® Expert information on medicine, behavior and health from a world leader in veterinary medicine Kittens and the Aging Are Vulnerable Short Takes 2 Paralyzed therapy cat; top Finding a simple blood test for feline infectious peritonitis 10 breeds; arthritis pain. could improve its diagnosis and prevent shelter outbreaks Canned vs. Dry Food 3 They're equal on several points, "{ A Then a kitten or is not generally recom­ but canned has the edge for cats. V V elderly cat shows mended by the American little interest in food, Association of Feline No Worms In Ringworm 4 loses weight, develops a Practitioners. And there The fungus is easily transmitted persistent fever and suc­ is no known cure or effec­ from cats to other animals and you. cumbs to an untimely tive treatment. Ask Elizabeth 8 death, too many heart­ broken owners are left to Promising Research. Their 6-year-old cat had no signs wonder: What was the If Dr. Whittaker and his of this common heart disease. cause ofdeath? team researching FIP are One possible cul­ successful, however, their IN THE NEWS ••• prit is feline infectious ~ promising work could lead peritonitis (FIP). The g to discoveries to make a Do beta blockers improve often-fatal disease usu­ simple, reliable diagnostic the lives of heart patients? ally goes undiagnosed, says Cornell University blood test for FIP a reality - perhaps in as virologist Gary Whittaker, Ph.D. "The idea soon as five years, with government approval to Beta blockers have proven that FIP is a rare disease is not true. It can follow. Ideally, the test will identify a mutation effective in treating some people actually be quite common, and it's currently that sets the deadly FIP infection into action. with hypertrophic cardiomyopa­ the leading infectious cause of death in cats If that happens, it would bring the pos­ thy, but their effectiveness in cats under 2 years ofage." What's more, there is no sibility of intervention or at least a drug for with asymptomatic HCM has simple test for it. The only available vaccine (continued on page 6) not been established. However, researchers at North Carolina State University are now studying cats being treated with the beta­ They Jump, Paw, Cry, Stare and Meow blocker atenolol to better de­ termine if early medical therapy The goals oftheir extensive repertoire ofbegging behavior: improves their quality of life. HCM, the most common food or your attention - you're the mother cat feline heart disease, causes thickening of the heart muscle, onSidering that kittens vocalize to their says. "Adult cats almost never meow at reducing blood flow and, in Cmothers for everything they want, it's one another." more advanced cases, oxygen not unusual for cats to meow or beg for food levels throughout the body. and attention from their owners. In cat-own­ They Train Us. Cats use a range of vocal­ The disease most commonly ing households, humans are the mother cats. izations and behaviors to get what they want occurs in middle age, with males, "There may be an underlying genetic from people. They quickly learn that we re­ Maine Coons and American component because the kitten who demands ward meowing, crying, staring, jumping up Shorthairs especially predisposed. things survives," says Katherine A. Houpt, or pawing. Although this training is often The cause is not known. VMD, Ph.D., former preSident of the Ameri­ unintentional, cats beg because their owners Beta blockers slow the heart can College of Veterinary Behaviorists and have responded by feeding them or talking rate, allowing more time for emeritus James Law Professor of Animal back when they meowed. bl ood flow to the heart muscle, Behavior at the Cornell University College of "The cat probably became trained to beg and red uce the amount of Veterinary Medicine. because every time he meowed. you gave oxygen the heart uses. In so me Another predisposing factor in begging: him a treat because it was cute," Dr. Houpt cases, the incidence of arrhyth­ Cats have been bred to remain dependent says. "Later you decided it was not so cute mia s, or irregular heartbeats, is and kitten-like. "If owners reward vocal­ and. in fact, was a nuisance. so you rewarded al so lessened . •:. izing, their cats learn this works," Dr. Houpt (continued on page 5) CatWatch Atherapy cat on wheels EDITOR IN CHIEF A Husky found t he kitten Bruce G. Kornreich, DVM, Ph.D., Dipl ACVIM lying in the street and gently carried him in his mouth home EDITOR Betty Liddick to his