Veterinarians Vancouver WA offer advice for cat care– what to watch for in your cat. If your cat stops eating, it is always a red flag!

Dogs and humans can go a long time without eating, but if a cat stops eating and/or drinking for more than a day, it is always a sign they need veterinary attention. Veterinarians Vancouver WA encourage you to understand that In just a short time of not eating, your cat can becomes seriously dehydrated–even if they are still drinking water, just not eating can cause serious dehydration, and they can go downhill very quickly,  so if your cat doesn’t eat for more than a day, it is time to take it to the vet. Here at Claus Paws we are always happy to answer your questions if you cat doesn’t seem right, so please call if you are in doubt at all.

Just remember how important it is to pay attention to your cat’s behavior, and be aware if they are eating and drinking normally, as this can be your very first clue your beloved kitty is sick. Other clues are if your cat is suddenly hungry all the time, eating a lot, and still losing weight, or if the cat is panting or breathing hard. All these are serious.

Here is what your cat needs if it stops eating and/or drinking,or you see any of the other symptoms above,  and what you should expect from a visit to the vet. First, a complete exam with weight and temperature taken. If nothing is obvious ( such as a fever indicating an infection) the next step for a proper and fast diagnosis ( time is important) would be to do blood work and a urinalysis. These tests will show many things that a simple exam cannot show . Here are just a few of the common maladies that occur in cats that these test will reveal: Hyperthyroidism, renal (kidney) failure, crystals in the urine, urinary tract infection, diabetes and many other things that a simple external exam can’t reveal. Most of these are treatable and often curable, but they need to be caught before they have made your cat too sick. Here  at Claus Paws animal hospital, we never do any unnecessary procedures– we love our animals just as much as you love yours, and we will treat yours as we would our own, with loving and complete care.

Both cats and dogs can be susceptible to heart disease at any age and it is important to note changes such as coughing, exercise intolerance, or lethargy. However, the rate of cardiovascular problems does increase with age.

The most common type of heart disease in both dogs and cats is valvular disease. In valvular disease, the valves that separate the chambers of the heart do not close completely and this allows a backflow of blood with each beat of the heart- making it a much less effective pump.

Other types of heart disease affect the heart muscle itself. In dogs, dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) can occur. In DCM the heart becomes larger and the muscle is stretched thin. The thin muscle walls contract less efficiently. In cats, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) can occur in which the heart muscle becomes thicker. The muscle is so thick that it also cannot effectively contract and push the blood through the heart and to the lungs and body.

Cats may also get DCM and restrictive cardiomyopathy (RCM) as well. Heart diseases such as these can lead to congestive heart failure in which fluid builds up in either the lungs or abdomen due to pressure backflow of blood from the malfunctioning heart. This can make it difficult for the pet to breath and cause coughing if the fluid is in the lungs and bloating/fluid retention in the abdomen.

In addition to diseases of the heart itself, older patients are more susceptible to diseases of the vessels as well. Hypertension is a common secondary disease to hyperthyroidism in cats, kidney disease, and some metabolic diseases. Cardiovascular diseases can make the pet more susceptible to thromboembolism (blood clots) that can go anywhere in the body causing problems such as stroke.

Diagnosis: Dr. Claus and Dr. Evert will listen to your pet’s heart and lungs at every exam. If they hear a heart murmur or muffled lung sounds they may recommend a more complete cardiac work-up, which includes chest x-rays, an electrocardiogram (ECG), and an echocardiogram (ultrasound of the heart). Bloodwork may also be recommended to check for changes associated with trauma to the heart muscle or other changes that may affect the cardiovascular system. A measurement of blood pressure may also be recommended if signs of it are noted.

Treatment: Based on the results of the above tests medications may be recommended, or it may be recommended that the patient just be monitored for progression of disease.

If you think your dog or cat is experiencing cardiac symptoms, call and schedule an appointment right away!

Dr. Dawn Evert is the Associate DVM at Claus Paws Animal Hospital. Cardiology and client education are of special interest to her, and she contributed this piece for the website. Thank you, Dr. Evert!

As a Vancouver WA Veterinarian, the winter months often find us seeing pets with unexpected signs of discomfort that were not as obvious during the warmer months of the year.

Unexpected aches and pains are not unique to humans. As we age, many of us feel stiff and creaky when we first get up, especially in the cold weather.  With similar joints, our pets often feel the same way.  Unfortunately, they can’t take many of the same pain relievers that we use; in fact, acetaminophen (like Tylenol), ibuprofen (like Advil) and other similar non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) are TOXIC to pets.  Even though we experience similar problems, the solution can be a different class of medication for our pets.

However, there are some things that can be beneficial for pets and their people.  Many over-the-counter commercial senior dog foods contain glucosamine for joint health, and there are prescription diets like Science Diet J/D and others that help pets cope with the changes that come with aging.  Fish oil supplements containing Omega 3-6 fatty acids can also help dogs and cats.  It is important to remember that the ratios that are beneficial to people are not the same as for dogs and cats – there are different formulas designed to benefit each species’ unique metabolism.  It is very important to talk to your veterinarian about your pet’s specific needs.

When supplementation isn’t enough, NSAIDS may be recommended.  Again, human medications are not made for animals and they can have severe, life-threatening side-effects.  Our veterinarians will examine your pet thoroughly and ask you about your pet’s lifestyle to help them determine the best course of treatment for their joint pain/arthritis.           

We all experience changes as we age, but they don’t need to be negative changes.  Call us today to set up your senior pet’s wellness checkup, and learn how to help them age gracefully, in comfort as they deserve.

Thyroid Disease is a common problem in aging dogs and cats, although the two species typically have opposite thyroid disorders.  DOGS tend towards hypothyroidism, or low thyroid levels.  This can cause weight gain, hair loss (alopecia) and other skin conditions, lethargy, inactivity, mental dullness, heat-seeking behavior, and more.  On the other hand, CATS usually develop hyperthyroidism, or increased thyroid levels.  Symptoms include weight loss, increased appetite and thirst, vomiting and/or diarrhea, rapid heart rate, and hyperactivity.  Left untreated, hyperthyroidism can lead to heart murmurs, high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, retinal detachment, and even death.

How is it diagnosed? If Dr. Claus or Dr. Evert suspects thyroid disease, she will recommend bloodwork to determine the levels of circulating thyroid hormone in your pet’s bloodstream.  Early thyroid changes are often detected when your pet has its annual blood panel run.  If the levels are “borderline”, the doctor will often recommend rechecking thyroid levels in six months to see if it is progressing or remaining steady.

How is it treated? Dogs are treated with a thyroid supplement called L-thyroxine, and cats treated with Methimazole, a drug that suppresses thyroid function.  Both cats and dogs are usually given the pills twice a day, typically for life.  Annual bloodwork is necessary to monitor thyroid function while on medication.

Prognosis? With treatment and monitoring, pets with thyroid disease can live long, healthy lives for years after diagnosis.  Thyroid disease is one of the most common health problems we see at Claus Paws, and fortunately it is often one of the most easily treated conditions as well.  If you notice changes in your pet’s appearance, activity, or appetite, please call us and schedule an appointment!