LICE

Lice are insects from the Phthiraptera order and affect cats less frequently, but they may be seen in pets that lack proper hygiene or are exposed to various environments with lice.

Lice and lice eggs can be eradicated if using suitable insecticides.

Fatty Liver Syndrome in Cats

If your cat was just diagnosed with hepatic lipidosis, fear not! While it sounds scary, hepatic lipidosis simply means that there is inappropriate fat infiltration into the liver. Often known by the laymen’s term “fatty liver,” this disease occurs when cats —especially obese cats— go without food for a few days. Untreated, hepatic lipidosis can result in liver failure and death, so it must be aggressively treated by your veterinarian. Thankfully, the prognosis can be excellent with intravenous (IV) fluids, proper nutritional supplementation, and supportive care, but keep in mind that it can be extremely costly to treat.

Causes of fatty liver disease in cats

So, why do cats develop hepatic lipidosis? Unfortunately, as an emergency critical care specialist, the main reasons why I see it in the ER include the following:

• Introduction of a new diet without appropriate slow weaning or acclimatization. You should never force your cat to go “cold turkey” and change your cat’s diet acutely. As we all know cats don’t tolerate sudden changes well, and diet changes should always be transitioned slowly over several days to weeks. [Editor’s note: Always speak to your veterinarian before changing your cat’s diet]
• Introduction of a new pet (e.g., dogs or cats) causes environmental stress and may result in your cat’s sudden loss of appetite
• Introduction of two-legged newborns (i.e., human babies) causing environmental stress
  Stressful situations (e.g., visiting guests who live in your house for a few days, scaring your cat away)

Symptoms of fatty liver disease in cats

Signs of hepatic lipidosis can be really subtle, so it’s important to watch for clinical signs of the following:

• Decreased appetite or complete inappetence (i.e., anorexia)
• Hiding in unusual places (e.g., closet)
• Weakness or lethargy
• Icterus/jaundice (a yellow-tinged color to the gums or skin, best seen on the ears and eyes)
• Drooling (often a sign of nausea)
• Vomiting
• Dehydration
• Small fecal clumps in the litter box (due to lack of eating)
• Constipation
• Collapse
• Weight loss
• Muscle wasting
• A weakened neck (the head hangs down more than usual with a chin tuck)

When untreated or in severe cases — signs of liver failure can include the following:

• Black tarry stool
• Bruising (abnormal clotting)
• Coma (from the liver poisons building up in the body)
• Abnormal behavior progressing to seizures
• Death

How do we diagnose and treat fatty liver disease in cats?

The diagnosis of hepatic lipidosis is typically based on history, clinical signs consistent with hepatic lipidosis, blood work, and an abdominal ultrasound of the abdomen (specifically looking at the liver and gall bladder). Specific blood work should evaluate the white and red blood cells, kidney and liver function, protein, electrolytes, and potentially even the clotting function of the body. Additional tests may include x-rays, abdominal ultrasounds, and aspirates or biopsies of the liver. An aspirate is necessary to help rule out other causes of jaundice in cats, such as cholangiohepatitis, pancreatitis, gall bladder stones, cancer (specifical lymphosarcoma), inflammatory bowel disease, or even certain toxins.

Treatment typically requires 24/7 care for several days to include the following:

• IV fluids to help treat dehydration
• Placement of a temporary feeding tube to provide adequate calories (this may be necessary for several weeks)
• Anti-vomiting medication
• Appetite stimulants
• Antibiotics
• Vitamin K (to help fix clotting problems if abnormal)
• Potentially plasma transfusions (if severe clotting problems are noted)

So how do you avoid this and save yourself thousands of dollars (and your cat a feeding tube)?

When it comes to cats, do everything slowly. Slow acclimatization is imperative so your cat has time to handle the stress and adjust. More importantly, make sure to observe your cat’s appetite, and when you notice that he hasn’t eaten for more than 2-3 days, seek veterinary attention immediately! When it comes to hepatic lipidosis, the sooner you diagnose it, the less expensive – and less deadly – it can be for your cat!

Feeding Your Cat

Your cat’s diet is of the utmost importance if you’d like your feline friend to live a long, healthy, and happy life. Let’s take a closer look at the particulars of feline nutrition and diet.

Nutritionally Balanced Diets

Since every cat is slightly different, not all cats’ nutritional needs will be exactly the same. All cats, though, do have one thing in common: they need a nutritionally complete and balanced diet. This means that a cat is getting the proper amount of proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, fiber, and other key nutrients through their food. It’s imperative that you avoid feeding your cat generic diets that have a lot of “filler” material and not enough nutritional value. There are plenty of high-quality cat diets on the market today, so ask your vet to recommend one. Some cats even benefit from special prescription diets if they suffer from particular health issues.

Life-Stage Diets

Cats require different nutrition at different stages of their lives. A kitten, for instance, needs a lot of nutrition to grow properly through the first year of life. Be sure to feed a kitten a specially-formulated kitten diet from the time they’ve been weaned until they’ve stopped growing (usually at about 12 months of age). An adult cat’s nutritional requirements aren’t the same as a kitten’s. Make sure you adjust the food your adult cat is eating to correspond with their age. Adult-aged diets should contain balanced ingredients and include plenty of vitamins and antioxidants to fight off disease. Most cats are considered elderly by the time they’re about seven years of age. By this point, your cat should be eating a specially-formulated senior diet. Most diets of this type contain fewer calories while retaining the right balance of nutrients.

Avoiding Obesity

At any stage in a cat’s life, obesity can shorten its lifespan and contribute to further health complications. Make sure your cat doesn’t overeat–don’t free-feed, which means leaving food out at all times for a cat to eat as they please. Schedule mealtimes with proper portion size instead. The packaging of your cat’s food likely contains instructions for estimating the correct portion size. Cats who live in multiple-cat homes may feel the need to eat more as part of a competition among housemates. It may be necessary to separate food dishes or feed each cat at different times. Work closely with your vet to develop a diet plan for every stage of your cat’s life. It’s one of the best things you can ever do for your pet’s health and well-being!

Feline Acne

Cat acne is found almost exclusively on the chin and lower lip of your cat, where the hair follicles become plugged with a greasy material called sebum. Some cats may only have a single episode of acne while others have a life-long, recurring problem. The frequency and seriousness of each acne flare-up, however, can vary with each animal. Secondary bacterial infection is usually present with acne in cats as well. Unfortunately, the cause of acne in cats is unknown and age, gender, and breed are not determining factors for the condition.

SYMPTOMS AND TYPES OF ACNE IN CATS

Symptoms of the condition can include blackheads or whiteheads, mild red pimples, watery crusts that can develop on the chin and (less commonly) lips, and swelling of the chin. In more severe cases of the condition, your cat may develop nodules, bleeding crusts, pustules, hair loss, severe redness of the skin, and be in pain (which can indicate boils).

CAUSES

Acne in cats can be caused by poor grooming habits or abnormalities in your cat’s skin surface, oil production, or immune-barrier function. It can also be caused by excessive grooming where the chin is repeatedly rubbed on the fur.

DIAGNOSIS

Diagnosis of the condition will begin with a complete history and a physical exam. Your veterinarian will be able to diagnose cat acne by a visual examination of your cat’s chin and will want to rule out any other conditions including mange, fungal Infection, feline leprosy, allergies, or any tumors of the skin (sebaceous) or secretion (apocrine) glands, and other follicular (hair cells) and epidermal neoplasia (tumor of the outer layer of the skin).

Your veterinarian may also rely on certain procedures including skin scraping (to look for mites or fungal infected hairs), taking a fungal culture, a microscopic examination of the cells, and a biopsy, which is rarely needed but is sometimes necessary.

TREATMENT

Treatment of the condition will begin with a good cleaning of the infected area with an antiseptic cleanser and will involve the use of antibiotics and topical shampoos. This should help to clear the acne. If the outbreaks reduce as a result of the treatment, discontinue it by tapering the medication over a two-to three-week period. If the acne is continual throughout the treatment or reoccurs frequently, an appropriate maintenance schedule will be designed by your veterinarian; life-long treatment twice a week, however, may be necessary. If there is a bacterial infection on the skin, a round of oral antibiotics will be in order.

LIVING AND MANAGEMENT

After the medication is discontinued, monitor your cat for relapses. Maintenance cleansing programs can also be used between relapses to extend the time between episodes.

Feline Asthma

Feline asthma is a disease that is diagnosed relatively frequently in cats. Referred to as asthma because of the similarities to asthma in people, the signs seen in cats may appear similar to those seen in humans with asthma.

WHAT IS FELINE ASTHMA?

Feline asthma begins with inflammation within the airways. This inflammation results in spasms within the airways, which in turn leads to constriction and difficulty breathing.

Typical symptoms seen with feline asthma include coughing, wheezing, exercise intolerance, and difficulty breathing. In some cases, breathing may become so difficult that your cat exhibits open-mouth breathing.

The disease is often episodic in nature. Between episodes, your cat may seem perfectly healthy. However, there is currently no way to predict or measure when an “asthma attack” may occur or how severe an episode maybe when it does occur. Severity may range from mild to severe and even life-threatening.

HOW IS FELINE ASTHMA DIAGNOSED?

Feline asthma can be relatively difficult to definitely diagnose. There are other diseases that mimic the symptoms of asthma, with feline heartworm disease and other parasitic diseases of the lungs (such as lungworms) being among the other possibilities. These diseases can be especially difficult to differentiate from feline asthma and some veterinarians believe the true incidence of feline asthma is largely overestimated.

Diagnosis will rely on a thorough physical examination, with symptoms consistent with those expected with asthma. Radiographs (X-rays) of the chest are an important part of diagnosis, assuming that your cat is stable enough to undergo them. Routine blood, urine, and fecal testing may be recommended to help rule out other diseases. In cases where the diagnosis is uncertain, bronchoscopy or a tracheal wash may be used to collect specimens from inside of the airways for evaluation.

In some cases, even after extensive diagnostic testing has been performed, the cause of the illness may remain uncertain and response to treatment may be used as a form of diagnosis. In other cases, the cat may be too unstable to undergo rigorous testing. These cases may require the institution of therapy, sometimes under emergency conditions, without any advanced diagnostic testing.

IS THERE TREATMENT FOR ASTHMA IN CATS?

Reducing and/or controlling the inflammation in the airways is mandatory in the treatment of feline asthma. Corticosteroids are the most commonly used drugs for this purpose. These drugs may be administered as an injection, an oral medication, or through an inhaler. Each form of delivery has both advantages and disadvantages. Your veterinarian will help you decide which method is most appropriate for your cat.

Bronchodilators, such as terbutaline, theophylline, or albuterol, are also commonly used in treatment. Like corticosteroids, bronchodilators can be administered as an injection (terbutaline), an oral medication (theophylline), or through an inhaler (albuterol).

Other medications sometimes used in treating cats with asthma include cyclosporine, cyproheptadine, various antihistamines, and zafirlukast.

IS THERE A WAY TO PREVENT ASTHMATIC EPISODES FROM OCCURRING?

Though it may not be possible to completely prevent the occurrence of asthma “attacks,” there are some preventive measures that may help.

Avoid dust, smoke, and other impurities in the air in your cat’s environment. Do not expose your cat to cigarette smoke. Use dust-free cat litter. Do not use sprays, including insecticidal sprays, in your home or around your cat. And change air filters frequently.

Feline Chlamydiosis

Chlamydia in cats is a bacterial infection that typically affects the eyes. It can cause conjunctivitis, infection of the inner eyelids and sclera, or whites of the eyes. Here’s what you should know about the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of this common eye infection in cats.

TRANSMISSION OF AND RISK FACTORS FOR FELINE CHLAMYDIA

Feline chlamydia is responsible for up to 30% of feline conjunctivitis cases. The bacteria that cause feline chlamydia typically cannot survive very long away from a host, so this disease usually spreads by direct contact between an infected and an uninfected animal. Cats in shelters, boarding kennels, and multi-cat households run a higher risk of contracting chlamydia. Chlamydia can infect cats of all ages, but kittens between the ages of 5 and 12 weeks are most vulnerable.

SYMPTOMS OF FELINE CHLAMYDIA

The first symptoms of chlamydia infection in cats are a watery discharge from the eyes and excessive squinting. The inner eyelids and whites of the eyes may become inflamed, and, as the infection worsens, the discharge typically changes from clear and watery to thick and yellowish or greenish-yellow. The infection can spread to the respiratory tract, causing symptoms including:

• Fever
• Runny nose
• Sneezing
• Lethargy

Kittens and cats with suppressed immune systems may develop pneumonia as a result of chlamydia infection.

DIAGNOSING AND TREATING CHLAMYDIA IN CATS

Your vet will need a complete medical history and thorough physical examination to diagnose chlamydia in your cat. Bacterial cultures of eye discharge are typically all that’s needed to confirm the diagnosis. If your cat suffers from FIV, feline leukemia, or feline calicivirus infection, tell your vet at the time of diagnosis. These conditions can make your cat more vulnerable to chlamydia infection, and they may alter your vet’s planned course of treatment.

Antibiotics are typically administered to treat chlamydia in cats. Tetracycline is typically administered. If chlamydia affects only your cat’s eyes, then topical antibiotics, applied directly to the eyes themselves, may successfully treat the infection. If the infection is severe or has spread to the upper or lower respiratory tract, then your cat may need oral or injectable antibiotic therapy.

Antibiotics typically bring about rapid improvement in chlamydia infection, though your cat will need to continue using them for up to three weeks, even after symptoms have disappeared. If your cat does not begin to improve rapidly with treatment, or if his condition seems to worsen in spite of treatment, contact your vet. Your cat may be suffering from an underlying viral infection that is hampering his recovery.

PREVENTING THE SPREAD OF FELINE CHLAMYDIA

If your cat has feline chlamydia, try to isolate him from other cats to avoid spreading the disease. Chlamydia spreads through direct contact with an infected animal, so isolates him physically from other cats. This bacterial infection is contagious to humans, so wash your hands thoroughly after handling your sick cat, and keep your sick cat away from:

• children
• the elderly
• pregnant women
• anyone else who may be suffering from compromised immunity

Feline Cleft Palate

A Cleft palate is an abnormal opening in the roof of the mouth. It is caused by the failure of the two sides of the palate (roof of the mouth) to come together and fuse during embryonic development. A cleft palate results in an opening between the nasal passages and the mouth.

SYMPTOMS AND TYPES

Symptoms expected with a cleft palate include:

• Runny nose
• Coughing
• Aspiration pneumonia (pneumonia caused by milk and food contents entering the cleft and infecting the lungs)
• Respiratory difficulty (caused by aspiration pneumonia)
• Difficulty sucking and nursing (in the kitten)
• Slow growth
• Weight loss
• Lack of appetite

CAUSES

Cleft palate is most often a congenital disorder, likely inherited, and there is a breed predilection in Norwegian forest cats, Ocicats, Persians, ragdolls, savannahs, and Siamese.

Cleft palates can also be caused by exposure of pregnant female cats to teratogenic chemicals (chemicals that interfere with normal embryo development). These chemicals include griseofulvin and excessive vitamin A and vitamin D. In these cases, the kittens may be born with cleft palates.

DIAGNOSIS

Diagnosis is made by a visual examination of the cleft palate.

TREATMENT

Treatment is surgical repair of the defect. Surgical correction is usually postponed until 3-4 months of age, if possible. More than one surgery is often necessary for complete closure of the opening in the palate.

LIVING AND MANAGEMENT

Kittens with cleft palates should be fed with a long nipple, which brings food into the oropharynx (the part of the mouth behind the palate but in front of the voice box), or with a feeding tube inserted into the stomach until the defect can be surgically repaired.

Feline Ear Problems

Cats catch a lucky break when it comes to ear infections since they get them far less than their canine counterparts. However, if your cat gets an ear infection it should be addressed right away to minimize pain and damage to her ear canal.

The main causes of ear infections in cats are:

• Ear mites (parasite)—especially in kittens; highly contagious among cats
• An abscess from a bite wound or scratch
• Growth in the ear canal
• Allergies

Symptoms

If your furry friend has an ear infection, you might notice the following:

• Discomfort when the base of the ears is massaged
• Self-inflicted skin trauma from scratching
• Dark or crusty debris in the ear canal opening
• A wet sound when the ears are gently massaged
• Head tilt or incoordination
• Uneven pupil size

Diagnosis

Ear infections can resolve quickly or become chronic, depending on the cause and seriousness of the underlying condition. To diagnose an ear infection, your veterinarian will take a thorough history of your cat. This is very important to determine if an underlying disease may be the cause. They will also perform a complete physical exam and take a good look at your pet’s ears, using an otoscope to look down the ear canal. Depending on what your veterinarian finds, other tests or procedures may be performed for an accurate diagnosis. Some additional tests they may recommend are:

• Cytology, identifies if yeast, bacteria, or other microorganisms are present
• A culture to determine which type of bacteria is present

If your cat goes outside, and/or if a bite wound or scratch is the underlying cause of the ear infection, your veterinarian may recommend testing your cat for feline leukemia and feline immunodeficiency virus. Both of these viruses are transmitted from cat to cat and are highly contagious.

Treatment

Treating ear infections can be very tricky, especially if allergies are involved. Treatment will depend on the cause, nature, and severity of the ear infection. Your veterinarian will recommend the best treatment for your cat.

Treatment may include:

• Antibiotic ointments, drops, sprays, or creams for the ear
• Oral antibiotics
• Surgery (for cats with repeated ear infections or no response to other treatment)

Prevention

The best way to help your pet avoid ear infections is by watching for any signs of irritation. Keeping your cat indoors makes a huge difference if he has a history of recurring infections. In addition, keeping his ears dry will help prevent infections.

Feline Foamy Virus (FeFV)

Feline foamy virus (FeFV) is a complex retrovirus (uses RNA as its DNA) that infects cats, apparently without causing disease. Some strains, however, induce differentiated lymphocytes to burst, suggesting a potential impact on the cat’s immune function. Part of the Spumavirus genus, FeFV is relatively rare and is more prevalent in free-roaming cats. The prevalence of the virus in cats also increases with age.

SYMPTOMS AND TYPES

Most FeFV-positive cats are asymptomatic and in good health. However, some experts suggest that the infection is linked with myeloproliferative disease and chronic progressive polyarthritis, possibly due to the high likelihood of co-infection with the feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV). In these cases, the cat will demonstrate swollen joints, abnormal gait, and enlarged lymph nodes.

CAUSES

The way FeFV is transmitted is somewhat under dispute. The high prevalence of infection in some cat populations suggests casual contact may play a role in transmission, but this has not been demonstrated experimentally. Also, since free-roaming cats are at greater risk of FeFV infection, it may be transmitted through bites. It, too, has been discovered to transmit frequently from infected queens to their offspring, probably while still in the womb.

Co-infections with FIV and FeLV are fairly common, perhaps due to shared transmission modes and risk factors. Despite this, FeFV co-infection has not been proven to enhance the early development of FIV infections.

DIAGNOSIS

You will need to give a thorough history of your cat’s health to your veterinarian, including the onset and nature of the symptoms. He or she will then perform a complete physical examination as well as a complete blood count, biochemistry profile, urinalysis, and electrolyte panel.

A blood sample may be taken for serologic testing, which assists in identifying FeFV antibodies. However, this testing is not readily available and not particularly useful because the correlation between FeFV infection and the disease is so tenuous. Veterinarians may also examine joint fluid from cats with chronic progressive polyarthritis.

TREATMENT

Currently, there is no course of treatment for cats with FeFV infections, except for prescribing immunosuppressive medications to those with chronic progressive polyarthritis. Caution must be used with cats that are also infected with FIV or FeLV.

LIVING AND MANAGEMENT

Adverse reactions are unlikely with cats only suffering from FeFV. Animals that also have chronic progressive polyarthritis, on the other hand, often have a poor prognosis for long-term recovery.

Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome (FHS)

Feline hyperesthesia syndrome (FHS), also known as “twitch-skin syndrome” and “psychomotor epilepsy,” is an obscure cat disorder resulting in intense biting or licking of the back, tail, and pelvic limbs. The nervous and neuromuscular systems, along with the skin, are affected. Symptoms may occur at any age and can develop in any breed of cat. Purebreds – especially Siamese, Abyssinians, Burmese, and Himalayans – seem to be predisposed to develop the syndrome.

SYMPTOMS AND TYPES

Symptoms of FHS typically appear in episodes, which can last from seconds to several minutes. A cat will behave normally between episodes, and then display the signs associated with FHS. These symptoms include twitching skin, the violent swishing of the tail, and repeated biting or licking of the back, tail, and pelvic limbs. Affected cats often have dilated pupils, appear agitated, and express erratic behavior.

A physical exam usually reveals no neurological problems or major abnormalities, other than damaged hair and hair follicles that have fallen out due to the cat’s own violent licking. It has been reported that stimulation of the muscles in the back irritates some cats and may elicit an episode.

CAUSES

This is a rare syndrome and the exact cause is not known. It may develop due to an underlying behavioral problem, a seizure disorder, or other neurotic problems. Nervous or hyperactive cats are believed to be at greater risk. Environmental stress may also trigger the syndrome.

It is speculated there may be multiple factors contributing to the symptoms associated with FHS.

DIAGNOSIS

As there is no known distinct physical cause for the disorder, diagnosis is difficult and is primarily based on the cat’s characteristic history and exclusion of other diseases that cause similar symptoms. There is no specific test to provide a definitive diagnosis.

Other diagnoses that can exclude feline hyperesthesia syndrome include skin conditions and diseases in the forebrain which cause behavioral changes or seizures. Imaging processes, such as MRI, can pinpoint such neurological problems.

TREATMENT

There is no specific medical treatment or cure available for FHS. However, various drugs have been administered to suppress the episodes, and behavior modification has proved useful in at least reducing problems in some cats.

LIVING AND MANAGEMENT

Environmental elements or events at home that appear to bring on episodes should be eliminated. If self-mutilation due to excessive licking is severe, an Elizabethan collar or a tail bandage may be necessary for your cat.

PREVENTION

As there is no known cause for the disorder, prevention entails the removal of any stressful elements in the cat’s environment.

Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV)

Overview of FIV

Some consider feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) to be the cat equivalent of HIV in humans. FIV causes a highly contagious and potentially fatal retroviral infection that weakens a cat’s immune system, making her susceptible to illness and secondary infection. Also, like HIV, FIV reduces the ability of the immune system to fight infection. Fortunately, despite the similarities, FIV is not zoonotic—so FIV presents no risk to humans.

FIV is often called the “fighting cat” disease as it is commonly spread from cat to cat by fighting (specifically, by biting and scratching). Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and Feline leukemia (FeLV) are among the most common infectious diseases in cats. FIV is nothing to meow about! In a study of more than 18,000 cats, 2.5% of them were positive for FIV.

While all cats are at risk, lifestyle, sex, and vaccination status all play an important part in reducing your cat’s risk. The following increase your cat’s risk of contracting FIV:

• Not having been vaccinated against feline leukemia
• Spending time outside
• Exposure to a cat or kitten whose infection status is unknown
• Living in a multiple-cat household
• Not having been spayed or neutered
• Aggressive behavior toward other cats
• Symptoms of oral disease
• Past or present abscess wounds

Symptoms of FIV

Cats with FIV do not always appear sick. In the early stages of the disease, many cats show few signs, so the only way to know for sure if they are infected is through a simple blood test. As the disease advances, the following symptoms may occur:

• Weight loss
• Loss of appetite
• Lethargy
• Pale gums
• Bad breath
• Runny eyes
• Runny nose
• Vomiting
• Oral disease

Diagnosis/Treatment of FIV

Most veterinarians include a screen for FIV as part of the routine tests a cat gets during her lifetime. The American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) recommends testing cats for FIV as follows:

• Cats should be tested at appropriate intervals based on their risk
• Cats and kittens entering a new household should be tested at the introduction
• Cats exposed to an infected cat should be tested twice—at the time of exposure and 60 days later
• Cats should be tested before they are vaccinated for FIV
• Cats with clinical signs should be tested

Your veterinarian can run a simple test to see if your cat has been infected with FIV. If the result is negative, they may recommend protecting your cat from FIV by having her vaccinated. The AAFP recommends discussing whether or not your cat should be vaccinated for FIV with your veterinarian. Careful consideration should be taken, as current tests for FIV can’t distinguish between vaccinated and infected cats.

Treatment of FIV

If your cat tests positive for FIV, it is NOT a death sentence! Cats with FIV can live until a ripe old age; many infected senior cats pass as a result of problems not associated with their infection. The AAFP recommends the following for managing the healthy, FIV-positive cat:

• Careful monitoring of any weight loss
• Spaying or neutering intact cats
• Careful control of internal and external parasites
• Keeping infected cats indoors
• Twice a year visits your veterinarian, paying close attention to lymph nodes and any changes in the mouth
• Discussion with your veterinarian about vaccinations

Yearly blood tests that may include:

Chemistry tests to evaluate kidney, liver, and pancreatic function, as well as sugar levels
A complete blood count (CBC) to rule out blood-related conditions
Electrolyte tests to ensure your cat isn’t dehydrated or suffering from an electrolyte imbalance
Cardiac tests to rule out heart-related issues

Prevention

Make sure your cat is tested for FIV, that you limit her exposure to other cats you don’t know, and talk to your veterinarian about whether or not your cat should be vaccinated against FIV.

Feline Infectious Peritonitis

Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is a viral disease in cats that carries a high mortality due to its characteristic aggressiveness and nonresponsiveness to fever, along with other complications. This disease is comparatively high in multi-cat households as compared to those with a single cat. It is difficult to diagnose, control, and prevent, and in cases of outbreaks within breeding catteries and kennels, can result in a high number of deaths. It is most often spread through inhalation of airborne contaminants and infected feces, but the virus can also be transmitted by humans who have come into contact with the virus or can stay active on surfaces that have been contaminated.

This disease exploits weakened and immature immune systems, spreading by way of the white blood cells as they move throughout the body. The highest incidence is found in kittens three months to three years of age, with the incidence decreasing sharply after cats reach three years of age when the immune system is stronger. Likewise, older cats with weakened immune systems are also more likely to acquire this disease.

SYMPTOMS AND TYPES

Symptoms of FIP vary depending upon the strain of the virus involved, the status of the cat’s immune system, and the organs affected. There are two forms reported, including wet (effusive form), which targets the body cavities, and dry (non effusive form), which targets the various organs. The wet form tends to progress more rapidly than the dry form, In either case, the body condition suffers, with the hair coat becoming rough and dull, and the cat becoming increasingly lethargic and depressed.

Wet/Effusive

• Persistent and unresponsive fever
• Lack of appetite
• Weight loss (gradual)
• Poor appetite
• Diarrhea
• Gradual swelling of abdomen (potbellied appearance)
• Accumulation of fluid in the chest cavity
• Difficulty breathing
• Sneezing, runny nose
• Lethargy

Dry/Non-effusive

• Poor growth in kittens
• Anemia
• Jaundice
• Diarrhea
• Fever
• Depression
• Inflammation of various parts of eye
• Neurological symptoms (e.g., loss of ability to coordinate movements, loss of vision)

CAUSES

FIP generally follows infection of a feline coronavirus, which typically does not cause any outward symptoms. It is assumed that there are some types of coronaviruses that mutate into the feline infectious peritonitis, either on their own or as the result of a defect in the cat’s immune response. Also complicating the matter is that a coronavirus can lie dormant in a cat’s body over months before mutating into FIP. The FIP virus then infects the white blood cells, using them as transportation to invade the entire body.

