The Cat Clinic

Tick Toxicity

catclinic — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 04:41:53 +0000

Tick Toxicity in Cats

With the onset of Spring comes the onset of the Tick Season in Brisbane. The Paralysis tick (Ixodes holocyclis) is unique to the east coast of Australia. Where the ticks occur in Australia seems to coincide with where the long- nosed bandicoot has its natural habitat, because this bandicoot can carry the different life- stages of the tick. However other native animals like possums and lizards can also transport the tick. The paralysis tick is also believed to climb trees vertically until it hits an angled branch. It will then follow this branch to the end and can drop off to attach to unsuspecting animals. This might explain why backyards with overhanging trees from a neighbour’s yard may have paralysis ticks, whilst not necessarily having much in the way of trees or possum habitat itself.

The Paralysis Tick (Ixodes holocyclis)

As in most conditions, cats are unique in how they present their signs of illness compared to other species such as dogs. For one thing the ‘paralysis’ aspect of this condition may not be the first sign seen or noticed in the cat. We may therefore refer to this condition as “tick toxicity”, rather than “tick paralysis”. Cats may look as if they are quieter in behaviour than normal, reluctant to take more than a few steps before lying down again. The other important signs to look out for are increased breathing effort and changes in breathing noises, especially a ‘grunting’ sound when breathing out. A ‘wheeze’ or asthmatic sound may also be heard.

Very particular and peculiar to our cats is a throat clearing type of action. Your cats mouth may open wide with a gagging sound, making many owners think their cat has something caught in the throat. This action is happening because the cat’s vocal chords are paralysed and small amounts of saliva or mucus are very irritating on the larynx, making the cat feel like he or she is choking. This can be extremely distressing to your cat, and the more anxious they are, the more difficult it is for them to clear the throat. This is why veterinary attention for your cat often starts with medications to relax and reduce anxiety, after which breathing becomes a while lot easier.

More advanced stages of tick toxicity will include a more obvious difficulty in walking, staggering and swaying. Or your cat may be found lying down on his or her side, unable to sit up at all. Immediate veterinary attention must be sought.

The paralysis ticks themselves are grey in colour with orange legs and head part, with the legs all coming out from the “head” end rather than down the sides of the body. This describes the adult female tick, the main cause of tick toxicity. Larval stages can cause signs of tick toxicity but usually in large numbers, and this occurs much less commonly. The tick itself can be tiny to start but is usually about 4mm across by which time it causes signs of tick toxicity. The tick may have been present for a few days before reaching this size, hence ticks found early and removed may prevent signs of tick toxicity.

Finding ticks in your cat’s coat is best done by “finger walking” through the coat, rather than looking for them visually. The most common areas to find ticks are around the head and neck, around or in the ears, even inside the lips. The next place to look is the front end of the body up to about the level of the elbows. All of these areas are more difficult for the cat to reach and groom. Also the ticks are attracted to carbon dioxide. Hence the other area to look for ticks is around the back end, the bottom, tail and genital area. We are much less likely to find ticks in the ‘middle’ area of the cat, but would advise thorough searching. Cats who go outside in areas where possums and bandicoots are prevalent should be checked for ticks daily.

The availability of commercial products that may help prevent ticks is very limited for cats, and in fact it should be noted that products labeled for use in dogs only for tick prevention can be HIGHLY TOXIC and possibly fatal for your cats. If you wish to discuss use of products for assisiting in tick prevention please call our clinic for a consultation. It is worth noting that there is no single product that can be relied on for tick prevention in cats an ‘finger walking’ is still recommended despite the use of products.

If you find a tick on your cat, despite urban myths and legends, you are advised to pluck the tick off immediately. It is not possible to ‘leave behind the head’ or to ‘inject more toxin’ by doing so. You may use fingers, tweezers, or special tick hooks are available. You are then advised to seek veterinary attention. There is a tick toxin anti- serum that can be administered to your cat, along with other supportive care deemed necessary. It is not the anti- serum alone that treats these affected cats, as this ‘antidote’ can only remove some of the toxin in the blood stream and cannot reverse the toxin already affecting your cat. The overall supportive care for your cat’s breathing and comfort is equally as important as this medication. On average, cats may need two to four days in hospital for a full recovery.