owner. Scooter had a broken spine and his back legs ART DIRECTOR Mary Francis McGavic were paralyzed, Euthanasia would have been the likely fate ADVISORY BOARD James A. Flanders, DVM, Dipl for a kitten in simil ar shape. But ACVS, Associate Professor, Betsy Kennon, VMD, at Harts Cli nical Sciences Run Veterinary Hospital in Fox Marc S. Kraus, DVM, Dipl ACVIM, Senior Lec turer, Clinical Sciences Chapel, Pa, was determined to sa ve his life - and she did. Scooter provides cheer and inspiration to nursing home and Margaret C. McEntee, DVM, Dipl ACVIM, DACVR, Hospital clients chipped in to rehabilitation patients, Professor of Oncology buy Scooter a custom -made William H. Miller, Jr.,VMD, ACVD, wheeled cart to get around, Professo r, Cl ininical Sciences Toda y, he regularly visits a nursing Heading the li st: the chatty, cu ri ous Siamese. Ilona Rodan, DVM, Dipl ABVP home and a rehabilitation hospital as a The other breeds in ord er Wisconsin Cat Care Cli nic, Madison, WI therapy cat. He se rves as an "i nspiration 2. Persian 7. America n to the elderly and to patients who lack 3. Maine Coon Shorthair mobility due to injuries and strokes," says 4. Ragdoll 8. Manx the ASPCA. During one of Scooter's first S. Bengal 9. Russian Blue Cornell University hospital vi sits, a stroke victim who doctors 6. Himalayan 10. Sphynx == College of (fi). Veterinary Medicine said would never open her eyes or speak suddenly did open her eyes and began Gauging arthritis pain For information on your ca t's health, chatting away like they were old friends, Researchers at the University of Montreal visit the Cornell University Col lege of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell Felin e Her first word: kitty, The staff was in tears, are developing scales for identifying and Health Center website at The AS PCA honored Scooter as the Cat quantifying pain caused by osteoarthritis, www.vet.comell.edu/fhcl. of the Year at its annual Humane Awards Drs. Mary Klinck and Eric Troncy are working Luncheon in New York City, along with on two scales: one designed for use by other special anima ls and individuals who owners and another by veterinarians, So far, have made a significant impact on the their work shows promise, and next steps li ves of animals, include laboratory trials to increase the tests' Dr. Kennon, who is now w ith the VCA sensitivity and improve their ability to detect CotWorcH (ISSN: 1095-9092) Northview An imal Hospital in Pittsburgh, pain, says the Morri s Animal Foundation _ is pu blished month ly Pa , went on to adopt Scooter, who joined Fellows hip, one of the sponsors of the study. for 539 per yea r by :]_ Belvoir Media Group, her four dogs, three cats, a lovebird and a Osteoarthritis is common in ol der LLC, 800 Connecticu t tank of fish She's had to discourage him cats w ho su ffer the same painfu l joint Belvoir Ave., Norwalk, CT 06854­ \631. Robert Englander, from getting at the fish but has noted degeneration that humans do. However, Chairman and CEO; Timothy H. Cole, that, unlike her other cats, he's cats excel at masking pain, Executive Vice President, Editorial Director; Phili p L. Penn y, Chief caught five mice, making the disease di fficu lt to Operating Office r; Greg King, Ex ecuti ve diagnose if observab le signs such Vice President, Marketing Director; Ron Goldberg, Chief Financial Officer; Tom The top 10 breeds as lamen ess aren't present. Canfield, Vice President, Circulation. The website Vetstreet Chronic pa in limits function ©20 12 Belvoi r Media Group, LLC. examined purebred cats' birth and may also contribute to Pos tmas ter: Se nd address corrections records in 2011 and came behavior probl ems that can to CatWa tch, P.O. Box 8535, Big Sandy, TX 75 755-853 5. up with its top 10 list of damag e the human-animal bond, the most popular resul ting, experts say, in euthanasia For Customer Service or Subscription information, visit cat breeds in or the surrender of th e pet to an www.catwatchnewsletter.com!cs the U,S. an imal shel ter. Ve terinary medicine or call toll free: 800-829-8893. has sca les to measure sudden or Exp res s written permiSSion is req ui red to repro duce, in any surgical pain in cats, but those conditions manner, the contents of this issue, differ from chronic pain . •:. eith er in fu ll or in pa rt. For more infor mation, write to Permissions, CatWatch, 800 Con necticut Ave ., The Siamese is the most popular cat in the U.s., Norwal k, Connecticut 06854-163 1 according to a survey.

