Degenerative joint disease in dogs and cats

Degenerative joint disease, also known as osteoarthritis is a very common condition in both cats and dogs, and is often seen in older animals. In this disease the cartilage surrounding the joint changes deteriorates as a result of wear and tear. The most common affected areas of the body are the hip, spine knees, elbows and wrist joints. Dogs tend to be more susceptible to degenerative joint disease than cats but certain breeds i.e. Labrador, German shepherd, or Golden retrievers suffer more from joint and bone problems. This disease is manageable, if treated early. Symptoms vary from reduced level of activity difficulty in getting up, running, jumping, climbing stairs, stiff-legged gait, lameness, limping, cries or whines in pain when the affected joint is touched, sensitive to cold weather, lethargy. The causes include: excessive wear and tear on the joints, trauma, and obesity, dislocation of the shoulder or kneecap. The diagnosis is based on the symptoms, a thorough examination, x-rays, contrast studies.

CANINE THYROID DISEASES

Canine thyroid disease can be tough to diagnose. The symptoms can be: lethargy, weight gain, dull coat, skin infections, constipation, diarrhoea, cold intolerance, skin odour, hair loss, dry skin, reproductive problems, aggression, and more. The associated conditions can be serious: mega-oesophagus, ruptured knee ligaments, testicular atrophy, excessive bleeding, and corneal ulcers. The disease can be inherited or of unknown origin. Thyroid gland Endocrine glands secrete hormones that help manage the body’s processes. The thyroid gland lies on the dog’s trachea, just below the larynx; tri-iodothyronine and levo-thyroxine, the hormones produced by the thyroid, govern the body’s basic metabolism — including control of growth and development and maintenance of protein, carbohydrate, and lipid metabolism — throughout life. The most common cause of canine thyroid disease is autoimmune thyroiditis. It is an immune-mediated process that develops in genetically susceptible individuals and is characterized by the presence of anti-thyroid antibodies in the blood or tissues. Thyroiditis is believed to start in most cases around puberty, and gradually progress through mid-life and old age to become clinically expressed hypothyroidism once thyroid glandular reserve has been depleted. During this process, the animal becomes more susceptible to immune-mediated or other diseases affecting various target tissues and organs.

SKIN DISEASE IN A DOG

ZOONOTIC DISEASES

Diseases that can be transmitted from animals to humans are called Zoonotic Diseases. All diseases of pets (bacterial, viral, fungal and parasitic) are spread by direct contact with blood, saliva, urine or faeces of an infected animal.


Human beings with compromised immune system need to be very careful as they are very susceptible of contracting contagious diseases. The following included in this cautious class are:

• infants

• toddlers

• elderly

• pregnant women

• cancer patients

• patients with an autoimmune disease

This article does not cover all Zoonotic diseases but the most common diseases, which can be passed from dogs to humans. You should always refer to doctor’s advice if you suspect that you or your pet has contracted a disease.

Fortunately, these diseases rarely occur in healthy individuals, are mild and can be easily treated. Children often put their hands in their mouths, providing easy routes for bacteria to travel into their bodies e.g. children who eat dirt are more susceptible to contract zoonotic diseases.

MONSOON DISEASES OF DOGS AND CATS

MONSOON DISEASES OF DOGS AND CATS

Leptospirosis – It is a world wide problem and is an important cause of acute and chronic disease of dogs and other animals. This disease is more common in rainy seasons as warm and moist environment is favorable for organisms. This pathogen can survive for almost 6 months in standing and stagnant water. The pathogen penetrate intact or cut skin or mucus membrane, rapidly invade the blood stream to spread to all parts of the body. It is more common in dogs and rare in cats. The disease is more prevalent in urban dogs than suburban dogs and male dogs are more commonly affected. In dogs usually young dogs without passive maternal antibody and older dogs are more susceptible to disease.

History will reveal fever, stiffness, shivering, weakness, anorexia, vomiting, diarrhoea, dehydration, icterus and death. Physical examination findings include fever, weakness, anorexia, vomiting, tachypnea, hematemesis, melena, epistaxis, petechial and ecchymotic haemorrhage, icterus, conjunctivitis and hematuria.

