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Continuing on from last week's article about common illnesses among dogs, this week veterinarian Dr Paul Essey, of Hong Kong Vet Services (www.hongkongvet.com), highlights illnesses that are common in cats. Armed with this knowledge, owners can look for early warning signs that may make a difference to their pet's recovery and long-term health.
Feline herpes virus infection
"Viruses and bacteria can infect a cat's upper respiratory tract. The feline herpes virus is one of the most contagious and common types of upper respiratory tract infections [URIs]," Essey says.
He adds that in multicat homes, shelters and stressful or overcrowded environments such as pet stores, viruses are easily passed through shared food and water dishes, grooming, coughing or sneezing.
Signs of URIs include a runny nose, congestion, nasal discharge, fever, loss of appetite and rapid breathing. Essey says a healthy cat should be kept away from infected cats. Sources of stress should be minimised, and a cat should have up-to-date vaccinations and regular vet exams, all of which help it to maintain a healthy immune system. A healthy immune system is beneficial for fighting illnesses and aiding recovery.
Feline gingivitis
Feline gingivitis, or gum inflammation, can be considered the early stage of periodontitis or dental disease. Gingivitis is usually caused by plaque, a combination of bacterial film and food particles. Mixed with saliva, plaque can harden into tartar or calculus, a brownish to yellowish crust on the teeth. "If left untreated, tartar eventually builds up and irritates the gums or can even accumulate under the gum, which separates it from the teeth."
Signs of gingivitis include reddened gums, bad breath, drooling and difficulty eating. The bacteria which cause gingivitis can spread to other organs through the bloodstream. "If gingivitis has been diagnosed, your cat's teeth should be professionally cleaned. Follow up with daily brushing. Good oral hygiene is the best way to prevent gingivitis."
Kidney disease
"Feline kidney disease or renal failure involves either quickly or gradually losing the functions of the kidneys. Kidneys play a very important role in regulating blood volume and hydration, and the filtering and processing of waste," Essey says.
There are two types of renal failure: chronic and acute. For chronic renal failure (CRF), because it occurs gradually and slowly, cats may show no signs for years. By the time they exhibit symptoms, the damage is usually incurable and irreversible.
The most common signs include extreme thirst and frequent urination, along with drooling, bad breath, vomiting, loss of appetite, dehydration and weight loss. "Although CRF is incurable and progressive, a cat can be kept comfortable with specific treatment and dietary changes supervised by a vet."
Acute renal failure, on the other hand, occurs quickly, usually from accidental ingestion of a toxin, or illnesses that affect the kidney area. Symptoms include straining or not being able to urinate, lack of co-ordination, vomiting, not eating, seizures and bad breath. Immediate vet attention is needed. "It depends on the extent of kidney damage. A full recovery might be possible," Essey says.
Diabetes mellitus
Essey says diabetes mellitus can be defined as the inability to produce enough insulin, or that the body is not responsive to insulin, which is important in balancing blood sugar or glucose levels. This disease is more common in obese cats. "If left untreated, it can lead to severe complications such as seizure, coma or even death."
The main symptoms include noticeable weight loss, loss of appetite, increased thirst and urination, vomiting, dehydration and depression. Regular check-ups, long-term if not life-long insulin therapy, along with dietary changes, are necessary to manage diabetic cats.
Feline infectious peritonitis
Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is a fatal, incurable disease which usually affects very young or very old cats and is caused by the feline infectious peritonitis virus (FIPV), which is a mutation of the feline enteric coronavirus (FECV). "FECV is very common and can be passed through shared food or water dishes, grooming, coughing or sneezing." The good news is that most FECV-infected cats do not go on to develop FIP.
The clinical signs of FIP include difficulty breathing, as the disease causes an accumulation of fluid in the chest or abdomen, along with weight loss, loss of appetite, fever, vomiting and diarrhoea.
While some of the early warning signs are similar in different illnesses, owners are advised to take their cat to the vet as soon as they notice any symptoms.
For editorial inquiries: specialistpublication@scmp.com


Look out for warning signs of illnesses among cats

Tiredness and loss of appetite could indicate illness in cats. Photo: Thinkstock

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Look out for warning signs of illnesses among cats

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