COMMON ‘SILENT’ CAT KILLING DISEASES

Recently, I had a mysterious case of a 1 Year old cat that had suddenly fallen ill with diarrhea, vomiting and was drinking excessive amounts of water.  The bloodwork showed distressed kidneys with elevated BUN and creatinine levels.  Typically, kidney disease is an older cat disease so the fact this cat was only 1 year old was very atypical.  While discussing the bloodwork with the family they mentioned that someone in their family had recently passed away. And that’s when it struck me!  I asked them if they brought any plants or flowers back to their home after the funeral, the answer was yes.  This confirmed one of the two possibilities I was considering as the cause of kidney failure in a young cat. Either Anti-freeze poisoning or plant toxicity.  This young cat had the opportunity to eat, drink the water from or breathe in the pollen from a Lily Plant .The Lily plant can be very toxic to cats, the leaves, the water or even the pollen are all toxic and can cause Kidney failure. So, I consider this case of Kidney failure a silent cat killer.

To protect your pets from Silent Cat Killing diseases, knowledge is your best weapon. Knowledge of how cats typically show signs of illness and a knowledge of the common diseases that like a thief in the night can cause illness and death in our furry friends. Today’s blog discusses the signs cat show when ill and four of the common and often silent diseases of cats.

Cats are best known for their independent but loving natures. When cats don't feel well it can be difficult to determine what is wrong with them, but it is especially hard for cat owners to notice symptoms unless they are watching for abnormal signs or deviations from normal behavior. By their inherent nature cats instinctively protect themselves from predators by hiding weakness or illness. There obviously may not be a predatory threat in your home but even in single pet homes this inherited behavior can be present

How to know if your cat is sick:

By the time you notice something is wrong with your cat, it might have been going on for a longer amount of time than you think. Be on the look our for these signs they do not feel well:

1. Vomiting is not normal in cats. Some people think it's ok for a cat to vomit every few days, but it's not. Things like rare vomiting or the occasional hairball are not a concern but vomiting more than this warrants a trip to the veterinarian.
2. Diarrhea 
3. Loss of appetite can be normal for cats, but it still should not be ignored.
4. Increased appetite may also be a concern, especially if it comes on suddenly in an older cat.  Increased appetite should not be ignored, even in younger cats. If nothing else, it can lead to overeating and obesity.
5. Weight changes in cats are always concerning, whether it's gain or loss
6. Lethargy is a sign of a problem, even if it's subtle. Contact your vet if your cat seems to be lying around a lot, sleeping more than usual, or just generally has a low energy level. There is probably something going on with your cat's health.
7. Increased thirst can mean many things in cats.
8. Changes in urination are always important to address.
9. Changes in breathing like wheezing rapid breathing, shortness of breath, and raspy breathing should never be ignored. Discharge from eyes or nose indicates a possible upper respiratory infection. This can make your cat feel ill and stop eating. It may be contagious to other cats in your home. Your vet may recommend medications to help your cat recover faster.
10. Ear debris or discharge might mean your cat has an ear infection or even parasites like ear mites.
11. Skin irritation or hair loss may be a sign of allergies, external parasites, or another skin condition.
12. Increased vocalization may mean your cat is sick, in pain, stressed or just bored. It's important to rule out a health issue first before you explore the behavioral side of this issue.
13. Overgrooming may be behavioral, but it could also mean your cat has a skin issue or is in pain. If you notice overgrooming, start with a vet visit to try to get to the root of the problem.
14. Personality changes may be normal when they happen over time, especially as your cat ages. However, if your normally friendly cat is showing aggression, or your happy, confident cat is suddenly acting afraid, there is a need to further explore with your vet. If your cat seems confused or disoriented, then its an even more urgent situation.
15. Limping and trouble jumping up are signs of an injury or a condition like arthritis.
16. Swelling in any area of the body should not be ignored. It may be a wound that has turned into an abscess. It could even be a tumor.
17. Bad breath or drooling and bleeding from the mouth.

