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THE
RIGHT TIME TO VACCINATE
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VACCINATION
PROGRAM |
VACCINATIONS
Vaccination is routinely carried out against Feline
Infectious Enteritis, Herpes and Calici Viruses (the viruses which cause
"Cat 'flu ") and Feline Leukaemia Virus. If you have any concerns or
particular requirements concerning vaccination please do not hesitate to discuss
them with the vet.
Kittens gain some protection from disease in the form of maternal antibodies passed in the queen's colostrum, (the milk excreted in the first few hours after the birth). To ensure that the queen has sufficient antibodies to pass onto her kittens, it is important that she is well vaccinated prior to mating. The protective effect of maternal antibodies lasts for only a few weeks. The kitten's vaccination programme should therefore start from 9 weeks of age with a second vaccination 3-4 weeks later.
INFECTIOUS
DISEASES OF CATS
FELINE
INFECTIOUS ENTERITIS
Also known as feline panleukopaenia or feline
parvovirus, is a viral infection which may cause severe illness in unprotected
cats. The symptoms include diarrhoea/vomiting and the cat will show marked
depression possibly sitting hunched over food or water bowls. Infection of
pregnant queens can lead to brain damage in the kittens. The virus is very
resistant and can remain in the environment for up to 12 months. Effective vaccination
is available given at 9 and 12 weeks and then as an annual booster. Catteries
insist on Feline Infectious Enteritis vaccination before boarding.
Flu-like symptoms in cats
(e.g. sneezing and runny eyes) may be caused by Feline Calici Virus or Feline
Herpes Virus (also known as feline rhinotracheitis virus). Virus is present in
large amounts in saliva, tears and nasal secretions and is usually spread by
droplets from sneezing cats. However the virus may also survive outside the cat
for short periods so infection can be transmitted on feed bowls etc. Most cats
recover with supportive treatment but some cats can remain infected with virus
and may suffer recurrent attacks of sinusitis or gingivitis even after they are
apparently healthy again. In very young or immuno-suppressed cats (e.g. those
with FeLV or FIV infection or on certain medication) cat 'flu can progress to a
life threatening pneumonia. Vaccination is given combined with Feline
Infectious Enteritis vaccination at 9 and 12 weeks and with annual
boosters. Catteries insist on these vaccinations before allowing cats in to
board.
CHLAMYDIA
Chlamydia are intracellular bugs which can cause
recurrent conjunctivitis, flu-like symptoms and reproductive failure. The
disease is particularly common in kittens and highly contagious between cats.
Potentially humans or other animals could become infected. Once established the
disease takes several weeks of treatment to eradicate. A vaccine is now
available consisting of an initial course of 2 injections 3 weeks apart and
yearly boosters. However while it can prevent clinical signs it does not prevent
infection so if you are considering vaccination please discuss your individual
circumstances with the veterinary surgeon.
FELINE
LEUKAEMIA VIRUS
Feline Leukaemia Virus can
cause a number of different problems in cats, ranging from
leukaemia,tumours,anaemia and increased susceptibility to other diseases. The
virus is only spread by close contact (most frequently in saliva), although
young kittens can become infected in their mother's uterus. There may be a long
incubation period (up to several years) between infection and the development of
disease symptoms, but 85% of cats die within 3.5 years of becoming permanently
infected. Vaccination is now available and can be combined with 'flu and
enteritis vaccination with a primary course at 9 and 12 weeks and yearly
boosting thereafter. It is particularly important with Feline leukaemia
vaccination that boosters are given on time as a lapse in protection could allow
infection which may not become apparent for many months or years.
If you think your kitten may have already become infected blood tests are
available at the practice using the back up of University laboratories where
necessary.
FELINE
IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS
Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (a virus closely related to the human AIDS virus) can cause symptoms similar to Feline leukaemia virus, a blood test is available but as yet there is no vaccine. There is no risk of the infection being passed to humans.
