Answer: First of all, a vet would not be able to tell from examining the cat whether or not it has been vaccinated against the usual infectious diseases; unless, of course it is showing obvious signs of one of them which would strongly suggest that it has not recently been vaccinated against it.
It is possible to measure the level of the antibody in the blood against a particular organism, although this won’t tell you whether it is the result of vaccination or natural infection; not that is matters because the immunity would be the same. However, this type of test is not done routinely and would be transfer to difficult to arrange and expensive, particularly since it would need to be done separately for each disease.
More importantly, it would be unnecessary to go this trouble and expense science routine vaccination would be cheaper and would not prove harmful even if it was quite unnecessary. However, care is needed if your stray cat is found to be pregnant because, as mentioned previously, it is inadvisable to use live vaccine at this time.
Showing posts with label Infectious Diseases and Vaccination. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Infectious Diseases and Vaccination. Show all posts
Q: How long will vaccination protect my cat? Will her immunity ever need to be boosted by re-vaccination?
Answer: Unless the cats comes into the natural contact with the infectious organisms responsible for the various disease described, the level of the antibodies in her blood will gradually decline. Whether or not this has happened , however, cannot readily be ascertained. Therefore, in order to boost the level of antibodies and keep them at the effective level to combat infection, it is advisable for the repeat vaccination to be performed.
The plasma cells which produce antibodies can ‘remember’ a particular bacterium or virus and if that organism reappears in the body, they then rapidly produce large amount if the specific antibody against it.
For maximum protection it is recommended that vaccination is repeated annually, though the persistence of immunity dose very with the disease. Immunity against FIE can last up to four years with a live vaccine so that after the first annual booster, other may only be needed every two years or so. In contrast, immunity against FRD (cat ‘flu) may be so short that cats particularly at risk, such as stud cats, should ideally be re-vaccinated every six months.
Booster vaccinations are always advisable three to four weeks before known period of stress and exposure to infection, e.g. before going to cat shows or entering a cattery.
Because great advances are currently being made in vaccine production, and the recommendations for the use of different products vary, this is a topic that should always be discussed with your veterinarian.
The plasma cells which produce antibodies can ‘remember’ a particular bacterium or virus and if that organism reappears in the body, they then rapidly produce large amount if the specific antibody against it.
For maximum protection it is recommended that vaccination is repeated annually, though the persistence of immunity dose very with the disease. Immunity against FIE can last up to four years with a live vaccine so that after the first annual booster, other may only be needed every two years or so. In contrast, immunity against FRD (cat ‘flu) may be so short that cats particularly at risk, such as stud cats, should ideally be re-vaccinated every six months.
Booster vaccinations are always advisable three to four weeks before known period of stress and exposure to infection, e.g. before going to cat shows or entering a cattery.
Because great advances are currently being made in vaccine production, and the recommendations for the use of different products vary, this is a topic that should always be discussed with your veterinarian.
Q: If kittens are orphaned and don’t get any natural protection from their mother’s milk, can they be vaccinated at birth?
Answer: If the kittens haven’t received any substantial amount of maternal antibodies, because they never suckled after birth (for example in cases where the mother dies giving birth), then it would seem logical to vaccinate them as soon as possible. However, the value of vaccination depends upon the ability of the kittens’ immune mechanisms to be able to respond to the vaccine, and in the first two weeks of life the production of antibodies following the administration of a vaccine may be poor. Indeed, giving them live vaccine during that time might even be harmful. Since there are hyper immune sera available against FIE and rabies, it might appear preferable to give a dose of serum followed four weeks later by vaccination. However, present evidence indicates that the use of FIE antiserum provides less effective protection then multiple doses of vaccine.
Current recommendations therefore are that colostrums-deprived kittens should be vaccinated against FIE regardless of age, re-vaccinated at eight to ten weeks’ old, again two weeks later, and then possibly at sixteen weeks’ of age. Where mother cat has not been vaccinated against rabies, then vaccine can be given to kittens as young as four weeks’ old. Protection against FRD (cat ’flu) can be given by intra-nasal vaccination at one week old followed by further doses (by injection or intra-nasally) every three weeks until twelve weeks’ old.
Current recommendations therefore are that colostrums-deprived kittens should be vaccinated against FIE regardless of age, re-vaccinated at eight to ten weeks’ old, again two weeks later, and then possibly at sixteen weeks’ of age. Where mother cat has not been vaccinated against rabies, then vaccine can be given to kittens as young as four weeks’ old. Protection against FRD (cat ’flu) can be given by intra-nasal vaccination at one week old followed by further doses (by injection or intra-nasally) every three weeks until twelve weeks’ old.
Q: How old should me kitten be when it is first vaccinated?
Answer: New-born kittens receive ready-made antibodies from the blood of the mother which are transfer to them in the first milk, or colostrums, which they suckle. These antibodies are not digested, but are absorbed intact from the young kitten’s intestine into its blood stream during the first one to two days of life.
The transferred maternal antibodies provide protection for the young animals whilst its own immunity is developing on how much colostrums a particular kittens has consumed. It is valuable to boost the amount the antibodies in the colostrums by vaccinating females before mating or during pregnancy, though if the litter is done, only dead vaccines must be used to avoid the risk of the live virus damaging the developing kittens. In general, maternal antibodies against FIE and rabies persist longer then those against the respiratory diseases. However, the antibody level in any particular individual cannot, as a gnarl rule, be established.
If a kitten is vaccinated whilst these maternal antibodies are still present, the vaccine can react with the neutralize the antibodies, leaving the kitten with no protection. Therefore, it is usually recommended that where there is no particular urgency to have a kitten vaccinated, the first injection should no be given until its twelve weeks’ old, i.e. the longest period for which maternal antibodies normally persist. However, there is the possibility that the maternal antibodies might not last that long, and where there is a high risk of the kitten being exposed to infection during its early life e.g. if exposed to lost of strange cats acting as carries of infection, vaccination can be given earlier, though usually not before eight weeks of age. To overcome the eventually that there may, nonetheless, be persistent level of maternal antibody, all kittens vaccinated before, or at twelve weeks’ old should be re-vaccinated again four weeks later.
