As we fall into Fall, The Meowing Vet‘s September 2018 Newsletter points out the highlights of our August articles that pet owners should remember. Scroll down for a sneak-peek of our upcoming blog topics for September!
Kitty Colds: Feline Upper Respiratory Infection (URI)
August 6, 2018
- Cats can develop severe head colds, too, called a feline upper respiratory infection (URI) or upper respiratory complex. These infections, which primarily affect the nasal cavity, trachea, and eyes, are typically highly contagious among cats – particularly those which are not vaccinated.
- Clinical signs include listlessness, sneezing with nasal discharge, ocular discharge or corneal ulcers. Certain infections also result in oral ulcers, painful sores on the lips, tongue, and in the mouth that can make eating and drinking difficult.
- Certain URI cases can be life-threatening, resulting in pneumonia or death.
- The most common pathogens responsible for a feline URI involve the viruses feline herpesvirus-1 and calicivirus as well as the bacteria Bordetella, Chlamydophila, and Mycoplasma.
- Certain infections can result in a persistent carrier state, in which the body does not clear the pathogen and it lies dormant in the body for a period of time until it re-emerges and causes recurrent upper respiratory tract infections during times of stress or other illness. Even if infected cats are not displaying obvious signs of an infection, they can shed viral particles and spread them to other cats.
- Ensuring that your kittens and adult cats remain up-to-date on their vaccinations, particularly against herpesvirus-1 and calicivirus, is the best way to help prevent your cat from acquiring a URI.
Bothersome Bordetella: Canine Kennel Cough
August 17, 2018
- Kennel cough, also called canine infectious tracheobronchitis, is a highly contagious respiratory tract disease of dogs, primarily affecting the trachea and bronchi.
- Sudden onset of coughing (which sounds like a goose honk) is the most common clinical sign.
- Though kennel cough is highly contagious, especially among unvaccinated dogs, it fortunately does not result in severe disease in most cases. However, some infections can progress to worse disease and bronchopneumonia.
- Kennel cough is caused by an infection of the bacteria Bordetella bronchiseptica. In uncomplicated cases, Bordetella is the only infectious agent, and the course of illness is mild. However, co-infections with other bacteria and viruses complicate the disease process and can lead to much more severe illness. The canine parainfluenza virus is commonly involved in co-infection with Bordetella.
- Vaccinating your puppy and adult dog against kennel cough is very important in preventing outbreaks. Though not every vaccine is 100% effective, vaccinating your dog against kennel cough (either via injectable, intranasal, or oral vaccine options) greatly reduces the risk of your dog getting sick.
Preview of The Meowing Vet’s upcoming article topics for the month of September: (topics or order subject to change)
- September 10: What Your Vet Wants You to Know about Compassion Fatigue
For more information, visit www.themeowingvet.com. And Don’t forget to subscribe to our e-mail notification list to keep receiving these newsletters.
xoxo
Maranda Elswick, DVM
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