Things You Need To Know About Your Cat

by Tony Lopez, DVM, DABVP

• Keep cats indoors--they will be much more healthy, less prone to accidents, parasites, wounds, cat fights, and infections.  Cats do not "need" to go outdoors and can have a completely normal life indoors
• Do not give human pain medications AT ALL without consulting your veterinarian--even 1/2 of a Tylenol can be fatal if given to a cat
• Prevent dental disease--this is the most common infection seen!  Most people don't think of "bad teeth" as an infection, but it is a progressive and painful infection; most cats need yearly dental cleanings under anesthesia to prevent the pain and infection of periodontal disease from occurring as they grow older.  A yearly investment in a dental cleaning can prevent serious disease as they grow older.
•   Monthly heartworm and flea prevention--cats get heartworms too and indoor cats are not immune.  In addition, cats cannot be safely treated for heartworm disease so it is even more important to prevent.
• Control obesity--obesity is very prevalent and it has been proven that obesity shortens pets' lives and makes them more susceptible to a number of diseases; your vet can tell if your cat is overweight and also design a "weight watchers plan" to achieve a more optimum body weight.  An average adult (10lb) cat only needs about 250kcal (calories) per day.  Check your cat food and find out how many calories it has!  Recent research indicates canned food may be preferable to dry for overall quality of nutrition and prevention of disease.
• Keep track of your cat's weight--both excess weight and weight loss can be early indicators of disease.  Ask your veterinarian what your cat's ideal weight should be!
• Senior screening with yearly bloodwork and urinalysis--is recommended for all cats over 10 years and can be used to identify and treat many problems with much more success if caught early
• Kidney disease--the most common disease of aging cats; a yearly urinalysis (if not a full blood panel) is needed in senior cats (over 10 years) to help provide early identification and help manage this chronic and progressive disease
• Biannual examinations--are as important as vaccinations; have a physical examination done every 6 months!--some vaccinations are being given less frequently (for example the feline leukemia vaccine is necessary in kittens, but not always necessary in adults)
• Consider pet insurance--we get asked about coverage when it's too late;  get it before an illness or accident occurs.  Premiums are surprisingly affordable and comprehensive in their coverage of most medical problems and conditions.  Pet medical care is getting more expensive due to the higher level of care available with more options in diagnosis and treatment.  Think about this now and before your pet gets sick or injured.
• Pet loss--can be very traumatic--many people see their cats as "family members".  Professional grief counseling is available and can be very helpful;  don't hesitate to ask your veterinarian for a referral if needed

     Online/Catalog Pharmacy shoppers should be aware that the manufacturers of heartworm preventatives as well as other prescription medications will not uphold any guarantees regarding the efficacy or safety of medications that have not been purchased from licensed veterinarian.

     Some medications have been filled without consent of the prescribing veterinarian.  Some medications are not licensed to be sold in the United States but are still shipped to owners, under direct violation of Federal Law.

     Heartworm prevenatives are not 100% effective.  If preventatives were purchased through your pet's veterinarian and your pet were to test positive for heartworms, the manufacturer of said product will cover the cost of heartworm treatmeant.  The requirements are that pets must have had a previous negative heartworm test and have current on heartworm prevention.  Online pharmacies cannot offer this.  However, we will provide you with a written prescription for your pet as long as they are currently under our care, and have been examined within the past 12 months, and are current on required laboratory testing.  Your prescription can be used at your discretion and in the same manner you would handle a prescribtion from your own personal physician.

Advantages to purchasing heartworm and flea preventions through your veterinarian:

1. Monotoring your pet's health and medication through your veterinarian.
2. Manufacturer standing behind your pets medication, with documentation from your veterinarian.
3. Free doses w/purchase, only through your veterinarian

Disadvantages from Online Pharmacy and Catalog Purchases:

1. No free doses with purchase.
2. No manufacturer garantee.
3. No assistance from product manufacturer.

How Do I Know If My Dog Or Cat Has Periodontal Disease?

