Does my kitten really have a cold?

We see a lot of new cats and kittens in the spring and summer, which means we see a lot of sneezing cats with weepy eyes. Cats and kittens may sneeze for a number of reasons including bacterial or viral infections, irritation to the mucous membranes, allergy and foreign objects within the nose. Discharge from the eyes (or weepy eyes) can also occur for many reasons; bacterial or viral infections, injury, foreign objects within the eye and allergy. By far the most common cause of both eye discharge and sneezing in the young cat is an upper respiratory infection caused by Feline Herpes Virus. Feline Herpes Virus is highly prevalent within the cat population with approximately 80% of cats infected with Herpes virus, although many may not show any signs of infection. Cats at risk of showing signs of infection are those with immature or compromised immune systems, cats from a shelter environment, outdoor cats and those that live with more than 1 or 2 other cats. Many new cats and kittens come from a shelter environment or have an immature immune system which explains the higher incidence of upper respiratory disease in these animals. 

Signs of infection:

In addition to sneezing and discharge from the eyes, infected cats may display discharge from the nose, coughing, corneal ulceration, ulcers within the mouth, lack of appetite and lethargy. The signs shown by any individual cat depend on the severity of infection and whether or not there is concurrent infection with other viruses or bacteria. 

Diagnosis:

In mild cases of Upper Respiratory Infection a tentative diagnosis is made based on history and physical examination. In more severe cases further diagnostics are often required to rule-out other causes of illness. Diagnostics tests may include baseline blood work, FIV/FeLV testing, swabs of nasal or ocular discharge for viral and bacterial testing and possibly radiographs to look at the lungs. 

Treatment:

Most cases of Feline Upper Respiratory Infections will run their course within 7-10 days without treatment. Cases with concurrent bacterial infections may need antibiotics to help speed along recovery. A Lysine supplement can help to speed recovery from Herpes virus infections. In severe cases cats may require hospitalization with intravenous fluids and assisted feeding if they are lethargic and not eating. 

Prevention:

Prevention of upper respiratory infections in cats is three pronged – vaccination, supplementation and avoidance.

Vaccination

The kitten vaccination protocol contains vaccines for common viruses that cause upper respiratory disease in cats. Kittens should receive 3 inoculations beginning at 6-8 weeks of age spaced 3-4 weeks apart. Re-vaccination is every 1-3 years depending on lifestyle and the type of vaccine used.

Supplementation

Cats or kittens known to be infected with the Herpes virus can be given a lysine supplement daily or when signs of infection are noticed. 

Avoidance

Once infected, cats are infected for life; however, episodes of overt disease can be avoided.  Cats that are not infected can be protected by following these same avoidance strategies. 

• Cats should be housed in uncrowded situations with less than 3 cats total per household.
• Stressful situations should be kept to a minimum. 
• Keeping cats inside will lower their risk for upper respiratory infection. 

If you have any questions, if your cat's sneezing cold is lasting more than 10 days or if your cat's behaviour is affected (lethargic, not eating), please don't hesitate to call your veterinarian.

Client Feedback - Sirius the Cat Star

There are some pretty wonderful things about being a veterinarian - puppies and kittens, great owners and fantastic pets that you get to know over the years, just to name a couple. Unfortunately, though, conversations about the end of life stages for beloved pets is a reality that owners and  veterinarians face nearly every day. It is never easy. So, we do the best we can to make those decisions as comfortable for the owner and for the pet, but we don't always know how that is received by you, our clients.

A little while ago we received an email from a client who is new to our practice here at GLVH, but who wanted to share his thoughts with us and specifically asked us to make sure that we let you see it, too.

Thank you, Francois, for your kind words. We look forward to seeing you and your other feline family members under healthier circumstances.

The email, in its entirety, is posted here.

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Sent: Tuesday May 26, 2015
Pet's Name: Sirius the Cat Star
Subject: Exceptional Support and Service from the Staff at Guelph Lake VH

My wife, Carolyn, and I would like to express our sincerest thanks to Dr. Gardiner and the staff of the Guelph Lake Veterinary Hospital. We recently moved to Guelph and have found a sympathetic, understanding and truly supportive team of professionals. We brought our cat, Sirius, in for an assessment and treatment. 

