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Ear mites are tiny white parasites that live in the ear canals of dogs and cats. They are highly contagious and frequently infest whole litters of puppies and kittens. If more than one cat or dog in a household has ear mite, all should be carefully examined. Ear mites feed on the waxy debris present within the normal ear canal. This feeding causes itching and inflammation. Often severe bacteria and yeast infections can result from the inflammation that ear mites cause. These infections may be more serious than the mite infestation itself and may require special medications.

Important Points in Treatment

1. General anesthesia is often necessary to allow thorough cleansing of the ear canal and allow inspection of the ear drum. If infection is present the ear will require a deep cleaning before medicine can be effective. Ear mites are not difficult to kill (even mineral oil will suffocate them), but the secondary infections may be quite persistent.

2. Flea Powder - The mites have been seen on the heads of dogs and the heads and tails of cats. Therefore, a flea power should be dusted on these areas weekly during the treatment for ear mites.

3. Cleaning the ear: Cleanse the ear as directed by your veterinarian.

4. Treatment schedule: (duration: 14 days up to 6 weeks)  Follow the directions on the label if medication is indicated by your veterinarian..

5. Medication: In resistant cases a drug called ivermectin has been used. It may be given by mouth, topically or by injection and is repeated in two weeks.

Notify the Doctor if Any of the Following Occur:

• You cannot medicate your pet’s ear(s).

• Your pet continually rubs, paws or scratches its ear(s).

• Your pet shows other signs of illness during treatment.

• Your pet’s ear problems recur after apparent recovery.

Please Note:  Don’t clean deeply into the ear canal, just as far as you can see, and only straight down into the ear, never horizontally into the deeper canal.

Outer Ear Infection:  Otitis externa is an inflammation of the external ear canal that begins at the outside opening of the ear and extends inward to the eardrum. Causes include bacteria, fungi, ear mites, accumulation of wax, thick or matted hair in the ear canal, debris and foreign objects, impaired air ventilation and drainage of the ear, allergies, and infections from elsewhere in the body. The ears of dogs (especially those with pendulous ears) and cats are ideal for the growth of bacteria and fungi because they are moist and warm, and contain wax and other debris. The funnel shape of the ear canal effectively traps dirt and debris, further complicating treatment of infections.

Important Points in Treatment

1. General anesthesia is often necessary to allow thorough cleansing of the ear canal and to obtain specimens for bacterial cultures.

2. Duration: The longer the infection has been present, the more difficult it is to clear up. In severe long-standing infections, surgery may be necessary to correct the problem.

3. Medication: To be effective, the medication must contact microorganisms or mites deep in the ear canal. To achieve this contact, the canal must be kept clear of debris, and the medication must be placed deep within the canal. Please call the doctor if you are having trouble treating your pet’s ear.

4.  Follow Steps 3 through end of above article.

Eclampsia

What is Eclampsia? Eclampsia (sometimes called “milk fever”) is a conditionin which the blood calcium levels drop dangerously low.

 Usually this happens during the first three to five weeks of nursing a new litter or puppies or kittens. Sometimes the calcium levels required for the milk causes a drain on the blood levels before additional calcium can be mobilized from the bones.

What are the Symptoms of Eclampsia? Dogs and cats can both develop eclampsia, but it is much more common the dog and especially in the small breeds like the chihuahua, poodle, beagle and terriers. It is more likely with large litters of fat puppies too. The early signs are restlessness, nervousness, and panting. As it progresses, muscle tremors occur and the walk becomes unsteady or staggering. There may be excessive salivation or drooling.

If untreated the pet will progress into spastic seizures followed by death. The internal temperature zooms up with the seizures.  THIS IS AN EMERGENCY!

How is Eclampsia Treated? Depending on the severity and the stage of the condition, treatments may include intravenous calcium injections and fluid therapy. Some pets will require hospitalization and continued therapy. You may need to prevent further nursing by the puppies or kittens. If so, you will need to hand rear them with milk replacer.

Special instructions: Follow any special instructions from your veterinarian.

