THE FELINE HEALTH CENTER. CORNELL COLLEGE OF VETERINARY MEDICINE h"",,,,.,, ".., @n..us JUST IN Keep Those Pawprints Perfed The Debate Continues It's easy to overlook paw-pad health Study finds people still cat uses her paws to scratch to interested in vegan pet food relieve stress, express contentment, UniVersity of Guelph online Amark territory. avoid danger, and survey of 3,673 pet owners found fight (if necessary). AmaZingly, cat paws Athat 35 percent of the responders are extremely sensitive. They can feel whose pets ate conventional diets were heat, cold, and vibration. They even help interested in switching to a vegan diet. keep cats cool (a paw can sweat), And Published in the journal PLoS One, yet, despite the many things cats do with the study says that 55 percellt said their paws, the health of these unique they needed further evidence that a extremities is often ignored. A eat's paw is a hard-working tool, responsible plant.. based diet would meet their pets' for emotions, protection, and cooling. nutritional needs and their veterinarian's SeJfHnllh approval and plant.. based pet foods to be Cats are fastidious groomers and or scrapes. If the abrasions are swollen easily available. normally keep the surface of the paw or red-or your cat is lame-have your Previous studies show that pet owners pads clear of dirt and debris such as litter. veterinarian check her. tend to offer the same kind of diets to Still, it's important that you periodically Cats can develop a rare condition their dogs and cats that they adopt for check to be sure nothing is stuck to the called "piUow foot:' aka plasma cell themselves. However, there has not paw pads. Ifyou notice something on pododermatitis. The underlying cause is been much research on the nutritional a pad, gently clean it off with a warm, not well understood but may be related SUitability ofvegan diets for dogs and damp washcloth. Be aware, though, that to allergies. Early signs include an cats, nor on the health benefits and risks this could be a subtle sign of illness. inflamed pad and lameness. The swelling ofplant.. based diets in these animals, says You may notice your kitty pulling can become severe. Treatment is aimed lead author Sarah Dodd. the tips off ofher claws. This removes at modulating the immune system with Cats, of course, are obligate the old, outer sheath, exposing healthy medication. Ifyou notice swelling ofthe carnivores, meaning they need meat in claw beneath. Be sure you have several paws. a veterinary visit is in order. their diet to survive. Vegetarian or vegan different scratching posts available. With careful attention to paw pad diets are not recommended for . • Different textures offer choices and make health, problems can be identified early it less likely that your cat will choose and addressed. Her paws are essential for to use the furniture. Ifyou are haVing good mental and physical health .• ___ f"N- ~"'-"' #JlliludN ~ a hard time convincing YOUt feline to Jeedi"g practices PLOS use a scratching post, try pheromones ONE, 2019; 11 (I); e02J0806 and catnip on the surface to entice her. What You Can Do DOl: lO.J37J!journal. Be sure to locate the posts in a spot she Combll 51..,n: If your cat stresses pone. 02 10806. seems to frequent. A post hidden off in during nail-trim time, ask your the basement may not get much use. veterinarian about medications to If your cat has long hair between the minimize stress. Gabapentin, an INSIDE THIS ISSUE toes, keep it trimmed. Long hair can anxiolytic and mild sedative, can be obscure toe and nail problems. In some especially useful for this. Vitamins a"d Minerals for Kitten Diarrhea..2 cases, nails can grow so long that they Battling Family Allergies to Cats ...... 2 curve and grow into the toe pads, which U.e F/rsl.. Ald on CUi QuIcks: If you Fungus in Brazil ...... 2 can cause pain and infection. In addition, accidentally cut the quick in a nail AAFP on Vacclnes ...... 2 extremely long hair can decrease the and it bleeds, apply KwikStop powder sensitivity and traction ofyour cat's feet. DrowningIn Dandruff...... 3 or cornstarch to the area with gentle pressure to stop the bleeding. Monitor When Hear! Failure Occurs ...... •...4 PIW Problem. Deciphering Orool ...... 5 it to be sure that the bleeding stops Extreme temperatures can cause trauma and remember that. with an exposed Ear Scratching and Headshaking ...... 6 to the paws. Burns from both hot and quick, infection is possible. (See "Trim Bloodwork for Kidney Disease...... 7 cold pavement are not uncommon in Those Nails' in our May 2018 issue, Can Heart Disease Reverse Itself? ...... 8 outside cats. If the weather is extreme, available at catwatchnewsletter.com, Happening Now ...... 8 check your cat's paws carefully when for nail .. cutting tips.) she comes indoors. Watch for cracks Vitamins and Minerals for ,Kitten Diarrhea Survival rate was higher with the dietary supplement CatWatch EDtTOR IN CHIEF Bru ce G. Kornreich, DVM, he Journ al ofFeline Medicine and Surgery published a study (Strong, 5j, et aI2019), Ph.D., Dipl ACVtM shared on journals.sagepub.com, that looked at treatment options for orphaned Tkittens with diarrhea. The study induded 1,718 orphaned kittens and found EXECUTlvt EDITOR that kittens who received a vitamin and mineral supplement were 12.8 times Cynthia Foley more likely to survive than those that did not. "Treatment with subcutaneous fluids, penicWin G. tube fe ed ing. a probiotic containing Enterococcus faecium TECHNtCAL EDITOR SF68, ponazuril, or metronidazole did not statistically significantly increase Debra M. Eldredge, DVM the survival of kittens with diarrhea;' says the report. • ADVISORY SOARD James A. Flanders, DVM, Dipl ACVS, Battling Family Allergies to Cats ASSOCIa te Prof(tSSt)l, G niCal )oences Marga ret C. McEntee, DVM, Knowing the source may go a long way toward control Dlpl ACVIM, DACVR, Pro res~or of Oncolog y