DIAGNOSIS

This disease is historically difficult to diagnose because FIP can mimic other diseases. This is especially true of the dry form. There is no single laboratory test available that can point decisively to FIP, but your veterinarian may be able to make a presumptive diagnosis based on laboratory findings. A complete blood count may show changes in the number of white blood cells (WBCs), and this will indicate that an infection is present, but it may not be clear what infection is present. While an ELISA or IFA test will show the presence of coronavirus antibodies, it cannot distinguish the type of coronavirus, or even whether it is the cause of your cat’s condition, only that your cat has been in contact with the virus and has developed antibodies to it. The level of antibodies is not a predictor of your cat’s susceptibility to developing the disease.

There are also a few changes seen in biochemistry profile testing. More specific testing may be used by your cat’s veterinarian, including a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test, which may differentiate the unique DNA of the FIP virus, but again, this often only shows that the virus is a coronavirus, not what type it is.

Your pet’s veterinarian may take a sample of fluid from the abdominal or thoracic cavity for further evaluation. In some difficult-to-diagnose cases, abdominal surgery may be required for diagnosis. For the most part, veterinarians base their conclusions on a process of differential diagnosis, by which the veterinarian is guided by a deeper inspection of the outward symptoms, ruling out all other diseases as the conditions are not met, and all symptoms point to one specific disease more than others.

TREATMENT

This disease is difficult to treat and requires good supportive care. In the non-effusive form, treatment may be given using antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, and immunosuppressive drugs to slow the progress of the disease’s spread. This is not a cure, but a way to make your cat more comfortable and prolong its life by a few months. Your veterinarian might decide to remove accumulated fluid from the cavities to reduce pressure as well.

If your cat has the effusive form of FIP, there is usually no way of treating the symptoms in any meaningful way, as the disease spreads too rapidly.

The overall prognosis for affected cats is poor. There is no specific treatment that seems effective and most patients die due to complications.

LIVING AND MANAGEMENT

Unfortunately, this disease carries a bad prognosis for affected cats. Only supportive treatment can give. Your veterinarian will offer you some suggestions for making your cat comfortable, but the best that can be hoped for is a few months of additional time. Any treatment that is given is meant only to mitigate the symptoms of the disease, there is no cure.

Once your cat has been diagnosed with this infection it has passed the stage of contagion and it is not necessary to quarantine the cat from the rest of the household. In general, the only way to protect your cat from this aggressive disease is to practice routine disinfection of your cat’s living areas, food/water utensils, and cages.

It is essential to isolate new litter of kittens from other cats (not their mother) to prevent contact with this, or any other, disease. If the mother is found to have been infected, taking the kittens away will not improve their chances, since by that time they have already been exposed to the virus. Indeed, the antibodies in her milk may protect them from infection while they are still small. In addition, owners should restrict their indoor cats from going outdoors. Because the FIP virus can infect developing fetuses, you should discuss this with your veterinarian before breeding your cat. There may be a vaccine available, or at the least, a test that can tell you if your cat is carrying a coronavirus.

Feline Ischemic Encephalopathy (FIE)

Feline ischemic encephalopathy (FIE) is caused by the presence of a parasite, the Cuterebra larva, in a cat’s brain. Entering through the nose, the larva moves to the brain and may cause neurological damage to the middle cerebral artery (MCA) in the brain and degeneration of other cerebral areas. This can result in seizures, circling movement, unusual aggression, and blindness.

The disease occurs only in areas where the Cuterebralarvae of the adult botfly live, primarily in the northeast US and southeast Canada. FIE is a seasonal disease that occurs solely in the summer months, mainly in July, August, and September. Outdoor cats and cats with access to the outdoors are at risk, while indoor cats do not develop FIE.

SYMPTOMS AND TYPES

Symptoms of FEI include neurological signs, most commonly seizures, circling movements, altered behavior such as unexplained aggression, and blindness. Breathing issues (respiratory) may be apparent one to three weeks prior to any neurological signs, as the parasite migrates to the brain through the nasal passage.

CAUSES

FIE is caused by the Cuterebra larvae of the adult botfly. The adult botfly lays its eggs near the entrance of a rabbit, mouse, or other rodent’s den. When the eggs hatch, the larvae attach to the hair and skin of a host” rodent. A cat may become the host if it is outdoors, especially when hunting near rodent burrows.

The larva may attach itself to a cat’s hair, and make its way to the cat’s skin, throat, nasal passage, or eyes. FEI occurs when the larva enters through the cat’s nose and moves to the brain. Physical damage, such as breakdown (degeneration) of tissue and bleeding (hemorrhage) can occur due to spines on the parasite’s body. The parasite also secretes a chemical that may damage the middle cerebral artery (MCA) and cause it to spasm.

DIAGNOSIS

Urine tests, spinal fluid tests, and other lab tests may be conducted to diagnose FEI, but the best and most common diagnostic tool is an MRI scan. This may be able to detect a track lesion in the brain from the larva’s migration and other key neurological abnormalities. If the MRI is done more than two to three weeks after symptoms begin, it may also show a loss of brain matter in the area supplied by the MCA—another sign the Cuterebra larva is present.

The MRI scan is important in determining whether it is the Cuterebra larvae causing neurological symptoms. Other problems that may be to blame include external trauma, tumors, kidney disease, and infectious diseases.

TREATMENT

Surgical removal of a parasite from a cat’s brain has never been reported. However, there are medications to relieve symptoms caused by the parasite. Anti-epileptic drugs help prevent seizures, while intravenous (IV) fluids ensure the cat maintains good nutritional status.

A drug treatment designed to kill the parasite is also available but only used if the symptoms have been occurring for less than one week. After a longer period, it is likely the parasite has died.

LIVING AND MANAGEMENT

After initial treatment, periodic neurological evaluations are recommended. Many cats return to their normal state, but in some cases, complications may continue. These depend on the amount of damage done by the parasite and can include uncontrolled seizures, compulsive circling, and other behavioral changes.

PREVENTION

The primary method of prevention is to limit cats indoors, especially during the summer months.

Feline Leukemia (FeLV)

Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) is a disease that impairs the cat’s immune system and causes certain types of cancer. This virus infection is responsible for a majority of deaths in household cats, affecting all breeds. Males are more likely to contract the infection than females, and it is usually seen between the ages of one to six years old.

SYMPTOMS AND TYPES

Signs depend on the type of infection: FeLV-A, FeLV-B, or FeLV-C. Cats found with the virus can be infected with one, two, or all three types.

FeLV-A:

• Occurs in all cats infected with FeLV. It severely weakens the immune system (immunosuppression).

FeLV-B:

• Occurs in about 50 percent of FeLV-infected cats, and causes tumors and other abnormal tissue growths.

FeLV-C:

• The least common type occurs in about 1 percent of FeLV-infected cats. It causes severe anemia.

Of these types, some of the more common symptoms of cat leukemia include:

• Anemia
• Lethargy
• Progressive weight loss
• Abscesses
• Enlarged lymph nodes
• Persistent diarrhea
• Infections of the external ear and skin and poor coat condition
• Fever (seen in about 50 percent of cases)
• Wobbly, uncoordinated, or drunken-appearing gait or movement
• Inflammation of the nose, the cornea, or the moist tissues of the eye
• Inflammation of the gums and/or mouth tissues
• Lymphoma (the most common FeLV-associated cancer)
• Fibrosarcomas (cancer that develops from fibrous tissue)

CAUSES

Cat leukemia is usually contracted from cat-to-cat transmission (e.g., bites, close contact, grooming, and sharing dishes or litter pans). It can also be transmitted to a kitten at birth or through the mother’s milk. Kittens are much more susceptible to the virus, as are males and cats that have outdoor access.

DIAGNOSIS

Your veterinarian will first rule out other infections such as bacterial, parasitic, viral, or fungal. In addition, nonviral cancers need to be ruled out.

A complete blood count is done to determine if the cat has anemia or other blood disorders. Diagnosis may also be determined by conducting a urinalysis or through a bone marrow biopsy or bone marrow aspiration (removing a small amount of marrow fluid for study).

TREATMENT

Your veterinarian will prescribe medication to treat the symptoms and causes of cat leukemia. After that, a yearly vaccination for respiratory and intestinal viruses is recommended. Your cat will not be hospitalized unless it has severe secondary infections, low red-blood-cell count, or extreme weight loss with muscle loss. In these cases, it will be kept under hospital care until its condition stabilizes. Emergency treatment, such as blood transfusions, is sometimes needed.

Opportunistic infections are another concern. These are infections that occur indirectly because of the animal’s weakened immune system (due to the FeLV). Supportive therapy, such as fluids or nutritional supplements, is helpful in these cases.

Diarrhea, kidney disease, or long-term (chronic) muscle loss may require a special diet. Also, infected teeth or gums must be cleaned; teeth extraction is necessary in severe cases.

LIVING AND MANAGEMENT

You will need to monitor your cat for symptoms of infection and keep in touch with the veterinarian regarding follow-up treatment and testing. More than 50 percent of cats that persistently have cat leukemia in their blood (known as FeLV viremic cats) succumb to related diseases within two to three years after infection.

Keep FeLV-infected cats indoors and separated from healthy cats to prevent virus exposure and FeLV transmission. Good nutrition is important, as is controlling any secondary bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections.

PREVENTION

Keeping infected cats separated (and quarantining them) is the only way to prevent cat leukemia in healthy cats. There are several commercial FeLV vaccines for the disease available. However, test the cat before the initial vaccination, as it may already be infected.

Feline Litter Box Issues

Is your cat not using the litter box? Cats stop using their litter boxes for a variety of reasons, including issues with the box or litter, dissatisfaction with the placement or number of boxes, changes in the environment inside or outside the house, and undiagnosed medical conditions. You may have to investigate several possibilities before you understand what your cat is trying to tell you, but most issues are easy to remedy.

Try to keep in mind that cats don’t eliminate outside their litter box to purposefully annoy you. Punishment won’t stop or correct the behavior. Since most cases of litter box avoidance are stress-related, punishment only increases the stress (for you and your kitty) and makes it harder to identify the real cause.

DO A HEALTH CHECK

The first step is to take your kitty to your vet for a thorough physical exam. Several medical conditions may result in a cat not using the litter box, so you’ll want to rule these out before looking at other potential causes. The good news is that most medical conditions that cause lapses in litter box use can be easily and inexpensively remedied. Some signs that your cat might need an urgent vet visit are straining to urinate, licking his/her genital area excessively, and blood in the urine.

Here’s the next thing to consider: Are all your cats spayed or neutered? Kitties who aren’t neutered may be more likely to urinate inappropriately.

ABOUT DECLAWED CATS AND LITTER

It is not unusual to see litter boxes and other behavior issues in cats whose front claws have been removed. Cats deprived of their front claws may develop an aversion to the litter box because their paws remain sensitive or painful from the surgery, so they avoid scratching in their litter and may begin eliminating around the house instead. Look for products such as aspen or pine wood shavings (commonly used for guinea pigs or mice) or soft paper litter such as Yesterday’s News. Shredded paper is another option for you to try.

WHY CATS DON’T USE THE LITTER BOX

Once you’ve ruled out possible medical conditions as the cause, turn your attention to the litter box itself, since this is most often the culprit. Here are some common reasons why a cat might avoid the litter box:

• There aren’t enough litter boxes
• He doesn’t like the type of litter
• He doesn’t like the type of litter box
• He doesn’t like where the box is located
• The litter box isn’t clean

Number of litter boxes: There should be one litter box for each cat in the house, plus one extra (more if you have many cats). Some cats prefer to urinate in one box and defecate in another, so sometimes adding more than one box per cat helps.

Litter preferences: If you’ve changed brands or types of litter recently, that may be the problem. Many cats have specific preferences about litter. Cats have sensitive noses and are not fond of chemical or perfume scents. Studies have shown that the most appealing type of litter to most cats is unscented clumping litter that’s the consistency of fine sand. It’s best to purchase different types, though, and offer them side by side to let your cat choose; try clay litters, shredded paper, sawdust, wood pellets, or even sand or dirt. If you need to change to another type of litter, do it gradually by adding a little more of the new product each time you change the litter until your kitty is used to the new litter.

Litter box preferences: Most commercial litter boxes are too small to comfortably accommodate adult cats, so try a large plastic storage box (such as the ones designed to fit under a bed) and see if a little more room might make a difference. In addition, some cats, especially senior or overweight cats, have difficulty getting into litter boxes with high walls. Covered litter boxes may feel too confining to a stressed cat, so unless your kitty is really shy, try removing the covers. Also, plastic liners are convenient for us, but some cats don’t like them.

Location of litter box: Cats are creatures of habit, so don’t move the litter box suddenly. If you have to move a box from an established location, do it gradually (in extreme cases, just a few inches a day) to give your kitty time to adjust.

Locate the boxes in quiet places that offer a little privacy, away from your cat’s food and water stations. Avoid high-traffic zones or noisy areas like laundry rooms. You may have to block off the litter box area with baby gates or pet doors to prevent unwanted intrusions by humans (especially small ones) or other animals.

Avoid placing litter boxes in the corner of a closet or someplace tight, such as between the toilet and bathtub. Your kitty may feel that there’s no escape route from such a vulnerable position. Try placing boxes in several different locations. The cat will use the box in the spot where he or she feels the safest.

Cleanliness: Because cats are very fastidious, you’ll want to keep the litter boxes as clean as possible to encourage their use. Some cats will only use a box once before it has to be cleaned, so it’s important to scoop regularly, particularly in a house with multiple cats.

Scrub out the boxes with mild, low fragrance soap at least once a week, and more often with really popular boxes. Don’t use bleach or ammonia-based products; instead, soak your boxes in diluted vinegar water when necessary to remove the odor.

WHAT TO DO IF YOUR CAT PREFERS TO ELIMINATE ELSEWHERE

If your cat simply prefers to “go” in other areas of the house, there are things you can do to steer him back to preferring the litter box. To start, set up one or more litter boxes that are very appealing and easy to access. Clean the offending area thoroughly using an enzyme cleaner to help eliminate the odor so your cat isn’t tempted to use the same spot again. Then, block off the area or place something there that serves as a deterrent. Cats usually won’t eliminate where there’s food, so try placing a bowl containing a few favorite treats on the cleaned carpet or floor.

You can also make the inappropriate areas as undesirable as possible by covering them with aluminum foil or plastic wrap. Plastic carpet runners placed “teeth” side up are good for covering large areas. Be sure you cover the area generously. If the spot is a foot or two wide, cover it with something at least four to six feet wide. After a few weeks of success, start removing the covering in areas that the cat is not bothering, working slowly toward the trouble spots.

Another option to consider: Install an outdoor cattery, a place where your cat may prefer to eliminate. Catteries come in all sizes and shapes; you’re limited only by your imagination. They can be large open enclosures with shelves and cubbies where cats can relax and play (and you can relax and play with them), small covered enclosures just big enough for a litter box, or something in between. Make sure that you still take litter box preferences, location, and cleaning into consideration.

Finally, in some cases, it may be worth talking to your veterinarian about using some neutraceuticals and/or behavior-modifying medications. These meds can be helpful tools while trying to train your cat to urinate in an appropriate place and can help reduce the stress your cat feels.

Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD)

When you see that your cat can’t pee or is straining to urinate, you know he or she must be uncomfortable. This straining is usually due to cystitis, also known as inflammation of the bladder. If you have ever been diagnosed with cystitis, you can sympathize with your cat.

While simple cystitis is bad enough, it can lead to more severe and emergency types of situations like the formation of stones in the bladder or the formation of a urethral plug, which is a life-threatening condition that causes the cat (almost always male) to become “blocked” (i.e., unable to urinate). Therefore it is important that you seek veterinary assistance once you notice that your cat can’t pee or is having trouble urinating.

WHAT TO WATCH FOR

The cat will exhibit frequent attempts at urination, producing little or no urine, which is usually blood tinged. More severe signs can develop in the blocked cat. Due to anatomical differences, a blocked cat is almost always male. The cat will often cry out in pain and become progressively more lethargic. This is because the urine cannot be emptied from the bladder, which not only makes the cat very sick but can become fatal.

PRIMARY CAUSE

Cystitis, or a bladder infection, is usually due to a bacterial infection, a mineral imbalance, and/or an abnormality in the cat’s pH levels. This contributes to the formation of microscopic mineral crystals in the urine, which may grow in size to form stones or the grit that causes the urethral plug.

IMMEDIATE CARE

There is little that can be done at home once the symptoms are noticed. A male cat should always be seen IMMEDIATELY by a veterinarian because of the risk of a urethral plug forming. A female cat should be seen within 24 hours, or sooner if she is showing other symptoms (vomiting, lethargy, etc.)

VETERINARY CARE

Diagnosis

The initial physical exam and discussion of the signs you are seeing will allow your veterinarian to quickly determine if your cat is blocked. Once this is determined, the following tests may be used:

• Urinalysis (urine test) to confirm cystitis
• Urine culture to identify the infectious agent
• X-rays to check for stones or grit in the bladder
• Analysis of the stone or urethral plug to determine its composition

Treatment

If your cat has simple cystitis, it will probably be sent home on antibiotics. If there are stones in the bladder, on the other hand, surgery will be necessary. Several days of hospitalization is required if your pet is blocked. She will be sedated and equipped with a urinary catheter so that the bladder can be emptied. The catheter is then left in place for 1 to 3 days, in conjunction with IV fluid therapy, in order to flush out all the grit from the urinary system. Then, when your cat can urinate normally, she is sent home, typically with antibiotic and antispasmodic prescriptions to help relax the urethra.

There are also some cases in which antibiotics and a special prescription food can be used to dissolve the stones.

OTHER CAUSES

• Kidney Disease
• Idiopathic Cystitis (bladder inflammation of unknown cause)
• Cancer

LIVING AND MANAGEMENT

Immediately following treatment, observe your cat for 4 to 8 weeks for recurrence of symptoms. Often, a follow-up urinalysis and culture are requested. If a cat repeatedly blocks, surgery to enlarge the urethral opening is usually recommended.

PREVENTION

Good quality food, drinking plenty of fresh water, and a clean litter box are the best steps to prevent cystitis. If your cat has had stones, has been “blocked,” or has repeated bouts of cystitis, she will be put on a prescription food that will modify the urine content and minimize the risk of recurrence. There are several brands of this type of food, but if your cat refuses all of them, there is medication that can modify the pH of the urine, which may also help prevent a recurrence. However, both methods typically require life-long treatment.

Feline Nail Disorders

Nail and nail bed disorders may refer to any abnormality or disease that affects the claws or the surrounding area. The disorders are generally known as dystrophies. One type of nail disorder, paronychia, is an infection that causes inflammation of the tissue around the nail or claw. Onychomycosis, or fungal infection, can also occur in and around the nail bed.

Cats may exhibit extremely brittle nails (onychorrhexis), or have nails that separate, peel, and slough excessively (onychomadesis). Most nail or nail bed disorders have an excellent treatment prognosis and can be remedied in a relatively short amount of time.

SYMPTOMS AND TYPES

Common signs of nail or nail bed disorders can include:

• Licking at the paws
• Lameness, difficulty walking
• Pain in the feet
• Swelling or redness of the tissues surrounding the nails
• Nail plate deformity (the part of the nail that overlays the nail bed)
• Abnormal nail color

CAUSES

Some of the most common causes for nail or nail bed disorders can include:

• Infection
• Bacteria or fungus
• Tumor or cancer
• Trauma
• Immune system (immune-mediated) diseases
• Excessive levels of growth hormone
• Disorders present at birth (congenital)
• Cutting the nails too close to the nail bed (making them susceptible to infection)
• Neoplasia

DIAGNOSIS

In the event that your cat is suffering from a trauma to the nail bed, you will want to check to see if it has affected only a single nail. If multiple nails are being affected, a serious underlying medical condition is the more likely cause for the disorder. A skin scraping may be taken to determine what type of skin condition your cat is experiencing, and bacterial or fungal culture may also be taken for further analysis.

TREATMENT

Treatment will be dependent upon the particular underlying medical condition that is causing the nail or nail bed condition. If the nail area is inflamed, surgical removal of the nail plate (the hard portion) may be necessary to encourage drainage of the underlying tissue. Antimicrobial soaks can also be effective for reducing inflammation and encouraging the healing process. If the condition is related to a bacteria or a fungus, topical treatments and/or ointments are often administered to the affected area.

LIVING AND MANAGEMENT

In most cases, the application of the topical treatment or ointment will clear up any nail issues. While there are typically not many serious complications that can arise from these disorders, it is important to observe your cat’s recovery and to act promptly if healing does not progress in a positive direction.

PREVENTION

One way to protect your vat from suffering a nail injury or disorder is to avoid cutting too close to the nail bed (the quick) when trimming the nails. Nicks to the skin can occur, opening your cat to infection as it goes about its normal routine (i.e., using the litter box, exploring). It is essential to look closely at your cat’s nails before cutting them so that you can determine exactly where the quick of the nail is – that is, the part of the nail bed that overlays the tissue and blood vessels. You do not want to cut into that part of the nail; only the free edge that extends past the nail bed should be trimmed. Researching the proper way to cut your cat’s nails, paying close attention, and promptly cleansing the area when an inadvertent injury does occur will go a long way toward protecting your cat from a painful nail disorder or trauma.

Feline Odontoclastic Resorptive Lesions (FORLS)

In cats, the odontoclast, a type of cell, can cause the tooth structures to disintegrate. Initially, the odontoclast cells attach to natural cavities in oral tissue, with the purpose of reabsorbing the non-permanent, or deciduous teeth. As resorption continues, complications may develop, as bone-like tissue covers the problem area. Over time, ligaments and bones that hold teeth in are affected as well.

Feline odontoclastic tooth destruction (resorption) is extremely common. Roughly half of all cats over five years of age have at least one instance of it, and those numbers increase with age. Certain breeds seem to have a tendency towards the condition, including Abyssinians, Asian shorthairs, Persians, and Siamese.

SYMPTOMS AND TYPES

The most obvious indications of the condition are drooling, difficulty chewing, and bleeding from the mouth. Behavioral changes may accompany the condition as well; cats may become aggressive or may avoid others. While feline odontoclastic tooth resorption can occur in any tooth, it is most often seen in the back teeth.

A surface exam may provide evidence of a problem, but generally, a deeper exam performed under general anesthesia is necessary. During this exam, the lesions are probed and the stage of the resorption is determined by the depth of the probe. Stage 1 signifies a minor condition. Stage 2 implies moderate loss. Stage 3 has major tissue loss, where the loss is severe enough to expose the root of the tooth. Stage 4 is similar to stage 3, except that at this stage, both the top of the tooth (crown) and the root are affected. By stage 5, there are only spotty remnants of hard tooth tissue, and the remains of the tooth have been covered by the gums.

CAUSES

No specific cause of feline odontoclastic tooth resorption is known. There are likely several factors that contribute to the problem. A mineral imbalance is one possibility. Other causes being investigated include increased reactivity to dental issues, such as plaque.

DIAGNOSIS

Other possible causes of the symptoms are a severe disease of the mouth (lymphocytic plasmacytic stomatitis syndrome) or recession of gums coupled with root exposure (generally considered a different type of resorption). X-rays of the mouth are taken to ensure a correct diagnosis.

TREATMENT

Home treatments include using water in the cat’s food to soften it and brushing its teeth daily to prevent plaque buildup. Whether or not surgery is warranted depends on what stage the condition is in. At stage 1, surgery is considered optional. However, beginning with stage 2, removal of the teeth or crown reductions are often necessary. To reduce the crown, a dental drill is used to grind the tooth down below the gums. The gums are then surgically closed above it. Beginning with stage 3, surgery is needed. At stages 4 and 5, extraction is required, along with additional work on any other affected areas.

PREVENTION

Because the causes of feline odontoclastic tooth resorption are not known, there is no way to guarantee a cat will not have a problem. However, daily brushing, coupled with annual cleanings will go a long way towards keeping your pet’s teeth and gums healthy.

Feline Poxvirus

The poxvirus infection is caused by a DNA virus from the Poxviridae virus family, specifically from the Orthopoxvirus genus. This is a relatively common transmitted virus, but it can be readily inactivated by several types of viral disinfectants.

Cats of all ages, genders, and breeds are susceptible to the poxvirus infection, and both domestic and exotic cats can contract a poxvirus infection. It is important to note, however, that the virus is geographically limited to Eurasia, the continents of Europe, and Asia.

Symptoms and Types

Skin lesions are one of the primary symptoms of poxvirus infection in cats. These lesions may develop immediately, or they may be secondary, developing after one to three weeks. The lesions are generally circular and crusty, and multiple lesions usually develop on the head, neck, or forelimbs. In approximately 20 percent of cases, lesions appear in the mouth (oral lesions).

In some cases, additional systematic symptoms may appear, including anorexia, sluggishness, vomiting, diarrhea, pneumonia, and discharge from the eyes (conjunctivitis).

CAUSES

The poxvirus infection is caused by the Orthopoxvirus, from the family Poxviridae. This virus is found in wild rodents, and infection is thought to be acquired through bites from infected rodents. Bites typically occur when a cat is exhibiting normal hunting behavior. Lesions will often develop at the site of the bite wound (see symptom details referring to lesions). There are also some cases of cat-to-cat transmission, although these instances are rare. Most cases of poxvirus infection occur between the months of August and October when small wild mammals are most active and are at maximum population.

DIAGNOSIS

The poxvirus infection may be diagnosed by isolating the virus from scab material taken from the surface of the lesions. This is one method of definitive diagnosis, with a 90 percent chance of correctly identifying the virus if it is present. A microscopic skin biopsy can also be useful.

If the poxvirus is not present, other diagnoses may include bacterial or fungal infections, or irregular cell growth, such as a tumor.

TREATMENT

There is no specific treatment available for treating the poxvirus infection in cats, but supportive treatment may be given to help treat the symptoms. This can include antibiotic therapy for the prevention of secondary infections. An Elizabethan collar (a cone-shaped collar placed around the neck) may be used to prevent self-induced damage caused by excessive licking, or from scratching at the face and head lesions.

LIVING AND MANAGEMENT

Most cats that have been infected by the poxvirus will recover spontaneously within one to two months. Healing may be delayed by a secondary bacterial skin infection, but this can be prevented by the regular administration of antibiotics, as prescribed by your veterinarian. Symptoms should be monitored in case additional precautions need to be taken.

Feline Pregnancy and Delivery

How do you know your cat is in labor?

As we discussed in part one, towards the end of your cat’s pregnancy you should be taking her rectal temperature every day waiting for a sudden drop below 99 degrees.

When labor begins, most cats pant and vocalize and may become restless and pace around like they are looking for something. You can try to make your cat comfortable where you would like her to have her kittens (you may have a box or an area already set up), but don’t force the issue. If she chooses a different location, you should just support her there. You don’t want to upset her or disrupt her labor at this point.

In the second stage of labor, contractions become stronger and more visible and you may note a small amount of clear, tan, or blood-tinged vaginal discharge. Note that it is perfectly normal for kittens to be born either head first or back-end first. Either way; according to Canine and Feline Reproduction, by Margaret Kustritz; once contractions are seen, a kitten should be born within four hours. If your cat’s pushing hard, a kitten should be passed within 30 minutes.

The third stage of labor involves the expulsion of the placenta. Again, you need to be aware. Count to be sure your cat delivers the same number of placentas as she does kittens. Then, feel free to take away the placentas and dispose of them.

(Most cats are known to lick newborns to remove the membranes and to stimulate breathing, but not all of them will. Kitten care is beyond the scope of this posting but by all means, familiarize yourself with the procedures in case you do have to step in and care for the little ones.)

Birth problem that requires medical intervention?

