The Cat Clinic

Full service feline only veterinary hospital

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Meet Charlie!

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MEET CHARLIE – the hypothyroid cat

 

Have you ever heard of hypothyroidism? Neither had Charlie until he met Dr. Kelley.

 

Charlie met Dr. Kelley when he was presented for constipation. His little belly was round, distended and firm. He could not poop even though he was trying his hardest. Charlie was also very small for his age. His brothers and sisters were twice his size and had gone on to their forever homes. Charlie was small and underdeveloped. His bones had not grown. His growth plates were stunted, even his teeth were not maturing! After reviewing his case, Dr. Kelley decided to perform a simple blood test that confirmed that Charlie had an underactive thyroid gland.Hi

 

Unlike hyperthyroidism which is a relatively common acquired disease of older cats, primary hypothyroidism is congenital (meaning the cat is born with it) and rare. The thyroid gland does not form correctly. The thyroid gland produces a hormone that is responsible for metabolism and when it is either over active or under active can wreak havoc on the entire body system. Cats with hypothyroidism have trouble growing their bones and nervous system. They are usually dwarfed, cold intolerant, lethargic, mentally dull, constipated and have a thin coat. Domestic short hair cats and Abyssinians are more likely to be born with primary hypothyroidism than other types of cats. Secondary hypothyroidism can occur in adult cats, most likely as a result of over treatment of hyperthyroidism. Although very rarely, an adult cat can suffer from a case of spontaneous hypothyroidism which means there is no obvious cause.

 

Charlie is now feeling better and taking his thyroid hormone supplement twice daily. He is getting bigger very slowly and his constipation is gone. Charlie is playing and romping around just like any kitten.

 

Because there are so few reported cases, it is hard to know what Charlie’s future will hold. Published reports speak of decreased life spans for hypothyroid kittens. However, Dr. Kelley just said good bye to one of her favorite patients that also suffered from hypothyroidism and she was 16 years old!

 

Now, Charlie has officially found his forever home with Dr. Kelley, her cat Lola “the Beast” Kelley and small dog Luna. Although congenital hypothyroidism is rare, it may be underreported because it goes unrecognized. Charlie hopes that he can help raise awareness to help more “runts” or “poor doers” that may be hypothyroid like him!

Urinary Tract Disease in Cats

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urinary tract disease cats
Cosmo at the animal hospital

Urinary Tract Disease in Cats-Why Won’t My Cat Use the Litter Box

Urinary tract disease in cats can cause inappropriate eliminations or going outside of the litter box. Many cat parents assume that this problem is caused because of spite thinking that their cat is trying to get back at them for something. Luckily, cats don’t share this very human emotion of spite and revenge. Going outside of the litter box is always caused by some very real medical or psychological problem.

The first avenue to explore is ruling out a medical condition causing discomfort to the cat. I laugh with my clients that when there cat is elimination outside of their litter box that is their way of saying TAKE ME TO THE VETERINARIAN! In fact, one client described her cat eliminating outside of the litter box for several weeks before finally climbing up on the kitchen counter and urinating on her sandwich! I think that is a clear cry for help.

Young cats usually don’t get urinary tract infections but can suffer from concentrated urine that produces stones or crystals that can wreak havoc inside their bladders. These stones or crystals have some genetic predisposition but can be prevented by feeding an appropriate diet.

The Cat Clinic of Plymouth always recommends a canned food diet that can reduce the incidence of formation of these issues by allowing the urine to have the appropriate pH and dilution. Studies have shown that cats concentrate their urine very well allowing the formation of these issues in the urine.  Studies further support that even when a client believes their cat drinks enough water but eats mostly dry food their cat’s urine is many times more concentrated than a cat that eats a mostly canned food diet.

Male cats that eat a mostly dry food diet are more prone to urinary blocking. A blockage in the urinary tract is life threatening. If your cat is straining in the litter box, this is an emergency.

Another predisposing factor for urinary tract issues in any aged cat is stress. Multiple cat households, indoor life, lack of environmental stimulation, changes in the household can cause physiological stress in a cat that result in increased circulating cortisol that attacks the bladder wall. This makes them feel as though they have a urinary tract infection. This feeling can come and go throughout the day or week making it difficult to track due to inconsistency. See our blog on litter box care and environmental stimulation for more information.

Older cats can also suffer from urinary tract infections caused by underlying medical conditions such as obesity, kidney disease, diabetes and hyperthyroidism to name a few. Many of these conditions are easily treatable. So again make sure your cat sees your veterinarian for routine checkups especially as they age. If you have trouble getting your cat in the carrier see our handy guide to Getting Your Cat in the Carrier.

Are Household Cleaners Toxic to Cats?

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Cat toxic household cleaners
Is household cleaners toxic to cats

Are household cleaners toxic to cats? There are many substances that are toxic to cats that are fairly well recognized and others such as everyday household cleaners that are not recognized for their toxicity.