hile cat hair takes the blame for causing cat allergies, it is the proteins in cat William H. Miller, Jr., VMD, DipJ ACVD, saliva that stimulate most human allergic reactions. The "dander" or dried Professor, Clinic al SC h~f'lI..es. WsaJiva left on your eat's hair coat after she grooms-not the hair- is usually Pamela J. Perry, DVM, Ph.D. the true culprit. To reduce exposure, keep lectuh:f. Cilni C1'l1 S(1 ences, ACVB BehaVior ReSiden t your cat well-groomed (microfiber cloth is great at grabbing dander), dust and Ca tWatch is an independenr vacuum daily, and limit your cat's access to newsletter produced in collaboration speCific rooms, such as bedrooms. Change with the Co rnell College of Veteri nary Medicine Feline Hea lth Center furnace filt ers regularly, consider ai r filters in rooms, and wash bedding regularly. It Cornell Unlversitv also helps if you wash your hands after College of Vete rin'ary Medicine playing with the cat. Many cat allergies can I) Feline Hea lth Center be controlled with standard allergy drugs. For information on your cat's hea lth,"Isit Talk with your physician . • the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell Feline Health Ce nter website at ww w.vet .comeli.edu/fhc/. @DID YO U KNOW? Send Ask Eltube-lh qU11!5tions Fungus in Brazil and l@ttefS to the editor. ( alWatch ' AAFP on Vaccines 535 Connec ticut Ave. "Clown nose" is fatal in cats Norwa Ik, CT 06854·1 71 3 he A l11 e r ic~lI1 Association of c a twa tc h ed [email protected] u he Americ an Veterinary Medical Feline Practitioners makes Association (AVMA) reports that Trecommendations on vaccine Subscriptions: 539 per year (U.S.) " 549 the Centers for Disease Control choices for cats that you can lise in per year (Canada). For sub scription and T customer service information, visit (CDC) is monitoring a fungal infection vaccination discussions with your www.catwatc hn ewsletter.com/cs (Sporothrix brasiliensis) in Brazil and veterinarian. or write to: CatWa tch, P.O. Box 8535, nearby countries that is being spread by Big Sandy, TX 75755-B535. 80()-829-8893 cats to people. The infections in cats are Core va«lnes (for every cat): known as "clown nose" because of th e .. Rabies (may be legally required) CatWatch" (1 55 N; 1095-9092) is swollen, infected nasal mucosa seen in .. Feline panleukopenia (FPV) _ published monthly (or $39 per yea rby 8elvolr Media Group, llC, affe cted cats. ft's usually fa tal in cats. .. Feline herpesvirus-I (FHV-I) :] ~ 535 Connecticut Ave., Norwalk, "Sporolhrix schenckii is fo und .. Feline calicivirus (FCV) CT06854-17 13. Robe rt Englander, Bel voir Chairman and CEO; nmothy H. Cote, throughout the world, including the .. Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) for at Executive Vice PreSident, Editorial U.S.:' says the report. "It causes 'rose least the first year Director; Philip l. Penny, Chief Operating Officer; ga rdener's di seD se; a rare infection Greg Ki ng, Executive Vice President, Marketing Director; Ro n Goldberg, Chief Financial Officer; mostly linked to cuts and scrapes that are Non-core (give If cat Is at risk): Tom Canfield, Vice President,Ci rculation. exposed to soil and plants. It ca n cause .. Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) e l019 BelvoirMedia Group, llC. slow·healing lesions and, less .. Bordetella bronchiseptica Postm aster:Send address correct ions to often, respiratory infections or .. Feline immunodeficiency virus (atWatch, P.O. Sox 8535, Big Sandy,TX 75755-8535.