The entire team from beginning to end provided support and assistance in determining what was troubling our feline family member. Everyone took time to explain exactly what was happening to our "boy" and what we needed to try to bring him back to health. 

Despite all attempts, Sirius did not improve after the first week or so of treatment. Tonight, we called after hours and Dr. Gardiner, who was still in the hospital, answered the phone. He remained after hours to help us ease the passing of our little boy. 

We wish to express our sincerest gratitude to Dr. Gardiner for his sympathy and kindness. You can be sure that if you need help with your animal companion, that the staff of the Guelph Lake Veterinary Hospital will provide unparalleled service.

Wildlife in urban centres - what should I do?

It's that time of year when veterinary hospitals get an increased number of calls about wildlife, in particular newborn or young animals that kind, well-meaning citizens think have been abandoned.

In most cases, the truth is that the adult has left the babies safely hidden to go in search of food and will return soon, or is hiding nearby waiting for the humans to leave. Removing the babies often actually lowers their chances of survival, since veterinary hospitals and humane societies are often just not equipped to provide the around-the-clock specialized care that a wild newborn requires. Wild babies that are handled by humans will likely not survive if returned to the nest, so the best course of action is really to assume to that the mother is nearby and coming back.

It's difficult to remember that wildlife is just that - wild. They are well adapted to their surroundings, and WE are encroaching on THEIR space. We encourage you to leave the nests and litters that you find this spring, and trust that nature will look after them.

Truly injured wildlife or abandoned litters can be taken to a wildlife rehabilitation centre, of which there are several in the area, however we recommend that you call them first before touching the birds or animals. They will be able to direct you in the best course of action and let you know if they have space or resources available.

Guidelines for Helping Wildlife (City of Guelph)

Guelph Humane Society

Songbirds Only Avian Rehabilitation (S.O.A.R.) - Rockwood

Ontario Wildlife Rescue

Levi the long-legged wonder

It's been awhile since we've had a feline from the Guelph Humane Society here so we're pleased to introduce Levi to you! It's nice to have a "resident" cat in the clinic again, but we'd really love to find this handsome fellow a permanent home quickly.

Levi is a lovely long-tailed, long-legged green-eyed kitty who likes to be around people and has enjoyed exploring the clinic. He came to the Guelph Humane Society as a stray and has recently been neutered and had his first set of shots. He's a pretty mellow guy, and would likely do well in a house with other pets or children. He's got an easily coaxed purr, and is content to sit and cuddle for awhile!

If you or someone you know are interested in coming by to get to know him, just drop in during our regular business hours.

UPDATE: Levi has been adopted and is enjoying exploring his new home and getting to know his new family!

January is Walk Your Pet Month!

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January is national Walk Your Pet Month.  I know, cruel isn’t it?  Why January instead of say May, June even October??  With a little planning, though, January in Guelph can be just as enjoyable a time of year to walk your dog as any other month.  There are a couple of important things to consider when planning a walk in the middle of the winter – the cold, the ice, the salt and the lighting.

Oooooo it’s COLD out there!  But, don’t let that stop you from enjoying the fresh air.  I am sure I do not need to tell you how to dress yourself, but I may surprise you by telling you to dress your pooch as well.  Dog breeds that are meant to work in colder climates generally can tolerate a 30 minute walk in January, think Husky or Malamute; however, most short haired breeds will require an extra layer.  Dogs that are close to the ground will also appreciate a coat as they are more likely to get damp from the snow touching their belly.

Sidewalks can get pretty treacherous in the winter and to combat this people tend to use a lot of salt.  Both ice and salt can prove hazardous in the winter.  Like most winter hazards, a little planning will help you stay safe on your January walk.  Various types of shoe grips exist that can be easily attached to the bottom of your boots to prevent you from slipping while walking Fido.  Most dogs can get fairly good purchase on the sidewalk or they walk on the grass/snow so they do not require extra footing.  What will cause grief to our four legged friends is the salt.  Road salt and sidewalk salt are extremely irritating to the tender tissue between the pads of our dogs’ feet.  To protect your pet from irritating salt outfit them with a set of winter booties.  You can also encourage those in your neighbourhood to use a pet friendly salt product.

