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Expert information on medicine, behavior and health from a world leader in Enhance His Coat, Improve His Health Tracking aparasite's path in the body; alerting first responders. Regular grooming and a high-quality keep hair andfur in top Weight Loss: Cause for Con(ern 3 condition to prevent and protect against the elements It can reflect disease from cancer to liver, and heart disease. 's coat is his Hospital. "A glory. Whether dull, dry and unkempt Why Do They Cover Utter Boxes? 5 A it's soft, thick fur, coat doesn't offer as Are they being fastidious or hiding long flowing hair or much protection as a their presence from predators? the suede-like skin healthy one." Ask Elizabeth 8 of a hairless breed, The message is in­ This unusual syndrome commonly the coat is more than escapable: Enhance the results in skin rippling on the back. an adornment. "The coat and you enhance skin and hair buffer your cat's well-being. IN THE NEWS .•. the animal from his The two most important environment ­ heat, elements to consider are Astudy ofstem cells to cold, sun, wind - -g diet and grooming. and make it more ,~ improve kidney function '" Aclinical trial under way at difficult for the skin boast distinctive curls. Quality . A Colorado State University is using to get infected," says high-quality diet results stem celis to treat with late­ dermatologist William H. Miller, Jr., VMD, in gleaming fur with a resilient texture. Cats stage chronic kidney disease (CKD). Medical Director of Cornell University's are obligate , meaning that their diet "There's alot of hype around stem (continued on page 4) celis right now," says lead re­ searcher Stephen Dow, DVM, PhD. "Unfortunately, alot of the claims are unsubstantiated. We hope to The Most Common Neurological Disease show whether the cells make a Many illnesses can cause epilepsy, but an array of difference in cats with CKD." The researchers want to deter­ will help manage this difficult disease mine if the injection of stem cells in 20 cats will improve kidney A dvances in medications have given veteri­ side effects include and increased function, reduce side effects such .l""\.narians and cat owners more choices for thirst, urination and appetite. Thankfully, as innammation and fibrosis, and controlling with fewer side effects. The these reactions are rare in cats. Zonisamide delay the disease's progression. most commonly used medications are phe­ and levetiracetam are prescribed on their Researcher Jessica Quimby, nobarbital and the newer drugs zonisamide own or as "add on" medications to lower the DVM, PhD, DACVIM, says the and levetiracetam. "These anti-epileptic amount ofphenobarbital needed. Both have study is about one-third com­ medications modify neural transmission in relatively few side effects. bromide, pleted, too early for results. "I can the brain to reduce the number of seizures an which is frequently prescribed to treat seizures say, though, that the cats have animal experiences," says neurologist Sofia in , cannot be used in cats because it can all been tolerating the stem cell Cerda-Gonzalez, DVM, Assistant Professor of lead to life-threatening allergic airway disease. treatments very well." Neurology and Neurosurgery at the Cornell For more information, please University College of Veterinary Medicine. A Daily Dose. Zonisamide has relatively few visit the Feline Health Center at Phenobarbital can cause problems if a side effects and a lower level of sedation com­ www.vet.comell.edu/fhcl. .:. cat has an allergy to it. In addition, potential pared to phenobarbital, Dr. Cerda-Gonzalez (continued on page 6) CatWatch : SHORT TAKES Tracking aparasite as Karolinska Institute and the Swedish Institute for Communicable Disease Control. "It would EDITOR IN CHIEF Bruce G. Kornreich, DVM, Ph.D., it invades the brain now be worth studying the links that exist DiplACVIM It's common knowledge that pregnant between , the GABA systems EDITOR women should avoid litter boxes to avoid and major threats" Betty Liddick contact with toxoplasma The parasite In another study, scientists infected ART DIRECTOR found in cat feces can cause toxoplasmosis, Mary Francis McGavic mice with toxoplasma and then traced the a disease that may movement of infected ADVISORY BOARD James A. Flanders, DVM, Dipl cause a number of dendritic cells through the ACVS, Associate