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Short Takes 2 ABreakthrough Decades in the Making Tracking the cat's big cousin in Africa; diagnosing an eye disorder. The discovery of a benign virus' mutation into a deadly Finicky Eaters: Born That Way 3 infection could lead to accurate diagnosis and treatment They seem to have appetite centers in the brain that control their eating. eline infectious team of Cornell University Holidays Can Tempt the Curious 4 Fperitonitis ranks as researchers has identified Hazards range from "linear foreign one of the deadliest dis­ the changes that happen bodies" to lilies and essential oils. eases affecting cats ­ when the coronavirus mu­ Ask Elizabeth 8 it's the leading cause of tates in'to FIPV Atabby grooms excessively to the death in cats under 2 point of his developing bald spots. years of age. Veterinary Possibility of Vaccines. scientists have long sus­ This breakthrough is viewed INTHE NEWS ••• pected that the FIP vi­ as a vital first step toward ASimple Test Determines rus (FIPV) was a lethal accurately diagnOSing FIP If a Cat Has been Spayed mutation of the feline Shelter kittens are especially prone and eventually developing to the FIP virus. Surg ical sca rs once were a coronavirus (FECV), vacoines and treatments, good ind icator that a cat h d a benign and common says the study'S lead scien­ bee n spayed, but with the proce­ intestinal virus, but they couldn't identify tist, Gary R. Whittaker, Ph.D., a Professor of dure performed at you nger ages how this transformation occurred. Virology in the Cornell University College today, the spay sca r often heal s Until now. By taking a novel approach to of Veterinary Medicine's Department of without a trace. Now a test us in g studying FIP ­ at the molecular level - a Microbiology and Immunology. a sma ll blood sa mple to distin­ (continued 011 page 5) gu ish spayed fro m inta ct pets is available from th e Ani ma l Hea lth Diagnostic Cen ter at Cornel l. Own ers and shelters interested When the Diagnosis Is Arthritis in th e servi ce shou ld ask their A few easy, often inexpensive changes at home can veterinarian to contact the center at ahdc.vet.comel l.edu. make your eat's life less painful and more comfortable Th e diagnostic test, known as an ti-Mull erian hormon e or rthritis creeps up on a cat with signs so exam, blood tests, X-rays and other tests can AMH, looks for the presence of a A subtle that they're easy to miss: getting help determine whether the pain results from hormon e that is produced on ly up more slowly from a nap, dashing after an infection, autoimmune disorder, injury or by the ova rie s. A nega tive test a toy mouse less often, perhaps even los­ simply the toll of age. in dic ates their removal. A positive ing interest in leaping from the floor to the te st mea ns the ani mal is intact or kitchen counter top. Worn Cartilage. All types of arthritis may have a remn ant of an ova ry It hurts to realize that your cat hurts, but involve degeneration of the -cartilage covering from a previ ous spay. She may go you play an important part in his comfort the ends ofbones in joints. Normally smooth, into heat, but pregnancy is pre­ when the diagnosis is arthritis. The condi­ the cartilage allows joints to move easily. As vented if th e uterus was removed tion can't be cured, but veterinary care and a the cartilage breaks down, the joints don't durin g the spay procedu re. The few easy changes around the house can keep move as well and bones rub together, result­ AMH test can help with the both of you happier. ing in inflammation, stiffness, swelling and manage ment of case swh en a The first step is a trip to the veterinar­ soreness. The condition has no cure but can rem na nt is suspected . •:. ian to learn the cause of the pain. A physical be treated to keep a cat more comfortable. (continued on bottom ofpage 6) CatWatch SHORT TAKES 58 MPH Sounds Fast, but Grip and Maneuverability Play Key Roles EDITOR IN CHIEF Bruce G. Kornreich, DVM, Ph D .. Cheetahs, our domestic Dlpl A VIM cats' big cousins, seem to EDITOR fascinate scientists. Maybe Betty Liddick it's because they're the ART DIRECTOR fastest land animal, and Mary Francis McGavic measuring their speed