Backroads Veterinary Care, LLC

Overview

Cats are frequently not taken into the veterinary clinic for wellness exams because of the stressful nature of car rides and veterinary visits. In a 2009 study, 1/3 of people only took their cat to the veterinarian when it was sick, and only 17% had their cats regularly vaccinated against diseases like rabies and distemper.

Therefore, cats frequently have health problems that are not identified and addressed in a timely manner.  With a mobile veterinarian, the stress of car rides and clinic visits can be eliminated, providing a more comfortable and convenient veterinary experience. Topics such as dietary supplementation, vaccinations, senior cat health can be discussed.  Samples of urine, blood, or feces can be taken in the home and tested for underlying disease conditions.  Early detection and treatment of problems can help your cat live a long, healthy life.

Feline Life Stage Guidelines

The American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) and the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) recently released a set of Feline Life Stage Guidelines.  These guidelines provide health care recommendations specific to the various life stages of feline patients. The guidelines are available through the AAFP web site and the AAHA website.  Is your cat getting the health care he or she needs to stay healthy?

Senior Cats: Aging has Special Needs

As cats age, their health requirements also change.  Different forms of nutrition and supplementation are often needed in order to promote the continued health of an older cat. The feline digestive system is suited towards the digestion of proteins and fats, but is ill-suited for carbohydrates. Furthermore, felines digest fats less effectively as they age. Therefore, supplementation may be required in older cats in order to ensure proper nutrition:

• Amylase: an enzyme which helps break down carbohydrates for enhanced digestion.
• Lipase: an enzyme which aids in the digestion of fats, the primary source of energy.
• Protease: an enzyme which optimizes protein digestion so that amino acids can be properly utilized.

General Feline Nutrition

Protein: As carnivores, cats require more protein than many of their their domestic counterparts, such as dogs.  Protein helps optimize feline metabolism, and preserves lean-mass so that cats can maintain a healthy weight.  Additionally, taurine is an amino acid that is of particular importance to cats.  It is responsible for healthy reproduction, vision, and cardiac function, so it is crucial that adequate amounts of taurine are found in a cat's diet.Taurine is notfound in dog food in adequate amounts for cats - so don't allow Fluffy to share Fido's food!

Prebiotics: Prebiotics are fermentable fibers that help maintain a healthy bacterial environment in the feline digestive tract. Support of healthy populations of microbes and bacteria in the digestive system not only aids in the proper absorption of nutrients, but also contributes to the overall health of the cat.

Fatty Acids: Studies show that pets benefit from a diet that contains a blend of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Oftentimes, cat foods do not provide enough of these fatty acids, so adding fatty acids from marine sources such as fish oil have a positive impact on digestive and overall health

Vitamins: Cats have a particular need for certain vitamins.  B-vitamins help maintain a healthy metabolism and proper neurological function, whereas vitamin E helps control inflammation and ensure a healthy immune system.

Cat food dos and don'ts

If you decide to home-cook for your cat consider these tips:

• safest meats for cats are chicken, turkey, and beef
• organ meats are crucial for vitamins and minerals
• vegetables (pureed pumpkin, green beans, zucchini, and carrots can be included
• salmon or fish can be included for omega 3-fatty acids
• finely ground egg shells or ground bones can be included for calcium
• avoid onions because they can destroy red blood cells and cause anemia 

Recipes for cats

Cat Treats :  Makes about 5 cups/freeze in zip-lock bags, or refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

1/2 cup brown rice flour or barley flour

1/2 cup nonfat dry milk

1/2-1 teasoon wheat germ

1/2 cup chicken broth

1 tablespoon steamed broccoli, mashed or pureed

1-2 drops soy sauce

1 15-ounce can salmon, undrained

2 egg yolks

2 drops olive oil

1.  combine all ingredients in a large bowl and blend well.   Spead in a well-oiled 9 x 13 inch pan and bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes.  Cut into 1/4 inch squares.

Per serving (3 squares)  29 calories, 30% fat, 1 g fat, 0 g sat fat, 17 mg cholesterol, 3g protein, 2 g carb, 0 g fiber, 72 mg sodium

Chicken Mix

Makes 1 cup 

1/2 pound cooked chicken (thigh or breast meat) cut into pea size pieces

2 drops olive oil

1 egg yolk

1 teaspoon bone meal

1/2 teaspoon fish oil

1 cat multivitamin per serving (read label)

digestive enzymes (read label)

1 tablespoon vegetable baby food such as carot, squash, or peas, optional

1.  Mix together all ingredients until well blended.  After your pet has adjusted to the food over time, feed an adult cat as much as it will eat in 20 minutes:  about 1/2-1/3 cup for small cat, 3/4-1 cup for medium cat, 11/4 - 2 cups for a large cat.  refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days.

Per serving (1/2 cup)  52 cal, 52% fat cal, 15 g fat, 4 g sat fat, 215 mg cholesterol, 30 g protein, 1 g carb, 0g fiber, 91 mg sodium

 Top 15 Feline Health Problems

Sixty-percent of claims to pet insurance companies are for the following conditions:

• chronic renal failure
• skin allergies/infections
• hyperthyroidism
• diabetes
• tooth infection requiring extraction
• upper respiratory infection
• ear infection
• eye infection
• constipation
• asthma
• soft tissueinjuries and sprains
• lacerations and bite wounds
• benign skingrowths
• gastritis/vomiting/diarrhea

Heart Disease in Cats

1 in 6 cats is at risk of an enlarged heart and subsequent heart disease.  A simple blood test that detects the level of stretch and stress on the heart can detect the condition before clinical signs are seen, and allow for early medical treatment.  The test (CardioPet ProBNP) can be done after blood sampling in the home, with results available in 24 hours.  If you are concerned that your cat may be at risk (older, overweight, or slowing down) email Dr. Hamlen today to arrange for testing.

Cats Need Identification on Collars

There are 38.4 million households that own an estimated 88.3 million pet cats in the U.S.  Unfortunately, 3 to 4 million cats end up lost and enter animal shelters every year, with 75% ultimately being euthanized.  Of cats entering shelters with unknown ownership (no collar, identification tag, or microchip) less than 2% are reunited with their owners, compared with 15-19% of lost dogs.  To prevent your cat from becoming a sad statistic have them wear a collar with identification or implant a microchip. 

Remember, even indoor cats can inadvertently escape and become lost.   Unlike dogs, who tend to run loose in their own neighborhoods, cats may escape from the home and climb into open service vehicles (plumbers, electricians, moving vans) as they attempt to hide.   Trapped in the van they may then be transported miles from your home and be let loose in a far-away neighborhood. Your cat may end up in an animal shelter in another town while you are searching in vain at your local shelter.  If identification is on your cat you will be notified that he or she has been found.

Rabies in Cats

According to a study by the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, there are about 300 cases of rabies in cats per year - more than any other pet.

Rabies is an acute viral infection that is caused by the bite of an infected animal, and can be fatal.

Luckily, a simple vaccination is the best way to prevent rabies in your cat, and the vaccination process is simple and effective.

If your cat has been bitten by a wild animal or you otherwise suspect it to have been exposed to rabies, speak to your veterinarian immediately and report the case to local animal control authorities.

Dr. Hamlen uses Purvax vaccine brand by Meriel, which is a safe, non-adjuvanted vaccine specifically developed for cats.  

Contact Dr. Hamlen to schedule an in-home visit for your cat(s).

Links

Cornell Feline Health Center

Video: Gastrointestinal Diseases in Cats