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February is National Cat Health month. Our Blog posts this month will be covering common cat diseases, issues, and also give you a in-depth look at the vaccines that we offer, what is in each vaccine, and what each vaccine prevents. In this post, we will be covering Feline Rabies, RCP (Feline Distemper combo), and URI (Upper Respiratory Infections). The vaccine Rabies comes in a feline and canine version, but both versions treat the same disease. Michigan currently does not require rabies as a vaccine for cats, but it is STRONGLY recommended by veterinarians due to the zoonotic* nature and fatal prognosis*. Below, I have expanded on the Rabies disease, so as an owner you can be more educated on the disease that this vaccine prevents.
**Click on the picture above for a video showing feline Rabies symptoms. Warning: video may be graphic for children** The vaccine RCP is our feline combo vaccine that is used to prevent the following diseases: feline viral rhinotracheitits, calici virus, and panleukopenia. Below, I have expanded on each of the diseases that RCP prevents so as an owner, you can be more educated on what your vaccines prevent. Feline Viral Rhinotracheititis Common Name: Feline Herpes Breed, Age, Sex: All breeds, all ages, male & female affected Risk Factors: Multi cat households, stress, secondary infection, inadequate vaccination Zoonotic*: No Presenting signs: Eye discharge, nasal congestion, sneezing, +/- nasal discharge & other eye issues that can be seen through an eye exam Treatment: Mainly supportive care. Some doctors may use a medication called Lysine to limit flareups. Vaccinate! Calici Virus Common Name: One cause of upper respiratory tract infections Breed, Age, Sex: All breeds, all ages (kittens most likely), male & female affected Risk Factors: Multiple cat homes, crowding, stress, and poor sanitation Zoonotic: No Presenting Signs: Lethargy*, anorexia*, sneezing, nasal discharge, drooling, joint pain/lameness, and fever Treatment: Supportive care, fluids, syringe feeding if needed, pain meds. Vaccinate! Panleuokopenia Common Name: Feline Parvovirus Breed, Age, Sex: All breeds, all ages (mostly kittens), male & female affected Risk Factors: Unvaccinated kittens under 6w, vaccinated kitten 8-20w (mother's anitibodies may kill off vaccine), pregnant females recieving modified live vaccine* Zoonotic*: No Presenting Signs: Vomiting, anorexia*, diarrhea, sudden death, extreme lethargy*, hiding, ataxia*, fever, extreme dehydration Treatment: Fluids, antibiotics, anti-emetics*, appetite stimulants, syringe feeding. Vaccinate! URI (Upper Respiratory Infections) are one of the most common illnesses that we see in our feline patients. They can be caused by a variety of viruses, and sometimes can be rather tricky to get rid of. I have expanded below on causes, signs, and treatment of this disease. URI (Upper Respiratory Infections) Common Causes: Herpes Virus & Calici Virus Breed,Age,Sex: Higher frequency in flat faced cats (Persians & Himalayans), younger cats/kittens are most often affected, but older cats are at risk for chronic* infections, male & female affected Risk Factors: Multi cat homes, introducing new cats to a house Presenting Signs: Sneezing, congestion, eye & nose discharge, lethargy*, anorexia* Treatment: Fluids (if URI is severe), antibiotics, eye medicine, separation from other cats to prevent transmission until healthy These articles are not meant for self diagnosis. If you are concerned about your pet's health, or have further questions, please contact our clinic to discuss questions with our staff and we can make an appointment for you if necessary. **Any word marked with a * can be found in our glossary for it's definition** Glossary Anorexia: Decreased/loss of appetite Antiemetic: Medicine that helps control/prevent nausea and vomiting Ataxia: Abnormal gait/ loss of normal controlled muscle movement Chronic: Long term Immunocompromised: Body's natural immune system is lacking or decreased Modified Live Vaccine: A vaccine that contains the live virus of the disease, but the virus has been modified to lose its disease causing ability and is used to cause an antibody reaction in the body. Lethargy: Decrease or lack of energy Prognosis: Likely course of a disease Zoonotic: transmittable to humans from animals  |
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December 2018
Kasey Kent
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