The disease can be transmitted directly through infected urine, infected fetus or indirectly through exposure to a contaminated environment like soil, food, water and bedding. It can be diagnosed on the basis of complete blood count, serum biochemistry, serology, culture and sensitivity of body fluids. Treatment should be done properly as prognosis in acute severe disease is guarded.



Pneumonia – it can be caused by deep fungal infection and is more cmmon in dogs as compared to cats. Males are affected more often than females and younger animals are predisposed to the disease. Historicals findings will be fever, inappetance, weight loss, coughing, dyspnea and lameness. Physical examination will show depression, emaciation, cough and diarrhoea. Crackles are more commonly present in cats than in dogs.

The animal may contract this disease if exposed to soil rich in organic matter, bird droppings, sandy and alkaline soil with rainfall. Disease can be diagnosed on the basis of complete blood count, serum chemistry, urinalysis, serological testing, latex agglutination test, radiography, abdominal ultrasound, impression smears, fine needle aspirates and biopsy.



Pyoderma – it is bacterial infection of the skin. It is more common in dogs than in cats. The condition may occur due to allergy, parasite, fungal infection, trauma or foreign body. History will reveal acute or gradual onset of disease. It may be seasonal. Physical examination will reveal papules, pustules, crusts, alopecia, scaling, abscess and cellulitis. It can be diagnosed by CBC, serum chemistry profile, culture, cytology, skin scraping, skin biopsy etc. Treatment depends on the underlying cause. Steroids are contraindicated in this disease as it will increase resistance to the medicines.



Cryptococcosis – it is funagl infection and there is a predilection for upper respiratory tract, central nervous system, skin and eyes. It is more prevalent in cats than dogs. There is no age or sex predilection and young adult dogs are more comonly affected. Warm, humid climate increase the risk to exposure. Dog may be presented with weight loss, anorexia, lethargic, ophthalmic or neurologic signs. Cat may be presented with upper respiratorytract signs like sneezing, nasal discharge, swelling of the nose and skin lesions.

Physical exmination on cat will reveal unilateral or bilateral nasal discharge, sneezing and firm swelling over nostrils. Disease can be diagnosed by radiograph (thoracic and nasal), cytology, latex agglutination test, fungal culture. Treatment should continue for one month even after resolution of clinical signs.



Haemorrhagic - gastroenteritis – It is also called as acute haemorrhagic enteritis, acute haemorrhagic enteropathy. Physical examination findings reveal discomfort on abdominal palpation, fluid filled bowel loops and distended colon. On rectal exmaination the fresh dark blood or jam like feces will be present. History will reveal anorexia, lethargy, vomiting and diarrhoea. It is usually seen in young dogs less than 5 years old age. it is more prevalent in city dogs and can be associated with other agents.

It can be diagnosed by CBC, serum biochemistry profile, fecal smear, microscopic examination and abdominal radiographs. The animal should not be given any food for atleast 24-48 hours and should be treated with electrolytes to stabilise the condition. Once vomiting is stopped small amounts of bland, low fat, loe fibre food should be offered and should be continued for several days. Recovery in most cases is usually rapid and complete over 1 to 2 days.



Myiasis – it is also known as maggot infestation and is defined as an infestation of living animals with the larvae or maggots. The animals living in temperate wet regions or in rainy season harbor flies causing myiasis. The wounded, solied, debilitated or weak animals may be predisposed. A foul putrid smell will make the owner aware to seek veterinary attention. On physical examination maggot infestation is found mostly around the eyes, nose, anus, genitalia, mouth or adjacent to wounded skin. Diagnosis can be made by direct visualization of maggots. Treatment involves clipping, cleaning and debridement of lesion and mechanical removal of larvae and management of wound.



Acute Moist Dermatitis – it is also known as hot spot, eczema or pyotraumatic dermatitis. It is an acute bacterial skin infection secondary to trauma that is self-inflicted in an attept to relieve pain. It is more prevalent in hot and humid weather, excess moisture. History will reveal acute onset of alopecic area that exudesserum and become matted with hair at the periphery. The lesion is pruritic and often very painful. Physical examination will show erosive to ulcerative lesion exuding serum and these lesions are most commonly found on face, neck and lateral thighs. It can be diagnosed by skin scraping and impression cytology. For treatment the lesion should be clipped, cleaned and dressing should be done to keep the flies away.