In breeding colonies where it is possible that a dam is carrier of FRD, kittens can either be weaned early (at four or five weeks’ old) or vaccinated against FRD much earlier. Vaccine should then be given by injection every three weeks from three to six weeks’ of age until twelve weeks’ old. Alternatively, vaccination can be given intra-nasally at one week old, three weeks’ old and at weaning. (Because there is less interference from maternal antibodies, intra-nasal vaccination can start much earlier.)
In general, rabies vaccine should not be given before three months of age. It can be injected on the same occasion as other vaccines, but it should be given independently, i.e. not mixed, and at a different site on the body.
The transferred maternal antibodies provide protection for the young animals whilst its own immunity is developing on how much colostrums a particular kittens has consumed. It is valuable to boost the amount the antibodies in the colostrums by vaccinating females before mating or during pregnancy, though if the litter is done, only dead vaccines must be used to avoid the risk of the live virus damaging the developing kittens. In general, maternal antibodies against FIE and rabies persist longer then those against the respiratory diseases. However, the antibody level in any particular individual cannot, as a gnarl rule, be established.
If a kitten is vaccinated whilst these maternal antibodies are still present, the vaccine can react with the neutralize the antibodies, leaving the kitten with no protection. Therefore, it is usually recommended that where there is no particular urgency to have a kitten vaccinated, the first injection should no be given until its twelve weeks’ old, i.e. the longest period for which maternal antibodies normally persist. However, there is the possibility that the maternal antibodies might not last that long, and where there is a high risk of the kitten being exposed to infection during its early life e.g. if exposed to lost of strange cats acting as carries of infection, vaccination can be given earlier, though usually not before eight weeks of age. To overcome the eventually that there may, nonetheless, be persistent level of maternal antibody, all kittens vaccinated before, or at twelve weeks’ old should be re-vaccinated again four weeks later.
In breeding colonies where it is possible that a dam is carrier of FRD, kittens can either be weaned early (at four or five weeks’ old) or vaccinated against FRD much earlier. Vaccine should then be given by injection every three weeks from three to six weeks’ of age until twelve weeks’ old. Alternatively, vaccination can be given intra-nasally at one week old, three weeks’ old and at weaning. (Because there is less interference from maternal antibodies, intra-nasal vaccination can start much earlier.)
In general, rabies vaccine should not be given before three months of age. It can be injected on the same occasion as other vaccines, but it should be given independently, i.e. not mixed, and at a different site on the body.
Q: I want to give my cat the best possible protection. Which disease should she be vaccinated against?
Answer: Commercial vaccines are currently available against three important feline viral diseases. There are rabies, feline infectious enteritis (FIE or panleukopenia), and two types of feline respiratory disease (cat ‘flu), feline viral rhinotrachetiis (FVR) and feline calicivirus disease (FCD). In North America a vaccine is also available against feline pneumonitis though the disease is regarded as relatively unimportant and there are serious doubts about the effectiveness of the vaccine.
In is simply not true that young cats and pedigree cats are the only ones to contract these disease, although they are usually worse affected; young cats because they have poor immunity, pedigree cats because they are frequently housed in a group. In Britain only about 20% of cats are vaccinated against FIE and 5% against cat ’flu (FRD), although the cat Fancy requires cats entering all official cat shows to be vaccinated against FIE.
In most countries where rabies is known to be present it is clearly wise to have your cat protected against the disease even though it may not be compulsory. As has been mentioned, in some countries where rabies does not (at present) occur, routine rabies vaccination is prohibited. Different types of rabies vaccine are available and some countries specify which ones may be used. Live vaccine containing the low egg passage Flurry strain of virus are intended only for the use in dogs and must not be given to cats because they will actually cause rabies to develop.
Vaccines against FIE (FPL) produce very good (‘solid’) immunity. Unfortunately, the immunity produced against FRD by vaccination is not as good as the against FIE, and more frequent re-vaccination is advisable.
In is simply not true that young cats and pedigree cats are the only ones to contract these disease, although they are usually worse affected; young cats because they have poor immunity, pedigree cats because they are frequently housed in a group. In Britain only about 20% of cats are vaccinated against FIE and 5% against cat ’flu (FRD), although the cat Fancy requires cats entering all official cat shows to be vaccinated against FIE.
In most countries where rabies is known to be present it is clearly wise to have your cat protected against the disease even though it may not be compulsory. As has been mentioned, in some countries where rabies does not (at present) occur, routine rabies vaccination is prohibited. Different types of rabies vaccine are available and some countries specify which ones may be used. Live vaccine containing the low egg passage Flurry strain of virus are intended only for the use in dogs and must not be given to cats because they will actually cause rabies to develop.
Vaccines against FIE (FPL) produce very good (‘solid’) immunity. Unfortunately, the immunity produced against FRD by vaccination is not as good as the against FIE, and more frequent re-vaccination is advisable.
Q: What can I do to avoid contracting toxoplasmosis?
Answer: Drug treatment is given to cats showing signs of toxoplasmosis with the intention of controlling the parasite until the animal has acquired an adequate immunity to it. Such animals should be strictly isolated from others. Measures to limit the spread of Toxoplasma infection include the following recommendations:
1 All meat for human consumption should be heated to at least 60C (155F) throughout before eating.
2 After handling raw meat the hands should be washed, because the parasite in meat is easily destroyed by contact with water.
3 Only prepared (dry or canned) foods, or home-cooked meat should be fed to cats; never raw meat.
4 Cat motions should be collected and burned each day before only oocysts they may contain become infective. Disposal of the motions by flushing them down the toilet may simply transfer infection elsewhere. Ideally, cats should be kept indoors so that all motions are passed in litter boxes should ideally be sterilized daily by immersing them in boiling water or using a strong (7%) ammonia solution as chemical disinfectant.
