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Expert information on , behavior and from a world leader in Facing a Hard Fad: 0 Are Fat Thirty percent of 193 patients with bites required hospitalization. More than 50 percent are overweight or obese, which 's Impact on Eyelids 3 can stress arthritic joints and lead to serious disease They can fold inward in short-nosed breeds, causing considerable discomfort. eterinarians liver problems, diabetes When Normal Yeast Goes Wild 4 claSSify 54 per­ and cancer, says Joseph Overabundance results in substances V Wakshlag, DVM, Ph.D., that irritate the skin, acting as allergens. cent of cats in the U.S. as overweight Associate Professor of Ask Elizabeth 8 or obese, according at the Cornell The lack of rigorous study has slowed to a study by the University College of the acceptance of holistic medicine. Association for Veterinary Medicine. 'NTHE NEWS ••• Obesity Prevention. That's about one in How do you define AStep Toward Uncovering two cats or about Q overweight or obese, Their Sixth-Sense Behavior? 47 million. The as­ Dr. Wakshlag? The list of wi th ultraviolet sociation calls the Therapeutic foods can aid weight loss. Cats should remain in vision - the ability to see high­ situation - without the four-to-five range frequency rays of light invisible irony - an "expanding epidemic." on the Purina Body Condition System (on to - extends from But it's no laughing matter. Excess Page 7). As they age, a score of five is bet­ bees, bats, , fish and mice to weight diminishes a eat's quality of life. ter, and five-and-a-half isn't so bad, but you . Until now, few It's hard on arthritic joints and can lead to don't want to get above that. Obese is eight were believed to have this capabil - (continued on page 6) ityThelensesofhumaneye~~r ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ example, block ultraviolet light Nowa study at City University London suggests that cats, Why You g Kittens Fai to Thrive and certain other small mammals like can also see UV light Genetics, environment and infectious diseases can be to The researchers measured UV light blame, but quick intervention can sometimes save them entering the lens of animals' eyes and found that it penetrated to the illions of kittens are born each spring Feline Health Center, which supports vital retina and was converted to visual M - the majority to stray or feral moth­ research investigating several causes of nerve signals entering the brain. ers. The lucky ones end up in the care of fading kitten syndrome. These include cali­ They haven't determined the kindhearted humans. But many of these civirus, a common respiratory , basis of this ability but say it serves new owners and foster parents face heart­ and feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), a several purposes, such as skill as break when their tiny charges succumb to routinely fatal viral infection. nighttime predators and survivors. fading kitten syndrome - a disturbingly For example, reindeers use UV light common occurrence. Even under the best of Future Hope. OngOing studies supported to help distinguish polar bears in circumstances, an estimated 15 to 27 percent by the Center hold the promise ofclarify- white snow. They do say know­ of all kittens die before they're 9 weeks old. ing the mechanism of these important feline ing many animals have ultraviolet "There are a variety of reasons for the diseases and improving our ability to prevent, vision could provide greater under­ death of very young kittens," says veteri­ diagnose and treat cats afflicted by them. standing of their behavior. Perhaps nary cardiologist Bruce Kornreich, DVM, "The causes offading kitten syndrome can their sixth sense? They see things Ph.D., Associate Director of the Cornell be roughly divided into genetic, environmental we don't. ·:. (continued on page 5) CatWa ch SHORTTAKES When They Went to spaces that don't have blood Circulation, EDITOR IN CHIEF the ER for Cat Bites and is often required." Bruce G. Kornreich, DVM, PhD, His message: "Don't ignore a ." In Di pl ACVIM A three-year retrospective study of fact. as the CatWatch October 2013 article EDITOR Betty liddick people who went to the Mayo Clinic "How to Avoid Those Sharp Feline Bites" Hospital in Rochester, Minn" with