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INSIDE Short Takes 2 Appealing to the Heart of a Hunter Unwelcome petting can cause anxiety in , astudy says; recalls. Enrichment in physical and mental stimulation can When Litter Box Visits Increase 3 help avoid apathy, obesity and predatory aggression it's time to check for apossible bacterial urinary tract infection as soon as possible. -- oes your lie around and sleep all lege of Veterinary Medicine. Those Startling Reverse Sneezes 4 D day? It's true that cats sleep up to 18 In behaviorist terms, cats They aren't life threatening but hours a day, but it's not natural or nor­ need environmental enrich­ warrant avet visit if they persist. mal for them to be completely ment. Because many live Ask Elizabeth 8 inactive. Cats are hunters at indoors with little or no Vaccine-associated sarcoma has heart. To be at their best, they opportunity to roam out­ become amajor concern for owners. need opportunities to stalk, spy, side, it's up to us to fulfill chase, climb and pounce. their needs. In one way or IN THE NEWS '" "Lack of sUmulation another, enrichment feeds Vaccination Guidelines can lead to apathy, all of a cat's : sight, Stress Individual Risks obesity and, in the sound, touch, smell and Updated gui del ines from the worse-case scenario, taste. Here are some Am erican Association of Felin e predatory aggression Chase and retrieval ways to excite his curios­ Practitioners recommend a vacci na­ aimed at the owner," mimiC , ity and bring zest to his life. tion sch ed ule based on individua l says behaviorist cats' needs,Th ey say assess ments Katherine A. Houpt, VMD, Ph.D., profes­ PlayTime should include discussions of risks sor emeritus at the Cornell University Col- "I tell cat owners to set aside a little time and benefits, health, lifestyle and the (continued on page 5) likelihood of exposure to disease, It's important to real ize that vaccination is a medica l procedu re and not a cookie-cutter every-cat­ Outwitting Animal-to-Owner Diseases is-the-same protocol, says Margie A, Scherk,DVM, of Vancouver, cha ir Many don't show symptoms, but they can be prevented with of the panel that developed the good hygiene, routine worming and prompt treatment ofillness guideli nes,"Vaccination is an impor­ tant part of preventive healthcare. ats can harbor a variety of zoonotic "When an animal has an active staph in­ However, just as with any other C diseases - those that can be trans­ fection. the organism can get on the hands of medical procedu re, vaccination is mitted to people. Some of the diseases people who touch the infected area," says der­ not an innocuous procedure and are rare, while others are quite common. matologist William H. Miller, VMD, Medical unfortunately can infrequently have Although we are aware of many of these Director of the Companion Animal Hospital unpleasa nt or even devastating diseases, more continue to be discovered, at the Cornell University College ofVeteri­ life-threatening resu lt s," thanks to improvements in technology nary Medicine. "The organism can be trans­ The 2013 guide li nes, at http/ljfm, and to the dedicated work of researchers ferred to a human if the person doesn't wash sagepub,com/conte ntllS/9!78S.fu ll , in both the human medical and his or her hands. If there is an immunocom­ pdf+htm, include a client brochure veterinary fields. promised individual or child in the house, and options for reduci ng the Only recently, for example, has the we recommend that they stay away from the risk of injection-site sarco ma, For veterinary community recognized that animal while the infection is active." more information, plea se see Ask Staphylococcus (staph) bacteria can be Antibiotics are typically used to treat Elizabeth on Page 8, .:. transferred from to their owners. staph infections, but some strains are resistant (co ntinued on page 6) CatWatch SHORT TAKES Unwelcome Petting (an EDITOR IN CHIEF Bruce G. Kornreich, DVM, Ph.D., Cause Stress, aStudy Says Dipl ACVIM This w ill come as a shock to EDITOR Betty Liddick owners w ho enjoy petting their cats, Some cats like being petted and ART DIRECTOR Mary Francis McGavic in delight; others only tolerate it. In fact, according to a study by ADVISORY BOARD James A. Flanders, DV ,Dipl an international team of animal ACIf), Associate Professor, behaviorist s, when owners impose Clinical Seienc s themselves on cats to them, the When owners impose