Profes sor, developmental Clinical SCiencE', body, where it spread and abnormalities in d continued to affect the Marc S. Kraus, DVM, Dipl ACVIM, Senior Lecturer, Clinical Sciences developing fetuses and GABA system, according neurologic, ocular and Margaret C. McEntee, DVM, to the results published in Dipl AC 1M, DACVR, other potentially severe the scientific journal PLoS Professor of Oncology problems in people with . William H. Miller, Jr., V, D, ACVD, compromised immune Professor, Chninical Sci ences "We've shown for the systems, Arrows Indicate toxoplasma thaI Ilona Rodan, DVM, Dipl ABVP first time how the parasite Wisconsin Cat Care Clinic, Research in recent infected a dendritic ceil, which is part behaves in the body of Madison, WI of the immune system. years has shown an its host, by which I mean association between how it enters the brain and toxoplasmosis and schizophrenia, depression manipulates the host by taking over one of the CornellUniversity and anxiety, Studies also suggest that the ;,= . College of brain's neurotransmitters," Dr. Barragan says. (i)-- Veterinary Medicine disease can inAuence levels of human However, he is careful to point out, "At the aggression, extroversion and risk-taking. Now same time, it's important to emphasize that For information on your cat's health, viSit the Cornell University College of a study by the Karolinska Institute in Sweden humans have lived with this parasite for many Ve teri nary Medicine, Cornell Feline suggests a mechanism by which toxoplasma millennia, so today's carriers of toxoplasma He Ith Center webSite at may inAuence the behavior of its hosts, wwwvet.comell.edu/fhcl. need not be particularly worried ," In this study, researchers found that human People contract the parasite by eatitl9 dendritic cells - an important part of the the undercooked Aesh of infected immune system - secreted the chemical or through contact with cat feces, but the gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA) after being immune system usually prevents them from infected with toxoplasma. GABA inhibits becoming ill, Although cats usually shed feelings of fear and anxiety. Abnormalities CatWarc/!' (ISSN 1095-9092) the organism only for a few days after being _ is pu "shed nlonrhly of GABA metabolism have previously been infected, and the chance of human exposure for 539 per ye r by demonstrated in people with depreSSion, :].. Belvoir Media roup, IS relatively small, a number of precautionary LLC, BOO Connecticut schizophrenia, bipolar diseases, anxiety measures are recommended to reduce the Belvoir Ave., Norwalk, CT 06854­ 1631. Rubert En glander , syndrome and other mental health disorders. chance of exposure, according to the Cornell Chairman and CEO; Timothy H. Cole, Previous research has also shown that rats Executive Vice President, Editoria l Feline Health Center. For more informatiotl, Directo r, Philip L. Penny, Chi ef infected with toxoplasma become unafraid of please visit the center's website at wwwvet. perating Officer; Greg Ki ng, Executive cats and are attracted by their scent, making Vice Pre sident, Mar keting Director; Ron cornell.edu/ fhc! Goldberg, ChrefFlna cial Office r; Tom them easy prey. The role of GABA In this Canfield, Vice Presidem, Circ utation . 102012 Be lvo" Media Group, LLC toxoplamsa-induced behavioral change in cats Keeping Them Safe was not investigated. owners who sign up for email alerts Postmaster: Send address cor rections o Cat Watch, PO. Box 8535, Bi Sandy, "For toxoplasma to from the ASPCA will receive TX 75755-8535. make cells in the immune IN CASE OF FIRE OR EMERGENCY free Pet Safety Packs. They For Customer Service defense secrete GABA include an ASPCA Animal or Subscription information, visit wwwcatwatchnew\letter.com/cs was as surprising as it was Poison Control magnet and or call toll free: 800-8 29-8893. unexpected, and is very a window decal alerting Express written permission 15 clever of the parasite," rescue personnel that required to reproduce, in any manne r, the contents of this Issue, says study leader Antonio are inside the home. For either in fu ll or in part. For more more information, use the information, write to Permissions, Barragan, MD, PhD., a CatWatch, 800 Connec ticut Av , researcher at the Center keywords "pet safety pack" Norwalk, Connec ieut 06854-1631. for Infectious Medicine at at wwwaspca.org . •:.