We are happy to report that most cat’s recovery from tick toxicity is excellent. Just as cats present differently to dogs with tick toxicity, they also experience far fewer of the complications that befall their canine cousins. Confirming yet again that cats may indeed enjoy nine lives, with a little help from their friends: you the owner, and your veterinary team.

Cat of the Month – March

catclinic — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 06:14:25 +0000

Ace got a home!!! So our new cat of the month is…

Angel

Angel is a beautiful tabby and white domestic short haired female cat. She is approximately 2 years old, and a very active young girl.

Angel enjoying a pat from one of our nurses..

Angel, along with her 5 new kittens, were rescued from a pound just a few short weeks ago. They have all been waiting excitedly at the clinic, for their chance to join new homes. Angel is a very smoochy young lady, and with her big beautiful green eyes, its no wonder the nurses and vets alike can’t resist her when she is looking for a cuddle.

Since being with us at the clinic, Angel has been desexed, microchipped and vaccinated. The only thing Angel has left to do on her list now, is find herself a new family to join, along with a comfy bed and plenty of pats and hugs!

If you are interested in adopting Angel, or any of our other adult cats, please contact the Mt Gravatt clinic on (07) 3349 0811

Cat of the Month – March 2010

catclinic — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 00:13:20 +0000

Mayden got a great new home so..

Our new cat of the month for March is- ’Ace’

Ace is a 24 week old grey smokey tabby. He is an unusual colouring of black and dark grey swirls, with the shiniest coat of fur you have ever seen.

Ace

Not only is he a very handsome young boy, but also a bundle of energy. Ace loves nothing more than to play with toys and chase balls. One of his favourite pastimes is to play hide and seek in a good old fashioned cardboard box.. when it comes to playtime he is not fussy. When it is time to rest, Ace loves a good cuddle and pat just like any of his other feline friends, but don’t hold him down too long, cause there is definitely way too much fun to be had for this active little boy.

It must be playtime!!

Ace is great with children, and would suit a loving home, where he is going to get lots of chances to run around, play games and get lots of hugs and attention.

Ace currently resides in our Paddington clinic greeting the clients as they walk through the door. If you are interested in adopting this little man, please call (07) 3367 0011.

We also have lots of adult cats at our Mt Gravatt clinic ready to become part of a loving new family. Please call the Mt Gravatt clinic on (07) 3349 0811

Burmese Hypoklaemic Polymyopathy

catclinic — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 16:07:00 +0000

Hypokalaemic Polymyopathy in Burmese cats – Retrospective analysis of cases, new clinical observations and a call for new cases for genomic studies

Fran Musca, Steve Metcalf, Marcus Gunew, Rhett Marshall, Vic Menrath, Richard Malik and Leslie Lyons

Clinical signs referable to hypokalaemia can be seen in a variety of feline diseases, viz. (i) chronic renal disease, (ii) primary hyperaldosteronism and (iii) hypokalaemic polymyopathy. This study focuses on the latter disease, an inherited condition most commonly encountered in young Burmese cats (2-6 months-of-age) which present with signs of myopathic weakness, classically passive ventroflexion of the head and neck, and sometimes also dorsal protrusion of the scapulae, muscle tremor and head bobbing (Jones et al 1988; Lantinga et al 1998). The disease in many respects resembles the human disorder hypokalaemic periodic paralysis, which is characterised by episodic attacks of muscle weakness associated with a transient decrease in blood potassium levels. Reported on for the first time by Eger et al (1983), the condition was shown by Mason et al (1988) to have an autosomal recessive mode of inheritance. The disease has been reviewed by Gruffydd Jones (1997) and more recently by Jones (CVT 14).

