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Early Diagnosis of Kidney Disease 2 ACat on an Underwater Treadmill? Anew biomarker has identified its onset months ahead of existing tests . Rehabilitation goes mainstream as Cornell offers the 8eneflts of Ownership 2 therapies to promote mobility and manage pain It lowers heart rates and blood pressure at rest or when undergoing stressful tests. he 's hip problem muscle. "It got the cat Common Cause of Ear Infections 3 Triggers can include allergies, fleas and T was so painful that jump-started into using tiCKS, but mites are the usual culprit. he required a femoral the leg better," says Ask Elizabeth 8 head osteotomy, the sur­ Joseph Wakshlag, DVM, Astray male cat becomes aggressive gical removal of the top Ph.D., one of 83 special­ when she goes outside to feed him. of the thighbone forming ists in the u.s. certi- the ball and socket joint. fied by the American IN THE NEWS •.. Afterward, the support­ College of Veterinary Their Mission: the ing muscle needed to be Sports Medicine and Million Cat Challenge strengthened to bear the Rehabilitation. He heads Animal shelters in the US take in eat's weight, but he re­ t'he Sports Medicine and 3.4 million annua lly and eutha­ fused to use his limb. Walking in water creates resis tance that Rehabilitation service at nize 1.3 million of them. Two shelter The solution: Ex- helps increase muscle Strenglh. Cornell University Hos­ medicine programs have set out to ercise in an underwa­ pital for Animals. save many of those liveswith the ter treadmill twice a week for two or three launch of the Million Cat Challenge. weeks. Movement is easier underwater, and Recovery from Surgery. Cats on under­ The Koret Shelter MediCine the resistance of the water helps strengthen water treadmills? Yes, indeed. Veterinarians Program at UC Davis, Maddie's (continued on page 4) Shelter Medicine Prog ram at the University of Florida and hundreds of animal shelters throughout Telltale Signs: Squinting and Red Eyes North America wa nt to challenge animal CDntwJiaQjjties andprivate If untreated, corneal ulcers can develop serious shelters to reduce euthanasia. Participating shelters can focus complications, causing the permanent loss ofsight on one, some or all of five initiatives, depending on what's right for their ther than the unlikely use of goggles, Healthy Cornea. "The cardinal signs of organization and community, says Oone of the best ways to protect your eat's a corneal ulcer include discomfort, ocular Kay Hurley, DVM, director of the vision is to pay attention to his behavior. If discharge, redness of the white of the eye and Davis shelter program. he's squinting or rubbing his eyes, he could the opacity of the cornea itself," says ophthal­ Th e initiatives: Find altern a­ have a corneal ulcer. The painful condition is mologist Eric C. Ledbetter, DVM, DACVO, tives to keep ca ts in homes or caused by an erosion of the layers of the cor­ at Cornell University Hospital for Animals. the com mu nity; manage intake nea, the translucent outer covering of the eye. "The cornea should be clear, and with an to improve shel ter conditions; Yet another telling sign is a discharge ulcer it often becomes opaque." remove ba rr iers to adoption suc h from the eye. This can range from tearing to Left untreated, corneal ulcers can develop as cost; match the num be r of cats a thick secretion. An opaque white, yellow serious complications that may compromise ca red for with requi rements to or blue coloration may also be noticeable. visual acuity and permanently destroy a eat's ass ure the welfa re of all; retu rn Eventually, the discoloration and a cloudiness sight if a veterinarian doesn't promptly treat it. un-owned cats to the field after of the cornea can prevent light from entering The cornea consists of the epithelium, sterilization and vaCCin ation . •:. the eye and result in blindness. which are the cells in the outermost layer; (co ntinued on page 6) CatWatch SHORT TAKES ANew Biomarker Detects decline in appetite; and, in some cases, EDITOR IN CHIEF occasional vomiting," If owners see Bruce G. Kornreich, DVM, Ph.D., Kidney Disease Early On Dipl ACVIM these signs, they should seek immediate A new test for chronic kidney disease in veterina ry consultation for their cat. EDITOR cats has identified its onset an average of Betty Liddick 17 months earlier than existing methods, Whiskers, the ART DIRECTOR according to a small study published in the Mary Francis McGavic Veterinary Journal. Mood Booster ADVISORY BOARD Researchers at Oregon State University