DOG'S HEART DISEASES

HEART DISEASES OF DOGS


The heart has four chambers. The upper chambers are called atria and the lower chambers are called ventricles. The heart is also divided into right and left sides.

Un-oxygenated blood flows from the body into the right atrium. It is stored there for a short period and then pumped into the right ventricle. The right ventricle pumps blood into the lungs where it receives oxygen. It flows from the lungs into the left atrium where it is held before flowing into the left ventricle. The left ventricle is surrounded by the largest and strongest of the heart muscles. This large muscle is necessary to pump blood throughout the body.



Each side of the heart has a one-way valve to keep blood from going backward from the ventricles to the atria. The valve between the left atrium and left ventricle is called the mitral valve.



Heart disease in dogs is not commonly diagnosed unless one notices the common symptoms like unnatural fatigue or tiredness during normal exercise or acute breathlessness. The treatment of the dog heart disease depends upon the disease and the severity of the conditions. Dog heart diseases can be hereditary and congenital although it may not be noticeable early in the dog’s life.

SYMPTOMS OF EAR INFECTION

Infection of the outer ear canal by parasitic organisms like bacteria and yeast is common in cases of canine ear infections. The condition is medically known as Otitis Externa.
Symptoms:-
Bad odor in ears
Black or yellow discharge from ears
Lethargy and irritation
Scratching or rubbing of head and ears
Signs of painful or tender ears
Visible redness in ear flap or canal
Vigorously shaking the head or tilting it to one side

HOW TO REMOVE A TICK FROM YOUR DOG

Ticks are creepy insects that carry and spread diseases to both humans and animals, including Lyme disease, tick fever, Q fever, and more. In order to reduce or prevent disease, you must properly remove a tick as soon as it is discovered and dispose of it appropriately.

Here is how to remove a tick correctly:

The proper way to dislodge the tick is it with tweezers. Go at the tick more from the side than the top. Try to get the tweezers between the skin and the tick's jaws, and gently pull, by moving the tweezer a little with a side-to-side motion. A steady pull over a few minutes time, will usually tire out the tick enough to release its grip. Be gentle, yet firm. otherwise tick may leave its mouth part in your dog's body and that will be a serious problem. You should pick the mouth parts out like a splinter. if you are not sure enough, take the help of your vet to ease the dog.

VOMITING IN DOG AND CAT

Vomiting is a very common problem in dogs and cats. There are many causes of vomiting. Primary or gastric causes of vomiting are those that are due to diseases of the stomach and upper intestinal tract. Secondary or non-gastric causes of vomiting are caused by diseases of other organs that cause an accumulation of toxic substances in the blood

The physical examination of the vomiting pet can also provide information to find out the possible cause. The presence of fever, abdominal pain, jaundice, anemia or abnormal masses in the abdomen will help the veterinarian make a more specific diagnosis. The mouth should be carefully examined as some foreign objects such as string can wind around the base of the tongue with the rest of the object extending into the stomach or small intestine.

There are numerous causes of vomiting like motion sickness, drugs, and gastrointestinal tract obstruction which can occur when a dog swallows a foreign object like a ball. Inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract due to inflammatory bowel disease, parvovirus, and parasites frequently produces vomiting. Diseases of the kidneys, liver, pancreas, and other vital organs, and even overeating may cause vomiting as well.

vitamin C - Guinea pig diet

Why vitamin c is important - Vitamin c is especially important in a guinea pigs diet. Unlike many animals, guinea pigs can't produce their own vitamin c. A deficiency of vitamin c, could lead to scurvy and also loss of resistance to other diseases. Although good quality pellets contain vitamin c, its not an adequate amount for a guinea pig, their diet needs to be supplemented with vitamin c vegetables. They can be halved into 25 mg daily. Don't dissolve it into their drinking water, but add it to a little water, using a 1-ml syringe to administer the vitamin c.