5 Gloves should be own when gardening, particularly by pregnant women, to avoid possible contact with Toxoplasma.
6 Children’s sandpits should be covered when not in use to prevent cats from defaecating in them.
7 Pregnant women should avoid handling and caring for cats, particularly if they live on farms where cats have access to many potentially infective natural prey animals.
1 All meat for human consumption should be heated to at least 60C (155F) throughout before eating.
2 After handling raw meat the hands should be washed, because the parasite in meat is easily destroyed by contact with water.
3 Only prepared (dry or canned) foods, or home-cooked meat should be fed to cats; never raw meat.
4 Cat motions should be collected and burned each day before only oocysts they may contain become infective. Disposal of the motions by flushing them down the toilet may simply transfer infection elsewhere. Ideally, cats should be kept indoors so that all motions are passed in litter boxes should ideally be sterilized daily by immersing them in boiling water or using a strong (7%) ammonia solution as chemical disinfectant.
5 Gloves should be own when gardening, particularly by pregnant women, to avoid possible contact with Toxoplasma.
6 Children’s sandpits should be covered when not in use to prevent cats from defaecating in them.
7 Pregnant women should avoid handling and caring for cats, particularly if they live on farms where cats have access to many potentially infective natural prey animals.
Q: I have read that pregnant woman shouldn’t handle cats because they might develop a serious illness. Is this true?
Answer: Yes, this recommendation has certainly been made. The problem that the minute protozoan parasite responsible for toxoplasmosis, called Toxoplasma Gondi, can infect not only the cat but variety of other species. In all of them some multiplication of the parasite occurs (called asexual reproduction) but not in the cat does it undertake sexual reproduction to produce a stage which the cat passes out in its faces (an oocyst), and which, after above five days’ development, is able to infect other animals. Because of this, the cat is known as the final host of the parasite. The other species which become infected, but don’t themselves produce infective stages, are called intermediate hosts. These intermediate hosts include many different animals; for example, the dog, cattle, sheep the pig, rodents, birds and humans.
In addition two other features serve to make Toxoplasma even more widespread. The first is that, although the intermediate hosts don’t excrete the parasite, it can transfer from one to the other along a food chain. So that a dog eating an infected mouse, or a man eating raw steak or uncooked ham prepared from an infected animal, will in turn become infected. The second point is that in female intermediate hosts (though not in the cat itself) during pregnancy Toxoplasma can transfer from the tissue of the mother to those of her offspring whilst they are in the uterus (womb) and may damage them. In same species this congenital transmission of infection may continue for several generations. The cat itself is usually infected by infected rodents or birds.
In both the cat and the intermediate hosts, the parasites are generally present in the lungs, brain, eyes, heart and skeletal muscles. If the host has a very little immunity, multiplication of the parasite occurs rapidly producing an acute phase. But after a time the host develops an immunity, with the result that the rate of multiplication slows down and the parasite become localized in cysts in the tissue. These cysts may remain intact throughout the life of the host and cause no harm. With time, however, the immunity will decline, and if the animal should then be exposed to stress the cysts can break down, releasing the parasites and causing another acute phase (i.e. a relapse). Clinical signs of acute toxoplasmosis (e.g. fever, pneumonia nervous signs) rarely appear, but occasionally a host mat die, or suffer severe injury, because the multiplying parasites have destroyed a significant number of cells one of the vital organs of the body.
By checking for antibodies against Toxoplasma, it is estimated that at least one-third of the cat in Britain and the United States have been infected at some time in their lives. Approximately half a billion humans around the would have also been infected, and in certain areas, such as central France, the infection involves 90% of adults. Infected cats only shed oocysts for about two weeks, but darning that time several million can be shed.
In addition two other features serve to make Toxoplasma even more widespread. The first is that, although the intermediate hosts don’t excrete the parasite, it can transfer from one to the other along a food chain. So that a dog eating an infected mouse, or a man eating raw steak or uncooked ham prepared from an infected animal, will in turn become infected. The second point is that in female intermediate hosts (though not in the cat itself) during pregnancy Toxoplasma can transfer from the tissue of the mother to those of her offspring whilst they are in the uterus (womb) and may damage them. In same species this congenital transmission of infection may continue for several generations. The cat itself is usually infected by infected rodents or birds.
In both the cat and the intermediate hosts, the parasites are generally present in the lungs, brain, eyes, heart and skeletal muscles. If the host has a very little immunity, multiplication of the parasite occurs rapidly producing an acute phase. But after a time the host develops an immunity, with the result that the rate of multiplication slows down and the parasite become localized in cysts in the tissue. These cysts may remain intact throughout the life of the host and cause no harm. With time, however, the immunity will decline, and if the animal should then be exposed to stress the cysts can break down, releasing the parasites and causing another acute phase (i.e. a relapse). Clinical signs of acute toxoplasmosis (e.g. fever, pneumonia nervous signs) rarely appear, but occasionally a host mat die, or suffer severe injury, because the multiplying parasites have destroyed a significant number of cells one of the vital organs of the body.
By checking for antibodies against Toxoplasma, it is estimated that at least one-third of the cat in Britain and the United States have been infected at some time in their lives. Approximately half a billion humans around the would have also been infected, and in certain areas, such as central France, the infection involves 90% of adults. Infected cats only shed oocysts for about two weeks, but darning that time several million can be shed.
Q: How should ringworm be treated?
Answer: In dealing with the infection, it is important to have all cars on the premise checked and to isolate infected individuals. All contaminated articles should preferably be burned, and all surface should be disinfected. Efficient disinfectants include solutions of iodophors (e.g. Pyridine), or formalin. For disinfecting small articles, alcohol may be used.