What is Ehrlichiosis?  Canine Ehrlichiosis (tick fever), is a disease carried by the brown dog tick. It is a tick-borne rickettsial disease ofwhich the main clinically important organisms include Ehrlichia canis, causing canine ehrlichiosis and is found inside white blood cells, and Ehrlichia platys, causing infectious cyclic thrombo-cytopenia (periodic low platelet counts) and is found inside the platelets.

     Cats can be infected with Ehrlichia risticii, and there is evidence to suggest that a species similar to Ehrlichia canis can cause illness in cats as well.

What Does the Organism Do To the Pet?  Ehrlichia canis: Ticks (brown dog tick) transmit the disease to dogs in their saliva. Following a 1-3 week incubation period, three stages of disease may occur.

1)  Acute: Spreads from the bite site to the spleen, liver, and lymph nodes.

2)  Produces inflamed blood vessels resulting in a reduction in platelet survival time causing thrombocytopenia (low platelet count), variable leukopenia (low white blood cell count),and mild anemia (low red blood cell count).

3)  Subclinical: The organism persists and antibody response increases (high globulin levels). Thrombocytopenia persists.

4)  Chronic: Impaired bone marrow production (platelet and red blood cell production is suppressed). The systems affected includes most of the body due to bleeding tendencies from thrombocytopenia and inflamed blood vessels, enlarged lymph nodes, enlarged spleen, brain inflammation, eye inflammation, and occasionally lung inflammation.

The geographic distribution is worldwide. Within North America, it is mainly along the Gulf coast and eastern seaboard, but also in the Midwest, Arizona, and California.

 What Are Its Symptoms? The duration of clinical signs from initial acute illness until it is brought to the veterinarian is often more than two months. The chronic form of Ehrlichia canis seems to be more severe in Doberman pinschers and German shepherds.

The symptoms may include: Lethargy; Depression; Loss of appetite; Weight loss; Fever; Spontaneous bleeding (sneezing, nose bleeds); Breathing distress; Neurologic signs (poor balance, head tilt, seizures); Eye pain and inflammation.

     On physical examination some of the signs present may include:

1) Acute condition: Bleeding into the skin or gums and a fever (associated with depression, lost appetite, weight loss) and generalized lymph node enlargement. Ticks are present in the acute stage 40% of time. Respiratory signs, including difficult breathing (even blue gums) may be present. A variety of nervous system signs may also be present. bleeding; Anemia; Enlarged lymph nodes; Scrotal and limb swelling; Enlarged spleen or liver; Various eye inflammatory changes; Rarely, arthritis and seizures.

2) Typical early signs of the disease may include fever, listlessness, depression, loss of appetite, weight loss, pale gums (anemia), vomiting, and diarrhea. These signs may initially be very mild. Pets can be infected with the tick fever organism for weeks to months before clinical signs develop, therefore, you may not recall ever finding any ticks on your pet. It only takes the bite of one infected tick to spread the disease to a pet.

     As the disease progresses, the dog may develop frequent nosebleeds (epistaxis). The gums may become pale with a yellow cast (jaundice). Some animals develop a dry cough. Lameness, and swollen joints may also occur. Secondary bacterial infections are also common.

 How is Ehrlichia Diagnosed? Ehrlichiosis can be diagnosed by taking a blood sample and submitting it to a laboratory for a special test although the veterinarian may suspect the disease based upon clinical signs, red blood cell counts, and platelet numbers. Our “heartworm test” is an in-office screening test for heartworms, Ehrlichia antibodies, and Lyme disease antibodies. A positive test for Ehrlichia is often followed with a more specific test at the laboratory. 

How is it Treated? Patients with anemia and/or hemorrhagic tendency resulting from thrombocytopenia should be hospitalized for initial medical stabilization. Stable patients can be treated as outpatients with monitoring of blood picture and response to medication.

ACTIVITY: Restricted to prevent hemorrhagic episodes.

