Healthy eyes of cats are moist and clear. If there is redness or swelling, or if your cat squints or you see a discharge of mucus, these may be indications of an eye infection. Monitor your cat's eyes closely and do not hesitate to contact your veterinarian if you suspect something is wrong. Your cat's eyes are too valuable to take any chances

Keep eyes clear of mucus at all times. Infections are often caused by bacteria that overgrow on mucus. Use a sterile eyewash and/or eye wipes to keep the eye area clean. This is especially important in young kittens who may have considerable eye discharge resulting from upper respiratory infections

Apply a protective ophthalmic ointment under the top lid to protect the eyes before bathing, facial cleanings, and insecticide treatment. Even 'tearless' shampoos can irritate if too much gets in the eyes or if it is not rinsed out soon enough

Keep all hair out of your cat's eyes since scratches to the cornea (the clear membrane across the surface of the eye) can result from contact with hair. In long-haired cats, when it is necessary, trim the hair using only blunt-nosed scissors, cutting parallel to the edge of the eyelid. This is especially important where the skin folds near the eyes in breeds like Persians.

'Tear staining' is a common problem with particular breeds of cats, especially Persians, and can get unsightly if not taken care of. Tears are bactericidal, which means they kill the bacteria that can cause infections of the eye. Normally, tears flow across the surface of the eye and quickly drain through the tear duct. This discoloration at the corners of the eyes is caused by normal tears that spill out and lay on the surrounding hair. For breeds that tend to have tear stains, you could clean hair in affected areas at least weekly with a tear stain remover product.

Watery, dripping eyes are a relatively common problem in cats, particularly kittens. They can be a sign of an upper respiratory infection, specifically a viral infection. One sore eye could also be a sign of a foreign body, something that's irritating your cat's eye. There's also the possibility that an upper respiratory infection earlier in your cat's life left his tear ducts clogged or scarred shut.The best thing you can do for your cat is to seek veterinary care right away. Viral infections can cause corneal ulcers or progress to more serious disease if left untreated, and foreign bodies in the eye can cause damage or disease of the eye. All of these problems are preventable if you see your veterinarian. A veterinarian can treat a viral infection, remove a foreign body from the eye, or flush out clogged tear ducts. In some cases, occular problems can be a sign of more serious systemic conditions (problems that affect many systems in an animal's body), so it's very important that you seek veterinary care.

it a runny nose and cold, or respiratory infection?

Cats get colds, just like you and me, however cats have their
own virus that is unique to their species. This means we can't "catch"
colds from cats, and neither can they "catch" colds from us.


Cats experience much the same symptoms as we do when we
have a cold. They get snotty runny noses, runny eyes, sneezing,
temperature etc. And like humans they also are susceptible
to the sinus and chest infections that are sometimes the result
with a humans cold.

These infections are called secondary infections. It is important
that when your kitten gets a cold that that they receive the
proper treatment. Follow your vet's recommendations.


Your cat cannot blow it's nose, so you need to keep the
mucous and discharge clean by wiping the nose as needed
with a damp, warm rag or tissue. Be gentle!


Just like in humans, a cat cold will last from 7 to 10 days.

Many cats will also refuse to eat when having a cold.
One reason for this is that cats like to smell their food first,
and with a runny nose, it's rather hard to pick up the scent.


Be very careful about dehydration! If your kitty is not eating
and is becoming dehydrated, buy some canned cat food.
It is 75 to 80% moisture and has a hearty smell to it.

When kittens have runny eyes and noses, there is a good chance
that they have a respiratory infection.

Unfortionately, many of these respiratory infections never go
away completely. They may seem to disappear, and return
whenever the cat is stressed, or they may just never go away.





Cat Flu (Feline Infectious Respiratory Disease) is still an
extremely common problem in cats. It rarely causes death in
healthy adult cats but it can be fatal in kittens, old cats and
cats which are already ill.


Upper Respiratory Infections can be caused by a complex of
infectious agents including Feline Pneumonitis, Rhinotracheitis, and
Calcivirus. Symptoms of Upper Respiratory Infections in cats
are similar to a head cold in humans and can include sneezing,
nasal discharge, runny eyes, cough, oral or nasal ulcers,
hoarse voice, sniffles, fever or any combination of the above.


Cats that recover from cat flu may become carriers of the virus
and can transmit the disease to other cats for many years. If
this 'carrier' cat is stressed, this can be by moving house or
other activities which are out of the ordinary, it may show
signs of cat flu, this being a runny nose and most commonly
by sneezing.

Feline Herpesvirus and Feline Calicivirus:

Feline herpesvirus (the cause of feline viral rhinotracheitis) and
feline calicivirus are estimated to be responsible for 80-90% of
infectious feline upper respiratory tract diseases.

Although usually not serious in adult cats, disease caused by
these viruses may be severe–and sometimes fatal–in kittens.
Sneezing, runny eyes, runny nose, and fever are the most
typical signs of infection.

In addition to upper respiratory tract disease, lameness and
chronic oral inflammatory disease have been linked to calicivirus
infection. Both viruses are shed in secretions from the nose,
eyes, and mouth of infected cats. Cats become infected by
direct exposure to infected individuals, either from sneezed
droplets, or from contaminated objects such as food and water dishes.

Most cats are exposed to either or both of these viruses at
some time during their lives, usually as a kitten. Once infected,
many cats never completely rid themselves of viruses. These
carrier cats shed viruses either continuously or intermittently
for long periods of time–perhaps for life–and serve as a major
source of infection to other cats.

Protection induced by the currently available vaccines minimizes
the severity of disease, but does not prevent disease in all cats.



Feline chlamydia is one infectious disease that is spread via the
respiratory system, it causes symptoms similar to cat flu. Kittens
may also develop some respiratory signs as well as having the

discharge from the eye which is associated with chlamydia.



The signs of this disease start in one eye and quickly spread to the

other eye. Without treatment these signs can last for months, even years.
The symptoms are red eyes with a thick discharge, reluctance

to open eyes fully, may have a mild nasal discharge and the

occasional sneeze. Their temperature is usually normal and they

will probably continue to eat as normal. Cats which show these

signs must be kept isolated from other cats. Chlamydia can also

infect the genital tracts of cats, which can result in reproductive

failure in female cats.