The disease hairs on infected cat should be closely clipped away and burned; but always sterilize the clippers afterwards. Fungicidal shampoos or cream may then be applied. However, these measures should always be combined with four to six weeks or oral dosing with the anti-fungal antibiotic griseofulvin. The drug becomes concentrated in the keratin of the new hairs as they grow, rendering them resistant to fungal attack. Feeding oily food at the same time as griseofulvin is given enhance its absorption. However, it should not be given to pregnant cats because it can produce deformities in the developing kittens, i.e. teratogenic.
If any other animals, or person, in a household with a known infected cat develop itchy lesion on the skin, appropriate veterinary or medical attention should be sought.
The disease hairs on infected cat should be closely clipped away and burned; but always sterilize the clippers afterwards. Fungicidal shampoos or cream may then be applied. However, these measures should always be combined with four to six weeks or oral dosing with the anti-fungal antibiotic griseofulvin. The drug becomes concentrated in the keratin of the new hairs as they grow, rendering them resistant to fungal attack. Feeding oily food at the same time as griseofulvin is given enhance its absorption. However, it should not be given to pregnant cats because it can produce deformities in the developing kittens, i.e. teratogenic.
If any other animals, or person, in a household with a known infected cat develop itchy lesion on the skin, appropriate veterinary or medical attention should be sought.
Q: Can I have my cat vaccinated against rabies?
Answer: In some counties, or parts of some counties where rabies is prevalent, feline vaccination against rabies is required by law. This is the case in north-eastern France and in certain states of the United States ( the regulations for the vaccination of dig and cats in the United States very form state to state, and with in a state between different countries and even towns). In most countries, such as Italy, Switzerland, Germany and Denmark, vaccination is voluntary; i.e. you can have your cat vaccinated if you want to but it is not compulsory. In some countries such as Sweden and Britain, rabies vaccination is prohibited.
In Britain rabies vaccination is only permitted for animals which are genuinely being exported to countries that required rabies vaccination to have been performed in advance, and for animals in quarantine kennels and catteries, largely to avoid the risk of infection being transferred between quarantined animals.
The reason for not allowing general vaccination in Britain is that the public would probably tend to rely upon vaccination fro protection, and therefore would be less likely to comply with the quarantine regulations and would delay in reporting clinical cases. For a voluntary vaccination policy to be effective, a minimum of 70% of the susceptible animals need to be vaccinated.
Experience in European countries with a voluntary vaccination policy shows that usually only around 30% of animals are vaccinated. Finally, vaccination may also interfere with the conformation of the diagnosis of rabies by producing changes in the brain which have similar appearance to those occurring in cases of natural infection.
In Britain rabies vaccination is only permitted for animals which are genuinely being exported to countries that required rabies vaccination to have been performed in advance, and for animals in quarantine kennels and catteries, largely to avoid the risk of infection being transferred between quarantined animals.
The reason for not allowing general vaccination in Britain is that the public would probably tend to rely upon vaccination fro protection, and therefore would be less likely to comply with the quarantine regulations and would delay in reporting clinical cases. For a voluntary vaccination policy to be effective, a minimum of 70% of the susceptible animals need to be vaccinated.
Experience in European countries with a voluntary vaccination policy shows that usually only around 30% of animals are vaccinated. Finally, vaccination may also interfere with the conformation of the diagnosis of rabies by producing changes in the brain which have similar appearance to those occurring in cases of natural infection.
Q: If my cat has been vaccinated against rabies abroad, will it have to go into quarantine?
Answer: This depends upon the countries between which you intend to transfer your cat. As a general rule, countries where rabies is already well-established in the wildlife do not require cats to be quarantined, e.g. the continental U.S.A. and India. On the other hand, countries which are rabies free may insist upon a period of quarantine for cat entering the country, e.g. Australia, Great Britain and Hawaii (despite being a state of the U.S.A.). The requirement for compulsory quarantine may be waived if the cat comes directly from other rabies-free country without being offloaded or otherwise coming into contact with other possibly infected animals en route (e.g. from Great Britain to Hawaii, or New Zealand to Australia).
However, Great Britain always requires’ six months quarantine for cats regardless of the country of origin. Cats entering Australia have to undergo sixty days’ quarantine if the arrive by ship and ninety days’ if transported by air, though if the crates use for transport have and their seals broken this period is automatically extended to none months. (In fact, Australia and New Zealand will in general only import animals from each other and from Great Britain and Ireland. Animals from other countries have to serve six months’ quarantine in Britain or Ireland and then further six months’ residence there before they can be exported to Australia or New Zealand). Cats entering Hawaii from the rest of the United States, whether vaccinated or not, have to undergo a minimum 120 days’ quarantine.
Quarantine any appear a harsh measure, but those countries which are fortunate enough not have reservoirs of rabies in their wild animals wish to avoid this happening, and many believe that a period of quarantine is the most effective method of prevention. The vaccination of the dogs and cats against rabies will, in general, prevent from them acquiring the disease and thus from being a source of infection for man. However, with a disease that has a long incubation period as rabies at the time of vaccination. Once admitted to a country, such as animals could readily transfer it to the wildlife, such as foxes, which in Europe are believed to be the main reservoir of infection. Certainly in Britain there is evidence of nightly contact between foxes and cats in urban areas. Therefore, although a vaccination policy is the best one for countries infected by rabies, it is regarded as inferior to a quarantine policy for countries where rabies is not established.
Once there is reservoir of rabies in wild animals of a country, these constitute an important source of infection from man and for any vaccinated domestic animals such as feral cats. Undoubtedly this alerts many people’s attitude towards wildlife conservation, and indeed avoidance of wild animals is recommended in infected countries. The periodic eradication of wildlife from various areas (by trapping, shooting, poisoning and gassing) may be required in an infected country to stop the spread of rabies. Rabies also causes a great deal of pain and suffering moving the wild species themselves.
