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Feline abscesses are mainly caused by cat bites and scratches. Cat's mouths are very
dirty and when one cat bites another cat, the bacteria from the cat's mouth enters
underneath the loose skin of the other cat. The bacteria which causes the abscess is Pasteurella.
The clinical signs seen in the cat when there is an abscess present are: the cat is
quiet, will not eat or drink, lethargic, fever, pain, lameness, the area is swollen,
inflamed, and the abscess may rupture. Also, the abscess may be smelly, grey in color, and
will keep occurring. If the abscess has not ruptured, there will be a thick white to
reddish brown odorous exudate in the aspiration or drainage.
Abscesses occur highest in intact males with no breed or age predilection. A couple
ways to prevent abscesses from occurring are: neuter the cat-this will help prevent
roaming and less fighting. Keep the cat indoors, and stop the cats fights if possible.
The treatment of abscesses vary, the injury can be either internal or external.
Surgical is one method to remove the abscess. Another method is to flush the abscess and
place a drain to allow the pus and fluids to drain from the abscess. Antibiotics are used
to reduce the inflammation. Other treatments include, rest, plenty of fluids, ice packs or
hot baths to alleviate some of the pain.
Chronic renal failure has a variety of causes. An animal's age, genetics, environment,
and disease may contribute to the disease. As an animal's age increases, so do its chances
for kidney failure.
The most common early signs associated with chronic renal failure are excessive water
consumption and excessive urination. Signs of kidney disease are not apparent until 70% of
the kidney function is lost. Some of the nonspecific signs associated with CRF include
lethargy, anorexia, and weight loss. The clinical signs vary with the degree of renal
insufficiency and even a contributing cause that may be an underlying factor. Some CRF
patients will show exercise intolerance and weakness, due to anemia. In advanced cases,
patients with urine in the blood will experience vomiting and diarrhea. These signs can be
the key to controlling the disease. CRF is a disease that needs to be controlled as best
as possible. There is no cure of this disease. Prevention of the disease centers around
the cat itself. When onset occurs, the only way to help is through supportive care. Try to
ensure that the cat can live a similar lifestyle even though he/she is afflicted with the
disease.
Since there is no cure for kidney failure, treatment is centered around supportive
care. It is imperative to work with your veterinarian. A lot of care and attention are
needed to maintain a healthy lifestyle for the cat. Some form of record keeping should be
done to evaluate the cat's health over the progression of the disease. Record keeping
benefits everyone involved. The veterinarian can monitor the progression of the disease.
Cats who have CRF should be put on a low protein, low salt, and low phosphorous diet. A
cat's water intake is very important, too. Bottled water is the best to use, since it is
free of chemicals. Vitamin supplements may be prescribed by your veterinarian. In advanced
progression of the disease, fluid therapy may be necessary. Medications may be necessary
to help with many of the underlying conditions associated with CRF. Chronic renal failure
is a terminal disease. but it can be controlled with proper medical attention. Eventually,
the inevitable decline is going to occur.
FIV is caused by a virus that decreases the immune system's ability to fight off
diseases.
Unthriftiness is frequently the only clinical sign that there is a problem. Often there
is a fever of at least 103 F in the later stages. A common complaint is a loss of appetite
or showing pain when eating. Infections of the skin, bladder, and upper respiratory tract
are often seen along with diarrhea. Pregnant female cats can abort their kittens. Some
cats have seizures, mental deterioration, and other nervous system disorders like
incoordination. There is also slow weight loss with severe wasting away.
No vaccine is available to prevent FIV. Owners can only protect their cats by keeping
them away from infected cats. Indoor cats and cats kept away from free-roaming cats are
very unlikely to get FIV. Catteries or multiple-cat households should have all of their
cats tested and isolate or remove any positive cats. Once they are all FIV negative, any
new cats should be tested before introducing them into that household. Quarantine new cats
for at least 30 days.
Antibiotics and antifungal drugs has been used. Supportive care, fluids passed through
veins, blood transfusions, and feeding high-caloric dietary supplements is often required.
The use of corticosteroids and other anti-inflammatory drugs may be needed in some cats to
control gingivitis. Anabolic steroids (those that promote growth and tissue repair) may
help to fight weight loss and wasting. The drug AZT, used for AIDS patients, may also be
used against FIV.
The cause of FIP is a virus, that cats younger than 3 years and older than 10 years of
age, in poor physical condition, or in stressed situations are most susceptible to.
Transmission occurs most commonly through ingestion, inhalation, and contact with infected
feces and urine. Mothers may also pass the disease on to their unborn young.
The FIP virus can demonstrate itself in two different ways or sometimes a combination
of both.