Owners know James A. Flanders, D M, Dlpl firsthand the W....VS, ssociate Professor, and IDEXX Laboratory developed a biomarker Clinical Sciences - a substance indicating disease called benefits that cats Marc S. Kraus, DVM, Dip! ACVIM, SOMA - and used it in a controlled study bring to their Senior Lecturer, Clinical Sciences of 32 older but otherWise healthy cats. lives, especially in Margaret C. McEntee, DVM, easing loneliness Dipl ACVIM, DACVR, When available commerCially, a test based Professor of Oncology on the biomarker could alert cat owners and isolation. William H. Miller, Jr., VMD, Dipl and veterinarians to kidney disease through Now we're seeing ACVD, Pro fessor, Clinical Sciences Sdence is weighing In on periodic checkups, researchers say, science back up the the benefits of pet owner­ Pamela J. Perry, DVM, PhD. belief, espeCially ship, suc h as streng heninll Lecturer, Clinical Sciences, "C hronic kidney disease is common ACVIJ Behavior Re sident in geriatric cats and often causes their among older adults, the Immune system and boosting energy death," says researcher Jean Hall, DVM, says Jules Benson, Cornell University PhD, at Oregon State, "Damage from it BVSc, MRCVS, Chief College of is irreversible, but this is an important Veterinary Medical Officer at Petplan. f) Veterinary Medicine advance, in that we should be able to The pet insurance company for AARP For information on you r car's health, identify th(: problem earlier and use members cites research that found animal visit the Co. nell University College of Veterinary Medlone, Cornell reline special diets to slow the disease," companions can improve health for older He(llth Center websi te at Today the primary diagnostic test for adults in these ways: wwver.com ell. edu/fhc/. chronic kidney disease is a blood test for • Commitments like feeding and levels of creatinine - a chemical waste caring for a pet can provide molecule generated by muscle metabolism structure for those at home full time. that is normally filtered from the blood by More than 54 million Americans (516 the kidneys and that may accumulate in the percent) over the age of 50 are not in the labor force, the AARP says CorV/o,ch' (ISSN: 1095·9{)92) blood of cats with kidney disease. Because .. is published monthly cats lose lean body mass with age, their • They provi de opportunities for or ~ 3~ per year by :].. B Ivoir edla Group, creatinine levels may be normal even in positive touch. In a study of elderly llC, 535 Connecllcur the fa ce of kidney d is ease, but the study people re c iving home assistance, lk hl)ir Ave ,Norwalk, CT 06854­ 74 perc nr reported that petting 1713 Robert Englander, found that lean body mass, even iF it has Chairman and CEO, Timo hy H, Cole. their pet made them feel better. eeutive Vice PreSident. EOltollal diminished, doesn't affect SOMA, Director, PhilIp L. Penny, Ollef Cats in the study lived at the Science • Owners have lower heart rates and Ooeraring "Icer; reg King, Executive blood pressure both at rest or when Vice President, Mdrkellng Director; Ron and Technology Center of Hill's Pet Goldberg, Chief FinanCial Officer. TOl1 undergoing stressful tests. Canfield, VIce PreSide nt, Circulation. Nutrition Inc. in Topeka, Kan. The company • ' antics encourage laughter "A 02015 Belva' - MeOla Group, LLC. initiated the research to investigate how to good giggle can enhance intake P stmas!er; Send add ress corr~c!ions best lengthen and enrich the lives of cats to Ca Watch, PO. Box 8535, Big Sandy, of oxygen-rich air, stimulate the TX 75755·8535 with chronic kidney disease. heart, lungs and muscles, increase Fo r Customer Service The condition most commonly affects endorphins released by the brain, or Subscription information, vlsi ! middle-aged and older cats. Its onset and strengthen the immune system, WI w.catwa!dmewslener,com/cs or cilll tOll freE" 800-829-8893. progression occur over months or years, boost energy and diminish pain," Petplan says Express written pe rmission is and it has no cure, According to the Cornell re uired to reprod ce, In any mannel, the contents of rhls iS5Ue, Feline Health Center, "The early indications "A wet nose and whiskers can be the either in full or II par t. For more of failing kidneys include a marked increase greatest natural mood booster in the world," information, write to Permissions, ()tWa (11. 535 Connee ieu Ave., in water consumption (polydipsia) and in says Natasha Ashton, the company's Co­ N Olwal~, Connee!ieu 06854-1713 urination (polyuria); weight loss; apparent Founder and Co -Chief Executive Officer .:.

