Importance of testing for FIV/FELV in cats

June is Adopt a Cat Month at the Hospital and as we get ready for what we hope will be a month filled with recently adopted cats, we want to talk about the importance of FIV/FELV testing. 

So What is FIV and FELV? 
FIV stands for feline immunodeficiency virus and FELV stands for Feline leukemia virus. Together these viruses make up the leading causes of illness and death in cats. Infection with either one of these viruses if undetected is capable of causing a cat's premature death. FELV is usually spread when an uninfected cat comes in contact with the saliva or urine of an infected cat. For example during grooming, sharing litter boxes and or food bowels. the virus can also be spread to kittens  in utero or through an infected mother’s milk. FIV on the other hand is most often contracted when a health cat is bitten by an uninfected cat. 31 million cats are at risk for FIV each year. Only 11% of cats at risk for FIV/FELV are being tested!

How do we test for FIV/FELV?
This is the really easy part. We just need 3 drops of blood from the patient. We then run the blood through an idexx snap test. The photo below shows the test and what positive results would look like 

What are the clinical signs for an infected cat?
Remember an infected cat or kitten may show no signs at all, but clinical signs may often include: Vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, non-healing bite wounds, other infected wounds, weakness, fever, loss of appetite, not drinking, pale gums, bleeding gums, grooming changes, behavior changes, dull or matted coat, swollen lymph nodes,  and mouth sores to name a few.

Early detection of the infection will enable you to manage the disease, maintain the healthy of your cat, and will also help prevent the spread of infection to other cats


Which cats should be tested? 
The American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) strongly urges all cat owners to have their cats tested for FIV and FELV, especially at- risk cats, sick cats and kittens. Since kittens can be infected we strongly encourage all new kittens to be tested during their first visit. For older cats if your cat has had a recent bite wound, been outside for even a brief period of time or has been exposed to another cats whose status is unknown we will also recommended a test. A great way to routinely test your cats at our hospital is through the Preventative lab work we offer with every annual. These packages provide your cat with a complete blood count, chemistry panel, thyroid and FIV/FELV test for a fraction of the price compared to in house lab work. These are highly recommended during annuals since the patient is "well" at the time of the visit. Testing is an important step towards keeping your cat healthy and helping stop the spread of these viruses - especially in multi cat households. 


If you have any questions about your cat or kitten's status or would like to have your pet tested, please give us a call and we will be more than happy to test your cat. The FIV/ FELV  snap test only takes about  10-15 minutes to complete. If you adopt any new cats, we strongly encourage you to come see us before introducing them to your other furry  family members. We can make sure your new pet is healthy and happy!

Microchips

Here at the hospital May is Microchip Month. This means that during the month of May we focus on getting as many pets micro-chipped as possible as well as giving a discount on each microchip. We currently use Homeagain Microchips to provide our clients with the complete registration ability with several services offered by Homeagain if requested.  So should you microchip your pet? I want to look at several common reasons people get a permanent identification and a few not so common reasons that you may not think about! 

So first -Whats the bad news about lost pets?

1)The American Humane Association statistics show that one in three pets will become lost at some point during their life.

2) The Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association did a study in shelters that showed only about 22 % of lost dogs that entered the animal shelters were reunited with their families. However, the dogs that were microchipped there was a significant increase at over 52%. As for cats less than 2 % of lost cats that entered the animal shelters were reunited with their families, but if the cat had a chip the percentage  was dramatically higher at over 38 % 

My pet has a collar and tags! Why do I need a Microchip?

Now that you know the "bad" statistics, many of you are thinking my pet never goes anywhere why do I need one. From personal experience as a doctor I have to tell you it breaks my heart at how many stories I hear on a weekly basis about a missing pet. Collars fall off, storms come through and knock boards down, people forget to lock cat door or screen doors that get pushed open, they jump out of cars at the gas station, they chase squirrels at the park, and gates get left open. Just when you think it will never happen to you ---it does!

Registered microchips give lost pets the best chance of returning home.

So what is a Microchip?

A Microchip is an a small identification device placed under the skin of an animal. The chip, about the size of a large grain of rice, uses passive Radio Frequency Identification RFID. When someone uses a micochip scanner (as seen above - far right) a registered specific number identifies the animal. Microchips can be implanted by a veterinarian. After checking that the animal does not already have a chip, the vet or technician injects the chip with a syringe and records the chip's unique ID. No anesthetic is required. A test scan ensures correct operation.

So what do most people not know about a Microchip?

Not only is a microchip a great way to reunite pets with their families, but it is a great way to document health concerns and medications for your pet. When you register your microchip there is a section on the website that allows you to type in personal  health information. 

For example: If your pet has diabetes- then you can enter the following. "Fluffy has diabetes - He receives 2 units of vetsulin twice daily. He is also on a therapeutic diet - Hills Science Diet w/d." Or lets say your pet has food allergies " Otis is allergic to chicken" What this allows for is when your pet is picked up and scanned  at the shelter, vet's office , etc. the microchip company will let them know that the pet has a health concerns. For example if Ms Davis finds Fluffy and I report the microchip number to Homeagain, they  will immediately tell me that Fluffy has diabetes and is on insulin. I will then take steps to ensure "Fluffy" blood glucose is at the appropriate levels and is  given the proper diet and insulin  till Homeagain contacts the owner and sends them to him up. This ensure Fluffy remains not only safe but healthy! Any information you feels is important can be documented for the patient!

How  does my pet get a Microchip?

This is the easiest part of all. Just call us or run your pet into the office and we will get them their very own microchip and exclusive number. We can also show you how to register the microchip and go over any questions you have!!