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Feline
Declawing
Cats.
Declawing is the permanent surgical removal of an
animal’s front toenails. Although many animal welfare organizations
strongly discourage declawing, some pet owners have their cats
declawed in order to avoid having to give up their pets. Owners
often opt for this procedure in order to curtail a cat’s persistent
scratching of furniture or people, climbing up window treatments, or
other damage caused by a cat’s natural instinct to mark its
territory. Declawing is also used in less common cases requiring the
surgical removal of one or more digits, such as infection or trauma.
Declawing should only be performed on those pets that will be
kept strictly indoors. Cats that have a chance of getting outside
should not be declawed, since their ability to climb out of harm's
way or defend themselves in a battle will be compromised. Younger,
smaller animals tolerate declawing better than those that have
matured into adulthood.
Canine
Slipped disk, disk disease, herniated
disk
Dogs are most often affected; rarely cats may
develop a similar disease process. Male dogs are more likely to have
disk degeneration than females. Factors that increase the risk of
disk degeneration include genetic predisposition, excessive weight,
and lack of muscular fitness.
Breeds genetically
predisposed to degenerative disk disease include those affected with
chondrodystrophy, or abnormal cartilage development. Affected breeds
include dachshunds, beagles, cocker spaniels, Pekingese, French bull
dogs, basset hounds, Welsh corgis, small poodles and other mixed-chondrodystrophoid
breeds.
Large, older dogs without
chondrodystrophy may also develop degenerative disk disease.
Intervertebral disks connect the vertebrae, or
bones, of the spinal column together. These disks provide
flexibility and support. Degeneration of an intervertebral disk may
lead to protrusion, or bulging, or it may cause herniation, or
rupture. Pain and weakness or paralysis may occur, depending on the
degree of damage to the spinal cord. Damage is the result of both
mechanical compression of spinal tissue and secondary reactive
vascular and chemical changes within the tissue. This damage to
tissues results in disruption of normal spinal cord function.
Small dogs, especially those
with faulty development of the cartilage, termed chondrodystrophy,
are prone to sudden disk ruptures and to a rapid onset of symptoms.
Large dogs are much more likely to have gradual disk protrusions
with slowly progressive pain and weakness, although they can also
experience rapid herniations. Dogs with symptoms of disk herniation
should be evaluated immediately by a veterinarian.
Diagnosis of a disk
herniation is confirmed with x-rays and/or a myelogram, which is a
special dye study that allows precise localization of spinal cord
lesions. Depending on the severity of the case, and the overall
condition of the affected dog, treatment may involve medication or
surgery. Many dogs with disk ruptures recover. However, in very
severe cases, in which the dog has lost the ability to feel
deep-tissue pain, the paralysis may be permanent.
Canine
Red mange, follicular mange
Dogs and cats.
Canine demodicosis is a type of mange that occurs
when abnormally high numbers of a mite called Demodex canis
multiply on the skin. This mite is normally present in small numbers
in the skin of healthy dogs, but when a dog’s immune system becomes
weakened, the mites can overgrow and cause disease and inflammation
of the skin.
It is not uncommon for
nursing puppies to become infected with this eight-legged skin
parasite during the first two to three days of life. The mites can
be passed from the mother to the nursing puppies because the puppies
have weak and underdeveloped immune systems that allow the mites to
overgrow, causing occasional localized patches of hair loss, redness
and scaling. However, as the puppies grow and their immune systems
become stronger, they are usually able to fight off the disease on
their own with little or no medical intervention.
It is possible for older
dogs—those four years of age or older—to develop canine demodicosis,
but for them, the disease is much more serious. The infestation can
be localized to a few areas of the body, or generalized, meaning
that the mites are all over the body. Generalized demodicosis
usually means that the dog has a serious underlying disease that is
weakening the immune system, thereby making the dog susceptible to
overgrowth of the Demodex mites.
Canine
Dental disease, tooth decay, gum disease
Any sex or breed can be affected. Young dogs are
more likely to have traumatic injuries to the mouth or retained baby
teeth. Other dental diseases are seen in middle-aged to older dogs.
However, certain breeds such as poodles and yorkshire terriers, are
more likely to develop dental disease at an early age.
Dogs often have problems with their teeth and
gums. Unable to brush and floss, they rely on their owners and
veterinarians to provide the care they need. Dogs that chew on hard
objects occasionally will suffer other forms of trauma that damage
teeth. Bad breath, infections, and pain severe enough to deter
eating are a few of the symptoms that can occur from dental disease.
Tooth loss and other more serious complications caused by severe
dental disease can be prevented. Dental assessment should be part
of every dog's annual physical examination by a veterinarian. The
examining veterinarian can recommend appropriate treatment and
maintenance of good oral hygiene. Veterinarians who specialize in
dentistry offer advanced training, equipment and treatment options
for dogs with complicated dental diseases.