Allergies: Cats with allergies, either to food or something they inhale, may have ear problems. As a matter of fact, the ear problem may be the first sign of the allergy. Since the allergy changes the environment within the ear, we sometimes see secondary infections with bacteria or yeast. If we just treat the infection, we are not getting to the root of the problem. We need to treat the allergies too.

Parasites: The ear mite, Otodectes cynotis, is a common cause of ear problems especially in kittens. Some animals are hypersensitive to the mites and the resultant itching can be intense. These animals may scratch so much they severely traumatize the ear.

Bacteria and Yeast: Numerous types of bacteria and the yeast, Malassezia pachydermatis, cause ear infections. The normal, healthy ear has a good defense against these organisms, but if the ear environment changes due to allergies, hormone abnormalities, or moisture, the bacteria and yeast can greatly multiply and break down these defenses.

Foreign Bodies: Plant awns, those little "stick-tights" that cling to our clothes and our cats' fur, can sometimes enter the ear canal. Their presence causes irritation, the cat scratches, and before you know it we have a traumatized, infected ear. So if you have a cat who goes outside, be sure to routinely check the ears.

Hormonal Abnormalities: Deficiencies or excesses of various hormones can result in skin and ear problems. Thyroid hormone, glucocorticoids produced by the adrenal gland, and sex hormones all influence the health of the skin and ears.

Because there are many potential causes of ear problems, we cannot just say it is a bacterial infection, dispense antibiotics, and it will go away. Often more work is needed. Your veterinarian can use an otoscope to look down into the ear canal and determine the amount of inflammation present, if the tympanic membrane (ear drum) is involved, and if there are any foreign bodies, tumors, or other potential causes of the problem. Swabs of the ear can be taken, smeared on a microscope slide, stained and examined for bacteria, yeast, and mites. A thorough history and physical exam may help determine if this could be a hormonal, allergic, or hereditary problem. If these are suspected, further diagnostic testing would be needed. If a bacterial infection does not respond to the first antibiotic therapy, a culture and sensitivity may need to be performed to select a different antibiotic.

The treatment is going to depend on what caused the ear problem and what secondary conditions are there as a result. Antibiotics are used for bacterial infections and antifungals for yeast infections. Glucocorticoids such as dexamethasone are often included in these preparations to reduce the amount of inflammation in the ear. Ear problems caused by a systemic disease such as a hormone abnormality or allergy must include a therapy that treats the whole cat, such as hormonal replacement or allergy testing and hyposensitization (immunotherapy).

Ear mites: Ear mites can cause a dry, dark, crumbly debris in the ear that resembles coffee grounds. Ear mites are more common in cats than dogs. For this condition, ear cleaning followed by an ear medication to kill mites will eliminate the problem, although the treatment may need to be continued over several weeks depending upon the product used.

Your cat's ear is more L-shaped than yours, and debris loves to collect at the corner of the L. To remove this debris, fill your cat's ear canal with a good ear cleaner. Ear cleaners should be slightly acidic but should NOT sting. Massage the base of the ear for 20-30 seconds to soften and release the debris. Wipe out the loose debris and excess fluid with a cotton ball. Repeat this procedure until you see no more debris. Depending on your cat's ear condition, you may have to start out doing this twice a day.
Cotton applicator swabs can be used to clean the inside of the earflap and the part of the ear canal you can see. They should NOT be used farther down in the ear canal since that tends to pack debris in the ear canal, rather than removing it.

Some ear problems are so painful, the cat must be anesthetized to do a good job of cleaning the ears. You may find your cat does not like to have her ears cleaned because it is uncomfortable. Talking to her during the process, stopping momentarily to give her a treat if she is doing well (we do not want to reward fussiness!) and doing something fun afterwards may all help.

After the ear is clean, let the cat shake her head and allow some time for the ears to dry. Then you can apply any ear medication that was prescribed.

The key to healthy ears is to keep them clean. Check your cat's ears weekly. A slight amount of waxy buildup may be present in normal ears. Treat any underlying condition that predisposes your cat to ear problems.
Remember, if your cat is showing severe discomfort, the ears have a bad smell, or the ear canals look very abnormal, do not delay in contacting your veterinarian. If your cat has a ruptured or weakened eardrum, some ear cleansers and medications could do more harm than good.

WHAT IS ASTHMA?

Asthma is a recurring respiratory compromise that occurs when the lung airways constrict either spontaneously or in response to stimuli which normally should not cause a reaction. Excess mucus forms, airways swell with inflammation and can actually ulcerate, and the airway muscles go into spasm leading to constriction. Airway constriction leads to inability to draw a deep breath, intolerance to exercise, coughing, and musical sighing sounds called “wheezes.” Not all of these signs need be observed; sometimes only a low grade chronic cough is the only sign but it should be remembered that an acute asthmatic crisis can arise at any time and can represent a life-threatening event.

IS FELINE ASTHMA THE SAME AS HUMAN ASTHMA?

The feline condition was named “asthma” due to the clinical features shared with the human disease. As of this time, it appears that all the diagnostic criteria needed to make the asthma diagnosis in humans are shared by cats, yet we are still working out the mechanics of this syndrome in the cat and have a great deal to learn. For example, in humans we know that while actual symptoms of asthma occur in episodes, the airways of the lung are diseased all the time. We do not know yet if feline airways are also diseased all the time or if the actual airway structural changes occur only when there are clinical signs of distress.

HOW IS THE DIAGNOSIS MADE?

Because of the constricted airways, the actual volume of air this patient can move in and out of the lungs each breath is reduced. There is often a great deal of effort seen in the cat’s breathing. The abdomen appears to be working to push air out and the breaths are shallow and rapid. The cat may even be breathing with its mouth open in an effort to move the largest possible amount of air.

