Cats

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in cats

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Having a dodgy ticker isn’t just limited to people, much to our feline friends’ chagrin they can suffer from heart problems pretty much in the same way.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a rather big, mean looking word for a relatively common heart problem in our kitties. Hypertrophic means that the muscle that composes the heart is much larger than what it should be and cardiomyopathy means the problem is in the heart muscle.

It’s not known why the heart walls thicken so dramatically but some breeds like Maine Coon and Ragdoll have mutations in a gene that codes for a cardiac protein. This dysfunction is implicated in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, however, a large majority of the cases we don’t know the cause.

It manifests at a mean age of 5 to 7 years with a larger predominance towards male cats.

The clinical signs that should be looked out for are difficulty breathing, not wanting to move much, vomiting, not wanting to eat, fainting (called a syncope) and if it progresses enough there might be sudden death due to heart failure. Discerning owners that also have dogs might know that that the usual cause of doggy heart issues causes cough (because of fluid build-up in the lungs secondary to heart failure) but cats usually do not have cough due to heart problems.

It sounds a bit of a contradiction, if the heart has more muscle it should work better, not worse. While at first, there might be more powerful contractions and better blood ejection to the whole body, the excess muscle soon starts failing. What’s worse is the chamber affected is the left ventricle. This chamber receives a large quantity of oxygenated blood from the left atrium and distributes it towards all tissues and the muscle will occupy a significant portion of it. All problems stem from this lack of chamber volume and the progressive weakening of the muscles because it’s harder for the blood to enter it, so a huge spike in blood pressure in the lungs happens and organs will have insufficient blood supply.

Unfortunately, while it can be managed to an extent it cannot be cured and cats afflicted with this and showing clinical signs have a reduced life expectancy.

Keep an eye on your cat’s tick tacking heart and if you see any of the above, take them in to your vet’s for a check-up. The earlier its diagnosed, the better it can be managed.

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Dogs

Bloat or gastric dilation in dogs

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Gastric dilation or bloat is a condition that all dog owners should be familiar with, since it can be deadly if it is not diagnosed and treated on time.

Dogs affected by this condition present a distended stomach filled with gas and/or fluid, rotated along its short axis. This will lead to pain, cardiac arrhythmias, respiratory distress, shock and eventually death.

Owners that have seen their dog suffer from this condition often describe signs such as anxious behaviour, abdominal pain, with pets often pacing trying to find some comfort, unproductive retching, vomiting thick saliva, an elevated respiratory rate, sometimes visible abdominal distension, and collapse.

Although the mechanism involved is not entirely understood, it is thought that this condition can be caused and influenced by several factors. The chances of a dog suffering from bloat seem to be affected by genetics as well as environmental factors.

This condition is more commonly seen in large or giant breeds of dogs such as the German Shepherd, the Standard Poodle, the Great Dane, and the Irish Setter, among others. Dogs that are older, deep-chested, and with abnormal gastric motility are at a higher risk of gastric dilation. Bloat is very uncommon in small dogs and in cats.

If you notice any of the previously mentioned signs on your dog, do not hesitate and get him or her to the vet! Quick gastric decompression is key for the dog’s survival and to reduce the chances of further complications.

The recommendations to prevent this problem include feeding your canine companions with two to three smaller meals a day instead of offering just one large meal and avoid using an elevated platform to place their bowl. There was a time where it was thought that using a bowl normally placed on the floor might encourage dogs more susceptible to bloat to swallow more air (aerophagia). However, over time, it has been shown that feeding your dog from an elevated platform is also a factor that predisposes to the occurrence of this condition.

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Cats

Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLv) in cats

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If you are a cat owner you have probably heard of this disease before. The Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) is a retrovirus that affects cats all over the world.

Our feline companions become infected through close contact, primarily through saliva. The virus is passed among cats that spend a lot of time together, as they share food and water bowls, use the same litter boxes and often groom each other. Kittens can be infected through their mother’s placenta or when she licks and nurses them. Entire male cats allowed to roam are also at a higher risk of becoming infected since these cats often fight and bite each other.

Once a cat is infected, the virus starts replicating in the respiratory epithelium, salivary glands and it can replicate in the bone marrow. The outcome of this disease depends on the age, immune status and genetics of the cats involved as well as the pathogenicity of the virus and virus concentration. In general, young and immunosuppressed cats have a higher probability of developing a progressive infection.

