Preventable Feline Diseases
Every year you receive a card from the veterinary office reminding you that it is time to bring your pet in for the annual vaccine/physical exam visit. Since you have some choices as to which vaccines you would like your pet to be given, this article will discuss the preventable diseases and their causes and symptoms.

Upper Respiratory Diseases
Most respiratory diseases are caused by one of two viruses - feline rhinotracheitis or feline calicivirus. There are also two bacteria that cause respiratory disease - chlamydia and bordetella. Signs of respiratory disease may include: watery or thick discharge from the nose and eyes, sneezing, fever, loss of appetite, lethargy, coughing, and/or difficulty breathing. Kittens are most likely to die from the disease, especially if they get pneumonia, but most adult cats recover with treatment. These diseases are all highly contagious, transmitted easily through coughing and sneezing. Vaccines are available for these diseases. We recommend starting your kitten on the prevention program at 6 weeks of age.

Feline "Distemper"
Distemper is an old name for feline panleukopenia. It is a virus and as such, is difficult to prevent exposure. It is more commonly seen in young cats, but can affect cats of any age. It causes fever, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, weakness, tremors, incoordination, and death. Thankfully, it is preventable through annual vaccinations. Kittens should start their vaccine series at 6 weeks of age.

Rabies
Rabies is a deadly viral disease most often transmitted through the bite of an infected animal. All warm-blooded animals can become infected with the rabies virus. It attacks nerve tissue causing a variety of symptoms. Infected animals may withdraw and avoid contact with people and other animals, or they may become unnaturally aggressive and may attack. When an unvaccinated cat is involved in a fight with a wild animal, rabies is a concern. When rabies is suspected, animals must be quarantined and observed. When rabies is diagnosed, animals must be euthanized. Because rabies is also a threat to humans, rabies vaccination is highly recommended and is a requirement of pet ownership in most areas of the country. Kittens should receive their first rabies vaccine at 12 weeks of age.

Immune System Suppression Diseases
Feline leukemia is an immunosuppressive virus, which leaves the cat unable to fight off other infections. Cats that have recurring infections or fever may have feline leukemia and should be blood tested to determine their status. Feline leukemia positive cats may succumb to severe anemia, cancer of the lymph system, or they may die from a common upper respiratory disease. They are just unable to fight off the infection. The mode of transmission is through the saliva, and ocular and nasal discharge. It can be contracted through direct contact such as fighting, or indirect contact such as hissing and spitting, an ill cat sneezing or coughing, cats grooming each other, and sharing of food and water bowls and litter pans. It can also be transmitted in utero. Because the virus particles do not survive very long once they are outside the body, cats with minimal exposure to other cats need not be vaccinated against feline leukemia. Because the disease is so severe, any cat with exposure to other cats, such as outdoor cats, indoor-outdoor cats, cats living in multi-cat households, show cats, etc., should receive the vaccine. It has been shown to be highly effective in preventing the disease. Kittens begin the feline leukemia vaccine series at 9 weeks of age.

Often referred to as "feline AIDS" because of the similarities in the two diseases, feline immunodeficiency virus is another extremely serious disease. Most viruses are species specific and it is true in this case. AIDS only affects humans and FIV only affects cats. Like feline leukemia, FIV suppresses the cat's immune system so it is unable to fight off other diseases. We will see a variety of severe, chronic illnesses such as gum infections, abscesses, and respiratory infections. The FIV positive cat may go through periods of anorexia and weight loss and may have episodes of diarrhea. FIV is spread primarily through bite wounds. Other interactions between cats are not a significant mode of transmission. There is a blood test to help in the diagnosis of feline immunodeficiency virus. Thankfully, there is now a vaccine available. Fort Dodge Animal Health has introduced a vaccine to protect against FIV. Kittens can receive their first FIV vaccine at 9 weeks of age. Speak with the veterinarian at your next visit regarding your cat's risk factors

Feline infectious peritonitis
Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is a progressive, almost always fatal, viral disease. FIP causes inflammation of the tissues within the abdominal cavity. We commonly see an enlarged abdomen as a result of fluid build-up. Other symptoms may include: fever, loss of coordination, and eye lesions. Transmission is primarily through the fecal-oral route. The virus particles are shed in the stool of an infected cat. When an uninfected cat steps in infected soil, then self-grooms, ingestion of the virus can result. Exposure does not necessarily mean infection. A healthy immune system may be able to fend off the virus. There is a vaccination available to help protect your cat from this serious disease. Kittens are vaccinated for FIP starting at 15 weeks of age.

As you have discovered through reading this article, there are many nasty viruses and bacteria out there waiting to infect your beloved cat. Taking preventive steps including vaccinations will help your cat live a long and healthy life.