Feline
Dental disease
All animals can suffer from oral or dental
disease, but only cats develop external root resorption with chronic
gingivitis or periodontitis.
Dental disease is a common feline illness, but it
often goes undetected. Few cats are willing to keep their mouths
open long enough for their owners to search for evidence of a
potential problem. It is essential to take a cat to the
veterinarian for regular check-ups so that any signs of dental
disease will be identified while in their earliest stages.
As with humans and other animals, cats frequently get diseases of
the gums and teeth. Build-ups of plaque and tartar cause gingivitis
and periodontitis. Also, feline diseases such as kidney failure,
feline leukemia virus, and feline immunodeficiency virus can lead to
dental disease.
Unlike any other animal, however, cats can develop a potentially
serious dental condition called external root resorption, sometimes
called “neck” lesions, in which holes or cavitations form in the
teeth at the gumline. Chronic gingivitis and periodontal disease
can cause external root resorption. This condition, which can be
intensely painful for the cat, sometimes will lead to the tooth
breaking off, leaving the root behind. A common dental disorder
affecting up to 50 percent of domestic cats, external root
resorption can be treated and possibly prevented through good dental
care.
Most dental problems can be prevented through professional dental
cleanings performed by a veterinarian. Certain cat foods also can
aid in the prevention of tartar. Cat owners should consult a
veterinarian about providing feline dental hygiene.
Canine
Diabetes, diabetic
The average age range for the development of
diabetes mellitus in dogs is four to 14 years, with the majority of
cases occurring at seven to nine years of age. Although males do
develop diabetes, females dogs are twice as likely to be affected by
the disease. A genetic disposition towards diabetes is suspected in
breeds including the Keeshond, pulik, cairn terrier, and miniature
pinscher. In addition, dachshunds, miniature schnauzers, poodles,
and beagles also are frequently diagnosed with the disease. However,
any dog can develop diabetes mellitus.
Characterized by high concentrations of glucose
in the blood and urine, diabetes mellitus is one of the more common
hormonal disorders of the dog, and the disease almost always
requires lifelong insulin treatment. In addition, chronic high
glucose in the blood and urine can cause severe complications
including infections, cataracts, diabetic ketoacidosis, nervous
system disorders, pancreatitis, and kidney disease. If left
untreated, diabetic dogs will suffer from complications and an early
death.
Diabetic dogs are treated with insulin injections, dietary
modification and exercise. Some people with diabetes can use oral
hypoglycemic drugs, but these medications typically are not helpful
in dogs. In order to regulate their blood glucose levels, diabetic
dogs require frequent veterinary office visits in the initial stages
of treatment, followed by periodic examinations for proper
maintenance thereafter.
Initially, it may be difficult for some owners to give daily
insulin injections, but the majority of dog owners find this task to
be manageable. With proper treatment and monitoring, many diabetic
dogs can enjoy an excellent quality of life.
Feline
Diabetes, sugar
Most diabetic cats are older than 10 years of age
when they are diagnosed. However, diabetes mellitus can be diagnosed
at any age. Male cats are diagnosed more frequently than females,
and all breeds can be affected. Obesity and the use of medications
including steroids and progesterone derivatives are risk factors for
the development of diabetes in cats.
Often suspected because of the presence of the
classic signs of increased thirst, more frequent urination, and a
greater appetite, diabetes mellitus is one of the most common
endocrine diseases in cats. There are two types of diabetes mellitus
in cats. The more common form, type I, or insulin dependent diabetes
mellitus, is characterized by a lack of adequate insulin secretion
by the pancreas and usually requires insulin injections for
treatment.
Type II diabetes mellitus is characterized by resistance to the
normal activity of insulin in body tissues, or abnormalities in
insulin secretion by the pancreas. Its development may be influenced
by the presence of complicating factors such as obesity, concurrent
disease, or medications that interfere with insulin’s activity. Type
II diabetics may not require insulin for treatment initially, but
will often eventually develop the need for insulin seen in type I
diabetics.
In addition, transient diabetes mellitus can occur in cats.
Unlike permanently diabetic cats, transient diabetics may require
treatment only for a brief period of time. Transient diabetes can
also be seen in overweight cats, cats with additional diseases, or
cats on medications that interfere with insulin activity. Some
transient diabetics eventually require treatment for permanent
diabetes.
Diabetic cats frequently have concurrent diseases at the time of
diagnosis, or develop other conditions during treatment that are
common in older cats. These conditions can influence the ability to
control diabetes and its degree of regulation. Since most cats are
older than 10 years of age at the time of diagnosis, the majority of
diabetic cats do not live an extended period of time. Many cats
diagnosed with diabetes mellitus at a younger age that are able to
be controlled with relative ease can live an extended period of time
with a good quality of life
Canine
DKA, ketoacidotic diabetes mellitus (KADM)
Dogs and cats.