Dystocia (or difficulty giving birth) can be a serious problem for both mother and kittens. Once you know how a normal birth progresses, any deviation from that norm is worthy of a phone call to your veterinarian or an emergency clinic depending on the time of day. It’s far better to contact your veterinarian and to be told that everything is okay than it is to not call and let a problem get worse. It is advisable, however, that you call someone first because it is not in your cat’s best interest to disturb her or disrupt her delivery by rushing her off to the hospital unnecessarily.

In fact, at one of your cat’s prenatal checkups with your veterinarian, be sure to ask when/why you should make contact. In general, though, consider calling if:

• Your cat goes beyond her proposed due date without going into labor
• You do not see evidence that Stage 1 labor has started 24-36 hours after the drop in rectal temperature mentioned above
• Stage 1 labor has not progressed to Stage 2 labor after 24 hours
• The first kitten has not been delivered after 1 hour of active labor
• It has been more than two hours without the appearance of another kitten1
• Vaginal discharge is purulent or frankly hemorrhagic
• Your cat is in apparent distress or pain or seems ill or disoriented1
• Kittens are stillborn or alive but seem weak or not normal.
• You know that there are more kittens on the way but your cat appears to be exhausted and labor seems to have stopped. (If you had X-rays taken late in pregnancy to count the kittens, that information will now be extremely valuable.)

The key is to be as prepared as possible. Know what to expect. Know who to call. Then hopefully everything will go well and you’ll only have to contact your veterinarian after the fact to take the new family in for a routine, wellness check.

Feline Respiratory Diseases

A cat’s upper respiratory tract-the nose, throat, and sinus area-is susceptible to infections caused by a variety of viruses and bacteria.

What Causes Upper Respiratory Infections in Cats?

By far, viruses are the most common cause of upper respiratory infections (URIs) in cats. Feline calicivirus and feline herpesvirus account for 80 to 90 percent of all contagious upper respiratory problems and are prevalent in shelters, batteries, and multi-cat households. These viruses can be transmitted from cat to cat through sneezing, coughing, or while grooming or sharing food and water bowls. Once infected, cats can become carriers for life, and though they may not show clinical signs, they can still transmit the viruses to others. Cats often develop bacterial infections secondary to these common viral infections.

There are also upper respiratory infections in cats that are primarily caused by bacteria. Chlamydia and Bordetella-also commonly found in shelters and areas with multiple cats-are two such bacterial infections. Less common in cats than dogs, Bordetella is usually associated with stress and overcrowded living conditions.

What Are the General Symptoms of Upper Respiratory Infections?

Symptoms differ depending on the cause and location of the infection, but some common clinical signs of upper respiratory problems in cats include:

• Sneezing
• Congestion
• Runny nose
• Cough
• Clear to colored nasal discharge
• Gagging, drooling
• Fever
• Loss of or decreased appetite
• Nasal and oral ulcers
• Squinting or rubbing eyes
• Depression

Are Certain Cats Prone to Upper Respiratory Infections?

Age, vaccination status, and physical condition all play a role in a cat’s susceptibility to upper respiratory infections, but cats who live in multi-cat households or shelters are most susceptible. Veterinarians have found that stress plays a role in causing outbreaks of URI, and cats in any shelter, cattery, or boarding facility are generally experiencing high levels of stress. Cats who have recovered from URI can become carriers and may experience recurrences when stressed.

Certain breeds like Persians and other flat-faced breeds have a predisposition to developing upper respiratory infections due to their facial structure.

What Should I Do If I Think My Cat Has an Upper Respiratory Infection?

It’s important to bring your cat to a veterinarian if you think she may be suffering from an upper respiratory infection. A brief exam by a veterinarian will help to determine if your cat requires medication, has a fever, or is dehydrated. Avoid self-diagnosis, since your cat may be infectious and require isolation, antibiotics, or additional veterinary care.

How Are Upper Respiratory Infections Treated in Cats?

Your veterinarian will prescribe the best course of treatment for your cat, which may include medications, isolation, rest, and support with fluids and nutritional support.

What Happens If an Upper Respiratory Infection Is Left Untreated?

Left untreated, some upper respiratory infections can progress to pneumonia or have other serious complications, such as blindness or chronic breathing difficulties.

How Can I Prevent My Cat from Getting Upper Respiratory Infections?

• Keep your cat indoors to minimize the risk of exposure to infected animals.
• Properly isolate infected cats to protect other pets living in the same environment.
• Minimize stress.
• Keep your cat up to date on vaccines as recommended by your vet. Vaccines for upper respiratory disease in cats may not actually prevent infection, but they help lessen the severity of the disease in some cases.
• Regular veterinary exams and preventive care can help catch and treat problems early. A cat’s best defense against upper respiratory infection is a healthy immune system.
• Practice good hygiene and wash your hands thoroughly when handling multiple cats.

Feline Zoonotic Diseases

Q fever is a disease caused by an infection with Coxiella burnetii, a pathogenic bacterium that is structurally similar to the Rickettsia bacteria but genetically different.

A cat will most commonly become infected with the organism if it ingests infected bodily fluids (i.e., urine, feces, milk, discharges), tissues, or diseased carcasses (e.g., those from cattle, sheep, or goats). The bacteria can also become airborne and is transmittable through fleas or lice, which carry C. burnetii in its parasitic form.

Q fever is a worldwide endemic, affecting cats and dogs of any age, gender, or breed, and as a zoonotic disease, it is transmissible to humans. Care must be taken when dealing with bodily fluids, organs, and/or tissue material of any animal, particularly farm animals. Dispose of all birth remains properly and feed your cat pasteurized products only.

SYMPTOMS AND TYPES

Lungs are thought to be the main portal of entry into the systemic circulation. C. burnetiiwill then replicate in the organ’s lining, causing widespread vasculitis. Inflammation of the cat’s blood vessels will result in the death of its blood cells and hemorrhaging of the lungs, liver, and central nervous system.

Once the cat has contracted the disease it may display some of the following symptoms:

• Fever
• Lethargy
• Anorexia
• Depression
• Miscarriage
• Incoordination
• Seizures (not common in cats)

The types of symptoms your cat displays and the severity of the Q fever will ultimately depend on the particular strain of organism your cat is infected with. Often, animals with C. burnetii will undergo a period of latency (inactivity). However, during the birthing process, the bacterium may reactivate, resulting in large numbers of bacteria entering the placenta, and the host’s bodily fluids, urine, feces, and milk.

CAUSES

Exposure to animals infected with C. burnetii (especially those that have just given birth), ticks, fleas, and lice.

DIAGNOSIS

Providing a detailed history of your cat’s health and its lifestyle leading up to the onset of the symptoms will assist your veterinarian in the diagnosis.

Your veterinarian will then conduct a complete blood profile on your cat, including a chemical blood profile, a complete blood count, and a urinalysis. Once collected, the cat’s blood serum will be refrigerated to assist in the identification of the organism’s type. The veterinarian will also collect a tissue sample (e.g., from the placenta) and refrigerate it for later use as an inoculator.

TREATMENT

There are medications that are effective in eliminating bacterial infection, and your veterinarian will guide you in creating an effective treatment plan for the cat. However, be aware that C. burnetii is more resistant to eradication than other types of Rickettsiae, a similar type of bacteria.

Because of the zoonosis of Q fever, take extreme care when handling infected animals. To lessen the risk of transmitting the disease, your cat should be immediately hospitalized once it is found to have Q fever.

LIVING AND MANAGEMENT

It can be difficult to determine the success of therapy because many animals will spontaneously improve. However, even asymptomatic cases should be aggressively treated because of the potential for human infection.

By the time a diagnosis is made in a cat, human exposure and infection have more than likely occurred. Therefore, anyone who has been in contact with the cat should seek immediate medical attention. The incubation period from the time of contact until the first signs of illness is 5 to 32 days.

Humans typically contract the disease by inhaling infected aerosols (i.e., airborne material), especially after an animal has given birth; children are commonly infected from ingesting raw dairy milk but are usually asymptomatic. Person-to-person transmission is possible but rare.

Fibrosarcoma in Cats

Fibrosarcoma is normally a tumor that originates in the soft tissue, a result of the abnormal division of fibroblast cells – the cells that are most prevalent in the connective tissue of the body. In some rare cases, a fibrosarcoma tumor originates in the bone, weakening the structure of the bone, and possibly leading to fractures, and even amputation of the limb. In most cases, fibrosarcoma of the bone is benign and non-metastasizing, but there are cases where the tumor is malignant and metastasizes throughout the body, into the organs, lymph nodes, and skin.

Clinically, fibrosarcoma of the bone is similar to osteosarcoma, a more common form of bone cancer. The main differences are in the make-up of the tumors. Where osteosarcoma is made up of bone material, fibrosarcoma is made up of fibrous collagen material. Fibrosarcoma is confirmed when a biopsy of the tumor shows no production of bone material. The rapidly dividing nature of a sarcoma is the real danger, as it invades and threatens the stability of the bone. In general, tumors of the bone are benign and are frequently misdiagnosed as cysts and muscular problems.

SYMPTOMS AND TYPES

• Loss of motion, inability to walk
• Mass can be palpated (examined by touch) at the affected bone
• Swelling at the site
• Pain when the area is touched
• Fractures of the bone without other evidence of trauma

CAUSES

The exact cause of a sarcoma of the bone is still unknown.

DIAGNOSIS

You will need to give a thorough history of your cat’s health, onset of symptoms, and possible incidents that might have led to this condition, such as any accidents or illnesses. Standard laboratory tests include urinalysis, a complete blood count, and a chemical blood profile. The presence of higher than normal white blood cells can indicate that the body is warding off a diseased condition, and the other tests will show whether the organs are functioning well, but often, laboratory tests will return as normal. Because of the relative rarity of a fibrosarcoma of the bone, unless an x-ray image is taken it may be diagnosed as a cyst or a swelling in the muscle. Therefore, an x-ray examination will be an important factor in the definite diagnosis. X-rays will also help to diagnose the exact location of the primary tumor, as well as detect whether there has been metastasis to other parts of the body. A computed tomography (CT) scan is another useful diagnostic viewing tool that may help in determining the extent of the problem.

For a more conclusive diagnosis, a biopsy of the tumor will need to be taken for analysis. A biopsy of the bone is a more invasive procedure than most, but this is the only way to confirm whether a tumor is benign or malignant. Your cat will need to be anesthetized for this procedure.

TREATMENT

The treatment of fibrosarcoma of the bone usually involves an aggressive surgical approach in which removal of the area around the tumor is attempted, or a piece of the affected bone is removed. In some cases, the affected limb will need to be amputated entirely. A tumor that has already metastasized to multiple sites before diagnosis carries a poor prognosis for recovery. Keep in mind that not all fibrosarcomas are alike. The tumor that is affecting your cat may not have metastasizing properties, and excision of the tumor and surrounding tissue may very well resolve the problem.

LIVING AND MANAGEMENT

After the initial treatment, a follow-up checkup will be planned to regularly monitor for any re-growth of the tumor or metastasis to other areas of the body. You will need to set up a schedule to visit your veterinarian for routine progress checkups. A full recovery will be dependent on the size and location of the tumor.

After surgery, you should expect your cat to feel sore. Your veterinarian will give you pain medication for your cat to help minimize discomfort. Use pain medications with caution; one of the most preventable accidents with pets is an overdose of medication. Follow all directions carefully. You will need to limit your cat’s activity while it heals, setting aside a quiet place for it to rest, away from the household activity, children, and other pets. You might consider cage rest for your cat, to limit its physical activity. Your veterinarian will tell you when it is safe for your cat to move about again.

It is important to monitor your cat’s food and water intake while it is recovering. If your cat does not feel up to eating, you may need to use a feeding tube so that it is getting all of the nutrition it needs to completely recover. Your veterinarian will show you how to use the feeding tube correctly and will assist you in setting up a feeding schedule. While your cat is in the process of healing, you may set the litter box up closer to where your cat rests, and make it so that it is easy to get in and out of the box.

Glycogenosis in Cats (Type IV)

Glycogen storage disease, also known as glycogenosis, is a rare inherited disorder with various types, all characterized by the deficient or defective activity of the enzymes responsible for metabolizing glycogen in the body. This leads to an abnormal accumulation of glycogen, the main carbohydrate storage material in the body which aids short-term energy storage in cells by converting to glucose as the body needs it for metabolic requirements. Accumulation of glycogen in the tissues can result in the enlargement and dysfunction of various organs, including the liver, heart, and kidneys.

The Type IV classification found in cats is seen in the Norwegian Forest breed. Signs may manifest at five to seven months of age, or in some cases, the disease may manifest in the womb, resulting in a stillbirth.

SYMPTOMS AND TYPES

In cats, type IV glycogen storage disease is apparent in Norwegian Forest cats and often results in death before birth. If your cat survives this condition, symptoms can include fever, muscle tremors, and weakness.

CAUSES

The various forms of glycogenosis all result from some sort of deficiency in glucose-metabolizing enzymes in the body. The types are distinguished by the specific enzyme deficiency. Type IV, the type found in cats, results from a deficiency of the glycogen branching enzyme.

DIAGNOSIS

Diagnostic procedures will vary depending on the symptoms and suspected type of glycogen storage disease at hand. A tissue enzyme analysis and determination of glycogen levels can serve as a definitive diagnosis. Other tests may include urine analysis, genetic testing, and electrocardiography (ECG) to check the electrical output from the heart for changes.

TREATMENT

Care will vary depending on the type of glycogen storage disease diagnosed and the severity of symptoms. Hypoglycemia may need to be regulated with diet, feeding frequent portions of a high-carbohydrate diet.

LIVING AND MANAGEMENT

Upon diagnosis, your cat will need to be continuously monitored and treated, if necessary, for hypoglycemia. However, there is not much that can be done. Glycogenosis is fatal for most animals, or they are euthanized due to progressive physical deterioration.

PREVENTION

Because this is an inherited disease, animals that develop glycogen storage disease should not be bred, nor should their parents breed again, in order to avoid the possibility of future cases.

H1N1 Influenza in Cats

The H1N1 variant of the influenza virus, previously known somewhat inaccurately as “swine flu”, is contagious to cats as well as to people. In addition, this virus is also known to be able to infect dogs, pigs, and ferrets. Though the spread of this particular influenza virus is no longer considered to be an epidemic of emergency proportions, it does continue to spread worldwide.

SYMPTOMS AND TYPES

Symptoms may range from very mild to extremely severe and some infected cats may show no signs of disease at all.

The most common symptoms seen include:

• Coughing
• Sneezing
• Lethargy
• Lack of appetite
• Runny eyes
• Runny nose
• Fever
• Labored breathing

Some cats infected with H1N1 influenza have not survived, but the majority of infected cats suffer mild to moderate symptoms.

CAUSES

The H1N1 influenza virus is the virus responsible for the flu strain originally known as “swine flu” which first surfaced in 2009. The infection has been diagnosed throughout the world.

DIAGNOSIS

The presence of flu-like symptoms in a human member of the household may prompt the suspicion of H1N1 infection in a sick cat with similar symptoms.

A physical examination will reveal a pet with flu-like symptoms.

Definitive diagnosis in pets is usually obtained through PCR testing on swabs collected from the nose or throat or fluid collected from the trachea. This is a molecular test that detects the presence of RNA from the virus. Additional blood testing to rule out other diseases that can cause similar symptoms may be necessary as well.

Chest X-rays may be recommended to evaluate the lungs for signs of pneumonia or other changes.

TREATMENT

There is no cure for influenza and treatment is symptomatic in nature. Nursing care may be required to keep the eyes and nose clean and clear of discharges. Infected cats may need to be enticed to eat or even hand-fed.

Antibiotics may be necessary to prevent or treat secondary bacterial infections. Fluid therapy may be necessary to combat dehydration as well.

PREVENTION

Attention to good hygiene is the best way to prevent H1N1 influenza. Wash your hands thoroughly and often. Encourage children in the household to do so also.

Avoid contact, if possible, with people or other animals who appear to be ill.

Hairballs

If you have a cat, you’ve probably dealt with hairballs at one time or another. Most frequently, a cat owner becomes aware of an issue when the cat vomits a long tubular mass of hair — a hairball.

WHAT ARE CAT HAIRBALLS?

Hairballs occur as a result of your cat grooming and swallowing hair. All cats groom themselves. Swallowing hair when they do so is a normal occurrence. Normally, the cat’s digestive system is able to handle the hair and it simply passes through the intestinal tract and out in the feces. However, in some instances, rather than passing through the intestinal tract, the hair is vomited instead — this may seem like the cat is coughing up a hairball.

Grooming your cat is one of the best things you can do to prevent your cat from getting hairballs. Regular brushing and/or combing removes much of your cat’s loose hair before it can be ingested thus limiting the amount of hair that your cat swallows. In turn, less hair ingested means fewer hairballs being produced.

And while shorthaired cats can and do get hairballs, cats with long hair are especially prone to them. This makes grooming your longhaired cat regularly even more important. Some cats may require daily brushing/combing. In addition, regular grooming will keep your cat’s hair coat free of tangles and mats while also keeping his skin healthy.

CAT HAIRBALL REMEDIES

There are a number of hairball remedies marketed to help control hairballs. Most of these are petroleum based and work by trying to lubricate the hairball, making it more likely to be passed normally through the intestinal tract. These may be effective for some cats but are not effective in all cases. Some veterinarians, however, believe that these remedies can actually be harmful and have no place in the treatment or prevention of hairballs. Discuss your cat’s situation with your own veterinarian before you begin administering any of these products.

There are also a number of commercial cat foods that are marketed to help prevent and/or control hairballs. Most of these diets feature a high volume of fiber and work on the assumption that the fiber helps keeps the gastrointestinal tract moving normally. These may work for some cats but, again, are not effective in all cases.

More recently, many veterinarians (and cat owners) have come to believe that a grain-free diet may be more appropriate for cats that vomit frequently. The theory behind this feeding strategy is that cats did not evolve to eat grains. Cats are obligate carnivores and their “natural” diet consists of a high protein level and low carbohydrate level. Grain-based foods tend to be higher in carbohydrates, leading to changes in the flora (i.e. bacteria) of the cat’s intestinal tract. These changes may change the motility in the intestinal tract and contribute to the inability to be able to pass hair normally through the intestinal tract.

While many cats vomit an occasional hairball, it should not be a common event. If your cat is vomiting frequently with or without hair in the vomitus, there may be other health problems. Inflammatory bowel disease has been associated with frequent vomiting, as has intestinal lymphoma (a type of cancer.)

Hairballs can cause problems other than vomiting as well. For instance, a hairball can become lodged in the intestinal tract causing an obstruction — a cat hairball blockage.

If your cat is vomiting frequently, you should seek advice from your veterinarian. Frequent vomiting, with or without hairballs, is not a normal circumstance for any cat. Your cat may need a change in diet or additional treatment. Your veterinarian can help you determine the cause of the vomiting and find an appropriate solution.

Hepatobiliary Disease in Cats

Hepatic failure, or acute liver failure, is a condition characterized by the sudden loss of 70 percent or more of the liver’s function. This diseased state may be due to sudden, massive, hepatic necrosis (tissue death in the liver).

SYMPTOMS

Primary and secondary hepatobiliary disorders – those dealing with the liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, or bile – are generally associated with variable hepatic necrosis. However, acute liver failure from severe hepatic necrosis is an uncommon phenomenon. Acute liver failure can affect the body through a number of system failures:

• Gastrointestinal: vomiting, diarrhea, blood in the stool (hematochezia)
• Nervous system: hepatic encephalopathy (brain disease related to liver failure)
• Hepatobiliary: the liver plus the gallbladder; jaundice, necrosis (tissue death) of the liver cells, and bile duct cells
• Renal: the tubules of the kidney may be injured by toxins/metabolites
• Immune/Lymphatic/Hemic: imbalances in the blood and lymphatic systems, may lead to coagulant (clotting) complications

CAUSES

Acute liver failure is most often caused by infectious agents or toxins, poor flow of fluids into the liver and surrounding tissues (perfusion), hypoxia (inability to breathe), drugs or chemicals that are destructive to the liver (hepatotoxic), and excess exposure to heat. Necrosis (tissue death) sets in, with loss of liver enzymes and impaired liver function ultimately leading to complete organ failure.

Acute liver failure also occurs due to extensive metabolic disorders in protein synthesis (albumin, transport protein, procoagulant, and anticoagulant protein factors), and glucose absorption, as well as abnormalities in the metabolic detoxification process. If this condition is not treated promptly, it can result in death.

DIAGNOSIS

Acute liver failure is diagnosed through a full blood workup (hematology), biochemistry analysis, urine analysis, biopsy (the removal and analysis of affected tissue), and ultrasound or radiology imaging.

Hematology/biochemistry/urine analyses will test for:

• Anemia
• Irregularities in thrombocytes (clot-promoting blood platelets)
• Abnormally high liver enzyme activity, or liver enzymes spilling out into the bloodstream, signaling liver damage – tests will look for alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) enzymes in the bloodstream, as well as an increase in alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and declining levels of aminotransferases (enzymes that cause the chemical change of nitrogen carrying amino)
• Impairment of protein synthesis
• Low blood sugar – particularly dangerous for cats
• Normal to low blood urea nitrogen (BUN) concentration (i.e., nitrogen level in the urine)The presence of bilirubin – the red-yellow bile pigment that is a degraded product of the deep red, nonprotein pigment in hemoglobin (the oxygen-carrying pigment in red blood cells) – in the urine
• The presence of ammonium urate crystals in the urine
• The presence of sugar and granular casts (solid deposits) in the urine, indicates internal tubular injury from drug toxicity

Lab Tests will be used to look for:

• High values of total serum bile acid (TSBA) concentrations, will indicate liver insufficiency.
• However, if non-hemolytic (not destructive to blood cells) jaundice has already been confirmed, TSBA findings will lose their significance in relation to acute liver failure
• High plasma ammonia concentration; this, in conjunction with high TSBA concentrations, would be strongly indicative of hepatic insufficiency
• Abnormalities in blood platelets and coagulation (blood clotting) factors
• Tissue necrosis and cell pathology; biopsy (tissue sample) results will confirm or negate zonal involvements, and identify any existent underlying conditions

Imaging tests will look for:

• X-rays and ultrasound tests may indicate an enlarged liver, and other hepatic abnormalities, including conditions that may not be directly related to the liver.

TREATMENT

Hospitalization is vital for treating acute liver failure. Fluids and electrolytes, along with colloid (the gelatinous substance necessary for proper thyroid functioning) replacements and oxygen supplementation, are key aspects of treatment and care. Your cat will be placed on restricted activity in order to give the liver an opportunity to regenerate. Catheter feeding is recommended for highly unstable patients, while enteric feeding (feeding directly into the intestines) in small amounts is recommended for otherwise stable patients. A normal protein diet with supplemental vitamins E and K are advised.

The common medications used for liver failure are antiemetics, drugs for hepatic encephalopathy (brain disease, with or without edema), heat protectants (to decrease the activity of aminotransferases), coagulopathy drugs, and antioxidants.

High Blood Pressure in Cats

Hypertension, more commonly referred to as high blood pressure, occurs when the cat’s arterial blood pressure is continually higher than normal. When it is caused by another disease, it is called secondary hypertension; primary hypertension, meanwhile, refers to when it actually is the disease. Hypertension may affect many of the cat’s body systems, including the heart, kidneys, eyes, and nervous system.

Systemic hypertension can affect both dogs and cats.

SYMPTOMS AND TYPES

The following are just some of the more common symptoms displayed by cats with high blood pressure:

• Seizures
• Circling
• Disorientation
• Blindness
• Dilated pupils
• Retinal detachment
• Hemorrhage of the eye
• Blood in the urine
• Protein in the urine
• Bleeding from the nose
• Swollen or shrunken kidneys
• Heart murmurs
• Weakness, either on one side of the body or in the legs
• Involuntary oscillation (rolling) of the eyeballs
• Palpable thyroid gland (when hyperthyroid)

CAUSES

The cause of primary hypertension in cats is not known. However, it may have a genetic component. So how prevalent is this form of hypertension? Studies have varied, but one study found that 65 percent of cats with chronic renal failure and 87 percent of cats with hyperthyroidism had mild high blood pressure. The ages of cats with hypertension ranged from 4 to 20 years old.

Secondary hypertension, which accounts for 80 percent of all hypertension cases, may be due to a variety of factors, including renal disease, hormonal fluctuation, and hyperthyroidism.

Diabetes may also be a cause of hypertension, although it is uncommon in cats. If you suspect that your cat is suffering from hypertension, bring it in so that your veterinarian may provide a proper diagnosis.

DIAGNOSIS

Blood pressure is often measured in pets in the same manner as in humans. An inflatable cuff will be placed on the cat’s paw or tail, and standard blood pressure measuring instruments will check the pressure. It is important to keep the cat still long enough to get an accurate reading.

The standards for cat blood pressure are:

• 150/95 – at this reading or below, there is minimal risk, and treatment is not recommended
• 150/99 to 159/95 — intervention is routinely not recommended at these readings
• 160/119 to 179/100 — treatment should be sought to limit the risk of organ damage
• 180/120 — immediate treatment should be sought to limit the degree of other more severe complications

Five to seven measurements are generally taken. The first measurement will be discarded, and the cat’s excitement level during the procedure will be taken into account. If the results are in dispute, the procedure will need to be repeated.

TREATMENT

The underlying cause of high blood pressure will be treated first. Otherwise, the cat will probably be on medication to control the blood pressure indefinitely. The medication of choice is either a calcium channel blocker or a beta-blocker. As to the cat’s diet, the veterinarian may recommend food that is lower in sodium.

Blood pressure should be checked regularly, and some lab tests may be ordered by your veterinarian to measure your cat’s reactions to the medication.

Hip Dysplasia in Cats

Hip dysplasia is the failure of the hip joints to develop normally (known as malformation), gradually deteriorating and leading to loss of function of the hip joints.

The hip joint is composed of the ball and the socket. Dysplasia occurs when part of the hip joint is abnormally developed, resulting in dislocation of the ball and socket. The development of hip dysplasia is determined by an interaction of genetic and environmental factors, though there is a complicated pattern of inheritance for this disorder, with multiple genes involved. Affected cats inherit the gene from both parents, even when neither parent has shown any outward predisposition to hip dysplasia.

The incidence of this disorder is relatively rare in cats, but some breeds are more likely to have the genes for hip dysplasia than other breeds. It is more common in purebreds, and more likely in female than male cats. Heavy-boned cats, such as the Main coon and the Persian have higher rates than most, but it can affect small-boned cats as well. Approximately 18 percent of Maine coon cats are reported to suffer from this condition.

SYMPTOMS AND TYPES

Symptoms depend on the degree of joint looseness or laxity, the degree of joint inflammation, and the duration of the disease.

• Early disease: signs are related to joint looseness or laxity
• Later disease: signs are related to joint degeneration and osteoarthritis
• Decreased activity
• Difficulty rising
• Reluctance to run, jump, or climb stairs
• Intermittent or persistent hind-limb lameness, often worse after exercise
• “Bunny-hopping,” or swaying gait
• Narrow stance in the hind limbs (back legs unnaturally close together)
• Pain in hip joints
• Joint looseness or laxity – characteristic of early disease; may not be seen in long-term hip dysplasia due to arthritic changes in the hip joint
• Grating detected with joint movement
• Decreased range of motion in the hip joints
• Loss of muscle mass in thigh muscles
• Enlargement of shoulder muscles due to more weight being exerted on the front legs as the cat tries to avoid weight on its hips, leading to extra work for the shoulder muscles and subsequent enlargement

CAUSES

Influences on the development and progression of hip dysplasia are concurrent with both genetic and environmental factors:

• Genetic susceptibility for hip looseness or laxity
• Rapid weight gain or obesity
• Nutritional level
• Pelvic-muscle mass

DIAGNOSIS

Your veterinarian will perform a complete physical exam on your cat, including a blood chemical profile, a complete blood count, an electrolyte panel, and a urinalysis. Inflammation due to joint disease may be noted in the complete blood count. As part of surveying the physical symptoms and fluid work-ups, your veterinarian will also need a thorough history of your cat’s health, the onset of symptoms, and any possible incidents or injuries that may have contributed to your cat’s symptoms. Any information you have on your cat’s parentage will be helpful as well, as there may be a genetic link.