petting, resealcher<. say that som Marc S. Kraus, DVM, Dipl ACVIM, cats experience stress and release Senior Lee urer, Chnlcal SCiences (a s may lelease hormones related to anxiety. hormones lin ked to anxiety. Margaret C. McEntee, DVM, Dipl ACVIM, DACVR, The researchers set out to study Professor of Oncology how ca ts cope w hen li ving w ith humans Scientists from the University of Sao Paulo William H. Miller, Jr.,VMO, ACVO, and other cats in sing le households, They and the University of Veterinary Medicine in Professor, Clinical Science said that despite cats' history as living alone Vienna also participated in the study, published Ilona Rodan, DVM, Dipl ABVP in the Wild, the study found they can live in the journal PhySiology and Behavior. Wisconsin Cat Care Clinic. Madison, WI happily together in groups. Th e sc ientists measured stress hormones of cats living The Cost of Accidents alone, in pairs and in groups of three or four in what they described as stable homes. In analyzing the 1.1 million claims it Cornell University recei ved in 2012, Veterinary Pet In surance _ _ College of They found to their surp ri se: Veterinary Medicine identified allerg ie s, ear infections, vomiting Th e number of cats in a household and bladder infections as among the most For information on you r eat 's health, • was not necessarily a problem. visi t the Cornell University College of common ailments. Veterinary Medicine, Cornell Feline • Cats younger than 2 years old who When it determined the top 10 Center website at were the so le feline in the home and medical conditions related to www.vet.comell,edu/fhc/ were more stressed than younger accidents, soft tissue injuries topped the list. ones living in larger groups, Bruising usually resulted from falling, running • Cats who avoided being petted and jumping, w ith the typica l office visit were less stressed than those who costing $169. The other common conditions reluctantly all owed themselves to associated with acc idents by ranking be handled, CmWorch' (ISSN 1095-9092) 2. Cruciate (knee) ligament injuries _ is published mon hl y "It seems that those cats on whom without surgery for $39 per year by Selvoir Me d i~ Grm,p, the owner imposes him or herself are 3. Cuts or bite wounds -=1 Ue. 800 Con nect leu the ones we need to be most concerned 4. Scratch or wound on the BeIYOir Ave" Norwalk, CT 06854­ 1631 Robert englander, about," says researcher Daniel Mills, BVSc, 5. CruciJte ligament injury with surgery Chairman and CEO; TImothy H, Co le, PhD., at the University of Lincoln in 6. Mouth trauma or fra ctured tooth Executive Vice President, Edi torial Director: Phi lip L Penny, Chief Lincoln shire, Eng land, 7. Sprain or joint injury Operating Omce!; Greg King, Execu ive "Many people keep groups of cats in 8. Abrasions or superficial injury Vice Pres,dem, Markeling Director; Ron Goldberg, Chief Flnandal Officer; Tom their home, and although they might seem 9. Foreign object ingestion Canfield, Vice President, Grculallon. happy together, some people have argued 10. Torn or injured nail <0201 2 Belvoir Media Group, LL that, because this is an unnatural set-up, it Postmaster: Send address correct ions is not good for their welfare, Our research Accidents accounted for 10 percent of 10 Ca tWatch, P.O. Box 8535, Big Sandy, TX 75755-8535 . shows this is not necess arily the case, It all claims in 2012 and totaled $37 million seems even if they are not best friends, For Customer Service paid to policyholders. Although many or Subscription information, visit cats may be able to organize themselves to pet accidents can't be prevented, owners www ca twatch newsletter.com/cs avoid each other without getting stressed," or call to ll free 800-829-8893. can take steps to decrease the risk, VPI The results underscore the importance Ex press written permission is says. Among them: being aware of your required to re produce, in any of owners giving individual cats control over manner, the contents of this issue, their environment, Dr. Mills says, suggesting pet's surroundings to avoid environmental either in full or in part. For more dangers, such as poisonous plants, and information, write to PermisSions, that they give the cats the choice of sharing CatWatch, 800 Conne tiCU t Ave " or having their own areas to eat, drink supervisin g your pet's physical activity and Norwalk, Connecticut 06854-1 631. and eliminate. in teraction with other anima ls. •:.