CatWatch MA RCH 2015 HEALTH The Common Cause of Ear Infedions Triggers can include allergies, fleas and excessive grooming, but mites are most frequently to blame

ne ~ommon reason for veterinary O VISItS among cats IS otItIS ex­ terna, or inflammation of the external ear canal. "Most people believe that that the term otitis externa means an ear infection, but that isn't true. Something has to breech the normal defense mechanism of the ear to trig­ ger the infection," says veterinary dermatologist William H. Mi·ller, Jr., VMD, Medical Director of the Cor­ nell University Hospital for Animals. Once the surface of the ear canal is damaged, bacteria or yeast inside and around the canal can cause an often huddle with their mother and Ii termates, so if the mother has ear mi es, all the infection. The underlying causes can kittens will have them. include tumors, allergies, ticks or fleas, and excessive grooming and ear wax. But by far the most frequent with some developing an allergic otitis Signs an owner might notice de­ cause in cats, especially kittens, is externa with a secondary yeast or bac­ pend upon the disease and the indi­ ear mites. terial infection. vidual cat. They include head shaking, "The allergen ca n be a food, drug, ear scratching, frequent yawning, mal­ Eight-legged invaders. These tiny, parasite or environmental item such odorous ears, ear pain, head tilting and eight-legged parasites in the ear canal as pollen, dust mites or dander," Dr. personality changes. Ifa crumbly, dark feed by piercing the skin. "Many kittens Miller says. "The ear canal lining brown, waxy discharge resembling cof­ get ear mites," says Dr. Miller. "Kittens contains mast cells which degranulate fee grounds is seen within the ears, ear huddle together with their mother and (release granules) when exposed to an mites should be suspected. their littermates. If mom has it, they all allergen. This degranulation causes will have it." swelling, heat, moisture and itching, An Interior View. Diagnosis starts Stray cats are the most likely can­ which predisposes the animal to in­ with a physical examination to determine didates for ear mite infestation. Al­ fection . External itching makes whether an ear disease is actually pres­ lergies are a problem for other cats, things worse." ent. Veterinarians view the ear canal, ideally all the way down to the ear drum, THE SHORT LIFE OF THE USUAL CULPRIT with an instrument called an otoscope. "This may require tranquiIization or even Several types of ear mites exist, but the usual cul­ anesthesia if the ear is very painful," Dr. prit in cats is Otodectes cynotis. The microscopic Miller says. parasite grows from egg to adult in three weeks "Cytology (microscopic examination of the cells) within the ear discharge and has about a two-month life cycle. The mites should then be performed. Depending are easily spread among animals, so if a new cat on the case, the discharge will be exam­ or dog is brought into the household, he should Otodectes cynotis, the mites most commonly ined for parasites or stained to look for be kept separate from the others until a veteri­ affecting cars, live only bacterial or fungal infection. In cases narian gives him a clean bill of health. If it's deter­ about two months but where an ear tumor is suspected, tumor can create havoc when mined he does have an infestation, check your cells can sometimes be scraped from they Infest the ear. other pets. the ear canal for diagnosis. In cases of (continued on bottom page 7

MARCH 201 5 Visit us at ww w.ca twatchn ews letter. com REHABILITATION

THERAPIES... (continued from cover) therapy is limited to humans.) Cornell at universities and specialty practices has offered rehabilitation for some time now offer a range oftherapies to help cats but recently renamed the program, for­ recover from or manage surgery, arthritis merly known as pain management. pain, obesity and neurological diseases Among the techniques Cornell offers that affect their mobility. "Medical doc­ for cats are: tors send patients to physical therapy after orthopedic injuries, surgery and heart • Laser therapy for pain and healing. attacks," Dr. Wakshlag says. "Ifpeople In Class IV laser therapy, which has come back