Allergies

Download the Full August 2019 Issue PDF

Download the Full August 2019 Issue PDF

Happening Now…

The Durham County (N.C.) News reports that veterinarian Sabrina Grinstead donated a dozen $125 pet oxygen masks to the Durham Fire Department. “I’ve been looking for a way to contribute . . . and I came across the need for the masks,” Dr. Grinstead says.

Grieving Is a Natural Process

We recently lost our dear 22-year-old cat after a prolonged illness, and her absence has left a void in our lives that has been difficult. While we are considering bringing another cat into our home, the guilt associated with trying to replace her has caused us hesitation. Im not sure how you can help, but we thought others may be experiencing the same dilemma.

Happening now…

Lucky Stowaway - The Prince George Citizen in Prince George, B.C., reports that the SPCA North Cariboo District Branch is caring for a severely emaciated stowaway cat who arrived in April from China.

The Diabetes Battle

Q. My 17-year-old neutered cat was recently diagnosed with diabetes, and I am concerned about whether I can provide the care that he needs to stay healthy. Can you provide any tips for a novice to help keep him healthy?

Heads Up on Chronic Coughs

Coughing in cats is easy to dismiss as due to a hairball. While cats do get hairballs, that gagging can often be due to coughing. When cats cough, they usually crouch down, extend their elbows away from the body, and make a dry, hacking sound. The cough is frequently non-productive (nothing is expelled).

Are Titers the Answer?

The specter of feline vaccine-associated sarcomas-malignant growths that can appear at the injection site of some vaccines-lurks in the back of the mind of every cat owner. Although veterinarians have guidelines for tracking vaccine-related sarcomas, you still may wonder if its wiser to skip vaccine boosters and rely instead on titers, which are blood tests that can tell you how much immunity to a specific disease remains in your cat.

Your Role as Flea Fighter

Ctenocephalides felis is a big name for a tiny insect that is a huge pest: the cat flea. While other fleas may infest your cat, this is the most common species to affect cats.

Diarrhea: Worry or Wait?

Diarrhea is no fun for anyone, especially if the cat doesnt make it to the litterbox or gets some of it on her fur. The good news is that occasional diarrhea is rarely an emergency and often resolves on its own

Anal Sac Cancer

The first sign of anal sac cancer in cats is usually ulceration and discharge from the perineal area (tissue around the anus), according to a study in JAVMA that looked at apocrine gland anal sac adenocarcinomas (anal sac cancer). Surgery is usually the treatment, although work has been done with chemotherapy and/or radiation.

Keep Those Pawprints Perfect

A cat uses her paws to scratch to relieve stress, express contentment, mark territory, avoid danger, and fight (if necessary). Amazingly, cat paws are extremely sensitive. They can feel heat, cold, and vibration. They even help keep cats cool (a paw can sweat). And yet, despite the many things cats do with their paws, the health of these unique extremities is often ignored.

Vitamins and Minerals for Kitten Diarrhea

The Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery published a study (Strong, SJ, et al 2019), shared on journals.sagepub.com, that looked at treatment options for orphaned kittens with diarrhea.