ADVISORY BOARD James A. Fl anders, DVM,Dipl presents a challenge. AC . . Associate Professor, Researchers have clocked Clinical Science~ cheetahs running after a Marc S. Kraus, DVM, Dlpl ACVIM, Senior LEc turer, Clinical <;ciences lure and observed films of them chasing prey in Margaret C. McEntee, DVM, Dipl ACVIM, DA(VR, the wild . Profess r of Oncol gy Now, w ith the use of William H. Miller, Jr., VMD, ACVD, GPS and a motion-sensing Pro essor, Clinical Sc;ences collar of their own design, Ilona Rodan, DVM, Dipl ABVP WiSCOnsin Cat Care Clinic. Alan Wilson, BSc, Ph.D., Madison, WI BVMS, and his team at the Royal Veterinary College in London have gathered To test their tracking equipment, researchers used lu res to sirnu late the natural hunting behavior of cheetahs ar the Ann van Dyk Cornell University what they describe as the - College of Cheeta h Centre in South Africa . ti) Veterinary Medicine first detailed information on the hunting dynamics For information on your car' health, Future study, based on animals' ranging visit the Cornell Universi y Co llege of of the cheetah in its natural habitat. Their Ve tennary Medicrne, C mel! Feline tracking collar was equipped with a GPS behavior in the w ild, could have practical Health Center website at module and electronic motion sensors application in evaluating management of w Iw.vet.com elledu/ fhcl. - accelerometers, magnetometers and potential wildlife-protected areas, the re­ gyroscopes - powered by solar cells searchers say. and batteries. They recorded data over 18 months Assessing the Eyes from 367 "hunting events" by three female Re searchers at UC Davis are studying and two male adult cheetahs in the CotWarch' (lSSN 1095·9092) whether new tests for diagnosing and Botswana Predator Conservation Trust in is publl,hed monthly monitoring tear film disorders in humans for S39 per year by remote Northern Botswana. The findings: _ BelVOir Media Grauo, could be applied to cats. "This information I LC 80 ConneCl lcl'\ The cheetahs ran at top speeds of 58 miles -=1 w ill be of immediate use to veterinarians Be\v(}\ r Ave , I ~orwalk , C! 06854 ­ an hour after prey, mostly impalas. By 1631 Robt'rt Englander, worldwide because it will allow early Chairma r1 and CEO;Timot hy H, Cole, comparison, according to the Cornell Feline Executive ice Presi dent, Editor ial diagnosis and treatment of tear film Director; Philip L. PeMy, Chref Health Center, domestic cats can sprint abnormalities in cats (and) minimize ocular Operating Office r; Greg lng, Execu ti ve at 30 miles an hour for short distances, a Vice President, Marke 1119 DireClOr; Ron pain and the potential for seve re or chronic Goldberg, Chief Financial Officer; Tom remarkable feat in its own right. complications," says the Winn Feline Canfield, Vice PreSident, Circuiation. Although speed is certainly important ~2012 Belvoir Medra GrouQ, llC. to a cheetah's hunting success, grip and Foundation, the study'S sponsor. Po tmasler. Send address correUlons All species have a thin film of tears to c"IWalch, PO. Box 8535, Big Sandy, maneuverability are also critical. according rx 75755·8535 . to the study published in the journal coating their eye s for comfort, eye health For Customer Service Nature. (For information on domestic cats' and vision. The film provides corneal or Subscription information, vim www.calwalchnewsle lercom/cs athleticism, please see "Why Do They lubrication and protection from infection, or cail [01 1fre e: 800·829 -8 93. Almost Always Land on Their Feet7" in our and flushes debriS from the eyes' surface. Expre;s wriuen perm iss ion is October 2013 issue. A clue Like the cheetah, "Abnormalities in these tear layers are required 10 reprod'JCe, In allY manner, the contents of this ISlue. domestic cats have flexible spines.) asso ciated with rapid evaporation of eit her in full or in part For more The average length of the cheetahs' run the tears and drying of the conjunctiva info rmation, write [0 Perm issrons, C,lIWa ch, 800 Conneclfcu Ave., was 189 yards, w ith the longest ones measur­ and cornea, which is highly painful and or walk, Connecticut 06854- 163 1. ing 611 yards, or about six football fields. potentially blinding," the foundation says. •:.

