Category Archives for "Pet Diseases"

0 Cat Scratch Disease: Are Humans Affected By It?

Cat Scratch disease is actually a disease transmitted to humans from cats.  It is caused by the Bartonella henselae bacteria.

Infection in cats is typically mild. 

Strays are more likely to harbor Bartonella than pet cats.  It also has a predisposition for cats less than a year old.

There is a wide clinical spectrum in cats.  Eye and heart problems, fever, anemia, neurologic problems and lymphadenitis have been observed.

The use of antibiotics is a possible treatment, but may not be necessary. 

While this is not considered as a serious disease in cats, this may be transmitted to people (hence the term zoonotic disease). 

How is Cat Scratch Disease to Humans?

A person can get this if he gets bitten, scratched or licked by a cat with the bacteria Bartonella henselae. 

Swollen lymph nodes may be the only symptom for most people.  More serious cases may cause abdominal pain, loss of appetite, joint pain, fever, weakness and headache.

You have to keep your cat(s) healthy to prevent yourself from getting infected with Cat Scratch Disease.

Fleas play a major role in its transmission between cats. You should always have some ectoparasite preventive used on your pets.

P.S. My parents (who are both veterinarians) and I have assisted on researching information regarding Bartonella.    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32035056/

Get to Know The Infectious Cat Diseases

As a cat owner, it is your responsibility to know the various cat diseases. Know more about these conditions and learn how to protect your cat from these conditions. Here is the list of common cat diseases.

Not sure when is the right time to vaccinate your cat? Click here to find out.

Do you need to have your cat vaccinated? Contact us at our hotlines: (02) 8896-6386 / 8896-2860 / 0908-896-7113 so we can set an appointment. No walk-ins for now.

Do take note that Makati Dog and Cat Hospital serves you and your pet from 8AM to 3PM, Mondays to Saturdays.

Connect with us on Facebook and Instagram. Get featured when you share your cute pet photos on our social media accounts!

Enjoy peace of mind,

Dr. Sixto Carlos, DVM, MS
Makati Dog and Cat Hospital
Serving Pet Parents near Mandaluyong, Makati, and BGC

0 Common Disease in Cats: Chlamydiasis

Chlamydiasis – what is this?

This is one of the most common causes of conjunctivitis in cats.

Chlamydiasis in cats is caused by a bacteria (Chlamydia felis).

It normally affects the eyes, nose and throat.  May also involve the lungs if left untreated and also has possible joint and genital tract involvement.

The third eyelid may protrude.  The eyes develop watery discharge.  It eventually becomes thicker and becomes yellowish or greenish.

Chlamydia infection is spread by close contact.  It is recommended that if one cat in a home is diagnosed, the others must also be treated.

Most ages of cats may be affected, but kittens and young cats are mostly at risk.

Treatment for Chlamydiasis

Chlamydiasis can be treated with antibiotics. 

You can ask your cat’s vet about this the next time you bring your cat in for a vaccine shot or check up.

If you are a responsible pet parent you will go to an expert veterinarian.

Get to Know The Infectious Cat Diseases

As a cat owner, it is your responsibility to know the various cat diseases. Know more about these conditions and learn how to protect your cat from these conditions. Here is the list of common cat diseases.

Not sure when is the right time to vaccinate your cat? Click here to find out.

Do you need to have your cat vaccinated? Contact us at our hotlines: (02) 8896-6386 / 8896-2860 / 0908-896-7113 so we can set an appointment. No walk-ins for now.

Do take note that Makati Dog and Cat Hospital serves you and your pet from 8AM to 3PM, Mondays to Saturdays.

Be social! Connect with us on Facebook and Instagram. Share your cute pet photos on our social media accounts and get featured!

Enjoy peace of mind,

Dr. Sixto Carlos, DVM, MS
Makati Dog and Cat Hospital
Serving Pet Parents near Mandaluyong, Makati, and BGC

0 Cat Infectious Disease: Feline Calicivirus Infection – All You Need To Know

What is Feline Calicivirus Infection?

