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> Arthritis > Feline Leukemia Virus > Feline Immunodeficiency Virus > Feline Infectious Peritonitis |
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ARTHRITIS Arthritis is the inflammation of a joint, which can cause pain and/or swelling. Several types exist, including rheumatoid, degenerative, and infectious arthritis, each of which has a different cause. An arthritic joint can cause immense pain, especially in the morning and in cold weather. As your Pet's advocate, it's up to you to watch for trouble. Warning signs associated with arthritis include a decrease in activity, stiffness or limping, swollen joints, fever and depression. Lightening the load on joints may help decrease the pain associated with arthritis. If your Pet is overweight, proper diet and weight control are essential. Your Banfield veterinarian can recommend a therapeutic diet and exercise program such as regular walking to decrease your Pet's weight safely. Providing a padded bed and a warm, dry environment and appropriate medications for your Pet can also help control discomfort. Comprehensive examinations, such as those covered by Banfield Optimum Wellness Plans®, help your veterinarian detect and treat arthritis before it becomes too painful. If you do notice signs of arthritis, see a veterinarian immediately. Your doctor will perform a complete physical examination and may use blood tests, X-rays, and joint fluid analysis to help determine the cause and severity of the arthritis. Fortunately, there are many, many therapeutic options to help older Pets deal effectively with this common symptom of old age. ^ top FELINE LEUKEMIA VIRUS Known as FeLV, this virus is spread among cats through infected saliva and urine. Kittens can contract FeLV from their mothers. Cats that go outdoors are more likely to be infected because, they can come in contact with other cats or urine from territorial marking. If you allow your cat outdoors, make sure it receives the FeLV vaccine, which boosts its immune system. Kittens receive a series of vaccinations and yearly boosters throughout their adult life. It's also important to test any new cats or kittens for FeLV infection before introducing them to your household. Cats that go outdoors should be tested yearly. Many FeLV-positive cats eliminate the infection on their own. Some infected cats can harbor the virus for a long time and may become "carriers" - cats that spread the disease to other cats, even though they appear healthy. That's why it's important to keep FeLV-positive Pets isolated from other cats. At Banfield, we try to help you maintain the quality of your cat's life with vitamin supplements, proper nutrition, chemotherapy (if your cat develops cancer), and anything else your Pet needs. Symptoms of this condition may include a combination of weakness, lethargy, or depression; a decrease in appetite; fever, anemia, weight loss, vomiting or diarrhea; and swollen lymph nodes. ^ top FELINE IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS FIV can be spread through the placenta before birth, through a kitten's mother's milk, or by an infected cat, usually through bite wounds or breeding. Keeping your cat indoors and away from infected cats is the best way to avoid the risk of FIV infection. Cats that go outside only occasionally may actually be at a higher risk than those that go out more frequently. Unfortunately, there is no cure or vaccine for FIV infection, making thorough preventive care essential. If your Pet does contract this disease, he or she must be kept indoors away from noninfected cats. With proper care, an infected cat can live a long, relatively healthy life. At Banfield, we can help you maintain the quality of your Pet's life with vitamin supplements, proper nutrition, antibiotic therapy, and drugs that stimulate the immune system. Most people do not notice symptoms of FIV until their cats have been infected for some time. When the virus has taken over, the general symptoms of FIV can resemble other diseases, but certain persistent or recurring problems are warning flags. Make an appointment for your cat right away if you notice weight loss, swollen lymph nodes, recurrent sneezing, dental disease or bad breath, diarrhea or an unhealthy coat. ^ top FELINE INFECTIOUS PERITONITIS Affected cats are either born with FIP or they acquire it, usually by inhaling or ingesting the virus. Younger cats and cats with weakened immune systems are at higher risk for this disease. Keeping your Pet indoors will help prevent exposure. The intranasal FIP vaccine we use at Banfield has proven effective in protecting against infection. Your Pet will need an initial series of vaccines and annual boosters. FIP occurs in two forms: dry and wet. The dry form affects many organs, including the kidneys, lungs, liver, and eyes. It also can cause central nervous system disease. The wet form is more readily diagnosed and causes fluid accumulation in the chest and abdomen. Your Banfield veterinarian can be fairly certain if your cat has FIP by assessing its symptoms, evaluating blood test results, and analyzing a sample of the fluid from the chest or abdomen. But the only way your doctor can know for sure is to examine tissue samples from your Pet's organs. Unfortunately, there is no cure for FIP, and it is usually a fatal disease. The signs of FIP are often vague and can mimic other diseases. Schedule an appointment immediately if you notice any weakness or depression, decreased appetite, weight loss, fever, yellow skin, labored breathing, a "pot-bellied" appearance, or excessive thirst or urination in your cat. Authored by Brent Carroll, DVM ^ top |
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