Ponsonby Tails - December 2008

Monday, Dec 1, 2008

                                          

Feline AIDS is a life-threatening disease which all outdoor cats are susceptible to contracting.  Cats are most commonly infected by deep bite wounds that occur during fighting. Cat fights are common where the feline population is so dense.

A vaccine is available to aid in the prevention of feline AIDS. This month we are offering a special package to encourage all our feline owners to start protecting against this deadly disease.
The initial vaccination course involves three vaccines, 2-4 weeks apart. This is then followed by an annual vaccination. A simple in-house blood test is required to first check that your cat doesn't have the virus already. We also highly encourage microchip identification as part of the course.

For the month of December, we are offering the complete FIV vaccination package: blood test, 3 vaccinations and microchipping for 25% off ($200, normally $270).

What is Feline AIDS and what can be done about it?

What is Feline AIDS?
Feline AIDS is caused by infection with the Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV). FIV is a viral disease, much like human HIV, which suppresses the immune system. The virus lives in the blood of the infected cat and is carried in it's system throughout its life.

How Do They Catch It?
Cats are most commonly infected by deep bite wounds that occur during fighting. Cats infected with FIV may remain healthy for up to 10 years. While some infected cats show no signs of disease, others may display initial symptoms such as:
• Fever
• Loss of appetite
• Diarrhoea
• Lethargy
• Swollen lymph nodes

They usually do not show any signs of illness or disease for a long period before the following symptoms start to appear:
• Weight loss
• Sores in and around the mouth
• Eye lesions
• Poor coat
• Chronic infections
Eventually the immune system becomes too weak to fight off other infections or diseases. As a result, the cat will die from one of these subsequent infections.

What can I do to prevent feline AIDS?
Vaccination is the best way to prevent the disease in at risk cats. A vaccine is available that can aid in the prevention of infection by FIV. Along with vaccination, other health management measures include:
• Limiting exposure of indoor cats to outdoor cats
• Using caution when introducing a new cat to a multi-cat household.
• Having a new cat tested prior to joining the household
• Isolating an aggressive cat from other cats.

How common is feline AIDS?
Feline AIDS is very common. As many as 1 in 10 cats in the New Zealand feline population may be carrying FIV. Outdoor cats are at the highest risk.

 

 

 

How do I know if my cat has Feline AIDS?

A very simple blood test can be performed in-house at the Ponsonby Veterinary Centre. The test takes approximately 20 minutes to run and the results are then known immediately.
What can I do if my cat has Feline AIDS?
If you cat has been diagnosed with FIV, but is not yet showing the signs of AIDS, then he or she may have many years of healthy life remaining. For this reason it is not necessary to "put to sleep" or euthanase FIV-positive cats until their quality of life becomes impaired. However some life style changes will be needed now that you know you have an FIV-positive cat:

• Keep your cat indoors only: the responsible thing is to prevent the spread of this disease in your community.
• No raw foods: Uncooked foods, meats especially, can include parasites and pathogens that a cat with a normal immune system might be able to handle but a FIV positive cat might not.
• Parasite control: The last thing an FIV-positive cat needs is fleas, worms or mites, especially now that he is going to be an indoor cat. We are happy to advise you about which parasite control product is right for your pet.
• Immune stimulating agents: Omega-6 fish oils, vitamins, mineral and anti-oxidants can help assist your cat's immune system.
• General Monitoring: While a non-geriatric FIV negative cat should have an annual examination; the FIV-positive cat should have a check-up twice a year. Annually a full blood panel and urinalysis is prudent. Finally, it is important an owner is vigilant of any changes to their FIV positive cat and contact us at the Ponsonby Veterinary Centre for further advice.

Introducing the New member of the Team

Cathryn has joined the Ponsonby Veterinary Centre as our new head receptionist! Cathryn has recently returned from her overseas travels and has settled in Birkenhead. In her spare time she volunteers at the SPCA and enjoys outdoor life, cooking and the wineries of Waiheke Island.  Cathryn will be your first point of contact here at Ponsonby Vets and is the person to help you with ordering special foods or other products.