Spring 2002

Spring Allergies

Humans with allergies usually react by sneezing; animals react by scratching! Both are reacting to an allergen, a substance to which they are sensitive. Most allergens, like pollen, dust, and molds, are airborne and are inhaled. A few are of the contact type like an allergy to wool or other materials which react on the skin. And, some allergens are found in food, most commonly in corn, wheat, soy, beef and dairy products.

The first signs of an allergic reaction are scratching, licking, biting, or rubbing the skin. This can lead to infection which is characterized by red bumps and pimples. Because of the discomfort and infections, it is important to get professional help as soon as possible.

Some allergens, such as pollens, are seasonal.  Others, however, like dust, molds and foods can be year-round. It is important to realize that curing an allergy problem is almost impossible, but most allergies can be successfully controlled with the help of your veterinarian.

In long-term serious allergies, the identification of the specific allergens is important. Skin, food, or blood testing may be required. In some cases, you may be asked to help in the diagnostic procedures, particularly when a food allergy is suspected. Your veterinarian may recommend a controlled diet to help identify the food allergy.

Allergy Treatment

Anti-inflammatory drugs may give prompt relief to seasonal or short-term allergies. Your veterinarian may prescribe some type of steroid, antihistamine, or special fatty acid supplement. For long-term allergies, once the allergens have been identified, exposure to the allergens can be avoided or the pet can be desensitized from them with allergy shots.

Feline Heartworm Prevention

How common is this?

We highly recommend heartworm prevention for cats.  Whereas heartworms occur in up to 60% of dogs, it is found in 15-20% of cats.  This number is derived at by necropsy examinations and positive heartworm tests.  However, not all cats are tested for heartworms and the percentage of infected cats may even be higher.

How can I tell if my cat has heartworms?

The most common sign of heartworm disease in cats is sudden death.  Other symptoms are heart and lung related.  Diagnosis is made by a positive heartworm test result and/or signs of heartworm disease on chest x-rays.

How do cats get this disease?  My cats are indoors.  Do they also need a heartworm preventive?

As with dogs, heartworms are transmitted to cats by mosquitos.  Indoor cats are just as much at risk as outdoor cats.  In fact, some experts believe that indoor cats may be at a higher risk because they do not have the immunity built up to mosquito bites.

If this is so important, why haven’t I seen anything about it on TV?

Unfortunately, the reason is economics.  Advertisers look at how much advertising would cost compared to how much increased profit they would make by selling the medication.  As a health issue, this disease is very important.

What is the medication and is it safe?

One medication that is available is Heartgard® for Cats and it is extremely safe.  It comes in a chewable tablet that you give to your cat on the same day each month.  Just like heartworm prevention for dogs, it only works as long as you continue to give it.  The active ingredient that is in Heartgard® has been used to treat other medical problems in cats for many years.  Side effects are rare.  Revolution® is another product approved for use in cats to prevent heartworms.  This is a topical medication that is applied to the skin on the back of the head monthly.  It is very safe for cats and kittens.  Besides preventing heartworms, this medication also controls fleas, ticks, intestinal parasites, sarcoptic mange, and ear mites.  The versatility of this medication makes it ideal for outdoor cats.  It can be used on indoor cats if they will not eat the Heartgard®.

I have Heartgard® for my dogs.  Can I just give it to my cats?

No.  The dosage required for cats is much higher than that for dogs.  You cannot just treat based on body weight.  The same goes for Revolution®.  Cats have a higher metabolic rate.  We have the “cat specific” heartworm preventative that is right for your cat.

Does my cat have to be tested before giving him the prevention?

Your cat does not have to be tested prior to putting him on the preventive, but it is recommended.  Veterinarians now have available a heartworm test sensitive enough to pick up on cat heartworm infection.  Testing is recommended for the following reasons:

1. It is important to know the health status of your cat prior to any medical treatments or procedures.  Cats with undiagnosed heartworm infections may be at greater risk when undergoing some procedures or anesthetic regimens.
2. If your cat is found to be positive for heartworms, you and your veterinarian can formulate a plan on how to manage your cat’s condition to try to minimize serious problems that could occur later on.

Your cat does not have to be tested for two reasons:

1. Heartgard® and Revolution® will not hurt your cat if he already has heartworms.
2. At this time, cats cannot be treated even if they do have heartworms.  This is different from dogs.  One of the reasons that dogs are tested each year is because they can be treated for heartworms.  By testing each year, we are insuring that we detect heartworm infection early and the dogs can be treated before severe heart and lung damage can occur.

What happens if my cat does have heartworms?

Unfortunately your cat cannot be treated to kill the heartworms.  But he can be treated with various medications for heart and lung related problems.  Cat heartworms will live an average of 2 to 3 years.  We recommend that even heartworm positive cats be put Heartgard® or Revolution® to prevent them from getting more heartworms.

How do I get my cat to take the medication?

Most cats will eat the Heartgard® chewable tablet as a treat.  Other cats may need their owners to crumble the pill up and mix it with some canned cat food or tuna fish oil for them to eat it.  If your cat will not eat the Heartgard® tablet, then we recommend giving your cat Revolution®.

Does my cat really need this?

Yes.  Heartworms cause death.  By giving your cat the prevention, you are saving his life.

With spring comes fleas, and it is time to start planning our attack on these little pests.

With so many flea control products to choose from, it is very difficult to decide which one is best for your pet’s needs. At Claws and Paws Veterinary Hospital®, we are dedicated to providing the most up to date information about flea control so you can make your pet as comfortable as possible. Here is a breakdown of the flea control currently available through your veterinarian.

Program flavor tabs® (Lufenuron)-Novartis

Program flavor tabs provide year-round protection. It is a tablet that is given once a month to aid in flea population control. This product is not an adulticide (it does not kill adult fleas). Program sterilizes adult fleas when they take a blood meal, therefore preventing any more flea outbreaks.

Capstar(Nitempyram)-Novartis

Capstar is a pill that begins working within 30 minutes to kill all adult fleas. This product is not, however, recommended for flea prevention. The purpose is to immediately relieve pets with a high infestation of adult fleas. It does not prevent fleas, and it is advised that once the owner has given a capstar product, they should put their pet on a recommended preventative.

Frontline Plus® –Merial

Frontline Plus is a topical product that protects pets from fleas and ticks. Frontline has an additive called Melbamyacin that acts as an “insect growth inhibitor”. It not only kills adult fleas, but it will kill the eggs and larvae as well, thus breaking the life cycle. It is applied to the skin between your pet’s shoulder blades. Within 24 hours, it spreads, through a unique process called “translocation,” over your pet’s entire body. Frontline Plus is gentle enough to use on cats and kittens eight weeks or older, and to dogs and puppies as young as eight weeks that weigh 11 pounds or more. This product is not harmful to adults or children.

Advantage® (Imitaclopride)-Bayer

Advantage is another topical product that starts working on contact. Adult fleas will stop biting in 3-5 minutes. Then, the fleas will start dying within 1 hour, before laying eggs. Advantage also kills the flea larvae within 20 minutes of contact. This product is not harmful to adults or children.

Sentinel® (Lufenuron)-Novartis

Sentinel® is a combination product, preventing fleas, heartworms, hookworms, roundworms and whipworms. The flea ingredient in this product is Program (listed above). Please consult with your veterinarian before switching to this product.

Revolution® (Selamectin)—Pfizer

Revolution® is also a combination product. It is a topical that prevents fleas, heartworms, ear mites, Sarcoptic mange, the American Dog Tick. Revolution® also prevents hookworms, and roundworms. Please consult with your veterinarian before switching to this product.