Rabies

Rabies is a deadly, yet preventable, viral disease most often transmitted through the bite of a rabid animal. The virus attacks nerve tissue, and death always occurs once a rabies-infested animal shows signs of the disease. All warm-blooded animals (cats, dogs, livestock, and wildlife) can become infected with the rabies virus. Because rabies is also a threat to humans, it is highly recommended that all pets be vaccinated.

Once infection occurs, the disease develops slowly over 10 days to several months. Infected animals may withdraw and avoid contact with people and other animals. Others become unnaturally aggressive and may attack. An unvaccinated dog involved in a fight with a wild animal should be suspect for rabies. When rabies is suspected, animals must be quarantined and observed. When rabies is diagnosed, animals must be uthanized.

If humans are infected, they can be vaccinated successfully in early stages of the disease. Contact your physician immediately if you feel you may have been exposed to rabies.

Feline Respiratory Disease

Feline respiratory disease is easily passed from one cat to another by direct or indirect contact, such as droplets in the air from coughing or sneezing.

Kittens can die from the disease, especially if they get pneumonia, although most affected cats recover.

Cats with respiratory disease may have watery or thick discharge from the nose and eyes, nose and mouth sores, fever, lethargy, and loss of appetite. Severely affected cats often require hospitalization and treatment by a veterinarian.

Most respiratory diseases are caused by one of two viruses - feline rhinotracheitis virus or feline calicivirus. Rhinotracheitis can cause spontaneous abortions in pregnant cats. Fortunately, vaccines for these two viruses are available in either injectable form or a droplets placed in the cat's nose.

Another respiratory disease is caused by an organism called Chlamydia psittaci. The disease, formerly called pneumonitis, primarily causes inflammation of the eyes and nose and can be controlled by vaccination.

Feline Leukemia

The feline leukemia (FeLV) virus suppresses a cat's immune system leaving it unable to fight off other infections, such as pneumonia. Feline leukemia can also cause severe anemia or cancer in some cats.

While some cats may recover from a brief FeLV infection, if permanent infection occurs, death almost always results. Any cat that is in continuing poor health or that often becomes sick with infections or fever may have feline leukemia. Your veterinarian can do a simple blood test to determine if your cat is infected with FeLV.

Information provided by Mulnix Animal Clinic. March 2006.