Ringworm is a fungal infection of the superficial
layers of the skin, hairs and nails. In cats, one type called Microsporum canis
is responsible for almost all ringworm infections. This species in addition to
being infectious to both cats and dogs, will also readily infect man. Diagnosis
is usually made by examining hairs for fluorescence under ultraviolet light, by
microscopic examination or culture. Although in many cats, ringworm is a
self-limiting infection (with resolution typically taking 3-5 months), treatment
of the disease is nearly always indicated to minimise the risk of infection to
humans or other pets. Ringworm can be transmitted quite readily to humans
(particularly children) and it is therefore important to take appropriate steps
to minimise exposure to the fungus while the cat is being treated. If any humans
in the house develop skin lesions (small patches of skin thickening and
reddening, or patches of hair loss) early medical attention should be sought.
Ringworm in humans generally responds very well to treatment.
CORONA VIRUS/
FELINE INFECTIOUS PERITONITIS
Feline Corona Virus is a highly contagious virus which
is spread in saliva and faeces. In most cats there are either no obvious
symptoms or mild transient diarrhoea. However a very small proportion of
infected cats may develop Feline Infectious Peritonitis which can lead to
abdominal swelling and other signs. Once symptoms develop the disease is almost
invariably fatal. Blood tests for Feline Corona Virus are available but do not
distinguish the cats which have merely been exposed to the virus from those
which have developed disease.
TOXOPLASMOSIS
Toxoplasmosis is a disease caused by infection with the
organism called Toxoplasma gondii, a microscopic single-cell organism which is
one of the most common parasites of animals. Although virtually all warm-blooded
animals, including man, can be infected with this bug, it is an extremely well
adapted parasite and rarely causes significant disease to the individuals which
it infects.
Cats are infected by eating another infected animal (usually a rodent). In cats
T. gondii multiplies in the intestinal tract resulting in the shedding of eggs
in the faeces. Shedding of eggs only occurs in the period immediately following
infection. The eggs shed in the faeces are very resistant, and can contaminate
the environment for several years. Other animals become infected by eating these
eggs.
Around 30% of the adult population in the UK have been exposed to Toxoplasma. As
with infection in cats, the vast majority of people infected with this organism
experience no clinical disease at all, or possibly just mild and transient
'flu-like signs. However, there is one situation in which infection may be
serious: if a pregnant woman acquires Toxoplasma infection during her pregnancy,
the infection may be transmitted to the foetus, and sometimes causes severe
damage. However this is only a risk if the woman acquires the infection during
her pregnancy. A woman who has previously been exposed to the organism caries no
risk of transmission to a foetus if she subsequently becomes pregnant. We
strongly advise that pregnant women do not clean out cat litter trays or where
this is unavoidable that rubber gloves are worn and strict hygienic precautions
are followed.
PARASITES
A parasite is a plant or animal that lives upon or within another living organism. There are a variety of parasites that infect various organs or body systems. Parasites can be either internal or external parasites – living primarily on the skin (fleas), in the respiratory tract (lungworms), or in the blood vessels and heart (heartworms).
Some gastrointestinal parasites are microscopic, and the only way to diagnose them is by microscopic examination of your cat’s feces for the eggs shed by the adult worms. Others are large enough to be observed in your cat’s bowel movements or after he vomits. Moreover, some tapeworms produce proglottids, which are the segments making up their body. These segments can be seen around the hair on the anus or in the stool, appearing as bits of moving “white rice.”
Among the important gastrointestinal parasites of cats are roundworms (Toxocara species), hookworms (Ancylostoma tubaeforme, Ancylostoma braziliense and Uncinaria stenocephala), stomach worms (Physaloptera spp.), tapeworms (Diplylidium caninum, Taenia taeniaeformis) and microscopic parasites Coccidia, Giardia and Strongyloides species.
LARGE PARASITE GUIDE
How Parasites Are Acquired
# Ingestion of eggs. Most infections are acquired by ingestion of microscopic eggs. This occurs when a cat licks areas where other cats have defecated, like yards, parks or grass.
# At birth. Many kittens are born with intestinal parasites (usually roundworms) that have been passed from the mother, where the parasite was in an encysted, quiet state.
# From intermediate host. Tapeworms are transmitted by an intermediate host when a cat swallows a flea or eats a rabbit.
It should be emphasized that some parasites – especially roundworms and hookworms – can also affect people, especially children. For that reason, it is essential to prevent intestinal parasites in our pets and to treat any resultant infection.
Parasitic diseases range from trivial to fatal disease. Parasites can cause severe disease in immature kittens, sick or debilitated pets, or in pets with a suppressed immune system. Younger pets often get acute disease (vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration and anemia) whereas older pets get chronic disease such as intermittent diarrhea.