qUicker and better after reha­ long been used on human patients, bilitation, why wouldn't a cat or dog?" the specialist directs an intense In fact, pet owners who have expe­ beam of light into tissues to reduce Acupuncture stimulates points on the body rienced the benefits of phYSical therapy swelling, increase circulation or with heat. pressu re Or needles. and can be ef· are more likely to seek it for their pets. block a nerve's ability to send a pain fective fo r chronic pain. The American Veterinary Medical As­ signal to the brain. The light energy, sociation approved rehabilitation as a which alters or stimulates cellular healing and inflammatory condi­ specialty in 2010. (The term phYSical function, is intended to help wound tions in leg joints and the lower back. • Therapeutic ultrasound for tendon and ligament injuries. TECHNIQUES AND TREATMENTS FROM • Transcutaneous (through the skin) STEM CELL THERAPY TO MASSAGE electrical stimulation for pain and neurologic problems. An electrical These are among the treatments that veterinarians increaSingly use to current is used to help with nerve improve cats' well-being: regeneration after back surgery and • Acupuncture: Stimulating certain points on the body using needles, prevent muscle atrophy from disuse. heat, pressure or laser light. Studies show it can be effective for • Joint mobilizations and exercise regi­ ch ronic pain. mens utilizing ramps and everyday • Massage: Rubbing and muscles and joints to relieve pain cat perches to keep joints mobile. and relax contracted musdes. Rounding out the list: the under­ • Stem cell therapy: Isolating stem cells from a eat's fat tissue and inject­ water treadmill "for the right cats," ing them or delivering them intravenously to promote healing, reduce Dr. Wakshlag says. pain and inflammation, and replace or repair damaged tissue, cartilage Rehabilitation specialists treat cats or bone. with complicated fractures, limb am­ • Therapeutic exercises: Stepping over cavaletti (jump) poles, walk­ putations and deformities that cause ing up or down steps or standing on wobbler boards helps improve problems with limb usage. For instance, the perception of movement and spatial orientation, coordination cats who have undergone an amputa­ and strength. tion must learn how to walk on three • Therapeutic ultrasound: High-frequency sound waves stimulating tis­ legs. Some Manx cats have an inherited sue increase blood fl ow, reduce swelling and gently massage muscles, condition called sacral caudal dysgen­ tendons and ligaments. They can help speed healing, reduce pain and esis, a malformation of the vertebrae of relieve tight muscles and tissues. the lower back and tail that causes tail­ less or bobtailed cats to have difficulty • Thermal therapy: Applying heat to relax tight muscles or ice to reduce using their hind legs. "Often just using inflammation. perches and treats to get them fleXing • Treadmill: Walking on one may help animals regain cardiopulmonary and extending their legs properly can fitness or improve muscle strength. be helpful," Dr. Wakshlag says. • Underwater treadmill: Resistance generated by walking in the The University of Tennessee, the water increases muscle strength and helps patients with neurologi­ first institution to offer certification ca l defiCiencies move with ease. Treadmill speed, water level and use courses in animal rehabilitation, has of jets can be adjusted to provide an appropriate level of difficulty graduated more than 850 individuals for each animal. from its program since it began in 2001. Marti Drum, DVM, Ph.D., a clinical

4 MA RC H 2015 r