generalized infections with (FIV) Express written permission IS required to joint pain, headache, .. Chlamydophila felis reproduce, In any manner, the contents of this or se izures," says the .. Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) issue, either In full or in part. For more informatIon: Permissions, (atWat ch, 5)5 Connecticut Ave., AVMA. . .. Dermatophyte . Norwa lk, Connecticut 06854· 171).

(atWatch Jun e 20 19 ------~111111111

Miller. "From a cosmetic point of view, Drowning in Dandruff the dandruff can be removed by combing or bathing:' Underlying conditions Unhealthy skin results in visible dandruff such as dermatitis, diabetes, flea-bite allergy, or hyperthyroidism will require · isable dandruff is rarely normal. It appropriate treatment to resolve the may indicate a problem in our care dandruff along with other symptoms. Vor an underlying health problem. Daily brushing stimulates the skin NAil animals have very active skin, and removes dead hair and debris, and where new ceLis are produced every day is a great bonding activity, Try different and the old, dead cells are sloughed off brushes to see what he likes and start by into the environment:' says Dr. William only brushing for a few minutes at a time, Miller, VMD, DACVD, Dermatology For the cat who is otherwise healthy Section Chief at the Cornell University with clean, pink skin, it's bath time! College of Veterinary Medicine. "This Choose a shampoo that is formulated shedding usually is invisible becallse the for cats, as your favorite suds may just sloughed cells are so small." make his dry skin worse. Limit baths to Imbalances in the amount ofsebum once every two to three weeks (or less on the skin can cause the skin to look frequently), unless otherwise directed by and behave differently. "If the lipids or Take some time to find the grooming tool both your veterinarian .• fluids within the skin are abnormal then you and your cat enjoy using, the cells are sloughed in sheets that are visible to the naked eye. If the skin is skin disease, then the dandruff indicates Turning to Diet diseased, it can produce more cells than a health concern;' says Dr. Miller. A Diet may impact the lipid content normal and those aren't shed normally­ veterinary ~xam is in ord~r to rule out hence dandruff;' says Dr. Miller. disease and discuss any changes in your or your eat's skin and contribute to eat's behavior or environment that might dandruff."If the cat is eating a low-rat Causes give clues to the cause of the dandruff. rood to lose weight or control some Allergies and parasite infestations are Diagnostic measures include a comb internal disease. then a nutritional often first noticed as changes in the skin, check for fleas and a skin scrape for change, especially with ratty acid A cat with allergies may exhibit red, itchy, fungal infectjons, mites, and signs of skin supplements, can be beneft clal; says flaking, andlor irritated skin. A cat with disorders. Bloodwork will provide clues Dr. Mille r. ' Healthy cats who are red fleas may have flaking or irritated skin about systemic diseases and hormonal a good quality food won't typically along his back and hind end. The fungal imbalances that may be causes. beneftt rrom a nutritional infection ringworm typically appears change. If the cat has an as a bald circu\arpatch offlaking skin. Treatment underlying skin disease, More serious causes ofdandruff include "The best thing is to figure out the cause nutri tional supplements us ually diabetes, hyperthyroidism, and other for the dandruff and fix that;' says Dr. do ve ry little." e hormonal imbalances, However, dandruff may be due to controUable causes, such as low humidity, sunburn, bathing with a shampoo not formulated tor cats, or even stress. It also may be due to a cat who has difficulty grooming himself. The debris and excess 31st Annual Fred Scott sebum buildup causes dandruff, usually with greasy, unkempt hair. Feline Symposium