 4 Common Silent Diseases:

1.  High Blood Pressure or Hypertension 

High blood pressure can be the primary cause of several health issues within cats. Because obvious clinical signs are not always present, it also can be easily overlooked. The best time to diagnose high blood pressure is before any type of damage is done, and the only way to achieve that is during regular visits. 

Hyperthyroidism, diabetes mellitus, renal insufficiency, hepatic and cardiac insufficiency, hyperadrenocorticism, neoplasia and obesity are just a few of the many diseases that can cause high blood pressure in cats. There are also certain drugs that can have the same effect, including phenylpropanolamine (PPA), phenylephrine, theophylline, aminophylline, glucocorticoids, erythropoietin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

The most common symptom of hypertension in cats is abnormality with vision, including dilated pupils that do not constrict with light, blood in the eye and blindness. Other clinical signs of high blood pressure in cats can include:

• Decreased/increased appetite
• Vomiting
• Increased urination and water consumption
• Weight loss
• Heart murmur
• Seizures
• Abnormal behavior
• Collapse
• Proteinuria
• Hematuria

2.Chronic Kidney Disease

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) sometimes called chronic renal failure or chronic kidney injury, is a top silent killer of cats. CKD causes a 75 percent failure of both the kidneys. All symptoms are observable, symptoms include excessive drinking and urinating, larger bowel movements, weight loss, bad breath, lethargy and hiding.

Common causes of kidney disease in cats include:

• Bacterial infection of kidney tissues (pyelonephritis)
• Kidney stones (nephrolithiasis)
• Blockage of the kidney (ureteral obstruction with hydronephrosis)
• Household toxins like antifreeze or medications or plants/flowers
• Damage to tubules (tubulointerstitial disease)
• Damage to filters (glomerular disease)
• Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), an inflammatory disease commonly found in domestic and wild cats
• Cancer
• Heredity

3.Diabetes Mellitus

Just as in human beings, diabetes mellitus (DM) is more common in cats that are overweight or obese. There are also two types. The most common symptoms in cats are increased thirst and urination, but other symptoms include hunger, weight loss, lethargy, depression and vomiting.

Because the symptoms of this disease are very similar to those of other diseases, such as kidney disease or hyperthyroidism, diagnosis most often comes from careful examination and charting of symptoms over time. For that reason, it is important to have regular wellness visits as they are crucial to the ongoing care and health of your cat.

4.Cancer

Gastrointestinal cancer is the most common type found in cats, but veterinarians are finding more and more occurrences of cancer in pets as cats and dogs are starting to live longer. Here are a few tips to lower your cats’ risk of dying from cancer:

1. Spay. it lowers the risk of developing mammary adenocarcinoma.
2. Keep cats inside. Indoor cats typically live longer than outdoor cats because it limits the amount of potential dangers, but it also keeps them out of the sun, protecting them against squamous cell cancer on their ears, nose and eyelids.
3. Pay attention. This means learning the potential symptoms and looking out for them.

Never underestimate the importance of routine veterinary care for cats. Annual veterinary exams are essential for cats even senior cats that never go outside and appear healthy.  Senior cats can benefit from biannual check-ups and routine lab work and if you suspect your cat is showing signs of illness it is very important to see your Veterinarian. Annual exams or visits for a suspected illness give the vet an opportunity to examine your cat when he appears healthy or the chance to find abnormalities on the exam that indicate a minor problem before your cat becomes sick. Early detection might mean you and your vet can take action before the illness is serious. I think sometimes my clients bring their pets for an exam and wonder if they were foolish for doing so if the exam finds nothing wrong.  This is not the case; it is far better to know for sure that nothing is wrong than wait and then find out disease is present, and it is at a stage much more costly and difficult to treat!

