Kitty goes round and round...

Happily, this kitty lived through it's adventure in the washing machine. Apparently, it crawled into the open machine and was trapped when the owners started the machine, unaware that kitty was inside.

We've seen this happen at TVEC. A small dog was sleeping in a pile of laundry, was scooped up with the pile and put in the washer. This dog died, unfortunately.

Dryer accidents are more common. Someone leaves the dryer open while they transfer clothes, and a kitty climbs in to the nice, warm cave for a nap. Later, the dryer gets started and kitty gets burned and beat up in the tumbling dryer. Deaths have occurred.

Moral of the story: Be careful not to let your pets get in the washer, or the dryer!

That's not supposed to be there...

They say a picture is worth 1000 words. Look at the above images. Yes, that's right, that IS a sewing needle that is stuck in this cat's rectum. Ouch!

What usually happens is that the cat finds a piece of string and begins to play with it, as cats like to do. Inevitably, the string gets stuck on the little bristles (called papillae) on the tongue. Since these papillae all point backwards, the string only moves one way - down the back of the throat. Uh oh, what's that? A sewing needle on the end of the thread? Well, that will have to be swallowed also.

In this case the needle almost made it's way out of the large intestine. Unfortunately, the needle got caught at the level of the pelvis, and didn't want to come out. Fortunately, Dr. Grafinger was there to save the day! Surgery involving the large intestine is always dicey, and this needle had punctured the intestine on both sides, so the outcome was far from certain. But, this kitty recovered nicely, and is resting comfortably at home.

And all is well that ends well.

(PS: String is just bad for cats, even if there is no needle attached. Try to keep your cat away from string, thread, etc).

Lily Toxicity

We've already had our first case of Lily plant ingestion of the year. Lily plants can be very toxic, even fatally so, for cats. Consider this your yearly reminder to keep the cats away from the pretty flowers!

We have a more in depth discussion here.

A Heavy Topic

Has your veterinarian ever told you that your cat needs to lose weight? Here are some visual aids to help you see what overweight looks like. Here's an example of an x-ray (radiograph) of a relatively normal cat.


Notice the small amounts of fat just below the liver, surrounding and just behind the kidneys, and in the skin between the body wall and the skin surface. Some fat is normal and healthy. Now look at this patient...
Look at the huge amounts of fat surrounding all of his internal organs, and in between the body wall and the skin surface. This pet's heart is working extra hard to pump blood, the joints have to carry around more weight than they are designed for, the pet is more prone to diabetes and other endocrine diseases, etc.

If your veterinarian says your pet needs to lose weight, pay attention! But make sure the weight loss regimen is supervised by the vet, especially in cats. Weight loss in cats can be dangerous, so don't design a plan by yourself. Follow your vet's advice, but get that weight off those pets!

It's a special Christmas present!

In Asheville, NC:

Woman's Christmas gift is special cat lost 12 years ago

What do they do home alone all day?

Do you think you know what your cat does all day while you're at work? Nestle Purina PetCare's Friskies researchers arranged for 50 pet cats to wear cameras on their collars and take a photo every 15 minutes.

Surprisingly, only 6 percent of their time was spent sleeping. The cats spent 22 percent of their time looking out of windows, 12 percent interacting with other pets, 8 percent climbing on furniture. Cats spent about 6 percent of their day looking at TV or computers, and 6 percent hanging out under tables. They spent about 5 percent for playing with toys and 4 percent eating.

Surprised?

Source

H1N1 virus in reported in cats

From the AVMA:

"2009 H1N1 influenza virus confirmed in Iowa cat

November 4, 2009 – A 13-year old cat in Iowa developed signs of a respiratory infection after several people in the household were ill. Preliminary testing was positive for 2009 H1N1 on October 29, and the results were confirmed on November 2. This is the first report of a cat infected with H1N1. The cat has recovered from its illness.

