Rabies: A fatal viral infection of the central nervous system that can affect all mammals, including humans. The virus is transmitted through the bite of an infected animal. Routine vaccination is the key to controlling this dreaded disease.

Panleukopenia (FPL): A widespread and potentially fatal disease which may cause a sudden onset of severe vomiting and diarrhea. It is especially dangerous in kittens, but fatalities can occur in adult cats.

Viral Rhinotracheitis (FVR): A common respiratory infection which can be fatal in kittens. Sneezing, decreased appetite and fever, followed by a thick discharge from the eyes and nose, are often observed.

Calicivirus (FCV): An upper respiratory infection with signs similar to FVR. In addition, ulcers may be seen on the tongue and in the mouth. FVR and FCV account for up to 90% of all respiratory infections in cats.

Chlamydia (FPN): FPN is another common respiratory infection producing sneezing, fever and a thick discharge from the eyes. Chlamydia infection may be associated with the development of more serious bacterial complications.

Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV): Infection with this virus can cause serious disease and death. The virus decreases the ability of the immune system to respond to the infection and may lead to the development of different types of cancer. FeLV is passed from cat to cat by direct contact, so outside cats and cats in multi-cat households are at especially high risk. It is not contagious to people.

Heartworm disease is a serious health problem in many parts of the world. It is caused by the roundworm, Dirofilaria immitis. D immitis is a parasite that lives in the heart and major arteries of the lungs. It is a serious infection that can easily be prevented.

Heartworms have been found in a variety of wild and domestic animals. Mosquitoes carry immature forms of the heartworm from an infected animal to a new host by taking a blood meal from both animals. As the mosquito feeds from the first animal, usually a dog, it picks up the microfilariae (the offspring of adult heartworms) as it engorges with blood.

These microfilariae mature in the mosquito, developing into the infective form, the larval state of D. immitis. When the mosquito subsequently bites another animal, the larvae are introduced to the new host through the bite wound. The larvae eventually make their way to the heart and associated blood vessels by migrating through the body. Inside the heart they mature and begin producing microfilariae, completing the lifecycle. These new microfilariae are then ready to be passed on to another dog or cat..

If your cat lives in an area where heartworm infection is seen in dogs, your cat could be bitten by a mosquito that was infected by a dog.

In cats, heartworms live for 1 to 2 years and it is uncommon for cats to have more than 2 or 3 heartworms. Small numbers of heartworms, however, may cause serious disease in cats.

Clinical signs of heartworm disease in cats vary considerably. Some cats do not show any significant clinical signs and may appear normal. Other cats develop chronic (long lasting) disease. Vomiting or respiratory signs (coughing and difficulty breathing) are commonly seen in chronic cases of heartworm disease in cats. Vomiting tends to be sporadic and may or may not be related to eating. Coughing may be intermittent or occur in severe, sudden attacks that may take place days apart. Cats may have severe, acute disease with signs of respiratory collapse and, in some cases, sudden death. In acute cases, death may be so rapid that there is insufficient time to make a diagnosis or offer treatment. Cats that die from heartworm disease can appear clinically normal 1 hour before death.

Many other disease can cause similar clinical signs so it is almost impossible to diagnose feline heartworm disease based on clinical signs alone.

Preventives are available for feline heartworm infection, but they will not eliminate an existing infections. Preventives can be used on cats that test positive, to prevent further infections. And remember, mosquitoes can get inside your home, so even indoor pets need preventative as well.

Unfortunately, treatment to remove heartworms from infected cats can be difficult and hazardous to your cat’s health. Various medications can be used to help minimize the clinical signs (coughing, vomiting, difficulty breathing) your cat may be exhibiting. Surgical removal of heartworms is also an option. Be sure to ask any one of our knowledgeable staff members for advice on management of feline heartworm disease.

FIV and FeLV infections are major causes of death in cats. Both viruses are spread contagiously from cat to cat, and surveys show that up to 15 percent of sick cats are infected with one or both of the viruses. But even healthy cats may harbor infection and spread viruses to other cats. In some cats, signs of disease may not become apparent until weeks, months or even years after they first become infected with FIV or FeLV.

FIV is typically spread when one cat bites another; rarely does an infected mother infect her kittens.

FeLV is spread when the saliva or urine of an infected cat comes in contact with another cat. This can happen when cats groom each other, or when they share food and water bowls or litter boxes. Kittens born to a mother with FeLV are commonly infected as well.

FIV and FeLV testing is important in the following situations:

• If your cat has never been tested
• If you cat is sick, even if it may have tested free of infection in the past
• When cats are newly adopted, whether or not they will be entering a household with other cats
• If your cat has recently been exposed to an infected cat
• If your cat is exposed to cats that may be infected (for example, if your cat goes outdoors unsupervised or lives with other cats that might be infected). During your cat's examination we may suggest testing periodically as long as your cat is potentially exposed to infected cats
• Prior to your cat’s receiving an FeLV vaccine (in this case, FeLV testing is the most important)

Research to date has shown that FIV and FeLV only affects cats.

FIV and FeLV affect cats in similar ways, primarily by interfering with the immune system’s ability to ward off infections. Bacteria, viruses, protozoa and fungi found in the everyday environment – where they usually don’t affect healthy cats – can cause severe illness in FIV and FeLV infected cats. Various kinds of cancer and blood diseases are much more common in cats infected with either virus too.

Early signs of infection are often subtle and commonly seen in cats that are simply not feeling well. These signs include:

• Decreased appetite
• Decreased grooming
• Decreased energy

• Marked loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Decreased energy
• Weakness
• Pale gums
• Mouth sores
• Diarrhea
• Enlarged lymph nodes
• Abscesses