Question: Upper Respiratory Infections in Cats?

Dear Dr. Schaeberle,

One of my cats has a chronic upper respiratory infection and the antibiotics do not seem to be helping. Why?

Thanks,
Donna

--------------------------------------

Donna,

Most upper respiratory infections are caused by a herpes or calici virus. Kittens can acquire the virus from their mothers as early as one day old or can become infected from other cats (examples would be, feral cat colonies, barn cats or overpopulated rescue environments). After an acute infection which lasts about 2 to 3 weeks, most cats become carriers for life. In particular younger cats less than one year of age and older cats can have more frequent outbreaks. Because it is a virus, antibiotics work only if the cat has a secondary bacterial infection.

Feline herpes virus infection is similar to humans herpes simplex. We cannot get an infection from cats but just as in humans, cats will carry the virus for life.

Recommended treatment includes tender loving care, decreasing stress in the environment and for recurrent chronic cases, I have found success using human antiviral drugs. These drugs are now found in generic versions and for the most part are a reasonable cost.

It is important that you have all of your cats vaccinated for the virus. At Shiloh Veterinary Hospital, we recently began a 3 year cycle of vaccinations for cats. However, an article from the European Feline Association now recommends yearly vaccinations in stressed cats, cats that go outside and cats that are kenneled. On a side note, in the state of Pennsylvania Rabies vaccinations are required by law for cats too.

In York County, only 3 hospitals are certified by the American Animal Hospital Association: Shiloh Veterinary Hospital in Dover, Shiloh Veterinary Hospital East and Patton Veterinary Hospital in Red Lion. AAHA has approximately 3,000 hospitals that voluntarily participate in the evaluation program. Outside consultants from AAHA perform rigorous inspections to ensure we comply with the 900 different standards for service and facilities.

Learn more at our website, www.myshilohvet.com.

Thanks,
Thomas Schaeberle, V.M.D.

Question: Constant licking of feet and rubbing of face?

Dear Dr. Schaeberle,

I have a three-year-old Yorkshire terrier who constantly licks her feet and rubs her face. What is the cause?

Thanks,
Kevin

--------------------------------

Kevin,

The vast majority of dogs with excessive feet licking and/or scratching in general have allergies. Although food can to be a component, usually the offending agents are airborne. This can include pollens, house dust, grass and even human dandruff can cause allergies in dogs. Unfortunately, just as with people, airborne allergies can be tough to eliminate from the environment and in many cases treatment is needed.

Anti-histamines like Benadryl can be used in dogs but do not work as well as a corticosteroid such as Prednisone to control the signs. Prednisone is usually maintained in an every other day dosing to help control symptoms. Since most allergies are seasonal, I feel it is an excellent and safe drug to use. Cats can develop allergies too! Allergies in cats are similar to dogs, usually involving the paws, legs and belly. When a cat owner brings their pet in for an appointment for possible allergies, I mostly see facial rubbing in cats as a symptom. Food allergies are considered and adjustments may need to be made.

If you suspect your pet may have allergies, it is best to have a veterinarian check your pet’s condition. Other skin issues can mimic allergy symptoms and a veterinarian can help design a treatment option that is best for your pet. Your veterinarian can also identify and treat any secondary skin infections (such as bacteria or yeast) that you dog may have as a result of his/her allergies.

In York County, only 3 hospitals are certified by the American Animal Hospital Association: Shiloh Veterinary Hospital in Dover, Shiloh Veterinary Hospital East and Patton Veterinary Hospital in Red Lion. AAHA has approximately 3,000 hospitals that voluntarily participate in the evaluation program. Outside consultants from AAHA perform rigorous inspections to ensure we comply with the 900 different standards for service and facilities. Learn more at our website, http://www.myshilohvet.com/

Email your questions to the webmaster@myshilohvet.com

Thanks,
Thomas Schaeberle, V.M.D.

Question: ACL Repair becoming common?

Dear Dr. Schaeberle,

My boxer recently had surgery on his leg for a ligament tear in the knee. I was talking with some people at work today and it seems pretty common. What are your thoughts?

Thanks,
Jenn

--------------------------------------------

Jenn,

It is true that we are seeing more tears of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) than 20 years ago. However, recent research suggests a genetic component. And it so happens that the most popular breeds such as retrievers, boxers, and pit bulls are unfortunately all prone to an anterior cruciate ligament tear.

The good news is that most dogs that have an ACL tear recover well with surgery. The two most common methods of repair to the knee can be done at the Shiloh Veterinary Hospital. I personally prefer the less expensive procedure - the extracapsular (meaning on the outside of the knee joint) technique, which uses nylon to stabilize the knee internally. I have seen few complications over the years and have about a 95 -98% success rate when viewed a year later.

Very large dogs and active younger dogs may benefit form a more intensive repair, called a TTA (meaning Tibial Tuberosity Advancement), which is also done at the Shiloh Veterinary Hospital and by Dr. Schmidt at the Patton Veterinary Hospital in Red Lion

Both surgeries have a recovery period, where your pet will need to be on strict rest for a few weeks to allow the knee to heal. Your surgical veterinarian will provide you with easy to follow guidelines for your pet’s individual needs.

Shiloh Veterinary Hospitals in Dover and Manchester, are proudly certified by the American Animal Hospital Association. Joining the Patton Veterinary Hospital in Red Lion as the only other hospital certified in the York area. In the US only 14 % of hospital qualify for certification.

Visit our website at www.myshilohvet.com to learn more about these surgeries, go to our Pet Library under Resources and search "cruciate".

Email your questions to the webmaster@myshilohvet.com

Thanks,
Thomas Schaeberle, V.M.D.

Question: What can be done about chronic ear infections?

Dear Dr. Schaeberle,

We have a beautiful three-year-old black lab named Jake with chronic ear infections. What can we do for him?

Thanks,
Diane

-------------------------------------------------

Diane,

Ear infections can result from many factors that can predispose the ear to infection, like allergies, breed or even shape of the ear. A good example would be floppy eared dogs like beagles. Just as our toes are more prone to a fungus like “athletes feet”, a floppy ear does not permit the proper ventilation leaving the ear more susceptible to infection. Regardless of the cause, there are three treatment options we will present to you at the Shiloh Veterinary Hospital.

1. Routine - a sample of the debris from the ear is examined to see if we have a yeast or a bacterial infection, to determine the proper antibiotic. The ear is cleaned, the proper medication is determined and the owners instructed on routine home care.

2. An ear flush under anesthesia - I love ear flushes with recurrent or severe ear infections. A flush allows us to better identify whether we have only an outer ear infection or a more serious middle ear infection . Under anesthesia the ear canal is gently flushed of all debris and thoroughly examined. We will then follow up with the proper medication and home instruction.

3. Surgical - I can perform two different surgical interventions, ablation and resection, when we still struggle with chronic ear disease. Both involve reconstructing the ear canal to allow good ventilation and the surgeries have a very good rate of success.

Shiloh Veterinary Hospitals in Dover and Manchester, are proudly certified by the American Animal Hospital Association. Joining the Patton Veterinary Hospital in Red Lion, the only other hospital certified in the York area.

Visit our website at www.myshilohvet.com to learn more about our many services for your dog or cat.

Email your questions to the webmaster@myshilohvet.com

Thanks,
Thomas Schaeberle, V.M.D.