1 CatWatch JA NUARY 2014 HEALTH When Visits to the Litter Box Increase It's time to check for a possible bacterial urinary tract infection, with the need for diagnosis and treatment especially urgent

ats and people suffer many of the malodorous urine and inappropriate

Csame illnesses, a common one be­ urination. One way to determine if your An increased incidence of bacterial urinary ing urinary tract infections (UTIs). In cat has a problem is to watch for changes infections has been found in !~by5sinjans and women, they may account for more than in litter 'box 'behavior. "A cat with a UTI spayed female cats, according to one study. 6 million visits to doctors in the United will 'be in the litter box much more fre­ States each year. Similarly, Veterinary quently than normal," Dr. Johnston says. ofantibiotics. Their administration usually Pet Insurance reports that urinary blad­ And ifyour cat has used the litter box clears up a simple bacterial infection. der infections - the urinary bladder is consistently and suddenly starts elimi­ It's important for owners to con­ part of the urinary tract - were the most nating elsewhere, you should contact a tinue giving thei r cat the antibiotic common medical condition affecting cats veterinarian promptly. even if symptoms abate. Stopping too in claims it processed in 2012. soon may allow residual bacteria to The fact that a cat with a UTI has Definitive Diagnosis. A physical re-multiply. That can cause the infec­ plenty ofcompany doesn't make the examination, urinalysis and urine culture tion's symptoms to return and also may condition any less uncomfortable. Nor will be the first order of business. Highly promote bacterial resistance during a does it make the need for treatment less alkaline urine that contains bacteria and second round of antibiotics. urgent. Failure to treat the infections can an overabundance ofwhite blood cells in a Veterinarians may also recommend lead to kidney infection and the forma­ urine sample collected in a sterile fashion putting a cat on a therapeutic diet tion of uroliths, or stones. Before treat­ is suggestive ofa UTI, but a urine culture is designed to prevent stones from form­ ment can start, however, a cat's veterinar­ required for definitive diagnOSiS. The vet­ ing in the urinary tract. Stones can ian must identify the cause. erinarian will probably prescribe a course irritate the urinary tract and, if they (continued on bottom ofpage 4) Increases With Age. Most infections ENCOURAGE WATER CONSUMPTION, are bacterial and usually involve only one organism, says Andrea N. Johnston, BUT NEVER MIND THE CRANBERRY JUICE DVM, DACVIM, a Clinical Instructor in The most important step in prevent­ talia. Keep it free of bacteria if this Small Animal Internal Medicine at the ing urinary tract infections is to treat region Is matted or unkempt by Cornell University College of Veterinary the underlying disease, says Andrea gently using baby wipes. Medicine Hospital for Animals. "The N. Johnston, DVM, DACVIM, at Some women have found cranberry incidence ofbacterial UTIs increases Cornell. Among oth r measur.es: with age and in cats with chronic kid­ juice to be helpful in preventing ney disease. One study identified an • Encourage drinking. Water can UTls, and two studies, published in increased incidence ofbacterial uns in help flush infection-causing bac­ the Journal of Veterinary Internal Abyssinians and spayed female cats." teria from the eat's urinary tract. Medicine, indicate that cranberry Make sure fresh water is available A bacterial UTI occurs when the extract may be helpful in treating at all times. Place water in several cat's normal defense mechanisms break UTls in . However, Dr. Johnston rooms ofyour home to give the down, allowing the bacteria to multiply. urges caution. "Unfortunately, there cat easily accessible drinking The bacteria travel up from the urethra is no evidence-based data on the opportunities. into the bladder and may extend from the safety or efficacy of alternative bladder into the kidneys. "These bacteria • Boost bathroom breaks. Have therapeutic agent s for the treatment commonly include E. coli, Klebsiella, more than one litter box and of feline or canine UTls," she says. Proteus, Pseudomonas and Entercoccus place them in separate rooms "Cranberry extract has not been species," Dr. Johnston says. to encourage more frequent evaluated in canine or feline cl inical Symptoms include frequent urination elimination. trials as a prevention or cure for uri­ in small amounts - pollakiuria in vet­ • Oean the perineum, the area nary tract infections and remains of erinary parlance - straining to urinate, between the anus and the geni- uncertain benefit." difficulty urinating, discolored urine,

