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Feline Infectious Peritonitis

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Feline Infectious Peritonitis

What is FIP?

Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is a viral disease of cats caused by certain strains of a virus called the feline coronavirus. Most strains of feline coronavirus are found in the gastrointestinal tract and do not cause significant disease. These are referred to as feline enteric coronavirus (FeCV). Cats infected with FeCV usually do not show any symptoms during the initial viral infection, but may occasionally experience brief bouts of diarrhea and/or mild upper respiratory signs from which they recover spontaneously. FeCV-infected cats usually mount an immune response through which antibodies against the virus are produced within 7-10 days of infection. In approximately 10 percent of cats infected with FeCV, one or more mutations of the virus can alter its biological behavior, resulting in white blood cells becoming infected with virus and spreading it throughout the cat’s body. When this occurs, the virus is referred to as the FIPV. An intense inflammatory reaction to FIPV occurs around vessels in the tissues where these infected cells locate, often in the abdomen, kidney, or brain. It is this interaction between the body’s own immune system and the virus that is responsible for the development of FIP.

FIP generally occurs in one of two forms, a “wet form” in which fluid accumulates in body cavities like the abdomen and/or chest, and a “dry form” that affects the central nervous system, resulting in neurologic signs. Once a cat develops clinical FIP, the disease is usually progressive and almost always fatal without therapy that has been available in countries Australia and the UK for several years and has recently become available as an oral compounded formulation in the US. This newly available compounded formulation requires a veterinary prescription. The availability of safe and effective therapies for FIP represents a dramatic advancement in veterinary medicine, and we recommend that you consult with your veterinary professional team if you have questions about acquiring FIP therapy for a cat suffering from this dreadful disease. To our knowledge, coronaviruses cannot be passed from infected cats to humans.

Is my cat at risk for developing FIP?

Any cat that carries FeCV (the ubiquitous, usually benign intestinal form of feline coronavirus from which the FIP form of the virus is derived via mutation) is potentially at risk for developing FIP, but younger cats are at greater risk of developing FIP, with approximately 70% of cases diagnosed in cats less than 1 1/2 years of age and 50% of cases occurring in cats less than 7 months of age. The most common mode of transmission of FeCV is believed to occur when infected queens pass along the virus to their kittens, usually when the kittens are between five and eight weeks of age, although it can also be passed from one cat to another via feces in more mature cats. Cats that are housed in high-density facilities (i.e. shelters, catteries) appear to be more susceptible to the development of FIP, as are pure bred cats, male cats, and geriatric cats, for reasons that remain unclear.

 What are the symptoms of FIP?

Cats that have been initially exposed to FeCV usually show no obvious symptoms. Some cats may show mild upper respiratory symptoms such as sneezing, watery eyes, and nasal discharge, while others may experience mild gastrointestinal signs such as diarrhea. In most cases, these mild signs are self-limiting. Between 5 and 10% of cats that are exposed to the FeCV develop FIP, and this can occur weeks, months, or even years after initial exposure to FeCV.

There are two major forms of FIP, an effusive, or “wet” form and a noneffusive, or “dry” form. Regardless of which form they ultimately progress to develop, cats infected with FIPV usually first develop nonspecific signs of disease such as loss of appetite, weight loss, depression, and fever. It is also important to note that cases of the effusive form of FIP can evolve into the non-effusive form and vice-versa.

Generally speaking, the signs of the noneffusive form, which may include the non-specific signs listed above as well as neurologic signs including seizures and ataxia (abnormal or uncoordinated movements) develop more slowly than those of the effusive form.

The signs of effusive form of FIP usually develop and progress relatively rapidly and include development of the above-mentioned non-specific signs combined with the accumulation of fluid in body cavities, including the abdomen and the thorax (chest cavity). Affected cats may develop a pot-bellied appearance due to fluid accumulation in the abdomen, and if the fluid accumulation is excessive, it may become difficult for a cat to breathe normally.

Can my cat be tested for FIP?

Unfortunately, there is currently no definitive test to diagnose FIP. While antibody levels, or titers, to coronavirus can be measured, they cannot definitively distinguish between exposure to FeCV and FIPV. A positive result means only that the cat has had a prior exposure to coronavirus, but not necessarily to FIPV. In spite of this limitation, however, young cats that experience a fever that is not responsive to antibiotics and that have high coronavirus titers are often presumptively diagnosed with FIP (appropriately in most cases). This is particularly true if characteristic fluid (yellow tinged with a high protein and white blood cell concentration) begins to accumulate within body cavities. A healthy cat with a high coronavirus titer (i.e. many antibodies against coronavirus), however, is not necessarily more likely to develop FIP or be a carrier of an FIPV than a cat with a low titer. In cats with suppressed immune systems, FIPV infections may not cause elevated coronavirus titers due to an inability of the immune system to produce sufficient antibodies against the virus.

Other available tests can, in theory, detect the presence of the virus itself. One of these tests, called the immunoperoxidase test, can detect viral proteins in virus-infected white blood cells in tissue, but a biopsy of affected tissue is necessary for evaluation. Another, called the immunofluorescence test, can detect viral proteins in virus-infected white blood cells in tissue or body fluids. More recently, a technology called polymerase chain reaction (PCR) has been used to detect viral genetic material in tissue or body fluid. Although these tests can be useful, none of them is 100% accurate, and each suffers from its own limitations that may lead to false negative or false positive results.