What to Watch For
# Nausea
# Vomiting
# Diarrhea
# Anemia
# Skin lesions
Diagnosis
Because parasitism is easily confused with other debilitating conditions, diagnosis depends on the following:
# Medical history and physical examination, including observations of worms in the stool or vomitus.
# Fecal examination for microscopic eggs or larvae. This is the most common approach to diagnosis as most pets do not appear ill.
# CBC – Complete blood count if anemia is suspected (as with a hookworm infection) or if the pet is showing symptoms of illness.
# Other blood tests may reveal concurrent problems.
Treatment
Treatments for intestinal parasites may include one or more of the following:
# Routine deworming in kittens – This is the ideal approach. All immature pets should treated at the first veterinary examination and regularly dewormed during the first year. In general, every cat less than one year of age should be given an anthelmintic (anti-parasite drug) for ascarids regardless of fecal results. This is in part to protect the environment from contamination with microscopic eggs that might infect children.
# A yearly fecal check and treatment is recommended for adult pets, especially if they are not taking heartworm preventatives that would prevent development of intestinal worms.
# Other treatments may include fluid therapy for debilitated pets or blood transfusion and iron supplementation (if necessary for severe blood loss as with hookworm infections).
Home Care and Prevention
At home administer any prescribed medications and follow-up with your veterinarian for examinations and repeated fecal (stool) tests as needed.
Some microscopic eggs can live in the environment (such as the yard) for weeks to months and cause re-infection. Clean up yard weekly and minimize roaming of pets in places like parks where exposure and infection are possible.
Many health care specialists recommend a fecal sample from all adult animals at least yearly, a sample at each kitten vaccination visit, and a follow up sample at the appropriate interval after the last deworming medication has been given.
With primarily outdoor cats, it may be advisable to evaluate stool samples every three to six months if risk of infection is high. One may also consider heartworm preventatives that also prevent intestinal parasites.
POISONS TO YOUR CAT
Below is a list of poisonous items and plants toxic to cats.
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Some signs of plant poisoning are:
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What
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ABNORMAL
CHEST DEVELOPMENT
Flat Chest Kitten (FCK) Defect and Pectus Excavatum
A number of chest wall deformities have been described in cats and dogs in the veterinary literature. In cats, the two most common are pectus excavatum ("funnel chest") and flat chest (FCK). There are over a dozen reports about pectus excavatum in the literature, including papers describing surgical correction, but very little about FCK. It is important to understand the difference between the two conditions so they can be identified correctly.
Cross
sectional diagram of a normal chest:
The chest cavity is oval in shape, with the spinal column at the top and the sternum at the bottom. The black squares represent the costochondral junctions, the point where the cartilage portion of the rib attached to the sternum joins the boney portion of the rib attached to the spine.
Cross
sectional diagram of a pectus excavatum chest:
In pectus excavatum, the chest cavity is narrower top to bottom as the sterum is displaced upward. In severe cases, the lack of space compresses the heart and lungs. Common signs in moderate to severely affected cats include exercise intolerance, trouble breathing, cough, weight loss or failure to gain weight.
Cross
sectional diagram of FCK:
In FCK, the ribcage is angled sharply at the costochondral junction, causing the ventral part of the chest to be flattened. FCK varies from very mild to very severe and life-threatening. The condition is not apparent at birth, but becomes obvious within the first few weeks of life. Mildly affected kittens may appear perfectly normal as adults. Moderate to severely affected kittens will have difficulty breathing and poor weight gain. The worst affected kittens will die.
FCK
has been reported in many breeds of cats. Some FCK kittens also have a spinal
curvature or may have pectus excavatum. A 1997 study in the
In
Boudrieau
R et al. Pectus excavatum in dogs and cats. Comp Contin Edu Pract Vet 12(3):
341-355, 1990
Fossum TW et al. Pectus excavatum in eight dogs and six cats. J Am Anim Hosp Assoc 25:595-605, 1989
Ocicat kitten (on the bottom) with flat chest kitten defect. FCK has been reported in many pedigreed cat breeds, and in random bred cats too.
X-ray of a kitten with pectus excavatum. Note the pronounced upward deviation of the sternum indicated by the 2 black arrows.
