Expert Infannat/on on medidne, behavior andhealth from a world leader in veterinary medldne
Your Cat's SOO·lb. Ancestor 2 When Acrobatic Prowess Fails Them Scifntists excavatf bone fragments of a sabel-toothed tigeI nom 3OO,1lOO yea" ago. Your cat's death-defying leaps and landings may result in a Cats Score High on Sociability 2 NfW reSfarch shows that they prefer sprain orfracture, so it's important to know the symptoms us over food, toY' and fYen (atnip. High Cholesterol in Cats 3 hen it comes to leaping. "Any cat or kitten will injure a /I won't (duse heart disease but (an W Janding and twisting in bone if the trau rna is severe enough," reft"t aserious underlying 2 JUl Y 2017 HEALTH High Cholesterol Won't Cause Heart Disease However, it can reflect underlying diseases ofthe kidney, liver, gallbladder, and bile ducts e know our pets Can have many of cholesterol itself. More often the signs Wthe same medical conditions we may reflect an underlying disease process have, but can they have high cholesterol? that is causing high cholesterol. Some Yes! Hypercholesterolemia, more com times lipids can accumulate in the eye monly known as high cholesterol, means causing it to turn white," says Dr. Miller. there's an elevated level of cholesterol in Other signs of high cholesterol include: the blood. A physical exam, blood tes1, review of medj When we think ofhigh cholesterol in • Episodes ofvomiting and diarrhea cal history and d!1.c:usslon 01 diet dre p..m of the diagnosis of high enole,wol humans, we think ofa high-fat diet that • Abdominal pain causes a medical condition that hejghtens • Seizures our risk ofheart disease. "The prevalence • Yellowish bumps on the sk in filled exam, the veterinarian will review your ofhigh cholesterol in dogs and cats isn't with a greasy substance. eat's medical history and discuss his diet. known. but high cholesterol is 100fe com "High cholesterol is diagnosed on a se mon in dogs than cats," says Meredith !fyour cat has these or any other rum biochemistry blood test that should Miller, DVM, ACVIM, a lecturer in small unusual signs. it's imperative to see his be performed after a 12-hour fast," Dr. animal medicine at Cornell University veterinarian to check for underlying Miller says. Your cat may be hospitalized College of Veterinary Medicine. medical problems. to ensure a strict fast - and your peace Hyperlipidemia can be primary of mind. Evolutionary Advantage. Because (genetic or idiopathic, unknown cause) Ifthe results come back with choles dogs and cats are carnivores naturally or secondary to other conditions. While terol over 200 mgldl andlor a triglyceride designed to consume a high-fat diet and primary hyperlipidemia is uncommon level exceeding 100 mgldl (measurements metabolize fat more efficiently, they aren't in cats, a rare few may have an inherited of glucose in the blood), the diagnosis predisposed to heart. disease like people. condition. Secondary hyperlipidemia is will be hyperlipidemia. The veterinar However, it doesn't mean they're in much more common and concerning ian will do additional tests looking for the clear. There is an upper threshold for because it may indicate an underlying underlying medical conditions, and if a healthy level of fat in the diet, and when medical condition. such as: necessary, begin treatment of them. that safe threshold has been breeched, "Identifying and treating any meta cats become at risk for obesity and medi • Diabetes mellitus bolic underlying causes of high choles cal conditions associated with obeSity, • Obesity terol is paramount)" says Dr. Miller. If no such as diabetes mellitus. • Pancreatitis (inflammation of the other Cause is found, changing the diet "Choleste(OLis a..modified steroid and pancreas) should be considered. The first treatment a type oflipidlfat, and another major • Hyperadrenocortism (over active is switching your cat to a low ~ fat diet with lipid is triglyceride," says Dr. Miller. "Hy adrenal gland) less than 20 percent fat, which may mean perlipidemia is a catchall for increased • Cholestasis (bile duct blockage) getting the food directly from your veter cholesterol and/or triglycerides. Increases • NephrOtiC syndrome (a kidney inarian. An ultra low~fut diet is less than in cholesterol can indicate a problem disorder). 