In most cases, a combination of history, physical examination findings, and laboratory test such as those mentioned above are used in concert to arrive at a presumptive diagnosis of FIP.

 
Can FIP be treated?

Until recently, FIP was considered to be a non-treatable and almost routinely fatal disease. While there are still some uncertainties regarding recently-identified antiviral drugs to treat FIP (including their long term effectiveness, ideal minimum dose, potential for the development of drug resistance, and best drug mechanism of action to recommend/pursue), studies in both the laboratory and in client-owned cats with naturally occurring FIP suggest that the drug that has been most extensively studied, referred to as GS-441524, is a safe and effective treatment option for cats diagnosed with of FIP. This drug has been available in Australia and the UK for several years, and has only recently become available as an orally compounded formulation in the US. Prior to this recent US GS-441524 release (and continuing through today), a number of “black market” sources have been offering GS-441524 for sale. Importantly, some reports suggest that the products being provided by some of these sources vary widely in both accuracy of reported drug concentration and purity, making this recent release of a reliably produced oral formulation in the US that much more impactful.  It is very important to discuss the risks and benefits of GS-441524  with your veterinarian if you are considering pursuing therapy with this game-changing drug in a cat suffering from FIP, and a veterinary prescription is required to obtain it. Supportive care, including fluid therapy, drainage of accumulated fluids, and blood transfusions, is also indicated in some cases.

Can I protect my cat from getting FIP? 

The only way to definitively prevent FIP in cats is to prevent FeCV infection, which can be challenging given its ubiquitous nature. This is particularly true of cats that are housed in high density (shelters, catteries), and housing cats at a density at or below three per room is recommended to minimize stresses that can be associated with crowded living conditions. It is important to note that while FeCV is quite contagious (it is passed in the feces and saliva of infected cats and infects other cats primarily via the oral cavity), FIPV is not believed to be, pending further research. Rather, FIP is believed to develop in individual cats after they are infected with FeCV and the virus undergoes mutations to become FIPV (FIPV itself is not believed to pass in the feces or other secretions, although ongoing studies may alter this belief). Keeping cats as healthy as possible, including preventing infection by other viruses such as feline leukemia virus and calicivirus by appropriate vaccination, where indicated, is likely to decrease the likelihood of FIP. Litter boxes should be kept clean and located away from food and water dishes. Some sources have suggested that newly acquired cats and any cats that are suspected of being infected with FeCV should be separated from other cats, although the usefulness of this management strategy is debatable.

There is only one licensed FIP vaccine available, but this vaccine has questionable effectiveness in preventing FIP and it is not routinely recommended by the American Association of Feline Practitioners Feline Vaccine Advisory Panel. The vaccine appears to be safe, but the risks and benefits of vaccination should be weighed carefully. Cat owners should consult their veterinarian to help them decide if their cat should be vaccinated.

Source: Cornell Feline Health Center

Cholangiohepatitis

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Cholangiohepatitis

Cholangiohepatitis

Feline cholangiohepatitis is a term used to describe an inflammatory condition affecting the liver and biliary system of the cat. This is one of the most common causes of feline liver disease and can present multiple diagnostic and treatment challenges for veterinarians and cat owners.

Among the many vitally important roles performed by the feline liver is its contribution to the digestion of the food that a cat routinely consumes. This digestive process relies substantially on the liver’s manufacture and secretion of bile, a potent, greenish-brown fluid that travels from the liver via biliary ducts to the gall bladder. The bile is then stored in the gall bladder—a small balloon-like sac—until it is called upon to go to work in the intestinal tract. After eating, the gall bladder contracts and expels the bile through a tube (the common bile duct) into the small intestine, where it performs digestive processes such as the breaking down of dietary fats so that they can be absorbed into a cat’s body and the processing of harmful toxins so that they are unable to be absorbed. Inflammation and accompanying swelling within the liver and gall bladder interfere with the proper flow of bile, which results in its retention within the liver and biliary ducts. And because bile is a caustic digestive fluid, it can cause significant tissue damage when its normally fluent passage from the liver is impeded.

There are two main sources of this inflammation. The first is a bacterial infection which enters the gallbladder from the intestines via the common bile duct. The bacteria causes a type of white blood cell, called neutrophils, to invade the gall bladder and liver to help fight the infection. Neutrophilic cholangiohepatitis can occur in cats of any age, breed or sex, and more than 50% of cats diagnosed with this disease are found to have inflammation of the intestines and/or pancreas as well.

Lymphocytic cholangiohepatitis is another common form of this disease and tends to be more chronic and progressive than the neutrophilic form. This is an immune-mediated disease, causing an infiltration of a different type of white blood cells (lymphocytes) without an underlying infection in the liver or gall bladder.  Lymphocytic cholangiohepatitis can also occur in cats of any age, breed or sex, though Persian cats may have a genetic predisposition. Inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD, is a significant risk factor for the development of lymphocytic cholangiohepatitis in cats.