PROGNOSIS: With therapy an excellent prognosis is expected in most acute cases. The response may take a month or more in chronic cases, unless the bone marrow is severely affected, in which case the prognosis is poor. Progression of disease from acute to chronic form can be prevented by early, effective treatment. German shepherds and Doberman pinschers display a more chronic and severe form of the disease.

MEDICATIONS: Treatment for Ehrlichiosis usually involves oral tetracyclines (i.e. doxycycline). Recently, an injectable medication (imidocarb dipropionate) has become an alternative treatment. Severe cases may require supportive therapy such as blood transfusions, intravenous fluids, and other nursing care. Medications may be used to protect the platelets and red blood cells (cortisones) and to help stimulate their production (anabolic steroids). In some cases, 3-6 months or more of therapy may be required. Some pets will die of the disease even with aggressive care though.

PATIENT MONITORING: Platelet counts are performed after initiating medication until showing an increase into normal range. A repeat blood titer is done in 9 months. If treatment has been successful, most dogs will be seronegative or have a very low titer. A strong positive titer suggests reinfection (prior infection does not imply protective immunity) or ineffective first treatment, and a subsequent treatment regimen should be instituted.

PREVENTION: To aid in the prevention of Ehrlichiosis, tick control is imperative. Successfully treated dogs are very susceptible to a repeat exposure of the disease. Because of this, prevention of tick exposure is of the utmost importance.

If you should have any questions concerning canine Ehrlichiosis and tick control, consult your veterinarian.

What is Elbow Dysplasia?Elbow dysplasia is a general term that describes a series of four developmental abnormalities that lead to malformation and degeneration of the elbow joint. Elbow dysplasia includes:

(1)   ununited anconeal process (UAP); (2) osteochondritis dissecans (OCD); (3) fragmented medial coronoid process (FMCP); and (4) incongruity.  

One or more of these developmental anomalies may occur alone or in combination within one or both elbows of an affected animal. Bilateral disease is common (50%). Elbow dysplasia is an inherited disease and the heritability is high. It is the most common cause for elbow pain and lameness, and is one of the most common causes for forelimb lameness in large-breed dogs.

Can Any Dog Get Elbow Dysplasia?  Any large dog could develop elbow dysplasia, but breed predilection includes Labrador retrievers, Rottweilers, golden retrievers, German shepherds, Bernese mountain dogs, chow, bearded collie, and Newfoundlands The age of onset of clinical signs is typically 4-10 months, with diagnosis generally between 4-18 months of age. However, signs related to degenerative joint disease (DJD) can occur at any age.

What Are Its Symptoms?  Not all animals show signs at an early age; older animals often seem to have an acute episode of elbow lameness due to advanced DJD changes. Typically signs are evident at 8-10 months of age because of forelimb lameness having progressed from a stiffness that initially was present only after rest to an intermittent or persistent lameness that is worsened by exercise.

     Physical examination findings may include: Pain elicited on elbow hyperflexion/ extension; Pain elicited while holding the elbow and carpus at 90º and then rotating the foreleg; Affected limb has a tendency to be held with elbow out and foot turned inward; Joint swelling; Grating with advanced DJD; Diminished range of motion.

How is It Diagnosed?  The history and physical examination make a diagnosis of elbow dysplasia suspect. Radiographs (x-rays) are helpful in some forms but may require multiple angles. A joint tap with analysis of synovial fluid is useful to confirm involvement of joint. Arthroscopy can be used to diagnose UAP, FMCP, and OCD.

Can It Be Treated?  Surgery is recommended for UAP, OCD, and FMCP. Surgery for incongruity is controversial; the type of incongruity dictates the method of treatment. Severity of DJD and age of animal influence surgical outcome. Yearly examinations are recommended to evaluate progression.

Medications: Analgesic and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs like Rimadyl or Etogesic) can be used to symptomatically treat associated DJD. There are no drugs that promote healing of the bone or cartilage fragments. Cartilage protective drugs such as glucosamines may be of benefit in patients with limited cartilage damage and degeneration. They may also help alleviate pain and inflammation.