CatWatch JANUARY 2013 The Great Debate: Canned vs. Dry They're fairly equal in dietary soundness and go through similar manufacturing, but canned has the edge for cats

ith all the marketing claims They can handle glucose well, but they W about the virtues of canned and absorb carbohydrates slower than dogs dry food, it can be daunting to choose in general, yet they are assimilated into between them. Which is better tast­ the body fine. ing and which is the better value? The Canned food tends to be more palatable answers just might surprise you. Nutri­ Q. Is it true that plant protein is used more because it's higher in protein and fat. tionist Joseph Wakshlag, DVM, Ph.D, frequently in dry food than canned? Can Associate Professor at the Cornell Uni­ cats be healthy on plant protein without any versity College of Veterinary Medicine, meat-based protein? A. Some canned foods still have preser­ provides clarity in this Q. and A. to vatives. but they don't get oxidized as help you move past hype to good health A. Plant protein is found in both canned quickly as dry. You can find canned or for your cat. and dry foods. Canned or chunk style kibble with natural preservatives that uses wheat-based protein. Dry more of­ tend to be benign. Ethoxyquin is not bad Q. Which is more nutritionally sound ­ ten uses corn-gluten protein, and both in the quantities used, because we know canned or d,y food - and why? use soy-based proteins at times. Cats can after tons of toxicity trials that it takes a use plant-based protein but need more lot of it to create kidney or liver damage. A. I would say they are pretty equal in of it than they would need of an animal­ It's not used much anymore, and if it is, terms of nutritional soundness, and based protein. This is because the amino you'll never know because it doesn't have there are many brands and styles. They acid balance in plant-based proteins is to be labeled if it's already mixed into an go through similar manufacturing pro­ not as good. But the right mix of plant­ ingredient being used like animal fat or cesses, although kibble gets extruded based proteins can be used to make a fish meal, for example, and not directly (a shaping and drying process) and diet complete. Egg, dairy and meat are added by the pet food manufacturer. canned gets retorted (heated at high best for cat amino acid balance. Soy is temperature in a retort sterilizer), so the best plant-based protein source. Q. Does kibble have any advantage because it has to go through a heating process. it can help prevent dental tartar buildup, or For cats, canned is slightly better. Cats Q. Do we know if dry or canned food is the is that a myth? don't like new things, so give kittens better tasting and why? both kibble and canned so they know A. Most kibble doesn't have any evi­ both. If they end up with issues where A. It's personal preference. Foods higher dence that it helps tartar. The tooth hits one or the other is preferred due to a in protein and fat are more palatable. so it and it shatters. It doesn't grind it up. medical condition, you can choose the canned tends to be more palatable. Some kibble is designed to have a fiber appropriate form. matrix that actually allows the tooth to Q. Is the moisture in canned food an advan­ sink into kibble. and those are good for Q. W!Jich has the most calories? tage or disadvantage? tartar, but there aren't many of those_on the market. You should look for a thera­ A. Volume to volume, dry is more calori­ A. For cats who tend to have a predispo­ peutic brand, the kind only veterinari­ cally dense and canned is typically high­ sition to urinary tract problems, it may ans can sell, and look for the Veterinary er in fat. If I took water out of the canned be an advantage. Oral Health Council seal. food and pulverized it into powder, mea­ sured a gram of each for caloric density, Q. Is it important to choose food only Q. Does canned or dry make worse-smelling canned would be more calorically dense from companies that do feeding trials feces than the other? because it's higher in fat. But canned is endorsed by the American Association of 75 percent water, so on a volume basis it's Feed Control Officials? A. In general, canned is usually higher in actually fewer calories. protein, so canned will likely have a stron­ A. Very few companies do those, and most ger odor. But a high-protein kibble will do Q. Does dry food have excessive carbohy­ small niche brands don't. It's just one more the same. drates for cats? layer ofguarantee. Q. Which is the best financial value? A. There is no evidence that the carbo­ Q. Does the lack ofpreservatives make hydrate in dry or even canned food is canned better than dry? Afew years ago A. Between two similar brands of foods detrimental. Cats cannot handle certain consumers were up in arms about the eth­ from the same manufacturer, dry usually carbohydrates well, such as fructose. oxyquin in kibble. wins the price war. •:.

