PET TALES
Newsletter from Countryside Veterinary Service
July 2007
Combo testing: Testing for FeLV and FIV:
Anytime a new kitten or adult cat is added to your household they should be tested for FeLV and FIV. FeLV is a disease called Feline Leukemia that is spread through salvia, usually through grooming or sharing of food and water bowls. FIV, which stands for Feline Immunodeficiency Virus, is also spread through the salvia but its normal transmission is through bite wounds. Due to this transmission FeLV is often nicknamed the “Friendly Cat Disease”, while FIV is known as the “Unfriendly Cat Disease”. A simple blood test allows us to test for both diseases at the same time. Be aware that just because a cat is positive for either disease does not necessarily mean that euthanasia is the only option. We simply want to make you aware of how this disease will affect your pet’s life and what precautions you need to put in place to protect other animals from the spread of the disease.
My cat is positive for FeLV, what does this mean?
FeLV is a virus that attacks the white blood cells and red blood cells, therefore weakening the immune system and causing anemia further weakening your pet. This virus has also been known to cause cancerous growth of the kidneys leading to kidney failure in some cases. This virus is spread through salvia, milk, urine, and feces and can cross the placenta and infect kittens. These cats often become sick and are unable to fight off diseases such as the common flu bug or are just weak due to the anemia. These cats have an average lifespan of three years after the initial infection.
FeLV positive animals should be kept indoors only and separated from any other cat in the household that is negative. Any other cats should be tested and vaccinated to protect them. Please be aware that it may take several weeks to have a positive result post exposure so it doesn’t help to test right away after exposure. Separating the positive cat should also include separate litter boxes and food dishes. .
My cat is positive for FIV, what does this mean?
FIV is a virus that also attacks the immune system much that same way that HIV or AIDS works in humans. You CANNOT get this disease from your pet. FIV is spread through salvia but requires a more direct route such as a bite wound. The best way to test for this disease is a simple blood test. As with HIV, this virus can stay quiet for many years before starting to show any outward signs of disease. A positive animal is still able to spread disease during this time. Once the virus is activated it slowly weakens the immune system to the point of collapse. Many animals will have mouth and skin infections and suffer from chronic respiratory infections. The only treatment is to try and support the cat through the infections but in the end the virus has no cure.
The best way to prevent FIV infection is to keep your cat indoors and test any new cat before it enters your household. If you must let your cat out, the best prevention is to neuter your pet and try to keep it close to home. The highest percentages of cats with FIV are intact males that are fighting over territory. It takes about 4 weeks for a positive to show on the test after a cat fight. Although there is a vaccine on the market for FIV, most vets are not using it currently because the vaccine can cause a false positive on the test. Until a new test can be develop to tell the difference between sick and vaccinated animals, it is best not to vaccinate for this disease.
In mythology, the cat and dog are believed to have great influence on the weather. Witches that rode on storms were said to take the form of cats. The dog is a symbol of wind, and a dog was an attendant of Odin, the storm king. Some cats symbolize down-pouring rain, and dogs symbolize strong gusts of wind. -UselessFact.com
There are three major intestinal parasites in kittens and four in puppies:
Roundworms, Tapeworms, Hookworms, and Whipworms (dogs only).
1. Roundworms are mostly seen in kittens and puppies and can cause weight loss, diarrhea, and vomiting. These worms often look like strands of spaghetti noodles. The main concern with roundworms is that they can be passed to humans in rare cases. Due to the possibility of transmission to humans it is always best to wash your hands often and have your pet’s stools checked occasionally, especially if you have young children.
2. Hookworms are another parasite of puppies and kittens causing weight loss, diarrhea, and anemia. Fecal flotation is the main way of diagnosing this parasite. This parasite can also be transmitted to humans.
3. Tapeworms are mostly found in adult cats and dogs, but once infected they often show no outward signs of infection. This parasite is often seen when an animal is infested with fleas or if your pet is a hunter. This parasite can be found on fecal flotation or an owner may notice small pieces of the worms that that look like rice on the pet or in the feces.
4. Whipworms are mostly seen in adult dogs and can cause weight loss, diarrhea, and blood in the stool. This parasite burrows into the intestinal wall and ingests blood. Fecal float is the main way of diagnosing this parasite. This parasite is only found in dogs.
The main method of diagnosing intestinal parasites is by fecal flotation. A fresh sample can be brought in during any visit to be checked for parasites. Only a small amount, about the size of a grape, is needed. Due to the risk of transmission to humans and the effect on your pet’s health, a fecal sample should be brought to your kittens and puppy’s first check up and annual exams. Treatment is available with both general dewormers such as Drontal that works on several intestinal parasites to specific dewormers such as Droncit or Piperizine that work on specific worms. The age of your pet will also effect which dewormer will be chosen.
Another major parasite in cats is ear mites. Although this infection is mostly seen in kittens, it can be present in adult cats. The main signs of ear mites are constant scratching of the ears and black discharge coming from the ear. Since these signs can also indicate an ear infection it is best to have a veterinarian look at your pet’s ears to determine the cause of the scratching. There are several treatments available for ear mites. Revolution is also available as a preventive for ear mites.
"Thousands of years ago, cats were worshipped as gods.
Cats have never forgotten this."
- Anonymous