X-rays are crucial for visualizing the signs of hip dysplasia. Some of the possible findings may be a degenerative disease of the spinal cord, lumbar vertebral instability, bilateral stifle disease, and other bone diseases.

TREATMENT

Your cat may be treated on an outpatient basis as long as it does not require surgery. The decision for whether your cat will undergo surgery will depend on your cat’s size and age. It will also depend on the severity of joint looseness, degree of osteoarthritis, your veterinarian’s preference for treatment, and your own financial considerations. Physiotherapy (passive joint motion) can decrease joint stiffness and help maintain muscle integrity.

Weight control is an important aspect of recovery and is recommended to decrease the pressure applied to the painful joint as the cat moves. You and your veterinarian will need to work together to minimize any weight gain associated with reduced exercise during recovery.

There are four main surgeries that are recommended for hip dysplasia. These are triple pelvic osteotomy (TPO), juvenile pubic symphysiodesis (JPS), total hip replacement (THR), and excision arthroplasty (EA).

The TPO surgery rotates the socket for animals less than a year old. The juvenile pubic symphysiodesis surgery is performed on cats that are younger than six months, fusing part of the pelvis together to improve hip joint stability. A total hip replacement is done in mature cats that are not responding well to medical therapy, and that is suffering from severe osteoarthritis. Most cats will handle this type of surgery, with acceptable hip function after the recovery period. Excision arthroplasty is performed when hip replacement surgery is cost-prohibitive. In this surgery the ball of the hip joint is removed, leaving muscles to act as the joint. This surgery works best for cats with good hip musculature.

Your veterinarian may also prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce swelling and inflammation, along with pain medications for lessening the severity of the pain.

LIVING AND MANAGEMENT

Your veterinarian will schedule follow-up appointments with you to monitor any changes in your cat’s hip dysplasia. X-rays will be taken for comparison with previous x-rays. If your cat has undergone surgery, these x-rays will indicate the rate of post-surgical healing. If your cat is being treated as an outpatient only, the x-rays may indicate the rate of deterioration in the hip joint.

Because this condition is acquired genetically if your cat has been effectively diagnosed with hip dysplasia, it should not be bred out, and the breeding pair that produced your cat should not be bred again.

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy in Cats

The heart has four chambers: two chambers at the top, the right and left atria; and two chambers at the bottom, the right and left ventricles. The left ventricle is responsible for receiving oxygenated blood from the lungs and pumping the blood out into the aortic valve, the main artery of the body, which feeds the oxygenated blood to all parts of the body. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) affects the left ventricle and its functional ability to pump blood into the aorta. The normal, healthy left ventricle is already thicker than the right ventricle owing to its greater workload in pumping blood out into the body. In hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, the muscle of the left ventricle is abnormally enlarged or thickened. A cat may have other diseases of the heart, but they will be independent of HCM.

There is an apparent genetic predisposition for this condition. Some families have had a high number of cases, particularly Maine coon cats, where a mutation that is associated with the disease was identified in one large family. The role of genetics has not been definitively determined in other families or breeds, although some association has been documented in American Shorthairs and Persians.

It occurs more often in cats five to seven years of age, although the age range of reported cases ranges from three months to 17 years, with most cases affecting males. Heart murmurs in older cats are generally caused by hyperthyroidism or hypertension rather than HCM.

SYMPTOMS AND TYPES

• Loss of appetite (anorexia)
• Lethargy
• Weak pulse
• Difficulty breathing
• Short, rough, snapping breathing sounds (crackles)
• Abnormal heart sounds (i.e., muffled, galloping rhythm, murmurs)
• Inability to tolerate exercise or exertion
• Sudden hind-limb paralysis with cold limbs due to a clot in the terminal aorta
• Bluish discoloration of foot pads and nailbeds (indicates a lack of oxygen flow to the legs)
• Collapse
• Sudden heart failure

CAUSES

The cause of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy may remain unknown in many cases. However, genetic mutations and predispositions are known to lead to HCM in cats. And though not a direct cause of the condition, hypertension and/or hyperthyroidism can further complicate HCM in cats.

DIAGNOSIS

You will need to provide a thorough history of your pet’s health leading up to the onset of symptoms, including any information you have about your cat’s genetic background.

An electrocardiogram (or EKG) recording can be used to examine the electrical currents in the heart muscles, and may reveal any abnormalities in cardiac electrical conduction (which underlies the heart’s ability to contract/beat), and can also help your veterinarian to determine the origin of the abnormal heart rhythms if they are present. However, an ECG may not be adequate for a definitive diagnosis. Radiograph and echocardiograph (ultrasound) imaging will be more useful for visually examining the heart for enlargement or thickening of the walls, or for thickening of the mitral valve (which controls the flow of blood between the left ventricle and the left atrium). Other conditions will need to be either ruled out of confirmed before your doctor settles on HCM. There are two conditions, which are especially likely to mimic HCM, that your cat will be checked for. Your cat will need to have its blood pressure checked in order to rule out hypertension, and the blood will be tested for high levels of thyroid hormones. Hyperthyroidism will exhibit many of the same symptoms as HCM, such as lethargy, short breath, and irregular heart rhythm.

TREATMENT

If there is a diagnosis of HCM, your cat will be hospitalized for appropriate care, especially if it is suffering from congestive heart failure, a common outcome of this disease. Your cat will be placed in a quiet environment to minimize stress, and if it is having trouble breathing it will be given oxygen therapy. If your cat’s body temperature is low, your veterinarian will warm the cat in blankets to gently raise the body temperature.

There are several possible medications that can be used to treat hypertrophic cardiomyopathy:

• Diltiazim to slow the heart rate, treat irregular heartbeats, and possibly reduce the enlargement in the left ventricle
• Beta-blockers slow the heart rate, correct irregular heartbeats, and control blockage of the blood flow. These are not used if the cat has congestive heart failure
• Ace inhibitors, in cases with congestive heart failure, improve the flow through the ventricle
• Aspirin to decrease the risk of blood clots
• Warfarin to prevent blood clotting
• Furosemide (diuretic) to remove excess fluid from the body
• Spironolactone (a diuretic used sometimes in conjunction with furosemide) for cats with congestive heart failure
• Nitroglycerin ointment, to improve flow by dilating (opening) the ventricle and arteries

LIVING AND MANAGEMENT

The cat should be put on a sodium-restricted diet, especially if there is congestive heart failure, to keep the pressure in the blood stable. Providing a quiet and safe space for your cat, away from other pets and active children is important to its recovery. Environmental stress may activate the nervous system, placing excess stress on the already overstressed left ventricle, and possibly leading to heart failure.

You will need to monitor your cat closely during the recovery period, watching for difficulty breathing, lethargy, weakness, lack of appetite, and painful hind-limb weakness or paralysis. If your cat is being treated with warfarin, its blood will need to be tested to determine whether the drug is effectively decreasing the likelihood of a blood clot. The use of warfarin can also lead to uncontrolled bleeding and bruising. You will need to take care that your cat is kept from activities that may lead to injury while it is on this drug. If your cat is taking an ACE inhibitor or spironolactone, kidney function and electrolytes will need to be monitored. After six months, a repeat ultrasound examination of the heart will be required to determine progress, and whether further treatment will be required.

Inappropriate Maternal Behavior in Cats

Eclampsia is a deficiency of blood calcium (hypocalcemia) that develops in the weeks after giving birth, although it may develop prior to birth or during lactation. Also called “milk fever,” eclampsia is usually due to an underactive parathyroid gland, the gland that is responsible for regulating the parathyroid hormone, which in turn regulates the amount of calcium that is stored in the bones, to be removed as needed for use in the blood. As the parathyroid gland has not been signaled to stimulate the parathyroid hormone to release calcium from the bones into the body, when the nursing queen’s milk comes in and the demand for calcium suddenly increases, the parathyroid gland is unable to respond quickly enough for her needs to be met. The lack of calcium results in tonoclonic contractions of the skeletal muscles, where the muscles in the body contract convulsively, limiting movement.

Kittens are often not affected by eclampsia because their nutritional needs, including calcium, are being taken care of by their mother. In addition, symptoms in the nursing queen typically become apparent in the first 40 days after giving birth.

SYMPTOMS AND TYPES

• Poor maternal behavior
• Restlessness, nervousness
• Disorientation
• Panting, whining
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Clumsy walking, stiff gait
• Facial itchiness
• Muscle tremors, tetany (entire body goes stiff), convulsions
• Cat lies down with paws rigidly extended (usually seen 8–12 hours after the first onset of symptoms)
• High body temperature, fever over 105 degrees Fahrenheit
• Rapid, heavy breathing
• Dilated pupils which are slow to contract when exposed to light

CAUSES

• Calcium supplementation during pregnancy
• Inappropriate calcium to phosphorous ratio in the diet while pregnant
• Poor nutrition during pregnancy
• First litter

DIAGNOSIS

You will need to provide a thorough history of your cat’s health leading up to the onset of symptoms. Make sure to provide your veterinarian with the type of pregnancy supplement you have been giving to your cat, and details of the diet you have been feeding her.

Standard tests will include a chemical blood profile, complete blood count, and an electrolyte panel. As soon as the electrolyte panel is ready, the total serum calcium will be verified by a blood test. If the concentration is less than 7 mg/dL, your cat will be diagnosed with eclampsia and will be given calcium supplementation immediately. Low blood sugar and low blood magnesium levels may also be present. These can also be supplemented. Serum potassium is high in 56 percent of cases. An electrocardiogram (ECG) showing the heart’s electrical rhythm will often be abnormal.

TREATMENT

This is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition, but it can be treated quickly and the cat’s health stabilized if she is treated as soon as symptoms become apparent. If your cat has a high fever, your veterinarian will try to cool her down with a cool water soak and fan to bring the body temperature down to a normal range. Your veterinarian will treat your cat with intravenous calcium until her levels have increased to a safe level, and until her body alone is able to maintain calcium levels.

Your veterinarian will advise you to take the kittens away to prevent them from nursing, to be hand fed with commercial milk for 24 hours, or until the queen’s serum calcium is stabilized. If, after the mother stabilizes, you opt to let the kittens continue nursing, you will need to return to your veterinarian to monitor calcium levels in your cat’s blood. Depending on whether her body is able to begin producing sufficient amounts of calcium on its own, she may need to remain on calcium supplements for some time. Your doctor will determine this.

LIVING AND MANAGEMENT

If the kittens are not hand-raised and continue to nurse, it is very likely that your cat will need to be given calcium supplements for the duration of the nursing period, until the kittens have been weaned. Her serum calcium levels will need to be monitored frequently throughout the nursing period. Ensuring that she eats a diet containing a 1 to 1 or 1 to 2 calcium to phosphorus ratio, before pregnancy, and during pregnancy, will help to prevent eclampsia with future litter.

Calcium supplementation must also be avoided while your cat is pregnant unless specifically prescribed by your veterinarian. Also advised is avoiding high phytate foods, such as soybean meal, barley, rice, wheat bran, and wheat germ, as high phytate foods can interfere with the body’s absorption of calcium.

Infertility

Normal fertility in a cat, and the ability to reproduce kittens, requires a normal estrous cycle, with a healthy reproductive tract, normal ova (eggs), normal and stable levels of reproductive hormones, fertilization by normal spermatozoa, implantation of an embryo in the lining of the uterus (endometrium), normal placenta placement, and stable levels of progesterone concentration. These conditions must be maintained for the entirety of the two-month gestational period, or the process of reproduction will be altered, with resultant infertility.

SYMPTOMS

Some of the common symptoms that appear in cats that are unable to reproduce are abnormal cycling, failure to conceive, failure to copulate/mate, normal copulation without subsequent pregnancy, and/or pregnancy loss.

CAUSES

Infertility can affect cats of all ages but tends to be more common among older cats. Cats that have had previous uterine infections can also have subsequent difficulties with implantation. However, one of the most causes of seeming infertility is insemination during the improper time in the estrous cycle.

Other conditions that may play a role in the cat’s ability to reproduce include:

• Male infertility factors
• Sub-clinical uterine infections
• Toxoplasmosis/protozoal infection
• Hypercortisolism
• Abnormal ovarian functions
• Chromosomal abnormality
• Systemic viral or protozoal infection
• Lack of sufficient copulatory stimulus in order to induce ovulation

DIAGNOSIS

Your veterinarian will perform a thorough physical exam on your cat, taking into account the background history of symptoms and possible incidents that might have led to this condition. There are several diagnostic tests that can be conducted in order to find out if the symptoms are related to infertility disorder.

Some of the basis for the diagnosis will be related to whether your cat has conceived or given birth in the past. If she has reproduced successfully before, your veterinarian will consider whether the male mate that has been chosen for breeding is of proven fertility, or whether the timing for the breeding was scheduled in accordance with your cat’s ovulation cycle.

Your cat’s hormone levels will be analyzed, to be sure that she has the required levels for conception and the following pregnancy. Progesterone concentration must remain steady throughout the pregnancy for it to be successful.

A complete blood profile will be conducted, including a chemical blood profile, a complete blood count, and a urinalysis. These tests will show evidence of infections, either bacterial, viral, or parasitic. Viral infections that will be tested for include toxoplasmosis, protozoal parasite infection, herpesvirus, feline leukemia virus (FeLV), feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), and hypercortisolism. In addition, your doctor will be checking your cat’s body thoroughly for any other chronic disease conditions.

Imaging techniques may be used to look for any abnormalities in the uterus, such as masses (indicating tumors), and anatomic abnormalities that would interfere with conception. In a healthy cat, the ovaries and uterus will not be visible on X-ray imaging. If your veterinarian is able to view the ovaries or uterus, this would suggest that there may be an underlying condition of ovarian cysts, ovarian cancer, or uterine cysts. If it appears, on examination, that your cat has cysts or other masses of tissue in the uterus or reproductive tract, your veterinarian will need to take a sample of tissue from the uterus for biopsy.

TREATMENT

Improper breeding is most often at the root of perceived infertility. To prevent this, the male tom cat may be bred to another queen to test his ability to impregnate. Your doctor may also advise you to change the amount of light your cat receives, including natural or artificial light, since cats’ estrous cycles are heavily influenced by season light changes. Another alternative may be the use of gonadotropin, a hormone that induces ovulation in animals unable to do so normally.

If improper breeding does not seem at fault, your veterinarian will begin treatment for other underlying causes of infertility. For example, antibiotics are given if a uterine infection is suspected. Some of the surgical considerations include surgical repair of the obstructed reproductive tract, surgical correction of abnormalities in the vagina, removal of a cancerous ovary, and either draining or surgically removing the ovarian cysts.

LIVING AND MANAGEMENT

Your veterinarian will schedule a follow-up exam to test your cat’s progesterone hormone levels, and to perform an ultrasonography exam to confirm a healthy pregnancy and placental position.

Key-Gaskell Syndrome

Dysautonomia is characterized by a malfunctioning of the autonomic nervous system(ANS), the system that controls the heart rate, respiration, digestion, urination, salivation, perspiration, eye pupil dilation, blood pressure, intestinal contractions, glandular activity, and physical arousal. The body functions that occur within the ANS are largely performed without conscious thought, with the exception of breathing, which works in coordination with conscious thought. This condition is also referred to as Key-Gaskell syndrome.

This is a rare condition, but when it does occur, it tends to affect cats younger than three years. Otherwise, there is no gender or age that is specifically affected. However, there is some geographical correlation tied to feline dysautonomia, with higher incidences occurring in the West and Midwest, such as California, Indiana, Kansas, and Oklahoma, as well as in the United Kingdom.

Treatment is based on the primary symptoms and the prognosis for recovery is guarded.

SYMPTOMS AND TYPES

• Acute symptoms typically develop over three to four days
• Dilated unresponsive pupils
• Lack of tear production
• Fear/avoidance of light (photophobia)
• Third-eyelid elevation (protrusion of the third eyelid)
• Vomiting
• Regurgitation
• Anorexia and weight loss
• Dribbling urine (polyuria)
• Straining to urinate
• Loss of anal sphincter tone
• Diarrhea
• Constipation in some cases
• Distended, easily expressed bladder
• Possible abdominal pain
• Dyspnea (difficult breathing)
• Dry nose and mucous membranes
• Coughing
• Nasal discharge
• Depression
• Loss of spinal reflexes
• Muscle wasting
• Possible weakness

CAUSES

The underlying cause is unknown.

DIAGNOSIS

Your veterinarian will perform a complete physical exam on your cat. You will need to give a thorough history of your cat’s health, onset of symptoms, and possible incidents that might have led to this condition. The history you provide may give your veterinarian clues as to which organs are being affected by this condition.

X-rays will show megaesophagus (enlargement of the esophagus), distended intestinal loops with no peristalsis (the normal contraction of the intestinal muscles), and a distended urinary bladder. Loss of nerve control in the iris of the eye will cause it to be hypersensitive to cholinergic drugs, affecting the response time for the iris of the eye to contract. Where a cat unaffected with Key-Gaskell will have a normal response time of 30 minutes, a cat affected with this condition will have an abnormally fast pupil constriction reaction.

An atropine challenge test will be given to test the heart’s response – a healthy cat will have a rise in heart activity (tachycardia) in response to the atropine, whereas a cat affected with Key-Gaskell will have no increase in heart rate.

Histamine injections may be given to test for sympathetic loss of capillary function. If there is a loss of capillary function, there will be no visible reactive response in the skin or a welt but no flare in the skin. These tests will help your veterinarian to make a complete assessment of the autonomic nervous system’s (made up of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems) ability to function in a healthy manner.

TREATMENT

The cause of dysautonomia is unknown. Thus, treatment is symptomatic.

Intravenous (IV) fluids should be given to the cat to prevent dehydration. A feeding tube may help ensure adequate nutrition if megaesophagus is present. If intestinal motility is absent, a feeding tube may be necessary. Artificial tears should be administered if tear production is insufficient. Humidification of the air may help with dry mucous membranes. The bladder should be manually expressed for the cat.

Medications will be given for supporting the organs, for encouraging bladder contraction and improving intestinal motility. If infections or pneumonia are suspected, antibiotics will be prescribed.

LIVING AND MANAGEMENT

The prognosis for cats with dysautonomia is guarded. Most cats that are afflicted with this disease will not survive, as many die of aspiration pneumonia or need to be euthanized due to poor quality of life. Animals that do survive can take more than a year to fully recover and often have some degree of permanent autonomic dysfunction, which may require that they be given constant care.

Lily Plant Toxicity

One of the most toxic household plants for cats is the common lily. In fact, eating as little as two or three leaves from the flowers can result in liver failure and, if left untreated, can have a fatal outcome for cats. Lilies are a widely used houseplant, with 10 to 11 million plants produced annually within the United States. Some of the most common lilies are Easter lilies, Tiger lilies, Japanese show lilies, Rubrum lilies, and Day lilies.

SYMPTOMS AND TYPES

One of the most immediate symptoms of lily poisoning is the sudden onset of vomiting. In addition, cats that are experiencing lily poisoning will often exhibit signs of depression, diarrhea, dehydration, and lack of appetite (anorexia). If the condition is left untreated, death can occur within four to seven days of ingestion (sooner if the cat consumes a larger amount of the plant).

CAUSES

Ingesting any plant in the lily family can result in poisoning. However, the Lilium and Hemerocallis genera lilies are the most dangerous for cats. Eating even a small amount of the plant will have a severe impact on a cat’s system.

DIAGNOSIS

If possible, you will need to take a sample of the plant that was ingested along to the veterinarian when you take your cat for treatment. If you suspect anything else in your home of being the cause for the toxic reaction you should take that as well. This will make your veterinarian’s ability to diagnose the reaction that much easier, and treatment can be prescribed swiftly, minimizing the probability of long-term organ damage. Some common issues that may be discovered during your cat’s physical examination include swollen kidneys, fluid buildup (edema), and possibly an empty gut (gastrointestinal tract).

TREATMENT

One treatment option is to flush the stomach. This will remove any remaining portions of the toxic agent – in this case, the plant material. In some cases, activated charcoal for neutralizing the toxin can be used to assist in this process.

Intravenous (IV) fluid therapy will be given to help prevent kidney failure. This is often continued for a period of 24 hours following ingestion of the plant. If your cat’s kidney has already failed to operate normally, dialysis will be the only treatment option.

LIVING AND MANAGEMENT

One of the most pressing medical issues that can affect your cat is dehydration. Lack of body fluids can quickly become a life-threatening condition, so an important part of the healing process is close observation of fluid intake.

PREVENTION

To prevent ingestion of this toxic plant, keep all lily plants out of reach of your cat. Also, if your cat(s) are kept indoors, it might be best to keep your lily plants outside.

Lipoma (Fatty Masses) in Cats

Lipomas are soft masses or tumors that lie beneath the surface of the skin. They are usually palpable, with limited mobility under the skin. The overlying skin is usually not affected. Over time they can grow larger and can impede movement if they are located between the legs or low on the chest. It is important to recognize that additional masses do not necessarily indicate malignancy or metastasis. Because other cutaneous masses may appear similar to lipomas, it is recommended that each mass be checked.

Another sub-classification of benign lipomas is the infiltrative lipoma. These typically invade locally into muscle tissue and fascia and may need to be removed.

Conversely, liposarcomas are malignant and can spread (metastasize) to the bone, lungs, and other organs. These tumors are rare but are demonstrative of the need to examine each subcutaneous mass individually.

SYMPTOMS AND TYPES

Most lipomas feel soft and movable under the skin. They usually will not cause discomfort unless they are in a location where normal movement is disrupted, like in the axillary region under the front leg. Often they are located on a cat’s belly or trunk but can be found anywhere on the body

DIAGNOSIS

Your veterinarian will perform a complete physical on your cat, checking for all palpable masses. A fine needle aspirate of the mass will indicate whether it is in fact a benign lipoma. Diagnosis of this is essential, as other more worrisome masses can mimic a lipoma. If the aspirate is inconclusive, surgical removal and histopathology may be necessary to arrive at a clear diagnosis.

Infiltrative lipomas may require computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to adequately understand the mass and its location in the tissue. This is important information for the surgeon to decide how much of the mass can or should be removed and the approach that will be needed for surgery.

TREATMENT

Most cats will not need surgical removal of an existing lipoma. However, if the lipoma is restricting movement in any way it will be necessary to remove the lipoma for your cat’s comfort. In addition, if diagnostic tests indicate that the mass may be a more aggressive tumor, removal of the mass may be advised while your cat is still under anesthesia. Removal tends to be a simple process if the mass is small, because lipomas are benign, meaning that they have not attached strongly to the body, and a large margin is not needed.

However, one type of lipoma, the infiltrative lipoma, requires a more complex procedure. As the name implies, infiltrative lipomas invade muscle tissue and fascia and can make complete surgical excision difficult. Radiation therapy may also be used for infiltrative lipomas; alone, or in conjunction with surgical excision.

LIVING AND MANAGEMENT

Other subcutaneous masses, like mast cell tumors, can mimic the appearance of a lipoma. It is of extreme importance that every mass is evaluated individually. You will need to monitor your cat’s lipomas, noting any changes in size or location.

Mange in Cats

Demodicosis, or demodectic mange, is an inflammatory skin disease in cats that is caused by various types of Demodex mites not visible to the naked eye. Demodex mites are commonly found on the skin of mammals, and in most cases are not symptomatic of an abnormal condition, but when the immune system is compromised, by stress or illness, or the body is producing excess oil or hormones, the Demodex population may become excessive, leading to skin and hair problems. When the number of mites inhabiting the hair follicles of a cat becomes excessive, skin lesions, genetic disorders, problems with the immune system, and hair loss (alopecia) may follow.

The severity of symptoms depends upon the type of mite inhabiting your cat. Although mange in cats is rare, Siamese and Burmese breeds appear to be at a higher risk.

SYMPTOMS AND TYPES

Symptoms may include hair loss around the eyelids, head, neck, and flank. Additionally, lesions on the skin, scales, and crusty patches may occur.

CAUSES

Mite disorders, such as mange, in cats are rare, thus there is little known about them. However, two of the species of mites that cause mange in cats have been identified. The first, Demodex gatoi, is potentially contagious and may be transmitted between cats in the same household. The second, Demodex cati, is associated with diseases of the immune and metabolic systems, such as diabetes. It has been found in some cases that an impaired immune system or hormone imbalance will allow the Demodex mite to overpopulate.

DIAGNOSIS

Skin scrapings are used to find and diagnose demodectic mange in cats. Hair samples may also help identify the specific mite responsible for the condition.

A urine test may identify other possible causes for the skin conditions, namely those caused by a disorder in your cat’s metabolic system. Alternative diagnoses may include scabies or allergies.

TREATMENT

In approximately 90 percent of the cases, demodectic mange in cats is likely to resolve itself spontaneously. For severe generalized cases, long-term medication may be necessary for controlling the condition. Lime-sulfur dips in the affected areas may help relieve symptoms. In either case, the general health status of your cat should be evaluated.

LIVING AND MANAGEMENT

Follow-up care should include additional skin scrapings and microscopic examinations of hairs. The latter process is known as a trichogram, a diagnostic tool that uses hairs that have been plucked for an examination so that appropriate treatment can be prescribed. With chronic long-term cases of demodectic mange in cats, regular medication may be necessary.

PREVENTION

General good health may help prevent some cases. Keeping your cat clean, without drying the skin, and in optimal health, will help to keep the Demodex mite population in balance. It is also advised that cats with generalized chronic mange not be bred, as the condition may be genetically based in some breeds and may be passed to offspring.

Marking Behavior in Cats

Urine marking is a primal urge, but if you have trained your cat to use the litter box, and it continues to mark the home or squat and urinate any place except the litter box, there may be something else going on. For example, the cat may not be satisfied with the litter box (i.e., its location or its environment) or it may have kidney stones, bladder stones, urinary crystals or feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD), which is associated with painful urination.

WHAT IS CAT SPRAY?

Cat spray is inappropriate urination on objects or areas to mark territory. It can occur in any age, breed, or gender, and urine spraying is more common in males than in females. Spraying around doors or windows might be a marking response to the presence of a cat outside. Marking in the home may be a response to another cat, either in the home or outdoors. Also, due to competitive behaviors, the probability of urine spraying indoors is directly proportional to the number of cats in the household.

CAUSES OF SPRAYING AND MARKING

You should also consider the possibility that there may be a physical cause for the behavior. Following are some possibilities:

• Liver disease
• Hyperthyroidism
• Urinary tract, kidney, or bladder stones
• Excessive glucose in the urine (diabetes mellitus)
• FLUTD, including inflammation of the bladder (cystitis)
• Old age (neurological issues that are due to senility)
• Feline leukemia virus (FeLV)
• Recent medical treatment
• Stress
• Urinary tract infection

HOW TO STOP CATS FROM SPRAYING

Some environmental/behavioral factors to consider:

• Is there something about the litter box itself that might be a problem for the cat?
• Is the box cleaned frequently?
• Not enough boxes. A box for every cat plus one is recommended.
• Location of the box. Is it remote or is it in surroundings that are unpleasant? Is it in a location where dogs or children might interfere?
• Type of box. If it is covered, it might hold odors that repel the cat, or it might be too small for a big cat to move around in as it wants to. Also, a covered box makes it easy for other cats, dogs, or children to target the cat as it exits.
• Time factors. If there is a daily or weekly pattern of inappropriate urination, the cause is probably environmental. If a cat that has always used the litter box suddenly begins to urinate inappropriately, it is probably a medical problem.
• The litter itself. Tests indicate that most cats prefer unscented, fine-grained litter. If the cat’s habits change when you change the litter type, there may be an association with the new litter. If the cat shifts from the litter box to another surface, such as a porcelain sink, a lower urinary tract disorder may be the culprit.
• Location. Urination outside the litter box may suggest a location preference or social factors.
• Try moving the box.
• Social dynamics. Social conflicts between cats may affect urination behavior. Also, a change in the cat’s social world, such as the addition of a new cat, may be behind the change.