2 CatWatch MARCH 2013 HEALTH When Weight Loss Is Cause for Alarm It can reflect a serious underlying condition from cancer to liver, kidney and heart disease, especially among seniors

ost owners know that an older If weight loss has been progressive, with no change in lifestyle or activity. a thorough physical exam and lab tests are warranted. M feline who has turned into a cat may be ill or, at the very least, may have a shorter lifespan than his thinner may order blood and thyroid hor­ counterpart. However, owners whose mone tests. Treatment can include AWARNING ON senior cats appear to have lost weight anti-thyroid drugs, removal of the FOR HUMANS for no discernible reason need to be thyroid gland or injections of radioac­ concerned, too. tive . These injections can cure It's best not to feed your cat "lfthe weight loss in a senior cat is but must be ad­ canned fish products meant for visually apparent, it is time to contact ministered at specialized facilities. In humans as a way to encourage the ," says Andrea N. John­ addition, the cat must be quarantined him to eat. While small amounts ston, DVM, DACVIM, an Instructor for at least five days after the injection of these products may be harm­ in Clinical Sciences at the Cornell Uni­ so radiation levels in bodily secre­ less, some cats have developed versity College of Veterinary Medicine. tions/excretions drop to acceptable serious neurological disorders "Weight loss often reflects an underlying limits before leaving the facility. after consuming them, accord­ disease process, not aging itself. Minor • mellitus. This occurs when ing to the Feline Health Center fluctuations in weight are to be expected the body either fails to produce insu­ at Cornell University College of with variations in feeding and activity lin or doesn't use it properly, causing Veterinary Medicine. level, but if there has not been a lifestyle (continued on page 4) change or the weight loss is progressive, a thorough physical exam and lab testing ENCOURAGING YOUR CAT TO EAT should be pursued." I Among the conditions Dr. Johnston While weight loss is directly attribut­ occurs, then discontinue the cites as the most common causes of able to a medical problem in most addition ofyogurt or cheese. weight loss in senior cats: cases, some cats are naturally picky • Kidney disease. This condition, also eaters. If your cat appears to be • Enhancing flavor by adding known as renal failure, occurs when among these finicky felines, you can broth. the kidneys' filtering system breaks take steps to encourage him to eat. • Heating food to increase palat­ down and toxic wastes accumulate in ability and promote an inviting the bloodstream. Symptoms include "I generally ask owners to try modify­ scent. increased water consumption and ing the diet by adding something the pet likes into the food," says urination, appetite loss, and . • Washing the food bowl daily for Andrea N. Johnston, DVM, DACVIM, Diagnosis involves a blood chemistry the fastidious cat. This will also at Cornell. "They can also try a differ­ panel and urinalysis. Treatment is inhibit from growing in ent type of or a balanced directed at slOWing the loss of kidney home-cooked diet that's formulated the bowl. function and may include intravenous by a veterinary nutritionist. We can or subcutaneous fluids and a low­ In the end, a fussy eater who's losing also try appetite stimulants." , reduced-protein diet. weight might have a more serious • Hyperthyroidism. TI1is common Dr. Johnston and other specialists problem than a finicky palate. "I condition occurs when the body in­ also suggest: would worry ifthere is a noticeable creases thyroid hormone production. • Adding yogurt, chicken or low­ weight loss," says Dr. Johnston. "Even Symptoms may include increased fat cheese to your cat's food. picky eaters seem to maintain their appetite, thirst and urination, hyper­ If he's not lactose-intolerant, body weight." If the problem persists, activity, vomiting, diarrhea, and a yogurt or cheese shouldn't however, then a veterinary consulta­ matted or greasy coat. If the thyroid cause a problem. If diarrhea tion is warranted. glands are enlarged, the veterinarian

