How to treat Feline Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

You can do the Treatment for HCM depends on the sequence of the infection in the Sphynx cat, and contain:

Beta Blockers: atenolol and metoprolol

These drugs help to improve the 'filling' function of the left ventricle, which will subsequently increase the volume of blood flowing to the lungs, helping to decrease pulmonary edema.

ACE Inhibitors:

Enalapril or benazepril

Continuing clinical trials with cats seem to indicate that these drugs may work better than Beta Blockers, to develop heart function.

Calcium Channel Blockers: diltiazem

It helps to improve heart's function by reducing heart rate and myocardial oxygen consumption.

Diuretics:

It Helps to reduce pulmonary edema. Renal function must be monitored carefully when diuretics are used because of the prospective for harmful side effects.

Treat underlying conditions

Most often Hyperthyroidism and/or hypertension (high blood pressure).

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Feline HCM (Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy)

HCM is one kind of diseases attack the heart muscle, and believed to be mostly genetic in origin, with some breeds considered think including the Sphynx. Although there is no heal for this condition, with at the appointed time diagnosis and early treatment, Sphynx cats might live on few years after they are diagnosed. Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) results from HCM. Do not be deceive by certain sites and articles which unfortunately leave new Sphynx owners in a panic frenzy to start making phone calls to their vet and setting up appointments for their Sphynx cat to schedule an X-Ray, ECG (Electrocardiogram) or an Echo because they read of this horrifying 'Sphynx cat disease' on the internet that everyone is talking about. 'YES,' it is a horrible disease and 'NO,' it's not only a 'Sphynx cat disease!'. HCM is a disease that affects animals like cats, dogs, hamsters, rabbits and even humans can be diagnosed with HCM. There is no 'guarantee' that any animal including Sphynx cats will or will not agreement these illnesses so do not let any one tell you dissimilar. For example, two breeding Sphynx parents can live full healthy lives with no symptoms of HCM, scanned yearly HCM free but one of their kittens can be diagnosed 2 years down the road into its life. So if HCM is something that bothers you, or keeps you up at night, then by all means see your vet, get your habitual check up and ask his opinion on the matter and go from there. What I will tell you is most vets, unless your Sphynx cat shows symptoms of HCM, will not discover any further then a uncomplicated check up and drive you on your way.

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Timetable For Your Cat's Vaccinations

A vaccine is a substance that is made from dead or living pathogens. It is injected into the body through immunization (intranasal versions have also freshly been developed), which causes the body to produce antibodies and, therefore, makes your cat immune to getting the illness in the upcoming.

What vaccines does your cat necessitate, and on what timeline? What are the most common vaccines and what special vaccines may be needed? Find out more about common vaccines, some of the risks, and the appropriate timeframe for getting vaccines to keep your cat healthy.

Vaccines

Some years ago, the VAFSTF (Vaccine-Associated Feline Sarcoma Task Force) published a list of vaccines that were highly suggested for all cats. These included:

†        Feline Panleukopenia Virus Vaccine (aka “Feline Distemper”)

†        Feline Calicivirus

†        Rhinotracheitis AKA Feline Herpes Virus

†        Rabies Vaccine

While the vaccines above are suggested for the health of all cats, others are more treacherous and present a higher risk of bad reactions. For this reason, they are suggested only in definite instances. These vaccines include:

†        Chlamydiosis: suitable for households with multiple cats or where chlamydiosis infections have been established, after vet consultation.

†        Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP): A controversial vaccine, the AAFP (American Association of Feline Practitioners) currently recommends against its use.

†        Bordetella: A recently-approved vaccine is not yet ready for common use, but may be used for multiple-cat environments on a case-by-case basis.

†        Gardiasis: This vaccine is in a like state to that for Bordetella, being too new for universal use but can be approved when disclosure is clinically significant.

There are many different times when vaccination may not be suitable, depending on your cat's health condition. Cats that probably should not be vaccinated include: sick cats (particularly those with weakened immune systems or chronic disease), those receiving cortisone therapy, or kittens under six weeks unless in tremendous conditions. Cats over 10 years old typically do not need booster shots. Finally, it is believed that pregnant queens may experience stillbirths as an effect of some vaccines.

