Feline Upper Respiratory Tract Infections

Upper respiratory tract infections are common problems seen in cats. While there are many different types of infectious organisms that are the culprit, most of these infections are started by a virus. Both feline Herpes and feline Calicivirus can be involved, but Herpes is the more common of the two.

Most to all cats are exposed to feline herpes virus at a young age. Once a cat is carrying the virus, they will have it lifelong. Typically, the virus will remain latent in the body and the cat will show no symptoms. When something suppresses the immune system (most commonly stress), the virus will become active and the symptoms can appear.

Symptoms of an upper respiratory tract infection include sneezing (most common), conjunctivitis (inflammation of the tissue surrounding the eye), coughing, and even ulcers that develop on the eyeball. When the infection is caused by a virus alone, clear discharge may be seen from the nose or eyes. Unfortunately, viral infections often pave the way for secondary bacterial infections. We know a bacterial infection is involved when the discharge becomes colored (yellow or green).

The most frustrating part of treating upper respiratory tract infections in cats is that the virus is difficult to impossible to treat. There are no inexpensive, effective anti-viral medications readily available. When a bacterial infection is present, antibiotics can do a good job clearing it up, but these medications will do nothing to treat the viral component of the disease. Thankfully, in time, the cat’s immune system will typically beat the virus into submission and send it back into latency.

Cats that have severe viral upper respiratory infections or cats that are prone to recurrent infections may benefit from a supplement known as L-Lysine. This is a type of protein that works to support the immune system to fight the viral component of the disease. It can also be used to prevent recurrent or chronic infections at bay. L-Lysine comes in many forms made specifically for cats.

As mentioned, stress is a very common trigger for upper respiratory tract infections in cats. For this reason, we often see these infections following a stressful period or event in a cat’s life. For example, it is very common that newly adopted cats may show these symptoms shortly after entering their new home, having surgery, or meeting a new housemate for the first time. It is important to recognize the symptoms and consult your veterinarian as to the best course of action to keep your feline friend as comfortable as possible while dealing with this often miserable condition.


article written by:
Dr. Derek Williamson

Companion Animal Hospital Vernon Hills

Scooting Dogs

Some call it the "butt scooting boogie," but most would call it "gross." Regardless of what you refer to it as, there are number of reasons your dog is scooting his or her butt across your favorite rug. 

One of the most common reasons your dog may be scooting is because he or she is expressing their anal sacs. Anal sacs are two grape-sized pouches located on either side of the anus that fill with a foul fishy smelling oily yellow-brown fluid that dogs use to mark their territory. Each sac has a small duct that will normally drain this fluid during a bowel movement. However, sometimes these ducts can become clogged causing the anal sacs to fill and your dog to feel uncomfortable. This is usually when you will see your dog do the dreaded butt drag, often accompanied with the unforgettable smell of anal sacs. Should the anal sacs continue to fill, this may lead to an anal sac impaction, rupture, or infection. 

While small breed dogs such as miniature poodles, toy poodles, and Chihuahuas are more predisposed to anal sac issues, your dog may also be more prone if they have chronically soft feces, recent diarrhea, excessive secretions, or poor muscle tone. Cats also have anal sacs, however, anal sac issues are much less common. Though a veterinarian or veterinary technician can manually empty these anal sacs (or if you are brave enough to empty them yourself), this may be a sign of other problems if your dog continues to scoot, lick or bite at their butt, or strain to defecate. Other common causes of scooting include intestinal parasites, fleas, allergies, or irritation from debris in the fur. 

article written by:

Kathrine Anderson, DVM

Norwood Park Animal Hospital

Companion Animal Hospital of Norridge

Norridge, IL

Traveling with your pet

Summer is here and travel season is upon us.  Having your pet accompany you on vacation may seem like a great idea to you, but be sure to consider your pet’s personality, too.  Some pets can be distressed traveling and may be much happier staying home or at a kennel.  If travel is right for you and your pet, before you go, update all vaccinations and take all necessary health papers with you.  Know where to find a local veterinarian at your destination in case of emergency.  Be sure to bring plenty of food and water, bowls and leashes and pack a small Pet First Aid Kit for your trip.  Make sure your pet has identification in case you get separated in a strange place (collars, tags, microchip, identification on the kennel/carrier).  Harnesses are a better choice than collars when traveling. Many pets will slip out of their collars when they are scared.  The harnesses are more secure.

