Make sure your clients are aware of signs and symptoms of the more common ‘silent’ cat killing diseases

From high blood pressure to cancer, many health issues are not immediately apparent in cats. Promote the importance of annual veterinary visits for cats aged one to seven years and semi-annual check-ups for older cats. 

Hypertension

High blood pressure can be the primary cause of several health issues within cats. Because overt clinical signs are not always present, it also can be easily overlooked. The best time to diagnose high blood pressure is before any type of damage is done, and the only way to achieve that is to test blood pressure levels during regular visits. 

Hyperthyroidism, diabetes mellitus, renal insufficiency, hepatic and cardiac insufficiency, hyperadrenocorticism, neoplasia and obesity are just a few of the many diseases that can cause high blood pressure in cats. There are also certain drugs that can have the same effect, including phenylpropanolamine (PPA), phenylephrine, theophylline, aminophylline, glucocorticoids, erythropoietin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

The most common symptom of hypertension in cats is abnormality with vision, including dilated pupils that do not constrict with light, blood in the eye and blindness. Other clinical signs of high blood pressure in cats can include:

• Decreased/increased appetite
• Vomiting
• Increased urination and water consumption
• Weight loss
• Heart murmur
• Seizures
• Abnormal behavior
• Collapse
• Proteinuria
• Hematuria

 Chronic Kidney Disease

Chronic kidney disease (CKD), sometimes called chronic renal failure or chronic kidney injury, is a top silent killer of cats. CKD causes a 75 percent failure of both the kidneys. All symptoms are observable, and it would be beneficial to share them with your clients. Symptoms include excessive drinking and urinating, larger bowel movements, weight loss, bad breath, lethargy and hiding.

Common causes of kidney disease in cats include:

• Bacterial infection of kidney tissues (pyelonephritis)
• Kidney stones (nephrolithiasis)
• Blockage of the kidney (ureteral obstruction with hydronephrosis)
• Household toxins like antifreeze or medications
• Damage to tubules (tubulointerstitial disease)
• Damage to filters (glomerular disease)
• Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), an inflammatory disease commonly found in domestic and wild cats
• Cancer
• Heredity

Diabetes Mellitus

Just as in human beings, diabetes mellitus (DM) is more common in cats that are overweight or obese. There are also two types. The most common symptoms in cats are increased thirst and urination, but other symptoms include hunger, weight loss, lethargy, depression and vomiting.

Because the symptoms of this disease are very similar to those of other diseases, such as kidney disease or hyperthyroidism, diagnosis most often comes from careful examination and charting of symptoms over time. For that reason, it is important to remind your clients that regular wellness visits are crucial to continue ongoing proper care.

Diagnostic tests to consider include: evaluation of kidney, liver and pancreatic function; a complete blood count to rule out certain blood-related conditions; a thyroid test to ensure the thyroid is working properly; an ECG to screen the heart; and abdominal ultrasound of the kidneys.

Cancer

Gastrointestinal cancer is the most common type found in cats, but veterinarians are finding more and more occurrences of cancer in pets as cats and dogs are starting to live longer. Here are a few tips you can provide to your clients to lower their cats’ risk of dying from cancer:

1. Spay. It prevents overpopulation, but it also lowers the risk of developing mammary adenocarcinoma.
2. Keep cats inside. Indoor cats typically live longer than outdoor cats because it limits the amount of potential dangers, but it also keeps them out of the sun, protecting them against squamous cell cancer on their ears, nose and eyelids.
3. Tailor the vaccines according to exposure risk.
4. Pay attention. This means learning the potential symptoms and looking out for them.

“Silent” killers are common in cats and dogs. The best strategy is to focus on prevention and teach your clients to do the same.

Contact your Covetrus representative for more information at 855.724.3461 or online.

Sources

http://veterinarycalendar.dvm360.com/high-blood-pressure-cats-silent-killer-proceedings

http://www.pethealthnetwork.com/cat-health/cat-checkups-preventive-care/5-silent-killers-cats

https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/hypertension-or-high-blood-pressure-in-cats

http://www.pethealthnetwork.com/cat-health/cat-diseases-conditions-a-z/10-common-causes-kidney-disease-cats

http://www.pethealthnetwork.com/cat-health/cat-diseases-conditions-a-z/diabetes-mellitus-cats

http://www.pethealthnetwork.com/cat-health/cat-diseases-conditions-a-z/cancer-and-cats-what-every-pet-parent-should-know