Diabetic ketoacidosis, or DKA, is one of the most
serious metabolic disorders seen in both human and veterinary
medicine. A severe complication of diabetes mellitus, DKA is
characterized by an elevated concentration of blood sugar, the
presence of substances called ketones in the urine, and reduced
concentrations of bicarbonate in the blood. Some dogs with DKA will
be affected mildly, but the majority will be seriously ill and may
have severe complications such as neurological problems due to brain
swelling, acute kidney failure, pancreatitis, and anemia. DKA will
lead to death in many cases, but aggressive diagnostics and
treatment can be life saving.
DKA often develops in dogs with diabetes that had previously been
unrecognized or untreated. Thus, it is essential to identify
diabetes mellitus or the development of additional symptoms in a dog
that is known to be diabetic to prevent DKA from occurring.
Canine
Dilated cardiomyopathy, DCM
The dogs most frequently diagnosed with DCM are
large and giant purebred dogs, including Scottish deerhounds,
Doberman pinschers, boxers, Saint Bernards, Afghan hounds,
Newfoundlands, and old English sheepdogs. Recently, both English and
American cocker spaniels have been diagnosed more frequently with
DCM than other small breed dogs. Most dogs with DCM are older, as
the prevalence of DCM increases with age. Male dogs are affected
more commonly than female dogs for most breeds.
The term cardiomyopathy literally means "sick
heart muscle." Dilated cardiomyopathy, or DCM, occurs when the heart
muscle is thin, weak, and does not contract properly. DCM most
commonly affects large or giant purebred dogs, but it also can be
seen in smaller breeds such as cocker spaniels, and in mixed breed
dogs. The condition can lead to congestive heart failure, in which
fluid accumulates in the lungs, the chest or abdominal cavities, or
under the skin. Because of reduced blood flow to the rest of the
body, DCM also can result in weakness, fainting, and exercise
intolerance. Abnormal heart rhythms, or arrhythmias, frequently
accompany DCM, and can complicate the treatment of dogs with this
disease.
In rare cases, supplementation with substances such as l-carnitine
or taurine may dramatically reduce signs in individual patients, but
for most dogs, the main goals of treatment are to lessen signs due
to congestive heart failure and to attempt to improve the heart’s
ability to pump blood. The long-term outlook for dogs with DCM is
usually quite poor, and most dogs with DCM eventually die from the
disease. Despite the poor long-term outlook, however, many dogs with
DCM can benefit from medical treatment that helps control symptoms.
Canine,Feline
Diarrhea
Dogs and cats.
Defined as abnormally frequent and liquid fecal
discharges, diarrhea is a very common condition that can range in
severity from a mild inconvenience to a serious condition in which
the animal becomes very sick and dehydrated.
Diarrhea can be classified as being acute in onset, meaning that
the symptoms come on quickly and last no more than a week. Or,
diarrhea can be chronic, lasting for several weeks to months. Dogs
and cats with chronic diarrhea may have periods in which the
condition gets better, but then grows worse again.
Diarrhea also is classified as being small bowel or large bowel
in origin. Small bowel diarrhea means that the diarrhea is being
caused by something damaging or irritating the stomach or small
intestines. Large bowel diarrhea means that the large intestines or
colon are similarly being irritated or damaged.
There are numerous causes of diarrhea. Eating rotten foods or
trash, a sudden change in diet, a high-fat diet, viruses, bacteria,
parasites, drugs, and cancer may cause it. Typically, animals with
acute diarrhea that are not dehydrated or sick are treated
symptomatically. Dogs and cats with severe or chronic diarrhea
require a series of diagnostic tests to determine and treat the
underlying cause. In certain cats, chronic diarrhea will be
difficult to diagnose and to cure.
Canine
Distemper, Hardpad disease
Distemper effects dogs, ferrets, skunks,
raccoons, and foxes.
Impossible to cure and sometimes fatal, canine
distemper is a serious viral illness that attacks a dog’s body on
all fronts. The disease may harden the paws and nose, damage the
teeth, make breathing difficult and diminish the appetite. Even more
disturbingly, canine distemper affects a dog’s nervous system, often
resulting in seizures and paralysis. Dogs who do not die from this
disease usually suffer later in life from recurring neurological
problems, such as nervous twitches and seizures.
The virus is highly contagious. It is passed typically by
aerosolization, in which droplets containing the virus are expelled
into the air through the infected animal’s breath and nasal
secretions. Fortunately, there is a vaccine. Until the virus is
completely eradicated, however, supportive care is the only relief
available to the animals that contract it.
Feline
Feline distemper
Cats, minks, raccoons.