The next step toward making a diagnosis of feline asthma is the chest radiograph, assuming the cat is not in too much distress to hold still in position for this procedure. Classically, this radiograph will show what is called “air-trapping.” This means that the small airways have constricted such that inspired air cannot be exhaled. The lungs are larger in appearance than normal as they are over-inflated. The diaphragm may seem flattened due to this over-

In the bottom radiograph, it is possible to view the tiny airways in much higher detail. This is partly because they are made more prominent because of the mucus and inflammatory fluid inside them (the “doughnuts” and “tramlines”) and partly because they are surrounded by more air than usual (air-trapping).

Inflammation and mucus build up within the airways causing their walls to appear thickened in the radiograph. The terms used for such airway appearance are “doughnuts” (when viewing the airway end-on) or “tramlines” (when viewing the airway from the side). You may hear your veterinarian use these terms and they are classical findings in airway disease.

BUT SOME ASTHMATIC CATS HAVE NORMAL RADIOGRAPHS

Since visible changes are not always evident on radiographs this can lead to the diagnosis of asthma when it is not in fact present. Indeed, the diagnosis of asthma can be complicated and it is famously over-diagnosed because it is consistent with normal radiographs.

Procedures that retrieve cells from the lower respiratory tract may be helpful in patients with normal radiographs. Such procedures include the tracheal wash and bronchoscopy. The cell type of allergy known as the “eosinophil” is copious in the secretions of an asthmatic patient. But even this finding is made complicated since eosinophils do occur in normal feline respiratory secretions. Further, parasitic infections such as lungworm and heartworm also lead to eosinophil-rich respiratory secretions but hopefully other tests have been used to rule these infections out.

RESPONSE TO THERAPY AS A DIAGNOSTIC TEST

One important asthma feature is that the airway constriction in engenders is reversible. In an emergency situation, a small dose of epinephrine (adrenalin) can reverse an asthmatic crisis in as little as 15 minutes. Response to injection with an airway dilator such as terbutaline usually occurs within 30 minutes. Response to a long acting corticosteroid injection (such as methylprednisolone acetate/depomedrol) generally yields a positive response within 48 hours.

Sometimes, diagnostic tests still leave room for question and one has to simply go with medical treatment for asthma and regard response to therapy as evidence that the diagnosis is correct. See below for list of medications commonly used in the long term management of this problem.

WHAT IS THE USUAL TREATMENT?

It is crucial to realize that the underlying problem in the airway is inflammation. To resolve inflammation, corticosteroid medications such as prednisone are necessary; doses are frequently high and continued long-term. In asthmatic humans, inhalers of corticosteroid medications have been especially helpful in delivering the benefits of these hormones without the burden of side effects. Such delivery systems have only recently been developed for feline use (see www.aerokat.com) but the good news about the traditional injectable and oral steroids are that cats are relatively resistant to steroid side effects. Long term oral use is generally not problematic.

Another method commonly used besides long-term oral use of steroids is periodic use of injectable long acting corticosteroids. This is generally an injection given periodically when the cat seems to be showing signs of respiratory discomfort. This is more convenient for many pet owners than trying to administer daily pills.

For more details see:

www.fritzthebrave.com/inhaled.html
or www.aerokat.com

Your veterinarian can have the necessary equipment ordered for you. The feline unit can be purchased or a human pediatric spacer and face mask can be used.

ARE THERE OTHER TREATMENT OPTIONS?

Other medications that might be helpful include:

Airway Dilators: Terbutaline (Brethine) and theophylline (Theo-Dur) are airway dilators commonly used in the management of asthma. It makes sense that if constriction is an important feature of this disease that eliminating constriction would be therapeutically helpful. Terbutaline is available for humans as an inhalant but, as mentioned, this is not yet practical for cats. Some veterinarians encourage owners to keep a bottle of injectable terbutaline at home in case of a crisis and show them how to give it. If you are interested in this, let your veterinarian know.




Antihistamines: Histamine is an inflammatory substance released during allergic response. Histamine has been thought to be involved in the airway constriction mechanism and antihistamines are widely prescribed to asthmatic cats. Recent research, however, indicates that a special receptor in the feline airway (called an “H3”) receptor leads to a dilation response to histamine instead of a constriction response. This could be why antihistamines have not been found to be of dramatic assistance in the management of feline asthma. More research in this area is currently needed.




Cyproheptadine: One of the biochemicals involved in the asthma inflammation cascade is called “serotonin.” It is directly involved in constriction of the airways in cats. Cyproheptadine is an anti-serotonin medication with concurrent antihistamine properties. It is often used in cats who need extra help beyond their steroids or who are having problems that preclude steroid use. Side effects of cyproheptadine include increased appetite and tranquilization.



Zamflurkast (Accolate): This new medication has received a lot of attention in the human medical arena. It is meant to supplement other treatments and perhaps reduce the “requirement” of steroids needed to manage asthma. It is still fairly experimental in the cat but many anecdotal reports have been favorable. It is an inhibitor of chemical mediators called “leukotrienes.”



Cyclosporine: The use of cyclosporine in asthma is relatively new. Cyclosporine is an immunomodulator often used in organ transplant patients. It is very expensive and is generally reserved for asthmatics who have not responded to other treatments.

IT IS IMPORTANT TO REALIZE THAT ASTHMA
CAN CULMINATE IN A RESPIRATORY CRISIS
THAT CAN BECOME LIFE-THREATENING IF IGNORED.

If your cat begins to breathe with an open mouth
or if you see excessive abdominal movement during respiration
and the cat is not purring, you may have an emergency situation.
Contact your veterinarian immediately.


Asthma Inhalers for Cats?

Human asthmatics have enjoyed the benefits of portable inhalers for years. These handy devices deliver medication locally to the airways, thus minimizing drug side effects to the rest of the body while maximizing desired response. There were two problems with using these devices in cats:

Cats cannot be told when to inhale

Cats tend to object strongly to the medication actuation
(the spray-puff delivered by the device).
The discovery of the “pediatric spacer” has solved these problems for many asthmatic cats. The inhaler is attached to the spacer which is attached to a small face mask. The inhaler basically sprays into the spacer which keeps the medication aeresolized. After the spraying part is over, the cat may breathe through the face mask normally.