To Your Pet’s Good Health,

Dr. Barry

Sources

http://veterinarycalendar.dvm360.com/high-blood-pressure-cats-silent-killer-proceedings

http://www.pethealthnetwork.com/cat-health/cat-checkups-preventive-care/5-silent-killers-cats

https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/hypertension-or-high-blood-pressure-in-cats

http://www.pethealthnetwork.com/cat-health/cat-diseases-conditions-a-z/10-common-causes-kidney-disease-cats

http://www.pethealthnetwork.com/cat-health/cat-diseases-conditions-a-z/diabetes-mellitus-cats

http://www.pethealthnetwork.com/cat-health/cat-diseases-conditions-a-z/cancer-and-cats-what-every-pet-parent-should-know

https://www.thesprucepets.com/signs-your-cat-is-sick-4165142

Tips for a spookily safe Halloween

DIY e-collar pet Halloween costume | Flower

Halloween is quickly approaching! Are you in need of a fun, creative costume for your pet? Check out this easy DIY Halloween flower costume using an e-collar and a few other supplies.

Supplies you will need:
- Felt or fleece in any colors you like
- Fabric glue
- Scissors
- Cardboard to creat a template for petals
- Permanent marker
- E-Collar

Step 1: Measure the needed length of petal to cover your E-Collar, then draw the petal(s) on the cardboard. Cut your flower petal(s) out of cardboard. 

Step 2: With a permanent marker and the cardboard petal template, trace your petals onto the fleece or felt then cut out. The number of petals needed will depend on the size of your e-collar.



Step 3: Arrange and glue petals onto the e-collar, creating three layers. Don't position petals with much overlap over the e-collar or the fabric will not stand upright. 
 

  
Step 4: Let glue dry completely then try out your pet's new flower Halloween costume! (Do not leave your pet unattended while wearing their costume)




  **Please consult your veterinarian when sizing your pet for an e-collar.**

Home Alone?

As a young man I loved the movie “Home Alone”.  In the movie the main character’s parents are so focused on getting ready for their big trip that Kevin, is forgotten and left home alone. Initially Kevin believes it is his wish come true to no longer have his family around. His excitement soon disappears and  he finds himself fending off potential robbers.  I hope this blog is a reminder to consider your pets in your vacation plans. With some advance planning you and your pet can have a safe and stress free time and no one will be forgotten home alone.

Tip#1 – Look into Pet Sitters and Boarding facilities in advance.

It is surprising how fast boarding facilities and pet sitters get booked.  If you make plans in advance, you will have your first choice of who is looking after your pet. This will allow you to enjoy your vacation knowing your pet is safe and loved.

Tip #2 - Provide Emergency Information
Having the following information on file can alleviate unnecessary panic in case of an emergency.:

• Phone number where you can be reached.
• Name and phone number of someone near the boarding facility who has the authorization to make health care decisions if you are unable to be reached.
• Name and phone number of outside veterinarians who have permission to provide information if there are questions that arise about the medical history and care of pet.

Tip #3 - Prior Check of Health Records

Check your pet’s health records to confirm that vaccinations are up-to-date. The typically recommended core and noncore vaccination requirements for boarding animals are as follows:

Dog’s Core:

• Canine Distemper
• Infectious Hepatitis
• Canine Parvovirus
• Rabies
• Bordetella often required to board your pet. It prevents Kennel Cough

Noncore:

• Canine Parainfluenza

Cat's Core

• Feline Panleukopenia
• Feline Herpesvirus
• Feline Calicivirus   
• Rabies

Since vaccination immunity can take days to weeks to fully develop, to provide pets with their best chance for protection, vaccinations should be given two to four weeks before they enter the boarding facility.

Tip #4 - Help Ease the Stress
Leaving your pet at a boarding facility can be a very stressful event for both you and your pet, especially if this is the first boarding experience. the following suggestions to help Here are a few suggestions to reduce any transition anxiety.

• Arrive at the facility before the final closing minutes of the day in case there are questions.
• Bring the pet’s own food, clearly marked with instructions for feeding amount.
• Label any medications clearly and include instructions for the dosage.
• Bring a blanket, towel, or shirt that reminds them of home.
• Bring a favorite toy.