MARC H 2013 Visi t us at www .ca twatc hnews letter.c om HEALTH

WEIGHT LOSS ... (continlled fro rn page 3) , injections and/or Sometimes it's difficult to tell whether the body to break down fat and pro­ dietary modification. a cat is losing weight, especially if the tein stores for energy. Possible signs • Cancer. Signs include external loss occurs gradually. "Regular weight are increased appetite, water con­ lumps and bumps, a rough coat, checks are a great way to monitor and sumption and urination. A physical vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and track changes," says Dr. Johnston. Most examination and laboratory tests ­ labored breathing. Diagnosis is gen­ cats won't voluntarily hop onto a scale, especially those showing persistently erally confirmed with a biopsy. Vet­ but if you weigh yourself with your cat in elevated levels ofsugar in the blood erinarians may recommend surgical your arms and subtract your weight when and - will confirm the diag­ removal of the tumor, radiation stepping on the scale alone, you can eas­ nosis. Treatment can involve oral and/or chemotherapy. ily determine his weight. .:.

COAT

merciaI cat foods have all the ingredi­ priate supplement. Store-brand prod­ HAl R... (contilllled from cover) ents needed for a healthy coat. Adding ucts made for humans can sometimes must contain quality protein in the form supplements won't help, Dr. Miller says. be used; however, many of the dosages ofmeat. The ideal diet is high in They can even unbalance the diet if in products for humans are too high for and protein. Depending on the type of given in large amounts. a cat, Dr. Miller says. food - dry or canned -protein content Sometimes the fat in the diet may ranges from 34 percent to 53 percent. be rancid or the food doesn't contain Care of the Coat. Brushing and Diets lacking an adequate amount enough protein. In these cases, supple­ combing the fur removes dirt and loose of protein for hair production, growth ments can correct the deficiencies, but (continued on bottom ofpage 5) and fat - which provides shine and it's more efficient for the body and likely aids absorption offat-soluble more cost-effective to simply upgrade AFIELD GUIDE TO FUR - produce a dull, dry, rough coat. "A the food you give. poor diet will give you a poor coat," Dr. When supplements are called for, Your cat's coat consists of three Miller says. it's usually because the cat has a disease types of hairs: the medium-size It's debatable whether you can im­ that must be treated with a low-fat diet awn hairs that form the main part prove a coat by adding essential fatty or a disease that alters his ability to of the coat;the downy secondary acids or oils such as sunflower or saf­ digest and absorb food. If so, ask your hairs that make up the undercoat; flower to the diet. High-quality com­ veterinarian to recommend an appro- and the coarse, thick, straight guard hairs that provide insula­ HOW TO READ YOUR (AT'S (OAT tion and protection. All the hair types are made of keratin, which Clues to your cat's health are • Painful, pus-filled sores:­ also forms the claws and the outer evident in the coat's texture and es from bite wounds. layer of skin -- the epidermis. appearance. Signs of trouble and • A lump or bump: a bite wound A eat's coat can be short, medium their possible causes: resulting in hematomas or length or long. Several breeds such as the Devon, Cornish and • Scratching, licking and biting ; harmless cystswith a Selkirk Rex have wavy or curly the skin, or rubbing against the cheesy discharge; possibly can­ coats. The floor or furniture: parasites such cerous tumors. has fur with a crimped or bent as fleas or ; food or con­ • Tiny black and white specks on texture.The Sphynx is known for tact allergies. the coat or skin:flea dirt. being hairless. • Coarse, greasy, dull, dry or A cat's coat changes with the sea­ brittle coat: internal disease, sons. It becomes thicker in Winter, external parasites. lighter in summer.The amount a cat sheds depends on the natural • Hair loss: compulsive grooming light available to him. Indoor cats related to stress or allergies. shed year-round because their Scratching and licking can indicate fleas. shedding cycle is affected by indoor lighting.