Worry or Not? "Dandruff caused by low humidity Celelntfng 31 ye.. of_Wn

www.catwatchnewsletter.com Jun.2019 J chest cavity. When Heart Failure Occurs Bloodwork assesses the function of major organs and may indicate whether It's usually progressive, and early signs are easily missed infections are present and how much oxygen is being carried in the blood. ny cat can experience heart failure. Emergency These tests are stressful for the cat, something owners may be unaware Ifyour cat is having difficulty breathing, especially if she is in respiratory and A of until it's an emergency. The can't walk or move her hind legs. or you cardiac distress. In some cases, the cat symptoms can remain "hidden" because otherwise suspect heart failure, she needs may be sedated to keep her calm while cats are stoic and can often appear to be seell by a veterinarian immediately. diagnostic measures are performed, or normal, even when they are very ill. Once at the hospital, the staff will they may be postponed until the cat is Most cases of heart failure are chronic attempt to stahilize the cat with oxygen, stabilized. and progressive, which means the heart diuretics to help remove excess fluid, and failure is an ongoing condition that medications to improve the ability of the cardiac Treatment worsens over time, just as in people. heart to contract and/or to dilate blood Not surprisingly, treatment varies with Acute-or sudden onset-episodes of vessels. Once she's stable. the veterinarian the type and severity of the eat's heart heart failure do, however, happen in cats. usually will begin diagnostic testing. disease. Medication to address the heart ''Available diagnostics include failure and prevent clot formation is Symptoms of Heart Failure echocardiography, electrocardiography, most commonly required for the rest of Signs that poi.nt to acute heart failure radiography, blood chemistry the cat's life. Heart-specific medications include "elevated respiratory rate, monitoring. and pulse oximetry to indude: increased respiratory effort, lethargy, measure the oxygenation of the blood;' ... Diuretics (such as furosemide) to treat and exercise intolerance," explains Bruce says Dr. Kornreich. fluid retention/congestion Kornreich, DVM, PhD, board-certified Echocardiography uses ultrasound ... Angiotensin converting enzyme veterinary cardiologist and Associate waves to visualize the heart. The (ACE) inhibitors, such as enalapril, Director of the Feline Health Center veterinarian can see the dimensions of to dilate blood vessels and address at the Cornell University College of the heart and its chamber walls, as well as negative physiologic response to Veterinary Medicine. how fast and effectively it is contracting. heart failure A cat who is having difficulty This technology can rule out the presence ~ Clopidogrel (Plavix) and/or aspirin to breathing will often crouch, with her of blood dots in the heart, which are prevent dot formation in the heart head extended straight out and elevated relatively common with the dilated atrial ~ Pimobendan (common off label use; and elbows held out to the side. You chambers that arc often seen in feline FDA-approved for dogs) to increase may notice the eat's sides heaving as she heart disease. cardiac pumping ability and dilate breathes. This is an emergency. Electrocardiography, or ECG/EKG, blood vessels Usually, an affected cat will be measures the electrical activity of the ~ Beta blockers (Jess commonly lethargic andlor unable to maintain heart and can tell if the heart is beating used) to control fast heart rates activity. As heart failure progresses, at an inappropriate rate and if some and minimize excessive oxygen signs of decreased blood flow (cold chambers are contracting out of order consumption by the heart. extremities, pale gums, weak pulses) may (called arrhythmia). be observed. Radiography (x-rays) can show the Causes of Heart Failure size of the heart relative to the Ch ronic heart failure is often related to rest of the body and allows issues with the walls of the heart. the veterinarian to observe Hypertrophic cardIomyopathy, a the lungs, blood vessels, and primary disease of the heart muscle in surrounding tissues in the which the walls of the heart thicken over

What You Should Do: Learn the signs ofheart failure Early Symptoms Emergency Sympto....

... Increased respiratory .. Severely increased resiratory rate/ rate (over 40 breaths per effort minute) ~ Paralysis (most commonly hind limbs) ~ Inactivity due to a clot