Tip #5. Things to consider with a Pet Sitter

When talking with prospective caregivers, pet parents should direct their focus on obtaining information from the answers to questions such as the following:

• What services do they offer? For example: grooming, walking, training, exercising, playing, cleaning up after pet, taking pet to appointments, taking pet to veterinarian if it gets sick, live-in services?
• Will they provide a written contract that explicitly identifies responsibilities, services, and fees charged?
• Do they carry commercial liability insurance that covers accidents and negligence? Can they provide written proof? Are they bonded? Can they provide proof?
• What training do they have for this position? For example: CPR, First Aid?
• What is the back-up plan established for continuing the care of your pet in case the sitter becomes ill, has car trouble, or has other difficulties that keep them from their responsibilities? How do you interview this person? What are their qualifications?
• Can they provide a list of references along with the contact information that includes client names and phone numbers?

To Your Pet’s good health,

Dr. Barry

                                                Test Your Parvo I.Q.:

What kind of dogs are at an increased risk of getting infected by Parvo?

A.Puppies less than 4 months that have not had the full series of vaccinations

B.Dogs between the age of 3-7.

C.All dogs.

D.Vaccinated dogs.

Answer:A

By which of the following can Parvo be spread?

A. Clothing, shoes, parks, shopping areas, sport fields

B.Your hands

C.Feces

D.All of these

Answer: D

Parvo infection causes which of the following symptoms?

A.Excessive drooling, lameness, and diarrhea.

B.Fever, lethargy, vomiting, and severe (sometimes bloody) diarrhea.

C.Bloody diarrhea, collapsed trachea, lameness, and hair loss.

D.Blood shot eyes, vomiting, kidney failure, and foaming at the mouth.

Answer: B, parvo can be fatal unless treated

13. Which of the following would be a good way to prevent a Parvo infection?

 A.Taking very young puppies to meet other dogs.

B.Isolating your dog.

C.Looking for symptoms.

D.Vaccination and good hygiene. Completing the full series of puppy vaccinations is so important in preventing puppy diseases but especially in preventing Parvo.

Source:

http://www.funtrivia.com/playquiz/quiz30305922b1ff0.html

If you have ever had a puppy you know they are curious and you know they looooove to chew. Which can be a dangerous combination. They will chew everything from shoes, paper, socks, food wrappers and just about anything from a garbage can. Their urge to chew can be explained by teething, as new teeth grow in, or because your puppy just has a natural tendency to chew on things. It  is during these younger years that we have to be careful of the things that are in our homes that pose a potential danger to them.  Somethings we can understand why they chew them other things just aren't that understandable. Electric cords happen to be one of those things we ask ourselves, WHY?. Why, would a puppy want to chew something that doesn't smell good, taste good or isn't even something that draws there attention.

Electrocution from chewing on an electrical cord is the single most common type of electrical injury for household pets. These types of injuries can result in burns to the surrounding areas (e.g., mouth, hair), or because the current alters the electrical conduction in the heart, muscles, and other tissues. Possible complications of electric cord bite injuries are fluid accumulation in the lungs and high blood pressure in the arteries near the lungs.  Additionally, there have been reports of animals developing cataracts – an eye abnormality - after such injuries.1.

I hope my video blog has been helpful, but most of all I hope that by you watching my video it will prevent one more puppy from falling victim to electrocution.

To Your Pet's Good Health,

Dr. Barry

Resources:

1. https://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/cardiovascular/c_dg_electric_cord_bite

Odors That Repel Pets

Pet-offensive odors:  What their nose knows, and yours doesn’t

Brewing coffee. A summer campfire. Fresh-cut flowers. Scents like these are a huge part of our lives. They’re linked to our memories, our routines, our preferences and our environment. Unfortunately, most of us never stop to consider the fact that our pets’ ultra-sensitive olfactory senses may not always agree with our own favorite fragrances - many of which are found in the homes we share with our animals. It is know to  understand what scents are a major turn-off for cats and dogs and how to keep everyone happy.