JANUA RY 2014 Visi t us at www.catwatchnews! etter.com HEALTH

"Many clients describe an isolated Those Startling Reverse Sneezes? episode of reverse sneezing," she adds. "If this is an isolated or rare event, then They aren't life threatening, and a few quick, easy I tell them not to worry about it, but if steps like rubbing the throat can shorten an episode it is acute (sudden) in onset, increas­ ing in severity or frequency, then I will reverse sneeze looks alarming. The to nasal and bronchial infections and cleft recommend more advanced diagnostics A cat may stand still with his elbows palate in young cats. In older cats, causes such as nasal CT (imaging), rhinoscopy out and open wide while rapidly include dental diseases. Other pOSSible (a procedure in which a small camera is snorting inward and extending his neck. causes are inflammation, nasal drip, long­ passed into the nasal passages) and pos­ An owner might panic, thinking the cat term vomiting, pneumonia and mites in Sibly nasal biopsy." is suffocating. the nasal cavities. If the sneezing seems like a prob­ A reverse sneeze also sounds alarm­ lem - if it happens daily or several ing. "I do not know exactly how to Record the Event. Ultimately, the exact times a day, or if it's prolonged or ac­ describe it," says Andrea N. Johnston, cause is often not determined. What's companied by nasal discharge - visit DVM, DACVIM, a specialist in internal known for certain: Irritation in the nose, the veterinarian. medicine and instructor in small animal sinus or pharynx causes a throat spasm He or she will consider the cat's internal medicine at the Cornell Univer­ - a noisy reverse sneeze. At-home video, medical history and the description of sity College of Veterinary Med icine. "It is on your cell phone or alternate recording the sneezing. A physical exam, blood a cross between a sneeze and a gag." device, is a good tool to record the event tests, allergy tests or imaging may be and show your cat's veterinarian, Dr. used to rule out upper respiratory infec­ Sudden Onset. Adding to the puzzle, Johnston says. tion, nasal tumors, polyps or other un­ the cat, who was normal one moment One inexpensive, budget-friendly derlying conditions. and suddenly appeared to be choking, remedy: petting. Rub the cat's sides and When no underlying causes are returns to normal immediately after­ back, and scratch his throat. Some owners found but the problem is ongoing, or the ward. In the case of reverse sneezing, find that lightly covering the cat's nostrils reverse sneezing is related to allergies, however, sounds and appearance usually causes him to swallow. Swallowing helps the veterinarian may prescribe an anti­ deceive. The sneezing isn't life threat­ stop the sneezing. histamine or a steroid medication ­ ening, and owners can take some easy "Just try to relax your pet. Petting or but medicine is not usually needed. steps to shorten an episode. gentle verbal soothing may be helpful," "If it is a once-in-a-while event, Reverse sneezing, though common in Dr. Johnston says. "Changing environ­ then I do not worry," Dr. Johnston says. dogs, is rare in cats. However, veterinarians ments may also benefit the cat - moving "Choking is a much more obvious and encourage owners to take their for an from an allergen-rich environment, such worrisome scenario. If a pet's airway is exam to determine whether the episode as outdoors, to a cool, calm environment, blocked, then the gagging or coughing really is reverse sneezing or a serious yet possibly indoors." will escalate within minutes. The pet treatable condition. Take note of the cat's location and ac­ may display evidence of dyspnea (dif­ An episode lasting from a few seconds tion immediately before the sneezing and ficulty breathing) and potentiaHy cyano­ to a minute or two can occur at any time its length. "The duration is very dependent sis (blue mucous membranes)." in any breed. "There are many potential on the cause," Dr. Johnston says. "If the For most cats, reverse sneezing causes: intra-nasal foreign bodies, rhinitis clinical signs are progressively worsening sounds and looks scary, but it turns out and nasal neoplasia (tumors)," Dr. John­ over minutes to hours, then veterinary as­ that an event that may be eased by pet­ ston says. Reverse sneezing is also linked sistance should be sought. ting isn't so scary after all. .:.