Cats are generally started on a combination of oral prednisone and the metered dose inhaler and gradually maintained on only the metered dose inhaler.

FVRCP
Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis and Calicivirus - viral diseases of the eyes, nose and throat (upper respiratory infection) plus Panleukopenia a viral disease of the blood and intestines (feline distemper or infectious enteritis).
FeLV
Feline Leukemia - a viral disease that impairs immunity. Usually fatal.
Rabies
a viral disease fatal to humans and other animals. Vaccination is necessary for all cats.





Kittens

8 weeks to 1 year
8 weeks - First vaccination shot (FVRCP).
12 weeks
Feline Leukemia shot (FeLV) (only if pretest is negative). A second (FeLV) shot given 2 to 3 weeks later. Second vaccination shot (FVRCP).
4 months
Rabies and third vaccination shot (FVRCP).



Adult Cats

FVRCP
Yearly. Cats 13 weeks or older that have not been vaccinated should have an initial vaccine then a booster in 2 to 4 weeks.
FeLV
Yearly. Cats not previously vaccinated need the two injection series (only if pretest is negative).
Rabies
Yearly (depending on vaccine)

it would not be considered typical for a cat to suddenly gain a great deal of weight. As cats age it is not uncommon for their metabolism to slow down, causing weight gain. However, rarely do you see it in a short period of time.
Also, the increase in attention seeking behavior at the same time would be odd. Usually cats will get less active as they age.

It may not be a serious medical condition, but if you have not had him in to see your veterinarian recently, I would strongly recommend a checkup. Generally, cats are considered in their senior years when they reach seven to eight years old. It is always good to have a physical examination and to consider some basic testing (lab analysis of a blood sample) to make sure that the recent changes are not indicative of a serious condition.

ANAL SAC DISEASE IN THE CAT

The anal sacs are located on either side of the anus at the 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock positions; they are positioned just under the skin. They connect to the anus by means of small canal or ducts. Anal sacs produce and store a dark, foul-smelling fluid. These are the same type of organs that a skunk has to scare away its enemies. Although cats can use these for the same purpose, most cats live in an environment where it has no enemies. Because the sacs are rarely emptied, the fluid builds up, solidifies, and becomes an ideal environment in which bacteria can grow.

What diseases occur in the anal sacs?

There are three diseases that occur in the anal sacs.

1. When the fluid becomes thick and solidified, the condition is called impaction.

2. When bacteria grow in this material producing a yellow or bloody pus, the condition is called infection.

3. When the infection builds to create a hot, tender swelling in the gland, the condition is called an abscess. When the abscessed material overflows the sac or the duct leading to the sac becomes obstructed , the skin over the sac breaks open, and the pus drains onto the skin.

What are the clinical signs?

Symptoms of anal sac disease are:

1. Scooting or dragging the anal area.
2. Excessive licking under the tail.
3. Pain, sometimes severe, near the tail or anus.
4. A swollen area on either side of the anus.
5. Bloody or sticky drainage on either side of the anus.

How are these diseases treated?

The treatment for impaction is to express the sacs and clean out the solidified material. For infection, the sacs must be expressed and antibiotics administered to kill the bacteria. If the sacs abscess, the abscess must be surgically drained and antibiotics administered.

How likely is it for anal sac disease to occur again?

It is really not very common for cats to have recurrent anal sac disease. However, some cats do, especially overweight cats. The anal sacs of obese cats do not drain well, thus these cats are predisposed to recurrent problems. If a cat has several episodes of anal sac disease, the anal sacs can be removed surgically. Because these sacs are virtually unused, there is no loss to the cat. It is the only way to permanently cure the problem.

Are there any common surgical complications?

Surgery requires general anesthesia which always carries some degree of risk, whether the patient is a cat or a person. However, modern anesthetics make this risk very minimal for cats that are otherwise healthy.

Some cats will experience lack of good bowel control. They may drop fecal balls as they walk. This occurs because the nerves that control the anus are very near the anal sacs and may be damaged during surgery. However, this is almost always a temporary problem that will resolve itself in a few days to a couple of weeks.

Can anything else happen to anal sacs?

Some cats are born with anal canals that do not close well. These cats are constantly draining anal sac fluid and leaving a foul-smelling drop wherever they have been. This is another indication for anal sac removal. There does not appear to be any other way to stop this, and these cats do not outgrow this problem.

1. Hold the pill between your thumb and finger in one hand.
2. Use your other hand to hold the cat's mouth open with the head tilted slightly back. You can do this by placing your thumb and middle finger in the sides of the mouth (keeping the palm of your hand resting under the cat's jaw or on the back of the head, whichever is easier for you).
3. Place the pill as far back in the throat as you can (do this very quickly)
4. Shut the cat's mouth and keep holding the cat's head back slightly.
5. Massage the cat's throat slightly (to stimulate swallowing) for about 10 seconds.
6. Watch the cat to make sure he/she swallows before releasing his/her head.

You may also want to keep an eye on him/her for a few minutes afterwards to make sure there is no vomiting.

There are two approaches that can be used to syringe feedings that seem to work well.

1. Hold the cat on your lap (sit on the floor with your knees bent upwards) so the cat can be sitting with his/her back on your legs, facing your face and sitting up fairly straight.
2. Put your hand around the back of the cat's head so that the thumb and middle finger are placed in the sides of the cats mouth. This way the fingers are holding the cat's mouth open.
3. Tip the cat's head back at an angle (for easier swallowing) and place little squirts of food/medicine into the cat's mouth.
For medicine that tastes bad you may want to hold the cat's mouth shut and the head tilted back with one hand and stoke the throat with the other hand to help the cat swallow rather than just spit it out.

OR...

1. Kneel down behind the cat (while the cat is standing or sitting) so that the cat is kind of between your knees and facing away from you.
2. From this position hold the cat's head (same thing with the fingers in the side of the mouth and head tilted) with one hand and feed with the other hand.
3. This is easier with a cat that isn't as trusting or used to lying down or on his/her back.