Many pets are used to car rides and will have no trouble adjusting to a longer car ride.  For some, travel is stressful.  Proper preparation is the key to a successful trip. If your pet is not regularly crated, start getting them used to their travel kennel well before your departure.  (Pets should be securely confined for the safety of all human and animal passengers.  A wide variety of pet safety belt harnesses and kennels/carriers are available.  The carrier should be large enough for your pet to stand up and turn around freely). Start feeding meals in the kennel so that there are positive associations.  If your pet is not used to car travel, start by taking them for short, happy trips and then slowly working up to longer drives. Make the association with the car ride rewarding by giving a treats or special toys.

 

Fasting for 6 hours before travel can help minimize vomiting associated motion-sickness. Other signs of motion sickness include restlessness, heavy panting and salivation/drooling.  Many pets take medication to prevent motion sickness and travel anxiety.  If your dog or cat is distressed about travel, ask your veterinarian what the best options are for your family.

Never leave your pet alone in a car. The temperature can quickly rise to a dangerous level, causing heat stroke, even on a cool day. Leaving a window partially open is not an alternative. Have someone stay in the car with your pet, or see if it’s possible to take them into wherever you’re going.  You’d be surprised at the numbers of retail locations that allow pets inside.

If you have to leave your pet unattended in a hotel room, make sure that there is no opportunity for escape. Leave your pet confined in its carrier. Use the "Do Not Disturb" sign and ask hotel personnel to wait until you return before entering your room.

If you are traveling by air, it’s important to contact your airline well in advance of your travel in order to find out what the specific regulations are. Federal guidelines require pets to be at least 8 weeks old, be current on rabies vaccination, and have a health certificate obtained within 10 days of travel. Health certificates are issued by your veterinarian after a complete physical exam.  

It is best to fly with your pet in the cabin if they are small enough to fit under the seat.  Avoid flying your pet as checked cargo when temperatures on the ground are likely to be below 40ºF or above 80ºF. Some airlines will not baggage check pets in the summer months because of potentially dangerous hot conditions in the cargo holds and on the tarmac.  Always take direct flights to avoid connections and layovers. Use airlines that hand carry your pet carrier to and from the aircraft instead of being placed on a conveyor belt. Avoid the busiest travel times so airline personnel will have extra time to handle your pet.

With some planning and special attention, travel with your pet can be a wonderful experience for all!

article written by:

Sheila Newenham, DVM

Companion Animal Hospital Mount Prospect

Heartworm Disease in Cats

Heartworm affects cats too.  Largely thought of as a dog parasite, heartworm occurs in cats as well.  Moreover, 1 in 4 cats diagnosed with heartworm infection live indoors.

Heartworm is a worm that lives in the right side of the heart or pulmonary arteries in many species, including dogs, cats, ferrets, coyote, fox, wolves, and sea lions.  Some of the wild carriers of this parasite live and thrive in this region.

Cats are not a typical host of heartworm, therefore heartworm infection behaves differently in the cat.  While a dog could have more than 30 worms, a cat will generally have less than 3. Heartworms often do not mature to adults in cats, and because current tests evaluate for adult worms, infections in cats can go undiagnosed.  The early signs of heartworm infection in cats include coughing, asthma-like signs, vomiting, and poor appetite.  Over time, the worms die and send fragments to the lungs.  More serious signs such as collapse or sudden death can occur due to lung injury. 

The treatment that is used to effectively eliminate adult heartworm infections in dogs is not safe to use in our feline friends, underscoring the need for prevention.  Monthly preventatives are effective and highly recommended for cats.  An added benefit is that some also protect against fleas and intestinal parasites.  If infected, medications can be given to manage the signs that heartworm causes, but the cat is faced with the task of naturally clearing the parasite over time—usually 2 to 3 years.    