CatWatch MARCH 2013 BEHAVIOR

Dr. Perry says. "Uncovered feces tend to Why Do They (over/Uncover be found along frequented routes or on elevated areas, which may send a message the Litter Box? to other cats about a particular eat's sex or state ofhealth. Feral cats also tend to This occasional series explores the " instinctively cover their use multiple areas for eliminating, which reasons for cats' often intriguing behav­ eliminations by 1 month of age by may help prevent parasite transmission. It ior. Ifyou would like to suggest a topic, raking loose dirt over the excrement," is possible that domestication has affected please write CatWatch Editor, 800 Con ­ says Pamela J. Perry, DVM, Ph.D., a this burying behavior and that may necticut Ave., Norwalk, CT 06854, or graduate of the Cornell University explain why some household cats don't email catwatcheditor@co1'l1ell.edu. School of Veterinary Medicine and cover their feces." One of the enduring mysteries of lecturer on small animal behavior Having a cover on a litter box cats' behavior is why they cover their there. "The specific site and substrate doesn't affect whether cats bury their feces after eliminating. One theory is tend to be learned from the queen. It feces, but it can determine whether that they're trying to hide their pres­ is believed that the odor of the feces they will use the litter box, Dr. Perry ence from predators, as cats in the wild initiates the burying behavior. In fact, says. "Most cats prefer uncovered litter are believed to do, but no studies sup­ some cats will cover the feces of other boxes, probably because they have more port that idea. Another suggests that cats in the household." room to move around and because the the behavior is an indication of cats' odor isn't trapped inside the box. In ad­ fastidiousness, but that doesn't explain Leaving a Message. Feral cats usually dition, cats cannot see out very well in fastidious cats who leave urine or feces bury feces within their core area - the a covered box, making them more vul­ uncovered. The real answers are far area where they spend most of their time nerable to being ambushed by another more complicated. - but do so less often in other areas, cat." In this case, instinct prevails . •: .

COAT

HAIR .. .(continuedjrom page 4) Regular Brushing. A weekly brush­ Weekly bathing can be excessive in hairs that can lead to tangles. Beneath ing suits most shorthaired cats. Long­ some cases, however, especially when the skin are specialized glands that pro­ haired cats usually need more frequent humidity is low. Cats have thin skin duce sebum, an oily substance that pro­ attention. Some can get by with twice that is easily damaged, so it's important tects it from moisture. Brushing helps weekly grooming, but expect to spend to use a gentle shampoo. Unless his vet­ distribute those healthy oils throughout at least a few minutes daily caring for erinarian recommends it for a skin con­ the coat, making it shine. longhaired breeds like Persians and dition, choose one that isn't medicated. Grooming is also a preventive health Maine Coons. A medicated shampoo, such as one for measure. Regular brus111 ng or ombing Giving a cat a bath may seem dandTuff, is usually too harsh and may gives you a close-up view of the cat's contrary to all the rules of success­ cause more problems than it solves. skin and coat condition, allowing you to fully living with one, but occasionally "Bathing even with very mild sham­ spot the early signs of skin disease. they're necessary, although in the cat's poos can remove some of the surface Cats groom themselves, using their view that may be a matter of opinion. lipid layer, which helps to waterproof spiked tongue to moisten fur and then Cats may be bathed before shows or the skin," Dr. Miller says. "This water­ lick it dry, in the process removing dirt visits to nursing homes, hos­ proofing helps keep the good stuff in and dead hair. Cats ingest the fur as they pitals or other facilities. Bathing re­ and prevents bad stuff from getting in. If groom. They usually hack up the hair in moves dander, which contributes to al­ frequent bathing is needed, the mildest the form of a hairball. (If your cat retches lergies in people. It's also necessary if a shampoo should be used." without producing a hairball, contact his cat has gotten into something sticky or A bath is probably necessary if an veterinarian for treatment and ask about smelly or if a cat with oily skin attracts odor is present or the coat is greasy to providing a commercial food intended dust and dirt. It's not unheard of for the touch, Dr. Miller says. "If the bath to prevent hairballs.) Brushing or comb­ owners to bathe cats monthly or even removes the grease or odor, but it re­ ing the coat helps remove fur before the weekly if they're sensitive to dander or turns shortly afterward, the veterinarian cat swallows it, reducing the incidence of have cats who leave oily spots on fur­ should be consulted because the ani­ hairballs, a plus in any owner's book. niture or clothing. mal's skin isn't normal." .)