In tropical and sub-tropical areas, including Florida, Hawaii, Puerto Rico and Mexico, infestation of liver flukes can cause cholangiohepatitis. Free-roaming cats who ingest lizards, geckos and toads are most at risk for this parasitic infection, and many initially do not show clinical signs. Cats with this form of disease can often be diagnosed with a fecal exam and treated with anti-parasitic medication, though if extensive liver damage has already occurred by the time of diagnosis prognosis may be guarded.

Clinical signs

Cats with cholangiohepatitis often have vague and non-specific signs of illness at home. The most common reported symptoms include vomiting, weight loss, loss of appetite, jaundice/icterus (yellow tint to skin or gums), and fever. Cats with neutrophilic cholangiohepatitis tend to have more acute, severe clinical signs at home, while cats with lymphocytic cholangiohepatitis may initially show no clinical signs, or slow progression of weight loss, episodic vomiting, and listlessness. 

Cats with cholangiohepatitis often have concurrent inflammation in the pancreas (pancreatitis) and intestines (inflammatory bowel disease), a syndrome often called “triaditis”. Clinical signs of these diseases often overlap as they can all cause loss of appetite, vomiting, and weight loss, though diarrhea and abdominal pain are more common in cats with IBD and pancreatitis.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of cholangiohepatitis will generally begin with bloodwork showing multiple elevated liver values indicative of damage to liver cells and elevated bilirubin indicating poor bile flow. In some cases of lymphocytic cholangiohepatitis, these changes on routine bloodwork may occur even before clinical signs are noted at home. The healthy liver is responsible for producing important coagulation factors which help with the formation of normal blood clots, and this process can be affected by inflammation and liver damage. In cats with suspected cholangiohepatitis, the coagulation status should be tested to prevent excessive bleeding.

Ultrasound examination of the liver and gallbladder can give important information about inflammation in those areas, though in some cases they may appear normal. Ultrasound of the abdomen will also evaluate for other issues, such as pancreatitis, intestinal inflammation, or stones in the gallbladder and obstruction of the bile ducts. During this procedure, a sample of bile can be collected, allowing for microscopic examination and culture for the presence of bacteria. This will be important in determining if antibiotics are needed, and which one is most appropriate.

Definitive diagnosis of cholangiohepatitis is made by examining a liver biopsy under a microscope. Biopsies are generally taken during a surgical procedure, though in some cases a minimally invasive laparoscopic procedure can be used to collect the samples. This procedure gives the veterinarian the most information regarding the diagnosis of cholangiohepatitis and differentiates between the neutrophilic and lymphocytic forms of the disease. However, in cases where a biopsy is not possible, either due to anesthetic concerns, financial constraints, or logistical difficulties, a presumptive diagnosis of cholangiohepatitis may be made based on clinical signs, bloodwork results, and ultrasound examination.

Cholangiohepatitis

Treatment

Treatment for cholangiohepatitis will depend on severity of the illness and the form of disease diagnosed. For cats with severe disease, especially those with neutrophilic cholangiohepatitis, hospitalization may be required for initial treatment. This will allow for the administration of fluids, antibiotics, and anti-nausea medications intravenously in sick cats who will not take medications at home. Nutritional support is also very important, as another form of liver disease known as hepatic lipidosis can occur if ill cats stop eating for more than a few days. Nutrition can be delivered via a feeding tube through the nose while cats are in the hospital, or through an esophageal feeding tube if continued feeding support is needed after the cat is discharged to go home. In rare cases involving blockage of the bile ducts, surgery may be needed to relieve the obstruction or remove the gallbladder. Once a cat is stable to go home, antibiotic therapy generally continues for 4 to 6 weeks.

Therapy for cats with lymphocytic cholangiohepatitis will include many of the treatments described above, though hospitalization may not be required in more chronic, mild cases. Because lymphocytic cholangiohepatitis is an immune-mediated disease, long-term treatment for this form of disease will involve immunosuppressive medications. The most common medication used is a high dose corticosteroid called prednisolone, though in some cases Ursodeoxycholic-acid or chlorambucil may be used as well. The dose of these medications will be gradually lowered over the course of 4 to 6 months, but some cats may need to stay on a low dose long term to prevent the recurrence of bloodwork abnormalities and clinical signs. Additional potential therapies include antioxidants and liver protective medications such as SAMe (S-adenosylmethionine), NAC (N-acetylcysteine), and B-complex vitamin supplementation, and some of these may be used long-term.

Prognosis

Neutrophilic and lymphocytic cholangiohepatitis both carry a variable prognosis. Cats with neutrophilic cholangiohepatitis can return to normal if treated aggressively and promptly, though data suggests that cats with concurrent diseases such as biliary duct obstruction tend to have a worse prognosis. Lymphocytic cholangiohepatitis can also go into long-term remission with medications, though some cats may need treatment and monitoring lifelong. Treatment for either disease is most successful when initiated at the early stages of disease, before significant liver damage or complications such as biliary cirrhosis develop.

Source: Cornell Feline Health Center

Eating Poop? – Here’s what to know

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Eating Poop? – Here’s what to know

You’ve taken your dog for a walk; you’ve just finished telling the neighbor how well behaved he is and all of a sudden you catch him eating dog poo. Ugh! What could possess him to do this?