cat bites advises, older or immuno-compromised ART DIRECTOR Mary Francis McGavic to their hands found that 30 percent of individuals should immediately see a them required hospitalization. While if they have been bitten because of the risk ADVISORY BOARD James A. Flanders, DVM, Di pl bites can seem dramatiC, with torn skin, of bacterial infection. ACVS, AssoCia te Pr ofessor, broken bones and considerable bleeding, OiniG31 Sciences their open wounds can often be easier to -free Breeds? Marc S. Kraus, DVM, Dlpl ACVIM, clean - and heal. Semar LEct urer, Clin ical Sciences Cat bites, however, can pose serious No cats have been proven to be Margaret C. McEntee, DVM, Dipl ACVIM, DACVR, problems. Their deep puncture wounds hypoallergenic, but an air purifi er Professor of make victims vulnerable to bacterial manufacturer and environmental cons ulting William H. Miller, Jr., VMD, Dipl . Of the 193 Mayo Clinic patients firm have included two felin e breeds on a ACVD, Professor, Clinical Sciences whose cases were reported in the Journal of list of 10 allergen-friendly , Ilona Rodan, DVM, Dipl ABVP : One is the Javanese, whose name, like Wisconsin Ca t Care Clinic, Madison, WI some other Oriental breeds, derives from • 36 were immediately admitted to Southeast Asian countries and islands the hospital, where they staye d an rather than their origin. The Javanese wa s average of three days, developed in North America. The breed, Cornell University , College of • 154 were treated with oral recognized as a show cat, has an elegant f) Veterinary Medicine as outpatients, but 21 of body and no undercoat and, as a result, even them later had to be hospitalized, though he's a longhair, has less fur to shed For info rm,llion on your cdt's health, Allergens in cat saliva, especially the vi sit the Cornel l Umverslly Col lege of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell Feli ne Complications involved nerve protein Fel d 1, can trigger allergic reactions Health Center website at problems, abscesses and loss of joint in humans. Cats spread the wwwvel.comelr.e du/fhc/ mobility. The aggressive bacteria protein, found in dander in Pasteurella multocida in the mouths their fur and skin, when they of many animals and up to 90 groom themselves. percent of healthy cats was the most The second cat on common cause of infection, the the list is the Devon researchers say, Rex, a shorthaired cat --.. CarWarch' (ISSN 1095-9092) "Redness, swelling, increasing with a slender body and i<; published mon Illy pain, difficulty in moving the hand la rge ears. The intensely fo r S39 per yea r by BelvO ir Media Gro up, and drainage from the wound are loyal breed is celebrated for LLC, 800 Cot1rlecr icut all signs that there may be an a fun-loving natur'e rhat the Belvoi r Ave , Norwalk, CT 06854­ 1631, Robert Eng lander, infection and that treatment Cat Fanciers Association says Chairman and CEO; n mothy H, Cole, should be sought." says the some describe as a cross Executive Vice President, Editorial Direu or; Ph il ip L PenrlY,Chief study's senior author, Brian between a cat. dog, monkey Ope rating Of Icer; Greg King, Executive T Carlsen, MD, a hand and Dennis the Menace. Vice PreSident, Marketing Direc tor; Ron Goldberg, Chief Fioancial Officer; Ton, surgeon at the Mayo Cl inic The allergen-friendly Canfield, Vice PrEsiOent, Clrcula ion "The tendon list was sponsored by Kaz Inc ~l01 4 Belvo ir Media Group, U C sheaths and of Southborough, Mass, Post aSler: Send ad dress CO rren,ons joints are with participation from to Ca Watch p.o. Box 8535, BI9 Sandy, TX 7 ~ 7 55·8535 superficial Ted Myatt, senior scientist at Environmental Health For Customer Service in the hand, or Subscription information, viS it and cat bites and in w w w.ca!wiJ tmnewsletter.com!cs penetrate Needham, Mass. •:. or call toll free: 800-829-8893 easily, seeding those Express written perm ission Is required to re produce, in any spaces with the germ. manner, the contenlSof rhiS issue, Once it's in there, it can No cat is hypoallergenic, ither III fu ll orin pa rt. For more grow quite Informati on, wille to Permissions, but the shorthaired i)ev()n CacWiHc h, 800 (onnee leut Ave., rapidly in Rex made the cut for allergy NorWalk, Co nnecticu t 06854-1631. nuid-filled frre ndly breeds,