Prevention   Elbow dysplasia is best prevented by not breeding affected dogs. Radiographs can help identify abnormal dogs but may not identify all dogs carrying this genetic disease. Dam/sire breedings that result in dysplastic offspring should not be repeated.

Pregnancy   Dogs with elbow dysplasia should not be bred. If a dysplastic bitch becomes pregnant, the added weight may make clinical signs become apparent.

Activity  Exercise should be limited to the individual tolerance of the patient.  Swimming is recommended to maintain joint mobility while minimizing weight bearing. Physiotherapy (passive joint motion) will reduce joint stiffness and help maintain muscle integrity.

DIET: Weight control is important to reduce the load applied to the painful joint and minimize weight gain associated with reduced exercise.

Expected Course & Prognosis The prognosis is good to fair for all forms of elbow dysplasia. Joint degeneration usually progresses, though most dogs can lead normal lives with proper medical and/or surgical management.

Why is My Pet’s Eye Red?   A “red eye” is usually inflamed. Eye inflammation can be the result of many different abnormalities. The eye may be inflamed on the outside or on the inside (or a combination of both).

 • Outside: inflammation of the superficial eye (conjunctivitis [the white of the eye[, superficial keratitis [the clear window or cornea], or blepharitis [the eyelids].

 • Inside: inner eye diseases such as anterior uveitis (inflammation of the iris and associated structures), glaucoma (increased internal pressure), or hemorrhage into the eye. Luxated or cataract lenses can lead to glaucoma or anterior uveitis.

 Some possible causes of the inflamed eye may include:many different local and systemic infectious or inflammatory diseases, suppressed immune system, bleeding abnormalities, high blood pressure, tumors, and trauma. Many problems can start in one eye and quickly involve the other eye.

How Do We Know What Caused It?   The history and physical examination can sometimes tell us what the specific cause is. However, because eye diseases can be the result of many different conditions a variety of tests may be needed. Some of the tests might include: Tonometry (to determine the intraocular pressure); Ocular ultrasonography (to help define the extent and nature of intraocular disease or identify an intraocular tumor); Thoracic radiographs (if intraocular neoplasia is a possibility); Abdominal radiography and ultrasonography (may aid in ruling out infectious or neoplastic causes); Bacterial culture and sensitivity test of the eye discharge; Schirmer tear test for tear production; Cytologic examination of affected tissue (i.e., lid, conjunctiva, or cornea or of the eye discharge); In cats, an immunofluorescent antibody test of conjunctival or corneal scraping for feline herpes virus and chlamydia diagnosis; Fluorescein stain test for corneal ulcers and lacerations; and biopsy of abnormal tissue.

How Can We Treat It? Naturally the treatment will vary according to the cause and the resulting eye condition. Some aspects of eye treatment may include:  Medications may be indicated and frequent reexaminations are often needed to ensure a proper response. Some eye diseases may require surgery. Some eye diseases may require treatment of the whole pet, not just the eye (i.e. Valley Fever, Distemper, and Ehrlichia). If your pet wants to rub its eye, an Elizabethan collar will help to protect the eye. Bright light is painful to your pet’s eye, so keep it indoors until the eye is normal.

Call Us If…Your pet’s eye(s) appears to be getting worse.  You notice any degradation in your pet’s general health.  You have trouble giving the prescribed medicine.

What is Meant by Asthma and Bronchitis?   Chronic bronchitis is a condition that causes a long term cough, in which other causes of cough (such as pneumonia, heartworm infestation, cancer, or heart failure) have been excluded.

     Asthma, on the other hand, is a disorder characterized by abrupt constriction of the bronchioles and the resulting interference of air flow in and out of the lungs, which may resolve on its own or in response to therapy.

What Causes These Conditions?  Although the potential causes of chronic bronchitis are numerous, the airways are capable of responding to noxious stimuli in only a limited number of ways. The cells lining the airways may thicken, undergo cellular anatomy changes, erode, or ulcerate. Excessive amounts of viscous mucus may be produced. Inflammatory cells may infiltrate the linings. Bronchial smooth muscle may remain unaffected, become thickened, or have spasms.