HEALTH

UTI.. (continued from page3) the urinary tract, cancer, polyps, ex­ The ultimate prognosis for alleviat­ grow large enough, can block the flow cess glucose in the urine, catheteriza­ ing recurring UTIs varies, depending on of urine. If the stones become lodged in tion, prostatic disease, immunosup­ whether the underlying cause of the infec­ the urethra, the affected cat faces a po­ pressive drugs such as corticosteroids, tion can be determined. A cat with a simple, tentially fatal veterinary emergency. or urine with low osmolality [number first-time UTI has an excellent chance of Other predisposing factors for UTls of particles dissolved in urine]," says recovery, as long as the owner makes sure he "may be congenital abnormalities in Dr. Johnston. completes the full course of antibiotics . •:.

CatWatch JANUARY 20 14 BEHAVIOR

ENRICHMENT. .. (Colltilfuedfrorn cover) in the morning and at night to spend five minutes playing with the cat," Dr. Houpt says. The cat will let you know what times he likes to play. All you have to do is be there. His toys don't have to be expen­ sive. A favorite toy is hair scrunchies that someone has worn, Dr. Houpt says. A few cats, mostly Siamese, will ingest fabric so be sure to check that the scrunchie is still intact after a play session. Ofcourse, plenty of other types of toys for feline entertainment are avail­ able: electronic mice to chase, toys and a circular device with a ball inside that the cat can bat with his paw. "Cats usually aren't interested in that too long, but you can put their food in there so they have to scoop it out, and Interactive toys and puzzles exercise the mind an d body. that, I think, is enriching," Dr. Houpt says. Ifyou feed dry food, you can put the cat's meals inside a puzzle toy so he budget allows, provide a floor-to-ceiling petting.) Cats are very particular about has to push it around to get fed. "condo" with platforms and hidey-holes where you pet them and the amount of Cats mostly enjoy interactive and at various levels for perching and hiding. petting they're willing to tolerate. Favor­ predatory play. Dangle a fishing-pole toy "It is important to give cats things to do ite areas are between the cheeks, under with a feather or other object on the end and places to hide," Dr. Houpt says. the chin and at the base of the tail. Be for the cat to bat at or pull it for him to leery ofgiving belly rubs, even if the cat chase. Many cats enjoy chasing and re­ Safe Scratching appears to invite it. Many cats will bite or trieving small balls. For a simple home­ Scratching is a means of communication scratch after just a couple of strokes on made toy, crumple a piece of paper. for cats as well as a way to groom their the stomach. claws. Provide your cat with vertical and I Spy horizontal scratching surfaces placed in The Great Outdoors You may have seen your cat sitting in prominent areas, not hidden away in a It's dangerous for cats to roam freely out­ front of a window, chattering excitedly corner. While most cats scratch standing side, but an enclosure in your yard can give at the birds or squirrels outdoors. Cats on their hind legs, some prefer to have them the pleasure ofrolling in the grass __=,,-~are highlY visual, more so than dogs, Dr. three legs on the ground, which is why and doing a little bird-watching. ''I' a Houpt says. Videos and window perches they scratch your favorite carpet or the great advocate ofcatios, that is, outdoor are great ways to stimulate them visually. needlepoint chair covers. The most popu­ enclosures, for cats so that they can be on "They like videos of birds especially or lar horizontal scratching aids tend to be the ground or at least have another view," a window where they can watch the real made of corrugated cardboard impreg­ Dr. Houpt says. thing," Dr. Houpt says. "They'll spend a nated with catnip. If you can't provide that, consider lot of time watching, even though they A kitty condo can double as a ver­ planting a little indoor garden for your must be somewhat frustrated that they tical scratching post. Look for one cat with wheat grass, rye or catnip. can't get to their prey." wrapped in sisal, a rough, stiff, stringy Even a square of grass from your lawn An aquarium is another good way to fiber. Cats seem to prefer its texture to - herbicide-free, please - will entice provide visual stimulation. Many cats en­ that of the indoor/outdoor carpeting him to nibble. joy watching the fish swim back and forth. often found on scratching posts. Just be sure to put a cover on the tank to One Caveat prevent your cat from going fishing. Touch Me, Feel Me One thing you should not get to enrich Most cats love the tactile stimulation your cat's life is another cat, Dr. Houpt Up High provided by petting, massage and groom­ says. "Some cats get along, but many do Cats love to survey their kingdom from ing. Just be sure you are touching the cat not. It keeps me employed, but 1'd rather on high. Ifyou have room and your in a way he likes. (See Page 2 for more on there were happy cats instead." .:.