Catwatch MA Y 2014 MEDICINE Anatomy's Impact on the Eye ids They can fold inward in short-nosed breeds, causing blinking, inflammation and considerable discomfort

f you notice your cat squinting or his "Although inherited predisposi­ I eyes watering, he may be suffering tion is the most common cause," from entropion, a condition that causes Dr. Eaton says, "entropion can part of the eyel ids to fold inward and also develop as a result of eyelid eyelashes to rub on the eyes' surface. It trauma that heals improperly, Short-nosed breeds such as Persians usually affects the lower eyelids but can as a secondary condition to a chronic are at higher risk for en tropion because 01 also impact the upper lids, in either case herpes infection that scars the lining rheir skull conformations. causing considerable discomfort. inside the eyelid, or even secondary to Telltale signs may also include: advanced age." When an eyelash or hair folds into problem, yet not remove an excessive • Red and swollen eyelids the 'lower eyelid, it can press against the amount of tissues, as overcorrection of • Excessive blinking eye's surface and cause scratches and entropion can also cause problems." • Inflammation of the eye membranes irritation. Eventually, the trapped hair (conjunctivitis) can lead to the development of a ­ On the Mend. To prevent your cat • Sagging skin around the eye socket ful corneal ulcer. 111e cornea is the clear from pawing at his eyes and sutures • Mucus or other discharge from the "window" on the surface of the eyeball. when he returns home, he'll be fitted eyes During a physical exam, it's com­ with a rigid Elizabethan collar rather • Rubbing or pawing the eyes mon for a to inspect each than a lightweight or inflatable type. eye under normal light and then in dim "I recommend fitting your cat with a "Entropion is most commonly a light. A flourescein dye is usually ap­ clear plastic version of the Elizabethan genetic condition with brachycephalic plied to stain the eye to detect possible collar - not an opaque or colored one," breeds, such as Persians and Himalayans, ulcers in the cornea or other damage to Dr. Eaton says. "This way, your cat can at higher risk because of their skull con­ the eye. see his surroundings while wearing this formations," says J. Seth Eaton, VMD, Although may ini­ medical recovery collar." ACVO, a veterinary con­ tially prescribe topical ointments and After surgery, the veterinarian will sultant and former staff ophthalmologist artificial tears to lubricate the affected prescribe lubricating eye drops and at Cornell University Veterinary Special­ eyes in early stages of this condition, antibiotics to reduce the risk of infec­ ists in Stamford, Conn. medication is considered only a short­ tion. PrognOSiS for a full recovery is The anatomy ofshort-nosed breeds term solution. favorable for most cats, with a 90-plus puts more strain on the ligaments of percent success rate. Post-surgical the eyelids than it does in other types Best Treatment. "Surgery to correct complications are rare, but sometimes of cats, particularly adjacent to the this condition is the most secure and a second surgery may be necessary to nose. As a result, veterinarians may best way to treat it," says Dr. Eaton. permanently correct the eyelids' fold­ detect entropion within the first year of "We've tried different non-surgical ing inward. a kitten's life during a routine physical options, including collagen injections "The most common complication examination. into the eyelids, but they are not yet we see in entropion surgery is that the However, entropion can occur in proven to be as successful as surgery." condition returns, and a second proce­ any cat at any age due to chronic dis­ While your cat is under general anes­ dure is necessary," Dr. Eaton says. ease or injury to the eyes. While the thesia, an elliptical piece of tissue directly Postoperatively, stitches will be in abnormality is more common in dogs, under the eye is removed and the two place on the external surface of the owners should be alert to its signs in sides are sutured together, pulling the eyelid skin and removed 10 to 14 days their cat. The often-painful disorder affected eyelid downward. The procedure afterward. "While there may be some can cause scar-tissue buildup, painful usually takes 30 minutes to an hour. inflammation and swelling of the mem­ corneal ulceration and even blindness. "There is a little bit of art to per­ branes lining the eyelids immediately (The condition is not to be confused forming the entropion surgery," says after correction," Dr. Seaton says, "most with ectropion, in which the eyelids Dr. Eaton. "We try to determine how cats regain a normal appearance within droop and roll outward.) much tissue to take out to correct the one to two weeks after surgery." y

