Vaccination Protocol

Immunizations begin at 6-8 weeks with the FVRCP (feline rhinotracheitis, calicivirus,and panleukopenia). A fecal sample is evaluated for intestinal parasites, and a leukemia +/- FIV test is ran. The kitten is also checked for earmites and fleas.

At 12 weeks of age a feline leukemia with the FVRCP vaccine is given and a declaw may be scheduled if the kitten weighs at least 3 pounds.

A booster vaccine of leukemia/FVRCP is administered.

The rabies vaccine is given at 5-6 months of age, and a ovariohysterectomy or castration is scheduled at this time.

Products recommended for parasite control:

• Frontline® works well for fleas and ticks, and it needs to be applied monthly.
• Revolution® is also available and is used for fleas and ticks, its added advantage is that it also gets heartworms, some intestinal parasites, and earmites.
• Heartgard® for cats is also available and gets the heartworms and some intestinal parasites.

Common Feline Diseases

Feline Leukemia

This is a virus that affects the blood of cats, and can cause a cancer like condition. Leukemia is highly contagious between cats, and is spread through the saliva most commonly when fighting. It is estimated that 30% of stray cats carry this disease. This disease is fatal, and treatment is directed by helping the immune system. The virus affects cats by destroying their immune system, similar to AIDS in humans. There are no specific signs of leukemia, but kittens that are constantly sick need to be tested for the disease. Vaccination before exposure to the disease is the best way to prevent infection, and without vaccination isolation from other cats is the only means of prevention.

FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus)

This is also a virus that affects the blood supply and causes the immune system to be suppressed. This disease has a long latent period so most cats showing symptoms are over 5 years of age. This virus is also shed in the saliva, and cat bites are the most common source of infection. Again this is a fatal disease and treatment is at supporting the immune system. A vaccine is now available for this disease, but a test must be run prior to vaccination. As with any vaccine the protection is not 100%, so reduced exposure is always the best preventative.

 

The Weight of the Problem .... Managing Your Pet's Weight

Diet and exercise are as important to our pet’s health as they are to ours. Being overweight can lead to or exacerbate health problems including arthritis, respiratory difficulties and diabetes. Overweight pets are most often not as active which is often blamed on the aging process.

There are many specialized dietary products formulated to help your pet lose weight.

The veterinarian can determine if your pet is overweight. Blood and urine testing may be recommended to determine if there is an underlying medical condition causing the weight gain. If the test results are normal, a simple change in diet based on the doctors recommendation can return you pet to a healthier weight range. If a medical condition is detected, the doctor will offer a treatment plan that utilizes changes in diet, medication or additional testing or treatment.

Exercise is beneficial to both pets and people. Your pets should have playtime and/or walks on a regular schedule. This promotes both health and psychological well being for your pets. For older or arthritic pets, moderation is the key. Even short walks on a regular schedule are beneficial. If your pet has arthritis or other conditions, a veterinarian can help you create a regimen that is safe and comfortable.

Prevention is the best medicine for any health problem. The best way to avoid obesity is to feed your pet right. Fat cells begin to accumulate during the growth stage of your pet's life. So feeding an optimal food from the start is essential.

The benefits of weight reduction:

Although it is a challenge you and your pet can successfully meet and complete a weight loss program. With the help of our veterinary team and your determination, your pet can lose the weight needed live a long and healthy life. Taking off those extra pounds will make a noticeable difference in your pets overall attitude.

Important things to follow:

1.Work with the veterinary staff:

2.Follow their advice: The health care team will recommend how often your pet should be weighed, and they will keep track of the progress made. An exercise program designed to meet your pets needs as well as yours will be discussed and designed.

3.Practice good feeding habits: Many people believe they can just cut back on the amount of food they feed their pets, but this is only cutting calories, and is not meeting the nutritional needs of your pet. Always feed the amount recommended. Use a measuring cup when serving your pet, and divide the total daily amount of food by the number of times fed.

4. Remember, once your pet achieves target weight, don't fall back to a poor feeding practice again. The veterinarian will recommend the right diet to maintain a proper weight for a lifetime of good health.

Important tips to remember:

Follow the feeding guide recommended. Switching to a different diet should be done over a period of 1-2 weeks.