PARVO VIRAL FACTS

A lot of pet owners think that parvo is such a very rare disease. Actually, it isn’t that rare. All dogs are prone to this disease, especially if they are exposed to the risk factors. If you have a dog, it isn’t enough to be informed about the disease. You also have to send your dog to the vet for the necessary vaccines.

A dog protected from parvo doesn’t necessarily mean that it is totally free from the virus itself. The dog can still be a carrier of the disease, without anyone else knowing about it. The most common way to transmit dog parvo is through sniffing, licking, or getting in contact with the feces of a dog that may have it.

When it comes to the dog parvo disease, prevention is always better than a cure. Dog parvo is a condition that can end your dog’s life. It is the dreaded disease that any breeder or pet owner doesn’t want their pets to suffer from. Dog parvo is much more easily prevented than treated. This is because the moment your pet acquires the disease, the chances are high that it may not survive.

Dog parvo is the most lethal to smaller and younger dogs. Even worse is the fact that these dogs are not qualified for immunization, and the antibodies found in their mother’s milk are not sufficient enough to ward off this infectious virus. As such, younger dogs affected by this disease could die within days from the time that their symptoms show.

so, dont wait for the things to happen. Take your pup to Vet and get all the information about vaccines and get your dog vaccinated annually to keep it protected.

DOG ODOUR - CAUSES AND HOW TO GET RID OF IT

causes of dog odour and steps to remove it -

1. Wash your dog properly - Too many people do not wash their dogs properly. This can actually make things worse. First, check the dog over thoroughly for any obvious stink sources such as something they rolled in or poop stuck in the fur. Once wet, using a gentle dog shampoo, lather the dog up good and proper. Finally, rinse, rinse, rinse to get all of the shampoo out or it will dry, itch, and cause the dog to produce excess skin oil.
2. Dry the dog thoroughly - It's not just oils and the things the dog rolled in that create dog odor. It's also bacteria and bacteria waste. These bacteria love wet animal fur and are able to live and reproduce quite happily in it. The dogs with thick coats, hit them with a blow dryer. Just make sure you set it on the coolest setting possible.
3. Dog breath - If bad enough, dog breath can make a dog and the house wreak like hell. There are several things you can do to help reduce this odor. The most important is to start a proper oral hygiene regimen. It is often recommended that you brush your dog's teeth once a day. If the dog isn't healthy, it probably won't smell healthy either.
4. Anal glands - secrete an ishy, musty smelling substance with the feces. Sometimes these glands get clogged. This can cause some serious pet odor. A vet or groomer can drain these glands and make Doggy smell pretty again.
5.Ear infections - If the ears look nasty or are stinky, take the dog to the vet. The dog might also just have a skin infection that is causing the smell. It could be a yeast infection, a bacterial infection, or an allergy that has caused an increase in the musty-smelling.

CAUSES OF DANDRUFF IN YOUR DOG

There can be may causes of dandruff - poor diet, low humidity, and too infrequent grooming to distribute the oils.
A very thin layer of fat and waxes, called sebum, normally prevents the moisture in the skin from escaping into the air. Some animals do not receive enough dietary fat, or cannot absorb the fat, to form a good sebum layer. Diseases that cause an excessive loss of body water in the urine or bowel movement, such as diabetes mellitus, kidney failure, or chronic diarrhea, will cause dryness of the skin and dandruff.
Any chronic irritation of the skin will speed up the skin reproduction rate and cause dandruff.

Flakes from the surface of the skin may not be skin cells. Substances applied to the skin which dry and flake may mimic dandruff. Shampoos, conditioners, and other skin cosmetics should be thoroughly rinsed after application to the skin. If your dog has white skin flakes around the neck, or back, he's probably got dandruff and there are some things that you can do.
Do not use shampoos made for human beings on your pet, especially not baby shampoos or medicated shampoos. A dog's skin has different ph level than human skin, so the chemicals in people shampoo can actually harm your pet's skin.

