What a cat WANTS and NEEDS???

Things at my clinic have finally slowed down enough, I've been able to sit down and write a little about cats.  I often find that our feline friends get kind of ignored when it comes to what they need in terms of environment.  This includes everything from; food, litter boxes and play.  I think people often realize that dogs need play and stimulus because they do things like chew furniture and bark at you when they need more attention.  But cats on the other hand, start peeing or pooping all over the house or something as subtle as overgrooming (pulling out or chewing hair) as signs of boredom or stress.  I recently read an article on dvm360.com that was really helpful to me when talking to clients and wanted to share the finer points with you.  This is based on suggestions from Dr. Llona Rodan a  feline expert.

All of the following suggestions are aimed at providing environmental enrichment for indoor cats.  We as a veterinary community have observed that our indoor cats that lack enrichment develop a whole host of problems.  These cats often become obese, stressed and then start doing things like house soiling, furniture scratching or destruction, fighting with other cats and overgrooming.  It is also tightly linking to development of feline idiopathic cystitis or inflammation of the bladder.  So here are some simple suggestions to help make the lives of our indoor cats better and prevent problems before they occur.

Incoming:  Since cats are hunters, a bowl of food placed in front of them takes away the chance to act on natural instincts.  "The problem is we put this high-calorie, dense food into a food dish, and there are often other cats eating nearby. That's not the way cats eat in the wild", says Rodan.  "They eat about 8 to 20 small meals each day.  Lots of exercise goes into the hunting and catching of these small prey."  To encourage more interactive feeding, Rodan recommends putting the food in food puzzles, providing frequent small meals around the house or tossing kibbles to mimic hunting behavior.

They sell treat dispensing toys at most pet stores or you could make your own using empty-clean seasoning containers with holes cut into them.

Outgoing:  Litter boxes should be placed in different spots throughout the house and on each floor in a multilevel house so that a cat sitting at the top of the steps doesn't block another cat from getting to the boxes in the basement.  "Three litter boxes all in one area are really just one litter box in the cat mind," says Rodan.  This is particularly important in multicat households so there is no competition for resources. Accidents may happen if a cat doesn't feel safe stepping into a box.

I personally find that non covered boxes work well in my house, that way the cat using the box can see all around and not worry about a surprise attack when they step out.

A place of my own:  Speaking of safe, owners can make sure there are areas for cats to hang out without worry -  safe spaces, says Rodan.  A safe place allows a cat to feel protected, such as a cardboard box on its side, a cat bed with high sides or even a cat carrier.  Also include places to perch, since cats like to be on high, looking down on us mere humans, so to speak.

If there are multiple cats there need to be multiple areas for cats to be in more than one room.

The play's the thing:  "As hunters, cats need play," says Rodan.  "Play is really important to teach them to hunt."  Cats can and should play on their own, but at least some of the play should also be interactive, she says.  But not with your hands!  Wand toys and feathers are great ways to engage cats safely and bring out their pouncing prowess.
I personally love a laser light!

Common scents:  Having familiar scents throughout the house can make cats more comfortable.  That can mean feline facial pheromones (Feliway- Ceva), which mimic their own scent.
I often use Feliway in the spray form to spray cat kennels when they arrive at the clinic or when putting them back in kennels to go home. Feliway Website 

Dog Philosophy

I just read this and wanted to pass it along.  I apply it to when I discuss euthanasia with clients that are struggling to decide 'if it's time'.  One thing I always tell owners when they are having a tough time is; 'To remember these are dogs, even if they are also our best friends, our companions, and our family members.  They ultimately want to be dogs and do dogs things.  Whether that be chasing squirrels or asking for that daily rub-down".   And when they can't do those 'dog things' anymore it's time to make one of the hardest decisions you will ever have to make.  Please remember to always feel comfortable talking to your veterinarian or vet staff about your questions or concerns about euthanasia.  We deal with this subject often and can help you make the best decision for you and your pet.  Don't worry about sounding too emotional or even the big 'C' (crazy), believe me we have heard and seen it all. So here it is the "Dog Philosophy":