The final hazard to consider is the lighting, or lack thereof.  The days are quite short during the winter and most of us pet owners are not out for our walk until we return from work.  By the time we head out the door there is often no daylight to be seen.  It is very important to make sure that both you and your dog are visible.  Purchase collars with reflective strips or LED lights.  When choosing a coat for your dog, choose one with reflective strips.  For yourself consider a lighter coloured jacket that will be easily visible to drivers or reflective arm bands that can be worn over your jacket.

So now that you are all prepared, get out there and enjoy the winter wonderland!  I know I will be!

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Thanks to Dr. Cirinna for this blog post - and it's true, she and her dogs are out walking every day, even in these January cold snaps!

** also posted at Woodlawn Veterinary Hospital blog **

Holiday hazards around the home

We don't want to be a downer at the holidays, but it's true that at this time of year we tend to see more pets needing emergency care due to some common holidays hazards. Families are busy celebrating, and might not always notice what their dog or cat are getting into. Here are a few things to keep in mind during the festive season:

Christmas Tinsel and Christmas tree ornaments

Tinsel, though very pretty, is very attractive to pets, especially cats. Though it is non-toxic if they do ingest it, the long strands can become tangled within their intestines. They will not be able to pass the tinsel themselves, and it can result in a foreign body obstruction.  If you see your pet eating tinsel it is best to seek immediate veterinary care.

Ornaments hung on the tree at pet height can easily be seen as toys. Make sure if you are hanging any decorations on your tree that you place them out of your pets reach. Pets may decide they look like a tasty snack or toy and break them, leading to injury.

Christmas lights and electrical chords

Lighting on the tree or even around the house may be a hazard for curious pets. It is best to hang lights out of reach, and only have them turned on when you are home to supervise.

Pets that like to chew are also at risk of chewing on electrical cords.  Electric shock can occur and lead to damage in your pets mouth. This can be in the form of burnt tissue, or even fractures of the teeth. It is best to check over your entire electric chords daily to look for any signs of chewing.

Gift wrap ribbon

Just like tinsel pets may decide this makes a fun toy or snack. This can lead to choking, or again a foreign body stuck within the intestines. It is best to discard any ribbon or bows into the garbage right away before pets have a chance to chew on them.

It might look really cute to decorate your pet with a Christmas ribbon collar, but make sure to remove these after you are done taking photos, or if you are not able to supervise your pet.

Food Hazards

There are many holiday treats that although they are tasty for us, can be toxic to our four legged friends. Here is a list of foods to keep away from pets this season:

-Depending on the size of your pet, it may only take a small amount of chocolate to cause toxicity. Chocolate contains theobromine, which when ingested can make your pet sick. Theobromine is present in higher amount in products like baking chocolate, then dark chocolate, with milk chocolate containing the least amount. The most common signs of chocolate toxicity are vomiting and tremors at low doses, but at high doses we can see seizure activity and sometimes death. If your pet gets into any Christmas goodies this holiday season, contact us and we can let you know if your pet needs to seek immediate medical attention.

-Fat trimmings and turkey bones are dangerous for pets especially dogs. The fat off the turkey can lead to pancreatitis. Bones can break and splinter in your dog’s mouth, and can even break teeth. If fragments are swallowed the can become obstructive in the intestines, or cause lacerations.

-Keep your pet on her regular diet and caution visitors against giving your pet special treats or table scraps.

Holiday plants

Some decorative plants can be poisonous if ingested by our pets.

-Poinsettias can cause oral irritation to a pets mouth and stomach. They can also induce vomiting.

-Christmas tree pine needles can produce oral irritation, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, trembling and posterior weakness.

-Holly, commonly found during the Christmas season, can cause intense vomiting, diarrhea and depression.

-Mistletoe, another Christmas plant, can cause significant vomiting and diarrhea, difficulty breathing, collapse, erratic behavior, hallucinations and death when ingested.

Stress

The holiday season, though filled with Christmas cheer for us, can be a very stressful time for our four legged friends. Make sure pets have a safe spot to go to hide, or be away from all the noise when they feel the need.

All of us at Guelph Lake Veterinary Hospital want to wish you and your pets a safe and happy holiday season! 