To date, this is the first cat confirmed infected with the 2009 H1N1 virus. Two ferrets, one in Oregon and one in Nebraska, have also recently been confirmed infected with the 2009 H1N1 virus. The Nebraska ferret died, but the Oregon ferret has recovered. To date, there is no evidence that the ferrets or the cat passed the virus to people." (Emphasis added)

"The American Veterinary Medical Association and American Association of Feline Practitioners are reminding pet owners that many viruses can pass between people and animals, so this was not an altogether unexpected event. We are advising pet owners to monitor their pets’ health very closely, no matter what type of animal, and visit a veterinarian if there are any signs of illness.
For more information, view the AVMA’s press release on the Iowa case or visit the AVMA’s H1N1 resources Web page."

Like the press release says, this isn't really all that unexpected, but it is interesting and important for cats, their owners and veterinarians. For now at least, all of the animals seem to have contracted the disease from people, rather than the other way around.

Big news for cat rescue groups

Raleigh man leaves nearly $1.7 million estate to cat charities
Emil Campbell

Posted: Oct. 28 11:02 p.m.
Updated: Today at 5:20 a.m.

Raleigh, N.C. — A Raleigh cat-lover has left his nearly $1.7 million estate to area feline charities.

“He was very fond of cats and animals,” attorney Bobby Khot, with Wills Trusts and Estates, said of client Emil Campbell.

Khot said Campbell, who died suddenly last month, designated four cat charities to share his estate.

“It was like a gift from heaven,” said Lynn Jernigan, with Snowflake Animal Rescue. “I couldn't believe it. I opened the letter and I had to read it twice.”

Jernigan said her rescue group gets less than $6,000 a year in donations. The volunteer organization doesn’t even have a building of its own. However, the generous gift from Campbell could change that.

“We could certainly become a much larger rescue group if we had the facility,” Jernigan said.

“It's going to make a pretty big difference across the board, hopefully in the community here, especially,” said Carol De Olloqui, with Marley's Cat Tales.

Marley's Cat Tales, another group that provides health care and homes for cats, was also named a benefactor of Campbell's estate.

“A donation like this will allow us to spay or neuter as many animals as possible and make a difference in alleviating the problem of overpopulation,” Olloqui said.

SAFE Haven for Cats will also get a share of the money from Campbell.

In addition to the three main beneficiaries, Campbell also left money to Second Chance Pet Adoptions. The rescue group wasn’t aware yet of how much money it would receive, but said any amount was greatly appreciated.

“(He was) very frugal. He didn't work a job that paid him a lot of money, but he pinched his pennies and he saved his money,” Khot said of Campbell.

Campbell had one surviving daughter. Khot said she was not thrilled with the will, but a family friend said Campbell took care of his daughter outside of his estate.

Source

What's the matter, cat got your tongue?

Let me introduce you to Bernice, a thirteen year old cat that was referred by her regular veterinarian to my care this summer. As a veterinary specialist, I often see cases that need specialized diagnostic tests (ultrasound, endoscopy) and critical care. Bernice was not eating, and she was vomiting and swallowing in an exaggerated manner. And, oh by the way, Bernice had lost her meow. She would open her mouth and try to meow, but nothing came out. Quite the opposite of the old saying – cat’s got your tongue. Something was wrong with Bernice and she needed help. Her owner was concerned that something might be stuck in her throat, which was a definite possibility given the sudden onset of her concerns. We also had to consider that there might be a tumor or other abnormal growth in her throat.

Basic x-rays of her neck and chest did not reveal any problems. She was sedated and an endoscope (a small camera used to examine various areas of the body) was used to look in the dark recesses of her mouth, windpipe and throat. Lo and behold, just above the roof of her mouth, was a blade of grass. Bernice, being a cat who loved going outside for her daily constitutionals, had eaten some grass and apparently vomited the grass, as animals will do. Unfortunately for Bernice, a large blade of grass had lodged itself above the roof of her mouth and caused her distress. She had lost her voice and appetite because of this one piece of grass. Within minutes of discovery, the blade of grass was extracted. No damage to her throat was noted. She recovered well from anesthesia and she is back home, meowing again and hopefully avoiding grass as part of her diet.