Make sure that you thoroughly rinse your dog after shampooing. The shampoo residue can cause your dog to itch and scratch. The presence of dandruff can sometimes indicate that the onset of serious health problems such as skin infections, allergies or an invasion of nasty parasites.

vomiting in dogs

Dog vomiting is a common experience for dogs. Vomiting is the discharge of contents from the stomach through the mouth and could be accompanied by nausea, strong abdominal contractions, and uneasiness on the part of the dog.
It is necessary to determine the cause of vomiting because it can suggest a severe, life-threatening disease. It can happen because of many causes which may include something as simple as gastritis, to other complex and even dangerous diseases. The most common causes of dog vomiting are dietary-related which could involve overeating or eating overly rich or spoiled food that triggers acute or sudden vomiting as well as undesirable food reactions like allergies that can cause chronic vomiting. There are also other causes triggered by the gastrointestinal system itself or from secondary causes due to a disease somewhere else in the body such as liver or kidney disease. Within the stomach, find out if your dog has stomach cancer, stomach ulceration, or obstructed foreign bodies. It is also possible that your dog has worms or an inflammatory bowel disease.

TICKS AND DOGS

Ticks are parasitic arthropods that feed on the blood of their hosts. Ticks tend to hide out in tall grass or plants in wooded areas waiting for prospective hosts. Ticks climb onto their host and attach their mouthparts into the skin, beginning the blood meal. Once locked in place, they will not detach until their meals are complete. They may continue to feed for several hours to days, depending on the type of tick. On dogs, ticks often attach themselves in areas with little to no hair – in and around the ears, the areas where the insides of the legs meet the body, between the toes, and within skin folds.

Most species of ticks go through four life stages - eggs, larvae, nymphs, and adults. All stages beyond eggs will attach to a host for a blood meal. Depending on species, the life span of a tick can be several months to years, and female adults can lay hundreds to thousands of eggs at a time.

Though they are known vectors of disease, not all ticks transmit disease – in fact, many ticks do not even carry diseases. However, the threat of disease is always present where ticks are concerned, and these risks should always be taken seriously. Most tick-borne diseases will take several hours to transmit to a host, so the sooner a tick is located and removed, the lower the risk of disease. The symptoms of most tick-borne diseases include fever and lethargy, though some can also cause weakness, lameness, joint swelling and or anemia. Some ticks can cause a temporary condition called “tick paralysis,” which is manifested by a gradual onset of difficulty walking that may develop into paralysis. If you notice these or any other signs of illness in your dog, contact your veterinarian as soon as possible so that proper testing and necessary treatments can begin.

The following are some of the most common tick-borne diseases:
Lyme disease
Ehrlichiosis
Rocky Mountain spotted fever
Anaplasmosis
Babesiosis

DENTAL DISEASES - TARTAR,PLAQUE

Dogs and cats can get most of the dental problems i.e. dental plaque tartar, gum and tooth disease.

Dental plaque is a sticky substance that covers the teeth consisting of bacteria, saliva, food particles and epithelial cells. Plaque builds up on the tooth surface every day and when left undisturbed the plaque can mineralize in less than 2 days to develop into tartar.

Dental tartar is a thin sheet that covers teeth consisting of food particles and other organic matter. The continued build-up of tartar can produce an environment for growth of certain types of bacteria that may be more destructive and also produce a more noticeable odor. This can lead periodontal disease.

Periodontal disease - it is a very common infectious disease caused by bacteria that make up plaque. Symptoms of periodontal disease include bad breath, and red or inflamed gums. Increased salivation, pawing at or rubbing the face can be indications of oral pain.

Prevention is daily brushing that will remove the plaque and prevent the tartar and eventual periodontal disease.

Eye diseases in dogs

Eyes are one of the sensitive parts of a dog. Most eye ailments in a dog appear on their eyelids. Dogs have three eyelids for each eye - the upper, lower and the third eyelid. These diseases may or may not cause pain and discomfort to your pet, however, if left untreated, can lead to severe conditions where the canine can even lose its vision. Hence, it is important to consult a veterinarian when you observe changes in your dog's eye.