However, Great Britain always requires’ six months quarantine for cats regardless of the country of origin. Cats entering Australia have to undergo sixty days’ quarantine if the arrive by ship and ninety days’ if transported by air, though if the crates use for transport have and their seals broken this period is automatically extended to none months. (In fact, Australia and New Zealand will in general only import animals from each other and from Great Britain and Ireland. Animals from other countries have to serve six months’ quarantine in Britain or Ireland and then further six months’ residence there before they can be exported to Australia or New Zealand). Cats entering Hawaii from the rest of the United States, whether vaccinated or not, have to undergo a minimum 120 days’ quarantine.
Quarantine any appear a harsh measure, but those countries which are fortunate enough not have reservoirs of rabies in their wild animals wish to avoid this happening, and many believe that a period of quarantine is the most effective method of prevention. The vaccination of the dogs and cats against rabies will, in general, prevent from them acquiring the disease and thus from being a source of infection for man. However, with a disease that has a long incubation period as rabies at the time of vaccination. Once admitted to a country, such as animals could readily transfer it to the wildlife, such as foxes, which in Europe are believed to be the main reservoir of infection. Certainly in Britain there is evidence of nightly contact between foxes and cats in urban areas. Therefore, although a vaccination policy is the best one for countries infected by rabies, it is regarded as inferior to a quarantine policy for countries where rabies is not established.
Once there is reservoir of rabies in wild animals of a country, these constitute an important source of infection from man and for any vaccinated domestic animals such as feral cats. Undoubtedly this alerts many people’s attitude towards wildlife conservation, and indeed avoidance of wild animals is recommended in infected countries. The periodic eradication of wildlife from various areas (by trapping, shooting, poisoning and gassing) may be required in an infected country to stop the spread of rabies. Rabies also causes a great deal of pain and suffering moving the wild species themselves.
Q: Why should a cat showing signs of rabies by destroyed?
Answer: Regrettably, once clinical signs of rabies are present in a cat, or in man, no treatment is effective and disease is always fatal. (there is one recorded case of a child recovering but in this instance there was some doubt about the diagnosis.)
Because rabid cats cannot be cured and represent such source of danger to the human population, their destruction is necessary as soon as possible. Furthermore, if a cat exhibiting typical signs has bitten someone, it is important that its brain be examined as soon as can be arranged to enable the diagnosis to be confirmed, and thereby establish whether or not the bitten individual should undergo a course of rabies vaccination. Any suspected rabies case should not be handled bur confined to an enclosed area from which it cannot escape and the public heath authorities or police informed.
Because of the inherent dangers, those engaged in job where they are likely to encounter rabid animals, e.g. in quarantine kennels, are routinely vaccinated.
In some countries, such as the United States, what happed to a cat that has recently been bitted by an animal known to be rabid depends largely on whether the cat has previously been vaccinated or not. In both instances, treatment with antiserum or vaccine can be given but the World Health Organization strongly recommends that all unvaccinated cats should be put to sleep immediately because of the risk they represent. If a cat’s owner is unwilling to allow this , the unvaccinated animals, whether treated or not, must be isolated and observed for the onset of rabies signs for at least six months. Vaccinated cats, however, are usually re-vaccinated and isolated for only ninety days.
Because rabid cats cannot be cured and represent such source of danger to the human population, their destruction is necessary as soon as possible. Furthermore, if a cat exhibiting typical signs has bitten someone, it is important that its brain be examined as soon as can be arranged to enable the diagnosis to be confirmed, and thereby establish whether or not the bitten individual should undergo a course of rabies vaccination. Any suspected rabies case should not be handled bur confined to an enclosed area from which it cannot escape and the public heath authorities or police informed.
Because of the inherent dangers, those engaged in job where they are likely to encounter rabid animals, e.g. in quarantine kennels, are routinely vaccinated.
In some countries, such as the United States, what happed to a cat that has recently been bitted by an animal known to be rabid depends largely on whether the cat has previously been vaccinated or not. In both instances, treatment with antiserum or vaccine can be given but the World Health Organization strongly recommends that all unvaccinated cats should be put to sleep immediately because of the risk they represent. If a cat’s owner is unwilling to allow this , the unvaccinated animals, whether treated or not, must be isolated and observed for the onset of rabies signs for at least six months. Vaccinated cats, however, are usually re-vaccinated and isolated for only ninety days.
Q: How would I know if my cat had rabies?
Answer: The disease characteristically has three phases. First, there is a prod-romal stage, lasting less then forty-eight hours, in which the cat shows a personality change; sometime it becomes more affectionate, though more often appears apprehensive and timid and hides away from light and noise. This is followed in turn by a stage of excitability and irritability, and then by stage of paralysis. An animal is said to have ‘furious’ rabies or ;dumb’ rabies depending on which of these two stages is encountered.
In the cat the stage of excitement generally lasts longer (up to four days) so that cats are more commonly encountered with ‘furious’ rabies, probably in about three-quarters of cases. Many cats probably die whilst still in hiding, but if accidentally disturbed during the excrement phase (e.g. in a garage) a cat will attack viciously and without provocation. It will scratch and bite, usually not letting go, both at animals and inanimate objects. Characteristically the cat’s voice becomes hoarse. During the ‘dumb’ phase the attack of rage disappear and paralysis gradually spreads progressively form the hide quarters forwards, terminating in death. Hydrophobia, the fear of swallowing water (because of laryngeal paralysis) or even of seeing water, which triggers off violent muscular contractions and which is seen in about 50% of human cases of rabies, is not feature.
From the onset of clinical signs cats rarely survive longer then eight to ten days and most die within four or five. During the time when signs are present, and for at least twenty-four hours beforehand, the cat’s saliva is infective and bites from cats are an important source of human infection, often second numerically only to dog bites.