• Exercise intolerance ~ Open-mouthed breathing

• Weight loss ~ Weakness, lethargy

~ Decreased appetite • Collapse

4 (atWatch June 2019 ------~iUIIIIIII time, is the most common heart disease in cats. It limits the amount of blood that Deciphering Drool can enter the ventricles during relaxation, decreasing overall cardiac output and Drooling may be a sign ofa bigger problem the amount of oxygenated blood that is pumped to the rest of the body. hen you think drool, you think Restridive cardiomyopathy refers dogs, but cats drool, too. The to a condition in which the walls of the Wdifference is, feline drool is rarely ventricle become inelastic and blood flow normal. Ifyour cat is drooling, she may into them during ventricular relaxation be either overproducing saliva or having is restricted. 1his predisposes the heart to trouble swallowing it, and it is important abnormalities of ventricular filling, with to find out the cause. resulting poor output and, ultimately, congestive heart failure. Drooling Problems Dilated cardiomyopathy is • The most common caUSe of excess condition in which the ventricular walls drooling is a dental/periodontal problem, become thin and less able to contract, such as tooth resorption, stomatitis. or resulting in dilation of the heart, poor gingivitis. You might notice bad breath cardiac output, and ultimately congestive along with the drooling, a hesitation to heart failure .. It is not nea·rly as common eat or drink, rednesslinnammation of the as it was a few decades ago due to the gums, or a buildup of tartar and plaque appropriate addition of the amino acid on her teeth. Adrooling cat needs to see a veterinarian to taurine to cat foods. Drooling red flags include: rule out an abnormal cause. ~ Blood in the saliva Heart Defects ~ Sad breath dislocated jaw can make swallowing Other structural abnormalities within or ~ Lack of appetite difficult and painful. Electric shock outside the heart can impact its ability ~ Weakness (biting a cord) can injure sensitive oral to transport blood. Problems with valves ~ Lethargy tissues and cause excess salivation. can either restric.:t blood flow or allow Oral cancers, such as squamous cell A cat battling kidney (renal) disease­ it to regurgitate in the wrong dire'etion, carcinomas, or a foreign body such as a common in senior cats-may drool. The predisposing to congestion and, in many piece of bone or wood stuck across your buildup of toxins in the blood due to cases, congestive heart failure. cat's hard palate, are possible causes. Cats the decreased kidney function can cause Congenital heart defects can result also may swallow string. which can get uremia, which may lead to ulcers in the in abnormal shunting of blood from the stuck around the base of the tongue and mouth, on the tongue. and on the gums. oxygenated part of the system to the side trail into the gastrointestinal tract. Extra saliva is often produced in these with relatively low oxygen, resulting in Any wound or injury to the mouth cases. decreased oxygen delivery to the body. will usually stimulate increased drooling. Liver disease, especially portosystemic Excess fluid outside the heart, either in Saliva soothes the sensitive tissues and shunts in young cats, can cause excess the pericardia] sac that surrounds the helps to promote healing. Trauma, such salivation. In fact, drooling is often one of heart (called pericardial effUSion) or in or as being hit by a car or falling from the first symptoms of liver disease. This around the lungs, can also impair cardiac a window, that results in a broken or is secondary to toxin buildup and may be function and result in decreased delivery related to nausea. Anything that causes oforygenated blood to the-body. ·n.ausea in your cat can stimulate excessive Happy salivation. Cats who get carsick will often Monitoring for Heart Disease Drooling drool heavily. To watch for signs of early heart failure, "Happy drooling" is the term used Dr. Kornreich recommends you: when your cat is purring softly, " Normal" Drooling ~ Regularly visit the veterinarian kneading away, and drooling. It is Ifyou've ever tried to give your cat a (annually until age 10; then twice a theorized that this drooling may bitter medication, you may have noticed year) refiect back to kitten hood and increased drooling, especially if she holds ~ Feed a nutritionally complete and happily nursing on their mother. If it in her mouth prior to swallowing (or balanced diet close inspection shows your cat has a spitting it out, a skill that most cats have ~ Maintain healthy weight healthy mouth and feels good, then mastered). Some cat breeds, such as Ragdolls it is likely simply her idiosyncrasy. Toxins can stimulate salivation. For and Maine Coons for hypertrophic Similarly, some cats will drool and purr example, many plants aren't seriously cardiomyopathy, can have genetic tests to softly as they rub or toxic but are irritants to oral tissues and screen for heritable heart conditions. against you. This may cause drooling. The most important thing is to be might be a It's wise to consider drooling in a cat aware of your cat's normal status. so that of marking abnormal until proven otherwise. Ifit's if you notice she no longer pJays or seems behavior, as truly the result of an injury or illness, to have suddenly become finicky, you can they leave some the faster you address the problem, the

get veterinary help immediately.• drool to dry on you. -.~ sooner you can control it. •

