Decoding A Veterinary Pet Record Chart(Photo: IvonneW/iStockphoto) Have you ever wondered what all those abbreviations and acronyms mean that are on your cat’s health record chart at the veterinarian’s office? Sometimes, I think doctors, dentists, veterinarians, nurses (basically anyone who is educated and proficient in their field) have their own language and it is meant to keep us “lay” persons … Read More
Dental Care and Cats
Dental Care and CatsMost veterinarians advise clients to brush their pet’s teeth on a regular basis. Just like us, brushing our pet’s teeth assist in breaking down plaque and tarter buildup. Bacteria can develop in the plaque and begin to cause damage, especially in the crevices between the teeth and gums. This can lead to an infection in the gum … Read More
End of Life Decision Making
End of Life Decisions One of the most important decisions facing a pet owner is when to make an End of Life Decision for our pet. When is it time to talk to our veterinarian about humanely euthanizing a beloved pet? Our pets cannot make their wishes known to us or leave a Living Will. Animals cannot tell us how … Read More
Feline Herpes Virus
Feline Herpes VirusAuthored By – ANIMAL EYE SPECIALISTS, INC. Matthew J. Chavkin, DVM, MS – Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists Tanja Nuhsbaum, DVM, MS – Diplomate, American College of Veterinary OphthalmologistsWhat is the Feline Herpes Virus (FHV)?The feline herpes virus most commonly infects kittens and causes sneezing, ocular and nasal discharge, and a reluctance to eat and play. With good … Read More
Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease FLUTD FIC
Feline Lower Urinary Tract DiseaseThere are a variety of names that have been used to describe Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD) in recent years. FLUTD is now most commonly called “Feline Idiopathic Cystitis” or “FIC”. “Cystitis” is a general term used to describe inflammation of the bladder. “Idiopathic” means the cause is unknown. FIC affects the cat’s bladder and … Read More
Feline Leukemia FeLV and FIV Feline Aids Testing
FeLV and FIV Testing© Adobe Stock image Recently I have heard from another breeder that several of their kittens or cats had tested positive for FeLV/FIV using a “SNAP” test. As it turned out after re-testing all of the kittens and cats, the results were “false-positives” the result of a batch of faulty tests. SNAP is a test that … Read More
Feline Upper Respiratory Infection
Feline Upper Respiratory InfectionFeline upper respiratory infection is a condition that affects a cat’s sinuses, throat, and nose. It can be caused by a variety of different bacteria and viruses and is similar to the common cold in humans. However, cats do not “catch colds”. Viruses and bacteria associated with upper respiratory infection (“URI”) are contagious and can infect healthy … Read More
Finding A New Veterinarian
Finding a VeterinarianOnce you have found a breeder you are going to get your new Persian kitten from it is time to choose a new veterinarian. It is not only important to have spent time researching responsible breeders, but also researching who will be responsible for providing your new kitty with medical care. How do you find a veterinarian? What … Read More
FIP or Feline Infectious Peritonitis
FIPFeline Infectious Peritonitis commonly referred to as “FIP” is: a disease that is infectious but not contagious; has a 100% death rate; has no real diagnostic test to confirm FIP; and there is no effective treatment. IMPORTANT UPDATE: There is now a cure for FIP, but it is not yet legalize by the United States FDA. The medication has been … Read More
First Aid for Cats
First Aid For CatsBeing a cat owner is a lot like being a parent. When our human children get sick or hurt oftentimes we treat them at home with medications and other items we have on hand. The same can be said about treating our feline children. Nowadays there are 24-hour care veterinarian hospitals and emergency clinics almost everywhere. However, … Read More