Posts Tagged ‘kitty’

Caring For Cats

Cat lovers need not feel down in the mouth regarding protecting their pets from serious disease. In fact, their cat’s mouth could be a smart place to start. A recent study shows that cats with common kinds of oral disease have a better rate of testing positive for more serious diseases.

The good news is that with early detection and proper veterinary care, cats with serious diseases like feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), the feline version of HIV, and feline leukemia virus (FeLV) will live long and healthy lives. Having cats tested may be a key issue in slowing the spread of those diseases.

An estimated thirty one million cats within the U.S. are at risk for FIV and FeLV. These diseases are spread from cat to cat (they cannot be unfold to individuals) and are highly contagious. Since cats with FIV and FeLV typically have no visible symptoms and many cat house owners don’t seem to be aware their cat has been exposed, it’s vitally vital to possess cats tested. Treatment typically consists of a nutritional diet, closer monitoring and additional frequent visits to the vet.

The study, conducted by veterinary clinics around the country, found one in every eight cats that had some type of oral disease also tested positive for FIV, FeLV or both. Cats with oral diseases are four times additional doubtless to own those conditions than cats without.

“This study encourages testing cats that have gingivitis and different oral diseases for FIV and FeLV infection. This provides veterinarians valuable new information in their efforts to fight these contagious viruses,” said Dr. Jan Bellows, a diplomate of the Yank Veterinary Dental College and the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners.

Cat house owners ought to work with their veterinarian to determine an everyday schedule of comprehensive wellness exams, including dental screenings and FIV/FeLV testing.

The Yank Association of Feline Practitioners says a cat ought to also be tested for FIV/FeLV:

• When sick, regardless of previous negative results. Signs of illness could embrace changes in behavior, grooming and eating habits.

• When cats and kittens, no matter age, are newly adopted.

• When cats live in households with unknown infection status. Infected cats who do not have symptoms will still transmit the viruses to uninfected cats.

• When cats have had potential exposure, whether or not they snuck outdoors or got in a very fight with a cat of unknown infection status.

• Annually, especially for cats that fight or live with infected cats.

The Yank Veterinary Medical Association recommends cat owners visit their veterinarians for a wellness exam twice a year.

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