Caused by the feline parvovirus, feline
distemper, or panleukopenia, is a serious and potentially fatal
disease. In its most severe form, feline distemper kills the white
blood cells that fight off disease and infection. The disease also
can destroy the cat’s digestive tract, preventing the intestines
from digesting food and absorbing liquids and nutrients. Vomiting
and diarrhea can result in severe or fatal dehydration. In addition,
affected cats can succumb to secondary bacterial infections because
of the reduced number of white blood cells. Because their immune
systems are not fully functional, kittens and cats with impaired
immune systems are more likely to show severe signs or die from the
disease. Healthy, mature cats may show only mild or no symptoms at
all.
Newborn kittens that contract panleukopenia while within the
mother’s uterus have a very different response to the disease. They
may develop permanent brain damage and have a hard time walking and
maneuvering, but they often survive.
There is no cure for panleukopenia; thus, treatment is in the
form of supportive care. Dehydration can be alleviated through the
use of fluids administered in the vein or below the skin.
Antibiotics can be given to treat secondary bacterial infections.
Most importantly, an effective vaccine is available that will
prevent the disease’s transmission.
Canine
Aggression
Dogs. The highest incidence of dominance
aggression occurs in intact males, followed, in decreasing order of
frequency, by castrated males, spayed females and unspayed females.
English springer spaniels, Lhaso apsos, cocker spaniels, Doberman
pinschers, and toy poodle and terrier breeds have been reported to
have a higher incidence of this type of aggression, but it can occur
in any breed of dog.
Dogs may become aggressive towards their owners
if they perceive that their dominance is being challenged or that
there is a threat to a "critical resource" such as food, a resting
place, a prized object, a favored person, or anything else that is
important to them. Owners seek professional advice about dominance
aggression more often than about any other type of canine
aggression.
The intensity of dominance
aggression ranges from mild to severe. Dominance aggression develops
around the time a dog reaches social maturity, which is about two
years of age. Treatment involves life-long management using a
combination of therapeutic techniques.
This behavioral problem,
which is common among canines, can pose a safety threat to humans.
Children that live in households with dogs that have dominance
aggression are at greatest risk for serious or fatal injury.
Canine
Ehrlichia
Canine rickettsiosis, canine hemorrhagic
fever, canine typhus, Tracker dog disease
Dogs, cats, and in rare instances, humans. German
shepherds and Doberman pinschers tend to be affected more severely
by the disease.
Dogs get ehrlichiosis from the brown dog tick,
which passes an Ehrlichia organism into the bloodstream when
it bites. There are three stages of ehrlichiosis, each varying in
severity. The acute stage, occurring several weeks after infection
and lasting for up to a month, can lead to fever and disorders of
the blood. The second stage, called the subclinical phase, has no
outward signs and can last for up to five years. If the infected
dog’s immune system is unable to eliminate the Ehrlichia
organism, the third and most serious stage of infection, the chronic
phase, will commence. Lameness, neurological and ophthalmic
disorders, kidney disease, and anemia and other blood disorders can
result. Chronic ehrlichiosis can be fatal.
Antibiotics, administered for an extended period of time, are
effective at eliminating the infection. Dogs with severe cases of
chronic ehrlichiosis cannot be cured, but supportive care and
treatment of diseases secondary to the infection, such as anemia,
can help stabilize the dog.
Canine
Ear infection, inflammation of the
external ear canal, middle ear infection, inner ear infection.
Dogs and cats. Cocker spaniels and other
long-eared or floppy-eared breeds may be more predisposed to
developing infections.
An ear infection, or otitis, is an inflammation
of the outer, middle, or inner ear canal. Most frequently, a dog
will develop otitis in the outer ear that may worsen and spread into
the middle ear. Once in the middle ear canal, the inflammation can
move into the inner ear—or, in cases in which the otitis has
originated in the middle ear, the infection can instead progress
outward to the external ear.
Otitis can be caused by a tremendous array of factors, including
fleas, excess liquid in the ear from swimming, autoimmune diseases,
skin parasites, and excess wax production. Generally, dogs that
develop ear infections have reddened ears that are painful to the
touch and ooze a foul-smelling liquid. A punctured eardrum is not an
uncommon result of a middle ear infection, and the more severe cases
of otitis can lead to partial deafness, lack of balance, nausea and
vomiting, and problems with the nerves of the eye.
Feline
Ear infection
Any animal can suffer from otitis.
From ear mites to cancer, a diverse array of
medical conditions can cause cats to develop ear infections.
Allergies, the formation of a polyp or tissue growth in the middle
ear, trauma to the ear from scratching, bacteria, yeast, and many
diseases all can lead to otitis, or inflammation of the ear canal.
Cats frequently will shake their heads and scratch their ears
when they have otitis because of discomfort and irritation.
Generally, medications are successful at treating most cases of
otitis, but if allergies or other complicating underlying conditions
are causing the inflammation, additional measures may need to be
taken to eliminate the problem.
The veterinarian will need to examine the outside of the ears, as
well as the ear canal and tympanic membrane or eardrum to see if
there are any abnormalities. Sometimes sedation or general
anesthesia will be needed to allow the ears to be examined and
cleaned thoroughly and to perform diagnostic tests.