1. If your cat tends to vomit after taking a pill you might want to feed him/her a treat after taking the pill. This will put a 'good taste' in your cat's mouth and help your cat forget about the pill.
2. You can purchase a pill gun at your local pet store if you have trouble giving your pet pills.
3. You can also crush up pills and hide them in your cat's food if your cat has trouble with the whole pill-swallowing process.

Hyperthyroidism, the overproduction and overabundance of thyroid hormones, is relatively common in older cats, both male and female. In fact, it's the most common hormonal abnormality there is. In a cat with hyperthyroidism, the elevated levels of thyroid hormones, which normally work to regulate the metabolic processes, speed up the metabolism and cause many of the body's functions to run much faster than normal.
This can lead to a number of complications, including enlargement of the heart muscle, high blood pressure, kidney function impairment, and intestinal problems. Hyperthyroidism can be caused by thyroid cancer, but it is generally caused by benign nodules of tissue in the thyroid that hyperproduce—work too hard and produce too much hormone.

There is no way to prevent hyperthyroidism, but you can catch it early by bringing your cat to the veterinarian for regular checkups and keeping a close eye on his health. As your cat gets older, watch him for the symptoms of overactive thyroid: weight loss, hyperactivity, and an increased appetite. Other common symptoms include vomiting, unkempt fur, patches of hair loss, and increased water intake and urination.

The good new is that hyperthyroidism is usually not difficult to diagnose or treat. Veterinarians can generally diagnose the disorder through a physical exam and routine blood test. Hyperthyroidism can be treated with medication, by surgically removing thyroid tissue, or by destroying thyroid tissue through radioactive iodine therapy. Treatment is often very successful.

One of the most remarkable things about companion animals is their ability to adapt. There are three-legged dogs who can even outrun their four-legged counterparts. And by relying more on their senses of smell and hearing, many pets cope very well with gradual blindness.

Permanent loss of vision can result from a number of disorders. Animals with diabetes mellitus, for example, are more prone to develop cataracts, which can lead to blindness. Vision problems can show up after injury or illness, such as a stroke or eye infection that is left untreated. Animals suffering from advanced glaucoma may need to have one or both eyes removed. And many dogs and cats develop blindness as a result of old age.

The effects of selective breeding have left many canines with serious eye disorders that can lead to blindness. Progressive Retinal Atrophy causes the retina to deteriorate. Although this disease has been seen in many breeds, it is more common in cocker spaniels, collies, Irish setters, Norwegian elkhounds, schnauzers and poodles. Collie Eye Anomaly is a disease of the retina that can result in blindness in collie breeds. Retinal dysplasia, too, often seen in beagles and Labrador retrievers, is an inherited disorder that causes permanent vision loss. Canines suffering from this disorder may exhibit a folding or displacement of the retina. It is important that dogs who suffer from these inherited diseases are not used for breeding purposes.

Gradual loss of vision is often difficult to detect in pets, but if you notice that your cat is misjudging heights and bumping into furniture, or that your dog bumps into walls or other objects, your pet may have a problem with his vision. Take note as well if your pet seems confused in strange surroundings or is reluctant to move from one spot. the ASPCA recommends that you see your veterinarian immediately if you think your pet is suffering from a loss of vision.

If your animal is diagnosed with gradual, permanent loss of vision, you'll need to create a safe environment for him. This means keeping your home stable and obstacle-free. Try not to rearrange furniture, and do not leave boxes, toys, or other objects on the floor.

To make your presence known, greet your pet verbally when entering the room. Always speak to a blind animal before petting or touching him. You may need to block access to stairs, and either carry or lead your dog up and down stairs when needed. And most important of all, you'll need to give your pet lots of extra attention and tender loving care. This is especially true for elderly animals who may also be suffering from hearing loss and are having a more difficult time adjusting.

The common illnesses that affect cats are abscess, cat flu, ear mites, flea bite allergy and ringworm.




Ear mites cause scratching and secondary infection on the irritated skin. You can clean your pet's ears first before using insecticidal ear drops to kill the mites. Massage the ears to ensure the medication reaches into the ear canals.


Flea bite allergy is the sensitive reaction to flea saliva when your cat is bitten by a flea. The symptoms are hair loss and excessive scratching of the infected areas. You need to get rid of the fleas first by using a flea collar, anti-flea shampoo, powder, spray or dip. You need to use a combination of these products as fleas are very persistent and recontamination may occur when the fleas in the environment hop onto your cat.


It is necessary to engage pest control services to fumigate your house and garden against the fleas. Your vet will prescribe antibiotics to heal the sores and anti-inflammatory drugs to treat the skin inflammation.


Ringworm is contagious as it spreads through contact. If your cat has them, it is likely you're infected too. Symptoms are circular bald patches with scabby lesions on the skin. Topical anti-fungal dips and washing reagents can be used to get rid of the parasitic fungus.


Other than these common illnesses of cats, they are basically a tough breed of animals and won't trouble you much.

Feline coronavirus is a common infection in cats, as indicated by the high prevalence of antibodies against the virus, especially in multicat households. Approximately 5 to 12 per cent of seropositive cats develop classical feline infectious peritonitis. A survey of kittens born into households of seropositive cats demonstrated the existence of healthy coronavirus carriers. Seronegative animals did not appear to excrete virus. No specific antibody titre could be linked to carrier status and some carrier cats subsequently became seronegative. The management of the kittens strongly influenced whether they became infected, and some degree of protection appeared to be conferred by maternally derived antibody. At present, feline infectious peritonitis virus and feline enteric coronavirus can only be differentiated by their different clinical histories in infected catteries. In this survey, cases of feline infectious peritonitis occurred in kittens from households where the initial presentation had been enteritis and vice versa. Therefore no difference in epidemiology could be found.

Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) is a retrovirus, a family of viruses which has many members that infect cats and cause disease and death in cats around the world. Another well-known feline retrovirus is the feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV). FeLV and FIV can be found together in the same cat. The prevalence of FeLV in single-cat households is about 3% and can be as high as 11% in stray cat populations. In large multi-cat households and in households where cats roam freely outdoors, the prevalence can reach as high as 70%. Cats roaming in urban areas are more likely to be exposed to FeLV (40%) than cats roaming in rural areas (6%).