2 CatWcltch NO VEMBER 2013 NUTRITION Finicky Eaters? They're Born That Way In other cases, infection, disease, pain and medications can cause a lack of appetite

eterinary nutritionist Joseph J. Q: Which medications tend to V Wakshlag, DVM, Ph.D., has an eye­ cause inappetence? opening assessment about finicky eat­ A. Opioids like morphine decrease the ers: "The reality is that most finicky cats motility of the gastrointestinal system are the best kinds to have because they and can cause it. Many chemotherapeutic regulate themselves. They eat to meet a drugs will cause nausea, which causes a requirement to keep themselves alive, not lack ofappetite. It's generally not a prob­ Cats appear to have similar appetite centers in their brains as those In humans because their lem if a cat is on a week's worth ofantibi­ for pleasure. They are lean animals and rates of obeSity are similar. usually live longer." otics, but chemotherapy is a problem. If Some cats are born finicky about your pet is on medication for allergies, it food. "Hormones control part of this. can change the appetite: Prednisone usu­ tein and fat. Like people, every animal There are appetite centers in your ally increases it, while cyclosporine tends has different preferences. brain, and they control your hunger to decrease appetite. patterns - what and how often you Q: What are long-term solutions? eat," says Dr. Wakshlag, Associate Pro­ Q: When does inappetence war­ Some solutions are to provide fessor at the Cornell University College rant a veterinary visit? energy-dense food, food with a higher of Veterinary Medicine. "It's part of . After two days or two to three meals. calorie and fat content than you would the reason some people like to eat and When cats don't eat, they are probably normally use. These are more palatable. become overweight and others don't. sick. Usually a mouth check is the most Heating food can make a bit of differ­ Since all other species where this has important examination, and the veteri­ ence for cats. been examined show the same patterns narian will look for such things as an ul­ When necessary, cats can be given of similar appetite centers, and also cer on the tongue, loose teeth or a tumor their nutrition through feeding tubes. because they have the same rates of in the mouth. These tubes must be placed while the cat obesity as people, we assume the physi­ is under general anesthesia. ology is similar." Q: What are the cautions when trying to get your cat to eat? Q: Can inappetence cause other Q: What are other causes of . You have to be careful ofadverse reac­ problems? inappetence? tions. If I give a chemo drug, the result is : Anorexia is a problem since cats can . Ifa c is on medication, this can you're nauseous. Here's your food, which use fat for fuel, but when a cat starts sometimes be the cause. If he's not on you won't eat because you are nauseous, mobilizing fat stores - the fat on the medication and becomes inappetent, and now you are averse to that particular body - for energy, the liver has a hard then you know there is probably disease. food. Change the food to a different form, time keeping up, and the fat can accu­ Inappetence is a clinical sign of kidney and you'll know if the cat is not eating mulate in the liver causing hepatic lipi­ disease, liver failure and infection. Pain because he's averse to it or ifhe is still dosis, often called "fatty liver," which can cause it. Dental disease and some nauseated. Try new pet food, and if new causes liver failure. The fatter the cat forms of pain in the mouth can cause food doesn't work, then we go to human is before weight loss begins, the bigger it, although that's more so for cats than food. But we have to be aware that if the the problem. dogs. Dogs can usually muscle through cat is nauseous, and we force food on him, However, if it's caught early, hepatic dental disease. then he will just end up becoming averse lipidOSis can be treated. Developing to many different foods, so stopping the hepatic lipidOSiS takes about a week of Q: Is there a difference between nausea is the most important thing. complete anorexia, and ifa cat is eating inappetence and anorexia? less than half of his normal food volume, A. Inappetence is more ofa lay term, Q: How do you make food more it might take a bit longer to happen. Un­ whereas anorexia and hyporexia - a palatable? expected or unexplained weight loss is a diminished appetite rather than a loss of Use chicken, broth, cheese. You can bad sign, and your cat should go to the it - are scientific terms. also try jack mackerel. Cats like salt, pro- vet when you notice it. .:­