In a feline-only practice in Brisbane (Australia), a recent cluster of cases of hypokalaemic polymyopathy in Burmese kittens prompted a review of the clinical manifestations of this condition in comparison of what has been reported in peer reviewed publications and in small animal texts. Additional anecdotal material from the period preceding computerised archiving of case material was provided by Drs Menrath, Metcalf and Malik.

Unlike textbook accounts, it has been our experience that (i) cats can develop genralised weakness without prominent cervical ventroflexion, but with alternative signs e.g. crouching hind limb gait, shifting lameness, stiff/stilted gait; these alternative signs may be present with or without classic signs such as cervical ventroflexion (ii) myalgia can be a prominent (iii) cats can present as adults (iv) the potassium concentration is not invariably low at the time the cat is weak, although serial potassium determinations will eventually detect moderate to severe hypokalaemia (v) marked elevations in creatine kinase activity can provide supportive evidence that hypokalaemia is the underlying problem if the potassium concentration is normal (vi) potassium chloride in large doses (1/2 to 1 Span K [7 mmol KCl] once or twice daily with food) is generally more convenient, less expensive and more effective than potassium gluconate for managing these cases (vii) some cats need on-going therapy, while in others KCl can be discontinued (viii) rarely, cases are refractory to KCl therapy and require low dose prednisolone or acetazolamide to control the clinical signs.

Recognition of this condition relies on a high index of suspicion, although consistent signs in a cat of the Burmese breed is strongly suggestive of this diagnosis. The purpose of this communication is to highlight this condition to small animal clinicians, in an attempt to obtain blood for DNA retrieval from as many cases as possible, with a view to identifying the underlying genetic problem using a whole genome scan and the new feline single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) microarray, in collaboration with Leslie Lyons and colleagues at UC Davis.

1. Eger et al., 1983 C. Eger, W. Robinson and C. Huxtable, Primary aldosteronism (Conn’s syndrome) in a cat; a case report and review of comparative aspects, … – if you read this, at the end they talk about the Burmese cats
2. Mason K V (1988) Hereditary potassium depletion in Burmese cats. Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association 24, 481
3. Gruffydd-Jones et al (1997) Proceedings of the 14th American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM), San Antonio, Texas p 757
4. Lantinga E et al (1998) Periodic muscle weakness and cervical ventroflexion caused by hypokalemia in a Burmese cat [Dutch], Tijdschrift voor Diergeneeskunde 123, 435-437
5. Gashen F et al (2004) Congenital diseases of feline muscle and neuromuscular junction. Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery 6, 355 – 366.
6. Jones BR, Swinney GW, Alley MR. 1988 Hypokalaemic myopathy in Burmese kittens. N Z Vet J. 36(3):150-1.
7. Lantinga E, Kooistra HS, van Nes JJ. 1998 Periodic muscle weakness and cervical ventroflexion caused by hypokalemia in a Burmese cat. Tijdschr Diergeneeskd. 123(14-15):435-7.

Figure 1 Affected cat being supported against gravity. Note prominent ventroflexion of the head and neck.

Cat of the Month – March 2010

catclinic — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 05:57:34 +0000

Our cat of the month for March is – Mayden

Mayden is an 18 month old Domestic Short Hair girl who has been with the clinic for only a very short time. She is a lovely cat, who was rescued by a Good Samaritan, who found Mayden (along with her new-born litter of kittens) in an old garage. While not exactly a desirable place to give birth, Mayden was on her own, but still managed to bring a litter of healthy kittens into the world. Her babies have all found great new homes, and Mayden is now seeking a family of her own to become a part of.

Mayden caught in a daydream...

Mayden is a shy young girl, but once comfortable is extremely affectionate. She would suit a quiet indoor home where she would receive lots of love and cuddles. Since being with us at The Cat Clinic, she has been desexed, vaccinated, microchipped, and has been receiving her daily dose of hugs from the nurses here at the clinic.