10 percent fat. For some cats, commercial with the liverl adrenal glands or metabol diets may not work sufficiently, so it may ic disorders, induding diabetes mellitus. Elevated blood cholesterol levels are be necessary to work with a veterinary "Cats can have high cholesterol with caused by increased triglycerides, choles nutritionist to create an appropriate diet. chronic kidney disease and disorders of terolor both, and normally occur within Medications will be prescribed ifdiet their biliary tree," she says. The biliary 30 minutes to two hours of eating a mea l. alone doesn't regulate cholesterol within tree, or biliary system, refers to the liver, The effects usually last anywhere from normal levels. gallbladder and bile ducts and how they three to 10 hours. but if the levels remain "High cholesterol in itselfis not life work together. elevated for 12 hours or longer, it typi threatening," says Dr. Miller. "The im Recognizing overt signs of high cho cally indicates hyperlipidemia. portant concern is identifying and prop ~ lesterol is difficult. "Most often there are Diagnosing hyperlipidemia is rela erly managing an underlying disease so no clinical signs associated with high tively straightforward. After a physical your cat can live a high-quality life." <> JULY 2017 J DEAF ODDS ..('Ollli~lJjfdfr(Jm 'OV~ ,.) and rescues, versus those purchasing specific breeds. "With newly adopted deaf pets, sometimes people aren't aware at first that the pet is deaf." White skin and hair color are be lieved to be caused by the dominant white gene (called W) in cats. They occur when the W gene suppresses pigment cells known as rnelanocytes. The vascu lar system ofa eat's inner ear structures also contains rnelanocytes, which likely help maintain the high potassium levels of the flllid surrounding the sensory hair cells in the ear, says George M. Strain, Ph.D. , a leading veterinary researcher on Rl!osearc-hers estimate that 6S to 8S perc-ent of aU '."h're GlIS with blue ey"es J'e dear deafness and professor of neuroscience at Louisiana State University School ofVet erinary Medicine. When the W gene suppresses the me pigment particles," Dr. Strain says. (' Thus, When sound waves bend the inner lanocytes in the ear, the vascular system blue-eyed cats are more likely to be deaf ear hair ceUs, they open special chan in the ear degenerates, and the death of than animals with normal colored irises." nels that allow potassium into the cell. the hair cells follows. The degeneration The potassium influx excites the hair happens within a few weeks after a kit COMMUNICATING cell, which in turn triggers the nerve ten's birth. The resulting deafness is com WITH ADEAF CAT cell that enters the brain in the auditory plete, with one or both ears affected. nerve. Ifhigh potassium levels are not "The pigment genes can also affect Deaf cats are highly vIsual and tactile, maintained around the hair cells, they melanocytes in the iris, resulting in and owners need to maximize their die and deafness results. blue eyes in the absence of the normal senses of sight and touch 10 com pensate for the lack of communica AT-RISK BREEDS tion via sound. Consider these ~ps : While studies of breed-specific prevalence are lacking. purebred cats that • Use visual cues to get a deaf eat's might be at risk for congenital deafness Indude: attention . Flashing the lights In a room when entering can • White Scottish Fold • Whtte Exotic Shorthair prompt the cat to look for you. European White White Persian Laser pointers are also useful in • • getting a ca l's attention when Norwegian Forest Cats • • White Oriental he's not looking at you. Rilgdoll Shorlhalr • You can also use touch and White Maine Coon • • Siberian • Vibration when communicating. White Turkish Ango ra Stomping on the ground can • help alert your cat to your pres White American Within i1I f@ON weeks of birlfl, '"""Y white C,13. ence. Extra strokIng and cud • Wirehair II lhl, """"1\ are dedI dling can also help to enhance • White Cornish Rex In Ollfor both ears. your bond In the absenceof • White American loving words and sounds, Shorthair • To show your affection, you White Devon Rex can also give your cal long, • loving slow blinks - some • White British times thought of as the uni Shorthalr versal sign for "I love you· in • White Manx cat language. 4 c.tWlldl JU LY 1011 DEAF Some cats are deaf only in a single life from non-genetic causes, not only • Keep bilaterally deaf cats indoors to ear, known as unilateral deafness. Uni white ones. They include: avoid them getting hit by cars or be· laterally deaf animals are difficult to ing exposed to other physical dangers. identify by behavior, as they react to • Aging (presbycusis) • Protect them from people. "Startled sound in much the same way that cats • Noise-induced hearing loss deaf animals can reflexively bite as a with complete hearing do, Dr. Strain • Ototoxicity (drug or chemical-related reflex, no matter how good-natured says. If they are not identified as being damage to the inner ear), especially they otherwise are, so be especially deaf and they breed, they may to pass from the antibiotic gentamicin careful with them around infants and on their genetic disorder to offspring. • Inner ear infection (otitis interna). toddlers," Dr. Strain says. Unidentified Genes. The precise