FeLV/FIV
-
possible symptoms
- testing
Heartworm
-
symptoms
- treatment
Otitis
(Ear Disease)
-
causes
- symptoms
- diagnosis
- treatment
- therapy
- home care
Feline Leukemia (FeLV) & Feline Immunodeficiency Virus Testing (FIV) are two of the most common highly contagious and potentially fatal diseases in cats. Cats most at risk for either or both diseases are those that share food and water bowls, go outside, fight or come from multi-cat households.
Symptoms of these diseases are similar and include weight loss, dehydration, oral lesions and fever. However, your cat may be positive for either of these diseases and still not show any symptoms if caught early enough. The best way to determine FeLV/FIV status is through testing.
- testing: As your Veterinarian, I am pleased to offer FeLV/FIV in house testing, to quickly and accurately assure the health status of your pet or, if your cat is unfortunate enough to be infected, to be able to proceed immediately with management options.
Based on clinical observations (see above), we recommend that you have your cat tested For FeLV/FIV. It only requires a few drops of blood and results are available within 10- 15 minutes. We can then discuss appropriate treatment and disease management options for your cat.
Felines develop a slightly different heartworm disease compared to canines. Like dogs, heartworms live primarily in the heart of the cat, where mature females release thousands of tiny larvae called microfilaria. These immature forms depend upon a mosquito to transfer them from one infected cat to a non-infected cat. After passing the disease to the next cat, these microfilaria develop and grow in the cat, eventually finding their way to the heart and arteries of the lungs. However, worm burdens are much smaller in cats; they usually get a few worms that do not generally lead to obstructive disease (as in canines). The problem that arises in cats is more of an immune mediated one. Simply put, the body has an over reaction to fight off the disease, this is what causes the problems.
- symptoms: The most frequently seen symptoms in heartworm positive cats are vomiting, anorexia, malazia and trouble breathing. To diagnose heartworms requires blood testing for the signals of adult heartworms; this should be repeated yearly. After a negative test, your feline companion should start prevention and be maintained year round.
- treatment: Heartworm treatment is slightly different in cats compared to dogs as well. Because there are fewer worms in the cat we can treat a little more aggressively. A low dose adulticide and Microfilariaecide is given at the same time, slowly killing both the adult and baby heartworms. We repeat that dose in increasing increments for four to six weeks or until the preventative dose has been reached. Once on prevention they stay on forever to prevent reinfestation. If you have any questions related to Feline Heartworm Disease don't hesitate calling or e-mailing us. If you think your companion is showing signs of Feline Heartworm Disease have them tested and when negative start them on heartworm prevention as both good preventative health care and peace of mind.
© PetCom, Inc. Pet Ear Infections Otitis (ear disease) is an inflammation of the ear. It may involve the outer ear - otitis extema, middle ear - otitis media, and/or the Inner ear - otitis Interna. Although usually not life-threatening, ear infections are often very painful for your pet. In some pets ear infections tend to recur after treatment. Chronic infection causes the ear canal tissue to become thick and rough. This can severely impair hearing and may lead to deafness.
- causes: Ear parasites (mites), bacterial or yeast infection, matted hair in the ear canal, allergy, foreign objects, injury and moisture retained in the ear canal cause Otitis. Over-the-counter ear cleaners can aggravate infection when ears do not drain and dry properly. Chronic infection may require surgery.
- symptoms: Pets with Otitis may shake their heads, or rub their ear against the floor. They often scratch excessively at the ear canal opening. Inside the ear is sometimes red, and a foul-smelling discharge may be present. Head tilting and poor coordination can be a result of inner ear infection.
- diagnosis: The type of ear infection must be determined by microscopic examination of the ear discharge in addition to visual Inspection of the ear canal and ear drum with an otoscope. A bacterial culture to identify pathogenic (disease causing) organisms may also be necessary. When severe inflammation is present, anesthesia may be required to properly examine and treat the ear.
- treatment: Treatment varies with the type of infection and length of time it has been present. Antibiotics and other medications may be required. Long-term treatment may be necessary to control chronic infections. For severe infections, we now have the Auriflush system, a state-of-the-art flushing system which lavages the ear while aspirating and filtering out debris.
- therapy: Following examination and treatment your veterinarian will usually prescribe medication, and an ear cleanser to remove excess moisture, waxy exudate and foreign debris from the external ear canal. Inappropriate cleansing can cause significant harm. Infection usually recurs if medication is withdrawn prematurely or is not administered as directed. Don't gamble with your pet's health! Clean ears and administer medication according to instructions.
Lateral Ear Canal Resection: This surgical procedure establishes air circulation and proper drainage of the outer ear canal. It may be recommended in chronic cases to prevent infection from penetrating the eardrum and moving into the middle and inner ear causing permanent damage and chronic pain.