FELINE OBESITY

Obesity!  Even cats are not exempt this current epidemic.  And it’s no better for our feline friends than it is for us.

Obesity in cats is a known risk factor for diabetes, cystitis, skin problems, exacerbation of arthritis, some liver disorders, impaired immune function, anaesthetic complications and difficulty in breathing.

A substantial risk factor for cats becoming obese is their human friends underestimating their body weight.  If their person has an unrealistic idea of the ideal weight they might not even realise Puss is overweight.

Obesity is far easier to prevent than cure (don’t we know it!) so when Puss has his vet check-ups ask to have his weight assessed too.  If he’s overweight, your vet can put him on a weight reduction programme and, with your help, get him back to his healthy active self.  Your vet will record his weight, then calculate how much weight Puss needs to lose, how fast and how much to feed him to do so safely.  Regular weigh ins will help keep weight reduction on track.

A diet should be balanced and the right amount of calories must deliver the right amount of protein, vitamins and minerals.  Fortunately there are special veterinary weight loss diets available to help both lose and maintain weight.  Your vet can recommend one that will suit.

WEIGHT REDUCTION PROGRAMMES!  FREE!  

For your animals, that is, not you! 

Studies have shown that the life expectancy for an overweight dog is three years less than that of a lean dog.  That’s about a quarter of a dog’s life!

Obesity is also a contributing factor in a number of debilitating diseases including:

• Diabetes & pancreatitis

• Arthritis & joint problems

• Heart, liver & skin conditions

• Urinary Tract disease

Plus your friend loses the spring in his step and life’s just not so much fun as it could be.

Last year a labrador, Rusty, went on a weight reduction programme and he's done incredibly well.  He's happier and more active and can now keep up with his Dad when he’s out running—which he couldn’t do before.

Weigh-ins are free in our clinic and we have special food that makes weight loss easier.

We’d love to do a weight assessment for your friend—dog or cat.  If he’d benefit from weight loss, we can work out how much, how fast, how much to feed him and we’ll plot it all on a graph so you can track his progress.  For Free!

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Toothache is miserable and so are sore gums. 

Periodontal disease is a painful inflammatory condition of the gums, bone and ligaments that surround the teeth.  When plaque builds up under the gum line, it causes irritation and redness of the gums (gingivitis) and the bacteria attack the tissues that hold the teeth in place.  Those bacteria then have access to the bloodstream and can spread to internal organs, potentially causing further problems.

Periodontal disease is extremely common, especially in cats and small breed dogs, and left untreated it just gets worse.

The signs of periodontal disease include: bad breath, red gums, tartar, pain or bleeding, change in eating habits such as refusal of dry food or looking hungry and then shying away from food, rubbing or pawing at the mouth, dribbling, loose teeth and subdued behaviour.  Remember, cats and dogs are good at hiding pain and the fact that they are eating doesn’t mean they aren’t suffering.

If you think your furry friend may have dental disease, a vet examination is warranted.  If necessary, your vet will de-scale and polish the teeth, usually under general anaesthesia.  Extractions of loose or damaged teeth (such as those with painful neck lesions) may be necessary.

For those dogs that are prone to dental disease there is now a vaccination that protects against the primary causal bacteria.  Cats can also get a specific type of gingivitis, a severe life-long gum condition that can be improved with regular dentals and medication.

To reduce dental problems, make a large portion of the diet a dry food.  Also provide dental treats, such as Greenies, and toys to chew on.  Specific foods designed to minimize tartar, such as Hills T/d, are invaluable.  And if you’re keen, there are toothbrushes and pastes available. (Don’t use your mint toothpaste – they won’t thank you and it’ll get messy!)

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ITCHY SCRATCHY!

Itchy scratchy dogs and cats abound.  They make themselves bald or raw and they drive you crazy with their licking and slurping.  It’s a common problem but not always a simple one.

The causes of skin disorders are many and varied.  They range from allergy, parasites, bacterial infections and cancers all the way through to hormonal and psychological.

Fleas, of course, are the number one trouble makers.  Fleas wriggle and bite but many animals also have an allergy to them (Flea Allergy Dermatitis) and for these, a single flea bite is enough to send them around the twist.  Dogs will show a bald tail base from all the chewing while cats will get multiple scabs around their face and neck (military dermatitis).  These animals need a good vet-recommended flea product which will be safer and more effective than some cheaper products.  Sometimes an anti-inflammatory is also needed.

Some more sinister diseases including bacterial infections, generalised conditions and cancers can also be the cause.  If you see an unusual lump or lesion that doesn’t heal normally, have it checked out promptly.

Anxiety is also a major cause of hair loss.  It’s not itchy but the animal is not happy.  In cats this shows up as over-grooming where they’ll groom until they’re bald, particularly on the tummy.  The so-called closet groomer won’t even be seen doing it.  Dogs will show stress by continually licking their wrists until they form a big callus which can then become infected.  Stressed critters can be helped by environmental changes, medications and synthetic hormone sprays.

Skin conditions can start out simple but can quickly become complicated and harder to treat.  The earlier the diagnosis, the better the outcome.

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Case Study— Chronic Renal Failure in an Elderly Cat

Suzie, an 18 year old cat, presented to us last June drinking a lot and losing weight.  Blood tests showed she had early kidney failure.  She also badly needed a dental but with her renal condition the anaesthetic was not as safe as we’d like.

Suzie was put on medication to help her blood flow, which supported her kidneys.  Her appetite was poor, as is often the case when the toxins that should be excreted via the kidneys build up in the blood, so unfortunately she wouldn’t eat the low protein kidney prescription diet which is the best food for struggling kidneys.

Suzie received IV fluids to improve her hydration and flush the toxins, and vitamin B and anabolic steroid injections.  Luckily for Suzie, she has very loving carers who are willing to give her daily fluids under her skin.  Suzie’s now put on weight and was well enough to recently have her sore abscessed teeth removed.

There are so many things we can do to help eldery cats with renal failure so they can live longer happier lives, just like Suzie.

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Case Study—Arthritis in a Cat

Taz is an elderly wee girl who for some time hasn’t been moving around very much, sits strangely with her front legs straight and can’t jump onto the couch any more.

X-rays showed her back has arthritis, severe enough to have fused some of her back vertebrae together.  No wonder she sits funny—she can’t bend her back!

Treatment with Metacam, an anti-inflammatory medicine registered for cats (you have to be careful with cats—paracetamol can kill them) has given her a new lease on life.  She still can’t sit properly but she can now play with a ball again!

Arthritis is a common ailment in cats, as well as dogs.  It’s not always as severe as Taz’s but it sure is painful & reduces quality of life.  It can certainly be helped with proper treatment.

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