FeLV has been studied for over 30 years, both for its relevance to the cat population and because it serves as an animal model for some human diseases. Research has established key characteristics of FeLV: it is contagious, it directly causes both fatal cancerous and non-cancerous diseases, it can lie dormant in the bone marrow for a long time, and it can be protected against by vaccination. FeLV is not transmissible to humans or animal species other than the cat family.

FeLV is a fragile virus that does not survive in the environment. Ordinary household detergents and bleach effectively kill this virus. There is therefore no danger that cats can be exposed to FeLV in veterinary clinic waiting rooms or exam rooms, or in cages, or at cat shows unless direct contact is made with a positive cat who is shedding virus. Transmission of FeLV requires intimate moist contact. The most common route is contact with infected saliva through grooming, licking, biting and shared dishes and litter pans. FeLV can also be transmitted through a blood transfusion, so all cats who are blood donors are screened for FeLV. Kittens can be infected by their mother before birth or during nursing after birth.

When a cat is exposed to FeLV, there are four possible outcomes. In about 30% of cats, an effective immune response is produced and the infection is resisted. These cats then become naturally immune to FeLV infection for an unknown period of time. In about 40% of cats, the virus is successful and the cat eventually becomes persistently infected and excreting virus in its saliva. Another 30% of cats do not produce immunity but also do not become persistently infected immediately. In these cats, the virus hides in the bone marrow for up to 30 months. Eventually, these cats either overcome the virus or become persistently infected. Finally, some cats can develop latent or sequestered infection. This probably happens to less than 5-10% of cats. These cats, whose virus is hiding in sites such as the bone marrow, will rarely be contagious and are unlikely to develop illness. They will not test positive on routine testing. In general, young cats, especially those under 4 months of age, have the least ability to mount an effective immune response and so are most susceptible to FeLV.

FeLV is capable of producing a wide variety of associated diseases and symptoms. Degenerative diseases, such as anemia, liver disease, intestinal disease and reproductive problems can be seen. In other cats, the virus produces cancerous diseases, such as lymphosarcoma and leukemia. Many cats suffer from suppression of the immune system and other illnesses, depending on which organ is involved. Cats whose immune systems are depressed by FeLV are susceptible to a wide variety of infectious diseases and other problems, such as chronic respiratory infections, chronic gingivitis and stomatitis, feline infectious peritonitis, poor healing of wounds and abscesses and chronic generalized infections.

Testing is the basis for diagnosing and managing FeLV infections. The most common screening test for FeLV is the ELISA, while the immunofluorescent antibody test (IFA) is the most common confirmatory test. Vaccination for FeLV does not affect test results since the tests look for viral antigens, not antibodies. Kittens can be tested at any age because maternal immunity does not interfere with testing. The ELISA is the preferred test for screening cats since it is quick and readily available in vet clinics. It should be performed on a blood sample, since ELISAs done on tears or saliva have been shown to be unreliable. Any positive or equivocal ELISA test results should be confirmed using the IFA test, usually done at a commercial laboratory. It is possible to have results on ELISA and IFA which do not agree for a variety of reasons, and there is a testing protocol to follow in order to determine the status of such cats.

The American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) have published recommendations for FeLV testing. The guidelines state that the FeLV status of all cats should be known because FeLV is responsible for the illness and death of more cats than any other disease condition. Testing and identifying positive cats is the mainstay of FeLV control and is not replaced by vaccination. Cats who have had a recent exposure to a known FeLV positive cat should be tested as should any cats who are ill. Any new kitten or cat should be tested before being added to a household with resident cats. Even if the household does not already have resident cats, new pets should be tested because the emotional bond that forms between owners and pets justifies knowing any future threats to the pet’s health.

Diabetes mellitus, or "sugar" diabetes, is a common disorder in cats and dogs, caused by the inability of the hormone insulin to properly balance blood sugar (glucose) levels.

Glucose is processed by the body into energy. After food is digested, glucose enters the blood stream -- in a healthy body, insulin is then secreted signaling the cells to begin the process of converting the sugars into useable energy. As more food is consumed, more insulin is secreted, and the needed glucose is consumed. The pancreas secretes small amounts of insulin -- just enough to ensure blood glucose levels don't rise too high (hyperglycemia) or fall dangerously low (hypoglycemia).

Type 1 diabetes occurs when the pancreas doesn't produce enough insulin, and type 2 when the body's cells don't respond well to insulin. Both result in high blood sugar levels because the body is unable to process the available glucose. In the early stages, diabetics may gain weight as appetites increase and their insulin levels rise and fall. However, in spite of maintaining a good appetite, diabetics ultimately lose weight since the body isn't able to process sugars into energy. Essentially, diabetics begin to starve to death.

Excessive urination is a classic sign of diabetes in pets, and is likely what led to your diagnosis. Diabetic pets that develop hyperglycemia (high blood sugar levels) will begin passing the excess sugar into their urine (glucosuria). As glucose builds in the urine, the body responds by trying to flush the excess from the kidneys through urination. The condition of excess urination (polyuria, or PU), accompanied by excessive thirst (polydipsia, or PD), are classic signs of diabetes in pets. As you regulate your pet's diabetes, the PU/PD will become controlled as well.

Although affecting cats of any breed, sex, or age, diabetes mellitus most often occurs in older, obese individuals; males are more commonly afflicted than females. The exact cause of the disease in cats is not known, although genetics, obesity, pancreatic disease, hormonal imbalances, and certain medications are all possible factors.

Signs of Diabetes Mellitus

Polyuria, polydipsia, increased appetite, weight loss, and lethargy are hallmark signs of diabetes in pets. In cats, a disorder called neuropathy that causes weakness in the rear legs is often what led to a diagnosis.

In the earlier stages of the disease, cats remain active and alert with few other signs of disease. However as the disease progresses concurrent conditions often appear, such as poor haircoat, liver disease, and secondary bacterial infections become more common. A dangerous condition called ketoacidosis may develop in some cats, and is discussed elsewhere on this site.