www.(atwatchnew5Ietter.(om June 2019 5 usuaJly observed through a veterinary Ear Scratching and Headshaking otoscopiC exam or under a microscope. Symptoms: Cats with ear mites Causes can vary with age, but hearing loss is a concern shake their heads, paw at their ears, hold their ears at unusual angles, andlor rub hen it comes to ears, there's a their hcads and ears. Usually, both ears "Big Fou r" of common problems, are infesled. You may see a buildup of Wsays William H. Miller Jr. VMD dark wax or cerumen in the ears (looks DACVD, Professor of Medicine, Section like coffee grounds) and sometimes blood of Dermatology, Medical Director, due to the cat scratching her ears. Cornell University Hospital for Animals: Treatment: Many topical fl ea and " Ear mites, especially for young cats tick medications kill ear mites. Start with bilateral disease by cleaning th e ear carefully (see July " Inflammatory polyp, likely offender 2018 "Have You Heard ~" available at in a young cat with one ear involved catwatchnewsletter.com) and removing as " Bilateral otitis, common in older many mites as possible. Your veterinarian cats, especially with allergies may give you ear drops, espeCially if there " Unilateral otitis, due to a tumor or is a secondary infection. foreign body in the ear canal. You shouldn't ignofe it: Aserious problem may be driving the cat to scratch his ears. Ear Polyp Ear Mite Infestation Polyps o"cur most frequently in cats Although kittens battle more than their found in rabbits). Dogs and cats can 8 to 12 months of age, usually after a fair share, mites can in fest cats of any age. share these mites. Ear mites don't jump or respiratory illness. vVhat causes a polyp Mite infestations comprise 50 percent of run like flea s-they walk from one pet to remains a debate, but viral respiratory all feline ear problems. another. If one pet is diagnosed with ear infections are strongly suspected . What It Is: Ear mites (Ot odectes mites, treat all the pets in the family. What Ills: A n ear polyp is a benign cytlQoti) are an external parasite with a Cats can have as many as 1,000 growth that starts in the middle ear. predilection for ears, although they can mites in one ear. Sheer numbers lead to Ear polyps can present in many ways live on a cat's neck and head as well. They irritation, for sure, but some cats react (see also "When a Nasopha rngeal Polyp also infest dogs and wildlife like foxes more strongly than others. While mites Makes an Appearance:' February 2018, (but they're not the common species may be seen with the naked eye, they are at catwatchnewsletter.com), and they usuaUy need to be removed. A polyp can interfere with breathing if it grows back Less Common Ear Illnesses and Complications up the Eustachian tube, which is a canal that con nects the middle ear with the Severe fnfections: Severe infections, whether bacterial. fungal, or mite-induced, nasopharynx. Other polyps may grow may require sedation to do a deep ear cleaning. Some cats will show temporary in the ear canal itself, and some may vestibular signs, like a head tilt, after a deep flushing. jeopardize the ear drum. Symptoms: Cats will exhibit Hematoma: A side effect of ear mites and/or ear infections can be a hematoma. respiratory problems. like sneezing. They When scratching at the ear or vigorously shaking her head, your cat might cause may shake their heads. paw at ears, and blood ve55els in the ear to rupture. As these bleed, they fill the limited space display a head tilt. Ifa polyp pushes on between the planes of cartilage in the ear, resulting in a painful, warm, and grossly the middle ear. you may notice the cat has swollen ear. "Hematomas will resolve spontaneously. but the pinna will tend to difficulty walking due to a polyp-induced crinkle as the hematoma contracts. To prevent pinnal (outer ear) damage, the balance problem. hematoma can be drained, and compression bandaged if the cat will tolerate a Treatment: Sedation is often bandage. Surgery can be done to remove the clot once the bleeding has stopped;' says Dr. Miller.

Foreign Bodie.s: Bugs, seeds, and plant material like foxtail awns can migrate into an ear. Some foreign bodies can be flu shed out, though sedation may be required. Others require forceps to retrieve the offending foreign body.

Cancer: An adult cat with just one ear affected may have a cancerous growth. Secondary infections can cause a bad odor and purulent disc harge. Squamous cell carcinomas can be seen on white ears with growth related to sun exposure. Superficial cancers caught early may be removed. Other cancers may grow down in the ear canal where usually they aren't caught early. I I Cerumen Cysts: Caused by blocked oil glands, these cysts may appear bluish , or dark in color. These are benign. However, they sometimes get big enough to limit airflow in the ear and need to be removed. !