Owners may first suspect their pet's "It may require extra time and patience genes responsible for deafness in deafness due to lack of response to ev on the owner's part, but having a deafani white cats have not yet been identified eryday sounds. Ifyou suspect that your mal is very doable," Dr. Collins says. Deaf (remember, the W gene controls white cat is deaf - or losing his hearing cats can make wonderful pets . ..;. skin and hair color). Consequently, seek veterinary help. there are no DNA tests available. "The The hearing test for pets, called NON -VERBAL TRAINING TIPS only action that can reduce the pos BAER (brainstem auditory evoked re sibility of deaf kittens is to have hear sponse), is available at specialty veteri · TraIning a deaf cat is possIble, but ing testing done on both parents prior nary practices and schools ofveterinary it requires special considerations to breeding, since a unilaterally (or medicine. A specialist performs the since your cat cannot hear voice bilaterally) deaf parent will pass on tests, which takes about 10 to 15 min commands. the genetic defect," Dr. Strain says. utes. (See sidebar below.) • Extend your arms to call your "Congenitally deaf cats should not be No treatment is available for inherited cat. and reward him when he bred for this reason," congenital deafness. However, veterinar comes with small treats. While deafness can be inherited ians can be valuable allies in helping you (as in most cases of deafness in white and your cat cope with hearing loss. It's • Stand tall and wave your arms cats), most cases in non-white cats are sometimes simpler than you might think. above your head to commu likely acquired conditions. "Hereditary Unilaterally deaf animals tend to nicate displeasure if your cat congenital deafness, if it is going to de get along fine with hearing in only one misbehaves. A product called velop, should be present by five weeks ear. For bilaterally deaf cats, Drs. Strain Ssscat. from PetSijfe, which emits of age," Dr. Strain says. He notes that and Collins recommend taking the fol a harmless blast ofcompressed any cat can develop deafness later in lowing precautions: air may also be useful In restrict ing cats' movementllnlo areas in which they don't belong. THE BAER HEARING TEST • Use the basic premise of clicker The brainstem auditory evoked response (BAER) test performed by ~ neurol training, with a nashllght blink ogist can dE!flnlrtvetydlagnose deafness. Durll'lg the ,o ~rcr-1S-minllte test, substituting for the souoo of the clicker when the desired ear plugs or headphones placed over the eat's head deliver clicks or tone5 behavlor!s exhibited. You can to the ears. Small e lectrodes placed under the skin measure the electrical also use a vibrating collar with response In the brain to the tones by computer. remote controls in traIning but It's rare for pets to show any evidence of paIn from the placement of the make sure it only vibrates and doesn't emit a shock. electrodes, says George M. Strain, Ph.D., a researcher on deafness in pets and professor of neuroscience at LouIsiana State Universi ty School of Veterinary Medicine. In most cases, he does not use sedation or anesthe FOR MORE INFORMATION sia to perform BAER tests. "It Is not necessary In order to obtain quality More information on deafness responses if patIence and gentie handling are used: he says. "The use of In cats can be found at drugs adds unnecessary risk and expense." www.vet,(ornell.edu/ The BAER test Is available at specialty veterInary practices and schools of FHc/heallh_ informatlonl veterinary medicine. A list of testing sites is available on Dr. Strain's website: Deafnes5.cfm and at www.lsu, www.lsu.edu/deafness/baersite.htm edu/deafness/duf.htm JULl1017 H!iH us it WWW . (.iIlw.illch"rw\ I ~l(tJ.com 5 MEDICINE FRACTURES...(", ,,,,,,,,,dfro m ,"",,) Cornell and charter member of bones due to falling out of a tall the American College of Sports tree and/or landing hard. Cats can Medicine and Rehabilitation. al so suffer fractured bones dur ing attacks by other cats, dogs or Symptoms of an Injury. How coyotes roaming neighborhoods. can you determine if your cat O( when being struck by a moving sprained a limb or broke it? Cats vehicle. are masters of disguiSing signs Regardless of the cause, frac of weak ness, including bone tures and other injuries warrant an fr actures. Typically, if they have immediate trip to the veterinary a bone fracture. you can expect to clinic. In addition to legs, the most see them: common bone fractures in cats in clude the tail , femur, pelvis, and jaw. • Remain in one place Due to cl ient demand • Deliberately lift the affected though feline patients remain few leg and not put weight o n it at this point - Cornell expanded • Stop groom ing its outreach in 2014 to provide a • Decline meals or hide under comprehensive rehabilitation pro the bed or other places inac gram for injured pets in its Sports cessible to perceived predators. Medicine and Rehabilitation Ser vice. (See sidebar below.) You may also see swelling "It's all about trying to improve around the affected jOint, which the quality of life in pets and to could al so indicate an infection, help them stay stronger and more abscess. or cyst. However. frac mobile for a longer period of time," Acupuncture Is one of the therapies offered at CorneU's tures involve more severe trauma, Spcxts Mp'< jl(lnt:! dnd AehabiliLauon )fJlVl e. The rornprehen.slVf> says Dr. Jo seph Wakshlag, assistant and in some instances, you may program fl. ri""Jlgned to hf'fp your C~1 fully recO\ler (rom mjuflr~ professor of veterinary nut rition at hear grating or a crackling sound REHAB FOR CATS ON THE MEND Cornell's Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation Service well on its own: Dr. Wakshlag says. ' Occaslonally, we offers treatments to help cats recover mobility and see a cat who needs physical therapy, but the maJor reduce pain after bone fractures. ' Most cats don't need Ity of our patients are dogs. Cats are smaller and don't extensive rehab; however, on occasion there are cats seem to be as prone to injured hips, knees or disc who won't use the limb and then we get involved; says degeneration as dogs are, but we have treated some Joseph Wakshlag, DVM, Ph.D., Comell Section Chief of cats here with degenerative Joints and the occasiona l Clinical Nutrition. Dr. Wakshlag Is board·certified by the non-healing fracture." American College of SPOtts Medicine and Rehabilitation. Feline patients can sometimes pose a special challenge, 'Cats are harder to work with, but there are exercises and espedally when it comes to getting them to use under· devices we can use to get cats using a leg that they aren't water treadmills or exercises designed to strengthen all that interested In using. This can jump start them into Injured or weakened limbs. ' Cats have their own per use on occasion; he says. sonalities and tend to do what they want to do - not what you want them to do," says Dr. Wakshlag. 'It Is Services Include underwater treadmill exercise, trans easier to get a dog recovering from a leg amputation to cutaneous (passing through the skin) electrical nerve do a three-legged stand than a cat, who will be more stimulation, acupuncture, laser therapy for wound apt to curl up In a ball than perform a three--Iegged healing, platelet· rich plasma therapy, acupuncture and stand. We have had a couple cats who did get used to extracorporeal shockwave therapy. the warm water and used the underwater treadmill, but "In fracture repair there are some modalities like thera as we know, cats and water sometimes don't mix well." peutic ultrasound or shockwave therapy that can help For more information, please visit www.vet.comell.edu{ stimulate a bone to heal, particularly if it's not healing hospltaIiServicesiCompanlon/Sport./ 6 JULY 1011 MEDICINE when the bone moves. This sound is sharp puncturing ca nine teeth, approach ilize the a rea and administer pain medi called crepitation. Untreated, the affect your cat slowly and calmly. Wrap him in cation. Blood tests will be performed to ed area can quickly become extremely a thick bath towel and place him and the rule out contamination and infection. painful and infected if the fracture is towel inside a pet carrier that id eally has Depending on the location and sever· open (a break in the skin) or may cause a top opening. It is easier to place a cat ity of the fracture, you r cat may require shock, especially if the fracture involves from the top of the carrier rather than orthopedic surgery. He may be fitted the pelvis (which may predispose to trying to slide him through the front with a cast or require pins or surgically blood loss in the pelvic muscles) or spi opening. Do not attempt to scruff an in implanted steel plates to restore bone nal cord shock from a broken back. jured cat from the back of the neck. That alignment and improve healing. "If there is blunt trauma to the chest, may make him more agitated and will "Kittens have softer bones than adult lung contusions and bleeding, the escape not control the clawing attacks from his cats, which ca n make surgical repaLr of air into the chest cavity can rapidly back legs. harder, but they tend to hea l faster," Dr. compromise breathing and oxygen ex Alert the nearest veterinary clinic Todhunter says. "Cats and dogs have ap change. resulting in death in the worst that you are en route so that the staff can proximately the same bone quality." case scenarios." says Dr. Todhunter. have an exam room ready. Surgical costs can range from $1,000 Fr JULY lOll Vi~1I ut at