Diagnosis & Treatment

Your veterinarian can determine if your cat is diabetic by checking blood, urine, and clinical signs. You'll need to build a good working relationship with them to successfully treat the condition together; consider taking our list of vet questions along with you on your visit.

Diabetes is not a death sentence. Diabetes in cats is a treatable disorder. Many cat owners are able to control their cat's condition for years, and the animals lead normal, happy lives. The treatment generally entails giving insulin injections once or twice a day, though a small number may be controlled through diet and oral medication.

People are often initially reluctant to give injections to their pets, but it isn't really that distressing. Insulin needles are very small, and pets usually do not react at all to getting the shots. When one begins to treat a diabetic cat, their veterinarian will go over all the procedures, including feeding instructions and symptoms of too much or too little insulin and what to do in these cases. The veterinarian will also set up a schedule of regular recheck visits to gauge how the therapy is working and to adjust the insulin dose. A diabetic cat's need for insulin may fluctuate up and down requiring a change in the insulin dose. Some cats' needs for insulin will actually cease as the pancreas resumes the secretion of adequate insulin. This reprieve is commonly referred to by owners as a "honeymoon".

Insulin

Adequate control of most diabetic cats requires long-acting insulin injections to be given once or twice daily. Each cat responds differently to insulin, so the proper choice of insulin type, dose, and frequency of administration needs to be individually determined. Your vet will likely perform a glucose curve to determine the best regimen. The cat will be hospitalized, given insulin, and then the blood glucose levels will be periodically tested throughout the day. Cats tend to be difficult to maintain on the same regimen for long periods of time, and increases or decreases may need to be made in drug dosages. Our cat medical data section illustrates honeymoons, insulin dosages, and hypoglycemic episodes.

Too much insulin causes too much of the blood glucose to be used, and results in very low blood sugar. This condition is very dangerous and can kill your cat in hours - read the hypoglycemia section before you begin your insulin regimen. Additionally, print the hypoglycemia emergency information and place it somewhere easily accessible, such as the refrigerator.

Prognosis

Plenty of support exists for you, here and elsewhere. Our Feline Diabetes Message Board (FDMB) will connect you with a whole community of people who have diabetic cats and will give you almost immediate feedback. Thankfully, the community there is on the cutting edge of feline diabetes treatment. The vast majority of vets are very knowledgeable, however some are not aware of the advances that have been made in treating feline diabetes in recent years, especially in home testing your cat.

But be forewarned, diabetes is complex, and trying to understand it all in one big gulp won't work. Once you've made the decision to be a diabetic's caregiver, focus on one thing at a time -- follow your vet's advice and get the basics straight. Doubt everyone; lots of people will try to give you good advice, but for something as complicated as diabetes, there are few hard and fast rules. Our mantra, tha tyou will certainly hear on the FDMB, is that "Every Cat Is Different (abbreviated ECID)."

Sometimes even the vet's advice may seem unclear or wrong. So keep asking questions, weigh all the answers, and always consult your veterinarian. There are many excellent vets out there, thankfully there are fewer and fewer that have not noticed the advances in the treatment of feline diabetes.

A diabetic cat may live many healthy years with owners who are willing to put forth the effort of monitoring the cat's condition daily. A cat's wellness is broadcast by a constellation of behaviors, and the only one who knows him well enough to get the message early is you, who lives with him and cares enough to observe closely and thoughtfully.

If your cat is diabetic and you are deciding whether or not to treat it, consider these facts:

Heart disease in domestic cats is actually quite common, which may come as a surprise to feline owners. It can strike any age or any breed of cat. One of the most challenging aspects of feline heart disease is that cats may not show any warning signs (such as exercise intolerance, coughing, weakness)until the process is very advanced. This means that a cat can literally be playing vigorously one day, and suddenly have trouble breathing. Untreated heart disease often progresses to heart failure, blood clot formation, and death.

The detection of a new heart murmur by your veterinarian (often on routine examination) can be the first sign that changes in the heart have taken place. While not every murmur signals the onset of heart disease, a further investigation is warranted since those murmurs which are a result of heart disease cannot be distinguished from "innocent" murmurs by routine tests alone.

Fortunately, advances in companion animal medicine enable veterinarians to efficiently diagnose cardiovascular disease in cats, even in its early stages. In many instances, if heart disease is detected prior to the stage of actual heart failure, it can be successfully controlled with medication(s). A feline with carefully controlled heart disease may live symptom-free for years!

-- TESTING FOR HEART DISEASE --

The first test for heart disease begins with a thorough physical examination. During the exam, the veterinarian will determine your cat s heart rate and rhythm. A persistently elevated rate, or a rhythm that is irregular can be associated with heart disease in cats. The presence of a murmur (especially one not previously detected) may be further evidence of heart disease. In advanced cases of heart disease, abnormal sounds in the lungs may be heard. A weak or irregular pulse can also occur. The results of the physical exam may lead to further testing, all of which we perform regularly at Bath-Brunswick Veterinary Associates, Inc.

Chest Radiographs (x-rays)
Chest radiographs are important components in the diagnosis of feline heart disease. A diseased heart will most often enlarge over time. In advanced stages, fluid may be detectable in the chest cavity (pleural effusion) or in the lungs themselves (pulmonary edema).

Electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG)
An electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG) is a tracing of the electrical activity of the heart. It documents heart rate and rhythm. In addition, subtle changes can occur in the shape of the ECG spikes that can reveal certain types of pathological changes in the heart. It is a rapid and painless test that can be performed right in the veterinary office.

Echocardiogram
An echocardiogram, also known as a cardiac ultrasound exam, is one of the most advanced and sensitive tests for determining the presence of heart disease in animals. It is painless and generally does not require sedation. The technique uses sound waves to actually visualize the heart in action. From this exam, the dimensions of each heart chamber can be determined.

Ultrasound can also detect the presence or absence of fluid in the sac around the heart (pericardial effusion), fluid in the chest, congenital heart defects, abnormalities of the heart valves, blood clots within the heart itself, or heart tumors (rare in cats). Most importantly, the echocardiogram can actually determine the type and degree of heart dysfunction. An accurate assessment of heart disease is paramount to effective treatment.