Feline Calicivirus Infection causes upper respiratory and oral disease in cats.  It is spread by sneezing or by exposure to contaminated surfaces. This is one of the more common respiratory infection in cats.

Most cats can contract this disease but Feline Calicivirus usually affect young kittens.

Symptoms of Feline Calicivirus Infection

Typical signs you can observe when your cat has this virus are: sneezing, nasal congestion,  conjunctivitis and discharge from the nose or eyes.  Painful lameness may occur.

Ulcerations may occur on the lips, nose and oral cavity that may lead to excessive drooling. 

Loss of appetite, fever, squinting and weakness may also be observed. 

This may be treated as an outpatient condition for mild cases.  Hospitalization may be necessary if severe pneumonia occurs.

The Feline Calicivirus is highly contagious. Make sure that contact with other cats is prevented.

Vaccination for this is possible. Discuss this further with your veterinarian.

Get to Know The Infectious Cat Diseases

As a cat owner, it is your responsibility to know the various cat diseases. Know more about these conditions and learn how to protect your cat from these conditions. Here is the list of common cat diseases.

Not sure when is the right time to vaccinate your cat? Click here to find out.

Do you need to have your cat vaccinated? Contact us at our hotlines: (02) 8896-6386 / 8896-2860 / 0908-896-7113 so we can set an appointment. No walk-ins for now.

Do take note that Makati Dog and Cat Hospital serves you and your pet from 8AM to 3PM, Mondays to Saturdays.

Be social! Connect with us on Facebook and Instagram. Share your cute pet photos on our social media accounts and get featured!

Enjoy peace of mind,

Dr. Sixto Carlos, DVM, MS
Makati Dog and Cat Hospital
Serving Pet Parents near Mandaluyong, Makati, and BGC

0 Cat Disease: Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis (FVR) – What Every Cat Owner Should Know

Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis (FVR) is a very contagious infection in cats (and other members of the Felidae family).

It is characterized by sneezing, conjunctivitis and ulcerative keratitis.  Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis (FVR) is primarily a disease of kittens but cats of all ages may get it.

How The Virus Spreads

Infection is spread by saliva and discharges from the eyes and nose. Direct contact with an infected cat or with contaminated surfaces may transmit this virus.

It is spread by carriers and is common especially in multi-cat households. 

What are the Symptoms of Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis or FVR?

The symptoms of FVR are as follows: Sneezing, loss of appetite, fever and abortion may occur.

It can cause severe disease, including death from pneumonia in young kittens.

FVR affects the respiratory, ophthalmic, reproductive and integumentary systems.

Vaccination against this is a must.

Outpatient treatment may be possible for mild cases but may require hospitalization in more severe ones.

Get to Know The Infectious Cat Diseases

As a cat owner, it is your responsibility to know the various cat diseases. Know more about these conditions and learn how to protect your cat from these conditions. Here is the list of common cat diseases.

Not sure when is the right time to vaccinate your cat? Click here to find out.

Do you need to have your cat vaccinated? Contact us at our hotlines: (02) 8896-6386 / 8896-2860 / 0908-896-7113 so we can set an appointment. No walk-ins for now.

Do take note that Makati Dog and Cat Hospital serves you and your pet from 8AM to 3PM, Mondays to Saturdays.

Connect with us on our Facebook and Instagram.

Enjoy peace of mind,

Dr. Sixto Carlos, DVM, MS
Makati Dog and Cat Hospital
Serving Pet Parents near Mandaluyong, Makati, and BGC

0 Cat Disease: What is Feline Panluekopenia?

Feline Panluekopenia – a serious condition of cats that Cat Owners should know about.

Why? What is this?

This is caused by the Feline Parvovirus and affects mostly kittens of two to six months of age.