NOVEM BE R 20 13 Vi sit us at www .ca t watc hnew sletter.com SAfETY Holiday Hazards Can Tempt the Curious They range from 'linear foreign bodies'to lilies, toxic essential oils and exposed electrical cords

A s then-veterinary student Pamela J. L. Schoeffler, DVM, DACVECC, rt.Perry, DVM, Ph.D., was packing her Emergency and Critical Care Sec­ car to head home for the holidays, her cat tion Chief at the Cornell Universi­ Chester began vomiting wads of tinsel. ty College of Veterinary Medicine. When she called the veterinary college to Cats seem to be drawn to them, have Chester examined, her roommate but even eating potpourri, which mentioned that she had seen Chester pull­ has less concentrated oils, can ing strands of tinsel from the tree and eat­ cause severe internal injuries in To protect a tree from climbers, use bungee ing them - she even took photographs. the form of burns to the mouth cords to anchor it to the ceiling or wall. Let your ca t become used to it for several days, then deco­ Dr. Perry rushed Chester to the vet­ and esophagus. ra te with nontoxic, unbreakable ornaments. erinary hospital for abdominal X-rays. While burning candles may "Fortunately, he had already vomited smell inviting, Dr. Schoeffler the majority of the tinsel and did not says they can cause burns from hot nontoxic, unbreakable ornaments. require surgery," she says, and Chester wax ifknocked over by a curious cat Prevent electrical burns to the mouth recovered uneventfully. or even start a house fire. Instead, by wrapping electrical cords in tough Dr. Perry, a lecturer in an imal be­ simmer natural ingredients on the cable covers. And read the label be­ havior at the Cornell University College stove to spread a holiday aroma fore adding chemical extenders to the of Veterinary Medicine, never again throughout your home. Good com­ water for live trees. They may be toxic decorated a tree with tinsel and still binations include pine or cedar to animals who check out the new displays the pictures of Chester eating twigs, bay leaves and nutmeg, or "water bow\." Play it safe by blocking it as a reminder of the trouble cats can cinnamon, cloves and orange peel. access to the water. get into during the holidays. • Hide tire chocolate. Eating it can • All is calm. all is bright. While many Who doesn't have a memory of lead to vomiting, diarrhea and cats enjoy the hustle and bustle of the cat climbing the Christmas tree more serious reactions, depend­ holidays, others could do without the or singeing his tail in a candle flame? ing on the type and amount disruption of their routine and the Dangling ornaments, packages tied ingested. Dark baker's chocolate presence ofstrangers. Even if they with ribbons, beautiful but toxic plants is more toxic than milk choco­ don't have to battle crowds at malls and hordes of guests trooping in and late, which is adulterated with or turn out a perfect roast for 20, the out can all tempt your tabby into trou­ sugar and other ingredients. holidays can be just as stressful - jf ble, but these expert tips can help you • Place Iroliday greenery out of reaclr . not more so - for pets as for people, both survive the holidays intact: At best, cats eat it and then throw Dr. Perry says. it up, usually in the middle of your To reduce stress, maintain as • Supervise guests and cats. Don't let cookie exchange party. At worst, much ofyour eat's normal routine as guests slip Snowball any foods he plants such as mistletoe, holly and possible. A quiet room where he can shouldn't have, and don't give him the amaryllis can cause mild to severe escape from the commotion is ideal. opportunity to snag the string used to vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal dis­ Taking time to provide daily one-on­ wrap the turkey or ham. String, tinsel comfort, difficulty breathing, kidney one time will also help smooth your and ribbons - known to veterinar­ failure and even death if a cat eats cat's ruffled fur and likely lower your ians as potential linear foreign bodies them. Lilies are particularly toxic to blood pressure as well. - are favorite feline playthings, but if cats if they eat even a small amount of swallowed, can cause serious partial the plant or flower, Dr. Perry says. What about those cute jingle-bell or complete intestinal obstructions • Truss th e tree. To protect it from collars? Could they harm your cat? Un­ and injuries like perforations requir­ climbers, anchor the tree to the ceil­ less he chews off and swallows the bells, ing emergency surgery, Dr. Perry says. ing or wall with bungee cords. Wait only his pride will be hurt, but you • Practice safe scents. Essential oils several days to decorate it so your might want to watch your back in case can be highly toxic, says Gretchen cat becomes used to it, then use he has a vengeful nature. +

