p e rsp e ctive s

A Newsletter for Cat Fanciers ^ O n C a t s F r o m The Cornell Feline Health Center

Fall 1985

FLOWER LIBRARY

A llergic to D o n ’ t D e s p a i r

Editor’s Note: Whether you or a rela­ intense allergic activity comes from the tive or friend are allergic to cats, the protein in saliva.” following article provides new insight in­ to the cause of the allergic reaction. When the cat licks or cleans Itself, The article has been reprinted with per­ the saliva is deposited on the coat, mission from the Animal Health Newsletter, dries, and then becomes airborne — and a Vol. 1 , No. 12, published by Cornell Uni­ menace to the allergic individual. Dander versity. itself is actually only dried epithelial particles that the cat normally sheds (as "Do you own a pet?" is likely to be among do all other animals with fur or feath­ the first questions the allergist asks an ers). In Dr. Ohman's opinion, it's more individual suffering from the itching, likely what's on the pelt, rather than the sneezing, skin rash, runny nose, wheezing, pelt itself, that is the cause of the re­ coughing, or asthma symptoms associated action. Thus the dried scales being shed with an allergy. It's a question apimal by the animal are "a highly unlikely lovers dread being asked because, justifi­ cause" of the problem. ably or not, the owner assumes that the allergist will make elimination of the pet Among domestic animals, cats are most the first step in treatment. Perhaps the frequently singled out as the cause of al­ animal is allowed to stay, but contact lergic reactions. Dr. Ohman agrees with must be reduced to a minimum. For the pet owner the allergy problem remains one fraught with emotion and frustration.

Dr. John L. Ohman, MD, of the Founda­ Inside This Issue tion for the Study of Asthma and Related Allergic to Cats? ...... page 1 Diseases in Boston, Massachusetts, has been studying animal allergies for almost Rabies Alert! ...... page 4 a decade. He has been particularly inter­ ested in allergic reactions to cats. Re­ Staff News ...... pages 4,8 cently there was a dramatic discovery of a single protein, called cat allergen 1 , in Giardia Can Cause cat saliva. This protein is suspected in Chronic Diarrhea ...... page 5 causing allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. This finding, if borne out Abcesses in the Cat ..... page 6 by continuing studies, stands to refute the traditional wisdom that has always as­ How do cats purr? ...... page 6 sociated the allergy with exposure to cat hair or dander. According to Dr. Ohman, A Special Thank You ..... page 7 "Dander doesn't denote anything. The most Perspectives O n C a t s

this assessment. In his opinion 20 to 30 delayed significantly, even when the pa­ percent of people with chronic respiratory tients were in a room with many cats. symptoms can be shown to have evidence of Perhaps more impressive was the almost 100 allergy to cats. percent effectiveness of the treatment, contrasted with about 50 percent for such Switching breeds will not help, either, traditional treatments as antihistamines, if one is in fact allergic to the cat. cortisones and other cat dander extracts. "There doesn't appear to be any difference (in the allergen) from breed to breed," Attention is now being focused on the Dr. Ohman says. "They're all the same chemical properties of the cat allergen species." And, obviously, all cats have protein and how sufficient quantities of the same grooming habits, resulting in — the protein can be gathered for manufac­ by Dr. Ohman's theory — deposit of the ture of the desensitizing injection prepa­ allergen-rich saliva on the coat. ration. Since the protein is found prima­ rily in the saliva (and to a lesser extent perhaps in the pelt), a method must be Desensitizing Treatment found to determine the optimum conditions for collecting the saliva. Collecting the Desensitization (or hyposensitization) saliva directly from the cat's mouth is treatment, using increasing doses of ex­ not as easy as it might sound, even assum­ tracts of allergens, is a common feature ing a cooperative cat. Cat saliva is of therapy for a wide variety of aller­ stringy and thick and one has to be more gies. The use of these extracts in treat­ ing sensitivity to animals has been sur­ rounded by some controversy and some re­ sistance on the part of allergists. Some allergists are reluctant to use desensiti­ zation treatment because of possible ad­ verse reactions to the allergen extracts. Perspectives Each person has a unique "allergoprint" — a profile of sensitivity to specific pro­ A Newsletter for Cat Fanciers O n C a t s From The Cornell Feline Fiealth Center teins. The variability of this individual activity pattern must be taken into con­ The ultimate purpose of the Cornell Feline Health Center is to sideration in selecting the optimum treat­ improve the health of cats everywhere, by developing methods to prevent or cure feline diseases, and by providing continuing educa­ ment extract. To further complicate the tion to veterinarians and cat owners. All contributions are tax- issue, the offending agent(s) cannot be deductible. identified. D irector: Fredric W. Scott, D.V.M., Ph.D. Editor: June E. Tuttle Dr. Ohman has been working with the as­ Secretary: Sheryl A. Bronger Special Consultant: Leo A. Wuori, D.V.M. sistance of an Allergic Disease Center Grant, awarded by the National Institutes This publication is made possible, in part, by a grant from Wayne Pet Food Division. We of Health, on developing a more sensitive gratefully acknowledge this interest and and safer treatment preparation. His support in the furthering of feline health. This acknowledgement of our gratitude is studies have utilized a cat allergen prep­ not an endorsement of any particular aration that has been subjected to a company or product. series of purification procedures. Sever­ ®1985 by Cornell University on behalf of the al more years of research are likely to be Cornell Feline Health Center, College of necessary before an adequate injectable Veterinary Medicine, Ithaca, NY 14853. All rights reserved. Permission to reprint preparation is available. selected portions must be obtained in writing. Cornell University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action educator and Preliminary hyposensitization tests em ployer. with cat allergen 1 indicate that allergic reactions of cat-sensitive patients were 3