Biology basics

Most of us know that dogs and cats have keen senses of smell. But did you know that dogs have between 150 and 300 million olfactory cells compared to a human’s mere 5 million? Or that a cat’s sense of smell is actually 14 times stronger than ours? With larger and more sophisticated olfactory systems, our animals are able to pick up on all sorts of information about their environment. Cats can stay on alert about other cats in the area and make up for their poor taste buds with smell, while dogs can use smells to identify everything from their owners to drugs, and even diseases like cancer.

The smells that repel

With their super sniffers always on full alert, many seemingly benign household scents can actually agonize our beloved pets. Here’s the rundown on the odors that irk cats and dogs the most.

Dogs despise:

• Citrus:Most of us love the smell of citrus. It’s fresh and bright and can mask other odors we deem unpleasant. But because citrus is so strong, it can irritate a dog’s respiratory tract. Citrus essential oils can be even more bothersome because of their high concentration and intensity.
• Vinegar:This is another standard household item that is strong and almost unbearable to dogs. While apple cider vinegar can be beneficial in cleaning up smelly dogs, make sure to mix it with a pet-friendly shampoo and keep it away from their sensitive noses.
• Chili pepper:The capsaicinoids that make chilis hot can cause itching and irritation in a dog’s nose. At dinnertime, keep human chow made with chili away from their food bowl!
• Alcohol:This strong antiseptic can be too much even for our noses sometimes, which is why it’s best to keep disinfectants, and even alcoholic beverages, out of a dog’s vicinity.
• Nail polish:Acetate, formaldehyde, nitrocellulose — there are some strong chemicals in that little bottle. Dogs hate the smell and equally despise nail polisher remover, especially the kind made with acetone.
• Chlorine and cleaning products:Besides their nasty smell, these chemicals can be potentially toxic if ingested, so it’s important to keep cleaning products out of reach of dogs and all pets. Always be careful to keep pets away from freshly-cleaned surfaces until they’re safely dry.

Cats can’t stand:

• Citrus:Just like their canine counterparts, cats hate oranges, lemons, limes and the like. Some cat repellents even use these smells to help keep cats away.
• Banana:We know the peels can be pungent and cats find this to be especially true. Leaving one out is a sure way to keep a cat out of the room.
• Dirty litter box:Here’s where we can agree with our feline friends — there’s nothing welcoming about a foul-smelling bathroom! Cats won’t go near a dirty box, so make sure to scoop and replace litter in a timely fashion.
• Pepper:Spices and seasonings don’t mesh well with cats’ noses, so keep the curry out of reach!
• Soaps and deodorants:Be careful about cleaning your cat’s food bowls, toys or bedding with anything too fragrant. Cats just don’t care for it.
• Eucalyptus:Like other foliage they instinctively know may be toxic, cats will give eucalyptus plants a wide berth. Be sure to avoid essential oils (including eucalyptus, tea tree, peppermint and more) because they are known to beespecially harmful to cats.

While it may be hard for our human senses to understand why dogs would rather roll in the muck and cats want to sleep on stinky shoes, deciphering what odors makes pets want to run and hide is important in reducing animal stress and increasing overall happiness at home.

To Your Pet's Good Health,

Dr. Barry

Sources:

https://www.animalwised.com/top-10-smells-dogs-hate-1568.html

https://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/blog/essential-oils-cats/

https://www.animalwised.com/10-smells-that-cats-hate-672.html

https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/article/dogs-sense-of-smell/

How to Find the Right Pet

Finding the perfect pet from a reputable source

Maybe you have your heart set on a golden retriever — that shiny, glossy coat, goofy grin and playful personality. Or maybe you are looking for a calico cat with an attitude as unique as her abstract coat. You’ve done the background research and know this type of pet will suit your lifestyle and family (if no click here to find out about breeds and dispositionshere. But now what? How do you  find that perfect pet?

The following tips can help you find a healthy pet from a breeder (and understand the warning signs of puppy mills) or make a love connection at a shelter.