JANUARY 2013 Visit us at www.catwatchnewsletter.com HEALTH There Are No Worms in Ringworm The fungus is spread through contaminated soil and easily transmitted to other animals - and you

Ringworm can affect the skin, hair and ungal spores invisible to the naked claws, and take up to a year to resolve. LONG-HAIRED CATS MAY BE Feye cause ringworm. Ifa cat digs MORE AT RISK into contaminated soil or tangles with a ringworm-infected feline and devel­ A Persistent Presence. It's a myth Ringworm - feline dermato­ ops this common skin infection, he can that you can easily rid your house of phytosis - is more common transmit it to other cats, dogs and even ringworm once you have it. In a worst­ in warm, humid regions of the humans. The malady can affect the skin, case scenario, some catteries have been country. It varies in frequency hair and claws and take up to a year forced to euthanize all their animals be­ depending on the climate and to resolve. And despite its name, it has cause ringworm persisted as long as any the management of the cat, says nothing to do with worms. animals were present, Dr. Miller says. dermatologist William H. Miller, "Ringworm is a very old term and Ringworm spores can float in air was coined when people thought the le­ currents and drop into deep-pile car­ Jr., VMD, at Cornell. sion was caused by a worm - a larva to pets. "How good is your vacuum?" Dr. Cats living together closely make be more precise - in the skin," says der­ Miller asks. In front of a sofa, it's likely the disease easier to transmit, matologist William H. Miller, Jr. VMD, that vacuuming is done well. "But unless with animals in shelters or ken­ Medical Director of the Companion Ani­ you move the sofa," he says, "you and I nels particularly at risk. Still, any mal Hospital at the Cornell University will probably miss those hairs in back." College of Veterinary Medicine. !fyou have pristine ceramic tile cat of any breed can contract floors, disinfect surfaces and dispose of it, with kittens, cats with com­ No Early Signs. Initially, cats don't nec­ items that can't be disinfected - such as promised immune systems and essarily show signs of the disease, though the cat tree - then perhaps your house long-haired cats more inclined to they will be contagious. As it progresses, will become spore-free. contract it. owners may see a rash, circular bald spots, If left untreated, a cat's case of scaly or crusty skin, stubbly hair, altered ringworm probably will eventually go Example: You took your perfectly hair color, dandruffand excessive groom­ away, but "it may take nine months healthy cat to a reliable grooming ing. The infection can also develop in hid­ to a year," says Dr. Miller. Diagnosis parlor. But the groomer became den areas between the claws. can be done in various ways, such as busy and the previous dog or Hair from the infected cat will fall taking a culture or a skin biopsy. "You cat had an early case of ring­ off his body, spreading fungal spores can't just look at a n animal and say: It worm that wasn't yet noticeable. on surfaces and objects that can in­ has ringworm." Because the groomer didn't have fect others for long periods of time. All but one kind of ringworm is time to clean the cage as well as New animals - and people - can virtually 100 percent curable. Veterinar­ it should have been, the next pet become infected when the hairs come ians typically treat cats with both an into contact with the skin. Animals inexpensive oral medication and a topi­ could contract ringworm. and people with immune deficien­ cal cream or ointment for visible scabby "It's a disease of contagion. With cies or pre-existing skin diseases are areas. The shortest course of treatment direct observation of your pet, much more susceptible because their takes 45 days, but many cases take it's not really easy to get it," skin is already d a maged. considerably longer. By contrast, an ex­ On the bright side: "Normal skin is traordinarily rare ringworm that affects Dr. Miller says. "But in the real hard to infect," Dr. Miller says. "So if animals with immune deficiency can world where things can happen you take a fungal organism and sprinkle develop under the skin and be fatal. - nobody pays attention to it, it on perfectly normal skin, the chances The bottom line: Whenever a cat has where nobody is watching the are really good that will just fall off and a dramatic change in his haircoat - or animal - you can pick it up with not cause any infection. It may, but in the hair is falling out - it's always best some ease." many cases it doesn't." to consult his veterinarian. •:.