In the cat the stage of excitement generally lasts longer (up to four days) so that cats are more commonly encountered with ‘furious’ rabies, probably in about three-quarters of cases. Many cats probably die whilst still in hiding, but if accidentally disturbed during the excrement phase (e.g. in a garage) a cat will attack viciously and without provocation. It will scratch and bite, usually not letting go, both at animals and inanimate objects. Characteristically the cat’s voice becomes hoarse. During the ‘dumb’ phase the attack of rage disappear and paralysis gradually spreads progressively form the hide quarters forwards, terminating in death. Hydrophobia, the fear of swallowing water (because of laryngeal paralysis) or even of seeing water, which triggers off violent muscular contractions and which is seen in about 50% of human cases of rabies, is not feature.
From the onset of clinical signs cats rarely survive longer then eight to ten days and most die within four or five. During the time when signs are present, and for at least twenty-four hours beforehand, the cat’s saliva is infective and bites from cats are an important source of human infection, often second numerically only to dog bites.
Q: How could my cat get rabies?
Answer: Rabies is generally transmitted through the bite of an infected animal, by virus particles in the salvia of the animal being implanted in the bite wound. Other routes of infection are possible but much less common; for example infective saliva can inter through a scratch or an existing skin wound, or droplets of saliva may be inhaled. An animal may even eat the carcass of a rabies victim. In countries where rabies is established (enzootic) in the wildlife, cats almost always become infected by bites from rabid animals such as foxes, skunks, or bats. The incubation period in the cat is available and may be very long (four month or more), though on average clinical signs of rabies appear about three weeks after the infective bite. The signs are due to the virus damaging the nervous system, for example, producing encephalitis.
Q: What kind of disease is feline infectious peritonitis?
Answer: Well, feline infectious peritonitis (EIP) is a viral disease of cat which has been recognized only since the middle 1960s and is apparently becoming increasingly common.
How the disease is transmitted is still unclear, though it is more common in colonies rather then in single-household cats and younger animals, particularly those under three years old. It seen likely that, unlike FIE (FPL) virus, the virus of FIP does not survive for long in the environment.
In some ways the name of the disease is misleading because it occurs in two main forms. Both have an insidious onset starting with a high temperature, loss of appetite, increasing dehydration and weight loss. One form is the so-called ‘wet’ form, of which an important feature is peritonitis (inflammation of the peritoneum the membrane which lines the abdominal cavity and covers s the abdominal organs). Inflammatory exudates slowly collects in the abdomen, making it appear greatly swollen, and often also in the chest, producing increasing difficulty in breathing. The second form of the disease is called the ‘dry’ form, where there is no fluid accumulation and in which the kidneys, eyes, and nervous tissue may be damaged. Often the color of the cat’s eyes appears to change.
In both forms there can be an incubation period of several weeks are months before signs appear. In some cases, concurrent FeL V infection may trigger the onset of signs of FIP by lowering the cat’s immunity.
As well as its increasing occurrence, the importance of the disease lies in the fact that, with or without treatment, the disease almost invariably fatal, usually within two to five weeks, and that as yet there is no vaccine against it. However, many cats seem to develop a good natural immunity to FIP and clinical disease only appears in about 20% of the infected cat population. To limit the spread of FIP in a colony, the affected cats should be isolated or destroyed and the cattery thoroughly disinfected.
How the disease is transmitted is still unclear, though it is more common in colonies rather then in single-household cats and younger animals, particularly those under three years old. It seen likely that, unlike FIE (FPL) virus, the virus of FIP does not survive for long in the environment.
In some ways the name of the disease is misleading because it occurs in two main forms. Both have an insidious onset starting with a high temperature, loss of appetite, increasing dehydration and weight loss. One form is the so-called ‘wet’ form, of which an important feature is peritonitis (inflammation of the peritoneum the membrane which lines the abdominal cavity and covers s the abdominal organs). Inflammatory exudates slowly collects in the abdomen, making it appear greatly swollen, and often also in the chest, producing increasing difficulty in breathing. The second form of the disease is called the ‘dry’ form, where there is no fluid accumulation and in which the kidneys, eyes, and nervous tissue may be damaged. Often the color of the cat’s eyes appears to change.
In both forms there can be an incubation period of several weeks are months before signs appear. In some cases, concurrent FeL V infection may trigger the onset of signs of FIP by lowering the cat’s immunity.
As well as its increasing occurrence, the importance of the disease lies in the fact that, with or without treatment, the disease almost invariably fatal, usually within two to five weeks, and that as yet there is no vaccine against it. However, many cats seem to develop a good natural immunity to FIP and clinical disease only appears in about 20% of the infected cat population. To limit the spread of FIP in a colony, the affected cats should be isolated or destroyed and the cattery thoroughly disinfected.
Q: Is FeL V transmittable to human?
Answer: Certainly, at one time this was feared, but all available evidence now suggest that FeL V is not transmitted to man and that cases where leukaemia has occurred in both cats and their owners are purely coincidences. Obviously, however normal hygienic precaution should be taken after handling known infected animals.
Q: Can cat be vaccinated against FeL V?
Answer: Although vaccines have been developed, they have not been sufficiently tested from them to be licensed for commercial sale. However, it is happened that in the early-to-mid 1980s a FeL V vaccine will be gnarly available.
Q: What should I do if my cat is found to be infected with FeL V?
Answer: Unfortunately, there is no effective treatment currently available against any viral disease. Therefore the animal cannot be cured and around 70 % of infected cats will die inside eighteen months. For those that have lymph sarcomas the outlook is hopeless; no drug or other treatment produce improvement. Two other important facts must be taken into account. One is that an infected cat represents a great danger to other cats particular those who live in close association with it, and the second is that most infected cats detected by testing will be those that are going to be permanently infected. There is however, a chance that an infected older cat, particularly if not one of a colony, will only be temporary infected. However, this can only be established by re-testing after three months and again after six months.
Infected cats should be removed from contact with others, either by isolation or by euthanasia. The feasibility of effective isolation obviously depends upon individual circumstance it is a lot easier if the cat is the only in a household.