Feline
Ear mites
All animals, including humans, can get mites.
Highly contagious, ear mites are a common cause
of many ear problems in cats and, less commonly, in dogs. Ear mites
are found in cats of all ages, but kittens tend to be infected more
commonly. These mites can cause intense itching. Severe trauma to
the infected area may result when cats scratch the irritated skin.
Often, but not always, a dark, granular substance will be present
in the ear canal of a cat with ear mites, and signs of irritation
and itchiness will be evident. Diagnosis can be achieved through
visual identification of the mites under a microscope from debris or
skin scrapings. The prognosis for ear mites is excellent with
proper treatment, which generally involves topical application of a
miticide to the affected areas.
Canine,Equine,Feline
Endoscopy, gastrointestinal endoscopy, GI
scoping
Patients with disorders of the esophagus,
stomach, or intestines may be candidates for endoscopy.
The term endoscopy refers to evaluation of the
gastrointestinal tract for the presence of a wide variety of
esophageal, stomach, and intestinal disorders. An endoscopy requires
specialized equipment, and the veterinarian performing it must have
training and expertise in the procedure.
In addition to its use as a
diagnostic tool, endoscopy also has therapeutic applications. The
procedure can be used to remove foreign objects from the esophagus
and the stomach, to place feeding tubes into the stomach without the
need for surgery, and to correct strictures, which are narrowed
areas in the esophagus or colon resulting from scar tissue
formation.
Endoscopy does require
general anesthesia. Complications related to endoscopy are uncommon,
and the procedure is non-invasive.
Canine,Feline
Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, EPI
Both cats and dogs can be affected by EPI,
although it is more common in dogs. Young adult dogs, especially
German shepherds, are most likely to be affected with PAA-associated
exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. Older dogs and cats affected by
EPI will usually develop the disease as a consequence of end-stage
chronic pancreatitis.
Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, or EPI, refers
to failure of the pancreas to secrete digestive enzymes normally.
This results in a syndrome characterized by diarrhea and weight
loss, often despite the presence of a normal or increased appetite.
Although EPI can occur in both dogs and cats, the most common cause
is different in each species. EPI in dogs is usually due to a
condition called pancreatic acinar atrophy, or PAA, but in cats it
is most commonly due to end-stage pancreatitis.
Exocrine pancreatic
insufficiency is diagnosed on the basis of a blood test. It is
treated with pancreatic enzyme replacements, which usually result in
improvement of the symptoms. However, if EPI is due to chronic
pancreatitis, and is accompanied by diabetes mellitus or other
conditions, it can be more difficult to treat successfully.
Feline
Fatty Liver Syndrome
Cats.
Hepatic lipidosis commonly is called fatty liver
syndrome because the cat’s liver actually becomes filled with fat.
A severe liver disease that can be fatal, hepatic lipidosis
typically occurs when an obese cat suddenly stops eating, which
causes a mobilization of its own fat stores and results in excessive
fat accumulation in the cells of the liver. This excessive fat
accumulation impairs the normal function of the liver cells,
resulting in liver failure.
There are many reasons why obese cats stop eating. Often, stress
will make an animal lose its appetite. Moving into a new home,
having a new animal introduced into the household, or suffering an
illness can cause a cat to lose interest in food. Because it is not
always easy to predict what will make a cat feel stress, the best
way to prevent hepatic lipidosis is to make sure the animal does not
become obese in the first place. In addition, it is essential that
a cat maintain a normal weight for good general health.
Feline
Kittens.
Kittens weigh about 100 grams at birth and gain
between 50 and 100 grams each week until they reach five to six
months of age. Weaning kittens from their mother’s milk before six
weeks of age may slow their growth and result in overly cautious or
aggressive behavior when they reach adulthood. Usually, the mother
cat will wean the kittens when they are between seven and 10 weeks
of age. During the weaning, they should be fed a dry commercial cat
food that is specifically formulated for growing kittens.
Cat and kitten foods are
available in canned, dry, or semi-moist forms. Most veterinarians
recommend feeding a dry kitten product because this type of food is
less expensive than canned or semi-moist foods, and the crunchy
kibble helps to minimize tartar build-up. Canned and semi-moist
products, however, are more palatable than dry food and can be
provided as periodic treats. Once the container has been opened,
both canned and soft-moist products must be covered and stored in
the refrigerator.
Cat foods made specifically
for kittens should be nutritious and should support growth; look for
the words "complete and balanced" on the label. Complete and
balanced products contain all the necessary nutrients, in the
appropriate amounts, for young, growing cats. Although not required
by law, most name-brand commercial manufacturers test their growth
products by feeding them to mother cats and kittens. Owners should
check the label for the Association of American Feed Control
Officials’ claim confirming that the product has been tested in
animal feeding trials.