4 NOVEMBER 2013 RESEARCH

VIRUS... (COUlinuedjrom cover) found differences in the spikey proteins DVM, Ph.D., "For far too long, FIPV has been and the genes that code them. The benign preSident tricky to diagnose because there are two coronavirus had mutated into lethal FIP. and CEO forms of the same virus: one is benign of the Mor­ (FECV) and one is lethal (FIPV)," says Molecular Basis. "As a result of ris Animal Dr. Whittaker. "All current testing can­ our research, we've found the first Foundation. not discriminate because the two are known molecular basis for FIP," Dr. "Thanks to quite similar. Until now, it was possible Whittaker says. The findings were Dr. Whittak­ to say the virus is there, but we weren't published in the journal Emerging er's discovery, able to say if it was safe or dangerous." Infectious Diseases. The Morris scientists may As a result, countless cats suspected Animal Foundation, Winn Feline now be able to of having the FfP virus have been eu­ Foundation and Cornell's Feline develop an ef­ Or. Gary R. Whittaker thanized in catteries and animal shelters Health Center funded the research. fective vaccine "" , a tragic disease.' to stop the spread of the virus. The only "FIP has taken the lives of so many and possible available vaccine is not generally recom­ cats and until now, we simply didn't treatments for this terrible disease." mended by the American Association know much about how the common Dr. Whittaker has been studying of Feline Practitioners. And there is no feline enteric coronavirus mutated into ways to combat FIP for more than two known cure or effective treatment. this deadly disease," says David Haworth, decades. "FIP is a ,tragic disease for fami­ Dr. Whittaker's team compiled hun­ lies falling in love with new kittens and dreds of samples of feline coronarvirus for veterinarians who can do nothing to from donations from veterinarians and stop it," he says. "None of my personal cat owners. The samples included feces, cats have had FIP, but I have had far too blood and abdominal fluid. His deci­ many friends and colleagues who have sion to narrow his focus on a part of had cats with FIP." the virus' structure - crowns of spikey proteins on coronavirus particles - led Help for Shelters. His long-term to the discovery. goal is to develop an effective vaccine. He had long suspected that the proteins "We have gained a lot of information change shapes when responding to prote­ based on our research, and now we can ases - the enzymes that break down pro­ apply this and make better informed teins - in white blood cells, Dr. Whittaker decisions. We are also hoping that we says. When he compared a site in the spike will be able to provide better informa­ protein in the coronavirus to the same tion to shelters and breeders so that area in FIPV that was known to activate A focus on part of the coronavirus' struc­ they will be better able to screen cats ture - irs crowns of splkey proteins - led to members ofother virus families, includ­ the discovery of Its mutation into the FIP virus. before they go to owners and prevent ing inf1uenza... via a host cell protease, he the spread of FIP." (cont , on bottom ofpage 6) THE MUTATATED VIRUS TARGETS AWHITE BLOOD CELL VITAL TO IMMUNITY