New line of diets from Hills Pet Nutrition
Hills Pet Nutrition has introduced Nature's Best, an all-natural line of premium canine and feline pet foods. They are made with high quality ingredients that are naturally preserved and are available for different lifestages, such as puppy or kitten, and adult. The kibbles come in a variety of shapes and reinforce the high quality ingredients including real meat and fish, garden vegetables, and wholesome grains.

Due to an increasing awareness of its advantages, people everywhere are turning more to natural foods for their families, including their pets. Michele Kaminski, Director of New Products at Hill's Pet Nutrition, Inc. states, "Science Diet Nature's Best allows us to respond to pet owners' growing desire to feed their pets products that are all-natural with wholesome grains and nutritious vegetables. We are delighted to be able to offer pet owners a premium, high quality product in an all-natural formula."

Pancreatitis
It is not uncommon at this time of year for veterinary clinics to see an increase in cases of pancreatitis. Though most commonly seen in middle-aged dogs, it is seen in dogs and cats of any age. It can occur acutely or it can be chronic, occurring repeatedly. Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas that occurs when digestive enzymes within the pancreas begin a process called autodigestion. Basically, the pancreas begins to digest itself. The list of the causes of pancreatitis is lengthy and includes the most common cause of the seasonal increase in pancreatitis: generally, a fatty meal. Pet owners love to share a little "people food" with their pets, especially during the holidays. Traditional holiday meats such as roast turkey, duckling, lamb, etc. are all very fatty, as are chicken, pork, and beef. Of course, the stuffing and the gravy are also full of the fat drippings from the meat so they, too, can kick off pancreatitis. The more common symptoms of pancreatitis include: vomiting, depression, and abdominal pain (often manifested as restlessness, panting, trembling, hunched-up abdomen, assuming the "praying" position of relief, seeking cool surfaces, and pain on palpation). Severe cases of pancreatitis can cause a cascade effect of organ failures and finally death. It is a serious problem and should be treated immediately.

As the old saying goes, "the best medicine is prevention". Not allowing your pets to eat fatty foods or, better yet, no "table food" at all, will avoid this potentially serious condition.

Conformation Dog Shows
The central Ohio cluster of dog shows is coming November 14 - 17 2002 at the state fairgrounds. This is a conformation show. At conformation shows dogs are judged on how well they represent the written breed standard. The judges look at their overall body style, physical conditioning, dentition (missing teeth, correct bite), coat correctness, temperament, and movement.

Each breed will be broken down into several classes. There will be 6-9 month, 9-12 month, and 12-18 month puppy classes, a novice class (dogs that have not won three first places), American bred class (dogs born in the United States), and open classes. Each of these classes has a division for males and females. First through fourth place is awarded in each class. After each class is judged, the first place winner from each class returns to the ring. These dogs will compete against each other for Winners Dog and Winners Bitch. Winners Dog and Winners Bitch are then awarded "points" depending on the number of dogs they defeated. After Winners Dog and Winners Bitch have been awarded, the classes are no longer divided by sex. The dogs that won Winners will then go back into the ring along with any "specials" (dogs that have already been awarded the championship title). These finished champions and Winners Dog and Bitch compete for Best in Breed. The dog that wins Best of Breed then moves on to compete in the group competition. This is what is televised on the Westminster Kennel Club show. The groups are broken down into Sporting, Non-Sporting, Terrier, Toy, Herding, Hound, and Working groups. In group competition you compete against the different breeds. The dogs that win first place in group competition move on to best in show competition. There are seven dogs, one from each group, that compete for Best In Show.

Why do people compete in conformation? Most are working toward earning their Championship (CH) title. In order for a dog to have a CH before his or her name, he or she must earn 15 points. The points are earned by defeating a predetermined number of dogs. The number changes from breed to breed, and also changes depending on what location in the country the show is held.

Conformation events are also used for people who breed. They can see the dogs, see how they move, and assess their temperaments. It also helps them determine and see which dogs should be bred together to help improve the breed. To be able to compete in a conformation show, the dog must be a registered purebred with the sponsoring organization, such as the AKC. The dog must not be spayed or neutered. The dog must fit the approved breed description and not have any disqualifying faults of that breed standard.

Conformation shows are a great place to meet different breeds and learn about their personalities. You will be able to see the different "styles" within a breed. You can meet many different breeders that can offer good advice on finding a quality puppy. Most breeders love to talk about their breed. Show catalogs can be purchased at the show that lists all the dogs that are entered that day, along with the breeder's name and the dog's sire and dam. At most dog shows, judging starts at 8:00 a.m. and end by 3:00 p.m. A judging schedule is posted the week before the show with breed ring times. You can find this information on www.infodog.com. I will be at the show with a Border Terrier and my daughter, Kate, will be showing in junior showmanship. If you make it to the show and see the Border Terriers, be sure to stop by.

Visit the Newsletter Archive