Because cats are natural
nibblers, averaging 12 to 20 small meals every 24 hours, they should
have access to food at all times. In addition, clean, fresh water
should always be available. In considering where to feed the kitten,
owners should take into consideration how they plan to manage
training and housebreaking, and whether there are additional pets or
children in the household. Some common feeding places include a
quiet corner of the basement, the kitchen, a bathroom, the garage, a
bedroom, or even beside the owner’s chair in the living room.
Young cats that have reached
the age of six to nine months and have been spayed or neutered may
experience a slight decrease in caloric needs and an increase in
body weight. In response, the owner should switch gradually from
free-choice feeding to portion-controlled meals. The avoidance of
excess body weight is important in preventing obesity, which can
lead to health problems as the cat gets older.
Feeding instructions listed
on pet food packages are reasonable recommendations to follow for
about two weeks after the new kitten’s introduction to the
household; after that, an adjustment should be made based upon the
animal’s body condition. A kitten in good body condition should have
an hourglass shape when viewed from above, or from the aerial view,
while a kitten that is overweight will have lost definition around
the midsection. The ribs should be able to be felt but not seen; if
the ribcage is visible, the kitten may be too thin and the owner
should consider increasing the total calories offered. However, if
the individual ribs cannot be distinguished because too much fat is
covering the ribcage, the owner should consider reducing the caloric
intake.
Most cat owners want to feed
treats or snacks of some kind, and there are several commercial cat
treats available in grocery stores, pet specialty shops, or
available on the internet. The use of treats as rewards during
training is appropriate, but the portions should be small because
most treats, snacks and human scraps fed to cats are a source of
extra calories. To avoid problems such as obesity and diarrhea,
treats and snacks should not make up more than 10 percent of the
kitten’s total caloric intake, and this guideline applies to adult
cats as well.
For several reasons, dog
food products and vegetarian diets are inappropriate to feed to cats
and kittens. The daily protein requirement is higher for cats than
dogs because liver enzymes of cats are constantly running at a
higher activity level, and this results in the need for a fixed
amount of dietary protein to be used for energy. Cats have an
essential requirement for the beta-amino acid taurine, which is
needed for normal function of several organs including the eye and
the heart. Only animal-source proteins provide taurine and arginine,
another important amino acid for cats, in the diet. Cats also
require animal-source fats to provide the essential fatty acid
called arachidonic acid, whereas dogs can convert dietary sources of
linoleic acid to arachidonic acid and thus do not need animal fats
in their foods. And unlike dogs, cats cannot convert the amino acid
tryptophan into the B-vitamin niacin, or beta-carotene into vitamin
A, so these critical nutrients must be provided in the cat and
kitten food.
Canine
Puppies.
Deciding on what, how much, and how often to feed
are the key questions that need to be addressed by the primary
caretakers of a new puppy. Before introducing a puppy to a new
household, owners should find out the type of food the animal has
been fed, as well as its feeding schedule. Providing a similar diet
will help ease the transition to the home environment.
Dog foods are available as
canned or dry products. Most veterinarians recommend feeding a dry
growth product because this type of dog food is less expensive than
canned foods and the crunchy kibble helps to minimize tartar
build-up. Canned products, however, are more palatable and can be
used as periodic treats during puppy training. In addition to the
extra cost, canned products must be covered and stored in the
refrigerator once the can has been opened.
Dog food products made
specifically for puppies should be nutritious and should promote
growth; look for the words "complete and balanced" on the label.
Complete and balanced products contain all the necessary nutrients,
in appropriate amounts, for young, growing dogs. Owners should also
check the label for the Association of American Feed Control
Officials’ claim, which confirms that the product has been tested in
animal feeding trials.
For puppies less than 16
weeks of age, offering small meals three or four times each day may
ease the transition to the new home. In addition, by feeding a meal
every few hours, owners will have more opportunities to observe the
animal’s food intake and to train it to eliminate outdoors directly
after each meal. Once the animal is six months old, the feeding
schedule can be gradually shifted from the multiple daily feedings
to two meals of equal portions, given in the morning and in the
evening.
In considering where to feed
the puppy, owners should take into consideration how they plan to
manage training and housebreaking, and whether there are additional
pets or children in the household. Some feeding places include a
kennel, the garage, the kitchen, the bedroom, or even beside the
owner’s chair in the living room.
Some puppies do very well
when food is made available all the time—an approach called ad
libitum or free choice feeding. However, many young dogs tend to
overeat with this method, and the extra weight they carry as puppies
can lead to health problems as they get older. Feeding instructions
listed on pet food packages offer reasonable recommendations to
follow for about two weeks with the initiation of the diet; after
that, owners should adjust the quantity of food provided at each
meal based on the animal’s body condition.