MARCH 2013 Vi si t us at www .(alwatchnewsletter.com HEALTH

EPILEPSY ... (continuedfrom cover) and partial or focal, affecting only a small part or one side of the body. says. It can be given once daily, a major advantage considering that some cats can Unmistakable Signs. Generalized be difficult to medicate. Levetiracetam, seizures are further classified as simple in comparison, needs to be administered (without loss ofconsciousness) or com­ three times a day and can be more expen­ plex (with loss of consciousness). During sive than phenobarbital or zonisamide. a generalized , the cat may fall on Among its advantages: It's non-sedating his side, involuntarily move his legs, uri­ and doesn't have serious side effects. nate, defecate and be unaware of his sur­ Numerous diseases can lead to sei­ roundings - although not all cats show zures, although the incidence of idiopathic all these signs. epilepsy (i.e. epilepsy without an apparent The symptoms ofa partial seizure After taking a medical history, cause) in cats is estimated at lower than vary. "For example, they may involve may order tests, such as an MRI of the brain, the 3 to 5 percent seen in dogs. "Typically, twitching of the facial muscles and In an effort to diagnose epilepsy. we divide them into causes outside the chomping movements of the jaw, or may brain (for example, metabolic disease ­ instead involve movements of one or more nipulate the tongue during a seizure. A cat renal, hepatic, hematologic) and those in­ limbs," Dr. Cerda-Gonzalez says. bite requires medical treatment because of side the brain," Dr. Cerda-Gonzalez says. Before a seizure, a cat may sense a the high potential for infection. Many seizures are caused by problems in­ change and stay close to the owner for The potential for dangerous conse­ side the brain, such as primary metabolic comfort. He needs help to avoid harm that quences ofseizure activity depends on the derangement, storage disorders, idiopathic may occur during a seizure, such as a fall length, number and severity of seizures. epilepsy, birth defects, poisoning, diseases down stairs or injury from sharp or hard "We typically consider generalized seizures such as cancer and , and injury. objects. He'll also need to be kept safe af­ to be an emergency if they last more than Causes outside the brain can arise at terward, as he becomes aware again of his five minutes or if their number exceeds any age. Generally, idiopathic epilepsy surroundings. two in a row," Dr. Cedra-Gonzalez says. strikes young to middle-aged cats. The As a seizure begins, the owner should "Also, repeated seizure activity has the po­ trigger is unknown. Some cats have sei­ not try to pick up the cat and definitely tential to engender more seizure activity, a zures after becoming excited and others should not try to move his tongue. Cats phenomenon termed the kindling effect; while sleeping. The two types ofseizures do not swallow their tongues and may in­ so in general it is best to limit the number are generalized, affecting the entire body, advertently bite an owner who tries to ma- of seizures as much as possible. We apply (co ntinu ed page 7) THE MOST COMMON ANTI -SEIZURE DRUGS

Several medications are available to legally prescribed by veterinarians. Liver toxicity is a rare side effect. control5eizures, so that if one doesn't • Available as tablets, liquid and work well for your cat, his veterinar­ Levetiracetam (Keppra) • injection. ian can prescribe another. "Most of Available in intravenous and oral these medications can also be com­ Common side effects are drowsi­ • formulations. pounded into either oral suspensions • ness, increased thirst and urina­ or flavored tablets," says Sofia Cerda- tion, and increased appetite. Used with phenobarbital or Gonzalez, DVM, DACVIM (Neurology), • More rarely: itchy skin, liver toxic­ alone. at Comell. The following drugs are ity and hematologic changes. most often prescribed: Relatively new, so little long-term Zonisamide (Zonegran) • Phenobarbital information is available, but it appears that over time the drug A barbiturate with anticonvulsant • Used with phenobarbital or • properties. alone. may lose its effectiveness in some animals. • Long history as first choice to • Available in capsules. manage seizures. • Common side effects are mild • Side effects are rare, though • No veterinary formulation but drowsiness and loss of appetite. drowsiness is possible.