Our understanding of this parasite continues to evolve.  Cats, in their unique style, react to this infection in their own way.  We would expect nothing less of them. 

The American Heartworm Society Website has great information about heartworm in dogs and cats and was the source for the information contained in this article. 

https://www.heartwormsociety.org

article written by:

Laura Rau-Holl, DVM

Wolf Merrick Animal Hospital, Kenosha, WI

Heartworm in Dogs—the Big Picture

What is Heartworm?

Heartworm is a worm that is about the size of angel hair pasta that grow inside the right side of the heart and major blood vessels of the lungs.  Dogs, wild canids (fox, coyote, wolves), ferrets, cats, some other small mammals, sea lions and even very rarely people can become infected with heartworm.  Worms grow to adulthood most readily in dog and dog-like species.  Adult worms living in the heart will produce microfilaria (baby worms) that are transmitted via mosquito.  Adult worms can grow up to 12 inches long and live 5 – 7 years!

Heartworm disease refers to the illness caused by a heartworm infection.  Initially, an infected dog may have no signs of illness.  As heartworm progresses, damage to the lungs and heart will lead to cough, exercise intolerance, decreased appetite and weight loss, and ultimately heart failure.  Occasionally heartworm can contribute to kidney damage as well. 

The current recommendation of the American Heartworm Society, a veterinary organization that focuses on best way to contend with heartworm disease, is to keep pets on heartworm preventative all year around.  This recommendation is due to the many complex factors that contribute to the unpredictability and spread of this disease.  Prevention is safe, effective, and well tolerated.  

Important things to know:

1)  The mosquito is a necessary vector (carrier) for heartworm disease.  A very early stage of the heartworm development occurs in the mouthparts of the mosquito.

2)  Current tests can only detect adult heartworms living inside the heart. Following a bite from an infected mosquito, it takes 6 months for a heartworm (microscopic baby worm carried by the mosquito) to develop into an adult in the dog. 

3)  Heartworm has been diagnosed in all 50 states.  While transmission has not been documented in Alaska, there are brief times when this northern climate can support transfer of the disease. 

4)  Heartworm is on the move.  Some areas of the country have more heartworm than others.  The southeastern United States has consistently documented high infection rates.  Movement of dogs from these areas contributes to the spread of infection.

5)  “Heat islands” associated with buildings and parking lots of urban areas may extend active mosquito seasons and transmission of heartworm disease. 

6)  The course of treatment for heartworm disease takes many months.  In fact, dogs need to be restricted from activity for about 5 months during treatment due potentially severe lung embolism (clots) from dying worms. 

There are many great sources for pet owners about heartworm.  Here are some links to learn more:
 

The American Heartworm Society:    https://www.heartwormsociety.org/pet-owner-resources/heartworm-basics

The Companion Animal Parasite Council:  http://www.capcvet.org/capc-recommendations/canine-heartworm

The American Veterinary Medical Association:  https://www.avma.org/public/PetCare/Pages/Heartworm-Disease.aspx

Heartworm disease in cats manifests itself very differently and is deserving of a separate discussion. 

Sources:  The American Heartworm Society, the American Veterinary Medical Association, and the Companion Animal Parasite Council.

article written by:

Laura Rau-Holl, DVM

Wolf Merrick Animal Hospital, Kenosha, WI

Ticks!!

Ticks are remarkable arachnids.  There are many species that have adapted to survive and thrive in many environments.  They will feed on many different hosts at nearly any time of year, including the cold winter months for the Blacklegged (deer) tick.  But the most challenging aspect of this particular pest is the sheer number of diseases they can carry and transmit. 

The problematic ticks found in southern Wisconsin and northern Illinois include the American dog (wood) tick, the Blacklegged (deer) tick, the Brown dog tick, and now even the Lone star tick according to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).  The range of ticks is expanding, leaving many finding ticks when they have never seen or had them before. 