After the removal of an infected cat all utensils, equipment and surroundings with which it has been in contact should be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected with bleach. At least a month should elapse before another susceptible animal is introduced into this environment. In cat colonies, all infected animals should be removed, all new entrants (unless certified FeL V free) isolated for three months and tested at the beginning and end of the period, and breeding animals (stud cats and breeding queen) regularly tested (every six to twelve months).
Infected cats should be removed from contact with others, either by isolation or by euthanasia. The feasibility of effective isolation obviously depends upon individual circumstance it is a lot easier if the cat is the only in a household.
After the removal of an infected cat all utensils, equipment and surroundings with which it has been in contact should be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected with bleach. At least a month should elapse before another susceptible animal is introduced into this environment. In cat colonies, all infected animals should be removed, all new entrants (unless certified FeL V free) isolated for three months and tested at the beginning and end of the period, and breeding animals (stud cats and breeding queen) regularly tested (every six to twelve months).
Q: How can I tell if my cat is infected with FeL V?
Answer: Currently, there are three tests available which can be perfumed by certain laboratories (possibly even your vet’s own practice laboratory) on a small blood sample collected from your cat. These are virus isolation tests, an immunofluorescent tests, and an immunosorbent assay (‘Leukassay’).
In interpretation of results depends on which tests is used. Using more then one can provide valuable confirmatory evidence. In general it is advisable to repeat the test three months later. This is because some cats which at first give a negative result may be in the incubation stage of the disease and will later show positive, and some cats appearing positive initially may recover (i.e. get rid of the virus) and then give a negative reading.
Furthermore, not ever cat with lymph sarcomas does have other causes.
In interpretation of results depends on which tests is used. Using more then one can provide valuable confirmatory evidence. In general it is advisable to repeat the test three months later. This is because some cats which at first give a negative result may be in the incubation stage of the disease and will later show positive, and some cats appearing positive initially may recover (i.e. get rid of the virus) and then give a negative reading.
Furthermore, not ever cat with lymph sarcomas does have other causes.
Q: What sort of a disease is feline leukaemia? Is it like leukaemia in humans?
Answer: The term ‘leukaemia’ is used (in any species, e.g. cat, dog or man) when some of the white blood cell circulating in the blood-stream show evidence of cancer. Theses cells show characteristic cancerous changes which can be recognized under the microscope.
In man and in the dog the cause of leukaemia is not yet established but in the cat it is known to be due to a virus, which has therefore been named feline leukaemia virus, or FeL V for short.
Infect the name of the disease is misleading since most cats infected with this virus do not develop leukaemia, and much more common problem is that the virus causes cancerous growths (malignant tumors) called lymph sarcomas to develop in one or more of the lymphoid tissues of the body. There are the lymph nodes, the thymus (an organ at the front of the chest), the spleen (an organ in the abdomen) or in the wall of the intestines. The signs shown by affected cats very according to the site of the growth; for instance, growth in the thymus (which are most common in young cats; especially Siamese) produce difficulty in breathing; in the intestine diarrhea; in the lymph nodes of the throat-difficulty in swallowing. They may also grow in other organs, such as the kidneys, nose and nervous tissue.
Furthermore, because cells from the lymphoid tissue are responsible for producing the various antibodies which give immunity against different diseases, the damage to lymphoid tissue produced by FeL V can result in the cat’s especially in young cat’s inability to develop or maintain adequate immunity against a variety of disease-producing organisms. This means that affected cat are more likely to develop such diseases as gingivitis (inflammation of the gum), feline infectious anaemia (FIA), feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) and respiratory infections.
In some cats, including half of those with lymph sarcomas, the virus causes anaemia (a lack of red blood cells) in addition to the other problems.
This is because the virus either destroyed a large number of the circulating red blood cells, or damages the red bone marrow which produces new red blood cells.
The virus can also damage developing fetuses inside the mother causing them to die during pregnancy, either early (not detectable and usually attributed to infertility), or late (abortion), or soon after birth (‘fading kittens’)
If one or more of these condition occurs in a group of cats kept together (e.g. in a single household), the possibility of infection with FeL V should be considered.
In man and in the dog the cause of leukaemia is not yet established but in the cat it is known to be due to a virus, which has therefore been named feline leukaemia virus, or FeL V for short.
Infect the name of the disease is misleading since most cats infected with this virus do not develop leukaemia, and much more common problem is that the virus causes cancerous growths (malignant tumors) called lymph sarcomas to develop in one or more of the lymphoid tissues of the body. There are the lymph nodes, the thymus (an organ at the front of the chest), the spleen (an organ in the abdomen) or in the wall of the intestines. The signs shown by affected cats very according to the site of the growth; for instance, growth in the thymus (which are most common in young cats; especially Siamese) produce difficulty in breathing; in the intestine diarrhea; in the lymph nodes of the throat-difficulty in swallowing. They may also grow in other organs, such as the kidneys, nose and nervous tissue.
Furthermore, because cells from the lymphoid tissue are responsible for producing the various antibodies which give immunity against different diseases, the damage to lymphoid tissue produced by FeL V can result in the cat’s especially in young cat’s inability to develop or maintain adequate immunity against a variety of disease-producing organisms. This means that affected cat are more likely to develop such diseases as gingivitis (inflammation of the gum), feline infectious anaemia (FIA), feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) and respiratory infections.
In some cats, including half of those with lymph sarcomas, the virus causes anaemia (a lack of red blood cells) in addition to the other problems.
This is because the virus either destroyed a large number of the circulating red blood cells, or damages the red bone marrow which produces new red blood cells.
The virus can also damage developing fetuses inside the mother causing them to die during pregnancy, either early (not detectable and usually attributed to infertility), or late (abortion), or soon after birth (‘fading kittens’)
If one or more of these condition occurs in a group of cats kept together (e.g. in a single household), the possibility of infection with FeL V should be considered.
Q: How is cat ‘flu treated and controlled, and what can I do to help?
Answer: As in FIE, your vet may advise the intravenous administration of fluid to counteract dehydration, plus the administration of antibiotics, often in the form of syrups (which are easier to swallow) to control secondary bacterial infection. It may be necessary to resort to artificial in hospital, down a tube inserted through the side of the nick (pharyngostomy tube).