Coprophagia (the technical term for feces eating) is unpleasant but not uncommon behavior among dogs. The good news is that eating feces won’t generally hurt your dog. The bad news you already know; it’s disgusting, messy and leads to the worst bad breath imaginable. There’s also the risk of acquiring parasites if your dog eats feces from other animals.

Curiosity: No one is entirely sure why dogs do this but there are a couple of possible reasons. It may simply be that they enjoy it.
Dogs interact with the world through their mouths, they like to carry sticks and love to chew on toys or bones. Dogs also like things that have strong smells, and excrement certainly falls into this category. It might seem odd but eating feces may just be your dog’s way of examining something that interests him.

Confused pups: Puppies will sometimes eat their own poo during toilet training. It happens because they’re still unsure of where they’re supposed to defecate and where they’re not supposed to defecate. Afraid they may have done something wrong they will ‘destroy the evidence’. This kind of cleaning behavior can also happen with adult dogs inside the house. Mother dogs will frequently eat their puppy’s feces when cleaning them. This is possibly a residual instinct. In the wild, eating the puppy poo would reduce the likelihood of predators finding her vulnerable offspring.

Diet deficiencies: One of the most common theories for why dogs behave like this, is that they’re compensating for deficiencies in their diet. The feces of herbivores may provide vitamins that aren’t part of your dog’s regular diet. Cat food is high in protein and so cat litter may prove appealing to your dog. You must curb this behavior immediately, as cat litter can be toxic for a dog.

Prevention: The easiest way to deal with the problem is simply to try and pick up as soon as your dog has done his business. Some people suggest sprinkling pepper, Tabasco or paraffin on the feces to make it taste ‘worse’. There are also additives for your dog’s food that will taste fine on the way in but become bitter when digested so the feces become unpalatable. Unfortunately, these methods aren’t effective for all dogs.

To deal with coprophagia in general, the best solution is to be gentle but firm in discouraging it and above all, to be consistent in your discipline.

Also, talk to your vet, who will be able to identify if your dog has additional dietary needs.

Source: English & French Bulldog Rescue NPO 184-589

When Your Dog Has a Cold – What to Do

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Dog

When Your Dog Has a Cold – What to Do

Tips for dog owners: how to help your four-legged patient recover

Dogs can show cold and flu-like symptoms during cold and damp seasons. These include a runny nose, sneezing, eye discharge, coughing, fever, shallow, noisy and laboured breathing due to congestion as well as a lack of energy and appetite.1,2

Measures for recovery

As long as your four-legged friend only shows mild symptoms, but still has an appetite and is behaving normally, you can help them with simple measures to speed up their recovery. Dry air can irritate the airways, so set up a humidifier. The vapour can help to alleviate breathing difficulties. Clean the areas around the eyes and nose carefully with a lukewarm, damp cloth and allow your dog plenty of rest. Offer your four-legged friend plenty of fresh water and ensure they drink a lot. A balanced diet helps to strengthen the immune system (more details below). Keep your dog warm and away from other four-legged friends so that they don’t become infected.3,4,5 Definitely don’t smoke in the dog’s presence and avoid the use of things like room sprays. Your four-legged patient should feel better again in one to two weeks.

If the above-mentioned symptoms worsen and severe breathing problems, bloody sputum when coughing, nosebleeds, reluctance to eat or drink and lethargic behaviour occur, you must have your dog examined by a veterinarian.6,7 They can offer appropriate treatment options based on the results of the examination.

How to Prevent Your Dog From Catching a Cold

Preventive measures

  • Dogs are most likely to catch the disease from another sick dog. Make sure that your dog avoids places where coughing and sneezing four-legged friends are present and do not let them drink from shared bowls or use shared toys.
  • Strengthen the immune system with a balanced diet. Vitamins, fats, proteins and minerals are essential in a dog’s diet.5
  • If your dog spends most of its time outside, allow it to retreat to a dry, wind-protected, possibly heated dog kennel. Do you have a dog without enough undercoat? Then grant him a warm and suitable item of clothing.
  • Have your dog examined regularly at a veterinary practice. This will help to recognise potential health problems before they become serious illnesses.
  • Make sure that your four-legged friend’s vaccination status is always up to date. A stable immune system is better equipped to fight off future infections.1,8

Conclusion

Bear in mind that the season of runny noses, watery eyes and coughs may be approaching for your dog. Be sure to protect them as much as you can. If they do fall ill, you can take simple measures to help; ask experts (e.g. vets) for advice. Observe your patient closely and do not hesitate to take them to a veterinary practice if the symptoms persist or worsen.

Source: FOUR PAWS

Cat Cold – What to Do

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Cat

Cat Cold – What to Do

Tips for cat owners: how to help your feline friend recover

 

Colds – Triggers and symptoms
The common cold in cats describes diseases of the upper respiratory tract, the symptoms of which are usually caused by a virus or bacteria.1,2 Feline patients show similar signs of illness to humans with a cold, such as sneezing, sniffling, watery eyes, a runny nose and mild fever.3

How do cats catch a cold?
This primarily happens through infection. Animals that spend a lot of time outdoors and are more likely to meet other cats that are sick are primarily affected as well as house cats that live in close quarters with other cats.