JANUARY 2014 Vis it us at www.ca twatc hne wsle tter.com 5 MEDICINE

ZOONOSIS ... can become infected with the (col1tilluedfrom covel~ bacteria causlng cat scratch disease, and to standard antibiotics, and a different while showing no signs of it, transmit it course of treatment might be needed. 10 humans. Transmission of staph infections, like many other zoonotic diseases, can be easily prevented with good hygiene. your cat, avoiding contact with his bodily "In all my 37 years of treating staph in­ fluids and washing your hands often. A fections in animals, I have never gotten vaccination for leptospirosis is available an infection because I wash my hands for cats. In humans, leptospirosis can during and after examining each ani­ cause fever, aches, chills, abdominal pain, mal," Dr. Miller says. diarrhea, vomiting and rashes. Severe Staph is also what is cases can cause kidney or liver failure. known as an anthroponotic disease - otherwise known as reverse . That Cause: A bite from an animal means that in addition to infected with the virus, which moving from animals to humans, attacks the nervous systems of it can also be transferred from hu­ animals and people - and can be mans to animals. who may develop a mild infection at the deadly to both. The disease is 100 percent In fact, according to Armando Hoet, pOint of injury. Affected cats show no preventable via vaccination and almost DVM, Ph.D., Director of the Veterinary signs of illness, so it's wise to avoid rough always fatal in unvaccinated pets. In Public Health Program at Ohio State play with cats, especially kittens, and humans, it's possible to prevent rabies University, reverse zoonosis is the main immediately clean any bites or scratches. infection if a series of shots is given soon concern with staph infections. "With after a bite. Once symptoms appear, the cases of staph infections rising in the person rarely survives the disease. U.S. [in humans), we are starting to Cause: The Toxoplasma gondii parasite. "Fortunately, rabies isn't as common see spillover to the companion animal The disease passes to people in con­ in the U.S. as it used to be," says Jeanette side," says Dr. Hoet, who is board certi­ taminated cat feces. Most exposed people O'Quin, DVM, MPH-VPH, in the De­ fied in veterinary preventive medicine. don't get sick, though some develop partment of Veterinary Preventive Medi­ "We're seeing more cases [in pets], but flu-like symptoms. Pregnant women are cine at Ohio State. However, there has it's not because it's circulating more in of greatest concern because the disease been an increase in rabies in raccoons in the animals. It's circulating more on the can pass to the fetus and cause defects. the Eastern United States in recent years, human side. The dogs and cats tend to Pregnant women should avoid clean­ she says. "That increases the risk in that be the victims." ing litter boxes or working in the garden area for pets and people." One problem: Not all zoonotic dis­ where cats may defecate, and all owners eases exhibit observable symptoms. should thoroughly wash their hands after Mites "Owners should know that animals can coming in contact with cat feces. Cause: Certain parasites, such as scabies carry infectious agents, such as toxo­ and Cheyletiella. They can result in skin plasmosis, without any signs of disease," leptospirosis irritations and infections in pets, and be Dr. Miller says. "Good personal hygiene, Cause: The Leptospira spirochete bacte­ transmitted to people, who can develop routine worming of pets and prompt in­ ria. The infection can spread throughout an itchy rash. Because mites usually won't vestigation and treatment of any disease the body, infecting the liver, kidneys, reproduce on humans, symptoms should process in the pet will minimize the fre­ central nervous system, eyes and repro­ resolve once the mites are cleared from quency of a zoonotic disease." ductive system. The extent of infection the household and pets. These are among the diseases that depends on the strength of your eat's can undergo cross-species transmission: immune system. Cats typically contract Ringworm the disease from contaminated water, soil Cause: A fungus triggers this skin and Cat Scratch Disease or mud, or contact with an infected ani­ scalp disease. Characterized by hair loss Cause: The bacterium Bartonella hense­ mal's urine. and a red, variably itchy rash, ringworm lae, often transmitted to humans by a Ifyour cat is undergoing treatment can be transmitted from a cat to a human scratch or a bite. Kittens are likely to be for leptospirosis, prevent its spread to hu­ via contact with an infected animal's skin infected and pass the bacteria to people, mans by wearing gloves when handling or hair. One difficulty: It's possible for a (contin ued on lop ofpage 7)