6 (atWatch June 2019 ------~iIIIIIIII

reqUired to diagnose a polyp. Polyps in the ear canal are found on otoscopic Bloodwork for Kidney Disease examination, and sometimes steady traction will bring the polyp down, A renal panel is good for early detection stretch it, and break the stalk. ln rare cases, the polyp may have grown up . dney disease can be a serious with renal illnesses, some cancers, around the bulla of the ear. Removal of problem. especially older cats, but hypervitaminosis D, the ingestion these polyps requires more extensive ~'t can be difficult to catch. Your cat of certain rodenticides, and some surgery. Most polyps are benign, and must lose up to 75 percent of her kidney granulomatous fungal diseases. removal is generally curative, but function before changes become evident Hypercalcemia (high blood calcium) can occasionally a polyp will grow back. on standard screening bloodwork. A cause renal disease, making it difficult routine urinalysis, however, may give to decide which came first-the calcium Otitis (Ear Infection) your veterinarian a heads up that a blood problem or the kidney problem. Severe Most ear infections start as otitis externa. renal panel should be run to specifically hypercalcemia can be fatal. which mean!o; the infection is limited evaluate kidney fllJ1Ction. Phosphate (P) level. most commonly to the external part of the eat's ear. Left SodIum (Na) levels are controlled rise with renal disease. Sodium untreated. it can spread farther into the by a hormone called aldosterone, which phosphate enemas and some rodenticides ear. Otitis media (infection in the middle is produced in the adrenal glands. High can also cause hyper phosphatemia. ear) or otitis interna (infection in the levels of sodium can COme from a wide Hyperthyroidism in cats may cause inner car) can lead to deafness. ra·nge ofcauses, including vomi-ting, an increase iA -phosphate,-as-thyroxin What It Is: Otitis is an infection that diarrhea, kidney disease/injury, (thyroid hormone) can interfere with causes an overproduction ofearwax and dehydration/decreased fluid intake, and renal clearance of phosphate. tissue damage. It can progress to a painful the administration of intravenous fluids Hypophosphatemia (low phosphorus ruptured ear drum. Otitis media may with high sodium content. levels) can lead to neurologic and cause vestibular Signs, like head tilting. Chloride (CI), sodium, and potassium musculoskeletal problems, ranging from Symptoms: Headshaking, a bad work together in your cat's body. High seizures or ataxia to cardiomyopathy. odor, and scratching are the usual initial chloride may occur when the kidneys High concentrations of an inhibitor of symptoms. Itchy, red, and inflamed are not removing enough ac id from phosphate resorption by the kidneys ears may be due to allergies, like atopy the blood (this often indicates kidney sometimes develops in cats with chronic (allergic dermatitis), a reaction to inhaled failure), with decreased water intake, renal failure. In these situations, the allergens like pollen. the administration of drugs that cause kidneys fail to resorb the ideal amount of Treatment: A swab of the debris Cl retention, diabetes mellitus. and with phosphate and an excess amount is lost in will be taken for examination under a vo miting or diarrhea. the urine. microscope_ The ear will be cleaned, and Hyperventilation can lead to Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and medicated drops or ointment will be increased chloride. In contrast, low creatinine (creat) arc waste products prescribed. If allergy-related, treatment chloride is often associated with that are normally filtered from the blood may include looking for the cause. vomiting, diarrhea, renal problems, and by the kidneys. Minor increases of BUN Secondary problem.s, such as bacterial the administration of drugs that cause may be seen ifyour cat has recently (smelly purulent discharge) or yeast chloride loss (i.e diuretics). consumed a meaty meal. but the most (very inflamed. moist ears, possible clear PotassIum (K) levels are primarily common causes of these molecules discharge) infections, will be treated. controlled via the kidneys and the increasing are renal disease and Depending on severity and the type of endocrine system. High levels of dehydration. bacteria or fungus involved, your cat may pot;:U;SililTI can interfere ~with car-diac SDMA,..or rymmetric need oral antibiotics as wen as topical ear muscle fu nction-even to the point of dimethylarginine assay. is a biomarker of ointments or drops. Oral corticosteroids death. Acute renal failure, urinary tract kidney function. SDMA increases early may be needed initially for relief. obstruction or rupture, and Addison's in renal disease, when only 25 percent Luckily, most cats go through life disease can alJ increase potassium. of kidney function is lost, \vhich is far without ear problems. Bu t if your cat Low levels of blood potassium can earJier in the progression ofdisease than shows any discomfort around her ears be dead ly, too, which is why cats on low­ elevations in BU N and crcntinine. Early or any discharge from the ear, have a potassium prescription diets andlor diagnosis means earlier treatment. veterinarian examine her promptly. • drugs that cause potassium loss rt!quire WhHe there is no clIre for chronic monitoring. While vomiting and diarrhea kidney disease in cat.s, some interventions may lead to low potassiu m levels as well, (such as a protein and phosphorus Cleaning Tip kidney losses are the most likely cause. restricted diet) can at least slow the Calcium (Ca) levels may rise progression of the disease . • "Cats' ears are very sensitive and don't tolerate too much cleaning or medicating,"warns Dr. Miller, "A veterinarian's instructions should be followed exactly." If the cat is bothered by the treatment, call your veterinarian.