When you adopt a new kitten, there is a possibility of exposure from this virus. You have to consider Feline Panluekopenia may be present, especially for unvaccinated kittens. 

Symptoms of Feline Panluekopenia

This disease is characterized by depression, loss of appetite and diarrhea.  Rough hair coat, dehydration and weight loss are usually observed. 

You might think that your furbaby was poisoned. 

Pregnant cats may experience termination of pregnancy (due to fetal reabsorption, abortion and fetal death).

Treatment of Feline Panluekopenia

Treatment requires hospitalization.  If your pet is diagnosed with this, it is highly recommended that it be treated by a veterinarian.  Home treatment is not suggested.

Any new cats that will be introduced to your household has to be vaccinated!

This is considered as the most severe and important feline infectious disease.  Be aware of this!

Next time you visit your cat’s vet do ask about Feline Panluekopenia to understand this condition more.

Get to Know The Infectious Cat Diseases

As a cat owner, it is your responsibility to know the various cat diseases. Know more about these conditions and learn how to protect your cat from these conditions. Here is the list of common cat diseases.

Not sure when is the right time to vaccinate your cat? Click here to find out.

Do you need to have your cat vaccinated? Contact us at our hotlines: (02) 8896-6386 / 8896-2860 / 0908-896-7113 so we can set an appointment. No walk-ins for now.

Do take note that Makati Dog and Cat Hospital serves you and your pet from 8AM to 3PM, Mondays to Saturdays.

Connect with us on our Facebook and Instagram.

Enjoy peace of mind,

Dr. Sixto Carlos, DVM, MS
Makati Dog and Cat Hospital
Serving Pet Parents near Mandaluyong, Makati, and BGC

0 Cat Diseases: Do You Know What Feline Infectious Peritonitis Is?

Feline Infectious Peritonitis – is this the same as COVID 19?

This is a disease caused by a coronavirus (this is a different virus that causes Covid-19 in humans).  Normally a benign condition unless the virus mutates. 

This is a fairly common disease.  There is typically a low incidence of actual clinical cases in most populations,  especially in single cat households.

Places with multiple cats are a higher risk factor.

Mostly found in cats from 3 months to 3 years of age and is rarely seen in older felines.

Symptoms of Feline Infectious Peritonitis

There is a wide range of signs where there are two classic forms.  The wet/effusive for which targets the body cavities.  This is relatively easy to diagnose compared to the other form.  The other one is the dry form which affects the organs.

In mild cases there will probably be only diarrhea.  In more severe cases; there is depression, weight loss, dull rough hair, abdominal enlargement, ocular and neurologic problems.

Sadly, this is considered as an untreatable condition.  Treatment provided is mostly supportive.

Get to Know The Infectious Cat Diseases

As a cat owner, it is your responsibility to know the various cat diseases. Know more about these conditions and learn how to protect your cat from these conditions. Here is the list of common cat diseases.

Not sure when is the right time to vaccinate your cat? Click here to find out.

Do you need to have your cat vaccinated? Contact us at our hotlines: (02) 8896-6386 / 8896-2860 / 0908-896-7113 so we can set an appointment. No walk-ins for now.

Do take note that Makati Dog and Cat Hospital serves you and your pet from 8AM to 3PM, Mondays to Saturdays.

Be social! Connect with us on Facebook and Instagram. Share your cute pet photos on our social media accounts and get featured!

Enjoy peace of mind,

Dr. Sixto Carlos, DVM, MS
Makati Dog and Cat Hospital
Serving Pet Parents near Mandaluyong, Makati, and BGC

0 What is Feline Leukemia Virus (or FeLV)?

Another infectious feline disease is caused by the Feline Leukemia Virus (or FeLV).  It is mostly found in cats between one and six years of age.

Males have a bigger chance of getting infected. Outdoor cats and those coming from a multicat household are also more likely to contract this virus.

Signs are similar to that of FIV-induced immunodeficiency. 