assistant professor at the University's "We measure muscle mass, girth and Cats who enjoy being touched re­ College of Veterinary Medicine in fitness and then we try to improve on spond best to rehab, Those who dislike Knoxville, most commonly treats all of them," Dr. Wakshlag says. "We try touch are more difficult to work with, traumatic orthopedic injuries such as to rebuild muscle and improve range of but some owners have been success­ pelvic fractures, deranged stifles - in motion and, in effect, the joint, so we ful by wearing heavy gloves to protect which all the ligaments of the knee are tend to use many different therapies and their hands from scratches or bites traumatically torn - and spinal cord a lot of it is home exercise programs." when they perform massage, exercises injuries. But many senior cats could Surprisingly, some cats are good and stretches to help keep joints flex­ benefit from rehab, she says: patients but compliance is often an is­ ible with their cat at home. Some own­ "It is estimated that up to 90 percent sue. Not every cat is willing to walk on ers build small ramps and encourage of geriatric cats suffer from arthritis in an underwater treadmill or do routines their cats to walk up and down them one or more joints, but rarely do that involve an exercise ball or assis­ for treats. we treat cats because signs of tive device, such as ramps or Diet is important, too, since carry­ arthritis often go unrecognized balance boards. Rehab spe­ ing around extra weight makes rehabil­ in them. I would love to have the cialists may encourage itation more difficult. "A strict diet plan opportunity for more cats to them to move by is often part of the rehabilitation receive the 'benefits of reha­ showing them plan and all rehab specialists bilitation for arthritis." a favorite are well versed in obesity management as part of their Nerve Damage. training," Dr. Wakshlag says. Fortunately for cats, their anat­ A rehab veterinarian may rec­ omy makes them less likely than ommend supplements with anti­ dogs to suffer traumatic injuries. inflammatory effects such as fish oil They're light on their feet and their or glucosamine-chondroitin. joints are more flexible, but they are Age is not a disease, Dr. Wakshlag susceptible to arthritis, especially says, "Many ailments that come with of the spine, as well as nerve da mage aging are definitely treatable, and this from trauma. extra attention to details regarding Dr. Drum recalls the case of movement, behavior and pain man­ Elmo, an obese sealpoint Siamese agement is all part of this growing Up to 90 percent of geriatric cats have whose hip arthritis was so severe he arthritis in one or more joints, which can be area of rehabilitation in our family couldn't and wouldn't use his litter exa cerbated by obesity. Massage, exercise pets. As your cat ages and doesn't do box. However, his laidback and loving and stretches can keep joints lexible, while the things that he or she used to do, temperament, dedicated owners and a diet plan from a specialist helps reduce which can be concerning - look up excess weight. sessions on an underwater treadmill one of the American College of Sports helred him regain mobility. Medicine and Rehabilitation special­ "With a little weight loss, he began treat, using toys or dangling a ists - they may be able to take off a resuming normal litter box habits and fishing lure toy or feather. fe"" years and help your cat rediscover eventually began jumping small heights life again." .:. again," Dr. Drum says. "Some of our Short Attention. Recognizing and more successful cases were geriatric working with the short feline attention TO FIND ASPECIALIST cases where people were thinking of span are also musts. When a cat indi­ putting the animal down or were not cates that he's tired of an activity, it's Ask your eat's veterinarian for a sure what to do. I think we made very best not to push him. "The patients I recommendat ion for a rehabili­ positive advancements with some of have worked with have been very com­ tation speCialist. The websites those pets as far as their ability to get pliant, but I am also very attuned to cat of the American College of up, get down, keeping them active and behavior and tolerance during ther­ Veterinary Sports Medicine and mobile when they were potentially near apy," Dr. Drum says. "It is essential that Rehabilitation (http://vsmr.org/) the end of their life." all my patients are willing participants, and the Un iversity of Tennessee but it is even more critical with felines (www.utc.edu/Faculty/ David­ Range of Motion. Rehab typically since they can become very stressed. If Levine/ ) list facilities and indi­ starts with evaluating the animal's a cat is not tolerating a therapy or exer­ viduals offering services, range of motion in the affected area. cise, then we stop."