No matter what the condition, always consult a variety of sources and talk with your veterinarian before making vaccination decisions.

Timeline

Kittens are usually first inoculated between six and eight weeks of age. This first round of shots consists of the FVRCP, which can be a three-in-one shot and vaccinates against feline viral rhinotracheitis (FVR), calicivirus, and panleukopenia virus. A booster round of shots is administered three to four weeks later and booster rounds continue until twelve weeks of age. Rabies shots, however, are not given until twelve weeks of age at the earliest.

If you adopt an older kitten or cat, their initial vaccinations are normally given in one does or two doses that are three to four weeks apart. One dose is given when the vaccine is an MLV, or two doses of a killed virus vaccine are recommended.

Once your cat has been vaccinated, they are usually put on an annual schedule of vaccinations. It is important for you, the pet owner, to keep track of vaccinations. Although your vet's office will keep records and do their best to remind you, it is ultimately your responsibility to ensure your cat's best health.

More recently, pet owners and veterinarians have been forgoing an annual vaccination scheme, due to fears about Vaccine-Related Sarcoma. This condition is most often caused by the rabies or FeLV vaccines. Vaccine-related sarcomas occur when cancerous tumors grow at the site of a vaccination. A small, painless lump often develops at the site of a vaccination; in rare cases, however, it progresses to a sarcoma. Pet owners are encouraged to check a vaccination site for several months after the vaccination, and schedule a vet appointment if the swelling has become a solid lump.

If your cat is an animal that spends all his time inside, forgoing yearly vaccinations may be a chance. However, in general this tactic is not suggested and should only be measured under extenuating circumstances. Even if your cat will not be getting yearly vaccinations, you should still get him in for a check-up and testing. Be sure to carefully research any vaccination-related decisions and discuss the advantages and disadvantages with your veterinarian.

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Kitten Claw Care

Do the legs of your furniture stand the claw marks of your cat? Is scratching the furniture abnormal? If so, you may want to think trimming your cat's claws. When cats scratch, it is a normal part of behavior that is hard-wired into their genes. They do it to sustain their feline physique as well as to hone those claws into sharp little weapons. Unluckily, both you and your furniture can bear as a result. By taking their claws into your own hands, you can pinch this problem in the bud, or shall we say clip this trouble by the claw?

Trimming your cat's claws can be an intimidating task. It is something you would be hard-pressed to be able to do on your own. So before you even attempt to start, sign up a helper to hold down your cat while you trim its nails. Do you have the required tools to care for your kitty's claws? First, you need a sharp pair of nail clippers. You can buy a set that is specifically made to hold a cat's claw in place while you slash. You can buy these special clippers from your veterinarian or a pet store. Otherwise, a usual pair of human clippers or nail scissors should do just fine.

When you are prepared to begin trimming your cat's claws, have your helper grasp the cat gently, but firmly. Grasp one of the cat's paws in your hand and press down on one of the toes to enlarge the claw. Do you notice where the nail goes up to a pink area? That pink area is called the “quick” and will lose blood if you accidentally cut into it. It also would be hurting for the cat. Cut the nail quickly and cleanly just beneath the pink area. Now, can you do again that procedure for the remaining nineteen or so nails? The answer is almost certainly not. Unless you sedate your cat (not really recommended) or your feline is just really, really laid back, you will have to complete the claw clipping in several stages. In the claw clipping process, do not neglect your kitty's dewclaws. These are like the equivalent to the thumb of a human and are only established on the front paws. Be sure when you stop to take a break that you praise your family feline and even give it a treat for good deeds.

Ok, what happens if you do fortuitously clip into the “quick” of the cat's claw? First of all, stay calm. Your cat will perhaps be freaked enough and fighting in the arms of your helper. You need to restore confidence your cat and affect a slight pressure to the tip of that claw until the bleeding stops. If the cat isn't fighting too much, apply an antiseptic that dries quickly. Avoiding infection is a smart idea. If you are ever in doubt as to how much of the claw you should clip, trim a little less than you probably would go for. It is always better to be safe than sorry.