If none of the solutions you are attempting are successful and if you are unsure what seems to be the underlying cause of the house soiling, consult your veterinarian as it may be a health-related condition. Urinary blockages are a medical emergency, so if your cat is straining to urinate, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Megacolon

Megacolon can be a frustrating disease for veterinarians, owners, and, most importantly, for the affected cats. The disease develops when the muscles within the wall of the colon (large intestine) no longer contract as they should. Feces builds up and dries out within the colon, resulting in constipation.

Most cases of megacolon are idiopathic, meaning we don’t know why the condition developed in that particular individual. Less frequently, an injury, developmental disorder, or other primary condition prevents the colon from emptying as it should, causing it to stretch and stop functioning normally. In either case, cats with megacolon typically:

• Strain to defecate
• Exhibit pain while defecating
• Have abdominal discomfort
• May lose their appetite
• Produce small amounts of hard fecal matter that can contain blood or paradoxically produce small amounts of liquid feces, leading their owners to wrongly diagnose them with diarrhea

Definitively diagnosing megacolon is not too difficult. During a physical exam, a veterinarian can usually feel that the colon is distended with feces, a finding that is confirmed with abdominal X-rays. Additional diagnostic tests (e.g., blood work, urinalysis, and/or abdominal ultrasound) may be necessary to determine if a megacolon has developed as a result of another condition.

The initial treatment for megacolon centers on getting the impacted feces out of the colon. In milder cases, an enema is all that is needed. (As an aside, never give a cat an enema at home without first consulting with a veterinarian. Some over-the-counter formulations are very toxic to cats.) More severely affected cats need to be put under general anesthesia and undergo a manual evacuation — fancy words for the veterinarian donning latex gloves and removing fecal material by hand, a procedure that necessitates lots of patience and lubrication.

Once the cat is all cleaned out, the focus turns to prevent future episodes of constipation. Since fecal matter consists primarily of unabsorbed food, it shouldn’t be too surprising that dietary manipulation is central to treatment. In my experience, most cats respond best to a highly digestible food that reduces the number of feces they produce. They simply have less to expel, which decreases the risk they’ll get backed up. Cats are cats, however, and some prefer to do things differently.

When constipation persists despite feeding highly digestible food, a high-fiber diet is worth a try. These cats then produce more stool than normal, but it is softer and easier to pass, and the increased bulk seems to stimulate the colon to contract more effectively. A couple of teaspoons of psyllium, canned pumpkin, or wheat bran can be added to a cat’s regular food to increase its fiber content.

Whichever diet works best, it is very important for the cat to remain well-hydrated so stool in the colon stays soft. For this reason, I generally recommend canned food only for my megacolon patients. Intermittent subcutaneous fluid therapy can be helpful as well. Stool softeners (e.g., lactulose) and medications that enhance muscular contractions in the wall of the colon (e.g. cisapride) are also frequently prescribed.

Most cats respond well to dietary and medical management, although they may still need an enema from time to time. In advanced cases, surgically removing the non-functioning portion of a cat’s colon is a good option, which brings about the need for more dietary manipulation … but that’s a subject for another day.

Miliary Dermatitis

Miliary dermatitis (also known as miliary eczema,papulocrusting dermatitis, or scabby cat disease) isn’t a specific disease but a disease complex. It is characterized by a red and crusty rash around the head, neck, and back, often with intense itching (pruritis).

The name miliary dermatitis is derived from the lesions which have a millet seed type appearance.

What causes it?

There are a number of causes of feline miliary dermatitis including:

• Flea bite hypersensitivity is the most common cause of feline miliary dermatitis.
• Allergies, food intolerance, inhalant allergy, food allergy.
• Bacterial infections.
• Mites.
• Mange.
• Ringworm.
• Immune-mediated diseases.
• Drug hypersensitivity.
• Poor diet.
• Hormonal/endocrine disorder.

What are the symptoms of feline miliary dermatitis?

• Red, crusty bumps, especially around the head, neck, and back, often with intense itching.
• Hair loss.
• Scratching.

How is feline miliary dermatitis diagnosed?

Your veterinarian will perform a physical examination of your cat. He/she will want to identify what is causing feline miliary dermatitis so the correct treatment can be given. This may include;

• The location of the lesions may provide a clue as to the cause. If they are close to the base of the tail then fleas are often the culprit. If they are around the head, mites may be the cause.
• Analysis of coat brushings, skin scrapings, and fur samples to check for parasitic infections such as mites, fleas, or fungal infections.
• A fecal examination may be performed to detect the presence of intestinal parasites.
• Biochemical profile to see if an underlying medical condition causing the problem.
• A skin biopsy.
• Allergy testing to see if inhalant antigens are the cause.

How is feline miliary dermatitis treated?

Treatment of feline miliary dermatitis depends on the cause of the problem.

• If it is fleas, then removal of the fleas from the cat and environment should cure the problem. Strict flea control will need to be performed routinely to ensure miliary dermatitis doesn’t recur.
• The same goes for mites, mange, or fungal or yeast infections. Treat the cause and miliary dermatitis should go away.
• If intestinal parasites are found to be the cause, treatment with the appropriate medication to eliminate them.
• A hypoallergenic diet may be tried if parasites, yeast infections, fungal infections, etc., are ruled out.
• Antibiotics for secondary skin infections, if required.
• Shampoos may be recommended to relieve itching and inflammation.
• Other possible treatment options include fatty acids, antihistamines, and corticosteroids.

Neutering Your Male Cat

Neutering your male cat not only prevents unwanted breeding and surprise litters, it proves many major benefits for your cat. Before having your cat neutered, learn more about the benefits of the procedure, the surgery itself, and how to care for your cat after the surgery has been performed.

Benefits of Neutering

Reducing undesirable behavior is the major benefit of having your male cat neutered. Cats that aren’t neutered are far more likely to try to escape in order to seek a mate, exhibit territorial and aggressive behavior, and mark their territory by spraying urine in the house. Neutering will reduce these behaviors in 60-90% of cats. Of course, neutering your cat also helps control the overall pet population/ Every year, millions of cats wind up homeless or euthanized, simply because there aren’t enough homes to take them in. By allowing your pet to breed uninhibited, you’re only contributing to the problem.

The Surgery

The neutering surgery is very routine. Your cat will be placed under general anesthesia, then the vet will surgically remove both testicles and tie off the spermatic cords, rendering your cat sterile. Any procedure involving anesthesia and surgery does carry some risk, but your cat’s vital signs will be carefully monitored throughout the entire neutering procedure. Some cats may require additional preoperative work-up, including bloodwork, as well as perioperative supportive care such as IV fluids. Ask your vet about these options, as well as what type of analgesic medications would be more appropriate for your cat after surgery.

When to Neuter

Most cats are neutered at about six months of age, although many cats can have the procedure performed even earlier. Your vet can help determine the most appropriate time to have your cat neutered. The night before your cat neutering appointment put away his good after dinnertime. Your cat shouldn’t eat anything during the prior night and morning of the procedure.

Post-Surgical Care

Some cats are able to return home the very day of the procedure, while some stay in the hospital overnight. Your cat will probably be a little groggy when he comes home, so keep him in a quiet space away from other family members and pets. Try to keep physical activity to a minimum. You may need to ask your vet for an Elizabeth collar to prevent your cat from licking the surgery site.

Ollulanus Infestation

Ollulanis infection is a parasitic worm infection that occurs mainly in cats. It is caused by Ollulanus tricuspis, which spreads in the environment through the vomit of other infected hosts and goes on to take up residence in the stomach lining. Ollulanus tricuspis is a small nematode parasite that lays its eggs in the mucosal lining of the stomach wall, where it irritates the stomach, inducing vomiting in the cat and further spreading into the environment and into other hosts. These infections are commonly seen in colonies of cats, as well as in stray cats in urban areas that are heavily populated with cats and in cats that are frequently outdoors. Even captive cheetahs, lions, and tigers are susceptible to this infection.

The adult worms coil into the stomach’s inner lining, causing ulcers, inflammation, and fibrosis (abnormal development of fibrous tissue).

SYMPTOMS AND TYPES

• Vomiting (chronic)
• Poor appetite
• Weight loss
• Death due to chronic stomach infection

CAUSES

Ollulanus tricuspis worm infection is usually transmitted through ingesting the vomit contents from an infected host.

DIAGNOSIS

You will need to give a thorough history of your cat’s health, including background medical history, details of the onset of symptoms, your cat’s usual routine, and any events that may have led to your cat’s condition. After taking a complete history, your veterinarian will conduct a complete physical examination, including a complete blood profile, chemical blood profile, a complete blood count, and a urinalysis. The results of these laboratory tests may reveal dehydration due to vomiting and diarrhea.

Your veterinarian will also examine your cat’s feces and vomit contents for evidence of parasites. In this case, the ollulanis worm is digested if it enters the digestive tract, so an analysis of the vomit is the only way your veterinarian can make a more conclusive diagnosis. Unless you are able to take a fresh sample of your cat’s vomit with you to the veterinary clinic, your veterinarian will need to induce vomiting by giving your cat vomit-inducing medications, or the doctor may decide to perform a stomach lavage, which gathers the contents of the stomach by washing them out.

An abdominal ultrasound may also reveal a thickening of the stomach wall due to chronic irritation and infection.

TREATMENT

Drugs to kill parasites residing in the stomach may be used, but often, a complete removal is not achieved during the initial treatment. Symptoms may improve after the first treatment. You will need to revisit your veterinarian to retest for the presence of the stomach worm.

LIVING AND MANAGEMENT

Watch your cat for vomiting or other symptoms which might show recurrence and call your veterinarian to schedule a second round of treatment. If your cat is vomiting, immediately remove the vomit contents, using strong cleaners to clean the area. Keep a sample of the vomit, if possible, to give to your veterinarian. The stomach worm can live for up to 12 days in the vomit content, so it is not necessary to do anything special with the saved contents immediately. If there are other cats in the home, do not allow them to go near the vomit contents.

Pancreatitis in Cats

The pancreas is part of the endocrine and digestive system, which is integral for the digestion of foods, producing the enzymes that digest food, and producing insulin. When the pancreas becomes inflamed, the flow of enzymes into the digestive tract can become disrupted, forcing the enzymes out of the pancreas and into the abdominal area.

If this occurs, the digestive enzymes will begin to break down fat and proteins in the other organs, as well as in the pancreas. In effect, the body begins to digest itself. Because of their proximity to the pancreas, the kidney and liver can also be affected when this progression takes place, and the abdomen will become inflamed, and possibly infected as well. If bleeding occurs in the pancreas, shock, and even death can follow.

Inflammation of the pancreas (or pancreatitis) often progresses rapidly in cats, but can often be treated without any permanent damage to the organ. However, if pancreatitis goes long-term without treatment, severe organ, and even brain damage can occur.

Pancreatitis can affect both dogs and cats. If you would like to learn more about how this disease affects dogs, please visit this page in the petMD health library.

SYMPTOMS

There are a variety of symptoms that may be observed in cats, including:

• Fever
• Loss of appetite (anorexia)
• Weight loss (more common in cats)
• Dehydration
• Fatigue and sluggishness
• Depression
• Increased heart rate
• Difficulty breathing

CAUSES

There are several possible causes of inflammation of the pancreas. Some of them are:

• Concurrent inflammatory bowel disease or liver disease. The combination of inflammatory disease of the liver, pancreas, and intestines is so common in cats that it has its own name — “triaditis.” It is safe to assume that most cats diagnosed with one of these conditions have some degree of the other two as well.
• Diabetes mellitus
• Certain types of infections (e.g., toxoplasmosis or feline distemper)
• Abdominal trauma
• Exposure to organophosphate insecticides

One other suspected cause, rare because of its geographical probability, is scorpion stings. The venom from a scorpion can cause the pancreas to react, leading to inflammation.

Unlike with dogs, inflammation of the pancreas is not related to nutritional factors in cats. In many cases, no underlying cause for pancreatitis can be determined.

Although pancreatitis can occur in any animal breed, it has been found to occur more frequently in cats, specifically the Siamese cat. Inflammation of the pancreas is also more common in females than in males, and more common in elderly cats.

DIAGNOSIS

Your veterinarian will check for the presence of gallstones, and for a condition referred to as reflux. Full blood workup will be ordered to see if there are any nutrient imbalances, and X-ray imaging will be used to look for evidence of any blunt damage to the pancreas. Pancreatic and liver enzymes will be measured to analyze for increases of either in the bloodstream. Insulin will be measured to check for normal levels, since inflammation can cause insulin-producing cells in the pancreas to be damaged, possibly leading to diabetes.

In some cases, an ultrasound will be performed to look for mass tissue growths, cysts, or abscesses in the body. A needle biopsy may also be taken along with the ultrasound.

The results of specific tests for pancreatitis (fPLI or SPEC-FPL) can diagnose many cases of feline pancreatitis, but sometimes exploratory surgery is necessary.

TREATMENT

Inflammation of the pancreas can often be treated in your veterinarian’s office. Treatment for pancreatitis is essentially symptomatic and supportive and involves fluid therapy, pain relief, medications to control nausea and vomiting, antibiotics, and sometimes plasma transfusions. Because of the close association between intestinal inflammation and pancreatitis, your veterinarian may also prescribe a short course of corticosteroids until a final diagnosis can be made. If the inflammation is being caused by a medication your pet is taking, the medication will be withdrawn immediately.

It is important to restrict your cat’s activity level following any treatment to allow for healing. Your veterinarian may need to prescribe fluid therapy during this time to prevent dehydration.

If vomiting is persistent, drugs will be prescribed to help control it, and if your pet is experiencing severe pain, pain relievers can be given. (Pain medication should only be given with supervision from your veterinarian.) It may also be necessary to give your pet antibiotics as a preventive against infection. In some serious cases, surgery will be used to remove any blockage that is causing the inflammation, to remove large accumulations of fluid, or remove severely damaged tissue.

Your veterinarian will also want to perform occasionally in-office examinations to ensure that progress is being made towards healing.

LIVING AND MANAGEMENT

Hydration is one of the biggest concerns and should be monitored within 24 hours of therapy, and then until the cat has fully recovered. Because pancreatitis in cats is not related to the fat content of their food, patients do not need to eat low-fat foods either to treat or prevent a relapse of the disease. Cats that do not eat are at high risk for a disease called hepatic lipidosis. So contrary to what is typically done with dogs, most feline patients are not held off food and feeding tubes may be placed in the course of the disease if the cat refuses to eat.

You are free to offer any type of healthy food your cat will eat, particularly canned (wet) foods, and even high-fat foods.

Here are some things to look for in foods:

• Easily digestible
• Moderate levels of protein that come from novel sources or are altered to be hypoallergenic
• Moderate fat levels
• Canned, unless the cat will only eat dry

PREVENTION

While these preventative measures will not ensure that your cat does not develop this inflammation, they may help to avoid the medical condition. These measures include:

• A reduction in the cat’s weight (if it is overweight), and proper ongoing weight management
• Keeping your cat as close to its ideal weight as possible
• Avoidance of drugs that may increase inflammation

Panleukopenia

Feline Panleukopenia virus (FPV), also commonly referred to as feline distemper, is a highly contagious and life-threatening viral disease in the cat population. This virus affects the rapidly dividing blood cells in the body, primarily the cells in the intestinal tract, bone marrow, and in stem cells of the developing fetus. Because the blood cells are under attack, this virus can lead to an anemic condition, and it can open the body to infections from other illnesses – viral or bacterial.

In the unvaccinated population, FP is one of the most important feline diseases. The causative virus is very resilient and can survive for years in contaminated environments, so vaccination is the best preventative available. Kittens between the ages of two to six months are at the highest risk for developing severe disease symptoms, as well as pregnant cats and immune-compromised cats. In adult cats, FP usually occurs in mild form and may even go unnoticed. Fortunately, cats that survive this infection are immune to any further infection with this virus.

Please note that while the feline parvovirus is related to the canine parvovirus by genusParvoviridae, the feline parvovirus is not communicable to dogs at all, nor vice versa. In addition, feline distemper is not related to canine distemper.

SYMPTOMS AND TYPES

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea/bloody diarrhea
• Dehydration
• Weight loss
• High fever
• Anemia (due to lowered red blood cells)
• Rough hair coat
• Depression
• Complete loss of interest in food
• Some cats may hide themselves for a day or two
• Hanging head over water bowl or food dish but does not drink or eat
• Feet tucked under body for long periods
• Chin resting on floor for long periods
• Neurological symptoms in those cats in which virus attacks the brain (e.g., lack of coordination)

CAUSES

The feline parvovirus (FPV) is the initiating cause for feline panleukopenia. Cats acquire this infection when they come into contact with infected blood, feces, urine, or fleas that have been fed from an infected cat. The virus can also be passed along by people who have not washed their hands appropriately between handling cats, or by materials such as bedding, food dishes, or equipment that has been used on other cats. The use of proper hygiene (i.e., soap and water) after handling any animal will minimize the chance of passing infections to healthy animals.

This virus can remain on many surfaces, so it is important to practice safe and clean methods for preventing the transmission of this disease. However, even under the cleanest conditions, traces of the virus may remain in an environment in which an infected cat has been. The feline parvovirus is resistant to disinfectants and can remain in the environment for as long as a year, waiting for an opportunity.

Kittens can acquire this disease in utero or through breast milk if the pregnant or nursing mother should be infected. Generally, the prognosis is not good for kittens that have been exposed to this virus while in utero.

Summer months bring a heightened risk for infection since cats are more likely to go outdoors and come into contact with other cats. Likewise, shelters and kennels may harbor the virus, increasing your cat’s risk if you place your cat in a kennel during holiday trips.

DIAGNOSIS

You will need to give a thorough history of your cat’s health and recent activities. Whether your cat has recently come into contact with other cats, or if it is generally permitted out of doors can be important in pointing your veterinarian in the right direction.

FPV can mimic many other types of diseased conditions, including poisoning, feline leukemia (FeLV), feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), and pancreatitis, amongst others, so it is important to give your veterinarian as much detail as possible so that the appropriate treatment can be started immediately.

Once the history is out of the way, your doctor will perform a physical examination, with routine laboratory tests including a complete blood count, biochemistry profile, and urinalysis. The routine laboratory testing results are usually non-specific with minor changes. The feline parvovirus attack and kills the cells that rapidly divide, such as those produced in the bone marrow and intestines, so the blood count typically will show a decrease in white and red blood cells. A fecal sample may also show microscopic remnants of the parvovirus.

TREATMENT

Affected cats will require immediate life-saving treatment. Dehydration is one of the primary symptoms of FP, and this will need to be resolved immediately as this can quickly become life-endangering. The major goal is to restore body fluid levels and electrolyte balance. And because this virus affects the immune system, your veterinarian may prescribe prophylactic antibiotics to prevent opportunistic infections from taking hold.

Good supportive care can mean the difference between life and death. Your cat will need to be rested until it is out of danger. Provide a quiet, warm space for your cat to recover, away from active areas of the house, and separate from other animals and active children. Placing the food dishes and litter box close by will allow your cat to care for itself without having to exert itself unnecessarily. You will need to isolate your cat from other cats. However, do not avoid physical contact with your cat, as the chances of your cat’s recovery are also dependent upon receiving affection from you. This infection has a particularly depressing effect on a cat’s physical and mental health and your cat will need affection and comfort during the recovery time. Needless to say, you will need to practice strict hygiene, and keeping in mind that this infection can remain on surfaces, make sure to stay especially clean after coming into contact with your sick cat so that you are not unintentionally spreading the virus to other cats.

If your cat is treated promptly and effectively and is able to make it through the first two days (48 hours), it is likely that your cat will recover fully, with lifetime immunity from FP as a plus. It may take a few weeks for your cat to feel complete back to normal, but once your cat has been exposed to this virus and has had an immune response to it, it will be immune from acquiring it again. Also, it will not pass the virus after the initial episode.

LIVING AND MANAGEMENT

Follow your veterinarian’s guidelines as far as dispensing medication, household disinfection, and the necessity for quarantine. If you have other cats, you will need to observe them closely for signs of illness. Consult with your veterinarian regarding the possibility of vaccinating other cats in the home. Household bleach can be used as an effective disinfectant against this virus, but the best way to be sure that you have cleared your home of any traces of the virus is to replace all of your cat’s belongings with new ones. This includes bedding, toys, dishes, and litter boxes. Again, keep in mind that even then you may not be able to remove all traces of the virus. While your cat will not be susceptible to reinfection after it has recovered, other visiting cats can still be infected by contaminants that have been left behind.

Vaccination is the most important tool in the prevention of this disease. Before you bring a cat into your home be sure to ask your veterinarian to include the FPV vaccine in the standard vaccination package. Unvaccinated pregnant cats are at the highest risk for fatal complications since their immune systems are compromised by the pregnancy. The developing fetuses are also very likely to be born with severe developmental dysfunctions.

Preventative Care for Senior Cats

It probably doesn’t come as a surprise to anyone that a senior cat has needs that are different than those of a young cat. But how do you know when your cat is a senior?

Generally, cats over 7-10 years of age should be considered seniors. With increasing age, changes in the body occur as well. For instance, in one study, roughly 90% of cats over the age of 12 years were noted to have radiographic evidence of arthritis. Needless to say, with arthritis comes pain and mobility issues. If your older cat has become less active and is now reluctant to jump on counters and other areas that he used to frequent, it may be because your cat has developed arthritis.

Likewise, without the proper care, dental disease can pose a problem, particularly for older pets. You may be surprised to learn that veterinarians find evidence of dental disease in many pets as early as 2-3 years of age. If nothing is done to care for your cat’s mouth, by the time your cat is a senior, he may even have lost some teeth. Dental disease can be painful, causing your cat to have difficulty eating or even avoid his meals. This may result in weight loss and an unkempt hair coat.

Dental disease is certainly not the only disease that can lead to weight loss. Senior cats frequently suffer from kidney disease, thyroid disease, liver disease, heart disease, and other conditions that may result in weight loss.

On the other hand, some senior cats may have the opposite problem. Some cats will become less active with age, essentially becoming couch potatoes, and will gain weight as a result. Obesity is a major health issue in cats of all ages, and senior cats are no different.

What can you do to help your senior cat? Here are some tips:

Schedule regular visits with your veterinarian. Your cat needs to be examined at least yearly if it appears healthy, as many diseases are hidden and not apparent. Remember it is much cheaper to prevent disease than it is to treat it!

Ask for a body condition evaluation during each vet visit. Body condition is crucial to determining whether your senior cat is overweight, underweight, or at ideal body weight. In fact, you should also ask your veterinarian to show you how to evaluate your cat’s body condition at home.

Feed your older cat a diet with adequate protein levels. Avoid vegan or vegetarian diets. Cats are obligate carnivores. They require nutrients such as taurine and arachidonic acid that are only found in animal sources. They also require a higher protein level than dogs, comparatively. Learn to read a pet food label and feed a diet that is appropriate for your cat’s age and lifestyle.

Feed your cat to remain at its ideal body weight. Overweight cats have a higher incidence of diseases such as diabetes, liver disease, skin disease, and even cancer. Your veterinarian can help you choose an appropriate diet for your cat. Your cat must be fed carefully to make sure all its nutrient needs are met. Some obese cats may require a specialized diet that is lower in calories but nutrient-rich. Diets that are high in L-carnitine can be helpful in weight loss. The level of carbohydrates in cat food is controversial but a proper carbohydrate blend can help keep your cat feeling satiated.

Consider fortifying your senior cat’s diet with fatty acids such as DHA and EPA. They have been shown to be useful for cats with mobility issues due to arthritis or other joint diseases. Supplements such as glucosamine and chondroitin are also beneficial for senior cats.

Consider a special diet if your older cat has heart or kidney disease. For example, diets lower in sodium are sometimes advocated for cats with heart disease, while diets that help control phosphorus, calcium, and other electrolyte levels are given to cats with kidney disease. Your veterinarian can help you choose the best food for your cat based on your cat’s individual situation.

Ask about special diets for cats with hyperthyroidism. Diets with restricted iodine levels are now available as a potential management method for cats with hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid gland.) However, it is important that cats with normal thyroid function do not consume these diets. If you have questions, ask your veterinarian for advice.

Take care of your cat’s mouth. Brushing your cat’s teeth may seem like a silly idea but it can help keep your cat’s mouth healthy. If you cannot brush, consider dental treats that help keep the teeth clean.

Environmental enrichment is important for cats of all ages and should not be abandoned for senior cats. Interactive toys, food puzzles (particularly for overweight cats), and even supervised access to the outdoors through the use of “catios” or leash walking can help keep senior cats entertained as well as help burn excess calories and keep muscles and joints healthy.

Provide your older cat with special accommodations. For instance, cats with arthritis might benefit from litter boxes with lower sides for easier access into and out of the box. Providing soft bedding for your cat, either with a cat bed or with towels or blankets to rest on, can help your cat be more comfortable. Be sure that food and water are easily accessible. Don’t force your arthritic senior cat to go up and down stairs to eat, drink or use the litter box.

Renal Failure in Cats

Chronic kidney failure is a progressive disease, but it can often be treated with some success.

If your cat has been diagnosed with chronic renal failure, this is what you can expect to happen next:

Medication: Medications and supplements that lower blood pressure, raise potassium levels, lower phosphorous levels, promote kidney function, treat anemia, treat gastrointestinal ulcers, and reduce vomiting may all be a part of therapy.
Diet: Special diets that promote kidney function and reduce the biochemical abnormalities in the body that result from renal failure are often prescribed. Canned food is usually best due to its high water content. Supplemental fluids may also be given under the skin.
Surgery: In rare cases, a kidney transplant may be considered.

WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE VET’S OFFICE

If your veterinarian needs to confirm your cat’s diagnosis of chronic kidney failure, he or she may need to order a blood chemistry panel, complete blood cell count, a urinalysis, and blood pressure testing.

Findings typically include some combination of:

• dilute urine
• elevated blood urea nitrogen (BUN)
• increased levels of creatinine in the blood
• anemia (low red blood cell count)
• high levels of phosphorous in the blood
• low levels of potassium in the blood
• high blood pressure

After a definitive diagnosis of chronic renal failure, your veterinarian will determine whether your cat needs to be hospitalized. Severely affected cats may need to stay at the veterinary clinic to receive intravenous fluids and begin treatment for any other symptoms they might have (see below).

Once cats with chronic renal failure are stable enough to continue their treatment at home, they can be discharged from the hospital.

WHAT TO EXPECT AT HOME

Appropriate treatment for chronic kidney failure depends on the specific symptoms and biochemical abnormalities a cat has. Many patients require fluid therapy to combat dehydration. This can be achieved by increasing the water content of a pet’s diet (e.g., feeding canned food only) and through intermittent subcutaneous fluid treatment (giving boluses of sterile fluid under the skin).

Your veterinarian may also prescribe a special diet to help promote kidney function and counteract biochemical abnormalities that commonly occur in the body.