6 catwatdl JANUARY 2014 MEDICINE

CAN YOUR CAT pet to carry ringworm spores CATCH YOUR FLU? and not show any symptoms. Roundworms Public health and veterinary Cause: The common intes­ research frequently focuses on tinal parasite . zoonotic diseases - those passed Roundworms aren't particu­ from animals to humans, while far larly harmful to adult cats, less is known about reverse zoo­ but a large number of the nosis, the transmission of diseases parasites can be life threaten­ from humans to animals. However, ing to kittens and debilitated recent evidence suggesting that older cats. In the case of a humans can transmit the flu virus small number of worms, to animals has raised concern there may be no outward among scientists. signs of infection. The disease in humans ­ The first recorded, probable case called - can be offatal human-to-cat transmis­ contracted through contact sion of the pandemic Hl Nl flu with a cat's feces. Children virus occurred in Oregon in 2009. are at an increased risk. Since then, a handful of similar Toxocariasis is one of the top parasitic causes of cases have been recorded. The Roundworm can be spread to people through cat feces. blindness in children in limited reports have prompted It can b~ prevented by deworming cats, bu 0 her pets can veterinary researchers at Oregon the U.S., says Dr. Hoet at contaminate play areas. Pa rents should prevent children from Ohio State. "And it can be putting di rt in their mouths and make sure their hands are State and Iowa State Universities washed after playing ou tside. to identify more cases ofthis type completely prevented just by deworming your pets on a of disease transmission to better regular basis. However, other pets can Salmonellosis is also a pathogen that can understand the risks posed to contaminate areas like yards, gardens be spread from animals to people and people and pets. and open play areas, so parents should from people to animals via contaminated As of October 2012, researchers prevent kids from getting dirt in their feces. It lives in the intestinal tract of had identified 13 cats and one dog mouths, and make sure that they wash many animals. their hands after playing outside." Salmone1la germs are shed in ani­ with pandemic H1Nl infection mals' feces and can easily contaminate who appeared to have come from Hookworms their environments. People can also humans. The animal s' symptoms Cause: Several species of parasites. get a Salmonella infection if they don't wer imilar to !boseJn..bumans Kittens are especially likely to have hook­ wash their hands after contact with They developed severe respiratory worm infections and can pass hookworm infected animals or their environment. disease, stopped eating, and some eggs in their stool. Eggs or larvae can Signs of Salmonellosis in people in­ of the animals died. enter the human body via direct contact clude diarrhea, fever and stomach pain with contaminated stools or dirt, and lasting a week. However, infections The researchers are surveying flu the infection can be painful, with itchy can become more severe and require transmission to household cat and skin infections or intestinal bleeding hospitalization. dog popUlations, and recommend and inflammation. As with roundworm, "The diseases mentioned here and that people with flu-like illnesses transmission can be prevented by avoid­ in the sidebar have existed in cats for distance themselves from their ing contact with potentially infected feces years and yet their actual zoonotic po­ pets. If a cat experiences respira­ or dirt, and through regular deworming tential is small," Dr. Miller says. "Why? tory problems or other illness after of pets. Good personal hygiene and common household exposure to someone . If the cat is ill, take him to his with the flu, the pet should be Salmonellosis veterinarian so the cause for the dis­ seen by a veterinarian for testing Cause: The bacteria Salmonella. ease can be found and corrected. Hand and treatment. Although most commonly transmit­ washing with plain old soap and water ted through contaminated food, can't be stressed enough." .:.