or less "on call” to do a continuous col­ to be done to determine how practical this lection. A better method now being used actually is." is to collect the dried saliva from the cat's coat, where it is liberally deposit­ An enlarged study is under way to fur­ ed during routine grooming. ther determine the effectiveness of desen­ One aspect of Dr. Ohman's research drew sitization treatment with cat allergen considerable attention from the press and protein and to determine how frequently gave rise to some false hopes that a cure injections might be required. In the for cat allergy had been discovered. As meantime, the evidence to date suggests Dr. Ohman explains, in one experiment to that cat-sensitive individuals do in fact find the best way to extract cat saliva, benefit from hyposensitization therapy. cats were given the drug acepromazine as a Such therapy will vary according to the preanesthetic. The drug appeared to re­ regimen preferred by the individual aller­ duce the amount of cat allergen in the sa­ gist, but the usual course consists of an liva. From this it was an easy leap to initial series of injections, followed by the conclusion that giving the cat ace­ monthly boosters for several years. After promazine would control the secretion of a few years, the treatments are stopped the allergen that makes people allergic to for a trial period and then resumed if cats. One could, in effect, treat the cat needed. Dr. Ohman's experience is that before it became necessary to treat the hyposensitization is effective in approxi­ allergic cat owner. A great idea, but as mately 50 percent of the cases he treats. Dr. Ohman cautions, "much more work needs

Practical Tips for Allergic Pet Owners

Hyposensitization treatment never eliminates an allergy completely, al­ though it can bring most symptoms under control. Eliminating the animal won't often bring immediate results either, because the offending agent may remain in the house and environment long after the pet is gone, even with thorough cleaning and airing.

But if you are allergic and are convinced the symptoms can be con­ trolled even with an animal indoors, here are some practical tips on re­ ducing the opportunity for your symptoms to get worse.

1. Don't think you can find the ed to it gradually and that allergy-proof pet. A short- some comfortable and protect­ haired cat can cause as much ed quarters are available for of a reaction as a long­ inclement weather. haired one, mainly because the problem isn't with the 3. Have a nonallergic person hair in the first place. groom the animal several times a week, using a soft brush and a wet towel to wipe 2. Avoid direct contact with the it down, thus removing both pet and never allow it to go fur and the accumulated dan­ on the furniture or in the der. Shampooing with one of bedroom. Cats can adjust to the commercially available a largely outdoor life, pro­ anti-allergy products is also vided that they are acclimat­ useful. Perspectives O n C a t s 4

R abies A lert!

When was your cat last vaccinated against rabies? It could mean the difference between life and death of your pet. Rabies is on the upsurge especially in the mid-Atlantic states. Also it continues to be a serious problem in the midwest and southwest states. Wildlife, particularly skunks and raccoons, are the natural reservoir for transmitting this viral disease to pets and humans.

Outdoor cats are at a greater risk because they have more opportunity to come in contact with rabid wildlife. There­ fore, it is especially important that these animals are vac­ cinated on a regular schedule. Kittens can be vaccinated as early as 12 weeks of age. Cats should be revaccinated in one year. Thereafter, a booster — either every year or every three years depending on the vaccine used — will provide protection against rabies.

A rabid animal generally shows signs that are symptomatic of encephalitis (inflammation of the brain). The first signs observed are personality changes. Perhaps the animal will suddenly become aggressive or withdrawn. The animal will avoid lighted areas as well as people and refuse to drink water as the disease progresses. The final stages may end in furious rage or paralysis.