MAY 2014 Vis it us at www .(atwatchnewslette r.com HEALTH

the veterinarian will look into your When Normal Yeast Goes Wild eat's ears with an otoscope, much as a An overabundance results in scratching and produces doctor examines ears. "Usu­ ally a smear is made and the yeast are substances that irritate the skin, acting as an allergen looked for under a ," Dr. Miller says. "If they are seen, a topical product may be all that is needed. In ou won't sniff out this culprit, but Skin lesions are very variable and chronic cases, especially those involv­ y you'll see its work, the strong­ can range from a dandruff condition to ing the skin, an anti-yeast medication scented fungal infection that causes a an itchy dermatitis; chin acne; or bald, - topical or pill - is added to the cat to scratch-scratch-scratch his ears shiny skin. A cat with a fungal infec­ topical agent." or chew his paws to rawness. The tiny tion in his ears may show behavioral The anti-yeast medication may be perpetrator: an overabundance of mi­ changes such as shaking or tilting the an ointment or cream containing mi­ croscopic yeast. conazole or . More than 1,500 species of Treatment can take a while. yeast exist, each playing spe­ "Most significant infec­ cific roles in life, such as rais­ tions take 30 days or so of ing bread and brewing beer. treatment," Dr. Miller says. One type, Malassezia, lives on "Chronic cases can take your cat's skin and your skin, months." Because Malassezia too. You'll never notice it until are found on healthy pets, something causes the balance the idea behind treatment is to tip, and the usually good not to wipe it out but to ar­ Malassezia go wild, leading rest its growth and reduce its to itchiness of a magnitude numbers. requiring a visit to the veteri­ narian. Iffy Home Treatments. Home remedies for skin Fighting Fungi. "Yeasts and ear infections in pets are a part of the normal flora a also exist. In most cases, Dr. of the body," says dermatolo­ Yeast infection of a eat's skin often signals a signlfican underlying Miller says, "They are OK gist William H. Miller, VMD, condition as long as they a ren't too Medical Director of the Cornell crazy." Cats have more sensi­ University Hospital for Animals at head, walking in circles and scooting tive ear canals than dogs, and it 's easy Cornell University College of Veterinary an itchy rear across the carpet. to irritate the eat's ear with a product Medicine. "They help prevent, or slow A veterinarian can uncover the rea­ that works well in your dog. It's best to down, the colonization of the skin by son for the symptoms and whether yeast avoid home remedies and go to your pathogenic fungi or bacteria. is the culprit. Among possible causes: veterinarian to get the best medicine "Malassezia is a normal inhabitant for your cat. of the skin and ear canal. Ifsomething • Steroid medication given to cats with Cats with food may require changes in the ecology of the ski nl allergies. special attention. Despite the growth ear surface, the yeasts can start to • Antibiotics that are used to treat skin in anti-allergy pet foods on the market multiply," he says. "As they grow, they infections caused by allergies. They today, "I doubt that allergies are more produce various substances which can kill good bacteria along with the bad. common," Dr. Miller says. "I believe it's irritate the skin and act as an allergen." • Topical ear medications that either just diagnosed more often now." Unlike the dog, yeast infections in irritate the ear canal or change the If your cat has allergies, the diet­ cats are uncommon. The most common microflora of the ear. yeast link is all a matter of balance, site for a yeast infection in the cat is • An object trapped in the ear. Dr. M iller says. If the cat is allergic to in the ear canal, and it usually follows • Water trapped in the ear canal. a food ingredient, the goal is to feed some medical or other topical ear treat­ • A growth in the ear canal. him a good diet that nourishes him yet ment. Cats do get yeast infections of supports his immune system without their skin, and this often Signals some Diagnosis and treatment of the causing yeast to bloom. A veterinary Significant underlying skin condition. infection are uncomplicated. First, nutritionist can help. (.