Cindy Stubbs, DVM, MS, DACVIM

The irrepressible nature of cats!

Pet treat Recipes

Kitty Pounce Balls

1 small can sardines
1/4 brewers yeast
1/2 cup wheat germ
3 Tbsp. dried catnip

Pre-heat oven to 225 degrees F.
Drain and soak sardines in cool water for 5 minute to remove excess salt. Drain. Add brewers yeast and wheat germ and roll into 24 bite-sized balls, adding more wheat germ if necessary. Roll each ball in dried catnip to coat. Place on greased cookie sheet and bake in a low oven (250F) for 30 - 45 minutes or until very firm. Cool completely and store in an airtight container. Roll one of these in front of your cat and watch it pounce!

Filled Doggie Treats

6 slices whole wheat bread
1/2 cup natural unsweetened peanut butter
1/2 large banana
1/4 cup brewers yeast
1/2 cup cup shredded cheese

Pre-heat oven to 225 degrees F.
Mash together bananas with peanut butter, leaving some small chunks. Add brewers yeast and mix well. Sandwich between slices of bread and cut out into shapes using bone shaped (or other) cookie cutter. Place on greased cookie sheet and sprinkle with cheese. Bake in a low oven (225F) for 10 - 15 minutes or until biscuits are brown and crunchy on top. Cool completely before serving. Can be kept in freezer.

Little Fish Treats for Cats

1 (8oz.) can tuna in oil
2 cups cornmeal
2 cups whole wheat flour
1/2 cup dried brewers yeast (optional)
3/4 cup water
2/3 cup oil (use the tuna oil)

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
Drain oil from tuna in can and save. Combine cornmeal, flour and yeast in a large bowl; mix well. Add in drained tuna, water and tuna oil; mix thoroughly. Roll dough out onto lightly floured surface to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut out and mold into little fish (or other) shapes and transfer to an un-greased baking sheet. Bake until light brown on top. Transfer to rack to cool. Store in an airtight container and refrigerate.

Source

Too true...

Anyone who has ever had a cat knows about this.



For more from this author, go to this website.

Thursaday Grab-bag

Here's several interesting items:

Researchers have documented that cats use a different purr sound when they are soliciting attention versus just being contented.

Good review of Dr. Grafinger and TVEC in a sports website!

A new airline has just started. It only carries pets as passengers. So far they are booked months ahead of time.

Edit 7/22/09: How 'come nobody told me about the typo in the title?!?!? :-)

Cats and dogs and fleas and ticks

One of the first things veterinarians are taught in school is that "cats are not small dogs!" What this means is that the two species, although similar in many ways, have important differences in their anatomy and physiology. While this may seem utterly obvious, it's hard when you are in veterinary school to learn the complicated anatomy, physiology, pathology, surgery, etc., etc. for ONE species, much less all of the common domesticated species. That's not even counting wildlife, exotics, zoo animals, etc. It's common for the stressed out vet student to forget the important, but sometimes subtle, differences between species. Thus the little mnemonics: "cisplatin splats cats; cats are not small dogs."

It also happens to non-veterinarians. We've seen multiple cases recently of cats sickened by the use of external pesticides (flea and tick killers). In most cases, the drug is labeled for dogs only. Cats cannot tolerate some of these drugs, and they can get very ill, or even die.

Since these substances are placed on the outside of the pet, they aren't technically considered 'drugs' (which are subject to the rules of the FDA); they are considered external pesticides, and they are regulated by the EPA. Recently the EPA issued an advisory notifying the public about the "sharp increase" in the number of adverse reactions due to flea and tick products. Here's a news release. They even listed the 7 products that accounted for 80% of the reports. But then they took the names of the products off of the website, so we don't know which ones they are. Hopefully, they'll post the products again.

The point is, talk to your veterinarian about the most effective and SAFE product for you to use on your pet. Some products are known to be more effective and safer than others. Also, NEVER use a product on a cat unless it is labeled for use on cats.

Algae alert!