Household cleaners that are toxic to cats include the following

  • Floor Cleaners
  • Bathroom Cleaners
  • Laundry Detergent
  • All-purpose Cleaners
  • Glass Cleaners
  • Drain Openers

Toxicity can occur through accidental ingestion from a variety of manners. Even minute amounts of some toxins can cause damage. Because cats are such great groomers they can lick chemicals from their fur or paws.

Potential ingredients that can cause toxicity include

  • Ammonia

Used in many de-greasers for ovens, glass and stainless steel, ammonia has a very high VOC, burns mucous membranes and contributes to asthma. It creates a poisonous gas if it is mixed with bleach, it which can be deadly to small pets.

  • Chlorine

Used in disinfectants, toilet bowl cleaners and automatic dish detergent to name a few, chlorine is also used to bleach coffee filters. It can cause everything from dizziness to vomiting to laryngeal edema

  • Formaldehyde

Used in products such as soaps and even some pet shampoos, it can contribute to asthma and is carcinogenic.

  • Glycol Esters

Found in many cleaning products including glass cleaners, carpet cleaners and spot removers. It has been linked to anemia, lung damage and kidney damage in people and pets.

The Cat Clinic of Plymouth is committed to pet safe cleaners by using Shaklee Get Clean Products.  Shaklee Get Clean® products are natural and nontoxic cleaning choices that are Safe for You, Your Home, and Your Planet®. And your pet!

No harmful fumes or hazardous chemicals.

Outperforms 20 national leading brands.

Features Basic H2® Organic Super Cleaning Concentrate – just 1/4 tsp. makes 16oz. of all-purpose cleaner for only 3 cents.

Makes a positive impact on the planet:

Keeping 108 pounds of packaging waste from landfills.

Eliminating 248 pounds of greenhouse gas.

 

See Dr. Kelley’s website for more information on Shaklee Products

Ckelley.myshaklee.com

If you think your cat has been exposed to toxic household cleaners, please call for an appointment or visit our make an appointment page.

Microchip – frequently asked questions

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You may have had your veterinarian recommend inserting a microchip into your dog or cat. Or maybe you’ve adopted a pet from a shelter and they came with a microchip. These small but mighty chips are permanent ID’s, and provide safety and assurance for your pet. It is common that while making the decision to microchip your pet, you may come across some frequently asked question.

 

What is a Microchip?

If your pet has a chip or you have considered getting them one, you may have heard that they are the size of a grain of rice. This is true making them small enough to be implanted quickly and easily. It only takes a matter of seconds for your veterinarian to inject a microchip under the skin of your pet, typically between the shoulder blades. The chip itself holds the ID number that will be assigned to your pet and can be accessed by scanning the area the chip was planted. This ID number is unique for each cat or dog giving them their own personal identification.

 

Does it work like a GPS?

The answer to this commonly asked question is no. People often mistake microchips for tracking devices for their pets. The thought is that if a pet gets lost, you can use the chip to find the exact location of your dog or cat. Unfortunately, the chip is not a GPS, but it can still provide the safety and protection that will ease your mind in a given situation.

 

What happens when my pet is lost?

Unfortunately the unthinkable does happen, pets can become lost. But if you have microchipped your dog or cat, you have already been provided a piece of mind. Whether it is a house cat without a collar, or a dog wearing one, with a microchip they always have personal identification. When your pet is lost, you should contact the company of the chip. Some companies will contact local shelters and alert them of your missing pet, providing the knowledge needed to help get them home. If your pet has been found and are brought in to a veterinary clinic or animal shelter, they can be scanned for a chip which will lead to direct identification of your pet and you their owner.

indoor cat with microchip
Indoor Cat with Microchip

Should I Microchip My Indoor Cat?

People commonly think that only dogs, not cats, need to be microchipped. Cats often do not wear collars, whether they go outside or are strictly indoors, leaving them without any identification. Unfortunately, there is always the risk of a cat getting outside and getting lost. A recent study has showed that a cat with a microchip is 20 times more likely to be returned home than if they were without. Microchipping your pet does not mean that collars and tags aren’t necessary, as they can provide useful information such as an address or phone number. But with a microchip, you can be reassured that they will be identified even if the collar falls off or is removed.

 

Most people do not want to think of worst case scenarios, such as a pet becoming lost, under any circumstance. But by providing your dog or cat with a microchip, you are providing protection unlike any other. When you reach out to your veterinarian, you are doing a service to your pet and quite possibly saving their lives.

 

Make an appointment today to inquire further about the benefits of Microchips. See our tips on getting your cat into a carrier here.

By: Leah Carlson CVT

Early Detection Can Lead to Early Diagnosis of Disease

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cat disease
Cat Disease- Tulip

There is nothing quite like the grief of loosing a pet, this is undeniable. Our furry friends are such a huge a part of our lives and our hearts, and there is an unforgettable emptiness after they’re gone. One of the hardest situations to deal with is unexpected euthanasia that comes suddenly with no time to prepare. The best way to avoid such situation is early detection of cat disease and illness. Noticing your felines first subtle signs of sickness can lead to early diagnosis and can help avoid unprepared loss.