This is for all the dogs.
It is for the Redbone Hound riding shotgun in a pickup truck,
ears blowing in the breeze like Fruehauf mudflaps.
It is for the Chihuahua with the soul of a Mexican Retriever.
It is for the mature dog, well-behaved out of respectfulness, not out of submission.
It is for the younger dog, still on a path to finding the The Way.
It is for the dogs who know the answer to the age-old riddle of why we chase our tails.
This is for all the dogs, who embrace the moment, and greet each day with the confident awareness,
"We. Are. Dogs."
Carpe Canem.

Laundry Detergent Pods

Wanted to pass on some interesting info about those new laundry detergent pods.  They can be toxic to kids and pets.  The pods are attractive to kids and dogs because they are brightly colored and can look like candy.  I find it funny how similar little kids are to dogs...  They both put things in their mouth they shouldn't, they cry when upset, and both have to be potty trained! 

I guess laundry detergent has always been irritating if ingested, causing self-limiting stomach and intestinal upset but its the way the pod is designed that causes the problem.  The detergent is highly concentrated and under pressure in the pods.  When the dog bites into the pod the contents are forcefully expelled and are easily aspirated into the lungs and/or swallowed.  Dogs can have symptoms such as vomiting, coughing, lethargy to wheezing and trouble breathing.  

If exposure occurs the owner, please contact your veterinarian immediately for instructions for decontamination.

Allergy Maps and Testing

So sorry for my long absence, but I just had a baby(human not furry), and it happened a little earlier than planned.  So I am just now emerging from my home and new baby-sleep deprivation.  My little man is 8 weeks old, he's doing great and I'm starting my third week back at work!

I wanted to share an interesting website with everyone. It is Greer's allergy website and their allergy map.  It allows you to pick your location on a map and see what the most common environmental allergens are.  You can also go to Pollen.com from Greer's website and see what the pollen count is for the day and the predominant allergen(today it's Juniper!).

Greer came out with a blood test to help identify what your pet is allergic to.  Most dermatologists agree that the blood test is probably not the best way to diagnosis allergies, intradermal skin testing is the best.  But for some people going to a dermatologist is not an option.  Like in my parents case they don't live in an area that has a dermatologist.  Therefore making the blood test the only option.  My advice is if you live in an area with a dermatologist, go see the expert!  If you don't have one available then the Greer blood test maybe an option.


Intradermal Skin Test

Greer Interactive Allergy Map

Convenia- One of my favorite products

I just wanted to tell everyone about one of my favorite products.  Please don't think I'm getting any kind of kick back or sponsored trip to Mexico(sigh... I wish) for talking about Convenia.  I just truly love this product because it WORKS!!

~Here is a bacterial skin infection 8 days after a Convenia injection!  Wow!~

Convenia is a long acting INJECTABLE antibiotic.  Which means instead of giving your dog or cat pills by mouth for 10-14 days you can simply get an injection and just sit back and watch things clear up.  I love it for skin infections, urinary tract infections, respiratory infections, etc!!! LOVE IT!  I have had several skin infections that I've attempted several rounds of by mouth antibiotics and never got it completely cleared up but 1 injection of Convenia and bam! it's resolved.  And the owner isn't fighting with the dog/cat to get the pills down, and we have eliminated the "oops I forgot to give the pill' problem.  They have a great website with pictures and product info: Convenia

Everyone should ask their vet if they offer this injection, in my opinion it's worth every penny!