A puppy with good body
condition should have an hour-glass shape when viewed from the
aerial view, or from above. In contrast, a puppy that is overweight
will not have any definition or shape around the midsection. Owners
can assess body condition by running their hands over the dog’s
ribcage to feel the ribs. The ribs should be distinguishable by
palpation, but not visible. The animal may be too thin if the ribs
can be seen; if so, the owner should increase the total calorie
intake. However, if there is too much fat over the rib cage, and the
puppy’s ribs cannot be distinguished, the total amount of calories
allowed should be reduced.
Most puppy owners want to
feed treats or snacks of some kind, and there are several commercial
pet treats available in grocery stores, pet specialty shops, and
even on the Internet. The use of treats as rewards during training
is appropriate, but the portions should be small because most
treats, snacks, and human scraps fed to puppies are a source of
extra calories. To avoid problems such as obesity and diarrhea,
treats and snacks of all kinds should not make up more than 10
percent of the puppy’s total caloric intake; this guideline applies
to adult dogs as well.
Feline
FIV, Feline AIDS
Cats. Outdoor male cats are at increased risk of
being infected by FIV due to territorial fighting.
Feline immunodeficiency virus is a disease of
cats that is of the same subfamily of retroviruses as the human HIV
virus. The FIV virus is transmitted in the saliva or blood,
commonly through the bite wound from an infected cat. Once inside
the cat’s body, the virus will invade the cells of the cat’s immune
system, preventing the cells from performing their vital role of
fighting off infections and diseases. As a result, cats that
contract FIV generally succumb to a wide variety of secondary
diseases.
The timetable for when a cat with FIV actually becomes ill from
the infection will vary. Typically, the virus goes into a dormant
state for several years, during which a cat will not show signs of
disease. Once the virus comes out of dormancy, however, the cat
most likely will die from a terminal disease.
Strictly a feline disease, FIV cannot be transmitted to humans.
There is no vaccine currently available for FIV.
Feline
FIP
Both domestic and exotic cats are susceptible.
Purebred kittens are suspected to be genetically less resistant to
FIP infection.
Cats that are infected with feline coronavirus, a
contagious virus transmitted through feces and saliva, run the risk
of developing feline infectious peritonitis, a rare and deadly form
of this disease. In most cases, the coronavirus itself is not
serious, but FIP is usually fatal. FIP causes the cat’s immune
system to attack its own cells, damaging blood vessels throughout
the body. Without adequate blood flow, many of the body’s organs are
severely damaged and fail. Cats that show signs of FIP generally die
from it quickly.
There are two forms of FIP, both of them equally life
threatening. The effusive, or "wet," form occurs when fluid is
produced in the body’s cavities, often resulting in a swollen
abdomen, fever, weight loss, and breathing difficulties. The second
form, which is non-effusive, or "dry," can lead to neurological
disorders such as seizures and brain damage.
FIP is a frustrating disease to veterinarians. It is not yet
understood why certain cats with the coronavirus develop FIP while
others do not. There is no cure or completely effective vaccine for
this fatal illness, nor is there a diagnostic procedure, short of an
autopsy, that will conclusively determine the presence of FIP; thus,
diagnosis is based on suspicion and clinical signs. The preventive
measures available, however, are fairly effective in deterring the
spread of FIP.
Feline
Feline leukemia virus, FeLV
Cats.
The feline leukemia virus (FeLV) has been
compared to the human AIDS virus because of its effect on the immune
system. A contagious and often fatal disease, feline leukemia can
cause multiple organ disease, cancer, bone marrow suppression
resulting in low numbers of platelets and red and white blood cells,
and a weakening of the immune system that makes it less likely that
an affected cat will overcome infections. There is no cure for
feline leukemia, but there are medications that can help enhance the
cat’s quality of life.
Feline leukemia virus is contagious and affects cats of all ages,
sexes, and breeds. It is passed from cat to cat most commonly
through a bite wound acquired while fighting. Outdoor, male cats
that have not been neutered are most likely to develop the virus
because they frequently roam and fight other cats to defend their
territory. There is a vaccine available for cats at high risk for
the disease; however, because the vaccination, in rare cases, has
been associated with a form of cancer, it is not recommended for
animals that have a low risk of contracting feline leukemia.
Exotic
Green slime disease, green diarrhea
disease
Ferrets.
There are not many infectious causes of
gastrointestinal disease in pet ferrets. However, epizootic
catarrhal enteritis, or ECE, has become common in certain areas of
the United States since 1993. Because ECE has appeared so recently,
very little information has been published about the illness, which
is sometimes called "green slime disease" due to the green-colored
diarrhea that infected animals often produce.
A highly infective disease, ECE spreads rapidly among a group of
ferrets. Frequently, infection occurs when a new ferret carrying the
disease is introduced into a group of ferrets. While the new ferret
will appear healthy, within three days to two weeks the other
ferrets in the group will become sick. Typically, the new ferret
will have come from a pet store or a shelter where there is a high
exposure to ferrets that may carry the infection.