Glaucoma - This is one of the most serious eye ailments found in the dogs. It is caused when fluids in the eye are not let out and cause increased pressure over the eye. When a dog is suffering from glaucoma, its eye may appear cloudy, red or swollen. There are two types of glaucoma - primary and secondary. It may cause pain to a dog, leading to depression and loss of appetite. If glaucoma is diagnosed at the initial stages, it can be treated.
Cataract - The normal transparent lens of the eye is filled with white opacities, blurring the vision of the dog. This disease is common in Labradors, Cocker Spaniels, German Shepherds and Golden Retrievers. The cause that develop cataract, is usually heredity. However, it can appear with other eye diseases or diabetes. Cataract in dogs can be corrected surgically but complete vision may not come.
Conjunctivitis - It is caused due to the inflammation of conjunctiva, which is a tissue that lines the eyelids and attaches the eyeball to the cornea. If one eye gets affected, the other eye is also prone to it. It is commonly observed in puppies rather than the adult dogs. The eye may appear reddish and thick mucus may be discharged which is green or yellowish in color. Eyes are likely to stick together when closed and would be difficult to open.
Keratoconjunctivitis sicca - Also known as the dry eye condition. This condition is developed when the eye dries due to less production of tears.
Cherry Eye or Prolapsed Third Eyelid Gland - The tear gland, located in the corner of the eye bulges out and appears reddish. This condition of the eye is called cherry eye or the prolapsed third eye gland. This condition is not as critical as it appears and can be treated through surgery, where the popped gland is pushed back into its place. This eye disease is common in Bulldogs, Cocker Spaniels, Beagles, Napolean Mastiff etc.
Entropion - The eye lid tends to curl inward. This causes hair above the eye to fall on the eyeball thus causing corneal ulcer. Common symptoms are red or squinted eyes. The dog may sense pain and constantly scratch the eye which may cause more damage to the eye which may further lead to loss of eyesight. The treatment is surgery, which is known as blepharoplasty in which the eyelids are tightened. This condition affects almost all the dog breeds, however, there are some in which it is very common like the Saint Bernard, Great Danes, Rottweiler, poodles, Shar-Peis and Spaniels.
It is important to take your dog to a vet even if you find a slightest change in the appearance of their eye.

ESSENTIAL FATTY ACIDS FOR YOUR PET

Fats are an important source of energy for dogs and cats. Essential Fatty Acids (EFA) are polyunsaturated fatty acids that are vital to the normal development and growth of both humans and animals. The term EFA means that the body is unable to produce these fats and they must be obtained in food. They are found in all cell membranes, tissues, and organs of the body. Even before birth, EFA’s are key to normal development of the brain, eyes, and bones. These are the nutrients that have protective properties essential to good health. In animals, there is clear evidence that deficiency of the EFA’s causes disease. Dogs and cats often do not get the daily supply of EFA’s they need. As a result of which the normal growth and development of the brain, eyes, skin, and hair suffers. Researches have proved that supplementing the diets of dogs and cats with EFA’s is an effective way to provide these vital nutrients.The most important of the EFA’s are the long-chained omega-3s, and two of the omega-6s - Gama-linolenic acid and linoleic acid are the important omega-6s. These omega-6 fatty acids are powerful anti-inflammory agents in the body and also required to have healthy skin and coats. They are subject to much faster degenerative processes. They are also important to maintaining healthy bones. The long chained omega-3s are found almost exclusively in fish oil. A refined fish oil can provide DHA and EPA more safely than by eating the fish itself. It is too risky to rely on diet alone. Daily small amount of these fats is simple and effective. It eliminates the possibility that EFA deficiency can harm your pet. These are available in the market in liquid form as well. Different companies like Ayurvet, Venky etc are marketing it by the trade name of vitacharm and glossycoat. In my practice i have seen that administartion of these EFA's are very helpful in controlling the skin diseases and other related disorders. So, i always recommend that these EFA's should be added to the diet on daily basis. So that you can your promise to give healthy life to your dog.