     The resulting clinical signs are a result of airflow limitation from excessive mucus secretions, airway swelling, airway narrowing from cellular infiltrates, and airway smooth muscle constriction.

     Eosinophils (white blood cells associated with allergies) specifically have been implicated as primary effector cells in the development of asthma. Toxic eosinophil proteins can cause sloughing of the bronchial lining, stasis of the mucus, and airway muscle contraction.

How Common Are These Diseases?   The prevalence of these airway diseases in the general adult cat population is estimated to be approximately 1%; prevalence in the Siamese breed may be 5%.

What Signs Are Associated With These Conditions?  Clinical signs include cough, wheeze and decreased activity. In mild cases symptoms may be limited to occasional and brief episodes of coughing. All cats with chronic bronchitis, by definition, have symptoms of cough on most days throughout the year. Some cats with asthma may be seem normal in between occasional episodes of acute respiratory distress. Severely affected cats may have a persistent daily cough and many episodes of life-threatening distress.

      Chronic cough is the defining feature of chronic bronchitis. Acute bronchoconstriction manifested as respiratory distress is a defining feature of asthma. Respiratory distress primarily during expiration is the hallmark of chronic bronchial disease. Wheezing is more commonly found in cats with asthma although it can be heard in cats with both conditions.

How are They Diagnosed?  The history and symptoms give us a presumptive diagnosis of the disease. Blood tests and chest x-rays are often needed. Some cats may need echocardio-graphy to determine the condition of the heart. Some other tests that may be indicated are: Transtracheal wash, bronchial wash, or bronchoalveolar lavage; Bronchoscopy; and Pulmonary function studies (available at some universities).

How is It Treated?  - INPATIENT VERSUS OUTPATIENT?  The decision to hospitalize a particular cat is determined on an individual basis. Cats with asthma more commonly require emergency hospitalization in an oxygen cage. Corticosteroids are the primary method of long-term treatment. Many cats can be effectively maintained on a small dose of prednisone given by mouth every other day. Antibiotics and bronchodilators may be needed too.

Prognosis  Chronic bronchitis and asthma are progressive syndromes that are rarely cured. The frequency of cough in bronchitis can usually be reduced while on medicine, but not eliminated. Obese cats benefit from weight reduction. Owners of cats with asthma should report early signs of wheezing or cough immediately. Acute bronchoconstriction is a feature of asthma. This may be life-threatening and should be identified, reported, and treated promptly.

Call Us If… Your cat has difficulty breathing. Your cat does not seem to respond to the treatment. Your cat takes a downturn in general health. Your cat loses it appetite or loses weight.

What is FeLV?   The Feline Leukemia Virus is a common cause of various forms of blood related cancers in cats. It is capable of causing over 20 different forms of cancer including the very common lymphosarcoma and a number of leukemias (blood cancer cells free in the bloodstream). Lymphosarcoma is the most frequently diagnosed neoplasia (cancers and benign tumors) in cats. The virus does not survive long outside the host cat. It is NOT contagious to humans or dogs.

 How Could My Cat Catch FeLV?   The virus is found in the saliva of infected cats, so transmission is generally through saliva transfers (bite wounds, mutual grooming, sneezing, and to a limited degree, sharing food and water dishes). The virus can also be transmitted to unborn kittens in an infected pregnant female. Some exposed cats will develop a natural immunity to the virus. Others become permanently infected. Exposure to other positive cats in a household increases the likelihood to infection.

What are the Symptoms of FeLV Infections?  The virus can be responsible for many different disease conditions and therefore, a variety of symptoms may be present. The cat can appear normal and healthy at first, but later the infected cat often will undergo chronic wasting marked by anemia (low red blood cell counts), weakness, and loss of appetite. Depending on the kind of cancer and where it forms the signs will vary. Some cats can have breathing problems. Others will show signs of intestinal problems (vomiting and diarrhea). Some will show jaundice or yellowing of the skin.