www.ctJrwillctlD("W.sltIU:r.toitl 7 ASK ELIZABETH Potential Causes of Bad Breath op breath that some people have described as smelling sweet, and these cats will also often Extend Beyond Inflamed Gums demonstrate increased thirst, urination and My 12-year-old Siamese cat is a darling weight loss despite having ravenous appetites. Qboy, but I have noticed that his breath has Cats with kidney disease may have breath that become less-than-pleasant. He seems to otherwise smells almost like urine, and these cats may also be in good health, but I'm worried that there is show signs of increased thirst and urination, but something I should be doing about this. Can you they will often have poor appetites. provide some advice? Some cats who develop diseases of the gastro intestinal tract (i.e., blockages and cancer) may Thanks for getting in touch. I understand that develop foul breath, often in association with El izab@lh A halitosis, the medical term for bad breath, loss of appetite and vomiting, and cats with liver Hrol.l~rf, Ii ioonllttJ' (0/ rhe can be unpleasant and can cause concern for disease may develop bad breath, loss of appetite, Q;.mwrtCe.,;' 1,11' ("vm,.,'1 f",J1nt' kitty's well-being. There are a number of potential a swollen abdomen, yellowing of the eyes, gums H.>t; 1,1 J U:-"~t:r ,n pro~«illla [h~ causes of halitosis, so allow me to provide a quick and, in some cases, the skin. a~,v~,,1 C(l "n, P,"i}f' review of these. It's important to note that in most cases, Far and away, the most common cause of halitosis is not an indication of a major medical halitosis in cats is gingivitis, defined as inflamma problem. Halitosis combined with increased tion (redness, swelling. pain) of the gums around thirst/urination, vomiting, loss of appetite, rav the base of the teeth. Gingivitis occurs when a enous appetite, lethargy, abdominal bloating, film (called a biofilm) accumulates on the teeth and/or yellowing of the gums, eyes, and/or skin, and serves as a breeding ground for bacteria, however, should be a cause for concern. resulting in the formation of plaque. This bac Immediate consultation with a veterinar PLfASf teria causes the gums to become inflamed and ian should be sought if any of these signs are SHARf YOUR also causes halitosis by virtue of gases that are observed. It is, of course, important to consult with QUfSTIONS released by these bacteria. your cat's veterinarian even jf you don't notice We welcome questions If unaddressed, plaque mixes with minerals these more concerning signs, as he/she is best on health. medicine and in the saliva, resulting in the formation of tartar, equipped to help you manage this condition so behavior, but regrel that we cannot comment which provides an excellent surface for even more that you and your kitty can live happy and healthy on prior dtagooses and bacteria to grow, thereby making halitosis worse. lives together. spedfic prodlJc;;t~ . Please wrile CafWa(cll Editor. Tartar accumulation can ultimately lead to peri Another more benign cause of intermittent 535 Connecticut Ave .. odontitis, a condition in which the inner layers of halitosis in cats is the food that they eat. If your NOI'W~ l k , CT 06854-1713 o. gums and bone pull away from the teeth, forming kitty just ate a bit of tuna fish or canned food with email ca tw~tc.hedno r ~ pockets where even more bacteria can grow. If some other type of fish in it, his breath may not rornell,edu. left untreated, periodontitis can lead to tooth loss. smell like roses for a bit afterward, but in this case, The best way to prevent the accumulation of it's a matter of individual preference. I think tuna plaque is to brush your kitty's teeth regularly fish and mackerel smell awesome! COMING UP ... - daily is ideal - with a toothpaste that is spe I hope that this brief review is helpful, and I cially designed for cats. Human toothpaste can would suggest that you talk with your cat's veteri be toxic to cats. Go to www.partnersah.vet.cor narian and allow him/her to examine your baby nell.edu/pet-owners/cat-teeth to watch a seven to make sure that there is not a significant health minute video on brushing your cat's teeth. issue as the basis of his bad breath. Probably not, In some cases, halitosis may be an indication ifyou haven't noticed any of the other signs, but of a medical condition in parts of the body peace of mind is a wonderful thing! ~ other than the mouth. Diabetic cats may devel- -Sincerely, Elizabeth COfIRESI'DNDENCE SUBSCRIP'IIO NS The Editor $39 per year (U.s.) • $49 pel :anada) CorWotch' For subscription and ('ustomt:1 service information, 535 Connecticut Ave. visit www.catwatchnewsletter.com/cs Norwalk, CT 06854-1713 or write to: corWotch P.O. Box 8535, Big Sandy, TX 75755-8535. catwatcheditor@(:omell..edu CAll TOLL FRU, 800-829-8893 8 JULY 20 17