Any pet suspected of rabies should be taken to your veter­ inarian for evaluation. ■

S t a f f N e w s The Cornell Feline Health Center staff Dr. Hoskins received his DVM degree welcomes Dr. Johnny D. Hoskins, who is on from Oklahoma State University and his sabattic leave from Louisiana State Uni­ PhD degree from Iowa State University. He versity. During his 12-month stay he will is a diplomate of the American College of do research and be assistant director of Veterinary Internal Medicine. the Center.

For the past 8 1/2 years he has served Dr. Hoskins' research is being funded as a clinician in the LSU Veterinary by a grant from the Robert H. Winn Founda­ Teaching Hospital and Small Animal Clinic, tion for Cat Research. He will be study­ with particular emphasis in the areas of ing the effects of enteric coronaviruses small animal medicine, general receiving, in cats raised in a germ-free environ­ and gastroenterology. Previously he was ment. In the position of assistant direc­ employed at Iowa State University, where tor he is responsible for answering ques­ he taught courses and worked in the Small tions on feline health, overseeing publi­ Animal Clinic. ■ cations, and providing direction on public relations activities for the Center. 5

Giardia Can Cause Chronic Diarrhea

Johnny D. Hoskins, DVM, PhD

Chronic, intermittent diarrhea is a stools, response to treatment, and exclud­ frequent and often perplexing problem for ing other potential causes of the illness. cats of all ages. Various bacterial, vi­ ral, and dietary causes have been describ­ Identification of Giardia can be diffi­ ed in great detail but when diagnostic cult because the organism may not be con­ procedures for these causes or treatments sistently shed in the feces, the diagnos­ ere ineffective, then Giardia may be the tic test chosen may be inappropriate for causative agent. identifying the organism, or the animal has previously received treatment. The Giardia is a protozoa (one-celled or­ best methods used for diagnosing giardia­ ganism) that will parasitize the small in­ sis is a direct fecal smear and zinc sul­ testine of cats, particularly cats less fate centrifugal flotation. than 1 year of age. Infections of Giardia have been recognized throughout the United Treatment States but its occurrence is usually iso­ lated to certain communities within a Treatment includes administering a state. A survey conducted in New Jersey, Giardia-specific drug, usually metronida­ Michigan and Minnesota in the early 1980s zole or furazolidone. Cleaning and disin­ indicated that 1.4 to 5 percent of the cat fecting cages and litter pans with a di­ population was infected with Giardia. lute solution of liquid bleach will de­ stroy organisms that have been shed in the The most likely sources of Giardia are environment and help prevent reinfection. drinking water contaminated with infected Providing clean water and a high quality feces of animals (eg. beavers, raccoons, diet are equally important in a treatment opossums, dogs) or ingesting the Giardia regimen. from an infected littermate or chronic carrier cat.

After ingestion of the Giardia, incuba­ tion takes 5 to 16 days before the cat will show signs of chronic, intermittent diarrhea. Most likely the cat requires several exposures to the organism before infection actually occurs.

Diagnosis Public Health Unfortunately little information is avail­ able on the parasitologic and clinical as­ There is increasing evidence that giardia­ pects of the disease, feline giardiasis. sis may be transmitted to humans. There­ One's suspicion for giardiasis is often fore proper precautions should be taken to aroused when commonly used antibacterial avoid contracting the disease from an in­ and antidiarrheal treatments are ineffec­ fected animal. Following good hygiene tive in an otherwise normal cat. Diagno- principles, such as washing your hands af­ sis of giardiasis is based on identifying ter contact with an infected cat, is rec­ the protozoan organism in fresh diarrheic ommended. ■ Perspectives 6 O n C a t s

Abscesses in the Cat

Abcesses are relatively common in cats. Usually the wound heals in 4 or 5 Territorial fights between cats, playful days. Tail wounds require about 14 days bouts, and even mating can cause puncture to heal. Healing is delayed because very wounds that can fester into abcesses. The little protective tissue covers the bone. most common sites where wounds are in­ Also, the healing process is usually 2 to flicted are the legs, feet, tail, head, 3 times longer for cats that are feline neck and the mid-back. leukemia positive. ■