     Blood cell counts may be normal or show a variety of abnormal cells. There are also eye and nervous system forms with their associated symptoms (inflamed eye or pain or seizures). FeLV can also cause nonmalignant disease too (nonregenerative anemia and immunosuppression). These cats are predisposed to other diseases and infections, including feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) and feline infectious anemia (FIA). Also it can cause diarrhea and fetal resorption and abortion. Any chronic infection or unresponsive fever is suspect.

How is FeLV Diagnosed?   The history and symptoms may be suggestive of the disease. A blood test can confirm the virus. Biopsies, Xrays, and ultrasound can be helpful in determining the location and type of cancer, if present.

How is It Treated?  Treatment is ineffective at eliminating the virus. Mainly the treatments are supportive (antibiotics, intravenous fluids, vitamins, and blood transfusions). Forced feeding may be needed too. Cancer therapy can prolong the cats life in some instances, but it will not eliminate the causative virus.

Is My Cat Going to Live? Most infected cats will eventually die from the effects of FeLV, but supportive care often can keep it relatively healthy for years, providing a cancer has not yet developed. Various cancers and secondary infections are the greatest risk to these cats. An infected cat is contagious to other cats, so it should be kept isolated.

Prevention is Better than Treatment  There is a vaccination available. The vaccine is effective and safe. A kitten or cat should be tested negative for FeLV before the vaccination is given.

Call Us If…Your cat shows any sign of infection (skin, eyes, respiratory tract, or urinary bladder). Your cat takes a downturn in general health. Your cat loses it appetite or loses weight.

What is FIP?    FIP is a viral infection of cats (domestic and wild). It can affect all ages, but is more common in cats 6 months to 2 years old. It is fairly common in cats 14-15 years old as well. It is characterized by a gradual, insidious onset and takes two forms: a wet form and a dry form. Mortality is almost 100%

How Did My Cat Catch FIP?   The virus is shed by an infected cat in its saliva and feces. It is probably contracted by respiratory inhalation or oral ingestion of infectious material.   Oddly, about 40-50% of cats infected with FIP also are infected with feline leukemia virus (FeLV). The virus does not live long outside the cat’s body. It is most common in multi-cat households and in cats in poor physical condition or stressed with other infections.

What are the Symptoms of FIP?  The initial infection may be without symptoms, but a cat may show a fever, eye or respiratory inflammation, or diarrhea. It may be many weeks before the typical signs of FIP develop.

     The symptoms can be highly varied depending on the form. Wet FIP is the more common form. It is characterized by fluid buildup in the chest or abdomen. The abdomen may be swollen and soft or the cat can show signs of breathing difficulty. In the dry form nodules of inflammatory tissue develop without fluid buildup. These nodules or granulomas may be in any organ, including the brain and eye. The signs of the dry form can vary greatly depending on the site of the lesions including weight loss, fever, weakness, listlessness, and convulsions. In the end the cat will become very weak and die of multiple organ failure.

How is FIP Diagnosed? The history, age, and symptoms are suggestive of the disease. If there is fluid buildup in the body cavities there is great suspicion of this disease. Tests done on the fluid and blood tests will confirm the diagnosis in many cases. Occasionally a biopsy of the inflammatory granuloma is required. A positive blood test for FIP antibodies should be repeated in a healthy cat showing no signs of FIP.

How is It Treated? Treatment is generally ineffective. There is an immunological aspect to the disease so both immune stimulators and suppressives have been used experimentally. The combination of antiinflamma-tories and immunosuppressives may add several months to the life of the cat. Mainly the treatments are supportive (antibiotics, intravenous fluids, corti-costeroids, vitamins, and oxygen). Forced feeding may be needed too. 

Is My Cat Going to Live?  With a death rate approaching 100%, you can expect that your cat will eventually die from the effects of FIP.

Can My Dog Catch It? No, FIP is just a disease of the cat family. 