hairball in cats

Most people believe that a cat with a hairball will vomit hair, but it is really not the case. Some hairballs of course, do get vomited. But, more often, the hairball is leisurely parked at the exit to the stomach when the cat decides to eat a meal. The act of eating stimulates the stomach to contract and push Kitty's big meal out into the intestines to be digested. The forceful waves of stomach contractions send the food toward the pyloris with the intent of emptying the stomach, but the pyloris is blocked by the hairball napping in the road.The food is generally undigested, and since the cat experiences no real nausea or cramping, the cat usually goes back to her dish to begin satisfying that mystifying, returning hunger. Meanwhile, the hairball is being tossed and churned by a stomach that has begun the mixing stage of the digestion process, and is either dislodged from the pyloris to float freely in the stomach, or is forced into the intestines to be digested and passed. So you see, hairballs can cause vomiting of hair, food, or even water soon after drinking. A normal cat can vomit in this matter an average of one time per week. Most cats with a hairball will vomit once or even twice in one week, then be fine for 2-3 weeks before another episode.
For a hairball remedy to work, they need to be used as a preventative measure, not as a treatment after vomiting is a problem. These products physically coat the hair ingested during routine grooming to prevent it from entangling and joining other hair already in the stomach, thus preventing the dreaded hairball. If the hairball is already present, a petroleum product will not be able to penetrate the densely packed hair in a hairball.
If your cat vomits more than an average of once weekly, see your veterinarian! Vomiting can be caused by a huge list of cats problems, some of the most common being the ingestion of a foreign body, infiltrative or inflammatory bowel disease, stomach tumors, kidney disease, diabetes, and thyroid disease.

Rabies - dogs and cats

Although well-known vaccination programs rabies has helped to make the disease less common in domestic dogs and cats. However, it is important to be familiar of the symptoms of rabies in cats nonetheless, as many wild animals can be infected, and can easily transmit the disease to you or your cat if you are not prepared.
Rabies is a viral, zoonotic disease. In layman’s terms, this means that rabies is a type of virus that is transmissible to humans that affects the brain. Rabies is most commonly spread from infected animals to humans and other animals in the form of a bite. Left untreated, Rabies is almost always fatal to both humans and animals.
Rabies infection can spread through foxes, raccoons, skunks, wolves, coyotes and bats as well. These animals are highly susceptible to the virus. By contrast, cats, humans and dogs are naturally more resistant to the disease, and it is estimated that only about 15% of bites from affected animals will result in the rabies virus in humans and domestic animals. However, because rabies is almost always fatal, any bite to you or your animal from one of these common sources should be reported to your doctor or veterinarian so that appropriate medical care can be provided.
Most cats that become infected with rabies have been bitten by one of these wild animals, usually in the course of hunting or fighting. The rabies virus is shed at high levels in saliva, and after being bitten the virus begins to spread through the nerves of the newly infected animal, moving towards the brain. Rabies is a slow-moving disease, with the typical first onset of symptoms occurring 2-6 weeks after being infected in cats, and 3-6 weeks in people. In some cases however, the virus moves even slower, and animals have begun to show symptoms of rabies as long as 6 months after being bitten.
The first phase is known as the prodromal phase, where early non-specific symptoms may begin to manifest themselves. Affected dogs and cats may begin to be more nervous than usual, or show signs of increased anxiousness or apprehension. Behavior changes may occur, where normally friendly cats or dogs may become more withdrawn or easily annoyed, and normally aggressive cats or dogs may suddenly become quiet and affectionate. Spikes of fever may develop, leading to episodes of normal behavior and energy and lethargy and depression. Typically the prodromal phase lasts one to two days.
After the prodromal phase, the symptoms of cat rabies begin to get more specific, and the aniaml enters the furious phase. This phase can last from 1- 7 days, and animals will become progressively more restless and aggressive, and begin to react strongly to visual and auditory stimulus. They may become openly vicious, and disorientation may lead them to attack or bite without warning or provocation. As this phase progresses, seizures may begin to occur as the inflammation in the brain progresses, and depending on their severity some animals will die as a direct result of these seizures.
Within 2-4 days of the first signs being noted, animals may enter the paralytic stage. Nerves in the head and throat become impeded, and animals will begin to have the classic look of extensive salivation due to their inability to swallow. Labored breathing and trouble with the jaw may also develop, as the animals’ ability to breathe and have muscle control is destroyed by the virus. Eventually animals will die as a result of respiratory failure, as they struggle to breathe but no longer possess the muscle strength to do so.
Diagnosis of rabies is made via clinical signs and the vaccination history and clinical history of the pet. The only way to know for sure if an animal was affected with rabies is to submit the deceased animals brain to a laboratory to test for the disease.