4 CatWatch JANUARY 2013 BEHAVIOR ... (continuedfrom cover) the animal, the quicker they learn. you? For most people, it's the crying or But not many people have the heart or vocalizing that irritates." him intermittently only when you patience" to ignore pets, and once they couldn't stand it any more. You have learn a behavior is rewarded, cats can Mealtime Company. Many cats may now trained him to meow many, many be difficult to retrain. "You could try insist you watch them while they eat. times for the intermittent reward." not giving food for meowing - wait­ "They prefer to eat when owners are In her book "Domestic Animal Be­ ing until the cat is quiet - but it's very there, maybe to protect them as prey havior" published by Wiley Blackwell, hard both for the owner to do and for animals," says Dr. Houpt. "It's safer to Dr. Houpt writes that cats respond to the cat to understand that he's reward­ eat when the mother cat is there." various types of reinforcement sched­ ed for silence." If your cat won't eat alone but me­ ules. In laboratory studies, cats have ows for attention overnight, she recom­ been conditioned to meow 15 times for mends putting food in the bedroom each small food reward. "The relevance with you. "There are probably several is that if you give in to the cat after he reasons that cats are active at night. has vocalized five times, he may meow One is that many of us aren't home 10 times for the next meal before he during the day, so the cats who want gives up," she says. attention ask for it when you are home awake or asleep. Another reason is that Table Jumpers. Meowing is a com­ cats are naturally most active at dawn mon feline begging behavior, but Dr. and dusk, so they would like to have Houpt says other food-seeking behav­ breakfast when the sun rises, which iors include pacing, following or rub­ can be pretty early in the summer." bing against the owner, jumping onto Alternately, "If the cat eats only tables and knocking objects off coun­ when you're there, you could try struc­ ters. "Although these behaviors can tured mealtimes and distance yourself be annoying, most people don't mind gradually farther and farther away if their cat meows or rubs on them Atten­ while he eats," Dr. Houpt says. And because it is a form of communication tion seeking if that doesn't work: Try feeding between human and cat." is also a form a less desired food when you're Cats are smart and creative, she of begging. around and a more appealing says. "They will jump up to get your "Some cats food when you're absent. .:. attention. I know cats who sit on dining recognize you're room chairs or actually sit up and beg a captive audi­ like a dog. But most people complain ence and they about their cats waking them and beg­ want attention, ging for food at 5 a.m." often more than To stop cats from begging, ignore people food," she them. "Start ignoring the meows says. "Does it both­ Some cats beg like dogs, standing from the moment they're kittens," Dr. er you if the pet just on their hind legs . Others pace and Houpt advises, because "the younger sits there and looks at rub against their owner.