Prevention is Better than Treatment  A vaccination is available, but some veterinarians do not recommend vaccinations since an immune cat that becomes exposed to the disease may develop a rapid onset of the acute disease. Therefore, at present, the best prevention is that healthy cats should be kept away from cats with the disease. Keep your cats indoors to prevent exposure to strays.

What is FIV?   The Feline Immunodeficiency Virus is a retrovirus (asis the human HIV or AIDS virus). The feline virus only infects cats though. It is not dangerous to humans or dogs. Its main effect is to suppress the cats immune system.

How Did My Cat Catch FIV?   It is found in the saliva of infected cats. Therefore, it isfelt the main avenue of infection is through bite wounds. Sharing water and food dishes may play a minor role as well. Some of the infected cats will also be infected with felineleukemia virus (FeLV).  It most commonly affects older, male cats that are allowed outdoors. It is least likely to occur in young, indoor cats.

What are the Symptoms of FIV?  The signs of FIV can vary greatly, but some of the more common ones are: infections of the mouth and gums, poor wound healing, upper respiratory infections, diarrhea and wasting, tumor growth, leukemia, behavioral changes, bladder infections, skin diseases, and fevers of unknown origin. Symptoms will vary from cat to cat and time to time in the same cat. FIV infected cats may appear healthy, but are in fact immunosuppressed, and any exposure to infection may initiate disease.

How is FIV Diagnosed? The history, age, and symptoms may be suggestive of the disease. A blood test can confirm the disease.

How is It Treated? Treatment is ineffective at eliminating the disease. Mainly the treatments are supportive (antibiotics, intravenous fluids, vitamins, and blood transfusions). Forced feeding may be needed too. Treatments are initiated on an “as needed” basis to prevent and treat secondary bacterial infections.

Is My Cat Going to Live? You can expect that your cat will eventually die from the effects of FIV, but supportive care when needed can keep it relatively healthy for years. Secondary infections are the greatest risk to these cats; some also develop various forms of cancer including leukemia. Most FIV infected cats can live quite a while with intermittent antibiotic therapy. It is contagious to other cats though, so your cat should be kept indoors and no other cats should be brought into the household.

Prevention is Better than Treatment   There is no vaccination available. Therefore, at present, the best prevention is that healthy cats should be kept away from cats with the disease. Keep your cats indoors to prevent exposure to strays and the resulting fighting and bite wounds.

Call Us If…Your cat shows any sign of infection (skin, eyes, respiratory tract, or urinary bladder). Your cat takes a downturn in general health. Your cat loses it appetite.

What is a Fracture? A fracture is a broken bone. It can be classified a number of ways: 1) Greenstick (goes part way into the bone); 2) Simple (the bone fragments are under intact skin); 3) Compound or Open (the bone splinter is exposed through a break in the skin); 4) Comminuted (multiple fragments).

 What is the Emergency Care for a Fracture?   Emergency care is designed to prevent further injury to the pet and control hemorrhage, shock, and pain. Usually besides the physical examination of the pet, radiographs (xrays) will be needed to determine type and severity of the fracture. Sometimes the care of the fracture must be considered secondarily to the problems of shock, hemorrhage, or internal trauma.    

Your emergency doctor will consult you on the various aspects of your pet’s immediate care. The broken bone itself will be stabilized if the area involved allows bandaging or splinting. This holds the bone fragments so they are unlikely to lacerate soft tissues like nerves and blood vessels and decreases associated pain and hemorrhage. If the area is not one that can be splinted, the pet must be kept quiet. This is best done by confining them to a small area (carrier or crate). Often it is best to leave your pet in a hospital until the fracture repair can be done by your veterinarian.

Where Can I Get Help?  Call your regular veterinarian. If the fracture occurs during regular business hours, your veterinarian will help you.  If your clinic is closed, stay on the phone line to get the number of the closest Emergency Clinic. The repair of the fracture may be done a number of ways depending on the type of break, but it must be done when the danger of shock has passed.

How Did My Pet Get a Broken Bone? Most fractures result from sudden forceful trauma—hit by a car, falling from a height, or small pet shaken by a large dog. Some fractures can result from weakened or diseased bone—improperly balance diet, bone cancer, or infection of the bone. Often the radiographs can help in determining the cause of the fracture.