A cat can catch a cold if its immune system is weakened. Immune deficiencies can be inherited or caused by stress, malnutrition, insufficient supply of mother’s milk, toxins, or serious illnesses such as cancer.4 In these cases, the body is unable to fight cold viruses.

The symptoms of a cat with a cold may include the following:

  • sniffles
  • sneezing 
  • nasal discharge
  • blocked nose
  • red, swollen or watery eyes
  • mild fever
  • ulcers on the lips, tongue, nose or oral cavity
  • fatigue
  • loss of appetite
  • increased need for rest and warmth
  • coughing
  • increased salivation

How to care for your sick cat
You can help your furry friend recover by providing a cosy and warm environment and encouraging plenty of rest. Gently clean their nose and eyes with a soft, warm and damp cloth. A humidifier (without essential oils!) can relieve nasal congestion and irritation of the airways.

To strengthen the immune system, you can offer your pet food supplements that are enriched with important nutrients and vitamins among other things.6 Be sure to consult your vet about this.

Under your loving care, your house cat should recover within a few days.

Pay attention to eating and drinking
Depending on the severity of the disease, affected cats tend to eat and drink less because they have problems with their sense of smell and taste.1 Test what wet food your pet still eats and offer it to them warmed up. You need to make sure that your cat continues to eat. You can also mix some water into the food to ensure that your pet does not become dehydrated.

Cat

When a vet should be consulted
Cats with a cold can recover in a short time (approx. 5 – 10). Monitor your pet’s health and overall condition carefully. If you notice little or no improvement or a worsening of the condition within a few days, make an appointment with your vet. It cannot be ruled out that your cat may develop a more serious condition, like pneumonia, for example.7

Pay attention to the following warning signs:

  • Your cat has not eaten for more than 24 hours
  • It is dehydrated because it is no longer drinking or is not drinking enough
  • There is green or yellow discharge from their nose
  • It has breathing difficulties
  • The animal vomits or has diarrhoea that lasts longer than 24 hours
  • Your pet is no longer responsive
  • A word of caution

Never give your cat medicine for humans! Medicines are only given by the vet and only when they are necessary.

Source: FOUR PAWS

Xylitol Poisoning in Dogs – What you need to know!

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Dogs

Xylitol Poisoning in Dogs – What you need to know!

What is Xylitol? It is a naturally occurring substance that is widely used as a sugar substitute. Chemically, it is a sugar alcohol, and is found naturally in berries, plums, corn, oats, mushrooms, lettuce, trees, and some other fruits. Commercially, most xylitol is extracted from corn fibre or birch trees. Although it has been used as a sugar substitute for decades, its popularity has increased dramatically in the last decade due to its low glycaemic index and dental plaque fighting properties. Xylitol is used in reduced sugar, low sugar, and “no sugar added” foods. It may also be called wood sugar, birch sugar, and birch bark extract.

Where is xylitol found? It can be found in oral care products, pharmaceuticals, and as a food additive. Product examples include sugar-free gum, candies, breath mints, baked goods, peanut butter, pudding snacks, and cough syrup; chewable or gummy vitamins, supplements or over-the-counter medications; mouthwash, and toothpaste. Xylitol can also be found in some over-the-counter nasal sprays, skin care products, laxatives, digestive aids, allergy medicines, dry mouth lozenges, and sleep supplements. Xylitol is also found in prescription human medications, especially those formulated as quick-dissolve tablets or liquids.

How safe is xylitol for dogs? It is extremely toxic to dogs. Even small amounts of xylitol can cause hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar), seizures, liver failure, or even death. Cats, ferrets, and horses do not appear to be at risk from ingestion of xylitol. When dogs eat xylitol, it is quickly absorbed into the bloodstream, causing the pancreas to release insulin, resulting in a rapid increase in insulin levels in the blood. This rapid insulin increase causes a profound drop in blood sugar (hypoglycaemia) as soon as 30 minutes to 2 hours after ingestion. If untreated, hypoglycaemia can cause seizures and can be life-threatening. Ingestion of higher levels of xylitol leads to increased liver enzymes within 12 to 48 hours of ingestion, and liver failure within 24 to 48 hours.

How much xylitol is poisonous to a dog? The amount of a product that needs to be ingested before toxicity is expected varies by product. In general, lower doses of xylitol cause hypoglycaemia, while higher doses cause liver failure. The most common source of xylitol poisoning that Pet Poison Helpline gets calls about comes from sugar-free gum, although xylitol poisoning from other sources, such as supplements and baked goods, are on the rise.

What should I do if my dog eats something containing xylitol? If you suspect that your dog has eaten a product containing xylitol, immediately contact your veterinarian.

Do not induce vomiting or give anything orally to your dog unless your veterinarian directs you to do so. It is important to get treatment for your dog as quickly as possible. Some dogs may already be hypoglycemic, so inducing vomiting can worsen clinical signs.

What are the signs of xylitol poisoning? Initial signs of xylitol poisoning are typically due to low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Signs of low blood sugarmay include:

  • vomiting
  • weakness
  • lack of coordination or difficulty walking or standing
  • weakness, sluggishness, or lethargy
  • tremors
  • seizures
  • coma

Dogs that ingest enough xylitol to develop liver failure may or may not show signs of hypoglycemia first.