Feline infectious peritonitis is a fatal virus that comes blindness and/or paralysis. The mutated virus targets in two forms: effusive (wet) and non-effusive (dry). macrophages, a specific type of white blood cell that Although FIPV can affect any cat of any age or breed, plays key roles in a eat's immune system. Infected cats kittens are more prone to infection, particularly usually die within weeks of contracting this virus. The those in shelters or catteries, as well as geriatric cats. disease has no cure. Purebreds appear to have greater vulnerability, espe­ Sy contrast, the feline enteric coronavirus (FECV) is a cia lly Asian breeds, such as the Birman and Himalayan. benign condition that triggers mild diarrhea or gastro­ In both forms, symptoms in cl ude fever, diarrhea, intestinal episodes, but is not fatal in the vast majority weight loss and lack of appetite. The wet form is char­ of cases. The virus is generally transmitted from one acterized by f luid accumulation in the chest or abdo­ cat to another through infected feces and contaminat­ men. The dry form may affect vision and/or cause ed surfaces, such as food dishes. Most cats with FECV other neurological problems, possibly leading to do not develop FIP.

flOV EMBER 1013 Vis it us at www .catwatc hn ewsletter.com 5 MEDICINE

ARTHRITIS... to 20 to 50 dogs with orthopedic dis­ (continued from cover) ease," Dr. Todhunter says. OrthopediC surgery is seldom an Most arthritis cases at Cornell are option for arthritic cats, says Rory managed medically, he says. Even sur­ J. Todhunter, BVSc, Ph.D., Professor gery, however, calls for an owner's help of Surgery at the Cornell University '" to make it work. "Arthritis is a global College of Veterinary Medicine. Be­ ~ disease, and fiddling around in the cause cats are so small, the surgery is :1 joint isn't going to solve it. Once you've difficult and impractical. Gentle play with a toy mouse provides got the damage, it's there forever." When cats do develop arthritis, beneficial exercise for arthriti~ ~uffere(s, but This is where you come in. Here leaping to bat a toy 011 a string is off limits, they're good at hiding signs of pain, are changes you can make at home such as limping, that tell their owners to improve an arthritic eat's life. The that they're hurting. Consequently, take their cats to a veterinarian for good news: Most of them don't cost their owners are much less likely to treatment. "We might see only one cat a dime. (continued on page 7) WEIGHT LOSS AND MAINTENANCE: 'IT'S CRITICAL'

In addition to changes at home to ease your cat's pain, [deep stupor or unconsciousness] andlor evidence of his veterinarian may offer medical treatments, but the opiold psychological effects. Because It's very bitter, No. 1 prescription on the list for overweight cats is weight many cats find it objectionable." reduction and maintenance, says Dr. Rory J. Todhunter, BVSc, Ph.D., Professor of Surgery at Cornell. Attention Also on the roster of possible treatments: /fA nutra­ to weight can lighten the workload of sore Joints. Dr. ceuticallike Cosequin or Dasuquin or a polysulfated Todhunter calls it critical. glycosaminoglycan like Adequan or Cartrophen under veterinary supervlsion/" Dr. Todhunter says. These After checking the cat for other possible conditions that supplements are derived from natural source5, all with cause joint pain, the veterinarian may prescribe a non­ formulations especially for cats. steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, or NSAID, to lessen irritation in the joints. "Stronger pain medication is also available through your veterinarian/" he says. Surgery is the last resort but it Chronic NSAID use in cats is not without worry, how­ won't cure this progressive disease. ever, so choose the right drug and the correct dos­ ing frequency, says board-certified anesthesiologist On a hopeful note, physical rehabilitation activities such Andrea L. looney, DVM, Senior Lecturer in the Section as hydrotherapy - yes, for cats - can sometimes offer of Pain Management at Cornell. "Tramadol, which can relief, Dr. Looney says. "In facti along with underwater be a very useful drug in dogs with osteoarthritis, can treadmill hydrotherapy, TENS (transcutaneous electric be problematic for cats with the same disease. It com­ nerve stimulation) and therapeutic ultrasound, physical monly causes side effects in cats, such as wobbliness, rehabilitation activities are also a cornerstone of weight staring, inappetance, inactivity, all forms of narcosis loss programs."

