Arthritis versus Osteoarthritis in Cats Like the Japanese Bobtail

 

Do you own a Japanese Bobtail? Is your cat suffering from some type of joint pain or having mobility difficulties? If so, please call your vet to schedule an exam. Your cat could have joint pain coming from arthritis or Osteoarthritis. Arthritis typically refers to the painful inflammation of a cat’s joints. This is not the same as Osteoarthritis or DJD, which stands for Degenerative Joint Disease. DJD occurs when the joints deteriorate completely. Both of these conditions can occur in a cat at any age, but they are more common in older cats. These conditions are also more common in cats that are already prone to conditions such as hip dysplasia. Symptoms of arthritis may include your Japanese Bobtail having trouble getting up and down or even losing balance or coordination. X-rays may be required to make a full diagnosis. Consult with your vet Oconomowoc, WI for a diagnosis and treatment suggestions.

Bring Your Pet Cat To The Beach

Contrary to belief, some cats love to go to the ocean or beach to play in the water. If your cat is the water-loving type, you might be planning to go on an excursion at the beach.

Before going on a trip, be sure to check if the beach allows cats. Some beaches allow entry to dogs, but not to cats. But other beaches do not restrict entry to all pets. So you should check beforehand.

Some establishments are open to pets during fall and winter, where there are not a lot of people. Expect that during spring and summer, the ocean or beach will be off-limits to pets. You can also lookup if the beach that you want to go to has any restrictions.  If there are none, remember to bring along food and treats. You must also bring bags to put the trash away and to clean up after your pet.

Be sure to have your pet’s preventatives and vaccinations updated before going on outdoor excursions together. Bring your pet to your vet Oconomowoc, WI.

What is FeLV in Cats Like the Birman Cat?

 

There are different kinds of health conditions that can affect cats. One of those is FeLV or the Feline Leukemia Virus. This virus can affect all breeds of felines including those like the Birman. FeLV is the second largest cause of death among cats. The virus can cause anemia or lymphoma as well as suppress the immune system making cats highly susceptible to infections. Although the virus is a leading cause of death, it doesn’t have to be. When cats are vaccinated they have a stronger chance of resisting the deadly virus. In fact, research has found that 70% of cats that came in contact with FeLV were able to either resist the infection or overcome it on their own. FeLV affects cats only and is not contagious to dogs, people, or other animals. Talk to your vet Oconomowoc, WI about FeLV and how it could affect your cat.

Calicivirus Infection In Cats

 

Calicivirus infections in cats mainly affect the respiratory system. The infectious is highly contagious and it can easily spread from one cat to another in places where cats are in close proximity with each other, such as in multi-cat households, catteries, shelters, cat shows, or breeding facilities. The main route of transmission is via direct contact with an infected cat. Another viable route is via contact with contaminated objects and surfaces in the environment.

Calicivirus cannot easily be eliminated from a cat’s immediate environment as they are very resistant to most household disinfectants. This means that if the infection is present, the virus may be present in the environment for a significant length of time especially when conditions are favorable for their growth and reproduction. 

Cats suffering from calicivirus infection display symptoms that indicate a problem in the upper respiratory tract. Prominent symptoms include sneezing, discharges from the eyes and nose, congestion, loss of appetite, lethargy, and fever. The infection may also affect the joints causing lameness in affected cats. Ulcers may form inside the mouth, nose, and lips of the cat. Talk to your veterinarian Oconomowoc WI about the best way to protect your pet against the infection.

Types of Canine Mange

Have you noticed your dog excessively itching at his skin? What about uncommon hairloss? Your dog could have a skin allergy, irritation, inflammation or even mange. You should contact your vet to schedule a checkup to find the cause of the itching, etc. Mange is a skin disease caused by mites. It is highly contagious. Demodectic mange affects most canines. There are actually different types of this particular mange. The first type is localized which occurs when mites breed in one or two confined areas. This may cause bald patches to appear often on the face. It is common for puppies to have and it generally clears on its own. The second is generalized which affects larger areas of the dog’s body and sometimes the entire body. A bacterial infection often develops with this type as well. The final form is demodectic pododermatitis, which is most resistant and most often confined to the foot.  Learn more here or call your reputed vet clinic Oconomowoc WI.