www.(atwat(hnewsletter.(om June 2019 7 IIIIIIIIII~------

(called cardiac troponin-1. C-TNI) in the Can Heart Disease Reverse Itself? blood, suggesting that heart muscle cells have died and released C-TNI into the Echocardiogram shows he's now normal bloodstream, where it is detected, Finding elevated C-TNI levels in OUf cat was diagnosed with the blood of cats usually is presumed Q hypertrophic cardiomyopathy Have a Question For to be due to inflammation in the heart at 2 years ofage, which was a Elizabeth? muscle. a syndrome caUed myocarditis. shock to us, given the fact that he seems Follow-up echocardiograms in cats Send Ask Elizabeth questions and perfectly healthy, Our veterinarian did with TMT demonstrate a normalization letters to the editor to: not prescribe medication and told us to of heart structure that is commonly monitor him closely, associated with a normalization ofC-TNI CatWatch He is now 3 years old, and we concentration in the blood. 535 Connecticut Ave. recently had a follow-up visit and an While the cause of this myocarditis echocardiogram and were told that his Norwalk, CT 06854-1713 (and TMT) is usually not determined, catwatcheditor@cornell,edu heart is now normal. This was a pleasant proposed mechanisms include virall surprise, as we were initially toJd that protozoal infections and autoimmune there was no cure for his condition. Can We welcome digital photos ofyour cat disease. Irrespective ofthe cause, TMT is you provide some information about this to consider for use with your question. becoming more commonly recognized by mystery? clinicians, and it is important to keep {his remain stagnant, but not revert to a syndrome On the list of potential causes Thank you for getting in tOllch, situation in which the heart becomes of myocardial (heart muscle) thickening A and I am happy to hear that structurally normal. in cats, The prognosis for cats with TMT your kitty's heart is now normaL More recently, a syndrome that is is generally good, while that for cats with Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is being referred to as transient myocardial HCM is usually guarded, and sometimes the most common heart disease in cats, thickening (TMT) has been recognized poor, depending upon their presentation. and while there are things that can be in cats, With TMT, the situation is I hope that this is helpful, and I'm done to medically manage cats with this usually similar to the experience that you very happy to hear that your cat seems condition, it is true that there is no cure have had with your cat. A presumptive to have a case ofTMT rather than HCM; for HCM, Characterized by a thickening diagnosis of HCM is made and then but it is important that you continue of the muscles of the ventricles in the follow-up echocardiograms document a to work closely with your veterinarian heart, cats with HCM are at risk for normalization of heart stTucture. to monitor his cardiac status through the development of congestive heart The thickening of the heart is often regular wellness visits. Please se nd us an failure and dot formation. which can accompanied by an elevation of the update when you can. predispose them to a blockage of blood concentration of a protein that is only AU my best, supply to various parts of the body (most produced inside heart muscle cells Elizabeth commonly the hind limbs), Other conditions that ca n cause (I) HAPPENING NOW. .. thickening of the heart muscle must be ruled out before making a diagnosis ofHCM: hypertension (high blood HI. HOllie Became a C4' House - The in Russia over the past 35 years. It traces pressure) and hyperthyroidism. Once GoodNewsNetwork.org reports that a its origins back to a pair ofstray pointed these have been ruled out. a presumptive man in Santa Barbara, Calif.• turned cats. diagnosis ofHCM is made, and it is his home into the House of Nekko "Originally known in Russia as the usuaUy expected that this disease will (translation from Japanese: House of 'Skif-Thai-Don; the name was shortened be progressive, or that it will minimally Cats), Peter Cohen bought his home in to Toybob in J994, Smaller in size than J988 and with it came two cats, It wasn't the average housecat, the Toybob makes Elizabeth works wirh long before he adopted and rescued up for its diminutive size with a loving rhe Cornell Feline more cats. which made him add waU yet lively personality, Toybobs can be HealrhCenrerro fixtures and catwalks to his home. Now found in myriad colors and patterns, with provide answers on every room has hiding places, scratching a coat length that is either shorthair or rhi. page (v.t.earnell. posts, and walkwaY$. He even instaUed a semi-lonRhair;' says CFA,. edulfhc/). Write ro her koi pond. He has 22 cats now and runs or catwotchedirorO comelLedu. his charity Zen By Cat out of his home, This nonprofit raises money for feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) research. ComlngUp •••

~ When to Ust 0 Tir,,,, 0 Vocei"" Newly Recognized Breed - The Toybob ~ I, Th.r Cornlp Reolly the GIJIJd Sruffl becomes the 45th cat breed recognized by the Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA) ~ Dio"heo: Worry or Wo/r registry. The Toybob, a small cat with a ~ FIfO Collor, Spor-On, or Powder Chokes bobbed and kinked tail, was developed

8 (atWatch June 2019