--TYPES OF FELINE HEART DISEASE--

Dilative cardiomyopathy
Dilative cardiomyopathy denotes heart disease that results in an enlarged heart with thinning and weakening of its muscular walls. The weakened heart cannot pump efficiently which subsequently can lead to fluid accumulation in the lungs and/or chest cavity (analogous to congestive heart failure in humans). Enlargement of the heart can lead to leakage at the heart valves, creating a murmur.

This form, although more difficult to successfully control, has become less common in recent years. A few years ago, research showed that deficiency of the amino acid taurine in the feline diet was one of the main causes of dilative cardiomyopathy. Since that time, most commercially made feline diets are supplemented with taurine.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is the most commonly diagnosed heart disease in cats. The walls of the heart become much thicker and stiffer than normal. This results in a smaller chamber to hold the blood, and diminishes the amount of blood pumped out with each beat. Consequently, the heart has to accelerate and use more energy to accomplish its original task. The geometric changes in the heart can lead to leakage at the valves, and development of a murmur. As the disease progresses, the heart can become so thickened that it cannot pump the blood forward at an adequate rate. This usually results in fluid accumulation in the lungs.

The cause in most cases is unknown, but genetics are thought to play a role in at least some cat breeds. While it is most common in middle-aged male cats, it can be seen in either sex as early as 6 months of age. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy remains the most treatable form of feline heart disease.

Restrictive cardiomyopathy
Restrictive cardiomyopathy is a less common, less defined type of heart disease in cats. It is more difficult to detect, as many cats will have near normal echocardiograms, but their heart walls seems stiffer  and less efficient at pumping blood forward. It is thought that in such cats the heart wall muscle cells become slowly replaced with less functional scar tissue. Cats with this type of disease may shows signs consistent with either dilative cardiomyopathy, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, or both.



--THERAPY FOR FELINE HEART DISEASE--

Therapy for feline heart disease depends on which type is diagnosed and how advanced the disease is. As previously mentioned, cats with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy have the best long term outlook The most serious consequences of progressive heart disease are weight loss, anorexia, difficulty breathing, weakness, and blood clot formation (with possible limb paralysis). Cats with advanced heart disease are at risk for sudden death.

Early detection and intervention, however, can be very rewarding for many cats and their owners.

Furosemide
Furosemide (Lasix‰) is a diuretic ("water pill") used in all types of feline heart disease. It reduces the volume of fluid that the heart has to pump, and removes fluid from the lungs. This makes the heart's work easier.

Enalapril

Enalapril (Vasotec¨ or Enacard‰) is a drug known as a vasodilator. It is very useful in many types of heart disease. It lowers blood pressure and reduces the workload of the heart. In dilating the vessels downstream from the heart, it lowers the resistance to blood being pumped forward.

Diltiazem

Diltiazem (Cardizem‰) is a drug used in humans and animals. It is a "calcium channel blocker." Most commonly used for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, it reduces the stiffness and work of heart walls. It has been documented to prevent or reverse wall thickening in many cats, and is very well tolerated.

Digitalis

Digitalis (Digoxin‰ or Lanoxin ‰) is a very old but useful drug utilized in people and animals mainly for treatment of dilative cardiomyopathy. It strengthens the contraction of the heart muscle with the goal of improving pumping function. It also can correct certain types of irregular heart rhythms. Because it has a narrow safety range, the drug concentrations in the patient s bloodstream must be monitored periodically.

Betablockers

Betablockers such as propranolol (Inderal‰) or atenolol (Tenormin‰) are prescribed mainly for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. These drugs slow the rhythm of the heart, allowing the attenuated chambers to fully fill with blood between heartbeats. This increases cardiac output and thus reduces the actual work of the heart. Betablockers also lower blood pressure and regulate heart rhythms.

Aspirin

One of the health risks for feline heart disease patients is the formation f a blood clot in the heart. The clots can form in the enlarged heart chambers where the blood undergoes increased turbulence. If a piece of the clot leaves the left side of the heart and travels downstream, it often lodges in the large blood vessel known as the aorta. Since the aorta is the trunk artery carrying blood to the back half of the body, loss of this blood flow can cause temporary or permanent paralysis. The best prevention of this complication is to 1) adequately control the heart disease and reduce heart chamber size and 2) low dose aspirin therapy. While cats can have toxic or lethal reactions to high dose aspirin or any dose of acetaminophen (Tylenol‰), low dose aspirin can often be used safely. The usual dose is adult regular aspirin or 1 baby aspirin (81 mg.) per cat TWICE WEEKLY.

How to brush your cat's teeth
Step 1 - Select an appropriate time
Find a quiet, convenient time when you and your cat are both relaxed.

Step 2 - Acquaint your cat with the process.
For the first few sessions don't even use a toothbrush. Hold your cat the same as when you are cuddling her. Gently stroke the outside of her cheeks with your finger. After she becomes comfortable with that, place a dab of toothpaste on your finger and let her taste it. We usually suggest starting with C.E.T. poultry flavored toothpaste, because pets like the taste.

Step 3 - Introduce the Toothbrush
Place a small amount of toothpaste on the brush. In a slow circular motion, brush one or two teeth and the adjoining gum line. The purpose of this step is to get your cat accustomed to the feel of the brush.

Step 4 - Begin Brushing
Over the next several days, gradually increase the number of teeth brushed. It is important to eventually brush the rear teeth where plaque and tartar have a greater tendency to accumulate. Go slowly and gently.. Stop brushing when you decide to stop, before your cat begins to fuss. If she learns to dislike the procedure and finds out that more fussing makes you stop quicker, then this brushing business is going to get harder, not easier.

Build up to about 30 seconds per side. Cats don't get much tartar on the inside surfaces of their teeth, so you only need to worry about the outside surfaces, especially the big teeth way in back.

Make tooth brushing a pleasurable experience
Proceed slowly and gently. Stop each session while it is still fun and praise your cat afterwards. She will soon start looking forward to tooth brushing and it will become a pleasant activity for both of you.