About the Feline Herpesvirus

About 80 percent of the upper respiratory diseases in cats living in shelters emanate from the feline calicivirus and the feline herpesvirus. The feline herpesvirus (FHV) is transmitted among cats through direct contact with fluids (saliva and nasal secretions), inhaling of sneeze droplets, and exposure to contaminated environments such as food bowls, bedding, litter trays, and grooming materials.

Most cats contract FHV early in their lives. Upon infection, it will take two to five days for signs to show. This is the incubation period, and it’s when the cat is infectious. The signs of FHV are sneezing, salivation, runny eyes, nasal discharge, fever, oral ulceration, and dehydration. Chronic FHV can cause inflammation and infection of the cornea in the eye, but this is not common.

Veterinarians diagnose FHV by collecting ocular or nasal swabs and evaluating them. For treatment, they prescribe anti-viral drugs that help manage the symptoms of the disease. Good nursing care at this time is vital. Nutritional support is necessary with chronic infections. Sometimes, secondary bacterial infections arise alongside FHV. In such cases, antibiotic treatments are necessary.

Once a cat is infected, they become life-long carriers of the virus. However, the virus is inactive so they do not show signs and are not infectious. However, in some instances, FHV can reactivate because of triggers like a weakened immune system or stress. In such cases, cats will develop mild symptoms and may be infectious.

FHV vaccines are available, and veterinarians recommend them to kittens older than eight weeks. While they may still contract FHV after being vaccinated, the symptoms will be less severe.

Polycystic Kidney Disease in Ragdoll Cats

Dr. Jennifer Creed is an experienced veterinarian in St. Charles, Illinois, with a DVM in veterinary medicine from the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine. As a cat expert, Dr. Jennifer Creed specializes in treating various health conditions, including polycystic kidney disease in Ragdoll cats.

Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is a common condition occurring in cats, which can lead to kidney failure if left untreated. This disease is characterized by the growth of fluid-filled cysts in the kidney tissue, which can increase in number and size over time. In Ragdoll cats, PKD is caused by an inherited dominant mutated gene that can be passed down from one or both parents.

Symptoms of PKD are similar to other feline kidney diseases and include increased thirst and urination, nausea, vomiting, decreased appetite, weight loss, lethargy, blood in the urine, and high blood pressure. These symptoms indicate poor kidney function and require immediate veterinary attention.

To diagnose PKD in Ragdoll cats, veterinarians may use a combination of blood tests, urine tests, and ultrasound exams. Blood tests can measure the levels of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine in a cat’s blood, which can indicate kidney damage. Urine tests can detect signs of infection and evaluate protein concentration, which can help determine if the kidneys are functioning properly. An ultrasound exam can reveal evidence of renal tubular dilatation or obstruction.

While there is no cure for PKD in Ragdolls, treatment options, which include medications, a specialized diet, and fluid therapy, can help manage symptoms and slow the disease’s progression. Regular veterinary check-ups, a healthy diet, and providing plenty of fresh water can also help prevent its development.

Symptoms and Diagnosis of Laceration in Cats

Dr. Jennifer Creed, a graduate of the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine, is an experienced veterinarian with extensive knowledge of the particular veterinary concerns that purebred cats, especially Ragdoll cats, encounter. Dr. Jennifer Creed is committed to offering them top-notch medical attention, which encompasses the repair of lacerations.

In cats, laceration is characterized by an irregular cut in the skin. The injury can extend beyond the skin to underlying body tissues like muscles and tendons, indicated by the tearing of the affected tissue. The wound might cause uncontrolled bleeding, trap debris, or become exposed to dangerous bacteria, which can cause medical emergencies. If your pet’s laceration is causing signs like lameness, weakness, inability to stand, difficulty breathing, or an abnormal mental state, you should treat the injury as a medical emergency and take the pet to a veterinarian immediately.

Veterinarians often perform diagnostic tests to determine the severity of lacerations. These include a physical examination, analysis of concurrent injuries, an abdominal X-ray, and a test to assess whether your pet is experiencing a shock. The veterinarian may order lab tests like a red blood cell count if severe bleeding occurs from the injury. A cat exposed to a generalized trauma that might have impacted multiple organs will also require a chest X-ray. Treatment may include emergency wound care, blood transfusions, and intravenous therapy.

An Overview of Feline Respiratory Tract Infections

A graduate of the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Jennifer Creed has been caring for companion animals throughout the state since 1982. Dr. Jennifer Creed is particularly experienced when it comes to the care of purebred cats and has spoken on various feline health matters, including respiratory conditions.

Cats may develop any number of infections or diseases that negatively impact their respiratory system. Respiratory infections are especially common among cats living in high density areas, such as shelters or feral cat communities. Respiratory infections may derive from an array of sources, ranging from bacteria to fungi.

Properly vaccinated cats are at significantly lower risk for these conditions and have contributed to a national decrease in severe respiratory diseases. However, vaccines do not kill the contagious pathogens that cause respiratory problems for cats, making it important for pet owners to understand the symptoms of common infections.

Infections of the upper respiratory tract, including the nasal passages and oral cavity, are often signaled by clear discharge from the eyes and nose, along with coughing, sneezing, and swollen eyes. More serious symptoms include an ulcerated oral cavity and anorexia. In rare cases, cats can face difficulties breathing.

Lower respiratory tract infections, meanwhile, involve the trachea and lungs. Lethargy and anorexia are more common with these infections. Cats suffering from lower tract infections may start to take short, rapid breaths. While any infection should prompt an immediate visit to a veterinarian, an accelerated rate of 35 breaths per minute or more should be considered an emergency situation.