- The effusive type (wet) is the most common form presenting with signs like fever,
sneezing, watery eyes, nasal discharge, depression, or loss of appetite. It can also
progress into weight loss and fluid in the abdomen (which can make the abdomen look
larger). Fluid accumulation in the chest can occur, as well, resulting in difficulty
breathing.
- Non-effusive (dry) is less common with a much slower onset than the wet form. The signs
are fever, weight loss, anemia, and depression, with minimal fluid accumulation. Instead,
hard masses may form in the chest or abdomen. Changes in the eyes may be seen in this form
of FIP. Commonly the eyes become cloudy or the pupil becomes an abnormal shape.
There is a recommended vaccine available but how much protection it provides is
debatable. In one study done by Cornell Feline Health Center it even accelerated the
disease in over half of the cats who had been exposed to the virus.
The only treatment available is supportive. The success in using immunosuppressive
drugs is questionable, because they decrease the body's natural defenses to the disease.
Antibiotics are ineffective. The only time treatment has been proven effective is with
extensive nursing care, mild clinical signs, and providing there is no other disease
present. FIP is highly fatal, but with good care, love, and attention infected animals can
remain comfortable and happy for some time.
Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) is caused by a virus. The virus becomes part of the host's
genetic material, probably for the lifetime of the host. FeLV is spread primarily in the
saliva of infected cats, but may also be spread in the tears, urine, or feces. Cats living
in multi-cat households or who are free roaming are more susceptible. Signs of FeLV
include: anemia, jaundice, depression, weight loss, decreased appetite; either diarrhea or
constipation, bloody stool, excessive drinking and urination. Various reproductive
disorders may occur such as abortion and infertility. Cancers, kidney disease, liver
disease, and neurological disorders may also occur.
There is no known cure for FeLV at this time. The disease can be deadly because it
compromises the immune system. FeLV can be spread from cat to cat, so if there is one
infected cat, then the others will become infected too. Because of this, cats that test
positive must be isolated from other cats. Temporary remissions may be achieved by using
antiviral drugs or by using certain chemotherapy drugs. Blood tests are available that can
detect a protein component of the virus as it circulates in the bloodstream. These tests
are generally done in the veterinarian's office. Vaccines are then available for cats who
test negative for the virus. These vaccines are boostered annually. FeLV is not
transmittable from cats to people or vice versa, nor can dogs catch it from cats.
Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD) has no specific cause, but is a name for an
assortment of clinical signs. FLUTD may also be known as Feline Urological Syndrome (FUS)
or "blocked cat" in some literature. The disease is more typical in indoor cats
that are 1-6 years old. There are a few things that may predispose a cat to FLUTD:
decreased activity (due to castration, confinement, adverse weather conditions, illness,
or obesity), decreased water intake, decreased frequency of urination, a diet high in
magnesium, and a diet consisting of dry food. A diet high in magnesium has been shown to
cause crystal formation in the urine. These crystals then block the urethra, so the cat
can't urinate. The clinical signs associated with FLUTD consist of: painful urination,
blood in the urine, straining/vocalization while urinating, large bladder, frequent trips
to the litter box, painful abdomen, and a weak or sporadic stream of urine. If the disease
continues to progress without treatment the signs become: dehydration, lethargy, not
wanting to eat and vomiting. Within five days of obstruction, coma and death occur.
The most important treatment is relieving the blockage. This is accomplished by using
water to move the obstruction, catheterization and removing urine from the bladder with a
needle and syringe. The cat might also be put on fluids. There are two ways to remove the
stone from the bladder: surgically and by diet. Surgery consists of physically removing
the stone. The diet helps dissolve the stone in about 2-3 months after starting it because
it helps lower the pH of the urine.
FLUTD affects 1-10% of all cats and recurs in 50-70% of those affected cats. Prevention
of recurrence is by feeding a prescription diet (C/D by Science Diet). Also, feeding a
diet low in magnesium, will help to prevent FLUTD from occurring. Clean the water dishes
daily, and encourage maximum water intake and urination will also help. Lastly, use
multiple litter boxes if you own multiple cats since a cat might hold his urine if a
litter box is smelly or dirty.
Feline Panleukopenia is also known as feline distemper, infectious enteritis, cat
fever, and feline agranulocytosis. This viral disease is very contagious and can be found
anywhere there is a cat population. Feline distemper has a high mortality rate in kittens,
making it very important to have your kitten or cat vaccinated. Vaccinations for feline
distemper can be started at 8-10 weeks of age and should be repeated every 2-3 weeks,
until 16 weeks of age. Once the series has been completed, your cat can be re-vaccinated
once a year every year.