Home Care for Splints or Bandages If your pet is sent home with a protective bandage or splint, watch carefully for any of these signs of a problem:

•    Excessive chewing at the splint, especially if it was leaving it alone at first.

•    Pain associated with the splinted limb.

•    Swelling of the toes.

•    Bad odor originating from the splint.

Some tips on keeping your pet safe while it is waiting for the repair of its fracture:

•   DO NOT allow your pet to get the splint wet. Cover the splint with heavy plastic to take the pet outside.

•   DO NOT bathe the pet while it is wearing a splint.

•   DO NOT give any aspirin, Tylenol, Advil, or any other medication unless directed to do so by a veterinarian.

•   Splints and bandages are temporary aids but are usually inadequate for complete bone healing. Your pet should be examined by your veterinarian as soon as possible.

What is FLUTD & FUS?   The terms "feline urologic syndrome" (FUS) or “feline  lower urinary tract disease” (FLUTD) are commonly used by the veterinarians to describe disorders of domestic cats characterized by bloody urine, urinary straining, and partial or complete urethral obstruction. Various combinations of these signs can be associated with any cause of lower urinary tract disease in cats. The similarity of clinical signs caused by diverse causes is not surprising, since the feline urinary  tract responds to various diseases in a limited and predictable fashion.

What Causes FLUTD & FUS? The exact cause(s) is unknown. Experimental and clinical studies have implicated calicivirus, feline syncytia-forming virus, and a gamma herpesvirus (bovine herpesvirus 4) as potential causes in some cats. In a minority of cases bacteria will be involved. Although uncommon, fungal urinary tract infection and urinary parasites have been reported in cats. Some cats will have repeated bouts of FLUTD/FUS over a period of months or years.

What are the Symptoms of FLUTD & FUS? Lower urinary tract disease can occur at any age but is most commonly recognized in young to middle-aged adult cats of either sex. Signs of FUS can include bloody urine, straining to urinate, frequent urination, urinating in inappropriate locations, and outflow obstruction (blocked urethra with crystals or mucus) where a cat is unable to urinate. The blocked cat will rapidly become toxic from urinary wastes building up in the bloodstream. It will become depressed, vomit, have a dry coat (dehydration) and sunken eyes, and crying in pain. Death can follow within 48-72 hours if emergency care isn’t given.

How is FLUTD & FUS Diagnosed?  The history and physical examination findings of athickened, firm, contracted bladder wall and urethral plugs or “sand” that may be detected by examination of the distal penis and penile urethral are all quite suggestive of the disease. A complete urinalysis and possibly blood tests will complete the picture.

How is It Treated?   INPATIENT vs. OUTPATIENT: Cats with nonobstructive lower urinary tract diseases are typically managed as outpatients. However, diagnostic evaluation may require a brief hospitalization. On the other hand, patients that are blocked require hospitalization and emergency care. Under sedation the urethra is unblocked and a catheter is placed up into the bladder. Intravenous fluids and antibiotics are often needed. Monitoring of heart and kidney functions are essential. Some male or neutered male cats will require surgery (perinealurethralurostomy) to enlarge their urethra so they can’t reobstruct (“plug up”).

Follow-Up Care Various types of medicine and special Prescription Diets (S/d, C/d, or U/d) may be indicated for home care. Repeat urinalyses should be done to determine the status of blood & pus in the urine, urine pH, and crystals. Adjustments may be indicated in the treatment and/or diet of your cat according to the findings.

 Call Us If…  Male cats showing signs of urethral obstruction (straining with little or no urine apparent)Straining or bloody urine in female cats.  Your cat is unwilling to eat Prescription Diets.  Any downturn in the general health of your cat.

Desert Hills Animal Clinic

1039 East Carefree Hwy, Suite A, Phoenix, AZ 85085

Phone: 623-581-1558    Email: DesertHillsAnimalClinic@hotmail.com