Cats that develop a progressive infection can present several FeLV-related disorders such as anaemia, immunosuppression (cats become more susceptible to secondary infections), immune-mediated diseases, stomatitis, and reproductive, digestive and neurologic problems. This virus is also capable of oncogenesis, which means it can be responsible for the appearance of malignant tumours such as lymphoma, leukemia, and other hematopoietic tumours.

Although this condition can be fatal, with cats succumbing about three years following their diagnosis, other cats can stay healthy for many years. Survival rates are also much higher for single cats, living indoors that receive appropriate veterinary assistance (flea/tick treatment, worming, vaccination, neutering, etc.).

Cats diagnosed with FeLV should be fed a good quality diet (avoid uncooked food and unpasteurized milk due to the risk of bacterial and parasitic infections), visit the vet frequently for check-ups and it is also recommended to keep these cats indoors to avoid further transmission of the virus.

The Feline Leukemia Virus is very fragile, being susceptible to soaps, disinfectants and variations in temperature. It will become inactivated in the environment within minutes and this is why very close contact is necessary for transmission.

The prevalence of this disease has decreased over time, possibly due to more effective control measures and to the increased number of cats being vaccinated. It is important to keep in mind that the vaccine does not guarantee 100% protection against progressive infection, but is has been an important factor in reducing the prevalence of this disease.

Testing for FeLV and applying measures to prevent healthy cats from being exposed to this virus is the most effective way to prevent this infection from spreading. It is recommended for owners to get their cats tested. This infection has very serious health consequences not only for infected cats but also for healthy cats.

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Horses

Babesiosis in horses

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Babesiosis, also known as equine pyroplasmosis, is a non-contagious tick-born disease caused by the Babesia caballi and Babesia equi especies of protozoa.

This infection is a problem in international horse trading and competitions. Many countries, like the United States, will have import regulations regarding the infection status. Animals that never have been infected that come in contact with infected ticks will most likely develop the disease.

Ticks house these parasites and transmit them to the horse when feeding but it cannot be passed from horse to horse, unless there is blood transfer between animals (like on needles, blood transfusions or any sharp instrument with contaminated blood). Usually though, infected horses act as the source of the infection for ticks and then the ticks will go on to infect other animals.

It causes severe destruction of red blood cells and in the case of B.caballi, the parasite itself might clog the smaller calibre vessels in the lungs, liver or even central nervous system, damaging them.

With the progressive destruction of red blood cells and the increase in parasite numbers, affected animals will display reluctance to exercise, fever, anorexia, small dotting haemorrhages in mucous membranes (like inside the mouth, vulva or eye), dehydration, colic, abdomen 0r limb oedema and/or difficulty breathing.

These clinical signs usually only manifest in acute diseases. Animals that manage to survive this may become persistent yet immune carriers and may generate chances for ticks to infect animals that have never contacted babesiosis.

The best way to prevent babesios is to run a tight ship regarding tick control on your horses and always follow good biosecurity measures (no reusing needles, always disinfecting sharp instruments between horses).

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Cats

Notoedric Mange


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Notoedric mange is a skin problem of cats caused by Notoedres cati, one of the species of mites that causes mange in pets. This problem may affect any cat, regardless of age or gender and, while it’s fairly specific for cats, it might affect dogs and rabbits as well.

It’s a parasite transmitted by directed contact and is especially important in places where several cats are gathered like colonies (both domestic and feral), hotels, veterinary clinics or even multi cat homes. When a cat starts manifesting clinical signs, all other cats in contact will, usually, be affected as well.

Important clinical signs to look out for include:

– Intense itch that does not seem to be related to any season or weather condition;

– Itching that might start out mild but will progress to severe and distressing;

– Skin crusts and lack of fur that start on the ears and then spreads to their face, hands and feet, and eventually with the whole body being affected;

– Incessant scratching and grooming will eventually lead to severe self-trauma.

Due to animals scratching and traumatizing their own skin, this will be fertile breeding ground for skin infections because intact skin is a very important barrier to bacteria. If this condition progresses, treatment for both the mites and the infection that had the opportunity to develop will be required so prompt action will save you and your cat much trouble.

If you notice any of these clinical signs on your cat consult with your veterinary surgeon. The treatment for this mange should be administered on all cats that are in contact with each other and it lasts for several weeks. If the chosen treatment involves dips of insecticides it is very important to ensure the product covers all of their skin, including head and ears otherwise the treatment will most likely fail and these cats will re-infect other cats that might have already recovered. If skin infections have already developed, a course of antibiotics will be required to fully kick away this disease.