Tumors are a possibility.  Respiratory signs like rhinitis, conjunctivitis and keratitis are noted.  Persistent diarrhea is also present.  Dental problems such as gingivitis, stomatitis and periodontitis may be observed.

Infections of the ear and skin are seen.  Fever and wasting may later be experienced.

You have to consider FeLV if progressive weakening of the legs (ataxia) is observed.

FeLV like FIV may be transmitted with bites.  In addition, close casual contact such as grooming, sharing of dishes or litter pans are risk factors for transmission.

Infected pregnant queens may pass down infection to kittens.  Fetal and neonatal deaths (abortions) may happen. 

Typically outpatient care may be done.  Sometimes hospitalization is necessary. There is the possibility of blood transfusion in some cases.

Get to Know The Infectious Cat Diseases

As a cat owner, it is your responsibility to know the various cat diseases. Know more about these conditions and learn how to protect your cat from these conditions. Here is the list of common cat diseases.

Not sure when is the right time to vaccinate your cat? Click here to find out.

Contact us at (02) 8896-6386 / 8896-2860 / 0908-896-7113 so we can set an appointment.  

Do take note that Makati Dog and Cat Hospital serves you and your pet from 8AM to 3PM, Mondays to Saturdays.

Be social! Connect with us on Facebook and Instagram. Share your cute pet photos on our social media accounts and get featured!

Enjoy peace of mind,

Dr. Sixto Carlos, DVM, MS
Makati Dog and Cat Hospital
Serving Pet Parents near Mandaluyong, Makati, and BGC

0 What is FIV or Feline Immunodeficiency Virus

When you are a cat owner, you would have heard of the FIV or Feline Immunodeficiency Virus

Cats can be infected by a lot of diseases.  As a pet owner, it is wise to be familiar with the possible infections that your furbaby may contract during its lifetime.

 The first that I would like to discuss in a series of articles is the Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) infection. 

As the name connotes,  it belongs to the same genus as HIV, the causative agent of AIDS in humans.   This may cause a lot of discomfort and may eventually be fatal.

Cats are more likely to get FIV as they get older and typically are diagnosed at 5 years of age.  A lot of systems are affected such as white blood cells, kidneys and nervous system.  Patients are observed to have repetitive movements, anxiety and increased aggression. 

Recurrent minor illnesses like upper respiratory and gastrointestinal signs may be observed. Dental issues and problems with the eyes may be noted. 

Fever and wasting may happen later.

The virus is normally transmitted by bite wounds between cats.  Sometimes perinatal transmission may  happen.  Free roaming and males are more likely to have this.

The infection is slowly progressive and cats with signs will have recurrent or chronic health problems.  Most of the time this may be managed but when severe secondary conditions occur, hospitalization may be necessary.

It is important to screen cats before mixing them up with others.  It is also recommended to minimize the exposure of infected cats to secondary pathogens and to keep them indoors to prevent the spread of this disease.

Need more information on this? Ask your veterinarian about Infectious Cat Diseases like FIVE or Feline Immunodeficiency Virus

Get to Know The Infectious Cat Diseases

As a cat owner, it is your responsibility to know the various cat diseases. Know more about these conditions and learn how to protect your cat from these conditions. Here is the list of common cat diseases.

Not sure when is the right time to vaccinate your cat? Click here to find out.

Contact us at (02) 8896-6386 / 8896-2860 / 0908-896-7113 so we can set an appointment.  

Do take note that Makati Dog and Cat Hospital serves you and your pet from 8AM to 3PM, Mondays to Saturdays.

Connect with us on our Facebook and Instagram.

Enjoy peace of mind,

Dr. Sixto Carlos, DVM, MS
Makati Dog and Cat Hospital
Serving Pet Parents near Mandaluyong, Makati, and BGC

0 Important Cat Infectious Diseases: What Every Responsible Cat Owner Should Know

Cat owners, do you know about Cat Infectious Diseases?