In the veterinary world, when a patient presents with sudden abnormal behaviors or signs of illness that cannot yet be determined, we call it “ADR”, or ain’t doing right. It is common in older cats who have no previous history of disease and have been healthy for most of their life. As a pet owner, it is important to be able to pick up on to the early signs of ADR, but first you must be able to understand and identify them. There are multiple key points to look out for as your cat ages.

 

 

  • Visible changes in your cat are important in determining if there is something wrong. Changes like weight loss, abnormal gait, lack of luster to the coat, or even something as subtle as an unusual look in their eyes can be the first signs of an illness.

 

 

 

  • Behavior changes  can range from obvious and alarming, to subtle and hard to notice. Some of the more obvious changes in behavior include hiding, if they are typically social. Subtle signs can be as simple as sleeping in an odd location or deciding not to play with a toy that they usually love.

 

 

 

  • Changes in appetite is a common sign that should never be ignored. If your cat doesn’t finish or decides to skip a meal, it is likely there is something brewing. Also, it is not uncommon in some cat diseases for cats to become more hungry. If you notice they are begging more often or seem ravenous, they could be telling you they are sick.

 

 

  • Changes in thirst is also common with many cat disease s. An increase in thirst can be an early sign of illnesses such as kidney disease or diabetes. If you notice you have to fill up the water bowl more than usual, don’t ignore it!

 

  • Vocalization is very common in cats who are in pain or uncomfortable. Howling or an increase in vocalization is an easy sign to pick up on, and it is pretty hard to ignore. It is important to listen when your cat tells you there is something wrong!

 

There are many more subtle signs that your cat can begin to show if they are ADR. These may include a fowl odor, such as bad breath, inappropriate elimination or use of the litter box, excessive scratching or grooming, vomiting or diarrhea, or becoming less social or affectionate.

It is important to remember that as a pet owner, you know your cat better than anyone else. Trust your instinct. If you think something may be off, or something seems different, do not hesitate to call your veterinarian. It could be a matter of early detection of a life threatening  cat disease, and you will be thankful that you called.

Schedule an appointment today 

by Leah Carlson, CVT

Pet Loss and Grief

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Grief Pet LossLosing a Pet

Anyone who has ever lost their best friend, their confidant, and close family member knows how difficult this grief over pet loss is. Often times, this loss is a result of our, the pet owner’s own doing. Either we chose euthanasia allowing a veterinarian to deliver a life ending overdose of anesthesia or it happened because of our inadvertent neglect allowing the pet to collide with a vehicle or ignoring subtle symptoms until the disease was so advanced that nothing could be done. Because of the extensive feelings of guilt that surround this loss, this grief in particular can be Earth shattering.

Grief
Currently working through grief myself, I have come to understand what a powerful and unforeseen emotion it can be. First it renders you numb so that no emotion can come through. Then it turns gut wrenching, taking your breath away and throwing your spirit to the floor. It then recedes only to leave you feeling lonely, hopeless and unmotivated. These are the times that those who are grieving need support.

Life Lessons
As unfortunate as it is, it is the times of grief, pain, and suffering – the hard times – that teach us the most important lessons in life.
• It reminded me that I have to take care of myself first. Remember to always put your own oxygen mask on before helping others in the event that the cabin pressure changes.
• Grief has reminded me of what is important in life. Again no one on their death bed ever wishes that they had stayed at work longer.
• Working through my grief I have learned that although I am strong, I have the right to have emotions and can express those emotions without it making me appear weak.
• Grief has begun to reveal who my true friends and supporters are and reminded me to make time for them and forego those relationships that are not true friendships.
• Life is short, make it count!

Pet Loss
As stated before, losing a pet can be devastating because of the feelings of guilt. There are other factors that cause grief to be pronounced. Often times there are financial factors that may have led to the pet’s death. The feeling that the pet was an innocent victim or couldn’t verbalize what they wanted in the end heightens the feelings of loss.
Perhaps the hardest hurdle after losing a pet is dealing with the grief. Employers understand needing time off from work to grieve when you have lost a spouse or a parent but not always when you lose Fluffy. Without some time to grieve and support, this loss can be very difficult to come to terms with.

Grief Support Groups
That is why pet loss support systems can be so very helpful. I have listed three below. One is a local venue that has a face to face support group, the other is a telephone hotline and the last is an internet forum. Please pass these along to anyone you know dealing with the grief of pet loss. And of course, always check in with your veterinarian. They and their staff are often good supporters and may have other area knowledge of groups particular to your situation. For more information see our website.

www. catclinicplymouth.com/blog

https://vet.tufts.edu/petloss/
https://www.rainbowsbridge.com/Grief_Support_Center/Grief_Support_Home.htm
http://www.hopefloatswellness.org/support-programs-services/support-groups/

by: Cassandra Kelley DVM
RIP RJK