The good news is, if all animals are correctly treated symptoms will be significantly reduced within 2 weeks.

It’s important to keep in mind that notoedric mange is a zoonosis, meaning that this mite will infect humans and cause itch and rashes on arms, chest and abdomen of those who have been in closer contact with infected cats. Fortunately, it’s usually solved spontaneously in about 10 days after all animals have been treated.

Be on the lookout for this bothersome problem in our feline friends to catch it early on!

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Horses

Abnormal increase of volume in the scrotum

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The wellness of external genitalia is a very important component of the reproductive health in horses, especially in male horses. The scrotum houses the testicles and all the vascular and nerve support for them, functioning as one of the linchpins of the horse’s reproductive system.

It is good practice to pay close attention and know scrotal characteristics, often how fast there is veterinary intervention will determine the outcome and future reproductive capacities of the stallion. Fortunately, it’s an area that sits between the horse’s hind legs and is reasonably well protected from harm.

Be on the lookout not only on size changes but also position and the presence of wounds on the skin or deeper tissues. The stallion’s behaviour may be changed due to pain, they may become reluctant to jumping and even walking.

The causes of an abnormal increase of size are plentiful. The most common causes are trauma, scrotal or inguinal hernias (passing of other abdominal organs into the scrotum e.g.: small intestine lodged in scrotum due to weak muscles/rupture in the abdomen) and testicular torsion.

Other important causes include cancer, bacterial, viral or parasite infections or even auto-immune disorders (the horse’s immune system is actively targeting its own tissues, usually the testicles and damaging them.)

Some of these conditions can cause irreversible impairment of fertility, especially if left without proper veterinary care for long periods of time. Semen collection and evaluation should be performed at around 90 days after the cause has been resolved or after surgery.

Keep an eye out on your stallion and save you (and him!) a world of trouble!

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Horses

Equine eye conditions

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Horses suffering from an eye condition may display several signs of discomfort such as eye rubbing, excessive blinking, an increase in the amount of tears, an abnormal shape or size of one or both eyes, changes in the cornea, drooping of the upper eyelid, abnormal discharges, being more sensitive to light, pain, holding the eye shut and may even become depressed.

The list of common eye problems in horses includes uveitis, ulcers, cataracts, tumours traumatic injuries, and foreign bodies, among others.

Uveitis
Uveitis is the term used for an inflammation involving different structures inside the eye that can have many different causes such as bacteria, viruses, neoplasia or even trauma. This is a painful condition that over time can lead to the formation of adhesions within the eye and eventually lead to loss of vision in the affected eye. Uveitis is a common cause of blindness in horses and in some cases the affected eye may be surgically removed.

Equine recurrent uveitis (ERU) is a complex immune-mediated disease that can be more or less serious depending on the severity of the uveitis, duration of episodes and response to treatment. Prompt veterinary assistance is key since the sooner the inflammation is under control the better. This will limit the damage to the structures inside of the eye.

Corneal Ulcers
A corneal ulcer is an open sore in the transparent membrane that covers the eye (the cornea) which is caused, in most cases, by an initial trauma. Corneal ulcers also cause inflammation, pain and there is a risk for secondary infections.

Cataracts
A cataract is an opacity (cloudiness) in the lens of the eye, a firm, biconvex structure filled with gel that is suspended behind the iris. Cataracts can be congenital or can be acquired throughout the animal’s life. Common causes include trauma, nutritional abnormalities, toxicities, inflammation or be secondary to other conditions such as ERU. Older horses can also present cataracts (senile cataracts) since this condition is a normal part of the normal ageing process of the lens.

Tumours
There are several types of tumours that can affect the eye itself and surrounding structures such as sarcoid, melanoma and squamous cell carcinoma.

Foreign bodies
Despite the eyes’ blink response which is a natural mechanism that protects the eye from external aggression, a foreign body can go into the eye. The most common foreign bodies affecting a horse’s eye include twigs, thorns, grass seeds, and these need to be removed as soon as possible.

It is very important to take your horse to the vet as soon as you realise there is something unusual with your horse’s eyes because what can start as being a minor problem can become more serious. Please keep in mind that many eye issues also cause a lot of discomfort and pain. Eyelid wounds, painful eyes, foreign bodies, all these conditions are regarded as emergencies, so it is recommended to get your horse checked by a vet straight away.