4 CatWatch MAY 2014 HEALTH

KITTENS... (COIl tilwed from covel) are at risk. Hookworms, and infectious causes - and a kitten another intestinal parasite, might be impacted by several of these si­ may also be transmitted multaneously," Dr. Kornreich says. Genet­ via a mother eat's . ic conditions include congenital birth de­ The offspring ofstray fects, such as an abnormal development of and feral cats are particu­ the gastrointestinal tract, which can affect larly prone to fading kitten a kitten's ability to digest food or eliminate syndrome. "Stray kittens are waste products, heart defects, and skull or more likely to be exposed mouth defects, which can render a kitten to extreme temperatures, unable to nurse. diseases, parasites and un­ Environmental factors include tox­ sanitary conditions - and ins in the environment and ambient orphaned kittens may miss temperatures that are either too hot or out on their mother's colos­ too cold. The hyper- and hypothermia trum," Dr. Kornreich says. Underweight kittens often do well once bottle-feeding that may result fwm thes.e conditions Problems with new­ begins. can be life-threatening, especially for borns are often difficult to very young kittens who are unable to detect until a crisis develops. One can be upon which of these causes is in­ regulate their body temperatures. the mother eat's failing to care properly volved. Insufficient weight gain can "Failure to thrive can also result for the kittens. Caretakers should also be remedied by supplementing the from an inexperienced mother cat who watch for these critical signs: kitten's diet with milk replacer. Bacte­ doesn't lie down with the kittens often rial infections may require antibiotics. enough or long enough to keep them • Underweight kittens who don't Low blood sugar levels may warrant warm," Dr. Kornreich says. "Other nurse or gain weight. "If a kitten is glucose. Kittens with low red blood mother cats may not produce sufficient not , or if you notice milk cell counts may need oxygen and/or milk. The average kitten needs to gain coming from a kitten's nose after nutritional supplementation. And kit­ between 7 to 10 grams [about one­ nursing, gently open the mouth to tens with isoerythrolysis may require a fourth to one-third of an ounce] per check for a cleft palate, which can ." day to be healthy." make him unable to nurse," Dr. The prognosis depends largely Another condition known as neo­ Korn reich says. upon the cause of the kitten's decline natal isoerythrolysis, in which the • Decreased activity and isolation and how quickly intervention takes mother develops antibodies to the red from littermates. place, says Dr. Kornreich. "Sadly, kit­ blood cells of her kitten, can result in • Less vocalization, low heart rates tens with FIP rarely survive. However, red blood cell destruction and and body temperatures. low-weight kittens often do better once when the kitten ingests the mother's • Blue-ish gums, an indication of bottle-feeding begins." antibodies in her milk. These blood type cyanosis due to low oxygenation of To prevent fading kitten syndrome, mismatches, which may occur more fre­ tissues secondary to heart problems. keep strong fumes, such as harsh clea'n-' quently in purebred cats, are often fatal. • Pale gums, which suggest low red ing products, away from kittens to blood cell levels. reduce environmental risk, Dr. Korn­ Immunity From Mom. In addition reich says. "Make sure the mother cat is to FIP, infectious diseases such as pan­ Any of these signs warrants an im­ vaccinated, free of parasites and eating leukopenia and herpesvirus can be fatal mediate trip to the veterinarian, who a high-quality diet. Keep the tempera­ to kittens. They are also prone to bacte­ will perform a physical examination ture comfortable and the kitten area rial infections, especially if they don't and obtain a medical history. Ques­ clean." Careful monitoring of kittens' receive colostrum, a component oftheir tions may concern maternal nutrition, activity levels and body weight may mother's milk containing vital protec­ the delivery, mothering behavior and also prOVide early clues that something tive antibodies that is produced in the possible exposures to chemicals, tox­ is amiss. very early lactation period, within their ins and infections. "In a nutshell, my advice is to keep first days of life. "The word 'syndrome' refers to a the mother cat and the environment Intestinal parasites such as round­ condition that may be incompletely healthy, monitor the kittens closely, worms can be transmitted via the understood and/or has multiple causes and intervene quickly at the first sign of placenta and mammary glands, so if or symptoms associated with it," Dr. trouble," Dr. Kornreich says. "The kit­ the mother cat is infected, the kittens Kornreich says. "Treatment depends tens' lives may literally depend on it." ·:'