RESEARCH

could have implications for similar coro­ VIRUS.. . FOR MORE INFORMATION (coIJtinued from page 5) naviruses, such as FIPV's deadly cousin Dr. Whittaker regards FIP as one of in ferrets and another human-infecting Please visit the Cornell Feline the most challenging viruses to defeat cousin emerging from bats in the Middle Health Center website at but says this new discovery could spur East," he says. "For now, it finally unlocks http://www.vet.comell.edu/fhc/ advances in treating diseases in animals the door to developing the world's first brochures/fip.html" wwwvet. cornell.edu/fhc/brochures/fip.html and people. "This is a scary virus from effective diagnostiCS, preventions and many standpoints, but this discovery therapies for FIP in cats." .:­

6 CatWatd1 NOVEMB ER 20 13 MEDICINE

• Trim the weight. Getting an over­ weight or obese cat to the proper weight may reduce or eliminate the need for medications, Dr. Todhunter says. "You need to do it slowly and be persistent. Remem­ ber the rule is 'Calories in and calories out.' You have to control caloric intake for the pet to lose weight." It may be as easy as fol­ lowing your veterinarian's advice about daily calorie intake for your cat's age and activity. • Provide exercise. "In the best of all worlds, we would not give a pain­ killer; we would build up exercise to prevent pain," Dr. Todhunter says, suggesting gentle daily ex­ ercise that's kind to aching joints. This means batting a toy mouse around the floor is adequate, but Ramps can ease the way to a welcoming sofa for some cat s. jumping to catch a toy mouse dan­ gling from a string is excessive. High-impact play, such as leaping, way, he won't be forced to climb Although your cat may love curling is off the list. Outside play on leash stairs. Speaking of climbing, a pan up to sleep on soft blankets and and harness, laser play, climbing with a lower entry or lower sides pillows, what's underneath them on natural substances and even can make elimination easier. is better firm because it makes ris­ remote-controlled feeding and graz­ • Keep it comfortable. Lucky cat, if ing easier. ing devices help with weight loss. you have low windows facing the • Up and down. Some cats with ar­ • Redo the restroom. Ifyou have a sun. Make the most of the warmth thritis take well to using ramps in­ multi-story house, keep the litter by giving hima place to nap there. stead of steps to access short flights box on the floor in the room where Place his bed in a warm location on of stairs. Others turn up their whis­ your cat spends the most time. That the floor for extended naps. kers at it. Ifyour cat is a potential ramp user, you can buy a ramp or THE ONLY TIPOFFS THAT YOUR (AT MAY HAVE ARTHRITIS build a low-angle one from plywood covered with carpet, making sure Because ecru-generally don'twalk on leash in controlled situations, it's that both ends of the ramp will stay more difficult for veterinarians and owners alike to detect subtle lameness put when your cat is on it. in cats due to osteoarthritis. Changes in spontaneous activity level and • Raise tile bowl. Elevated food and behavior may be the only tipoff. According to the American Animal Hospital water bowls are increasingly com­ Association, these changes may include: mon in pet stores, but you can ac­ • Changes in chewing, eating and/or drinking complish the same effect by plaCing your cat's bowls on a low box or • Weight gain or loss upside-down bowl - if he needs it. • Avoidance of being touched Don't think you have to raise the food bowl unless the cat has neck • Changes in sleeping habits pain, Dr. Todhunter says. • Increased vocalization • Increased urination and/or "accidents" Small changes around the home playa large role in maintaining an • Decreased or excessive grooming arthritic pet's quality of life, Dr. Any of the foregoing signs warrants a veterinary visit. Todhunter says. "What owners can do can make a big difference." ->