This virus can be spread by direct contact, fomites (which are non-living objects), and
also through feces and urine. The virus can live up to a year in the environment and most
chemicals cannot kill the virus. The incubation period can last anywhere from 2-10 days.
Once the virus is in the system it can spread to the bone marrow. The signs that may be
seen are similar to other feline diseases, often starting with depression. The cat may
become lethargic, or tired and not as active. It may soon stop eating (anorexia) and
become dehydrated, then may start vomiting and having diarrhea. Even though the cat can
become dehydrated, you may see the cat always around the water bowl. A sign that may not
be seen by owners, but can be detected by a Veterinarian, is leukopenia. a decrease in
white cells. Once the virus has been in the body for a few days, you may notice the cat
has a increased temperature.
In order to prevent your cat from this disease, start vaccinations as soon as
recommended by your Veterinarian. Treatment for cats with distemper is not a guarantee. If
your cat is older, then it is possible it may have a better immune system to fight it off,
but if you have a young kitten the mortality rate is high. There is no cure for the
disease, we can help by allowing the cat to get rest and help to supply it with energy by
providing food and water; as for drugs that may kill the virus, there are none. The cat
usually requires hospitalization, IV fluids, and plenty of rest to boost its energy.
For more information see:
http://www.avma.org/careforanimals/CFAsiteindex.asp
One of the most common infections in kittens is Feline Upper Respiratory Disease. The
disease is rarely fatal, but if left untreated death may occur due to anorexia,
dehydration and bacterial pneumonia. The three causes of upper respiratory disease are
feline herpesvirus (FHV) [also known as feline rhinotracheitis virus (FVR)], feline
calicivirus (FCV) and Chlamydia psittaci (which causes feline pneumonitis or FPN).
FHV and FCV are the most common causes of respiratory infections. Transmission of the
virus and bacteria is by direct contact with the saliva, or nasal or ocular discharge.
Carrier cats are common and they may still be infectious, especially after becoming
stressed. Causes of stress include, change of environment (new home, boarding or going to
a cat show) and steroid treatment.
Signs of upper respiratory disease include: depression, fever, loss of appetite,
sneezing, drooling, nasal and/or ocular discharge, conjunctivitis, dark scars on the
cornea of the eye, mouth ulceration, nasal ulceration, lameness, and possibly pneumonia.
Early treatment is best,but if not treated a chronic nasal infection may occur.
Antibiotics, pediatric nose drops (if the cat can't breathe) and topical eye ointment (for
FPN) may be prescribed. Owners should try to keep the face clean of the nasal and ocular
discharge. Feeding hot, stinky food also helps the cat to eat since they have trouble
smelling their food. The best way to keep from having the problem is to vaccinate yearly.
Keeping cats indoors and avoiding contact with new felines will also help with prevention.
Hemobartonellosis is caused by Hemobartonella felis, a parasite of red blood
cells. The cat's immune system destroys the affected blood cells, causing a type of anemia
known as Feline Infectious Anemia (FIA).
Signs of FIA can vary. An infected cat may have loss of appetite, fever, lethargy,
depression, and pale mouth and gums. Weight loss, vomiting, dehydration, and difficulty in
breathing may occur. Diagnosis is made by microscopic examination of a blood smear.
Examination of a series of samples over a few days may be required to definitely identify
the H. felis organism.
Young unneutered males kept outside are most at risk of contracting the disease,
usually through bite wounds incurred in cat fights. H. felis can be transmitted
from an infected female to her unborn young, or through nursing. Another mode of
transmission is through biting insects, especially fleas.
Treatment involves administration of tetracycline (an antibiotic) to fight infection,
usually accompanied by prednisone (a steroid) to help control destruction of red blood
cells. Very extreme cases may require blood transfusions and/or administration of oxygen.
Once infected with H. felis, a cat will always be a carrier, even when not
actively sick. FIA can recur in times of physical or emotional stress, especially in cases
of stress upon the immune system.
There is no vaccination to prevent FIA, but there are some basic common sense steps
that will help safeguard your cat. Keeping cats indoors and neutering all cats, especially
males, lessen chances of exposure. A good flea control program can help protect your cat
against biting insects that carry the H. felis organism. You can request a blood
test for H. felis as part of your cat's annual preventive health care, especially
if it is in a high risk category.
For more information see: Infectious Anemia in Cats at http://www.allcreatures.com/fia.htm
The thyroid is a gland located alongside the trachea which secretes two major hormones
that help regulate the overall metabolism of the body. Problems occur when there is an
overproduction (hyperthyroidism) or underproduction (hypothyroidism) of these hormones.