Cats aren’t small dogs.  They are different animals.

While they may have similar diseases like Rabies and Leptospirosis, cat owners should be concerned with diseases specific for cats.

There are several diseases of concern for cats. These three specifically attack the immune system:

1.       Feline Panleukopenia
2.       Feline Immunodeficiency Virus 
3.       Feline Leukemia Virus

Other cat infectious diseases that you should also consider. They are as follows:

1.       Feline Infectious Peritonitis
2.       Feline Rhinotracheitis
3.       Feline Herpes virus
4.       Feline Calicivirus
5.       Chlamydia
6.       Cat Scratch Disease

It is best to visit your veterinarian when your cat is sick.  They can check if your furbaby may have one or more of these diseases (Yes! Your cat may have more than one  infection!).

Your vet can guide you in the prevention, treatment or management of these diseases.

P.S.  Cat Scratch Disease isn’t exactly a disease of cats.  It is an infection that humans may get from cats.

Stay tuned as I give you more details on these diseases that your cat can have in the coming days. With this information, you will be made aware and know what is the best option for your cat to avoid these infectious diseases.

Need to have your cat checked? If you are a responsible pet parent you will choose to go to an expert veterinarian.

Contact us at (02) 8896-6386 / 8896-2860 / 0908-896-7113 so we can set an appointment.  

Do take note that Makati Dog and Cat Hospital serves you and your pet from 8AM to 3PM, Mondays to Saturdays.

Connect with us on our Facebook and Instagram.

Enjoy peace of mind,

Dr. Sixto Carlos, DVM, MS
Makati Dog and Cat Hospital
Serving Pet Parents near Mandaluyong, Makati, and BGC

0 One Of The Deadliest Parasites Of Dogs Is Coming Soon!

Summer is almost over, and what comes next?  

The Rainy Season!  It will bring us cooler weather; with it are a lot of problems that we have to be ready for.

With the Rainy Season, not only will we be wetter, but we will have a lot more mosquitoes.

Mosquitoes are considered to be one of the more dangerous insects in the world for humans.  They spread dengue, malaria, Chikungunya, West Nile virus and many other diseases that are detrimental to our health.

For dogs (and for some instances cats), mosquitoes also spread  Dirofilaria immitis, the common name is Heartworm.  This is considered as one of the deadliest parasites of dogs. 

What Heartworm Does To your Dogs

Heartworm causes a lot of problems for dogs.  Minor cases may cause your pet to fatigue easily,  cough and appear unthrifty.  Worse cases may cause heart and liver problems which may actually kill your dog if left unchecked.

What to do?  Many years ago,  the only way to prevent your pet from getting heartworm infection was to keep them from getting bitten by mosquitoes.  In an old veterinary book, it was recommended that they be placed in  a mosquito net (kulambo), which is very impractical.

It used to be that dogs were recommended to be treated for Heartworm every six months.  

This is both risky and expensive.

Heartworm Preventatives Now Better

Nowadays,  there are safer and more practical options.  Initially, monthly shots from a medicine used for livestock is recommended.  Next, there were daily tablets given to prevent Heartworm infection.  Later,  monthly meds were given as preventives.

These days, monthly medicine that not only prevents Heartworm infection, but would also keep your pet from getting other parasites such as ticks and fleas are available.  Even a once a year injection can prevent Heartworm for your dog.

How about you? If you are a responsible pet parent you will choose to go to an expert veterinarian for your pet needs.

Contact us at (02) 8896-6386 / 8896-2860 / 0908-896-7113 so we can set an appointment.
Do take note that Makati Dog and Cat Hospital serves you and your pet from 8AM to 3PM, Mondays to Saturdays.

Connect with us on our Facebook and Instagram.

Enjoy peace of mind,

Dr. Sixto Carlos, DVM, MS
Makati Dog and Cat Hospital
Serving Pet Parents near Mandaluyong, Makati, and BGC