Pale and wan

In the last few weeks we have seen several anaemic cats. Their carers brought them in because they sensed something was wrong but they weren’t sure what. 

All of the cats had gone off their food and were a bit quieter than usual. Anaemic dogs

are more lethargic than normal, but it’s hard to tell if a cat is lethargic, especially in winter!

On examination we found the cats’ gums were paler than usual and ordered a blood count. All of them had red cell counts that would have humans gasping for an oxygen mask. Cats are definitely experts at conserving energy and hiding any illness.

The youngest kitten had found a tasty box of rat poison, which stops the blood from clotting normally. He had bled into his chest and was having difficulty breathing. The direct antidote and a few days in hospital soon had him back on the prowl.

The pathologist found some blood parasites called Hemoplasmas in a blood smear from a four year old Burmese named Chloe. Rest and a course of antibiotics soon had Chloe in the pink again.

Old Jester was not so lucky. His vet found that he had an enlarged liver. When we took a sample of the liver we found cancer cells. He had bled into his abdomen. Chronic diseases like cancer also suppress the bone marrow where blood cells are made. 

Old timer Lord Wellington had kidney disease. Cats with kidney disease are often anaemic. Wellie is on a special diet for his kidneys, which has bought him several extra years of life so far. He is comfortable with his moderate anaemia at the moment as he has had time to compensate for it. Anaemia of kidney disease is difficult and expensive to treat but his carers are considering his options at the moment. 

Blood transfusions in cats are always a risky business. Both donor and recipient have to be exactly the same blood type. We also cross match the bloods because some cats react even to their own blood type. On most occasions we can avoid a transfusion if we keep the patient quiet and unstressed for a few days.

If you think something is not quite right with your feline friend you are probably right! We always take your gut feelings seriously so don’t hesitate to call us. Better to catch dropping blood counts early than let your cat suffer.

Feline Leukaemia

Feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) is an important viral infection of young cats in multi-cat households. Over the last few years infection has become less common.

What diseases are associated with FeLV?

FeLV infection suppresses the immune system making the cat susceptible to secondary infections and chronic diseases that would not affect a normal healthy cat. These include mouth ulceration, cat flu, and fungal infections.

Cancers of the white blood cells and solid tumours such as lymphoma cause 10-25% of FeLV deaths.

Anaemia and other blood cell abnormalities are very common in FeLV infected cats. Other FeLV-related diseases include abortion, fading kittens, diarrhoea, neurological or nervous system signs, and immune-mediated disease.

Around 80-90% of persistently FeLV-infected cats will die within 3.5 years of diagnosis.

How is the virus transmitted?

The virus is transmitted by direct contact between cats during grooming or sharing of litter trays and food bowls over a long period of time.

The virus is fragile and does not survive for long in the environment.

An infected queen passes the virus on to all her kittens if she carries them to term. However, this is uncommon as infection with FeLV usually causes infertility or abortion.

What happens when a cat is exposed to FeLV?

Not all cats exposed to FeLV go on to develop FeLV-related diseases. Most cats eliminate the virus from the body, although some remain latently infected for a few months before they  conquer the virus completely.

In cat colonies where the virus is endemic only 30% of cats are persistently infected with FeLV and go on to develop FeLV-related disease. These cats are responsible for the transmission of FeLV to other cats.

How do we diagnose FeLV?

A test at the surgery detects FeLV virus in the blood of a persistently infected cat.

A negative result is always negative. Your vet will assess the predictive value of a positive result by taking your cat’s environment, housemates and outside access into account.

Cats in the process of eliminating the virus will test positive. A second test performed 8-12 weeks after the first test confirms persistent infection.

Is there any treatment for FeLV infection?

There is no treatment that eliminates the virus from the body.

Infected cats should be desexed and confined indoors to prevent exposure to infectious agents and other cats.

Because FeLV-infected cats are more susceptible to disease, vaccination for the common viruses that cause cat flu and enteritis is very important.

We treat secondary infections and other problems like mouth ulcers as they arise.

Most FeLV-infected cats eventually die of their infection or we elect to euthanase them if they are suffering.

Can we prevent infection?

If possible do not house your cat with a known infected cat. Any new cat to the household should test negative for FeLV.

If all the cats in the house are FeLV negative, confinement indoors will prevent casual exposure to wandering cats with the virus.

Breeders may prevent FeLV infection by blood testing all cats and isolating infected individuals.

Vaccination of cats in contact with other infected or potentially infected cats is advisable. As with other vaccines, an initial course of two injections is required, and annual boosters are necessary to maintain immunity.

Flea control

Cat flea in action

Because of the all the rain over the last 6 months and now the very warm days, fleas are hatching in unprecedented numbers  around Canberra.

Cat fleas hatch from flea pupae in your house in warm, humid conditions. Our carpeted, centrally heated homes are ideal for the year round development of fleas.

After feeding on a cat adult female fleas lay eggs that fall off onto couches, carpets and beds. The microscopic eggs develop first into larvae that migrate deep into carpets, furniture or cracks in floors away from the light, and then into pupae. The pupae contain adult fleas which lie in wait for the next cat or dog to pass.

Many cats show no signs of flea infestation until:

• They develop an allergy to flea bites. They groom or scratch excessively and develop ‘miliary’ dermatitis.
• The fleas cause anaemia in kittens and debilitated animals.
• They are infested with tapeworm ( Dipylidium caninum) from eating infected fleas during grooming.

Flea control

• Conquer fleas on your cat with long lasting flea control products (Frontline, Advocate, Revolution, Advantage) applied as a spot on. Flea collars, shampoos and powders kill fleas present on your cat at the time of application but have little residual effect. 
• Remove flea eggs, larvae and pupae from the environment with regular vacuuming of carpets, sofas and beds. Throw away or burn the dust bag to prevent eggs and larvae developing.
• Professional fumigation controls larvae and pupae. 
• Wash bedding in hot water or replace regularly.
• Spray garden sheds, cars and favoured outdoor sleeping spots.