How is xylitol poisoning treated? As with all poisoning cases, early intervention is key to successful treatment. Call your veterinarian or Pet Poison Helpline as soon as you realize your dog has consumed xylitol. Supportive therapy includes fluid support and medication to treat the dog’s clinical signs. For adequate treatment and observation, be prepared to have your dog stay in the hospital through the day with mild cases, and for a few days in more severe cases.

What is the prognosis for recovery from xylitol poisoning? The prognosis is good for dogs that are treated before clinical signs develop, or for dogs that develop uncomplicated hypoglycemia that is quickly reversed with treatment. If liver failure develops, patients will need more prolonged treatment, but the prognosis should still be good with appropriate treatment.

How can I prevent this problem? If you use products containing xylitol, make sure they are stored safely out of reach of all pets in the home, especially dogs. Do not share any food with your pets that may contain xylitol. When brushing your pets’ teeth, only use toothpaste intended for dogs, never one made for human use. Keep in mind there are some veterinary products that contain small amounts of xylitol (e.g., mouthwashes). At prescribed doses, these products should not result in xylitol poisoning; however, if ingested in large amounts, they can potentially result in poisoning.

Source: English & French Bulldog Rescue NPO 184-589

Keep Your Pet Happy and Healthy: Your Ultimate Guide

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Pet

Keep Your Pet Happy and Healthy: Your Ultimate Guide

Taking care of your pet means more than just playtime and cuddles—it’s about ensuring they’re healthy and happy throughout their lives.
By focusing on key areas like dental care, flea and tick prevention, ear hygiene, deworming, and avoiding foreign body ingestion, you can give your furry friend the best life possible. Let’s dive into the essentials of pet care!

Bright Smiles: Dental Health for Dogs and Cats
Good dental care is essential for your pet’s overall health. Dental diseases like plaque build-up, gingivitis, and tooth decay can lead to pain and serious health issues. Thankfully, it’s easy to maintain your pet’s oral health with a few simple steps.

Common Dental Problems:

  • Plaque and tartar build-up
  • Gingivitis (inflammation of gums)
  • Tooth decay and cavities
  • Abscesses and infections

Look for signs like bad breath, red or swollen gums, and difficulty eating.

Regular brushing with pet-safe toothpaste, offering dental treats, and scheduling annual vet check-ups can make a huge difference.

A healthy mouth means fewer problems and fresher breath for those face-to-face moments!

Flea and Tick Prevention: Keep Your Pet Pest-Free
Fleas and ticks aren’t just annoying—they can cause itching, infections, and even transmit dangerous diseases. Staying ahead of these pests with year-round prevention is key to keeping your pet happy and itch-free.

Risks of Fleas and Ticks:

  • Intense itching and scratching
  • Skin infections and hair loss
  • Transmission of diseases like Lyme disease

Signs of an Infestation:

  • Excessive scratching or licking
  • Red or irritated skin
  • Small black specks (flea dirt) on your pet’s fur

Prevention Tips: Use flea collars, topical treatments, or oral medications; clean your pet’s bedding regularly; keep your yard tidy and free of debris

Preventing fleas and ticks is easier than dealing with an infestation, so stay proactive and your pet will stay pest-free!
Ear Infections: Prevention and Care

Ear infections can cause discomfort for pets, especially in breeds with floppy ears. Whether due to moisture, ear mites, or allergies, it’s important to treat ear infections quickly to avoid long-term issues.

Common Causes of Ear Infections:

  • Bacterial or yeast overgrowth
  • Ear mites
  • Allergies
  • Trapped moisture from baths or swimming

Signs of an Ear Infection:

  • Frequent head shaking or ear scratching
  • Redness, swelling, or discharge from the ear
  • Foul odour coming from the ears

Keep your pet’s ears clean and dry, especially after baths.
Use vet-recommended ear cleaning products and avoid allergens that could trigger infections. Regular vet check-ups will ensure ear health is monitored, and early treatment can prevent serious discomfort.

Deworming: A Must for Every Pet
Deworming is a critical part of keeping your pet healthy. Internal parasites like roundworms, tapeworms, and heartworms can cause serious health issues, including malnutrition, anaemia, and digestive problems. Regular deworming protects not only your pet but also your family from zoonotic diseases.
Common Internal Parasites:

  • Roundworms
  • Hookworms
  • Tapeworms
  • Whipworms
  • Heartworms (more common in dogs)

Deworming Benefits: Prevents weight loss and malnutrition; upports a healthy immune system; reduces risk of diseases that can be passed to humans

Puppies and kittens: Start at 2 weeks old, repeat every 2-3 weeks until 12 weeks, then every 3-6 months

Adult dogs and cats: Deworm every 3-6 months based on their lifestyle and exposure to parasites

Consult your vet for the best deworming routine for your pet. A regular schedule ensures your pet stays parasite-free and full of energy.

Foreign Body Ingestion: What to Know and How to Prevent It
Dogs love to explore the world with their mouths, but sometimes that curiosity leads them to swallow things they shouldn’t. Ingesting foreign objects can cause serious health risks, from choking to intestinal blockages.