Additional recommendations are based on a pet’s individual needs and may include:

• Medications to lower blood pressure (e.g., propranolol, atenolol, or enalapril)
• Nutritional supplements that reduce BUN (Azodyl) and phosphorus levels (Epakitin)
• Omega 3 fatty acids protect the kidneys
• Medications to treat or prevent stomach ulcers (e.g., ranitidine, famotidine, omeprazole, sucralfate)
• Potassium supplements
• Medications decrease blood phosphorous levels (e.g., calcium carbonate)
• Calcitriol to slow the progression of chronic renal failure
• Medications to treat anemia (e.g., erythropoietin or darbepoetin)
• Anti-nausea medications (e.g., maropitant or ondansetron)

Kidney transplants may be an option for cats who meet specific criteria.

QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR VET

Ask your veterinarian what the possible side effects are of the medications your cat is taking. Find out when he or she next wants to see your cat for a progress check and whom you should call if an emergency arises outside of your veterinarian’s normal business hours.

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS TO WATCH FOR

Chronic kidney failure is a progressive disease, but the speed of the decline can vary greatly between individuals. Some cats enjoy a good quality of life for many months, or even years, while others have to be euthanized soon after diagnosis.

Talk to your veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns about your cat’s condition, particularly if you notice a worsening of:

• dehydration
• lethargy, depression, or other abnormal behaviors
• poor appetite
• increased thirst and urination
• weight loss and/or muscle wasting
• vomiting or diarrhea (possibly containing blood)
• bad breath
• difficulty breathing
• poor vision

Ringworm in Cats

Dermatophytosis is the medical term for a fungal infection affecting the skin, hair, and/or nails (claws) of cats. The most common of these parasites are ‘Microsporum Canis Trichophyton mentagrophytes, and Microsporum gypseum (Commonly Known as Ringworm). This disease occurs in dogs and other mammals, and, in cats, these infections are more common in long-haired breeds than in short-haired breeds.

Ringworm in Cats is diagnosed largely with kittens and younger cats rather than in older adults. Ringworm can affect both dogs and cats.

SYMPTOMS AND TYPES OF RINGWORM

Symptoms affecting your cats can include a collection of dead skin cells.

This cell collection can lead to: dandruff (scales); poor hair coat with irritated and reddened skin (erythema); darkened skin (hyperpigmentation); itchiness (pruritus); and hair loss (alopecia), which may be patchy or circular. The classic sign of circular hair loss is most commonly seen in cats.

Some other symptoms of Ringworm are raised, rounded, knotty (nodular) lesions known as granulomatous lesions, or boils. A granuloma is are raised nodular lesion that frequently oozes (kerions), as a result of ringworm infection. There may also be inflammation of the folds of skin bordering the nail and other skin and nail folds – medically referred to as paronychia.

Even though these are some of the symptoms of ringworm in cats, some of those infected may be asymptomatic. These types of cats infected with ringworm are classified as inapparent carriers — harboring the disease-causing fungus, but presenting no visible signs of the condition. But make sure to remember even though they do not look sick, these cats are contagious to humans or other animals.

CAUSES

Ringworm is by far the most common cause of dermatophytosis in cats. The amounts of cases vary due to your geographical location. Environments that are densely populated with animals (for example, in a cattery or animal shelter), or where there is poor nutrition, poor management practices, and a lack of adequate quarantine period, will also increase the risk of infection.

Immunocompromising diseases or immunosuppressive medications (factors that decrease the body’s ability to develop a normal immune response) can raise the likelihood that your cat will be at risk of a fungal infection of the skin, hair, and/or nails, as well as increase the potential for a more severe infection.

DIAGNOSIS

Your veterinarian will perform a fungal culture of skin clippings, a microscopic examination of a sample of hair, and possibly a skin biopsy.

TREATMENT

Most cats can be treated for ringworm on an outpatient basis, but quarantine procedures should be considered due to the infective and zoonotic (transmittable to humans) nature of some types of dermatophytosis. If your veterinarian needs to prescribe anti-fungal medications, the use of an Elizabethan collar (a wide collar placed around the neck) is recommended to prevent ingestion of anti-fungal medications applied to your cat’s skin.

LIVING AND MANAGEMENT

A fungal culture is the only way of truly monitoring your cat’s treatment. Many animals will improve and look like they are recovering with treatment, but they may remain fungal culture-positive. It is advisable to repeat fungal cultures toward the end of treatment, and continue treatment until at least one culture result is negative. In resistant cases, fungal cultures may be repeated on a weekly basis, and treatment continued until two to three consecutive negative results are obtained. Complete blood counts should be performed weekly or biweekly for cats receiving griseofulvin, an anti-fungous antibiotic. Also, blood work to monitor liver changes may be indicated for cats receiving ketoconazole or itraconazole, two types of anti-fungal medications.

PREVENTION

To prevent reinfection from other animals, the use of a quarantine period and fungal (dermatophyte) cultures of all animals living in the household are necessary. Treatment of exposed animals should be considered to prevent the repeated development of infection. The possibility of rodents aiding in the spread of the disease should also be considered. If you suspect that your cat has access to rodents, or that rodents are in your immediate environment, it is highly advised that you take the necessary steps to eliminate the pests.

Rotavirus Infection in Cats

The rotavirus is a double-stranded, wheel-shaped RNA virus that causes inflammation of the intestines and in severe cases, dysfunction in the intestinal walls. This virus is the leading cause of diarrhea and gastrointestinal upset in cats. And although it can be seen in cats at any age, kittens are more prone to rotavirus infections.

SYMPTOMS AND TYPES

The primary symptom of rotavirus infection is mild to moderate watery diarrhea. In severe cases, cats may die from dehydration, extreme weight loss, and/or an unwillingness to eat.

CAUSES

The rotavirus is typically transmitted through contact with contaminated fecal matter. Cats with underdeveloped or weak immune systems and those living in overly stressed environments are most at risk for the infection.

DIAGNOSIS

Your veterinarian will try to rule out the following causes of intestinal inflammation before diagnosing rotavirus: feline parvovirus, feline leukemia virus (FeLV), feline coronavirus, feline astrovirus, and feline calicivirus. Other causes of inflammation of the intestine may include fungal infections, parasites, allergies, or exposure to toxins.

Lab tests to detect the virus may include laboratory examination of tissue samples or microscopic exploration of feces. One such test is ELISA (or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay), a biochemical technique. Your veterinarian may also be able to identify the virus using a technique called virus isolation.

To formally diagnose rotavirus, a veterinarian will examine the intestinal villi (the small hairs lining the intestine) and other cells within the intestinal wall, using special instruments to detect the rotavirus and antibodies the virus may have produced.

TREATMENT

Once the rotavirus is formally diagnosed, your veterinarian will begin treatment to ensure prompt recovery. Treatment involves symptomatic relief to relieve the cat’s diarrhea and to help replace lost fluids and electrolytes. Your doctor will also advise temporary dietary restrictions to help alleviate some of your cat’s intestinal discomfort.

Antibiotics are generally not prescribed because they are only useful for bacterial, not viral infections.

LIVING AND MANAGEMENT

Because rotaviruses are zoonotic, it is important that pet owners keep infected cats away from young children, infants in particular. When handling the fecal matter of an infected animal, it is especially important to use precautions, such as wearing latex gloves and disinfecting the animal’s living area.

Humans living in developing countries are most at risk, often experiencing life-threatening diarrhea. Estimates suggest that in developing countries up to 500,000 children under the age of five die every year from rotavirus infections.

PREVENTION

The best protection for a kitten is to consume the milk of an immune cat queen, as they produce antibodies that may protect against the rotavirus.

Seizures in Cats

Epilepsy is a brain disorder that causes the affected cat to have sudden, uncontrolled, recurring physical attacks, with or without loss of consciousness. When this occurs for unknown reasons, it is referred to as idiopathic epilepsy. Epilepsy is more common in dogs than in cats.

SYMPTOMS AND TYPES

Seizures in cats are usually preceded by a short aura (or focal onset). When this occurs the cat may appear frightened and dazed, or it may hide or seek attention. Once the seizure begins, the cat will fall on its side. It may become stiff, chomp its jaw, salivate profusely, urinate, defecate, vocalize, and/or paddle with all four limbs. These seizure activities generally last between 30 and 90 seconds.

Seizures most often occur while the patient is resting or asleep, often at night or in the early morning. In addition, most cats recover from the aftereffects of the seizure by the time you take the cat to the veterinarian for an examination.

Generally, epileptic seizures are first seen in cats between one to four years of age. Behavior following the seizure, known as postictal (after seizure) behavior, includes confusion and disorientation, aimless wandering, compulsive behavior, blindness, pacing, increased thirst (polydipsia), and increased appetite (polyphagia). Recovery following the seizure may be immediate, or it may take up to 24 hours.

CAUSES

In many cases, the cause is unknown. Some cases of idiopathic epilepsy may be genetic in origin.

DIAGNOSIS

The two most important factors in the diagnosis of idiopathic epilepsy is the age at onset and the seizure pattern (type and frequency). If your cat has more than two seizures within the first week of onset, your veterinarian will probably consider a diagnosis other than idiopathic epilepsy. If the seizures occur when the cat is younger than one year or older than four years, it may be metabolic or intracranial (within the skull) in origin. Focal seizures or the presence of neurologic deficits, meanwhile, indicate structural intracranial disease.

Diagnosis will usually start with routine blood testing, including a complete blood cell count, a blood chemistry profile, a thyroid screen, and testing for viruses such as feline leukemia and feline AIDS. A urinalysis may also be recommended by your veterinarian.

Additional testing may involve specialized imaging studies of the brain, such as a CT scan or MRI. An analysis of spinal fluid collected via a spinal tap may be recommended as well.

TREATMENT

Most of the treatment is outpatient. Anticonvulsant medications may be necessary depending on the frequency and severity of the seizures.

LIVING AND MANAGEMENT

It is essential to monitor the therapeutic levels of drugs in the blood. Cats treated with phenobarbital, for instance, must have their blood and serum chemistry profile monitored periodically after initiating therapy. Drug dosages may need to be adjusted depending on drug serum levels and response to treatment

Older cats that are on potassium bromide treatment will need to be carefully monitored for kidney insufficiency. If you have an older cat that will be undergoing treatment for epileptic seizures, your veterinarian may recommend a diet change for the cat.

Cats with idiopathic or genetic epilepsy should be spayed or neutered to prevent passing the trait on.

Do not give your epileptic cat any over-the-counter medications without checking with your veterinarian first. These medications can interfere with anticonvulsant medications or lower the seizure threshold, causing additional seizure activity.

Skipped doses of anticonvulsant medications can be dangerous for your cat. Cats on medication for epilepsy should be kept indoors to avoid missing doses.

PREVENTION

When this form of epilepsy is due to genetic abnormalities, there is little you can do to prevent it. However, the abrupt discontinuation of medication(s) to control seizures in your cat may aggravate or initiate the return of seizures.

Spaying Your Female Cat

There are many advantages to spaying your cat. Spaying refers to removing the uterus and ovaries (or in some cases, only the ovaries) of a female cat.

Spaying your female cat has several advantages:

• Cats that are spayed early in life, before the first heat cycle, in particular, have a much lower risk of developing breast cancer later in life.
• Cats that are spayed also do not develop pyometra. For those of you unfamiliar with this disease, pyometra is a very serious and often fatal infection of the uterus. When a cat is spayed, there is no longer the possibility that pyometra could occur.

Besides the health and behavioral advantages of spaying, there is also the advantage of making certain that your cat does not contribute to the pet overpopulation problem. The number of cats euthanized every year at shelters, rescues, and animal control facilities throughout the nation are staggering. And these cats are euthanized simply for lack of proper homes.

Should your cat be allowed to have a litter before she is spayed? No! There is no good medical reason for your cat to have a litter of kittens before she is spayed. In fact, there is no good reason that your cat should wait until she starts her heat cycle before she is spayed. As we’ve noted previously, spaying a cat earlier in life provides a solid medical benefit by virtually eliminating the risk of breast cancer for your cat.

Personally, I have nothing against breeding purebred cats. In fact, there are many breeds of cats that I find quite beautiful and fascinating. The thought of losing these breeds because we no longer breed them is distressing. However, I do believe that the breeding of animals should be carried out only by reputable breeders with knowledge of their chosen breed and careful selection of the mated pair. Breeding your cat simply because you want kittens is, in my opinion, unacceptable.

Staph Infection in Cats

The Staphylococcus bacteria is one of the more commonly transmitted infections, passing easily from animal to animal and in some cases from animal to human. This bacteria can live free in the environment, on the skin of a host as a parasite, and in the upper respiratory tract of animals. This infection can be found in any breed of cat, and at any age.

SYMPTOMS AND TYPES

Some of the most common signs of this infection are:

• Fever
• Lack of appetite
• Pain
• Abscesses on the skin
• Infections of the eyes, skin, ears, eyes, or respiratory system
• Itching (pruritus)
• Inflammation marked by pus-filled lesions (pyoderma)

For cats, common indicators can include abscesses, oral infections, eye infections (conjunctivitis), and bacteremia (bacterial blood infection).

CAUSES

Younger cats are most prone to developing this infection, as their immune systems have not fully developed. Old animals are also more susceptible, as their immune systems have become compromised with age. Other causes can include bacterial or fungal infections (pathogens) of the blood, chronic debilitating diseases that wear down the immune system, allergies, and other secondary infections.

DIAGNOSIS

A complete blood profile will be conducted by your veterinarian, including a chemical blood profile, a complete blood count, and a urinalysis. Proper diagnosis will often involve skin testing to determine if the condition is caused by allergies or other immune-related causes. It is also important to rule out abnormal cell development as an underlying cause of the condition.

TREATMENT

A variety of medications are available to treat this medical condition, but some strains are resistant to medications. In some cases, standard antibiotics are not effective at curing this condition and a different course will need to be prescribed.

LIVING AND MANAGEMENT

It is important to dispose of any potentially infected materials or contaminated objects. Also, external (topical) cleansing of the wound(s) and the infected area of the skin is essential for healing the skin and preventing the bacteria from spreading. Because this type of bacteria is opportunistic and can be passed to both animals and humans, special care must be taken when handling your cat and cleaning its wounds.

PREVENTION

There are not currently any known preventative measures for this infection.

Stomatitis in Cats

Stomatitis is the condition where the soft tissues in an animal’s mouth become irritated and inflamed. In a cat’s mouth, these tissues include the gums and tongue. It can become a major issue if bacteria or infection enters the cat’s bloodstream.

Treatment options are available, and the prognosis is positive for cats suffering from this medical condition.

Stomatitis can affect both dogs and cats.

SYMPTOMS AND TYPES

Common symptoms or signs of Stomatitis can include:

• Pain
• Bad Breath
• Ulcerated tissues
• Extensive teeth plaque
• Excessive drooling or saliva
• Fluid buildup in the gums

The primary types of inflammation are:

1. Ulcerative Stomatitis: This condition occurs when a significant amount of gum tissue is lost in a cat’s mouth and is frequently accompanied by inflammation of the oral tissues.
2. Oral Eosinophilic Granuloma: This condition occurs when there is a mass or growth in the cat’s mouth.
3. Gingival Hyperplasia: This condition occurs when gum tissue increases in size.
4. Lymphocytic Plasmocytic: This condition is characterized by the presence of plasma cells and lymphocytes in the mouth — each are types of white blood cell.

CAUSES

In kittens, inflammation can occur as teeth become overcrowded in the mouth. Several metabolic disorders are also known to cause this inflammation, including an abnormal amount of waste products in the bloodstream, inflammation of blood vessels in the mouth (common with diabetes), inadequate levels of the hormone (called parathyroid), and lymphoma. Infectious diseases and injuries to the mouth can also cause inflammation.

DIAGNOSIS

A veterinarian will examine your cat’s mouth for lesions, teeth decay, plaque, and other noticeable signs that may be causing the inflammation. In addition, laboratory blood work will typically be done to rule out any other underlying medical condition for the inflammation.

TREATMENT

Antibiotics have been proven effective in reducing inflammation of a cat’s oral cavity. In some cases, teeth will need to be surgically removed to reduce inflammation. Teeth cleaning and proper dental and oral health should also ensure a quick recovery and good health for the cat.

PREVENTION

To prevent inflammation, your veterinarian may recommend that you rinse or brush your cat’s mouth. There are also some topical ointments that can be used to reduce or prevent inflammation of the cat’s gums.

Supracaudal Gland Hyperplasia (Stud Tail)

Stud tail is commonly seen in intact male cats but can also be seen in neutered males and females. It results in skin disease at the base of the tail.

SYMPTOMS AND TYPES

• Greasy (sometimes matted) hair at the base of the tail
• Missing hair at the base of the tail
• Blackheads (comedones) on the skin at the base of the tail
• Waxy substance on the skin and hair at the base of the tail
• Skin infection at the base of the tail
• A foul odor

CAUSES

The supracaudal gland at the base of the tail contains sebaceous glands that secrete an oily substance known as sebum. In the stud tail, these glands secrete abnormal amounts of sebum. The condition is also known as supracaudal gland hyperplasia.

Stud tail is most often seen in intact male cats because male hormones encourage increased secretion of sebum. However, it is possible for female cats and neutered male cats to also suffer from the condition.

DIAGNOSIS

Diagnosis is based on physical examination and the presence of typical symptoms at the base of the tail.

TREATMENT

Shampoos, particularly antiseborrheic shampoos, are used regularly to keep the area clean. Antibiotics may be necessary to treat the infection if present. Neutering may resolve symptoms of stud tail for intact male cats.

Taurine Deficiency

Amino acids are building blocks for proteins and essential to the proper functioning of most of the body systems. They are critical to life, with over 20 types of amino acids present in the body.

Essential, or indispensable amino acids are a group of amino acids that cannot be synthesized in the body and are thus required to be taken in through diet. Taurine is one of these types of amino acids and has been found to play an essential role in the diet of cats. Lack of this amino acid results in severe health repercussions, such as blindness and tooth decay, amongst other things. For this reason, all cat foods are supplemented with taurine to avoid nutritional deficiency so that the condition is rare in regard to nutritional deprivation.

However, some cats may have a taurine deficiency in relation to a certain disease and may require taurine added to their diets. Or they may be fed a home-cooked diet, including vegetarian or boiled meat diets, which can also place them at a higher risk of a taurine deficiency.

Taurine is distributed throughout the body with a high concentration in certain tissues including heart wall muscles, the retina of the eye, and the brain. The exact function of taurine in these tissues remains elusive, but it is well known that taurine deficiency can lead to blindness and heart failure due to enlargement of the heart (dilated cardiomyopathy). With taurine replacement, this condition is usually fully, or at least partially reversible.

SYMPTOMS AND TYPES

There are no symptoms specifically related to taurine deficiency. However, as taurine deficiency causes dilated cardiomyopathy, the symptoms are usually found to be related to the latter disease.

CAUSES

• Taurine deficient diets may result from being fed home-cooked diets that are low in taurine-rich foods
• Not eating enough to receive the needed amount of taurine

DIAGNOSIS

You will need to give a thorough history of your cat’s health, including a background history of symptoms and the type of diet your cat regularly eats. After taking a detailed history, your veterinarian will conduct a complete physical examination on your cat. During the physical examination, the attending veterinarian will thoroughly examine your cat’s heart.

Routine laboratory tests will include a complete blood count (CBC), biochemistry profile, and urinalysis. The results of these tests are usually found to be normal in these patients unless some other disease or condition is also present. Your veterinarian will send the blood sample to the laboratory for the evaluation of blood taurine levels; low levels will be the confirmation of a deficiency.

If a heart disease is present, chest X-rays, electrocardiogram (ECG), and other diagnostic measures will be taken to diagnose and evaluate the severity of the disease. As the eye’s retina is high in taurine concentration, retinal damage is a common finding in cats with chronically low taurine. Therefore, your veterinarian will also perform a detailed eye examination to see if any retinal damage is present.

TREATMENT

Taurine supplementation is the treatment of choice for cats suffering from a taurine deficiency. In some cats, lifetime taurine supplementation is usually required to prevent recurrent taurine deficiency. This will depend on the severity of the deficiency and your cat’s ability to maintain levels of taurine as it is ingested. For some patients, taurine supplementation may be discontinued after the resolution of the symptoms.

LIVING AND MANAGEMENT

Good nursing care is required at home during the period of treatment. Give the medications at the prescribed dose and frequency to avoid the aggravation of the symptoms. In case of heart disease, your cat will need proper rest in a stress-free environment out of the way of household traffic.

Routine examinations are usually required to monitor the treatment response and to make sure that taurine levels are maintained by the body. While dramatic improvement is seen in most animals, some animals don’t respond well to taurine supplementation.

Thyroid Disease (Hyperthyroidism) in Cats

Hyperthyroidism is a disease caused by the overproduction of thyroxine, a thyroid hormone that increases metabolism in the body. The thyroid gland normally produces thyroid hormones in response to stimulation by the pituitary gland, the “master gland” of the body. Thyroid hormones normally increase chemical processes occurring within the cells of the body, especially those related to metabolism; however, in hyperthyroidism, the excessive hormone levels push the cells and body into overdrive, resulting in increased metabolism with concurrent weight loss, anxiety, and diarrhea, among other symptoms.

There is no known genetic predisposition for hyperthyroidism, but it is quite common in cats. In fact, hyperthyroidism is the most common hormonal (endocrine) disease in the cat population, often seen in late middle-aged and older cats. (The mean age of discovery is approximately 13 years, with a range of 4-22 years.)

SYMPTOMS AND TYPES

• Involves many organ systems due to the overall increase in metabolism
• Weight loss
• Increased appetite
• Unkempt appearance
• Poor body condition
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Increased thirst (polydipsia)
• Increased urine (polyuria)
• Rapid breathing (tachypnea)
• Difficulty breathing (dyspnea)
• Heart murmur; rapid heart rate; particularly an abnormal heartbeat known as a “gallop rhythm”
• Hyperactivity
• Aggression
• Enlarged thyroid gland, which can be felt as a lump on the neck
• Thickened nails

Less than 10 percent of cats suffering from hyperthyroidism are referred to as apathetic. These patients exhibit atypical signs such as poor appetite, loss of appetite, depression, and weakness.

CAUSES

• Overfunctioning thyroid nodules (where the thyroid nodules produce excess thyroid hormones outside of the control of the pituitary gland)
• Rarely, thyroid cancer
• Some reports have linked hyperthyroidism in cats to some canned food diets
• Advancing age increases risk

DIAGNOSIS

The signs of feline hyperthyroidism can overlap with those of chronic renal failure, chronic hepatic disease, and cancer (especially intestinal lymphoma). These diseases can be excluded on the basis of routine laboratory findings and thyroid function tests. Your veterinarian will conduct a battery of tests to zero in on a reliable diagnosis.

Thoracic radiography and echocardiography may be useful in assessing the severity of the myocardial disease. Abdominal ultrasound may be useful for exploring underlying renal disease.

Thyroid gland scintigraphy (a diagnostic test in which a two-dimensional picture of a body radiation source is obtained through the use of radioisotopes) can be used to diagnose hyperthyroidism and to determine the location of abnormal thyroid tissue. A high concentration of T4 (tetraiodothyronine) in the blood serum is the most common finding, confirming the diagnosis of hyperthyroidism. In some cases, however, the T4 levels may be in the normal range, making a diagnosis of hyperthyroidism more difficult. This is especially true in the early stages of this disease. If your cat is showing the symptoms of hyperthyroidism but the blood tests are not conclusive, you will need to return to your veterinarian for further blood tests.

TREATMENT

Outpatient management is usually sufficient if drugs that inhibit the production of thyroid hormones can be used. Surgical removal of the thyroid gland or treatment using a radioactive form of iodine will require inpatient treatment and monitoring.

Surgical removal of the thyroid gland is best performed when only one thyroid gland is affected, as removal of both can possibly lead to hypothyroidism. Another complication that can occur after surgical removal of the affected thyroid gland is the successive hyper-activity of the remaining thyroid gland.

The use of radioiodine is restricted to a confined medical facility since the treatment itself is radioactive. Depending on the state in which you live and the guidelines in place, your cat will need to be hospitalized from several days to a few weeks after being treated with radioactive medicine, to allow the radioactive material to clear most of the body before the cat is handled by family members. Precautions will still need to be taken after taking your cat home, to reduce your risk of having a toxic reaction to the radioactive treatment. Your veterinarian will advise you on precautionary measures.

Anti-thyroid drugs can also be effective. However, drugs to control thyroid activity often must be given for the life of the cat. In rare cases, untreated hyperthyroidism can lead to congestive heart failure, which requires emergency, inpatient intensive care. Poor absorption of nutrients and high metabolism in untreated hyperthyroidism suggest the need for a high protein, highly digestible diet; that is, one that can be quickly absorbed into the body.

Once the major symptoms resulting from excessive levels of thyroid hormones in the body have been resolved, dietary modifications often do not need to be strictly enforced. Even so, dietary modifications may be necessary to treat or control complications such as kidney damage.

LIVING AND MANAGEMENT

Once treatment has begun, your veterinarian will need to reexamine your cat every two to three weeks for the initial three months of treatment, with a complete blood count to check for serum thyroid hormone concentration of T4. The dosage of the medications will be adjusted to maintain T4 concentration in the low-normal range.

If your cat has had surgery, particularly the removal of the thyroid gland, your veterinarian will want to closely observe the cat’s physical recovery. Development of low blood calcium levels and/or paralysis of the voice box during the initial postoperative period are complications that will need to be watched for and treated, should they occur. Your doctor will also be measuring thyroid hormone levels in the first week after surgery and every three to six months thereafter, to check for recurrence of thyroid gland overactivity.

Toxoplasmosis

Toxoplasmosis is an infection caused by the Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) parasite. It is one of the most common parasitic diseases and is known to affect nearly all warm-blooded animals and humans, but cats are the primary living host.

This parasite completes its life cycle in cats, and they are the only mammals in which this parasite is passed through the feces and into the environment as part of the life cycle. However, contact with raw meat and unwashed produce is also a very significant and well-known source of human infection.

Both acute and chronic forms of toxoplasmosis exist, where the chronic form is usually a low-grade disease without any clinical symptoms, and the acute form is more symptomatic.

SYMPTOMS AND TYPES

Cats are more commonly seen with clinical symptoms as compared to dogs. Such symptoms include:

• Lethargy
• Depression
• Fever
• Weight loss
• Respiratory problems, like shortness of breath
• Uncoordinated gait
• Seizures
• Tremors
• Muscular weakness
• Partial or complete paralysis
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal Pain
• Jaundice
• Loss of appetite
• Inflammation of tonsils (tonsillitis)
• Inflammation of retina (retinitis)
• Inflammation of middle part of the eye including iris (uveitis)
• Inflammation of the cornea (keratitis)

Symptoms are most severe in kittens infected while in the womb. These kittens may be stillborn or die before weaning. Those who survive may show lack of appetite, fever, dyspnea, and jaundice.

CAUSES

Cats become infected through contact with the T. gondii parasite, which may be acquired from rooting in infected soil or from ingesting cat feces.

DIAGNOSIS

You will need to give a detailed history of your cat’s health, onset and nature of symptoms, and possible incidents that might have precipitated this condition, such as contact with other cats. Your veterinarian will perform a thorough physical exam to evaluate your cat’s body systems and to evaluate overall health of your cat. Routine laboratory tests — such as a complete blood count, biochemistry profile, and urinalysis — are also used to confirm infection.

For example, cats with toxoplasmosis may show an abnormally low number of white blood cells (leukopenia), low neutrophils (neutropenia), and low lymphocytes (lymphopenia) in the complete blood count.

Conversely, during recovery, the complete blood count may reveal an increased number of white blood cells, an indication of the increased activity of the infection-fighting white blood cells.