MA RCH 2015 Visit us at www.catwa tc hnews letter.com MEDICINE

CORNEA .. .(colltilllledjrom cover) At this stage. surgery and tissue grafting the stroma. which is comprised of con­ may be necessary. "The tissue is usually nective tissue cells; the endothelium. harvested from the cat's own eye. but a single layer of cells whose primary synthetic and other biological graft ma­ function is to maintain the cornea in a terials are also available." he says. "Some dehydrated state to help achieve optical eyes can be saved with surgery." clarity; and the Descemet's membrane. a Corneal ulceration has many causes. thin. strong tissue that protects against but feline herpesvirus virus (FHV-l) is infection and injury. overwhelmingly the most common. Dr. The prominent eyes of short-faced cats like Persians put them at risk of injury when [hey run A corneal ulcer is an erosion of the Ledbetter says. The highly contagious vi­ in 0 an objecr Of a sharp paw from another ca . epithelium into the stroma. where fluid rus is transmitted by contact with saliva, from tears gives the cloudy appearance to ocular or nasal secretions, such as sneeze the eye. If the erosion continues to Des­ droplets. shared food and litter. The vi­ FHV-l infection typically occurs in cemet's membrane. a deep ulcer called a rus replicates within corneal cells and kittens. with an estimated 80 percent descemetocele forms. Then the eye may destroys them, requiring treatment with progressing to latent infection. and 45 leak and can collapse. Dr. Ledbetter says. topical drugs or antiviral medication. percent of those experiencing spontane­ ous reactivation of the virus later in life. THE ANATOMY OF THE CORNEA according to a study published in 2010 in Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery. The cornea, the clear coating of the eye that admits light, has layers of Among the many other causes ofcor­ specialized skin cells, including: neal ulcers in cats: • External injury resulting from fights. • Epithelium, the outer layer of tissue covering the cornea, keeps foreign accidents, thorns or other sharp or material, such as dust, water and bacteria, from entering the eye. It also abrasive objects coming into con­ absorbs oxygen and cell nutrients from tears and distributes them to the rest of the cornea. Its tiny nerve endings make the cornea sensitive tact with the eye. These injuries can to pain when rubbed or scratched. reduce the cornea's anatomical and physiological defenses and result in • Stroma is connective tissue cells composed of water and flattened secondary corneal infections. plates of collagen fibers that provide strength, elasticity and form to • Facial nerve paralysis: This can cause the cornea. a disorder in a cat's blink reflex - an • The endothelium, a single layer of cells, mainly keeps the corn ea dehy­ important function in protecting the drated to maintain vision. eye. Causes can include inflammation of the middle ear or petrous temporal • Descemet's membrane, the "basement" of the endothelium, cons ists of transparent tissue - collagen fibers differing from those in the stroma bone, a dense pyramid-shaped bone at - covering the inner surface of the cornea. It's named after the 18th­ the base the skull. post-surgical com­ century physician Jean Descemet. plications or trauma. • External irritation: According to the The Normal Feline Cornea Cornell Feline Health Center, other causes include ingrown eyelashes, dirt trapped beneath the eyelid or exposure Epithelium Oescemet's membrane to caustic or harmful chemicals such Stroma as shampoos and household cleaners. • Bacterial infection: A variety ofbac­ teria can infect the eye, so a culture is often needed to determine the correct antibiotic to be used.