If you would like Mayden to become the newest member of your family, or are interested in adopting any of our other adult cats.. Please contact The Cat Clinic on (07) 3349 0811

Desexing or Castrating Your Male Cat

jferg — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 19:50:46 +0000

NEUTERING YOUR KITTEN

Male cats make much better companions if they are neutered before they reach maturity. The advantages of neutering your cat include:

Less roaming. Intact adult male cats tend to disappear for days at a time, searching for females and staking out their territory. (They really are tomcatting around!)
Less aggressive behaviour. Nearly all cats will fight, but most fights are between intact males. Fights lead to abscesses and the spread of disease.
Less spraying. Intact male cats (and females) mark their territory by spraying walls or any other vertical surface. Neutered males are less likely to spray and their urine is not as strong smelling as an intact male’s is.
Longer life. Because they get into fewer fights and do less roaming, neutered cats live longer than intact male cats do.
Population control. Many cats are euthanized because they are unwanted. Preventing unwanted litters of kittens is part of responsible pet ownership.

The Best Time to Neuter

The best time to neuter your kitten is around six months. Many veterinarians prefer to wait until the kitten is around six months because he will receive a general anaesthetic for the operation. It’s preferable to neuter your kitten before he reaches maturity, however.

Castration vs Vasectomy

Sometimes feral cats are vasectomized and returned to their original location. This is done to reduce cat populations.

A vasectomy does keep the cat from impregnating a female. It doesn’t, however, stop his male behaviours. Roaming, aggression and spraying are driven by male hormones. In order to stop those behaviours, you have to remove the testes, or castrate the cat.

Before Surgery

Your cat should not have any food or water after 8:00 pm the night before surgery. Neutering is major surgery and your cat will have a general anaesthetic. If he has food or water in his stomach when surgery is performed, he could vomit or choke.

You might want to consider having any or all of the following procedures done at the same time you have your cat neutered:

Have him microchipped. Microchipping identifies your cat if he gets lost. If your cat goes outdoors, microchipping is a good idea.
Having routine vaccinations given.

After Surgery

Your cat should be able to go home the same day he is neutered. Following are instructions for caring for your cat after you take him home:

Offer only a small meal the first evening after surgery. The next day he can resume normal feeding. If he is not eating by the end of the second day, notify your veterinarian.
Keep him indoors for the first night. Anaesthetic and painkillers may affect his balance and judgment.
Every cat recovers from surgery on his own schedule. Allow your cat to control the amount of physical activity he wants to do for several days after surgery.
If your cat licks excessively at the surgical site, please call your vet. The cat may need an Elizabethan collar to keep him from licking the site.
Your cat will not have sutures.
You may notice some swelling at the surgical site for a few days. If the swelling seems excessive, or if there is any drainage, contact your vet.
Your cat will receive pain medication before he goes home. If you think he needs more pain relief, do not hesitate to call your vet.

Neutering your male kitten helps prevent unwanted litters of kittens, many of which wind up being euthanized. It also makes your kitten a better companion. He will be less aggressive, less likely to roam and—most importantly for many pet owners—he will be less likely to spray your home. Your neutered kitten will be a healthy, happy companion for many years to come.

After hours consultations for emergencies

jferg — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 19:38:38 +0000

We operate an emergency service for cats that require veterinary attention after hours. This service operates from our Mt Gravatt hospital and is available for our clients as well as general public. Call 3349 0811 and listen for instructions

October 2009 Newsletter

catclinic — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 04:02:34 +0000

Welcome to the latest edition of The Cat Clinic newsletter. This month we have lots of exciting news. Marcus and Mandy passed their exams, we welcomed some new members to the team, and Rhett welcomed a new member into his family. We also have a new cat of the month. With summer just around the corner, ticks are becoming more of a problem as the weather heats up. Read our piece about ‘Tick Toxicity in Cats’ to make sure you know what signs to look out for to make sure your precious pet does not become a deadly ticks next victim.

If there is something you would like to see in our newsletter or added to our website, then please let us know by mailing info@thecatclinic.com.au We aim to provide the best possible information and veterinary care for cats and welcome any comments, advice or requests you may have for us. Our website gets updated regularly so remember to visit us at http://www.thecatclinic.com.au

What’s Going on with Us!