Hyperthyroidism is more common in older cats, and can occur in either sex and in any
breed. One of the most common symptoms is weight loss, even though the cat may be eating
as much or more than normal. Other symptoms include increased thirst and urination, heat
intolerance, panting, diarrhea, vomiting, and an elevated heart rate. The coat may look
matted or greasy with bald areas resulting from excessive grooming or shedding.
Laboratory analysis of blood samples are required for a positive diagnosis of
hyperthyroidism, Once diagnosed, there are three treatment options: medication, surgical
removal of the thyroid gland, or treatment with radioactive iodine. Your veterinarian will
explain each course of treatment to you and help you select the treatment or combination
of treatments best suited to your cat.
Hypothyroidism is rare in cats. When it does occur, it is caused by decreased secretion
of the hormones produced by the thyroid gland. Hypothyroid cats continue to gain weight
even when fed reduced amounts of food. Other noticeable signs include a dull hair coat and
scaly skin. Also, because their metabolism is slow due to hormone deficiency, hypothyroid
cats appear sluggish and their body temperature is lower than normal.
Diagnosis of hypothyroidism is based on history, physical examination, and blood tests.
Treatment consists of administering a thyroid hormone substitute for the life of the cat.
As with hyperthyroidism, follow-up visits and blood tests may be necessary to establish
the correct dose.
Rabies is caused by a virus that attacks nervous tissue. All warm-blooded animals can
become infected with the rabies virus. The disease is found in all the United States,
except Hawaii, and in most of the rest of the world.
Rabies is transmitted most often from a bite of a rabid animal. The virus multiplies in
the salivary gland. Since the virus is not always present in the salivary gland, being
bitten by a rabid animal does not mean that you will definitely get the disease.
Cats are considered highly susceptible to rabies. Their natural roaming habits may
bring them into contact with other animals, increasing their exposure to disease. Most
cases of rabies in domestic animals occur in cats.
Clinical signs include problems moving, irritability, aggressiveness, and paralysis.
The paralysis affects the throat muscles, so the cat drools and cannot swallow. Its voice
also has an unnatural quality. Paralysis of the whole body occurs and progresses into a
coma with death following shortly.
If a cat has been exposed to rabies immediate treatment will increase its chances of
survival. However, once clinical signs are presented or when rabies is diagnosed, animals
must be euthanized. There is no successful treatment for man or animal, the disease is
fatal. If any treatment is to be given the animal the vet will do so. This will probably
include antiserum and vaccination.
Prevention would include vaccinating the cat at three months of age and, depending on
the vaccine used, giving a booster either every year or three years.
If a human is exposed to a suspect cat, the attending physician should determine the
course to be followed.
For more information see: Your Cat: A Guide To Vaccination at http://www.pfizer.com/ah/level2/petown/catown/catvac.html
A sarcoma is a group of tumors that affect the connective tissue of an animal. It is a
firm mass that takes anywhere from 1-4 weeks to develop at the site of vaccination. It is
important not to confuse this with a small, firm swelling that commonly occurs at
vaccination sites and go away after several weeks.
However, cat owners should not be discouraged from vaccinating their pets. The risk
from not vaccinating is much greater than the risk of vaccine associated sarcomas, in fact
the occurrence of these sarcomas is less than 1%.
Treatment includes aggressive surgery to remove the mass and is usually followed by
radiation therapy. Unfortunately, the chance for reoccurrence is greater than 60% and it
is considered a fatal disease.
There are ways of preventing the sarcoma from developing. A task force that was put
together by veterinarians representing different veterinary organizations and research
groups to try and find more information on this disease such as finding a cause and a
cure. For right now they only have recommendations on prevention. The following are a
couple of suggestions on helping you and your veterinarian reduce the risk of sarcomas: 1)
Ask your veterinarian to give the vaccine in the rear limbs instead of between the
shoulder blades. If a sarcoma does develop the whole limb can be removed giving the cat a
better chance of survival.2) Make sure the veterinarian keeps records of what vaccine was
given, who the manufacturer is of the vaccine and where it was given. Do not be afraid to
ask your veterinarian for more information on this disease. They should be well informed
and may have some other suggestions on preventing the disease in your cat.
1 By Stormi Burgoyne, Amy Gardiner, Heather Hamilton, and Carrie Via,
Blue Ridge Community College Veterinary Technician Program, Class of 1997.
2 By Martha Hemmler, Cindy Mawyer, JJ Scheufel, and Susie Thompson, Blue
Ridge Community College Veterinary Technician Program, Class of 1997.
3 By Donny Bodenhamer, Kathy Brereton, and Leslie Sanford, Blue Ridge
Community College Veterinary Technology Program, Class of 1998.
4 By Stephanie Church, Heather Jennings, and Alana Polishuk, Blue Ridge
Community College Veterinary Technology Program, Class of 1998.
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