NOVEMB ER 1013 Visit us at www.ca!walchnewsletrer.com ASK ELIZABETH

ATabby's Destructive Grooming Allergies to flea bites are quite common in cats. Leads to Extensive Bald Spots They may also become allergic to endoparasites (those that live within the body) such as intestinal parasites. Our 5-year-old male tabby cat has begun Another common cause is food allergy. Cats can grooming and biting himself incessantly become allergic to compounds, most commonly pro­ Q to the point where the fur on his front legs teins, in their diet. Diagnosis involves using a diet com­ and belly has thinned, and he is almost bald in these posed of ingredients that a cat has not been exposed areas. Our efforts to stop him have not been successful, to before (a novel diet). The rationale is that if a cat has as we cannot watch him all the time. He acts normal never been exposed to a compound, he cannot have otherwise, and his appetite is good. He is an indoor cat, an allergic response to it. Novel diet trials require that Elizabeth so we don't think he has fleas and have not seen any the cat get only that diet for at least 12 weeks. evidence ofthis. Can you help so that we can provide Elizabeth is thankful for Common allergens in cat food include beef, lamb, the oSSISronce oiBruce G. some relief to our little man? Kornreich, DVM, Ph.D., soy, dairy products and wheat gluten. Trials of foods DACVIM, AS50nare Ollecror composed of both novel proteins and carbohydrates, Of the Cornell Fe/me Health I'm sorry to hear about your kitty's problem. Cemer. in providing the answer such as duck and potato, may be attempted once on rhl) page. Cats normally spend a great dea'l of their other potential sources of allergy have been ruled out. time grooming .. " as much as 50 percent A third common cause of allergies in cats is atopy, of their waking hours. This grooming is believed to or allergy to inhaled allergens. Like people, cats can PLEASE serve many purposes, from cleaning their coats to become allergic to dust mites, pollens and molds. In SHARE YOUR heat regulation and waterproofing their fur. When some cases, atopy may be a seasonal syndrome (i.e., QUESTIONS cats spend excessive time grooming, however, and/ in spring when grass pollen is abundant). We welcome ques­ or when they groom to the point where they damage tions on health, medi­ their fur, something may be amiss, and a visit to the In any case, a thorough history is an important cine and behavior, but in the diagnosis. A skin test, during which small regret that we cannot veterinarian is warranted. comment on prior Many things can cause a cat to excessively or doses of potential allergens are injected into the diagnoses and specific products. Please write destructively groom, including behavioral issues, skin and monitored for redness and inflammation Ca/Watch Editor, 800 such as boredom and stress, and medical condi­ indicative of an allergic response, or blood tests to Connecticut Ave., Norwalk, CT, 06854 or tions, such as hyperthyroidism and obesity. The detect antibodies involved in allergic responses to email catwcllcheditor@ specific compounds may be helpful. corneU.edu. behavior can also be an indication of itchiness due to an allergy. In fact, allergies were the most com­ Treatment generally involves avoiding allergens mon cause of skin disease in cats in a recent study and dampening the immune response because COMING UP .•. by dermatologists at the Cornell University College allergies can be thought of as a hyperactive of Veterinary Medicine. immune response to inappropriate allergens. Drugs Determining the cause of itchiness can be chal­ like steroids, antihistamines and in some cases lenging. I know that you don't see fleas, but your cyclosporine can be used to control the itchiness in veterinarian will make sure that your kitty does not many cases. Allergen-specific immunotherapy (i.e., have any ectoparasites (parasites living outside the "allergy shots"), in which small amounts of allergen body), such as fleas, lice, mites or ticks. They can are intermittently injected under the skin, may cause cats to lick and bite their fur either because desensitize some cats to the offending allergens. they're trying to remove them, or the parasites I hope that you figure out your kitty's problem induce an allergic response (usually to the para­ soon. It makes me itchy just thinking about it! Please site's saliva) when they bite the cat. drop me a line to update me. -Sincerely, Elizabeth ':­

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8 NOVEMBER 2013