SCOPE IT OUT

If your client has settled on purchasing a pedigreed puppy, a thorough vetting of the breeder is key — including observing the living environment and attitudes of both the breeder and other animals onsite. TheAKC recommends potential buyers follow these steps before taking any puppy home:

• Meet the parents:Seeing your puppy’s parents can give you an idea about the dog she might grow into. Breeders should be forthcoming about the health of the parents as well as the puppy.
• Observe, observe, observe:How clean is the kennel? Do the other animals appear lively and well-fed? Are there any signs of illness? Do they interact well with the breeders or shy away?
• Ask away:Breeders should be willing to answer any questions you have and be willing to keep an open line of communication with you throughout the puppy’s life. Make sure your breeder is knowledgeable and you feel comfortable with them.
• Paperwork, please:Don’t leave without AKC documentation of the dog’s pedigree and be wary if the breeder hesitates or says they will mail papers at a later date.

RED FLAGS

As awareness has spread, people now know that puppies from pet stores mostly come from puppy mills — large-scale, commercial breeding operations where the health and welfare of dogs is put second to profits, leading to squalid living conditions and misery for the animals. However, even if your clients avoid pet stores, make sure they avoid other buying situations where the dog may have come from a puppy mill.

• Beware of organizations selling large quantities of puppies, dogs listed in newspaper advertisements, and people selling on the side of the road or at events like flea markets.
• Be skeptical of any breeder who won’t disclose the name of their veterinarian, won’t allow site visits to their home or won’t make the parents of the puppy available to meet.
• Avoid sellers who want to meet in a public place for the sale, demand cash, says he or she is acting as an “agent” for a breeder, or sells puppies before they are 8 weeks old.

If the sale seems shady, it probably is! For more information on how to avoid puppy mills and scams, see Petful’s full articlehere.

CERTIFIED CATS

As with dogs, it is important to do a little research when in the market for a pedigreed cat. The Cat Fancier’s Association, a registry of pedigreed cats, offers cat breeder referral services that can help you find a reputable breeder. The International Cat Association also offers search services and tips for purchasing a kitten. As with dog breeders, a good cat breeder will also be open about how they raise their animals, happy to answer questions, will provide documentation from veterinarians and will want to enter into a written agreement with a purchaser.

ADOPTION INSTEAD

If your client decides adopting a shelter animal is right for them, fantastic! However, walking into a shelter with so many needy animals can be overwhelming. Help them prepare with these tips for adopting cats and dogs:

• Research ahead of time:Visit the shelter’s website or social media accounts. They often post pictures and profiles of available animals. Give them a call to talk to the caretakers themselves about what kind of pet you’re interested in.
• Take the family along:Bring anyone who will be living with the new pet and observe how the animals react to you and your spouse, children, etc.
• Ask questions:Staff and volunteers at shelters spend countless hours caring for these animals. They can offer insights on personality and disposition you may not be able to discern yourself from a single visit.
• Avoid rush hour:Weekends and afternoons can be busy, which means the animals might be more agitated than usual. During a quieter time, you can take your time meeting and interacting with potential pets.
• Take a walkabout:If possible, take your canine candidate for a short walk on a leash. It can tell you a lot about their personality!
• Consider the older animals:Senior cats and dogs are both at higher risk to be euthanized. Their calmer demeanors and house training may be just what you’re looking for!

Getting one step closer to bringing a new pet home doesn’t have to be daunting. The key here is letting your clients know that asking questions and trusting their instincts — toward breeders and the animals themselves — go a long way in finding that perfect match.

To Your Pet's Good Health,

Dr. Barry

Sources

https://www.akc.org/press-center/articles/responsible-breeders/

https://www.aspca.org/animal-cruelty/puppy-mills/closer-look-puppy-mills-old

https://www.petful.com/animal-welfare/puppy-mill-red-flags/

https://www.tica.org/ru/find-a-kitten

https://cattime.com/cat-facts/lifestyle/311-choosing-a-shelter-cat

https://www.cesarsway.com/get-involved/adopting-from-a-shelter/the-rules-of-adoption