Note: Parts of this blog post were originally posted on our sister hospital's blog at Woodlawn Veterinary Hospital.

Holiday Hours at GLVH

From our GLVH family to yours, we wish you a safe, happy and healthy holiday season!

Our hospital will be closed for a few days between Christmas and New Year's Day. If your pet requires emergency medical care during that time, please contact Campus Estates Animal Hospital (519) 837-1212.

Do you brush your dog's teeth?

This post was written by our own Dr. Mel Cirinna and originally posted on our sister hospital's blog at www.woodlawnvet.ca. Your dog's teeth are very important, and we wanted to share the story of Cora here, too!

Can you guess how old the owner of these teeth is?

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“Cora” is a surprising 8.5 years old with the teeth of a young pup!  Her beautiful teeth speak volumes about her overall health. Good oral hygiene is extremely important to the health of our pets.  Without proper oral hygiene plaque will begin to accumulate on the teeth.  Over time the plaque hardens into tartar.  The presence of plaque and tartar accumulating below the gum line leads to inflammation of the gingiva called gingivitis.  As the level of dental disease progresses we can have attachment loss which appears as loose teeth, a receding gum line and pain.  In addition to the oral signs of dental disease, dental disease can also lead to a condition known as bacteremia where bacteria are found within the blood stream.  The presence of bacteremia can result in disease of the heart, kidneys and liver which are all involved in moving and filtering the blood.  We can help our pets to have great oral health by following a good home oral hygiene routine.

Oral hygiene routines include brushing and a prescription dental diet.  Cora’s teeth are brushed on a regular basis using toothpaste specifically formulated for pets.  The toothpaste even has a great chicken flavor that she loves! Brushing should last about 1 minute and be performed on a daily basis.  While it is easiest to train a puppy or kitten to accept brushing, older dogs and cats can also learn to enjoy this grooming routine.  In addition to regular brushing, Cora also receives a prescription dental diet.  Prescription dental diets work as both a toothpaste and a toothbrush.  Many pets swallow their kibble whole with minimal to no chewing action.  Prescription dental diets are formulated with large kibble that cannot be swallowed whole.  Pets have to chew the kibbles which act as a “brush” to remove plaque from the tooth surface.  Prescription diets also contain enzyme formulations to prevent plaque from sticking to the tooth surface, similar to toothpaste.

We encourage you to bring your pet in for an oral health assessment so we can help your pet to have pearly whites just like Cora.

Our city is one of the most pet friendly in Canada

Congratulations, Guelph! Our city has recently been declared one of the Top 10 Pet Friendly cities in Canada... in fact, we trail only Kingston for the most pet friendly in Ontario! That's great news. It means that our city's pets have access to great veterinary care, lots of off leash parks and pet friendly businesses. Where's your favourite place to take your pet in Guelph?

You can read more in this article at TheRecord.com and see the whole list of the Top 50 here!

Image source: http://cdndogs.ca/canadas-top-50-pet-friendliest-cities/

Catnip, tug toys, gift cards and more!

With the snow last week and the chill today, it's pretty clear that the holiday season is upon us, and we think that the family pet deserves to have a little something in their stocking on Christmas morning, too!

The staff here at Guelph Lake Vet Hospital have carefully curated a selection of toys, leashes, treats and more to help you and your pets have some fun this holiday. We also have gift cards available in any denomination, which make a great stocking stuffer and will serve you or a friend well into the New Year. 

Check out this sneak peek of some of our holiday selection and stop by to see more! We take requests, too, and would be happy to be one of Santa's elves to help with your holiday shopping.

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Catnip toys! Treats! Tough as nails Kong knots buddies for those dogs who like to chew and tug. Prices range from $5.00 - $20.00 (+tax)

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These "stuffed" animals by Kong are really un-stuffed... filled instead with a tough rope, knotted to give your dog something to chew and tug on that won't fall apart on the first chomp! 2 sizes available from $9.50-$11.50 (+ tax)

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These cat collars, available in several collars, are priced reasonably at $8.50 and include a nametag, bell and reflectors for your outdoor kitty's safety (and the safety of the birds in your backyard feeder!).