Don't feed treats or table scraps.

If you have more than one pet, feed a them a different times and keep them separated from each other when they eat..

Remove your pet from the kitchen and dining area when you are preparing food or eating.

Regular, moderate exercise will help your pet.

Ask our healthcare team members for advice.

Have your pet weighed regularly.

Science Diet has a complete line of foods for weight reduction and management as well as other medical conditions.

For more information on a weight loss management program for your pet contact our office.

Feline Senior Wellness Exams & Testing

Cats are considered to be of senior age when they reach eight or nine years. Just as with people our friends age subtle changes can be occurring that we are unaware of.

1. Nutritional requirements change, and a cat's metabolism start to slow.
2. Commonly cats may start to develop kidney disease, diabetes, arthritis or thyroid dysfunction.

Annual wellness exams can help detect early changes in a cat's organ function. Discussions with the doctors and staff at the Animal Clinic may aid in recognizing acquired behavioral changes, organ dysfunction and pain that may be the result of aging. Many common problems associated with aging cats can be successfully managed through changes in diet, nutritional supplements and medications.

Senior wellness exams in cats involve a physical exam, consultation with the doctor, and routine diagnostic testing. Physical exams associated with routine care visits and discussions between owners and doctors on an annual or semiannual basis are very important in noting changes in cat's health as they age.

Changes in weight, sleeping habits, water consumption, behavior and activity may be signs of manageable underlying disorders.

When cats reach eight years of age we recommend doing some routine diagnostic tests. These tests include a complete blood count, serum chemistry panel, electrolyte panel, urinalysis, thyroid testing and blood pressure. Utilizing the physical exam, discussions with you, and diagnostic testing, we can often detect early signs of organ dysfunction and may be able to make recommendations to prevent or slow progression of some disease processes.

The routine diagnostic testing is usually done every two years until your cat reaches twelve years of age. At that time annual diagnostic testing will be recommended.

Wellness exams should be part of your cat's routine care. Annual visits for a physical exam and discussions with the doctor are important to a long, healthy life for your favorite feline.

Graceful movements
touched with pride,
a calming presence
by our side,
A friendship
that will last and grow -
small wonder
why we love them so.

1) Nutrition is very important, as cat's needs change with age. Some cats find it hard to maintain optimal weight as they age. Obesity is a common problem in cats as they age. Cats with optimum body condition are less likely to develop illness associated with diabetes, kidney disease, liver disease, high blood pressure and arthritis. Choosing an appropriate senior diet or prescription diet is extremely important.

2) Dental disease leads not only to painful teeth and gums but also to heart, liver and kidney disease. Routine scheduling for cleaning and polishing is very important. Some cat's benefit from products to be used in the mouth and special diets formulated to control periodontal disease.

3) As cats age the incidence of cancer and tumors increase. Watch carefully for lumps that may develop in the skin and have them evaluated. Internal cancer can sometimes be difficult to recognize. Scheduled routine physical exams and noting changes in appetite, vomiting, or bowel movements are important. Routine diagnostic testing plays an important part in early diagnosis. The Animal Clinic may recommend the services of a veterinary oncologist for the treatment of cancer in some cases.

4) Hyperthyroidism is common in older cats, and causes thickening of the heart, high blood pressure and weight loss. Poor heart function and high blood pressure can lead to blindness and kidney damage. An important part of senior wellness testing is recognizing and diagnosing hyperthyroidism. Caught early, hyperthyroidism usually can be managed.

5) Kidney disease is one of the most common causes of death in cats. Some cats have an inherited predisposition to develop kidney disease. Proper nutrition, good oral hygiene and routine testing to detect subtle changes in kidney function are very important. Treatment is geared toward the prevention of further damage to the organ. Dietary management and control of underlying causes of disease including high blood pressure, urinary tract infections and diabetes are important.

6) Arthritis pain is common in older cats. Weight management, nutritional supplements and prescription anti-inflammatory medicine can ease pain and return pets to normal activity and exercise.

Routine scheduled senior wellness testing can detect subtle changes in your cat's health when intervention is most useful and can save you 15-20% of the cost of diagnostic testing. Call the Animal Clinic at (402) 463-9805 if you have any questions or would like to schedule a visit with your cat and the doctor.