Common Objects Dogs Swallow:

  • Small toys or toy parts
  • Bones, rawhide, or sticks
  • Socks, underwear, or household items (rubber bands, coins)
  • Food wrappers or plastic bags

Signs Your Dog May Have Swallowed Something:

  • Vomiting or constipation
  • Loss of appetite
  • Abdominal pain or discomfort
  • Lethargy or restlessness

If you suspect your dog has swallowed something dangerous, contact your vet immediately and avoid inducing vomiting without advice.
The best way to prevent ingestion is to supervise your dog during play, offer safe toys, and train them with commands like “drop it” and “leave it.”

Pet

A Happy Pet is a Healthy Pet!
Keeping your pet healthy requires a little bit of effort, but the rewards are well worth it. By maintaining good dental care, protecting them from fleas and ticks, cleaning their ears regularly, sticking to a deworming schedule, and preventing dangerous ingestion, you’re giving your pet the best possible care.

Source: Cape of Good Hope SPCA

Household Objects Can Be Dangerous for Dogs

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Objects

Household Objects Can Be Dangerous for Dogs

Dogs explore their world by tasting and chewing and as a result, they may swallow foreign objects that can potentially make them sick. Although some objects may be small enough to swallow and pass through the digestive tract with minor consequences, others may get stuck or do damage at some point—in the mouth, throat, oesophagus, stomach or intestines and time is of the essence.

Recently, a dog came through to our animal hospital with a canned tin lodged in his mouth, after attempting to lick into the tin to get the last bits of food. The dog was sedated and examined. The opening of the lid had lacerated the dog’s tongue, however due to timeous and appropriate treatment the tongue was thankfully able to be salvaged. With a few days of medical care and hospitalisation, the dog was able to go home with its tongue intact.

Help! My dog ate an aluminium can. What should I do?

If your dog eats something sharp and pointy, such as cooked chicken bones, or a tasty canned tin that he found digging through the waste, you’ll want to prevent further damage by taking them to your nearest vet as soon as possible. Anything a dog swallows can be dangerous and can kill them, so it’s important to go to the vet as soon as possible. Attempting to treat your dog at home could have irreversible consequences.

Objects

Tips for Preventing Your Dog from Eating Dangerous Household Objects

Although it’s almost impossible to stop dogs from putting things in their mouths, here are some preventive measures you can take:

  • Always supervise your dog while they’re chewing on toys or treats.
  • Avoid keeping moisture-swollen (well-chewed) dog chews around your home that can break apart easily.
  • Be diligent in picking up items like socks and underwear.
  • Remove large pips from fruit and dispose of them safely.
  • Take away chew toys and natural chews before they reach a size small enough to fit fully inside your dog’s mouth.
  • Don’t leave dog toys lying around when you are not home to supervise.
  • Place your waste in places that they cannot rummage through to avoid them from ingesting foreign objects.

Our SPCA Animal Hospital in Grassy Park offers affordable rates for pet owners who can’t afford the services of private vets. The cost of treatment will depend on your income.

In the event of an emergency, your sick and/or injured pet can be brought to the hospital between 8am and 4pm weekdays.

Our hospital can be contacted on 021 700 4145 or email hospital@spca-ct.co.za

Source: Cape of Good Hope SPCA 

Allergies in Pets

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Allergies

Allergies in Pets

Do some pets suffer from allergies?

Just as they are for people, allergies in pets are an exaggerated immune response to something that wouldn’t normally trigger one.

Allergies may take different shapes, such as food allergies, contact allergies to a specific product/substance (e.g washing powder, grass type) or atopic dermatitis.

Signs of skin allergies are commonly seen in areas such as the face, paws, axilla (armpits) and belly.

Unfortunately, because pets tend to scratch and chew on their itchy spots, they can get secondary infections when bacteria or yeast come into contact with irritated skin as the normal skin barrier is compromised.

Animals are also prone to recurrent ear infections, as the ear canals are an extension of the skin and a compromised skin barrier predisposes to these infections.

Did you know that cats can suffer from asthma?

Feline asthma is also often triggered by allergies, which cause an excessive immune response (inflammation) in the lower airways.

Causes of pet allergies

Environmental allergens tend to either happen at a specific times of year or in a certain place and can include:

  • Pollen
  • Mould
  • Grass
  • Trees
  • Dust Mites
  • Flea Saliva (commonly seen at our Animal Hospital)
  • Fabric Softener
  • Washing Powder

Although food allergies account for about 10% of allergies in pets, the most frequent allergy culprits are certain proteins (different for different patients).

Proteins are essential components of a balanced diet, just as in humans.
Common sources of protein in pet foods include beef, chicken and mutton. The compromise is therefore to find a source of protein that the body does not identify as foreign and react to. Allergy-specific diets are usually made from types of proteins that animals are historically less likely to mount allergic reactions to, or proteins broken down so small that the body cannot identify them.
Treating other dermatological issues
Besides allergies, there are a number of other issues that can cause skin problems for pets, including infections, fleas, ringworm, mites, and dry skin amongst others.