The claws and fangs of cats are very sharp and easily puncture the skin. Sur­ face bacteria are then carried beneath the skin and deep into the tissues. The bac­ teria multiply in the warm, moist environ­ Trivia PURR-Suit ment under the skin. Usually the surface wound is small and it easily becomes clog­ How do cats purr? ged with debris, preventing proper drain­ age. For many years it was thought that purr­ ing was a result of a vibration caused by Symptoms blood rushing through the primary vein in the chest cavity or by the bending of the Initially the cat appears slightly sore. aorta when a cat arched its back. The swelling under the skin continues to enlarge and the area becomes very sensi­ New insight on this phenomenon has been tive to touch. Within about 48 hours an provided by a study conducted by Drs. Lea abcess forms. Usually by the fifth day Stogdale and John B. Delack of Canada. the cat's temperature will be elevated, Their study showed that purring was caused perhaps reaching 105°F. The cat will lose by distinct changes in the larynx. its appetite and becomes increasingly le­ thargic as the infection continues. Fin­ They discovered that there are three ally the abcess may naturally drain or it phases that occur in the larynx to produce may require a visit to your veterinarian the purring sound. First the larynx open­ for further treatment. ing closes slightly creating increased pressure and air resistance. Then there Treatment is a rapid opening of the vocal cords, re­ leasing the pressure. The rapid change in Early detection is the key to treatment. pressure causes air vibrations, thus re­ Oftentimes just keeping the wound site sulting in the purring sound. The rapid clean and applying hot compresses on a and regular activation of muscles in the daily basis is sufficient treatment. throat and diaphragm creates the initial air turbulence. The whole sequence occurs For wounds that are draining, first very quickly (30-40 milliseconds). shave the hair surrounding the wound site. Then cleanse the area with a mild shampoo. Hot compresses should be applied 2 to 3 times daily for 15 to 20 minutes. (Resource: Compendium of Continuing Educa­ Continue to apply the hot compresses for 3 tion, pp. 551-553, July 1985.) ■ to 5 days. 7

A Special Thank You for Your Support

The staff extends a special thank you to the following cat clubs and individuals for their continuing support and belief that all cats deserve better health care. If you would like to make a contribution please complete and return the form below. We need your support today to continue our work tomorrow.

Cat Clubs Monetary Support Distributed CFHC Literature Cat Fanciers of Florida Diamond State Cat Club Diamond State Cat Club Madison Cat Club Downeast Cat Club Valley View Cat Fanciers, Inc. Illinois-Iowa Cat Fanciers Madison Cat Club Massachusetts Colony Cat Club Northeast Feline Fanciers, Inc.

Individuals (contributions of $ 1 0 0 or more) Name Funds given for: Frances Coleman Camuti Fund David & Teresa Cremers In memory of cat, Isis Mr. & Mrs. Roger Ditman In memory of John Ditman & cat, Pieter Ptolemy Mr. & Mrs. C.W. Hart general donation Mary & Jane Henle Camuti Fund Jean Kenerson In memory of cat, Sceezek Irmgard Light general donation Dr. Robert Manning, Webster Veterinary Clinic general donation Jessie L. McGilless In memory of Winston (owned by Marguerite Chapman) Frances Nall general donation Dorothy Palmer general donation Doris C. Parr Camuti Fund Carl H. Scheman, Jr. general donation Cheryl Yeip matching gift Mr. & Mrs. Edward Young In memory of Snix Mr. & Mrs. A1 Zimmerman In memory of Beach Cats of Rockaway Park

Contribution for Feline Health Enclosed is my contribution of $ ______. Please apply it to the following fund:

[] General donation [] FIP Research Fund [] Camuti Fund (feline diagnostic [] Buzz-Fuzz Harder Cardiomyopathy Fund service for veterinarians)

Given by: Name Address City State ZIP

Please return this form to: Cornell Feline Health Center 618 VRT College of Veterinary Medicine Ithaca, NY 14853 Perspectives O n C a t s 8

ABC-TV Correspondent Receives AVMA Humane Award

Roger Caras, member of the Advisory Coun­ cil of the Cornell Feline Health Center, is the first recipient of the AVMA Humane Award. He received the award at the 122nd annual meeting of the American Veterinary Medical Association in Las Veg-as, on., July 24. * * ;. . - The award is given to a non­ veterinarian in recognition of humane ef­ forts on behalf of animals and exceptional compassion for the welfare of animals.

Caras is special correspondent on ani­ mals and the environment for the ABC tele­ vision network. His stories regularly ap­ pear on World News Tonite, 20/20, Good Morning, America, and Animals, Animals, Animals. For 11 years, his reports were a monthly feature on the NBC-TV Today show. He also broadcasted the feature Pets and Wildlife on CBS Radio News for seven years. ■

Roger Caras (right) receiving the first AVMA Humane Award from AVMA President Charles R. Rigdon (left) during the 122nd annual meeting of the American Veterinary Medical Association in Las Vegas.

Cornell Feline Health Center Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine Ithaca, New York 14853

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