Claw care for your kitty should happen every two to three weeks optimistically or on an as-needed basis. If possible, keep an eye on your cat's disposition. If your fur ball seems in a laidback mood, try trimming its nails at that time. It is possible to cut them, all on your own, but if your cat takes exception to the fact that you have a pair of clippers in your hand, it can be a difficult task. And if your cat is a bit of a hellion, ask your veterinarian or a professional groomer to clip your cat's claws. They have the experience, special training and some tips and secrets to getting a cat to cooperate.

Sometimes, however, clipping your cat's claws does not prevent the scratching in your home. If you do not wish for giving your cat away to a new home, you might want to consider declawing your cat. This involves removing the claws, through a surgical process, as well as the tissue that the claws draw back into. Talk with your veterinarian about this surgery and whether or not it might be the next step you should take with your cat. As with all medical procedures, there are risks involved like slow healing and infection.

Before taking that drastic step into declawing, try various behavior modification techniques. But most of all, just know that it is natural as breathing for your cat to bare its claws and scratch. If you are lucky, you can train it to utilize a scratching post to do most of its handiwork.

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Supplementing Your Cat's Diet

Saying "no" when your cat looks at you with pleading eyes and coaxes for food from the table can be difficult. However, succumbing to your cat’s wiles has the potential to create several problems.

Consistently adding human food to a nutritionally balanced commercial cat food may upset the nutrient balance of the diet. You may also be creating behavior problems. Your cat will come to expect food from the table when it coaxes. If a handout is not forthcoming, the cat may steal food from the table or the food preparation area. To avoid this problem, try feeding your cat at regularly scheduled times, such as when the family is having breakfast or dinner. Feed only enough to maintain your cat in good body condition. Ignore its coaxing for additional food, or give hugs instead.

Supplementing with human food adds calories to a cat’s diet and may lead to an obese cat. When you do give your cat treats, use those formulated for dogs or cats. Remember that the treats contain calories. Reduce the amount of your cat’s regular diet proportionally to the treats being offered.

Perhaps you are among the cat owners who worry about whether or not your cat is getting all the nutrients it needs from a commercial food. Having a variety of foods in our diets is necessary to get the balanced nutrition we, as humans, require. However, all the needed variety is built into complete and balanced cat foods.

When it comes to providing optimum nutrition for our cats, reputable cat food manufacturers have done the work for us. Research scientists have formulated commercial diets containing all the nutrients normal, healthy dogs or cats need for a particular life stage. However, factors like feeding table scraps, inconsistent exercise, or stressful changes in routine can leave dogs and cats with special nutritional needs.

Some foods fed in excess may cause health problems. For example, repeatedly adding raw eggs to a cat’s diet may cause a deficiency of the vitamin biotin. Egg whites contain an enzyme which destroys the vitamin biotin. Symptoms of biotin deficiency include dermatitis, loss of hair and poor growth.

Milk, if it is offered, should be in small amounts and never used as a substitute for water. Some adult dogs and cats are not capable of digesting large amounts of milk. It contains the sugar lactose, which requires the enzyme lactase for breakdown in the intestinal tract. If the intestinal tracts does not contain sufficient lactase, consumption of a high level of milk may cause diarrhea.

Although we may associate meat or meat by-products with a dog or cat’s nutritional needs, meat in itself is not a balanced diet. While meat is a good source of certain nutrients, it must be combined with other ingredients to provide complete nutrition. High quality cat foods provide the nutritional balance a cat needs.

When it comes to minerals, some cat owners believe that additional calcium, and possibly other minerals, should be added to the diets of pregnant and nursing females and growing puppies and kittens. It is true that more minerals are needed at these times, but they are normally obtained through increased consumption of a high quality nutritionally balanced diet. Adding them out of proportion to other nutrients can create skeletal deformities and other problems.

Some cat owners feed baby food to induce a cat to eat or as an ongoing treat. Recent studies suggest that certain baby foods contain levels of onion powder which are toxic to cats. If your cat is not eating, it may be a sign of illness and your veterinarian should be consulted. Commercial cat treats are your best bet to reward your cat for being your good friend.

Always keep chocolate out of your cat’s reach. It contains theobromine, which is toxic to cats.

Sometimes it’s difficult to take a firm stand with a cat who is a consummate "con artist" and knows how to get its own way. Remember the problems excessive supplementation may cause. This should help you take a firm stand and feed a nutritionally balanced diet that tastes good to your cat and is good for their health.

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