TACTICS TO STOP THE NIGHT FOOD STALKER

Unlike dogs who beg for food at the table, cats will beg for food at what seems like an odd hour to us. "The real complaints are of cats at night making noise, waking up owners beca use they want to be fed," says behavior­ ist Katherine A. Houpt, VMD, Ph.D. If a begging cat is annoying, she suggests that you:

• Feed your cat before your bedtime. and t he cat can chase the balls and have to work to find the kibble." • Feed him before you eat if he's begging at meals. • Play with your cat before bedtime. Leave out favorite • Leave food out overnight. toys, such as puzzle toys, for overnight activity. • Try a timed food dispenser or provide kibble-filled the cat in another room when you're sleeping or eating. toys for distraction and exercise, especially for • Put overweight cats. Dr. Houpt recommends a toy that • If your cat jumps onto the table or your lap when dispenses little moving balls, each filled with a unwanted, gently lift him down. "And keep doing it," treat. "You could set it to go off on a timed basis, Dr. Houpt says.

JANUARY 2013 Visit us at www .catwatchnewsletter.com FIP ... (continuedfrom cover)

treatment. "That's a little long range but definitely a practical application," says Dr. Whittaker, a professor in the College of Veterinary Medicine's Department of Microbiology and Im­ munology. Diagnostic screening would also help prevent shelter outbreaks of FIP. "Today, it's almost the worst infectious disease for a veterinarian to try to di­ agnose," Dr. Whittaker says. Andrea N. Johnston, DVM, DACVIM, a Clinical Instructor in In­ ternal Medicine at Cornell, says it's a misconception that the complex disease can now be diagnosed with a blood test. "It is very challenging to diagnose. A reliable blood test for FIP would allow early detection of the disease, eliminate the need for costly and invasive diag­ nostics, and potentially improve our ability to treat cats with FIP."

Uncovering mysteries. As Dr. Whit­ "The idea that FIP is a rare disease is not true," says Cornell virologist Gary Whittaker, taker and his team conduct their pains­ Ph.D., whose team is researching the disease. "It's the leading infectious cause of death in cats under 2 years of age." taking research to uncover the myster­ ies of FIP, it sounds like a whodunit. Among a host of issues surrounding "We've had samples fr om breeders By some estimates, five to 10 percent the disease, one problem is this: While and shelters where 100 percent are posi­ of infected cats eventually develop the it's known that feline coronavirus leads tive for feline coronavirus," Dr. Whit­ deadly form because of a virus mutation to FIP, there are two forms of it - one taker says. Such findings turn out to be or aberrant immune response. But FIP benign, one deadly - and yet they look practically meaningless. often can go undetected. To confirm exactly alike under a microscope. Vet­ While a 2005 study published in a diagnosis, veterinarians usually use erinarians can test for coronavirus, but the Journal of Virological Methods biopsies and reports from pathologists, even if results are positive, they won't stated that coronaviruses "are ubiq­ who examine tissues under a micro­ know the type. A positive result simply uitous among cat populations," only scope. That's after examining the cat for means a cat has been exposed to corona­ some cats go on to develop the deadly clinical symptoms, which can mimic virus, period. form of the disease. other diseases.

IS YOUR CAT AT RISK?

Cats with weak immune systems Most affected cats are under 2 years environment result in their randomly are likeliest to develop feline infec­ of age. Purebreds appear to have firing mutations and more chances tious peritonitis (FIP), a viral disease greater vulnerability, especially Asian of a ca t contracting a virus that caused by certain strains of feline breeds, such as the Birman and causes a deadly form of FIP. coronavirus. Other vulnerable Himalayan. groups include kittens, aging cats Diligence in attempting to keeping As a general trend, "1 see the dis­ and those already infected with the virus at bay - by cleaning litter ease is on the increase," says Cornell feline leukemia virus - although boxes daily, for example, and thor­ virologist Gary Whittaker, Ph.D. He any cat carrying a coronavirus could oughly cleaning and disinfecting the surmises that's due in part to more develop it. high-density housing of cats within boxes reg ularly - won't necessarily Animals in shelters, kennels and shelters and breeding catteries. That prevent FI P. "It 's not anywhere near multi-cat households are also more means more opportunity for the a certainty it will do any good, but at risk; cats live closer together, mak­ level of virus to build up in the envi­ it certai nly won't do any harm," Dr. ing the disease easier to transmit. ronment. Additional viruses in the Whittaker says.