Ticks go through distinct stages of development.  Hatched from an egg, transitioning through larval, nymph, and adult stages, a blood meal will be taken at each stage.  Some ticks can take up to three years to complete their life cycle.  While the American dog tick and Lone star tick may not be active in the fall and winter, the Blacklegged (deer) tick will be active anytime the weather is above freezing.  In fact, the Blacklegged (deer) tick adult is most active in the cool fall months through spring, while its nymphs are active in the spring and summer. 

Lyme disease is most commonly recognized, but many other diseases are carried and transmitted by ticks.  Diseases such as anaplasma, ehrlichia, and babesia affect the blood cells, though in different ways depending upon the species.  All diseases carried by ticks can be debilitating and life threatening.  Some also have zoonotic potential, which means they can affect humans as well. 

Avoidance of ticks and rapid removal if one is found is imperative.  The longer the attachment period, the more likely disease could be transmitted.  The CDC website has basic recommendations to help prevent tick bites, how to limit ticks in your yard, and how to remove attached ticks.  There are effective tick and flea preventative options for dogs and cats.  Preventatives can kill and even repel ticks depending upon the product.  Dog products cannot be used on cats.  Annual heartworm testing in dogs also identifies exposure to many tick-borne diseases and an effective vaccine is available for Lyme disease in dogs. 

Idexx Laboratories, the laboratory used by the veterinary hospital, has a website dedicated to ticks and dogs.  It is a great reference and worth checking out.   Ticks seem to be here to stay, so being diligent with tick prevention and avoidance will limit the risks.

article written by:

Laura Rau-Holl, DVM

Wolf Merrick Animal Hospital, Kenosha, WI

Sources:

The CDC website:  http://www.cdc.gov/ticks/index.html

Idexx Laboratories Dogs and Ticks website:  http://www.dogsandticks.com/

University of Rhode Island Tick Encounter Resource Center:  http://www.tickencounter.org/

Microchipping Your Pet

Microchips are an effective form of permanent identification for your pet.  They can easily be implanted during a routine visit to your veterinarian.

A microchip is a small, electronic chip enclosed in a glass cylinder that is about the same size as a grain of rice.  It is injected under the skin using a needle.  Although the needle is slightly larger than those used for vaccines or other injections, implanting a microchip is not significantly painful and is typically done without sedation or anesthesia.  Alternatively, many pet owners choose to have the procedure done during a routine spay or neuter.  Once implanted, your pet will be completely unaware the microchip is present.

Microchips contain the name and description of the animal, the owner’s contact information, emergency contacts in case the owner can’t be reached, and the information for the veterinarian or rescue organization that implanted the microchip.  All veterinary clinics, shelters, and rescue organization have microchip scanners and will routine scan pets.   After the microchip is implanted, the necessary information will be collected and the microchip registered.

So, do microchips increase your chance of being reunited with your pet?  According to the American Veterinary Medical Association,   “A study of more than 7,700 stray animals at animal shelters showed that dogs without microchips were returned to their owners 21.9% of the time, whereas microchipped dogs were returned to their owners 52.2% of the time. Cats without microchips were reunited with their owners only 1.8% of the time, whereas microchipped cats went back home 38.5% of the time. (Lord et al, JAVMA, July 15, 2009) For microchipped animals that weren't returned to their owners, most of the time it was due to incorrect owner information (or no owner information) in the microchip registry database – so don't forget to register and keep your information updated.”  Microchip information can be updated if your information changes(name, address, phone numbers, etc).  

Many types of microchips have additional benefits.  Microchip companies often have insurance policies on the lost pets.  If the pet has been reported missing and is found injured, these insurance policies will pay for medical expenses.  They are also used for permanent identification which is required for health certificates for international (or in some cases interstate) travel. 

We recommend all pets be microchipped.  Please talk to us at your next visit if your pet hasn’t been chipped.  We want to do anything we can to keep you and your pet together long term! 

article written by:

Derek Williamson, DVM

Companion Animal Hospital Vernon Hills