If you notice that your dog or cat has any of these symptoms, be sure to tell your veterinarian: 

• Bad breath (one of the first signs of periodontal disease)  
• Red or swollen gums
• A yellow-brown crust near the gum line 
• Loose or missing teeth 
• Discomfort when mouth or gums are touched

• Possible decreased appetite or weight loss due to difficulty chewing  

   

Is There Anything I Can Do? 

Brush.  Preventing periodontal disease begins at home.  By brushing your dogs or cats teeth on a regualr basis, you will help to reduce plaque buildup.  Be sure to use a toothbrush and toothpaste specially designed for dogs or cats.

Clean.  You visit your dentist regularly for cleaning and dental exams; you should take your dog or cat to your veterinarian for the same type of care.  Regular professional cleaning under general anesthesia, including areas under the gum line will help remove plaque and tartar on teeth.  This can help reduce the bacteria's contribution to periodontitis.

Giving your dog appropriate chew toys and feeding him specially formulated dog food for dental disease will help remove plaque between cleanings.

What is canine influenza?

Canine flu is a contagious respiratory disease in dogs caused by a specific Type A influenza virus referred to as a “canine influenza virus.”  This virus is very contagious among dogs but is not transmitted to humans or other household pets such as cats and birds.

What causes canine influenza?

The “canine influenza virus” is an influenza A H3N8 influenza virus (not a human influenza virus) that was originally and equine (horse) influenza virus.  This virus has spread to dogs and now spreads rapidly between infected dogs.

How serious is this infection?

The number of dogs that die from canine influenza virus is very small, only from 15% of cases.  Some dogs have no symptoms (20%), while some have mild to severe infections (80%).  Severe illness is characterized by the onset of pneumonia. Although this is a relatively new cause of the disease in dogs and nearly all dogs will have mild form of disease and the rest will show no signs at all of infection even though they are still contagious.

Transmission

Canine influenza is spread via aerosolized respiratory secretions and contaminated objects (kennel surfaces, food, water bowls, collars, and leashes) and people moving between infected and uninfected dogs.  The virus can remain viable on surfaces for up to 48 hours, on clothing for 24 hours, and on hands for 12 hours.  The virus is easily inactivated by soap and  water, so good hand hygiene and laundering of contaminated items are important methods of preventing spread of CIV.  CIV is most likely to spread in facilities where dogs are densely housed or where there is a high turnover of dogs in and out of the facility.  Dogs in communities where the virus is prevalent are at high risk of contracting CIV when visiting shelters, boarding facilities, canine day care centers, veterinary clinics and pet stores.

Vaccination

In May 2009, the USDA approved the licensure of the first influenza vaccine for dogs developed by Intervet/Schering Plough Animal Health Corporation.  The canine influenza vaccine contains inactivated whole virus so there is no risk of vaccine-induced influenza.

The vaccine is intended as an aid in the control of disease associated with CIV infection.  Although the vaccine may not prevent infection all together, efficacy trials have shown that the vaccination may significantly reduce the severity and duration of clinic illness, including the incidence and severity of damage to the lungs.  In addition, the vaccine reduces the amount of virus shed and shortens the shedding interval; therefore, vaccinated dogs that become infected develop less severe illness and are less likely to spread the virus to other dogs.  These benefits are similar to those provided by influenza vaccines used in other species, including humans.

The canine influenza vaccine is a “lifestyle” vaccine, and is not recommended for every dog.  In general, the vaccine is intended for the protection of dogs at risk for exposure to the CI virus, which in clued those that either participate in activities with many other dogs or are housed in communal facilities, particularly where the virus is prevalent.  Dogs that may benefit from canine influenza vaccination include those that receive the kennel cough (Bordetella/parainfluenza) vaccine, because the risk groups are similar.  Dog owners should consult with their veterinarian to determine whether their dog’s lifestyle includes risks for exposure to the CI virus and if the vaccine is appropriate for their dog.

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Thank you,

Cornerstone Animal Clinic