The biochemistry profile usually reveals abnormally high levels of liver enzymes ALT (alanine aminotransferase ) and AST (aspartate aminotransferase). Moreover, the level of albumin(the protein normally present in the blood) is also found to be at decreased levels in some cats with toxoplasmosis; a medical condition known as hypoalbuminemia. In about 25 percent of cats with toxoplasmosis, jaundice is seen with disturbed liver enzymes ALT and AST. The urinalysis may reveal abnormally high levels of proteins and bilirubin in the urine sample. Fecal samples may also reveal important information, as infected cats frequently shed parasite eggs in their feces. If you have a sample of your cat’s feces that you can take with your to your veterinarian, it may help to make the diagnosis and treatment move along faster.

Serological tests are the most reliable tests for making a definitive diagnosis. By measuring the levels of toxoplasma antigens in the body, your veterinarian can determine the type of infection, and whether it is active, dormant, recent (acute), or long-term (chronic). Your veterinarian may repeat these tests three weeks after the initial testing as part of a follow-up exam.

Serological tests will also help in determining the levels of antibodies IgM and IgG. Antibodies are proteins that are normally present in the body or produced in response to an antigen (in this case toxoplasma) for the purpose of neutralizing the antigen. Determining the IgM levels helps in the diagnosis of active toxoplasmosis, as these antibodies increase in number within one week of infection and may remain elevated for three months. The IgG antibodies increase within two to four weeks after infection and may remain elevated for a whole year to follow. Determination of antigen and antibody levels will help your veterinarian make the confirmatory diagnosis. The polymerase chain reaction test is a reliable test for verifying the presence of Toxoplasma gondii in samples.

Diagnostic imaging may also be called for, including a thoracic (chest) X-ray, which may show changes in the lung tissue, showing infection, and marks of complications that are related to infection. Your veterinarian may also take a sample of lung fluid to determine the presence of the T. gondii organism, especially in cats with lung involvement. More advanced diagnostic testing includes taking a collection of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Laboratory testing of CSF may reveal an abnormally high number of white blood cells (WBCs) and protein concentrations in patients with an infection that has reached the central nervous system.

TREATMENT

In case of severe disease, your cat may need to be hospitalized for emergency treatment. Fluids are given intravenously to cats with poor hydration. Antibiotics are given to control the infection and prevent further progression of the disease into the system.

In cats with severe disease, proper nutrition and hydration are important for keeping the animal’s health stable and for preventing a fatal outcome. However, in patients needing treatment because of severe symptoms, the overall prognosis is often very poor. Similarly, in kittens and immune-compromised patients, the prognosis is not favorable despite therapy.

Some antibiotics given to treat toxoplasmosis may cause side effects, like vomiting, lack of appetite, and diarrhea. If you see any such untoward symptoms, consult your veterinarian for appropriate changes in therapy, since these side effects can quickly become life-threatening. Regular monitoring of the treatment response is required in patients under therapy. Your veterinarian will evaluate the treatment response by observing for improvements in symptoms like fever, lack of appetite, and eye problems.

PREVENTION

While cats are the best-known transmitters of the T. gondii parasite, it is important to remember that the parasite is more frequently acquired through handling raw meat and eating unwashed fruits and vegetables. The best protection against this parasite, for you and your cat, is through prevention and hygiene. Do not feed raw meat to your cat, and if you must allow your cat to go outdoors, be aware that your cat can easily acquire the parasite from other cats, from digging in dirt that is infected with the parasite, and from eating the meat of animals that are infected.

Other protective measures include covering outdoor sandboxes when not in use to prevent cats from using them as litter boxes, wearing gloves while gardening, washing hands after playing outside (particularly with children), wearing disposable gloves while changing the litter box (and possibly a face mask as well, if pregnant or immune compromised), and keeping the litter box clean on a daily basis. The longer the infected feces remain in the litter box, the more likely the possibility that the eggs of the parasite will become viable and infectious. If at all possible, pregnant women should avoid cleaning litter boxes, as this parasite has been known to cause severe complications during pregnancy. If it is unavoidable, make sure that all precautions are taken to avoid contact through the respiratory tract (face mask, disposable gloves).

It is possible to have your cat tested for this parasite, but the irony is that cats that test positive are less likely to be a threat of infectious transmission than cats that test negative, since cats that test positive are only testing positive for the antibodies to the parasite, meaning that they have already been previously infected and are now nearly immune to the infection; therefore, posing a much lower risk of being infectious. In fact, cats that have been infected with the T. gondii are generally immune to repeat infections for up to six years.

Conversely, if your cat tests negative for T. gondii antibodies, you will need to be that much more preventative in your approach to protecting your cat from infection, since they have no immunity to protect them from infection.

Traveling with Your Cat

The very first rule of traveling with your cat is to have an ID tag or other means of identification securely affixed to the kitty. Thousands of dogs and cats end up in shelters simply because the owners never dreamed the pet would get loose or become lost while on a trip. There are few disasters in a person’s life that are worse than having to drive off without a pet because all means of locating and recovery have failed. This kind of tragedy will haunt you for the rest of your life; don’t let it happen. Get an ID tag, or at the very least microchip your cat!

Before you leave make sure you consider the option of leaving your cat in a hometown boarding facility Many are just for cats and do not board dogs. Others have the cats well away from any sight, sound, or smell of a canine. In fact, go and visit your local boarding facility and see what goes on there.

Also, there may be a pet sitter in your area who would tend your pets in your own home. With a pet sitter, you can even call home and tell your cat how much fun you’re having … Oh, and also how much you miss the rascal — of course.

Below we’ll list a few troublesome areas when it comes to traveling with a cat and how to best facilitate a safe and enjoyable road trip. It’s important to note that you should first take a number of local short trips before you go out on an all-day trip. An “all-dayer” is basically just a bunch of short trips anyway, right?

TRAVEL CRATES

These inventions are very handy. Your cat, if happy and comfortable in a crate, will be safer and you will have the peace of mind knowing it is secure when you must leave your friend alone for short periods. Using a travel crate is important for both your safety and the safety of your cat, as a cat that roams around a car while it’s in motion can be potentially distracting to the driver and could cause serious harm to the cat. If you do use a crate, be certain that the cat is totally accustomed to it well prior to the trip.

MOTION SICKNESS OR HYPERACTIVITY?

Anyone can get carsick, even humans. Most cats can overcome motion sickness by desensitizing them with repeat short, uneventful trips. Gradually accustom your cat to spending time in the car with the engine off, then with the engine on, then on short trips, then the cross-country adventure. Prior to a long trip be sure the cat has had food and water available, then remove food and water at least three hours before you set off.

You can also use anti-motion sickness medications to help settle the stomach and prevent the sometimes prolific drooling that occurs in a nauseous cat. Most medications used to prevent motion sickness are very safe antihistamines and many cats eventually will travel without the aid of medical assistance. Just in case, bring a roll of paper towels.

What if your cat goes bonkers when they are in a vehicle? S/he probably has hyperactivity. These cats aren’t sick, they’re possessed! Salivating, panting, whining, jumping from the front seat to the back, swatting at nonexistent butterflies, and trying to cling upside down to the roof of the car are common characteristics of the hyperactive feline traveler.

This is different than motion sickness. Cats with motion sickness are generally quiet and even a little depressed because they feel awful. They will drool all over the place, maybe even pass stool, and eventually start vomiting. (Even with an empty stomach the vomiting reflex can be very strong.)

HOW TO SEDATE A HYPER CAT FOR TRAVEL

If you must bring the hyperactive cat with you, medication to sedate the kitty will surely make the trip safer, easier, and less stressful for both you and the cat. Talk to your vet to see what options you have. Once you have the medication, the key is to give it to your cat well before the trip starts.

Some cats start their Tae Bo routine as soon as they hear the word car! Be nonchalant, sneak a little medication in a treat, and don’t mention the C-A-R anywhere near the cat prior to your trip. If you believe your cat may be a candidate for medication, be sure to do a leisurely pre-trip trial well ahead of the time you really need it.

About one cat out of ten will not respond in a common way to a particular medication or a particular dose. You do not want to find this out the morning of an eight-hour, midwinter trip through the Rockies to accept that national writing award you won for the article on “Logical Steps To Effective Planning”.

EYES ON THE ROAD!

Your attention should always be on the traffic, not on the cat! If your traveling pal is a good traveler, it might curl up next to you on the seat and, ah … well, take a cat nap. Do not ever allow a pet to go near the driver’s side floor where the brake and gas pedals are located. And the dashboard must be out of bounds for safety’s sake.

SEAT BELTS

Many veterinarians and pet owners believe strongly in buckling up pets in a car just as you would a child. There are many types of restraining devices for dogs BUT FEW FOR CATS. You might consider using a padded fabric type of crate for your cat instead of plastic or wire crates in order to keep your cat in place during a trip and to ensure additional safety in case of an accident. Collars, harnesses, and leashes are a must for any travelin’ cat. The bottom line? Be prepared.

PLAN AHEAD

Plan ahead … well ahead. If you know you will be staying overnight somewhere, be sure to have reservations at an establishment that welcomes pets. A handy list of “Pet Friendly” motels or hotels can be found if you do a little searching. Don’t even think about it if you hope to hide your cat in your room or think you will launch a successful appeal to the motel owner’s sense of sympathy if you show up with a 25-pound Maine Coon!

And don’t forget to bring along some disposable “Scoop n Toss Bags”; you must be socially conscious about where your kitty chooses to relieve itself. Your portable litter box may not be the cat’s first choice. Be prepared!

FOOD, WATER, AND SUPPLIES

It wouldn’t hurt to pamper your pal — bring along your cat’s own food and drinking water from home and you will be better off. Not that you’re fussy, right? And a few old towels or rags will make good cleanup devices if the cat happens to discover a mud puddle or contacts something nasty like spilled ice cream sundaes!

Emergency first-aid kits are very handy for you and the cat if a sudden cut, sliver or rash intrudes upon your day. Anti-itch medication, bandages, and antibiotic ointments may save the day when you least expect something will go wrong.

It is also a good idea to have your veterinarian give you a copy of the cat’s medical history to take with you just in case a visit to a veterinarian along the way becomes necessary.

LEASHES

Yeah, that’s right … plural. Bring two leashes. That way you’ll have a spare when you misplace one. Cats are notorious for doing Houdini-like escapes from their collars. A harness is much more secure, especially the ones that will adjust according to the amount of tension placed against it. The harder a cat pulls the tighter and more secure the slip harness becomes.

HEAT STROKE

Leaving a pet alone in a car has a number of potential risks, including heat stroke. Always be conscious of the effects of heat buildup in a parked car. It only takes a few minutes for the internal heat to build up 40 degrees above the outside air temperature, especially if the car is in direct sunlight. Even the cat’s body heat (expired air in the cat’s breath is 102 degrees!) will act like a heater inside the car. Symptoms of heat stroke include panting, rapid breathing, restlessness, drooling, bright red gums, vomiting, sweaty paws, fever, and collapse.

Leaving windows open slightly at the top surely helps if there is a breeze. Be very cautious about leaving pets unattended in parked cars. Heat stroke is a dire emergency and one from which many pets do not recover. And you’d be shocked to find out just how fast it can happen.

HAVE FUN!

Don’t forget to bring along some fun toys and tasty treats … just so the kitty knows that this traveling stuff is really fun. Oh, and don’t forget the camera too!

Tritrichomonas Foetus

Cats and kittens from shelters and catteries are at higher risk of contracting an intestinal parasite that causes long-term, foul-smelling diarrhea. The parasite, Tritrichomonas foetus (T. foetus) is a single-celled protozoan that lives in the colon of cats and is shed in the feces.

SYMPTOMS AND TYPES

Younger animals are most likely to have diarrhea as a result of infection. Adult cats may or may not show signs, but can still be carriers of the parasite, passing it into the environment through their feces, and putting uninfected cats at risk of acquiring it. Symptoms may not appear in an infected animal for years after being exposed.

The main symptom is a longstanding bout of loose smelly stools, sometimes mixed with blood or mucus. Cats may have difficulty passing the loose stools and strain to empty the bowels. Stool may leak out of the anus and cause redness and pain around the area.

CAUSES

Cats that share a litter box can pick up the organism by stepping in the litter box and then later licking its feet or fur. The organism is then carried to the colon, where it thrives. This is why animals that live in close proximity are all likely to be carrying the parasite. Cats can have symptoms that last for years and can possibly remain infected for life without ever being diagnosed.

DIAGNOSIS

Samples of fresh fecal matter can be examined in several ways to see if the parasite is present. Typically, the veterinarian will prefer to collect a sample during an examination, as the feces must not be mixed with cat litter or dried out.

An easy test that can be run by your veterinarian includes an examination of a fecal smear under a microscope. Other test methods include culturing fecal matter; a DNA test for the presence of the organism; and a tissue sample (biopsy) of the colon.

TREATMENT

Currently, the most effective known therapy for cats diagnosed with T. foetus is a drug called ronidazole. This antiprotozoal drug is not currently approved for use in cats in the United States, but your veterinarian may choose to prescribe it. You or your veterinarian will need to get this drug from a special compounding pharmacy that custom blends the medication. The affected cat should be isolated from other cats in the household until the end of treatment to prevent them from becoming infected as well.

Ronidazole is given orally once a day for two weeks. During treatment, cats should be watched closely for any adverse reactions to the drug. Potential side effects of ronidazole are neurological and include difficulty walking, loss of appetite (anorexia), and possible seizures. If your cat shows any signs of toxicity, treatment must be discontinued and your veterinarian must be consulted.

LIVING AND MANAGEMENT

During and following treatment, cats should be given a very digestible diet to help regulate their bowel movements. The litter box environment should be kept well disinfected, dry, and changed regularly during treatment to prevent re-infection with T. foetus.

PREVENTION

There is no vaccine or preventive medication that can be given for this organism. Cats from breeders and shelters should be monitored closely for signs of potential infection. In addition, new cats should not be introduced to the other cats in a household until they have been examined by a veterinarian and cleared.

Tularemia Infection (Rabbit Fever) in Cats

Tularemia, or rabbit fever, is a zoonotic bacterial disease that is occasionally seen in cats. It is associated with multiple animal species, including humans, and can be acquired through contact with infected animals. It can also be ingested through contaminated water, or through contact with infected soil, where the organism can remain in an infectious state for up to several months.

Infection is often caused by ingestion of an infected mammal’s tissue, such as when a cat hunts a small animal, bird, or reptile, through water, or by tick, mite, flea, or mosquito bite – all of which can carry and transmit the bacteria. The bacterium may also infect the cat through its skin, or by entering its airways, eyes, or gastrointestinal system.

Tularemia is found throughout much of the world, including continental Europe, Japan and China, and the Soviet Union. In the United States, it is most common in Arkansas and Missouri, though it can be found in most parts of the U.S. It also tends to have higher seasonal incidence, with May through August being a time of increased risk. This is apparently due to the increase in tick and insect bites during the warm seasons, since ticks (several types), namely, are one of the main vectors for the transmission of this bacteria.

SYMPTOMS AND TYPES

• Sudden onset of fever
• Lethargy
• Lack of appetite (anorexia)
• Dehydration
• Enlargement of the lymph nodes
• Tender abdomen
• Enlargement of the liver or spleen
• White patches or ulcers on the tongue
• Jaundice – yellow eyes

CAUSES

• Bacterial infection (F. tularensis)
• Contact with contaminated source

DIAGNOSIS

You will need to give your veterinarian a thorough history of your cat’s health and recent activities, including a recent history of boardings, outings, and experiences with other animals or with pests – including tick bites.

Your veterinarian will perform a complete physical exam on your cat. Standard laboratory work will include a blood chemical profile, a complete blood count, an electrolyte panel, and a urinalysis. If F. tularensis is present, the results of the complete blood count may show a responsive increase in white blood cells (WBCs), but this is not always the case. Tests may also show lower than normal levels of platelets (thrombocytopenia), the cells that help in blood clotting.

The biochemistry profile may reveal abnormally high levels of bilirubin(hyperbilirubinemia) and lower than normal levels of sodium and glucose in the blood. If the blood tests reveal high levels of bilirubin, the orange-yellow pigment found in the bile, this can indicate that liver damage is occurring. This condition is commonly characterized by symptoms of jaundice. The urinalysis may also reveal high levels of bilirubin and blood in the urine.

Your veterinarian may need the assistance of a specialized laboratory service for confirmatory diagnosis. In some cases, the diagnosis is not so obvious and samples will need to be taken to be sent for culture testing — controlled growth in a lab environment in order to define the causative organism.

Molecular methods such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR), a method that distinguishes the presence of a disease based on its genetic code, are available in reference laboratories. The microbiologist must be informed when tularemia is suspected because F. tularensis requires special media for cultivation, such as buffered charcoal and yeast extract (BCYE). It cannot be isolated in the routine culture media because of the need for sulfhydryl group donors (such as cysteine). Serological tests (detection of antibodies in the serum of the patients) are available and widely used. Cross-reactivity with brucella can confuse the interpretation of the results, and for this reason, the diagnosis should not rely only on serology.

TREATMENT

Early treatment is the mainstay of successful resolution and cure of the symptoms. A high rate of deaths is common in patients that are not treated early. Your veterinarian will prescribe antibiotics to control the infection and its related symptoms. Your cat may need antibiotic therapy for several days for the complete resolution of the symptoms.

LIVING AND MANAGEMENT

The overall prognosis is poor, especially in animals that are not treated early on in the course of the disease.

As previously mentioned, F. tularensis is a zoonotic infection — meaning, it can be passed from one species to another. If your cat is infected with this bacteria you will need to take special precautions to protect yourself from infection. The bacteria most often penetrates the body through damaged skin and mucous membranes, or through inhalation. Humans are most likely to acquire the infection by tick bite, through cat scratches, and in some cases, simply through handling an infected animal. Tularemia can also be acquired by inhalation. In some cases, it is known to have occurred during the grooming process with dogs, and hunters are at a higher risk for this disease because of the potential of inhaling the bacteria during the skinning process. Ingesting the infected water, soil, or food that has become contaminated can also cause infection. In some other cases, it has been contracted from inhaling particles from an infected rabbit or another small rodent that was ground up in a lawnmower.

F. tularensis is an intracellular bacterium, meaning that it is able to live parasitically within the host cells. It primarily infects macrophages, a type of white blood cell, thus evading the immune system’s response to destroy it. The course of the disease is dependent on the organism’s ability to spread to multiple organ systems, including the lungs, liver, spleen, and lymphatic system.

Staph Infection in Cats

The Staphylococcus bacteria is one of the more commonly transmitted infections, passing easily from animal to animal and in some cases from animal to human. This bacteria can live free in the environment, on the skin of a host as a parasite, and in the upper respiratory tract of animals. This infection can be found in any breed of cat, and at any age.

SYMPTOMS AND TYPES

Some of the most common signs of this infection are:

Fever
Lack of appetite
Pain
Abscesses on the skin
Infections of the eyes, skin, ears, eyes, or respiratory system
Itching (pruritus)
Inflammation marked by pus-filled lesions (pyoderma)
For cats, common indicators can include abscesses, oral infections, eye infections (conjunctivitis), and bacteremia (bacterial blood infection).

CAUSES

Younger cats are most prone to developing this infection, as their immune systems have not fully developed. Old animals are also more susceptible, as their immune systems have become compromised with age. Other causes can include bacterial or fungal infections (pathogens) of the blood, chronic debilitating diseases that wear down the immune system, allergies, and other secondary infections.

DIAGNOSIS

A complete blood profile will be conducted by your veterinarian, including a chemical blood profile, a complete blood count, and a urinalysis. Proper diagnosis will often involve skin testing to determine if the condition is caused by allergies or other immune-related causes. It is also important to rule out abnormal cell development as an underlying cause of the condition.

TREATMENT

A variety of medications are available to treat this medical condition, but some strains are resistant to medications. In some cases, standard antibiotics are not effective at curing this condition and a different course will need to be prescribed.

LIVING AND MANAGEMENT

It is important to dispose of any potentially infected materials or contaminated objects. Also, external (topical) cleansing of the wound(s) and the infected area of the skin is essential for healing the skin and preventing the bacteria from spreading. Because this type of bacteria is opportunistic and can be passed to both animals and humans, special care must be taken when handling your cat and cleaning its wounds.

PREVENTION

There are not currently any known preventative measures for this infection.

Stomatitis in Cats

Stomatitis is the condition where the soft tissues in an animal’s mouth become irritated and inflamed. In a cat’s mouth, these tissues include the gums and tongue. It can become a major issue if bacteria or infection enters the cat’s bloodstream.

Treatment options are available, and the prognosis is positive for cats suffering from this medical condition.

Stomatitis can affect both dogs and cats.

SYMPTOMS AND TYPES

Common symptoms or signs of Stomatitis can include:

• Pain
• Bad Breath
• Ulcerated tissues
• Extensive teeth plaque
• Excessive drooling or saliva
• Fluid buildup in the gums

The primary types of inflammation are:

1. Ulcerative Stomatitis: This condition occurs when a significant amount of gum tissue is lost in a cat’s mouth and is frequently accompanied by inflammation of the oral tissues.
2. Oral Eosinophilic Granuloma: This condition occurs when there is a mass or growth in the cat’s mouth.
3. Gingival Hyperplasia: This condition occurs when gum tissue increases in size.
4. Lypohocytic Plasmocytic: This condition is characterized by the presence of plasma cells and lymphocytes in the mouth — each are types of white blood cells.

CAUSES

In kittens, inflammation can occur as teeth become overcrowded in the mouth. Several metabolic disorders are also known to cause this inflammation, including an abnormal amount of waste products in the bloodstream, inflammation of blood vessels in the mouth (common with diabetes), inadequate levels of the hormone (called parathyroid), and lymphoma. Infectious diseases and injuries to the mouth can also cause inflammation.

DIAGNOSIS

A veterinarian will examine your cat’s mouth for lesions, teeth decay, plaque, and other noticeable signs that may be causing the inflammation. In addition, laboratory blood work will typically be done to rule out any other underlying medical condition for the inflammation.

TREATMENT

Antibiotics have been proven effective in reducing inflammation of a cat’s oral cavity. In some cases, teeth will need to be surgically removed to reduce inflammation. Teeth cleaning and proper dental and oral health should also ensure a quick recovery and good health for the cat.

PREVENTION

To prevent inflammation, your veterinarian may recommend that you rinse or brush your cat’s mouth. There are also some topical ointments that can be used to reduce or prevent inflammation of the cat’s gums

Supracaudal Gland Hyperplasia (Stud Tail)

Stud tail is commonly seen in intact male cats but can also be seen in neutered males and females. It results in skin disease at the base of the tail.

SYMPTOMS AND TYPES

• Greasy (sometimes matted) hair at the base of the tail
• Missing hair at the base of the tail
• Blackheads (comedones) on the skin at the base of the tail
• Waxy substance on the skin and hair at the base of the tail
• Skin infection at the base of the tail
• A foul odor

CAUSES

The supracaudal gland at the base of the tail contains sebaceous glands that secrete an oily substance known as sebum. In the stud tail, these glands secrete abnormal amounts of sebum. The condition is also known as supracaudal gland hyperplasia.

Stud tail is most often seen in intact male cats because male hormones encourage increased secretion of sebum. However, it is possible for female cats and neutered male cats to also suffer from the condition.

DIAGNOSIS

Diagnosis is based on physical examination and the presence of typical symptoms at the base of the tail.

TREATMENT

Shampoos, particularly antiseborrheic shampoos, are used regularly to keep the area clean. Antibiotics may be necessary to treat the infection if present. Neutering may resolve symptoms of stud tail for intact male cats.

Taurine Deficiency

Amino acids are building blocks for proteins and essential to the proper functioning of most of the body systems. They are critical to life, with over 20 types of amino acids present in the body.

Essential, or indispensable amino acids are a group of amino acids that cannot be synthesized in the body and are thus required to be taken in through diet. Taurine is one of these types of amino acids and has been found to play an essential role in the diet of cats. Lack of this amino acid results in severe health repercussions, such as blindness and tooth decay, amongst other things. For this reason, all cat foods are supplemented with taurine to avoid nutritional deficiency so that the condition is rare in regard to nutritional deprivation.

However, some cats may have a taurine deficiency in relation to a certain disease and may require taurine added to their diets. Or they may be fed a home-cooked diet, including vegetarian or boiled meat diets, which can also place them at a higher risk of a taurine deficiency.

Taurine is distributed throughout the body with a high concentration in certain tissues including heart wall muscles, the retina of the eye, and the brain. The exact function of taurine in these tissues remains elusive, but it is well known that taurine deficiency can lead to blindness and heart failure due to enlargement of the heart (dilated cardiomyopathy). With taurine replacement, this condition is usually fully, or at least partially reversible.

SYMPTOMS AND TYPES

There are no symptoms specifically related to taurine deficiency. However, as taurine deficiency causes dilated cardiomyopathy, the symptoms are usually found to be related to the latter disease.

CAUSES

• Taurine deficient diets may result from being fed home-cooked diets that are low in taurine-rich foods
• Not eating enough to receive the needed amount of taurine

DIAGNOSIS

You will need to give a thorough history of your cat’s health, including a background history of symptoms and the type of diet your cat regularly eats. After taking a detailed history, your veterinarian will conduct a complete physical examination on your cat. During the physical examination, the attending veterinarian will thoroughly examine your cat’s heart.

Routine laboratory tests will include a complete blood count (CBC), biochemistry profile, and urinalysis. The results of these tests are usually found to be normal in these patients unless some other disease or condition is also present. Your veterinarian will send the blood sample to the laboratory for the evaluation of blood taurine levels; low levels will be the confirmation of a deficiency.

If a heart disease is present, chest X-rays, electrocardiogram (ECG), and other diagnostic measures will be taken to diagnose and evaluate the severity of the disease. As the eye’s retina is high in taurine concentration, retinal damage is a common finding in cats with chronically low taurine. Therefore, your veterinarian will also perform a detailed eye examination to see if any retinal damage is present.

TREATMENT

Taurine supplementation is the treatment of choice for cats suffering from a taurine deficiency. In some cats, lifetime taurine supplementation is usually required to prevent recurrent taurine deficiency. This will depend on the severity of the deficiency and your cat’s ability to maintain levels of taurine as it is ingested. For some patients, taurine supplementation may be discontinued after the resolution of the symptoms.

LIVING AND MANAGEMENT

Good nursing care is required at home during the period of treatment. Give the medications at the prescribed dose and frequency to avoid the aggravation of the symptoms. In case of heart disease, your cat will need proper rest in a stress-free environment out of the way of household traffic.

Routine examinations are usually required to monitor the treatment response and to make sure that taurine levels are maintained by the body. While dramatic improvement is seen in most animals, some animals don’t respond well to taurine supplementation.

Thyroid Disease (Hyperthyroidism) in Cats

Hyperthyroidism is a disease caused by the overproduction of thyroxine, a thyroid hormone that increases metabolism in the body. The thyroid gland normally produces thyroid hormones in response to stimulation by the pituitary gland, the “master gland” of the body. Thyroid hormones normally increase chemical processes occurring within the cells of the body, especially those related to metabolism; however, in hyperthyroidism, the excessive hormone levels push the cells and body into overdrive, resulting in increased metabolism with concurrent weight loss, anxiety, and diarrhea, among other symptoms.

There is no known genetic predisposition for hyperthyroidism, but it is quite common in cats. In fact, hyperthyroidism is the most common hormonal (endocrine) disease in the cat population, often seen in late middle-aged and older cats. (The mean age of discovery is approximately 13 years, with a range of 4-22 years.)