6 CatWatch MARCH 2013 HEALTH

others, particularly PHASES OF ASEIZURE infectious diseases," Dr. Cerda-Gonzalez Epilept ic seizures consist of says. "With some of three phases: them, it can be dif­ ficult to differentiate Aura: The phase immediately an active infection before the seizure, which may from previous expo­ may last only minutes. The cat sure to an infectious may become restless, stay close to agent. Some diseases you or hide. may also mask them­ selves as another Ictus: The phase in which a cat disease. For example, becomes unaware of his sur­ infection with a roundings. His eyes may dilate, cuterebra larva can his face and body muscles may ~ at times be difficult tw ~tch , ~ nd his legs may move to differentiate from or become rigid. He may attack Some cats have seizures after becoming excited or w hile sleeping. a primary vascular invisible objects and run, or collide accident [a clot or with objects. these gUidelines to our epileptics, who are other interference with blood circulation currently being treated for seizures and that affects neurons in the brain]." Post-ictus: In this recovery phase, whose owners are trying to decide whether Treatment with anti-seizure drugs the cat may seem disoriented, to bring the animal to a veterinary hospital is usually started after more than one even temporarily blind. for emergency management." seizure, although exceptions are made depending on the severity of the first Loss of Sight. Just as seizures vary seizure. Treatment for an underlying WHAT TO TELL from cat to cat, so does their behavior disease is generally started as soon as YOUR VETERINARIAN afterward. "Most commonly, following a it is identified. The owner's detailed generalized seizure, animals are frequently observation of the seizures is important The more details about your blind, so they may bump into things as in determining treatment. eat's seizures t hat you give his they try to walk around," Dr. Cerda­ veterinarian, the better he or Gonzalez says. "They may also seem to be Reducing Frequency. "The goal of she can diagnose and treat out ofit - less aware oftheir surround­ medication is to reduce the frequency and them. Here's a short list to pro­ ings. They may be hungry, and they may severity ofseizures by at least 50 percent," vide at the exam: forget their litter box training." Dr. Cerda-Gonzalez says. "In addition, we Your eat's appearance when These post-ictal, or recovery, signs are aim for the animal experiencing less than • he's having a seizure. usually temporar y but can vary in dura­ one seizure per six weeks.» The seizures' frequency and tion from minutes to days. They typically Idiopathic epilepsy can't be cured. • length. last longer in animals who have had severe In cases in which a primary cause for or numerous seizures. seizures is identified, the cause can • His activities before the A cat should have a veterinary check­ sometimes be eliminated; but a seizure seizure. up after the first seizure. The veterinarian focus - the area of the cerebral cortex Any signs of other illness. will take a detailed medical history to try responsible for causing epileptic seizures • Any history of injury. to determine the cause. Most tests can be - may be established, in which case sei­ • done within two days, although results zures may continue. In either case, cats Food consumption and fre­ of tests to rule out infectious disease can will need regular veterinary checkups • quency. take longer. Tests may include an MRI of and commonly require medication for Changes in behavior. the brain, an examination of spinal fluid the rest of their lives to control seizures. • or a CT scan. The medication can be discontinued in • Exposure to toxins or other Other tests, such as blood tests, are some cats, but this is a rarity. The encour­ animals. needed to find non-neurological origins aging news is that research continues to Note: a videotape of seizure of seizures. "Certain causes ofseizures improve the number of therapeutic • activity may be helpful. can prove to be more of a challenge than options to treat seizures in cats. ':0