The agent that causes ferret ECE, probably a virus, appears to be
stable in the environment. Inadvertently, owners can carry this
disease on their clothing or hands and bring it home to infect their
pets. It is more common for older ferrets, those over the age of one
year, to become ill from this condition; younger ferrets tend to be
asymptomatic carriers.
Feline
Cat bite abscess
Cats and other animals can develop an abscess.
Unneutered male cats that spend any time outside are the most
commonly affected with bite wounds.
There is a tremendous amount of bacteria in the
mouth of a cat, and so when a cat bites another animal, the wound it
leaves is very likely to become infected. The holes created in the
skin by the teeth tend to seal over quickly, trapping all the
injected bacteria underneath. When infection occurs, the wounded
cat’s body will send a large number of white blood cells called
neutrophils to the bite wound to help kill the bacteria. A painful
abscess will form when the bacteria and neutrophils combine together
in a pocket of pus that will appear at the wound site or just below
it.
If the abscess is not able to drain to the outside surface of the
cat’s skin, the cat can experience a fever, anorexia, and other
signs of illness. If left untreated at this stage, the abscess will
expand and burrow through the tissues until it ruptures through the
overlying skin. Generally, bite wound abscesses can be treated
successfully with wound care and antibiotics. A greater worry with
fight wounds is that through them, cats can pass on life-threatening
diseases—such as the feline immunodeficiency virus, feline leukemia,
and rabies.
Canine
Flea allergy
Any breed or sex of dog can be affected. The
average age for flea allergy is three to five years. Cats also can
be allergic to fleas.
Dogs that have flea allergy dermatitis are
hypersensitive to the saliva a flea passes into the dog’s skin when
it bites. The bite from a single flea will have a minimal affect on
a normal animal, but dogs with flea allergy will experience
immediate itching, redness and swelling. It is the dogs themselves,
and not the fleas, that typically do the worst damage. When a dog
scratches its fleabites excessively, hair loss and skin abrasions
can result. Some dogs will develop circular, red, painful sores
called hot spots that can occur anywhere on the skin, but commonly
are seen along the back and tail base.
The most common canine allergic skin disorder, flea allergy only
can be resolved by preventing the dog from being bitten by the flea
and removing all the fleas from the dog’s environment. There are
medications available, however, that will alleviate the itching and
discomfort until complete flea control is achieved.
Feline
Flea Allergy
Any breed or sex of cat. Dogs also can be
allergic to fleas.
The bite from a single flea will have a minimal
effect on a normal cat, but a cat with flea allergy will experience
immediate itching and swelling. Flea allergy is the feline allergic
skin disorder most commonly found. Cats that have it are
hypersensitive to fleabites; their skin becomes inflamed, irritated
and itchy in reaction to allergen in the saliva that fleas pass into
the skin when they bite. The skin reaction and intense itching can
lead to hair loss and skin lesions.
Treating flea allergy requires eliminating all fleas from a cat’s
environment. Until complete flea control is achieved, however,
there are medications that alleviate the itchiness and discomfort.
Canine,Feline
Flea
Fleas can infest dogs and cats of all ages,
sexes, and breeds. Animals that spend a lot of time outside are at
increased risk of getting fleas.
Fleas are familiar pests; few pet owners escape
the trials of ridding their dog or cat of this common parasite.
However, fleas can be eradicated more easily today than ever
before. For example, advanced flea control products available
through veterinarians require only a single monthly application to
the back of the neck or along the spine to achieve reliable flea
control on the pet.
A flea is a tiny, laterally flat, wingless insect that subsists
on the blood of its host. It has long legs that enable it to jump
tremendous distances, such as from one animal to another. A flea’s
life cycle consists of the adult, egg, three larval stages, and
pupa. Currently available flea control products are effective at
deterring fleas at one or more of these stages, with the exception
of the pupa, which defies current treatments. Although dogs and
cats are the preferred hosts for fleas, they can exist on other
mammals if necessary.
Canine,Feline
Food allergy, food intolerance
Dogs, cats, and humans. Any age, sex, or breed of
dog or cat can develop food allergies.
Ingredients in some pet foods may cause an
allergic reaction in hypersensitive cats and dogs. Reactions are
characterized by itching and gastrointestinal disorders, and are
usually responses to a protein or carbohydrate source in the diet.
Food allergies are the third most common cause of itching, and
account for about 10 to 15 percent of all allergic skin diseases in
canines.
Unlike animals with seasonal inhalant allergies, animals with
food allergies tend to itch year round, and do not experience much
relief from anti-itching medications. Therefore, it is essential to
identify and remove the type of food that is stimulating the
allergic response.
Some animals will have other allergies concurrently, such as
fleabite hypersensitivity and inhalant allergies, which have severe
symptoms when they are not controlled.
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