Caring For Cats
Cat lovers want not feel down within the mouth concerning protecting their pets from serious disease. Of course, their cat's mouth could be a smart place to start. A recent study shows that cats with common varieties of oral disease have a better rate of testing positive for more serious diseases.
The good news is that with early detection and correct veterinary care, cats with serious diseases like feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), the feline version of HIV, and feline leukemia virus (FeLV) can live long and healthy lives. Having cats tested could be a key factor in slowing the unfold of these diseases.
An estimated thirty one million cats within the U.S. are in danger for FIV and FeLV. These diseases are spread from cat to cat (they cannot be unfold to people) and are highly contagious. Since cats with FIV and FeLV often don't have any visible symptoms and several cat house owners don't seem to be aware their cat has been exposed, it's vitally necessary to possess cats tested. Treatment sometimes consists of a nutritional diet, closer monitoring and more frequent visits to the vet.
The study, conducted by veterinary clinics around the country, found one in each eight cats that had some sort of oral disease also tested positive for FIV, FeLV or both. Cats with oral diseases are four times additional probably 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 gives veterinarians valuable new info in their efforts to fight these contagious viruses," said Dr. Jan Bellows, a diplomate of the American Veterinary Dental College and the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners.
Cat homeowners ought to work with their veterinarian to ascertain a daily schedule of comprehensive wellness exams, together with dental screenings and FIV/FeLV testing.
The Yankee Association of Feline Practitioners says a cat ought to also be tested for FIV/FeLV:
• When sick, irrespective 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 can still transmit the viruses to uninfected cats.
• When cats have had potential exposure, whether or not they snuck outdoors or got in an exceedingly fight with a cat of unknown infection status.
• Annually, especially for cats that fight or live with infected cats.
The Yankee Veterinary Medical Association recommends cat homeowners visit their veterinarians for a wellness exam twice a year.
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Feb 02, 2010 | 0 | cat care tips