MARCH 2013 Vis it us at www .catwatchnewsletter.com I am an 11 !I2-year-old neutered domestic episodes may be followed by grand mal seizures gray tabby. My vet said that I have hyperes­ characterized by paddling of the feet, urination and/ Q thesia. This was my first attack. I see my vet or defecation and salivation. every six months (or more), am an indoor cat, and I A definitive cause for FHS has not been identi­ have an excellent diet and much loving attention. fied, although a number of causes have been My human mom rescued me as a in the wild. proposed. These include persistent flea-bite der­ What causes hyperesthesia? Is there effective treat­ matitis (a hypersensitivity to the saliva of fleas), ment or a cure? How serious is it? Thank you for any allergies to other substances including food OT help you can offer. - Sammy inhaled allergens, small scale seizure-like activity, feline obsessive-compulsive disorder, and abnor­ Elll£Jberh AS you know, we cats are very sensitive malities in the muscles along the spine.

E"zaberh II thanMul (01 creatures, but in your case, as with other It is important that veterinarians rule out a number (!teallilronel' ' Bruce G. A cats with feline hypersensitivity syndrome of conditions, including flea infestation, allergies, spi­ Kornreich, DVM, Ph.D., (FHS), this sensitivity seems to be ratcheted up. nal cord injuries, hyperthyroidism (which may cause DACVIM, Alloelare Director ofthe Cornell Feline Health FHS is a recognized syndrome in the feline world, hyperactivity) and central nervous system abnormali­ Center, in providing the answer although the definitive cause is not clear. ties, before arriving at a presumptive diagnosis of FHS. on thi5 page. While it is not, in and of itself, believed to serious­ Behavioral therapy for FHS is usually geared ly affect overall health or longevity, a few important toward minimizing stress, providing exercise and play PLEASE points regarding this unusual behavioral syndrome activities, and enhancing the environment to make SHARE YOUR QUESTIONS are worth making, especially for our human friends it more interesting to the affected kitty. This may who are commonly puzzled by its manifestations. involve providing toys, scratching posts, multiple We welcome ques­ FHS, also variably referred to as rolling skin syn­ levels for the kitty to enjoy (i.e. a kitty condo), or a fish tions on health. medi­ cine and behavior. but drome and atypical neurodermatitis, is character­ tank. Many behaviorists think that it is important to regret that we cannot comment on prior ized by dramatic twitching or rippling of the skin, focus on spending quality time with cats with FHS. If diagnoses and specific most commonly on the back between the middle these measures are not successful, cats with FHS may products. Please write CatWatch Editor. BOO of the spine and the base of the tailor in the flank benefit from anticonvulsive and/or antidepressant Connecticut Ave., region, with intermittent jerking of the body and drug therapy, although the response to these drugs Norwalk. CT, 06854 or email catwatcheditar@ exaggerated tail movements. is variable and may take some time to assess. carnell.edu. Affected cats may vocalize or dart about wildly, While most cats with FHS are not completely and they often appear agitated and may obsessively cured, appropriate behavioral and/or drug therapy chew at their back. the base of their tail, or their can help them live relatively normal lives. Cats with flank. They are often very sensitive to touch during FHS may require lifelong therapy to control their episodes. In extreme cases, they may appear stu­ symptoms, and owners (and affected kitties) may porous or depressed, may become overly aggres­ have to be patient while optimizing the combina­ sive or affectionate, may appear to be seeing things tion of behavioral and pharmacologic therapy. that aren't there, or they may stare off into space. Patience is a virtue, though, so please hang in there. Cats with FHS may demonstrate dilated pupils I hope that this is helpful, Sammy. It sounds like during episodes, and the obsessive grooming or you have a great mom who loves you, so please try chewing that may be observed in affected cats may to remember this if you start feeling stressed and do lead to loss of fur or to abrasion of the skin with sec­ drop me a line to let me know how things are going.•:. ondary bacterial infection. In very advanced cases, - Best regards, Elizabeth

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