Our doctors at the Cape of Good Hope SPCA Animal Hospital can diagnose and treat all skin conditions, and help you to make lifestyle changes to help prevent the skin condition from recurring in your pet.

Source: Cape of Good Hope SPCA

What to Do if Your Dog Eats Plastic!

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Dog

What to Do if Your Dog Eats Plastic!

Given the amount of plastic in the average home, it’s not surprising that dogs occasionally choke some down.

Some dogs may eat plastic inadvertently while trying to get their teeth on something delicious, while others may simply find a random piece of plastic intriguing and decide to have a nibble.

Whilst this isn’t always a serious problem as more often than not, very small pieces often pass right through your dog’s system. But in other severe cases, it can cause a serious health problems. Some dogs may even die after eating plastic. Plastic can cause a number of problems, including mouth injuries, choking, gastrointestinal perforations, and intestinal obstructions.

Why do dogs eat plastic?
Dogs munch on plastic for a variety of reasons. By familiarizing yourself with the reasons they do so, you can likely take steps to prevent the problem from happening again in the future.

Some of the most common reasons dogs eat plastic include:

Boredom
Dogs who don’t enjoy enough mental stimulation can become very bored. This can lead to a variety of destructive habits, including chewing or eating everything the dog can get his paws on! Prevent this by ensuring that your dog gets enough attention on a daily basis and you provide him with plenty of things to stimulate his brain.

Hunger/Scavenging
Some dogs eat plastic inadvertently while trying to access the delicious things the plastic contains. This includes things like the packaging used in TV dinners and similar foods, plastic sandwich bags, and Tupperware-style containers. Sometimes they will also chew on plastics in the garbage that still have the taste or smell of food on them. The best way to prevent these types of problems is by simply keeping food and waste put away in places your dog can’t reach. Other examples of waste that may cause obstructions and potentially life-threatening problems are bones, mielie cobs and peach pips. These are all just examples of foreign bodies commonly removed during surgery at our hospital.

Teething
Young puppies will chew on whatever they can find while they’re going through the teething process. Some will decide that shoes, sticks, or couch cushions make the perfect teething ring (which may be a risk in itself as some of these may also potentially cause obstructions), but others may find plastic household items more enjoyable. Make sure that your puppy has safe teething chew toys.

Dog

Recently, a dog came into our theatre having consumed a large quantity of plastic and had to receive an exploratory lapaparotomy (“ex-lap”, where the abdominal cavity is surgically explored) to remove the plastic.

Symptoms for Concern:
Take your dog to the vet if they exhibit any of the following symptoms after eating plastic:

  • Vomiting – especially if it occurs repeatedly and for more than just a few hours
  • Diarrhoea – especially if it occurs repeatedly or contains blood
  • Constipation – failure to produce stools at all due to obstruction of the intestinal tract or due to impaction of the rectum
  • Inappetance – refusing to eat for more than a day or two after the incident
  • Abdominal bloating
  • Strange body postures
  • Panicked behaviour
  • Incessant crying or whining
  • Lethargy

What should I do if my dog has eaten plastic?
Dogs eat plastic for a variety of reasons. Some may do so out of boredom, frustration, or curiosity, while puppies may do so because they’re teething.

The best way to address plastic consumption is through prevention.
Don’t leave plastic items laying around if your dog may chew them up, and be sure to stick to high-quality chew toys.

What to do if your dog has ingested plastic:
By acting quickly, you’ll be able to give your dog the best chance of escaping the ordeal without suffering serious injury.

Assess your dog’s condition
Check to ensure that your dog is breathing normally and that he isn’t choking on any of the plastic. If he is coughing, gagging or exhibiting panicked behaviour, call your vet and head over to your nearest veterinary hospital immediately.

  • Watch your dog’s body posture
  • If he is lying in unusual ways, exhibits abdominal pain or appears to be bloated, these types of symptoms may suggest an intestinal obstruction has occurred.
  • Open your dog’s mouth and remove any plastic present without hurting the dog
  • Regardless of how much plastic your dog has already eaten, you don’t want him to swallow more.
  • Make sure that none of the plastic is stuck between his teeth or stuck to the roof of his mouth.

It’s important to ensure that your dog’s mouth is plastic-free. If the plastic is not easily removable or seems to be lodged at the back of the throat, this will need to be removed by the vet under sedation, as this may cause severe damage to the tissue in the area and poses a risk of severe swelling and infections.

Determine the type of plastic consumed
Once you are reasonably confident that your dog isn’t in imminent danger (meaning that he can breathe and doesn’t appear to be in serious pain or distress), you need to try to figure out how much plastic he’s eaten and determine the type of plastic he swallowed.

There will often be small pieces of whatever he consumed on the ground so it is also important to determine what, if anything, could have been on the plastic, as this may represent an additional danger.

  • Was the plastic he ate used to wrap up food?
  • What kind of food was inside the container?
  • Did he eat a plastic bottle containing household chemicals?

If your dog consumes anything that contains batteries, you need to contact your vet immediately as batteries are corrosive, and can cause internal bleeding and life-threatening burns.

Monitor stool
Check if any plastic that has gone in passes through and does indeed come out.

Dog

Source: Cape of Good Hope SPCA