JANUA RY 201 4 Visll us at www .calwalchnews letler.co m 7 ASK ELIZABETH

Vaccine-associated sarcoma: hypothesis was raised when VAS were found at non-vaccine injection sites. They have been Amajor concern for cat lovers reported, for example, at the site of microchip insertion. Subsequent studies suggest that Ijust had to euthanize my 70-year-old kitty, these cases may have resulted from vaccines Q Luna, after she developed a fibrosarcoma delivered at the same site as the microchip, and following a rabies vaccination. I am terribly upset this topic remains controversial. that, in trying to protect her, I may have contrib­ The incidence of VAS in cats is between 1 in uted to her demise. Do I now have to be concerned 1,000 and 1 in 10,000 vaccines administered, about my other cats? and the average time from vaccination to the development of VAS in cats is between one I am very sorry to hear about your loss, and I am sure that you did everything in your and three years, although this can vary Widely. El izabeth A The diagnosis of VAS involves the identification power to make Luna's life wonderful. Vaccine ­ Elizabeth I! rilonkful lor of a tumor at the site of a previous vaccination, associated sarcoma (VAS) is a devastating dis­ rlie OSSllrance ofBruce G. followed by microscopic evaluation of a sample Korn re ich, DVM, Ph .D., ease that has become a major concern for cat of the tu mor (biopsy). DACVIM, AssoClot~ Virector lovers and veterinary professionals, and research 01 rhe.' Corn~1I Feline Ht.'olth The treatment of VAS consists of aggressive into the mechanism of this condition is ongoing. Cemer. in provldlna the answer surgical removal of all tumor tissue, followed ide­ ()n this page. ­ The recognition of VAS in cats has had a signifi­ ally by radiation and/or chemotherapy. Although cant impact on the way that veterinarians view surgical removal of VAS can be quite disfiguring vaccinations and how they should be adminis­ due to the aggressiveness of the surgery required, tered. Since rabies and vac­ PLEASE studies have shown that aggressive management cines have been identified as being more likely to SHARE YOUR can improve the survival of cats diagnosed with result in VAS, the focus has been on these particu­ QUESTIONS VAS. In many cases, however, VAS may recur. lar vaccines, but VAS may occur after any vaccine. The recognition of VAS in cats has altered vac­ We welcom e ques­ Vaccines come in a variety of forms. Modified tions on heal th, m edi­ cine recommendations significantly. These altera­ live vaccines (MLV) contain a small quantity ci n e and behavior, but tions include measures to decrease the frequency regret that we cannot of bacteria or virus that has been modified so of vaccination to the minimal amount necessary comment on prior that it is not capable of causing clinical disease, diagnoses and speC/Flc to provide protection from infectious disease but can still "infect" an animal. This low dose of products. Please write case-by-case evaluation of the necessity for :ach CatWa rch Editor, 800 infectious agent initiates an immune response, Connecticut Ave., resulting in the production of protective anti­ vaccine based upon the living conditions of each Norwalk, CT, 06854 or bodies. While MLV usually produce a robust cat, and recommendations for where vaccines email catwatchedltor@ should be administered so that if a VAS does cornell.edu. immune response, they have the potential to mutate to a form of the virus that causes dis­ develop, surgical removal will result in the least ease, among other problems. possible disfigurement of affected cats . Killed vaccines, in contrast, contain a form of It is important to remember that while VAS is the infectious agent that cannot cause infection a risk that should not be discounted, vaccination but can still initiate an immune response. Killed remains a proven and Vital aspect of the main­ vaccines are often combined with compounds tenance of your kitties' health. I encourage you called adjuvants, which increase the immune to discuss your concerns with your veterinarian response of the patient and the protective and to contact the Cornell Feline Health Center immunity imparted by the vaccine. Some stud­ if you have any questions. ies have implicated adjuvants as the cause of I hope that this is helpful and that you will the majority of VAS in cats. discuss this issue further with your veterinarian. Other studies suggest that VAS may not be Remember, in spite of the emergence of VAS in due to components of the vaccines themselves, cats, vaccination remains a vital component of but rather to the inflammation induced by the the health care of cats everywhere. injections required to deliver vaccines. This -Best regards, Elizabeth .:.

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CatWatch JANUAR Y 2014