6 CatWatch JANUARY 2013 It Started With SARS. While Cornell has a long history of work on FIP, Dr. Whittaker's involvement began almost by happenstance. He had been research­ ing the virus that causes the human respiratory disease SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome) in the wake of the 2003 Hong Kong outbreak that appeared poised to become pandemic. The disease is caused by a coronavirus, specifically the SARS coronavirus. That prompted him to study coronaviruses in general, and he soon became fascinated by the feline coronavirus. ''I've been studying viruses for some time, and this is one of the most interest­ ing," Dr. Whittaker says of feline coro­ navirus, a precursor to FIP. Actually, FIP isn't a Single virus. "It's a crazy virus - a cloud ofviruses," he says. And like a cloud in the sky changes, so does FIP in Feline infectious peritonitis is more easily transmitted in animal shelters and multi-cat households. a single cat. No two FIP viruses are alike; there is always variability. All the viruses appear to have a biolog­ samples from all the young cats at her cat­ One ongoing question is: Does a virus ical switch, kind oflike a light switch that tery, all of whom were healthy at the time. make just one mutation? Or does it prog­ turns the virus on. But a mutation in the In November 2011 , the team got a call from ress, making a different mutation and viral genome can change the switch and a veterinarian saying one of the cats had still another? If FIP moves to different instead turn on FIP in a cat, Dr. Whittaker just been euthanized due to FIP. tissues, the virus may very well make dif­ says. The thing is, though, that "It's never The team jumped into action. They ferent mutations in different tissues, Dr. the same change. Almost every FIP cat has compared the virus in the deceased cat Whittaker says. a different switch. It's a different change with a 2008 sample when the cat was For now, FIP occurs worldwide and every time." Not only that, even within healthy. A mutation had indeed occurred. remains an enigma. As Dr. Whittaker an individual cat different tissues will To help ensure the finding wasn't a fluke, describes the disease, it's a big black have different switches to turn on FIP. the team obtained a sample from a still­ box in veterinary medicine - meaning "Very intriguing and almost unique," healthy cat from the breeder to compare it exists without our knowledge of its Dr. Whittaker calls the process. "We're that virus with the cat's 2008 sample. The internal workings. •) trying to figure out what's happening." healthy cat's sequence hadn't mutated. Admittedly, the finding was based FOR MORE INFORMATION ON FIP Studying Blood Samples. His team on only one cat, Dr. Whittaker says, Please visit the Cornell Feline Health is gathering samples ofblood or tissue "But it kind of strengthens the hypothe­ Center website at www.vet.comell.edu/ - mainly from deceased cats - from sis. It ruled out the pOSSibility of random

L-fhclbrochureslfip.html.______~II ~ around the country to exami ne.So far, ­ gene variation.~ they've found the switch in the virus in the feline gastrointestinal tract. In a healthy WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW cat, six identical amino acids comprise the switch. If you look at the same six amino acids in a cat with FIP, Dr. Whittaker says, Early signs of feline infectious peritonitis include: at least 95 percent of the time there is a Mild upper respiratory infection w ith sneezing, watery eyes and change in one of those amino acids. His • nasal discharge. team believes this switch is largely driving the syndrome, though, as noted, not all • Gastrointestinal problems such as diarrhea. cats have the same switch. Team members are working closely • Loss of appetite and weight loss. with pet owners, breeders and veterinar­ Lethargy and depreSSion . ians. Ideally, they want to follow healthy • cats who may develop the full-blown syn­ Rou gh hair coat. drome. In late 2011, they found their first • Fever. example of such a situation. A breeder who • had been haVing problems with FIP al­ Eye inflammation. lowed the team in 2008 and 2009 to collect •