MAY 2014 Visit us at www.(atwalch news letter.(o m 5

- ~-- -~~~---~ NUTRITION

WEIGHT. .(continued from cover) and give only 60 percent of what it says product from the same brand for adult or nine. Cats tend to gain weight and to give, I can potentially shortchange maintenance. Most of the manufacturers maintain that overweight or obese sta­ that cat on vitamins and minerals. That's list calorie counts on their website - not tus since fat tissue is not very metaboli­ why we recommend therapeutic diets. the bag - or you have to phone them. cally active. Cats tend to not be as active They help with satiety and have a higher when obese, so you really need to cut protein-to-calorie ratio as well as carni­ How do you figure out how many calories to get weight loss. tine (a substance that helps the body turn Qcalories per pound to give to achieve fat into energy) that may help maintain weight loss? What is the best way to keep muscle mass during weight loss. They can Have your vet help with the calcula­ Q pounds ofF optimize weight loss, and that's why they tion, and use the ideal body weight Understand the body condition are more expensive. You can get a high­ as a guide. Typically, you need around scoring system. Don't feed accord­ protein low-calorie food from the grocery 20 calories per pound of body weight to ing to what the food bag says. Typically, store but you risk shortchanging vitamins maintain a cat or get slow weight loss, what a kitten is eating at around 4 and minerals. although that's at rest. Let's say my cat is months of age is about the amount that Many people make a mistake by 13 pounds but he should be 9. I multiply the cat will need as an adult. switching brands. Let's say they give a 9 by 20 calories to get the resting weight high-end weight-loss food although they requirement, but you usually have to go Are therapeutic weight-loss diets - don't know how many calories it has. lower than that to get good weight loss. Qthe kind you buy at the veterinary Then they switch to weight management This 13-pound cat needs 180 calories at clinic - healthy? in another brand and cut back, so the a resting rate. This plan might work for a All the therapeutic foods designed cat gets less food than before. But foods high-activity cat to lose weight, but most for weight loss are healthy and cats from different manufacturers have dif­ people have to drop it back even more. can stay on them for years if needed. ferent calorie levels - there is a huge range - so unless you know the number What treats are appropriate for an What's the best way for cats to of calories in each one, you could feed Qoverweight cat? Q lose weight? less but still give more calories. You may Unfortunately, treats during a We can do aggressive weight loss with not be doing your cat justice. weight-loss plan are hard to recom­ therapeutic foods formulated to have Stay with the same brand or same mend. Often we tell owners to use the extra vitamins and minerals so they are family of products, as their weight kibble they are feeding as a treat. Five getting what they need. When I go to the management or "light formula" will extra kibble are usually not a problem supermarket and get a "light" formula definitely have fewer calories than the and can be taken from the main meal.

FOR THOSE WHO NEED TO GAIN WEIGHT QAny parting advice?

Shelter workers and those who foster underweight cats often face chal­ From a veterinary perspective, lenges in encouraging them to eat. "The GI tract and its absorptive weight gain in cats is due to the surfaces are atrophied in cases of malnutrition," says nutritionist Joseph inactive and over-consumptive lifestyle Wakshlag, DVM, Ph.D., at Cornell. "It's a plastic organ in the way it adapts of most indoor cats. Doing things to to too much or too little food. Feeding a cat a lot immediately is not ideal. get your cat more active and making Feed these cats based on the same calculation as we did for the heavy cat sure to feed appropriately will help with for the resting energy requirement (on this page) and work your way up future problems. Cats who cannot groom for two or three days. themselves because they are too heavy can have skin issues that can become life "If there is no diarrhea, then move up 20 percent, then another 20 percent threatening, and the risk of developing after another few days, and he should start to gain weight by the end of diabetes is very real in overweight cats. that week. Feed him around 30 calories per pound to gain weight, based Being diligent and weighing out the on what the eat's ideal body weight should be. Some cats adapt quickly, right amount offood every day is critical but some get diarrhea hO matter what - and need to be handled with to a successful weight-loss program. Ideal more incremental Increases, but most do very well once fed properly." weight loss is between one to two percent To keep weight on a finicky eater, Dr. Wakshlag recommends switching the per week, and your veterinarian can help cat to a food with more palatability, which has higher levels of fat, added you track this since all therapeutic diets protein and added calories. are not created equally. Some are high in fiber for satiety and others are not. .:.

6 CatWatch MAY 2014 NUTRITION

Ribs visible on shorthaired cats; no palpable fat; 1 severe abdominal tuck; lumbar vertebrae and wings of ilia easily palpated.

z Ribs easily visible on shorthaired cats; lumbar vertebrae obvious with minimal muscle mass; pronounced abdominal - tuck; no palpable fat.

Ribs easily palpable with minimal fat covering; lumbar vertebrae obvious; obvious waist behind ribs; minimal abdominal fat.

Ribs palpable with minimal fat covering; noticeable L4 waist behind ribs; slight abdominal tuck; abdominal fat pad absent . ... Well-proportioned; observe waist behind ribs; ribs palpable ~ 5 with slight fat covering; abdomi na l fat pod minimal. -Q Ribs palpable with slight excess fat covering; waist and 6 abdominal fat pad distinguishable but not obvious; abdominal tuck absent.

Ribs not easily palpated with moderate fat covering; waist poorly discernible; obvious rounding of abdomen; moderate abdominal fat pad.

Ribs not palpable with excess fat covering; waist absent; obvious rounding of abdomen with prominent abdominal fat pad; fat deposits present over lumbar area.