SYMPTOMS AND TYPES

• Involves many organ systems due to the overall increase in metabolism
• Weight loss
• Increased appetite
• Unkempt appearance
• Poor body condition
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Increased thirst (polydipsia)
• Increased urine (polyuria)
• Rapid breathing (tachypnea)
• Difficulty breathing (dyspnea)
• Heart murmur; rapid heart rate; particularly an abnormal heartbeat known as a “gallop rhythm”
• Hyperactivity
• Aggression
• Enlarged thyroid gland, which can be felt as a lump on the neck
• Thickened nails

Less than 10 percent of cats suffering from hyperthyroidism are referred to as apathetic. These patients exhibit atypical signs such as poor appetite, loss of appetite, depression, and weakness.

CAUSES

• Overfunctioning thyroid nodules (where the thyroid nodules produce excess thyroid hormones outside of the control of the pituitary gland)
• Rarely, thyroid cancer
• Some reports have linked hyperthyroidism in cats to some canned food diets
• Advancing age increases risk

DIAGNOSIS

The signs of feline hyperthyroidism can overlap with those of chronic renal failure, chronic hepatic disease, and cancer (especially intestinal lymphoma). These diseases can be excluded on the basis of routine laboratory findings and thyroid function tests. Your veterinarian will conduct a battery of tests to zero in on a reliable diagnosis.

Thoracic radiography and echocardiography may be useful in assessing the severity of the myocardial disease. Abdominal ultrasound may be useful for exploring underlying renal disease.

Thyroid gland scintigraphy (a diagnostic test in which a two-dimensional picture of a body radiation source is obtained through the use of radioisotopes) can be used to diagnose hyperthyroidism and to determine the location of abnormal thyroid tissue. A high concentration of T4 (tetraiodothyronine) in the blood serum is the most common finding, confirming the diagnosis of hyperthyroidism. In some cases, however, the T4 levels may be in the normal range, making a diagnosis of hyperthyroidism more difficult. This is especially true in the early stages of this disease. If your cat is showing the symptoms of hyperthyroidism but the blood tests are not conclusive, you will need to return to your veterinarian for further blood tests.

TREATMENT

Outpatient management is usually sufficient if drugs that inhibit the production of thyroid hormones can be used. Surgical removal of the thyroid gland or treatment using a radioactive form of iodine will require inpatient treatment and monitoring.

Surgical removal of the thyroid gland is best performed when only one thyroid gland is affected, as removal of both can possibly lead to hypothyroidism. Another complication that can occur after surgical removal of the affected thyroid gland is the successive hyper-activity of the remaining thyroid gland.

The use of radioiodine is restricted to a confined medical facility since the treatment itself is radioactive. Depending on the state in which you live and the guidelines in place, your cat will need to be hospitalized from several days to a few weeks after being treated with radioactive medicine, to allow the radioactive material to clear most of the body before the cat is handled by family members. Precautions will still need to be taken after taking your cat home, to reduce your risk of having a toxic reaction to the radioactive treatment. Your veterinarian will advise you on precautionary measures.

Anti-thyroid drugs can also be effective. However, drugs to control thyroid activity often must be given for the life of the cat. In rare cases, untreated hyperthyroidism can lead to congestive heart failure, which requires emergency, inpatient intensive care. Poor absorption of nutrients and high metabolism in untreated hyperthyroidism suggest the need for a high protein, highly digestible diet; that is, one that can be quickly absorbed into the body.

Once the major symptoms resulting from excessive levels of thyroid hormones in the body have been resolved, dietary modifications often do not need to be strictly enforced. Even so, dietary modifications may be necessary to treat or control complications such as kidney damage.

LIVING AND MANAGEMENT

Once treatment has begun, your veterinarian will need to reexamine your cat every two to three weeks for the initial three months of treatment, with a complete blood count to check for serum thyroid hormone concentration of T4. The dosage of the medications will be adjusted to maintain T4 concentration in the low-normal range.

If your cat has had surgery, particularly the removal of the thyroid gland, your veterinarian will want to closely observe the cat’s physical recovery. Development of low blood calcium levels and/or paralysis of the voice box during the initial postoperative period are complications that will need to be watched for and treated, should they occur. Your doctor will also be measuring thyroid hormone levels in the first week after surgery and every three to six months thereafter, to check for recurrence of thyroid gland overactivity.

Toxoplasmosis

Toxoplasmosis is an infection caused by the Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) parasite. It is one of the most common parasitic diseases and is known to affect nearly all warm-blooded animals and humans, but cats are the primary living host.

This parasite completes its life cycle in cats, and they are the only mammals in which this parasite is passed through the feces and into the environment as part of the life cycle. However, contact with raw meat and unwashed produce is also a very significant and well-known source of human infection.

Both acute and chronic forms of toxoplasmosis exist, where the chronic form is usually a low-grade disease without any clinical symptoms, and the acute form is more symptomatic.

SYMPTOMS AND TYPES

Cats are more commonly seen with clinical symptoms as compared to dogs. Such symptoms include:

• Lethargy
• Depression
• Fever
• Weight loss
• Respiratory problems, like shortness of breath
• Uncoordinated gait
• Seizures
• Tremors
• Muscular weakness
• Partial or complete paralysis
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal Pain
• Jaundice
• Loss of appetite
• Inflammation of tonsils (tonsillitis)
• Inflammation of retina (retinitis)
• Inflammation of middle part of the eye including iris (uveitis)
• Inflammation of the cornea (keratitis)

Symptoms are most severe in kittens infected while in the womb. These kittens may be stillborn or die before weaning. Those who survive may show a lack of appetite, fever, dyspnea, and jaundice.

CAUSES

Cats become infected through contact with the T. gondii parasite, which may be acquired from rooting in infected soil or from ingesting cat feces.

DIAGNOSIS

You will need to give a detailed history of your cat’s health, onset and nature of symptoms, and possible incidents that might have precipitated this condition, such as contact with other cats. Your veterinarian will perform a thorough physical exam to evaluate your cat’s body systems and to evaluate overall health of your cat. Routine laboratory tests — such as a complete blood count, biochemistry profile, and urinalysis — are also used to confirm infection.

For example, cats with toxoplasmosis may show an abnormally low number of white blood cells (leukopenia), low neutrophils (neutropenia), and low lymphocytes (lymphopenia) in the complete blood count.

Conversely, during recovery, the complete blood count may reveal an increased number of white blood cells, an indication of the increased activity of the infection-fighting white blood cells.

The biochemistry profile usually reveals abnormally high levels of liver enzymes ALT (alanine aminotransferase ) and AST (aspartate aminotransferase). Moreover, the level of albumin(the protein normally present in the blood) is also found to be at decreased levels in some cats with toxoplasmosis; a medical condition known as hypoalbuminemia. In about 25 percent of cats with toxoplasmosis, jaundice is seen with disturbed liver enzymes ALT and AST. The urinalysis may reveal abnormally high levels of proteins and bilirubin in the urine sample. Fecal samples may also reveal important information, as infected cats frequently shed parasite eggs in their feces. If you have a sample of your cat’s feces that you can take with your to your veterinarian, it may help to make the diagnosis and treatment move along faster.

Serological tests are the most reliable tests for making a definitive diagnosis. By measuring the levels of toxoplasma antigens in the body, your veterinarian can determine the type of infection, and whether it is active, dormant, recent (acute), or long-term (chronic). Your veterinarian may repeat these tests three weeks after the initial testing as part of a follow-up exam.

Serological tests will also help in determining the levels of antibodies IgM and IgG. Antibodies are proteins that are normally present in the body or produced in response to an antigen (in this case toxoplasma) for the purpose of neutralizing the antigen. Determining the IgM levels helps in the diagnosis of active toxoplasmosis, as these antibodies increase in number within one week of infection and may remain elevated for three months. The IgG antibodies increase within two to four weeks after infection and may remain elevated for a whole year to follow. Determination of antigen and antibody levels will help your veterinarian make the confirmatory diagnosis. The polymerase chain reaction test is a reliable test for verifying the presence of Toxoplasma gondii in samples.

Diagnostic imaging may also be called for, including a thoracic (chest) X-ray, which may show changes in the lung tissue, showing infection, and marks of complications that are related to infection. Your veterinarian may also take a sample of lung fluid to determine the presence of the T. gondii organism, especially in cats with lung involvement. More advanced diagnostic testing includes taking a collection of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Laboratory testing of CSF may reveal an abnormally high number of white blood cells (WBCs) and protein concentrations in patients with an infection that has reached the central nervous system.

TREATMENT

In case of severe disease, your cat may need to be hospitalized for emergency treatment. Fluids are given intravenously to cats with poor hydration. Antibiotics are given to control the infection and prevent further progression of the disease into the system.

In cats with severe disease, proper nutrition and hydration are important for keeping the animal’s health stable and for preventing a fatal outcome. However, in patients needing treatment because of severe symptoms, the overall prognosis is often very poor. Similarly, in kittens and immune-compromised patients, the prognosis is not favorable despite therapy.

Some antibiotics given to treat toxoplasmosis may cause side effects, like vomiting, lack of appetite, and diarrhea. If you see any such untoward symptoms, consult your veterinarian for appropriate changes in therapy, since these side effects can quickly become life-threatening. Regular monitoring of the treatment response is required in patients under therapy. Your veterinarian will evaluate the treatment response by observing for improvements in symptoms like fever, lack of appetite, and eye problems.

PREVENTION

While cats are the best-known transmitters of the T. gondii parasite, it is important to remember that the parasite is more frequently acquired through handling raw meat and eating unwashed fruits and vegetables. The best protection against this parasite, for you and your cat, is through prevention and hygiene. Do not feed raw meat to your cat, and if you must allow your cat to go outdoors, be aware that your cat can easily acquire the parasite from other cats, from digging in dirt that is infected with the parasite, and from eating the meat of animals that are infected.

Other protective measures include covering outdoor sandboxes when not in use to prevent cats from using them as litter boxes, wearing gloves while gardening, washing hands after playing outside (particularly with children), wearing disposable gloves while changing the litter box (and possibly a face mask as well, if pregnant or immune compromised), and keeping the litter box clean on a daily basis. The longer the infected feces remain in the litter box, the more likely the possibility that the eggs of the parasite will become viable and infectious. If at all possible, pregnant women should avoid cleaning litter boxes, as this parasite has been known to cause severe complications during pregnancy. If it is unavoidable, make sure that all precautions are taken to avoid contact through the respiratory tract (face mask, disposable gloves).

It is possible to have your cat tested for this parasite, but the irony is that cats that test positive are less likely to be a threat of infectious transmission than cats that test negative, since cats that test positive are only testing positive for the antibodies to the parasite, meaning that they have already been previously infected and are now nearly immune to the infection; therefore, posing a much lower risk of being infectious. In fact, cats that have been infected with the T. gondii are generally immune to repeat infections for up to six years.

Conversely, if your cat tests negative for T. gondii antibodies, you will need to be that much more preventative in your approach to protecting your cat from infection, since they have no immunity to protect them from infection.

Traveling with Your Cat

The very first rule of traveling with your cat is to have an ID tag or other means of identification securely affixed to the kitty. Thousands of dogs and cats end up in shelters simply because the owners never dreamed the pet would get loose or become lost while on a trip. There are few disasters in a person’s life that are worse than having to drive off without a pet because all means of locating and recovery have failed. This kind of tragedy will haunt you for the rest of your life; don’t let it happen. Get an ID tag, or at the very least microchip your cat!

Before you leave make sure you consider the option of leaving your cat in a hometown boarding facility Many are just for cats and do not board dogs. Others have the cats well away from any sight, sound, or smell of a canine. In fact, go and visit your local boarding facility and see what goes on there.

Also, there may be a pet sitter in your area who would tend your pets in your own home. With a pet sitter, you can even call home and tell your cat how much fun you’re having … Oh, and also how much you miss the rascal — of course.

Below we’ll list a few troublesome areas when it comes to traveling with a cat and how to best facilitate a safe and enjoyable road trip. It’s important to note that you should first take a number of local short trips before you go out on an all-day trip. An “all-dayer” is basically just a bunch of short trips anyway, right?

TRAVEL CRATES

These inventions are very handy. Your cat, if happy and comfortable in a crate, will be safer and you will have the peace of mind knowing it is secure when you must leave your friend alone for short periods. Using a travel crate is important for both your safety and the safety of your cat, as a cat that roams around a car while it’s in motion can be potentially distracting to the driver and could cause serious harm to the cat. If you do use a crate, be certain that the cat is totally accustomed to it well prior to the trip.

MOTION SICKNESS OR HYPERACTIVITY?

Anyone can get carsick, even humans. Most cats can overcome motion sickness by desensitizing them with repeat short, uneventful trips. Gradually accustom your cat to spending time in the car with the engine off, then with the engine on, then on short trips, then the cross-country adventure. Prior to a long trip be sure the cat has had food and water available, then remove food and water at least three hours before you set off.

You can also use anti-motion sickness medications to help settle the stomach and prevent the sometimes prolific drooling that occurs in a nauseous cat. Most medications used to prevent motion sickness are very safe antihistamines and many cats eventually will travel without the aid of medical assistance. Just in case, bring a roll of paper towels.

What if your cat goes bonkers when they are in a vehicle? S/he probably has hyperactivity. These cats aren’t sick, they’re possessed! Salivating, panting, whining, jumping from the front seat to the back, swatting at nonexistent butterflies, and trying to cling upside down to the roof of the car are common characteristics of the hyperactive feline traveler.

This is different than motion sickness. Cats with motion sickness are generally quiet and even a little depressed because they feel awful. They will drool all over the place, maybe even pass stool, and eventually start vomiting. (Even with an empty stomach the vomiting reflex can be very strong.)

HOW TO SEDATE A HYPER CAT FOR TRAVEL

If you must bring the hyperactive cat with you, medication to sedate the kitty will surely make the trip safer, easier, and less stressful for both you and the cat. Talk to your vet to see what options you have. Once you have the medication, the key is to give it to your cat well before the trip starts.

Some cats start their Tae Bo routine as soon as they hear the word car! Be nonchalant, sneak a little medication in a treat, and don’t mention the C-A-R anywhere near the cat prior to your trip. If you believe your cat may be a candidate for medication, be sure to do a leisurely pre-trip trial well ahead of the time you really need it.

About one cat out of ten will not respond in a common way to a particular medication or a particular dose. You do not want to find this out the morning of an eight-hour, midwinter trip through the Rockies to accept that national writing award you won for the article on “Logical Steps To Effective Planning”.

EYES ON THE ROAD!

Your attention should always be on the traffic, not on the cat! If your traveling pal is a good traveler, it might curl up next to you on the seat and, ah … well, take a cat nap. Do not ever allow a pet to go near the driver’s side floor where the brake and gas pedals are located. And the dashboard must be out of bounds for safety’s sake.

SEAT BELTS

Many veterinarians and pet owners believe strongly in buckling up pets in a car just as you would a child. There are many types of restraining devices for dogs BUT FEW FOR CATS. You might consider using a padded fabric type of crate for your cat instead of plastic or wire crates in order to keep your cat in place during a trip and to ensure additional safety in case of an accident. Collars, harnesses, and leashes are a must for any travelin’ cat. The bottom line? Be prepared.

PLAN AHEAD

Plan ahead … well ahead. If you know you will be staying overnight somewhere, be sure to have reservations at an establishment that welcomes pets. A handy list of “Pet Friendly” motels or hotels can be found if you do a little searching. Don’t even think about it if you hope to hide your cat in your room or think you will launch a successful appeal to the motel owner’s sense of sympathy if you show up with a 25-pound Maine Coon!

And don’t forget to bring along some disposable “Scoop n Toss Bags”; you must be socially conscious about where your kitty chooses to relieve itself. Your portable litter box may not be the cat’s first choice. Be prepared!

FOOD, WATER, AND SUPPLIES

It wouldn’t hurt to pamper your pal — bring along your cat’s own food and drinking water from home and you will be better off. Not that you’re fussy, right? And a few old towels or rags will make good cleanup devices if the cat happens to discover a mud puddle or contacts something nasty like spilled ice cream sundaes!

Emergency first-aid kits are very handy for you and the cat if a sudden cut, sliver or rash intrudes upon your day. Anti-itch medication, bandages, and antibiotic ointments may save the day when you least expect something will go wrong.

It is also a good idea to have your veterinarian give you a copy of the cat’s medical history to take with you just in case a visit to a veterinarian along the way becomes necessary.

LEASHES

Yeah, that’s right … plural. Bring two leashes. That way you’ll have a spare when you misplace one. Cats are notorious for doing Houdini-like escapes from their collars. A harness is much more secure, especially the ones that will adjust according to the amount of tension placed against it. The harder a cat pulls the tighter and more secure the slip harness becomes.

HEAT STROKE

Leaving a pet alone in a car has a number of potential risks, including heat stroke. Always be conscious of the effects of heat buildup in a parked car. It only takes a few minutes for the internal heat to build up 40 degrees above the outside air temperature, especially if the car is in direct sunlight. Even the cat’s body heat (expired air in the cat’s breath is 102 degrees!) will act like a heater inside the car. Symptoms of heat stroke include panting, rapid breathing, restlessness, drooling, bright red gums, vomiting, sweaty paws, fever, and collapse.

Leaving windows open slightly at the top surely helps if there is a breeze. Be very cautious about leaving pets unattended in parked cars. Heat stroke is a dire emergency and one from which many pets do not recover. And you’d be shocked to find out just how fast it can happen.

HAVE FUN!

Don’t forget to bring along some fun toys and tasty treats … just so the kitty knows that this traveling stuff is really fun. Oh, and don’t forget the camera too!

Tritrichomonas Foetus

Cats and kittens from shelters and catteries are at higher risk of contracting an intestinal parasite that causes long-term, foul-smelling diarrhea. The parasite, Tritrichomonas foetus (T. foetus) is a single-celled protozoan that lives in the colon of cats and is shed in the feces.

SYMPTOMS AND TYPES

Younger animals are most likely to have diarrhea as a result of infection. Adult cats may or may not show signs, but can still be carriers of the parasite, passing it into the environment through their feces, and putting uninfected cats at risk of acquiring it. Symptoms may not appear in an infected animal for years after being exposed.

The main symptom is a longstanding bout of loose smelly stools, sometimes mixed with blood or mucus. Cats may have difficulty passing the loose stools and strain to empty the bowels. Stool may leak out of the anus and cause redness and pain around the area.

CAUSES

Cats that share a litter box can pick up the organism by stepping in the litter box and then later licking its feet or fur. The organism is then carried to the colon, where it thrives. This is why animals that live in close proximity are all likely to be carrying the parasite. Cats can have symptoms that last for years and can possibly remain infected for life without ever being diagnosed.

DIAGNOSIS

Samples of fresh fecal matter can be examined in several ways to see if the parasite is present. Typically, the veterinarian will prefer to collect a sample during an examination, as the feces must not be mixed with cat litter or dried out.

An easy test that can be run by your veterinarian includes an examination of a fecal smear under a microscope. Other test methods include culturing fecal matter; a DNA test for the presence of the organism; and a tissue sample (biopsy) of the colon.

TREATMENT

Currently, the most effective known therapy for cats diagnosed with T. foetus is a drug called ronidazole. This antiprotozoal drug is not currently approved for use in cats in the United States, but your veterinarian may choose to prescribe it. You or your veterinarian will need to get this drug from a special compounding pharmacy that custom blends the medication. The affected cat should be isolated from other cats in the household until the end of treatment to prevent them from becoming infected as well.

Ronidazole is given orally once a day for two weeks. During treatment, cats should be watched closely for any adverse reactions to the drug. Potential side effects of ronidazole are neurological and include difficulty walking, loss of appetite (anorexia), and possible seizures. If your cat shows any signs of toxicity, treatment must be discontinued and your veterinarian must be consulted.

LIVING AND MANAGEMENT

During and following treatment, cats should be given a very digestible diet to help regulate their bowel movements. The litter box environment should be kept well disinfected, dry, and changed regularly during treatment to prevent re-infection with T. foetus.

PREVENTION

There is no vaccine or preventive medication that can be given for this organism. Cats from breeders and shelters should be monitored closely for signs of potential infection. In addition, new cats should not be introduced to the other cats in a household until they have been examined by a veterinarian and cleared.

Tularemia Infection (Rabbit Fever) in Cats

Tularemia, or rabbit fever, is a zoonotic bacterial disease that is occasionally seen in cats. It is associated with multiple animal species, including humans, and can be acquired through contact with infected animals. It can also be ingested through contaminated water, or through contact with infected soil, where the organism can remain in an infectious state for up to several months.

Infection is often caused by ingestion of an infected mammal’s tissue, such as when a cat hunts a small animal, bird, or reptile, through water, or by tick, mite, flea, or mosquito bite – all of which can carry and transmit the bacteria. The bacterium may also infect the cat through its skin, or by entering its airways, eyes, or gastrointestinal system.

Tularemia is found throughout much of the world, including continental Europe, Japan and China, and the Soviet Union. In the United States, it is most common in Arkansas and Missouri, though it can be found in most parts of the U.S. It also tends to have higher seasonal incidence, with May through August being a time of increased risk. This is apparently due to the increase in tick and insect bites during the warm seasons, since ticks (several types), namely, are one of the main vectors for the transmission of this bacteria.

SYMPTOMS AND TYPES

• Sudden onset of fever
• Lethargy
• Lack of appetite (anorexia)
• Dehydration
• Enlargement of the lymph nodes
• Tender abdomen
• Enlargement of the liver or spleen
• White patches or ulcers on the tongue
• Jaundice – yellow eyes

CAUSES

• Bacterial infection (F. tularensis)
• Contact with contaminated source

DIAGNOSIS

You will need to give your veterinarian a thorough history of your cat’s health and recent activities, including a recent history of boardings, outings, and experiences with other animals or with pests – including tick bites.

Your veterinarian will perform a complete physical exam on your cat. Standard laboratory work will include a blood chemical profile, a complete blood count, an electrolyte panel, and a urinalysis. If F. tularensis is present, the results of the complete blood count may show a responsive increase in white blood cells (WBCs), but this is not always the case. Tests may also show lower than normal levels of platelets (thrombocytopenia), the cells that help in blood clotting.

The biochemistry profile may reveal abnormally high levels of bilirubin(hyperbilirubinemia) and lower than normal levels of sodium and glucose in the blood. If the blood tests reveal high levels of bilirubin, the orange-yellow pigment found in the bile, this can indicate that liver damage is occurring. This condition is commonly characterized by symptoms of jaundice. The urinalysis may also reveal high levels of bilirubin and blood in the urine.

Your veterinarian may need the assistance of a specialized laboratory service for confirmatory diagnosis. In some cases, the diagnosis is not so obvious and samples will need to be taken to be sent for culture testing — controlled growth in a lab environment in order to define the causative organism.

Molecular methods such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR), a method that distinguishes the presence of a disease based on its genetic code, are available in reference laboratories. The microbiologist must be informed when tularemia is suspected because F. tularensis requires special media for cultivation, such as buffered charcoal and yeast extract (BCYE). It cannot be isolated in the routine culture media because of the need for sulfhydryl group donors (such as cysteine). Serological tests (detection of antibodies in the serum of the patients) are available and widely used. Cross-reactivity with brucella can confuse the interpretation of the results, and for this reason, the diagnosis should not rely only on serology.

TREATMENT

Early treatment is the mainstay of successful resolution and cure of the symptoms. A high rate of deaths is common in patients that are not treated early. Your veterinarian will prescribe antibiotics to control the infection and its related symptoms. Your cat may need antibiotic therapy for several days for the complete resolution of the symptoms.

LIVING AND MANAGEMENT

The overall prognosis is poor, especially in animals that are not treated early on in the course of the disease.

As previously mentioned, F. tularensis is a zoonotic infection — meaning, it can be passed from one species to another. If your cat is infected with this bacteria you will need to take special precautions to protect yourself from infection. The bacteria most often penetrates the body through damaged skin and mucous membranes, or through inhalation. Humans are most likely to acquire the infection by tick bite, through cat scratches, and in some cases, simply through handling an infected animal. Tularemia can also be acquired by inhalation. In some cases, it is known to have occurred during the grooming process with dogs, and hunters are at a higher risk for this disease because of the potential of inhaling the bacteria during the skinning process. Ingesting the infected water, soil, or food that has become contaminated can also cause infection. In some other cases, it has been contracted from inhaling particles from an infected rabbit or another small rodent that was ground up in a lawnmower.

F. tularensis is an intracellular bacterium, meaning that it is able to live parasitically within the host cells. It primarily infects macrophages, a type of white blood cell, thus evading the immune system’s response to destroy it. The course of the disease is dependent on the organism’s ability to spread to multiple organ systems, including the lungs, liver, spleen, and lymphatic system.

Urinary Obstruction (Blocked Tomcat)

If your cat is straining to urinate and producing little or no urine each time, it may be suffering from a urinary tract obstruction. The obstruction may be due to inflammation or compression on the urethra, or simply a blockage. Treatment is available and the prognosis of this issue will depend on the severity of the obstruction.

Urinary tract obstruction occurs mostly in male cats, but dogs and female cats may also be affected. If you would like to learn more about how this disease affects dogs, please visit this page in the petMD library.

SYMPTOMS

The first sign of a urinary obstruction is straining to urinate. This may actually look like constipation since the cat may be seen going to the litter pan more often and hunching over in pain. Because of the abnormal passage of urine, the stream or flow of urine will be interrupted and may appear cloudy. If any urine is seen, it may appear dark or blood-tinged.

The pain involved causes many cats to cry out and they will stop eating and become depressed. Vomiting or retching may also occur. If the cat does not receive medical treatment, renal failure can develop, which can be life-threatening within three days of symptoms.

CAUSES

There are several known risk factors for urinary tract obstruction including urinary tract stones, urinary disease (particularly common in female cats), and prostate disease (in male cats).

The accumulation of minerals in the urinary tract can also cause the formation of an obstruction (crystals or stones). In addition, tumors, lesions, and scar tissue can lead to an obstruction.

DIAGNOSIS

The veterinarian will carefully feel the cat’s abdomen. Acute renal failure results from increased pressure in the renal system and the inability to eliminate urea and other waste products usually eliminated in urine. This results in increased waste products and potassium in the bloodstream. An initial baseline blood panel is important to determine the appropriate fluids and other treatment that may become necessary.

As the treatment progresses, additional blood samples will likely be taken to determine changes in the cat’s condition. Additional blood analysis and imaging, including X-rays or ultrasound may be helpful to determine the cause of the obstruction or other contributing diseases or illnesses.

TREATMENT

The obstruction must be relieved as soon as possible. Sedation is often necessary. Depending on the severity of the obstruction, several methods may be used by the veterinarian to remove the obstruction — urethral massage and using fluid to push the obstruction out of the urethra and into the bladder are two examples.

Once the obstruction is removed or pushed back into the bladder, a urinary catheter is sometimes left in place and is maintained for at least 24 hours, depending on the cause of the obstruction.

Intravenous (IV) fluids are usually administered to rehydrate the cat and normalize its electrolyte levels. Because of the pressure buildup and the inability to eliminate urine and its components, the entire renal system is affected and kidney damage can occur. In most cases, this damage is repaired with adequate fluid and electrolyte administration. Medications to treat the pain may also be necessary.

LIVING AND MANAGEMENT

It is important to monitor the flow of urine to ensure that there are no visible signs of complication. Cats are especially prone to repeat obstructions due to their tendency for uncontrolled urethra spasms. Some causes of urethral obstruction can be treated and eliminated, others cannot. Therefore, carefully monitoring the pet is very important.

Dietary changes may be necessary to prevent crystals, stones, or other potential causes of the obstruction. Ensuring a cat has a clean and safe litter pan can also help.