An ulcer's progress depends on a number of factors, especially how quickly i a veterinarian attends to it. A corneal i ulcer can heal in a week or less with i medical care. Without it - or if a cat's ------.------' immune system is weakened - the body

6 CatWatch MAR CH 2015 MEDICINE tries to heal the cornea by sending blood After the cause is found vessels into the cornea. This can cause the and removed - or in the cornea to swell and become susceptible to case of a wound, healed ­ invading bacteria that can erode it. the next step is to prevent Specific breeds are more susceptible secondary infections and to corneal ulcers, particularly short-faced apply a topical antibiotic or cats bred to achieve a baby-like appear­ administer an antiviral med­ ance, Dr. Ledbetter says. "Himalayans and ication if the cause is viral. Persians are kind of the poster children. Antibiotic drops may They've been bred for a very specific facial be applied but are effective look, which is more human-like and it's at only for several hours. They the cost of protecting their eyes." must be applied frequently, Other flat-faced breeds are the Brit­ so often longer-lasting ish Shorthair, , Munchkin ointments are applied. In A veterinarian stained this eat's eye with fl uorescein, and . Their prominent eyes some cases Dr. Ledbetter pre- he n used a blue light to reveal an Infected corneal ulcer. put them at risk ofeye trauma when scribes a drug called atropine they run into an object or a sharp paw in to help control pain. A side a scuffle with another cat. effect is that it makes a cat light-sensi­ In addition to the cost of an Eliza­ tive, even for days after the medication bethan collar as a protective measure, Testing for Tears. In an ophthalmic is halted. the fees for treating a cat with a corneal exam, veterinarians will stain the eye Atropine is known to have a bad taste, ulcer will vary from clinic to clinic, Dr. with fluorescein, an orange substance and if it gets in a cat's mouth during ap­ Ledbetter says. "The costs are much that fluoresces under a blue light to plication, drooling can occur for a period lower when getting appropriate treat­ highlight foreign bodies and damage to of time. An uncomfortable cat can un­ ment earlier than if treating secondary the cornea. They might also test for tear derstandably make the next application complications, such as infections. Then production, obtain cultures and perform more difficult. the costs will rise substantially." a microscopic examination of tissue. As for recovery, he says, "In general, Compared with dogs, the cause of The Follow-ups. A patient should be if it's an uncomplicated ulcer, then the feline corneal ulcers is more often viral, re-examined after two to three days of prognosis is good. With secondary Dr. Ledbetter says. "Goal No.1 of treat­ treatment to ensure that healing is pro­ causes or if the problem is repetitive, ment should always be to identify and gressing. Ifthe ulcer isn't healing well, then it can be guarded or poor. The eliminate the underlying cause when­ additional treatments or surgery may critical message should be to seek ap­ ever possible." be necessary. propriate care early." .:.

HEALTH

MITES ... (continuedfrom page3) chronic or deep ear infections, an X-ray, findings, possibly leading to an inaccu­ Most cases are easy to treat and CT scan or MRI may be warranted." rate diagnosis. Cytology of the ear debris resolve if caught early, Dr. Miller Treatment depends on the cause and is an essential diagnostic too!." says. "And the best way to catch otitis the existence of a secondary infection. If Ear cleaning and ear drops are externa in its earliest stages is to pay the infection isn't too deep, a topical ear usually needed. Cleaning may be done attention to your pet. Notice whether medication will be applied to the ear once once at the clinic or at home several your cat is flicking his ear, shaking his to twice daily. "Ifthe infection alone is times each week. head more often than usual. doesn't treated, but the underlying cause can't However, Dr. Miller cautions, welcome being petted around his head be found or isn't addressed, the infection "For a good, safe home cleaning, a cat or has a strange odor around his head. is likely to recur," says Dr. Miller. "If the owner needs to know what he or she is All of these can be early signs of otitis cat has never had ear disease before, he doing. The technique can be learned at externa. As the disease worsens, the should be examined by a veterinarian be­ a veterinarian's office. Also, the type signs will become more pronounced." fore any treatment is started. Something of ear cleaning product and ear drops With prompt attention, however, as simple as an ear cleaning done before varies, depending upon which ear dis­ most cats will return to normal in a the examination can change the cytologiC ease is being treated ." week or two, Dr. Miller says . .:.