We welcome 2 new staff members

Petra Boettcher

Petra graduated from Veterinary school in Germany in 1992. Since then she has spent time in veterinary practices in England, New Zealand and has now joined us here at The Cat Clinic. Petra has always been a cat lover, and shares her home with her husband and their 3 cats Earwig, Cricket and Beetle. You can find Petra taking extra special care of her feline patients at our Clayfield clinic, and occassionally our Mt Gravatt clinic.

Lydia Adams

Lydia is our newest veterinary nurse. After 20 years in the retail industry, she decided it was time for a change. She completed her studies in Certificate IV Veterinary Nursing in 2006, and has been working with the animals she loves ever since. Lydia shares her home with her four ‘furry children’, Oscar, Benson, Chloe, Sweet- pea and Scruffy the dog.

Congratulations Marcus and Mandy!!

In July, Marcus passed his examinations to become a fellow of The Australian College of Veterinary Scientists. In June Mandy Doan became a member of The Australian College of Veterinary Scientists.

Our Athletes..

Well Done to Marcus, who completed the Gold Coast Marathon. He enjoyed it so much, he is in training for the Hell of the West Triathlon.

Two of our nurses, Heather and Shelley recently took part in the 100km bicycle ride from Southbank to Southport. They enjoyed the ride, but their poor aching bodies didn’t enjoy the next few days. Well done girls!

Rhett and Esther welcome a baby girl.

Josette Madeline Marshall was born on the 6th August 2009. She is the third child for Rhett and Esther, and after having two boys already, Josette now helps her mum out in making up the female numbers in the Marshall house. She is a very lucky little girl, who will have not only one but two big brothers, Ethan and Felix, looking after her as she grows up. Rhett is a very proud Dad, and we congratulate him and Esther on their newest arrival.

Cameron is back from Africa.

Cameron Reid completed his internship at The Cat Clinic in January 2009. Cameron has a passion for tigers. He left us to go to Africa and work with and care for big cats and other African animals. He thoroughly enjoyed his time, and has the scars to prove it. A nip from a lion has not dettered him away from his dreams, and he has now returned to Australia where he is still actively pursuing his goals, whilst working part time with us here at The Cat Clinic.

Cameron getting up close and personal with one of the youger lions

Tick Toxicity in Cats

The Paralysis Tick (Ixodes holocyclis)

Photo Opportunities – Coming this December

Santa will be visiting The Cat Clinic a little closer to Christmas, (before it gets too busy). Bring your favourite feline in to have a photo taken with Santa. Please call our clinic at Mt Gravatt on (07) 3349 0811 for more details.

That’s all for this edition of The Cat Clinic Neswletter..

See you next time!!

Cat of the Month – October 2009

catclinic — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 23:48:46 +0000

We selected Timmy, below, to be our Cat of the Month.

Enjoying a pet

Timmy is an extremely affectionate little guy who loves nothing more than to smooch all over you and give big kisses. He is suited to an adult owner, as he can be a little shy around noises. He still loves to play and doesn’t seem to mind other kitties around.

Timmy is 8 months old, desexed, microchipped, with all his vaccinations up to date. He is looking for a place to call home.

Timmy playing with his toys in the clinic

If you are interested in adopting Timmy, or any other cats from The Cat Clinic, please contact Heather at our Mt Gravatt clinic on (07) 3349 0811.

Cat of the Month – September

jferg — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 05:05:21 +0000

Inferno is a very cute little ginger boy who is almost 6 months old. As his name suggests, Inferno is a real live wire when it comes time to play but after exerting some playful energy he loves to cuddle and snuggle.

He was surrended to us a few weeks ago and has already won the hearts of all those around him. He would love to find an active home and cant wait to show off all his tricks.

If you would like more information and adopting Inferno, please contact our Paddington clinic on 3367 0011.

And dont forget that The Cat Clinic adoption centre has a number of other kittens and adult cats ready for adoption. Please contact one of our clinics if you think you can provide a loving home for one of our homeless cats.