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Cats

Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease

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Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD) is a term used to describe conditions that can affect the lower urinary tract of cats (the bladder and/or the urethra – the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body). The conditions which cause it can vary, but the signs are generally very similar.

Cats with FLUTD typically have difficulties urinating (crying and yowling with pain when urinating) and urinate more times than usual. They may also have blood in their urine and urinate outside the litter box. Affected cats may only be able to pass small amounts of urine or no urine at all. Please keep in mind that cats unable to pass any urine at all should been taken to vet immediately, as this is an emergency!

FLUTD occurs most frequently in middle aged, overweight cats that get little exercise, use an indoor litter box, have restricted access outside and eat a dry diet, but it can occur in any cat.  Stress may also increase the risk of a cat suffering from this condition.

Urinary tract infections, urinary stones and feline idiopathic cystitis are amongst the most common conditions that can affect the bladder and urethra of cats. Feline idiopathic cystitis is a disease which the cause is unknown. It involves inflammation of the bladder and it is thought stress plays a major role in its development.

In some cases, a more severe condition can occur: the development of a blockage in the urethra. This prevents the cat from passing urine and emptying the bladder. This condition occurs most frequently in male cats and if left untreated it can be fatal.

Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease has different treatment approaches, so if you notice any of these signs on your cat do not hesitate and take your pet to the vet!

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Cats

Know more about the female cat’s reproductive cycle

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Our feline companions are considered seasonal breeders as their reproductive cycles are directly influenced by daylight hours. They will cycle when there are 12 or more daylight hours and this is why the cat’s breeding season usually goes from February to October.

Female cats can become sexually mature as early as 4 months of age. The female cat’s reproductive cycle has several stages but they can get pregnant during the oestrus stage, the stage where cats come into “heat”. This usually lasts between 7 to 10 days and during this stage, the female cat is receptive to the male cat.

Signs of heat in female cats include a swollen vulva as well as a bloody vulvar discharge, and behaviour signs such as becoming very vocal and affectionate. They will yowl repeatedly and loudly, persistently rub against people or objects and roll on the floor. During this time, a queen will attract male tom cats, since they can detect her scent from several miles away and they will do they best to try to reach her.

Cats are induced ovulators which means they will only ovulate if mating occurs. It is also important for owners to keep in mind that when in heat, females will accept any male, including a related cat. Mating several times will produce more ovulations, which is why it is possible that a litter of kittens has different fathers.

If females are not mated, the oestrus phase will return in about 1 to 3 weeks. They will cycle continuously until they become pregnant or until the daylight period stops being favourable (has less than 12 hours).

Although cats can have their first reproductive cycle and get pregnant very early, a female cat should be fully grown to have her first litter. Otherwise there is a higher chance for complications which can endanger both the mother and her kittens. The gestation period (pregnancy) lasts about 63 days.

If you wish to avoid unwanted pregnancies you can consider spaying your female cat. Talk to your vet so you can know more about what would be the best course of action.

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Dogs

Phantom Pregnancy in Dogs

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Phantom pregnancy or false pregnancy is a condition in which non-pregnant female dogs experience various physical and behavioural changes commonly associated with pregnancy. This is a relatively common condition among dogs and it occurs due to normal hormonal changes that happen during the dog’s breeding cycle.

Unneutered female dogs reach sexual maturity anywhere between 6 to 18 months of age. On average they go into “heat”, the time during which they can get pregnant, twice a year (every six months), but this is variable among dogs. When the dog comes into heat you may notice the vulva beginning to appear swollen as well as the presence of a vulvar discharge. A dog stays in heat for approximately 2 to 3 weeks.

A dog that is suffering from a phantom pregnancy will show signs commonly associated with pregnancy about a month or two after her heat period. This condition may occur regardless of whether or not she has mated.

If your dog is suffering from phantom pregnancy you may notice an increase in the size of her mammary glands and even the presence of secretions from the glands. These secretions are most commonly milk, however they may also be caused by an infection. The mammary gland should not be milked out, as doing so will stimulate the production of milk. The dog may also try to make a nest, become overly attached to her toys, display lack of appetite or even become unusually aggressive.

This condition usually resolves spontaneously in one to three weeks, however in some cases treatment may be required. Removing toys and stopping self-nursing behaviour, by using t-shirts for example, may be helpful. Permanent prevention of false pregnancy is achieved with spaying.

It is important to differentiate phantom pregnancy from a true pregnancy, so if you notice any signs of pregnancy in your dog, take her to the vet!

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