MARCH 2015 VI~it us at www.catwatchnewsletter.(om 7 AStray Becomes Aggressive such as tail-lashing and flattening of the ears against the head, followed by hiding/stalking When She Goes to Feed Him and biting of the hands and feet of people in their vicinity. This behavior is most commonly I've been feeding a neutered male outdoor seen in kittens but may also be seen in young cat for the past few weeks, and he is aggres­ Q adult cats. sively friendly. On two occasions, he attacked my Management of cats engaging in inappropri­ legs with his claws when I was walking to his food ate play aggression usually involves the use bowl to fill it. I began taking a spray bottle with of techniques to distract/deter the offending me and squirted him when he got too close but kitty without making physical contact with him stopped that because I thought it would only con­ immediately upon the onset of the unwanted fuse him. Lately, he has not attacked me but is still Elizabeth behavior. Techniques including the use of a very persistent in rubbing against me to the point blast from a compressed air canister, shaking a Elizabeth 15 rhankful for ofalmost causing me to trip. Is there anything I can full of coins or tossing ping-pong balls or [he assistance ofBruce G. Kornreich, DVM, Ph.D., can do to calm him down before mealtime? balls of aluminum foil to distract an aggressive ACVIM, AS50clOte Oill'ctor kitty are often helpful. The use of a spray bottle of [he Cornell Fi!lme lIealth may also be successful, depending upon the Center, In proViding the answer First, thank you very much for your concern on thiS page. Afor this kitty's well-being. It is wonderful cat. The important point here is that. whatever that you care enough to feed him and to work techniques you choose to use, do not physically toward figuring out a solution to this issue. As reprimand this kitty (i.e., by tapping him on the you move forward in working with him, how­ nose or slapping him), as he may perceive this PLEASE ever, it is very important that you are careful as a threat and may become more aggressive. SHARE YOUR about your own well-being. Without knowing In addition, it may be helpful to refrain from QUESTIONS the health and vaccination status of this kitty, it feeding this kitty while he is engaging in this behavior, as he may perceive this as a reward We welcome questions is possible that if he bites or scratches you, you on health. medicine and can come down with a problem of your own. for acting this way. Perhaps consider putting behavior, but regret that These problems may range from Bartonella the food bowl back in the house if he acts this we cannot comment on prior diagnoses and (a bacteria) infection from scratches (called way and wait until he is calm before providing spedfic products. Please cat-scratch fever) to potentially life-threatening him with a reward for this calm behavior by write CatWatch Editor, infection from bites, so it is very impor­ feeding him. 535 Connecticut Ave., Norwalk, CT tant that you safeguard your own health as you Of course, it is difficult to rule out other 06854-1713 or work with him. Of course, if you have already potential causes of this behavior from a dis­ email ca twatcheditor@ tance, and you may consider consultation with cornell.edu. been bitten or scratched, it would be wise to consult with a physician about how best to a veterinary behaviorist if these techniques are manage the situation. not effective. Figuring out the best means of COMING UP .•. Aggression in general is a complex behavioral addressing this type of behavior can be com­ problem, and there are many forms of aggres­ plicated, in your case further complicated by sion in cats, ranging from fear aggression to the fact that this is an outdoor cat, but with predatory aggression to pain-induced aggres­ patience and appropriate guidance, most of sion. The best means of managing these differ­ these types of problems can be resolved. ent types varies with each cause. With respect For more information on feline aggression, to this kitty's behavior, it is difficult to comment please visit the Cornell Feline Health Center specifically without seeing in person (or in website at: www.vet.comell.edu/FHClhealth kitty), but it sounds like what you are describing resources/b rochu re_agg ress ion .cfm may be a form of play aggression. I hope that this is helpful, and please keep Cats engaging in play aggression often in touch. demonstrate characteristic body postures, -Best regards, Elizabeth .:.

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