JANUARY 2013 Visit us at www .catwatchnewsletter.com Our 6-year-old kitty, Elmo, has just been proteins have been identified in affected cats. diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomy­ Maine Coon cats, American Short hairs and Q opathy. This was a terrible shock to us, Ragdolls are predisposed to the development as he was not showing any signs of heart disease, of HCM, and this disease affects male cats more and we want him to be around for a long time. commonly than females. We've been told that this is a common disease Cats with HCM may develop congestive in cats, but we are terribly worried and want to heart failure, which may cause them to breathe know what we should be doing to keep him as more rapidly (tachypnea) and with more effort healthy and happy as we can. than normal (dyspnea), and any cat who shows Sincerely, signs of tachypnea or dyspnea should be taken Elizabeth Broken Hearted to a veterinarian immediately. Another poten­

Elizabeth is thankful for tially devastating consequence of HCM is the the assistance ofBruce G. I'm sorry to hear about Elmo's diag­ formation of blood clots in the heart, which Kornreich, DVM, Ph.D., nosis and glad that he is not showing may be ejected out to the body and block DACVIM, Associate Director any signs of heart disease right now. blood supply to affected regions. The site of ofthe Cornell Feline Health A Center, in providing the answer Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), a dis­ blockage is most commonly at the origin of the on this page. ease characterized by thickening of the heart femoral arteries, which supply blood supply muscle, is the most common heart disease in to the hind limbs, so cats who experience clot PLEASE domestic cats, and many cats diagnosed with formation may present with acute, or sudden, SHARE YOUR HCM do not show symptoms of disease when onset of hind limb paralysis. These cats are QUESTIONS they are diagnosed. often quite uncomfortable, and cats with clot We welcome ques­ "It is pretty common for cats with HCM to be formation generally have a poorer prognosis. tions on health, medi­ cine and behavior, but referred to a veterinary cardiologist for evaluation Cats with HCM may benefit from treatment regret that we cannot after their primary veterinarian hears a murmur with diuretics, drugs called angiotensin convert­ comment on prior diagnoses and specific during routine physical examination," says Bruce ing enzyme inhibitors and/or beta blockers, and products. Please write CatWatch Editor, 800 Kornreich, DVM, Ph.D., DACVIM, the Associate cats who may be at risk for the development of Connecticut Ave., Director of the Cornell Feline Health Center and a blood clots may be treated with aspirin or a drug Norwalk, CT, 06854 or email catwatcheditor@ board-certified veterinary cardiologist. called clopidogrel (Plavix). Asymptomatic cats cornell.edu. . HCM is diagnosed by echocardiography, and with HCM, however, are often not treated early in it is important to rule out high blood pressure their disease, and careful monitoring of respirato­ and hyperthyroidism in cats with thickened heart ry rate (normal is between 20 and 30 per minute), COMING UP ••• muscle before arriving at a diagnosis of HCM, activity level, and attitude, as well as regular fol­ as these conditions can also cause thickening of low up with their veterinarian, are recommended the heart. Although HCM can be a very serious in these cases. disease that can lead to congestive heart failure I hope this helps you in understanding Elmo's or the formation of potentially life-threatening disease, and make sure to continue regular blood clots, cats may live with HCM for pro­ follow-up with his veterinarian. Please keep in longed periods of time (months to years) without touch and drop me a line to let me know how overt signs of illness. he is doing . •:. The cause of HCM remains to be determined, Best regards, although mutations in a number of cardiac Elizabeth

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CatWatch JANUARY 2013