And I almost forgot if your dog gets a Convenia injection for a skin infection they are currently running a rebate promotion through the end of the year.  You can get $10-$30 back depending on the size of the dog.
Click on the link: "You Call The Shots"

Pets and Ebola

Living in the DFW metroplex I have seen nothing on TV except information on Ebola in the last few weeks.  I have had several clients ask me about the euthanasia of the dog in Spain and if it was necessary.  My answer is 'I don't know'...  The dog belonging to the Dallas nurse is currently being quarantined for 21 days, according to the Dallas Office of Emergency Management.  I want to pass on the website from the AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Association) on animals and Ebola.  There are several links with further information on the page as well.  The information is limited but reliable.  The site from the AVMA is being constantly updated so check back for any new info.

AVMA on Ebola

Pregnant? Can your cat really give you Toxoplasmosis?

The answer is yes, your cat can give you Toxoplasma, but please read below to get all the information.  I have had several pregnant clients recently and wanted to pass along this information from one of my veterinary journals, Veterinary Team Brief.  I find that human doctors just tell you not to change the litter boxes if your pregnant but don't explain why.  And I'm sure there are pregnant ladies out there who don't have anyone who can or will change the litter boxes.  So here is some good solid info on Toxoplasma.   BUT, no matter what you read here you need to follow the advice of your medical doctor.  They after all know you and your pregnancy, not me writing on my blog!

Toxoplasmosis

A common misconception is that pregnant women must give up their cats because of the risk of Toxoplasma gondii infection. First-time infection of women in early pregnancy can have significant effects on the fetus, potentially leading to abortion, neonatal death, or congenital effects. Similarly, infection in immunocompromised individuals (particularly AIDS patients) can cause encephalitis and other very serious complications. Children may ingest infectious oocysts from soil during play, but infection is not known to cause significant issues as long as they are immunocompetent. Although cats are the definitive hosts of this parasite, keep these points in mind:

1. Almost all cats are infected with T gondii at some point, but very few are shedding Toxoplasma oocysts at any one time. Most cats shed significant numbers of oocysts only for a couple of weeks after initial infection, typically at an early age. The likelihood of a healthy mature cat shedding T gondiioocysts is generally low.¹
2. The oocysts shed in cat feces generally become infective at least 24 hours after they are passed. Cleaning the litter box daily will greatly reduce the client’s risk of infection.
3. Depending on a woman’s location and lifestyle, she may also be exposed toT gondii from eating certain undercooked meats, or from contact with contaminated soil (see Common Toxoplasma gondii Exposure Routes). The parasite must be swallowed to cause infection—contact alone is not enough, but contamination and poor hygiene of the hands can lead to oral transmission.

The bottom line: Pregnant women can keep their cats, but should take precautions to reduce the risk of T gondii exposure, including avoiding adopting a cat younger than 1 year, having someone else clean the litter box (ideally daily), cooking meat properly (visit foodsafety.gov/index.html for information about proper temperatures), and washing hands thoroughly after working in soil or handling cat litter.

Common Toxoplasma gondii Exposure Routes2,3

Eating unwashed fruits & vegetables Eating undercooked meat from infected animals (eg, livestock, game) Using contaminated knives, cutting boards, or other utensils to handle food Drinking untreated water from a contaminated source Poor hand hygiene after working with contaminated soil (eg, in the garden) Contact with feces from a cat that is actively shedding T gondii. Read All About It Worms & Germs Blog: Promoting Safe Pet Ownership. University of Guelph & Centre for Public Health and Zoonoses; http://www.wormsandgermsblog.com Zoonotic Diseases. Center for Food Security and Public Health;http://www.cfsph.iastate.edu/Zoonoses/index.php References: 1. Parasitic diseases. Weese JS, Peregrine AS, Anderson MEC, Fulford MB. In Weese JS, Fulford MB (eds): Companion Animal Zoonoses—Ames, Iowa: Wiley-Blackwell, 2011. 2. Transmission and epidemiology of zoonotic protozoal diseases of companion animals. Esch KJ, Petersen CA. Clin Microbiol Rev 26:58-85, 2013. 3. Canine echinococcosis: Global epidemiology and genotypic diversity. Carmena D, Cardona GA. Acta Trop 128:441–460, 2013.