Dangerous algae has been found at an abandoned rock quarry at the Eno River State Park. These algae can be dangerous to both humans and pets who swim in or ingest contaminated water.

Park rangers have always discouraged using the quarry for recreation, but it should now be considered strictly off-limits for pets.

Here's the news release

Here's a website with information on algae. And another one here.

Disease in dogs

Easter Lilies

As the Easter holiday approaches, many people are likely to have lilies in their household. But beware, these flowers do not come with the warning that they are toxic to cats! Many members of the lily family are in fact highly toxic to our feline friends, and if you've ever owned a cat you know how inquisitive they are to new things in their environment. A new plant in the house could mean a new chew toy for your cat!

Lily toxicity causes renal (kidney) failure in felines and can be fatal. According to the National Animal Poison Control Center, even very small amounts of the lily (a few bites on a leaf or ingestion of pollen) can be highly toxic.
The Easter, Tiger, Stargazer, Japanese show, Asian, and some species of the Day lily are toxic and can be fatal if ingested. While toxic to cats, lilies are not known to cause problems with dogs.

Signs and symptoms of lily ingestion:

• Vomiting
• Mild depression or lethargy
  
• Anorexia (no interest in food)
• Often cats can appear normal with no symptoms

If you suspect your cat may have come into contact with or ingested a lily, contact your veterinarian as soon as possible. The sooner your cat is treated for lily toxicity the better the chances of a recovery without permanent damage. Permanent damage to the kidneys often occurs by the time symptoms arise.

The National Animal Poison Control Center is available 24 hours by phone (888) 426-4435.

Fatty Liver

Recently the Internal Medicine service has seen a few cases of a disease called hepatic lipidosis, more commonly known as fatty liver. It's much more common in cats, but it can happen in lots of animals, including dogs, cows, and people. Birds too. (Can you say "foie gras")? Although it can be completely reversed, if not caught in time, it can be fatal.

Almost all cases of fatty liver disease in cats are caused by decreased caloric intake. It doesn't matter why they stop eating. It could be another disease has made them ill, another cat has moved into the house and made them mad, the neighbors got a new dog, the arrival of a new child at home, a diet change by the owners, anything. If they get mad or ill and don't eat enough, they'll get fatty liver. Fat begins to accumulate in the liver. Eventually, the liver stops working, this makes the cat feel sick, and they eat less, making the disease worse. It's a vicious cycle.

The treatment is food. Food, in this case, is the 'drug' that will reverse the condition.

Even if you fix the initial problem, many cats are so sick by then that they won't eat. Fortunately, cats tolerate feeding tubes very well. These are tubes placed into the esophagus or stomach that allow us to give the cat enough food to reverse the liver disease even if they don't voluntarily eat. It may sound a little weird at first, but it works! And most cats are much more tolerant of the tubes than you might think.

So if you are thinking of changing your cat's diet, or if your cat has stopped eating, or if you have any new event in your cat's life that may effect his or her appetite, talk to your veterinarian. Signs to look for that may indicate liver disease (including fatty liver) are:

1. Jaundice (a yellowish color to the mucous membranes)
2. Vomiting
3. Decreased appetite
4. Weight loss
5. Lethargy
6. If severe, neurologic signs (e.g., seizures, blindness, drooling)

Unfortunately, there are many other diseases that cause these signs and several tests (e.g., blood tests, ultrasound, etc.) are needed to confirm the suspicion of fatty liver.

Talk to your vet, especially if your cat's ears or mucous membranes are yellow, like the kitty below!


Here's some other information about fatty liver:

1. Hepatic Lipidosis Information at the ACVIM website
2. Hepatic Lipidosis at VeterinaryPartner.com
3. A very typical story
4. An online support group for feline nutritional support
   

In the womb

National Geographic has produced some interesting videos that deal with the development of cats, dogs, and other animals. It includes "4D" ultrasound of dogs as well as intra-uterine video. Should be good stuff!

It appears that the next airing will be on February 23rd. Check out the National Geographic website for more details.