Nursing is of paramount importance in treating feline respiratory disease. Cats should be kept worm in well-ventilated surroundings and the discharges and saliva regularly wiped and bathed away, particularly when the eyelid are gummed together or the nostrils blocked. If the eyelids are not bathed until they can be parted and the discharges beneath them remove the damage done to the eyeball may be irreversible, resulting in blindness. Placing a smear of petroleum jelly around the eyes and beneath the nose helps to avoid the discharges scalding the skin.
Inhalation of water vapour or vaporized inhalants can be given to help unblocked the nasal cavities. Every attempt should be made to persuade the cat to eat, and regular grooming and attention are also important to increasing the cat’s sense of well-being and given it the will to fight back. Cats who suffer from difficulty in breathing should be carefully handled to avoid my worsening of their condition. Some chronic ‘snuffers’ improve if they are should outdoors. Operations are sometimes resorted to, to drain infected sinuses or removed diseased nasal bones, but often with disappearing results.
All feeding bowls, beds and bedding used by an infected cat, as well as its surrounding environment, should be thoroughly disinfected to limit the spread of the virus. Wearing rubber gloves, which are changed before handling each cat in colony and then disinfected, reduces transmission from cat to cat. An infected cat should be isolated from all others and new arrivals should be isolated for fourteen days (in case they are incubating the disease) to see whether signs of illness appear.
Cats that have poor immunity or are suffering from stress (e.g. poor nutrition, ill-health from other causes, low environmental temperature, abandonment) are more likely to become infected. Protection can be given by vaccination (usually as two shots three to four weeks apart) which can be combined with vaccination for FIE. Also available is a vaccine which is given as one does in the form of drops placed into the nasal cavities. This intra-nasal vaccine stimulates local immunity in the nose very quickly (within forty eight hours), thereby blocking the entry of virus by this route. It is believed that this local immunity will be produced even if the natural antibodies are still present in the blood. Later the cat will develop antibodies in the blood, provided maternal antibodies are absent.
However, although more complete protection is provided by the intranasal vaccine, about half of the cats receiving it show after effects of conjunctivitis and rhinitis (runny eyes and nose) and in same this lasts for two to three weeks afterwards. The vaccination fro cat ‘flu should be boosted at least annually.
Approximately 80% of the animals which recover from FVR continue to carry the virus in their bodies (i.e. become carriers) though they will not usually excrete it unless they are exposed to stress, such as other infections or poor feeding, etc. Between 10 to 40 % of cats recovering from FCV infection shed the virus from mouth or more afterwards, the higher proportion being in colonies of cats. 25 % cats at cat show have been found to excrete this virus. Some of then remain life-long carriers and excretes of virus. Such carriers are obviously an important source of infection for other cats, particularly since they may look quite normal and healthy, although fortunately tests are now available which can distinguish them.
At times even vaccinated cats may, if they are exposed to a really virulent strain of virus, become carrier.
Nursing is of paramount importance in treating feline respiratory disease. Cats should be kept worm in well-ventilated surroundings and the discharges and saliva regularly wiped and bathed away, particularly when the eyelid are gummed together or the nostrils blocked. If the eyelids are not bathed until they can be parted and the discharges beneath them remove the damage done to the eyeball may be irreversible, resulting in blindness. Placing a smear of petroleum jelly around the eyes and beneath the nose helps to avoid the discharges scalding the skin.
Inhalation of water vapour or vaporized inhalants can be given to help unblocked the nasal cavities. Every attempt should be made to persuade the cat to eat, and regular grooming and attention are also important to increasing the cat’s sense of well-being and given it the will to fight back. Cats who suffer from difficulty in breathing should be carefully handled to avoid my worsening of their condition. Some chronic ‘snuffers’ improve if they are should outdoors. Operations are sometimes resorted to, to drain infected sinuses or removed diseased nasal bones, but often with disappearing results.
All feeding bowls, beds and bedding used by an infected cat, as well as its surrounding environment, should be thoroughly disinfected to limit the spread of the virus. Wearing rubber gloves, which are changed before handling each cat in colony and then disinfected, reduces transmission from cat to cat. An infected cat should be isolated from all others and new arrivals should be isolated for fourteen days (in case they are incubating the disease) to see whether signs of illness appear.
Cats that have poor immunity or are suffering from stress (e.g. poor nutrition, ill-health from other causes, low environmental temperature, abandonment) are more likely to become infected. Protection can be given by vaccination (usually as two shots three to four weeks apart) which can be combined with vaccination for FIE. Also available is a vaccine which is given as one does in the form of drops placed into the nasal cavities. This intra-nasal vaccine stimulates local immunity in the nose very quickly (within forty eight hours), thereby blocking the entry of virus by this route. It is believed that this local immunity will be produced even if the natural antibodies are still present in the blood. Later the cat will develop antibodies in the blood, provided maternal antibodies are absent.
However, although more complete protection is provided by the intranasal vaccine, about half of the cats receiving it show after effects of conjunctivitis and rhinitis (runny eyes and nose) and in same this lasts for two to three weeks afterwards. The vaccination fro cat ‘flu should be boosted at least annually.
Approximately 80% of the animals which recover from FVR continue to carry the virus in their bodies (i.e. become carriers) though they will not usually excrete it unless they are exposed to stress, such as other infections or poor feeding, etc. Between 10 to 40 % of cats recovering from FCV infection shed the virus from mouth or more afterwards, the higher proportion being in colonies of cats. 25 % cats at cat show have been found to excrete this virus. Some of then remain life-long carriers and excretes of virus. Such carriers are obviously an important source of infection for other cats, particularly since they may look quite normal and healthy, although fortunately tests are now available which can distinguish them.
At times even vaccinated cats may, if they are exposed to a really virulent strain of virus, become carrier.
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