Getting your feline to the vet...without STRESS!!!

Since, thankfully, our cats aren’t quite so self sufficient as the kitty below, we are responsible for that sometimes dreaded car trip to the vet.  Here is some information to hopefully ease that challenge.

Cats are officially the most popular pet in the US but vastly underrepresented at the veterinarian, often missing out on important preventive veterinary care.  Many cats (and people, for that matter) become very anxious at the mere thought of a trip to the vet.  Here are some suggestions to make your cat’s trip to the vet as positive as possible:

The crate—make it a friendly place to hang out: 

·        Invest in a crate with accessibility through the top or a carrier with a removable top portion.

·        Allow your cat free access to the crate at home to make it more inviting.  You can provide treats, a favorite blanket, food, and toys so your cat is comfortable with the carrier during visits to the vet.  You can eventually try feeding your cats enticing meals within the crate.

·        A feline pheromone product like Feliway may help to ease your cat’s stress level and can be sprayed on the bedding placed in the crate.

Click HERE for a great video on crate introduction and transport by the Catalyst Council.

The car ride—practice runs can make all the difference:

·        Get your cat used to going on rides in the car.  Take the opportunity to take your cat for a ride around the block and don’t forget to put a favorite toy, treat, or catnip in the carrier.

·        Covering the carrier with a blanket or towel can further ease anxiety and increase confidence.

·        Make sure to keep the stereo volume low, the windows up, and the air vents on to decrease stress.

·        Slowly progressive introduction to the car can decrease stress and anxiety related to trips.  Hopefully, after some practice runs in the car, your kitty will be more accustomed to trips and it can be a more positive experience.

·        Never leave your cat in a hot car or unattended for an extended period of time!

The visit to the veterinarian:

·        Bring special toys or treats for the visit to make the it as positive as possible.

·        Call ahead to see if the doctor is running on time to expedite your visit and shorten the time in the waiting room.

Please let us know if there’s any other we can ease your feline friend’s trip to the vet.  We are very happy to be part of your kitty’s health and well-being!

Written by:  Stephanie Kotas, DVM

What is a FORL?

What is a FORL?

Well, you guessed it, it has something to do with your cat's teeth.  

Feline Odontoclastic Resorptive Lesions (FORL)

What are Feline Odontoclastic Resorptive Lesions?

Dental health is a very important aspect of general health in both our canine and feline patients.  Cats are particularly susceptible to painful dental disease known as a “feline odontoclastic resorptive lesion” (FORL), previously known as caries, cervical neck lesions, or root resorptions.  This condition is an inflammatory disease whereby the tooth resorbs and eventually breaks.  Studies have shown that more than half of all cats over the age of three will have at least one tooth affected by resorption.

The cause of FORL’s is not completely understood, but the involvement of odontoclasts, cells normally responsible for absorbing deciduous (baby) teeth, is seen at a microscopic level.  It is likely that these cells are triggered by an autoimmune response, meaning the tooth is most likely being destroyed by the cat’s own immune system.

FORL’s can be very painful as the protective outer layer of the tooth, the enamel, is worn away, exposing the sensitive dentin and pulp.

How do I know if my cat has a resorptive lesion?

During your cat’s physical exam, the doctor will closely examine the mouth, looking for obvious signs of resorption, often found along the edge of the tooth at the gumline, as well as evidence of pain or sensitivity.  Pain may manifest as jaw trembling, drooling, bleeding, or a decreased appetite. Cats, however, do not often show outward signs of oral pain.  A complete examination and oral evaluation require anesthesia, assessing the mouth with a probe similarly to a human dentist, cleaning both above and below the gumline, and radiographs (x-rays) of the entire mouth. According to the American Veterinary Dental College, intraoral radiographs are the required to properly evaluate this condition.

How do you treat my cat’s resorptive lesion?

All of the information above combined allows for development of an accurate, complete treatment plan.  Because teeth suffering from resorptive lesions are being destroyed by the cat’s own immune system, continued breakdown is inevitable and the only treatment available is extraction of the affected tooth. 

During extractions, our standard of care involves a multimodal approach to pain management including nerve blocks during the procedure, pain medication before and after the procedure, and pain medication to go home.  Further, teeth are extracted surgically, a post extraction x-ray is taken to ensure the complete removal of the tooth, and the gums are closed with absorbable suture material.

Written by:  Stephanie Kotas, DVM

Case Study: Why Maddy's tail didn't wag that day

“Maddy” is a bouncy, outgoing 5 year old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.  Her very worried family called us in late October because she had lost her spunk.  In addition, she refused to eat breakfast, which never happens with Maddy!  They had seen blood in her stool that morning as well.

When “Maddy” presented for her examination, she really felt bad-not even a tail wag. 

The reason quickly became apparent, as seen below:

“Maddy” had developed an anal gland (sac)  abscess, which ruptured externally.  Anal glands are glands located on either side and slightly below the anus.  Their sole function is to deposit a pungent, fishy discharge, usually after bowel movements, as a way to mark her territory.  The glands can become infected with bacteria, which causes the duct leading from the gland to the outside of the body to become blocked.  The gland continues to make new secretions, but they can’t leave the gland due to the blocked duct.  The gland becomes bigger and bigger until it pops…much like an over-filled balloon.  

This is what “Maddy’s” gland looked like after the area was cleaned up:

Although “Maddy” did not display typical signs of anal gland discomfort, dogs with anal gland disease will usually lick at the anal area and may scoot.  In addition, they may becomed depressed, stop eating and act like are painful in the hind end, with reluctance to raise their tail or wag.  Treatment centers around pain control-as you can imagine, this is a very painful condition!  Antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications are also prescribed. 

“Maddy”, 14 days later:

Moving forward, it will be important to make sure “Maddy” doesn’t have another abscess.  Frequent anal gland emptying, every 1-3 months, will help keep her enthusiastic and bouncy!

Written by:  Wendy Hauser, DVM