Ribs not palpable under heavy fat cover; heavy fat 9 deposits over lumbar area, face and limbs; distention of abdomen with no waist; extensive abdominal fat deposits.

Call 1-800-222-VETS (8387), weekdays, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. CT

MAY 2014 Vis it us at www .catwatchnewslelter.com ASK ELIZABETH

Lack of Rigorous Testing with anecdotal reports of how these affect patients, and these reports may be subject Hinders Alternative Medicine to biases that obscure the true benefit (or lack thereof) of the in question. /have a 3-year-old male domestic short­ In my view, it would not be surprising if some Qhaired cat who has been diagnosed with percentage of alternative therapies is beneficial. Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome [believed to be an For example, many of these therapies involve obsessive condition or seizure, involving exces­ the use of plant-based materials. Given the fact sive scratching, vocalization, grooming, running that many "conventional" therapies (i.e., drugs) about and skin rippling on the back), and I have have their origin in plant-based materials, it is been giving him holistic remedies to treat him. I not outrageous to think that some of these non­ am dismayed by the relative lack ofacceptance traditional therapies may be beneficial. Given Elizabeth of alternative medicine by the veterinary medical the long history of the use of some of these profession. What are your thoughts on this issue? therapies, I think that it would be closed minded Eliloberh r, Thankful (or to ignore these long-standing experiences; and fhe aSSISTancE' ofBruce G. Kornreich, DVM, Ph.D., that at the very least, such a breadth of experi­ DACVIM, AssociatE' Dlreccor I understand your feelings about this, and ence should engender a desire to scientifically of rhe Com~1I FI!Imt! Hl!olrl, Ayou are not alone in believing that alterna­ investigate their potential benefits. Cemer, In providing the answer on fhi! cage. tive medical practices have received less than An important thing to consider is that it is pos­ blanket acceptance by the veterinary medical sible that some alternative medical practices may (or human medical, for that matter) profession. be harmful to patients in some situations. When This is likely due to a number of factors, includ­ medical professionals make decisions regarding ing historical educational tendencies, unfa­ therapy for their patients, they compare the risk PLEASE SHARE YOUR miliarity and, in many cases, a lack of rigorous of a given therapy with its potential benefit. The QUESTIONS scientific demonstration of benefit of alternative ideal therapy would provide benefit without any medical therapies. I can give you my thoughts risk to the patient. The antithesis of this would be We welcome ques­ on the matter, for whatever they are worth! a therapy that provides no benefit and is harmful tions on health, medi· Alternative medicine may be defined as a to the patient. If a therapy provides neither ben­ clne and behavior, but efit nor risk, its use may result in wasted effort regret that we cannot group of healing therapies that fall outside "con­ comment on prior ventional" medical practices. This definition is a and undue financial expense. Without objectively diagnoses and specific loose one, as what is accepted as "conventional" knowing what these potential benefits and risks product s. Please write may vary from place to place. The ambiguity of are, this comparison is problematic. CarWarch Editor, 800 Connecticut Ave., this definition is complicated by the fact that Given the lack of scientific investigation of Norwalk, CT, 06854 or the origin of many of these practices is often many alternative therapies, many clinicians do email catwatchedltor@ antique and exotic. I think that part of the prob­ not feel comfortable recommending their use. cornell.edu. lem with acceptance of some of these practices It is important to point out, though, that with is a lack of familiarity, which naturally causes increased investigation of alternative therapies, people to feel uncomfortable. we may discover that some, if not many, are ben­ One point about alternative medicine that eficial. If this is the case, these therapies may then understandably makes some people uncom­ become more accepted by the "conventional" fortable is that in many, if not most, cases, medical establishment. It is encouraging to know there is a relative lack of scientific proof that that studies of the effects of alternative therapies these therapies work. This does not necessar­ are underway in many laboratories, and I think it's ily mean that they do not provide a benefit to important to keep our minds open when inter­ patients, but rather that a benefit has not been preting the results of these important studies. definitively demonstrated. I hope my two cents has been helpful, and Demonstration of a therapy's benefit requires I look forward (as I am sure you do) to what rigorous testing using the scientific method to the future holds as we carefully investigate the obtain objective, measurable data regarding its potential benefits of alternative medical therapy. effects. Without this rigorous testing, we are left -Best regards, Elizabeth (.

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8 CatWatch MAY 2014