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--- feline:health-care [2023/08/28 17:20] – [Diarrhea From Overeating] marcos
+++ feline:health-care [2023/12/21 04:33] (current) – external edit 127.0.0.1
@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
+====== Feline Health Care ======
+\\
+===== Vaccinations and Deworming =====
+[[https://www.cnn.com/2010/HEALTH/02/22/hm.pet.vaccinations/index.html |Pet vaccinations are no longer one-size-fits-all]]
+Vaccination Schedule: https://www.petsmart.com/learning-center/cat-care/kittens-first-shots/A0031.html
+Deworming: http://www.kittenlady.org/giparasites
+Routine Care: https://www.kittenlady.org/routinecare
+Australian Version:
+https://www.vetwest.com.au/pet-library/caring-for-your-cat-vaccination-desexing-worming-fleas-heartworm-feeding
+Alternative Medicine:
+https://www.onlynaturalpet.com/blogs/holistic-healthcare-library/what-you-need-to-know-about-vaccinations
+<WRAP center round box 95%>
+The most commonly recommended core vaccines for kittens are feline panleukopenia (distemper)/rhinotracheitis/calicivirus (often combined in one shot) and rabies (to be given at age 3 months or older). Rabies vaccination is required by law in most states, even for indoor cats. There is now a feline rabies vaccine (Purevax by Merial) that does not run the same risks of cancer as most “killed” vaccines. Request it from your vet, or find one that carries it. Purevax is an annual vaccine, while most killed rabies vaccines are approved for use every 3 years. Still, the risk of cancer is too high with all killed vaccines (including rabies, feline leukemia, and feline immunodeficiency virus or feline AIDS); try to avoid them.
+... If your companion’s risk of exposure is small, you may wish to avoid non-core vaccines, such as FeLK (feline leukemia), FIP (feline infectious peritonitis), FIV (feline immunodeficiency virus), ringworm, Giardia, and rattlesnake venom. Coronavirus, Bordatella (kennel cough), and Chlamydia vaccines are not very effective. Leptospirosis and Lyme disease are common in some parts of the country; so discuss them with your veterinarian to determine whether your dog’s risk is high enough to warrant vaccination.
+... Multiple studies have shown that the vaccines for parvovirus, canine distemper, and feline panleukopenia provide extremely good, long-term protection from disease—8 to 10 years or more. This is true whether your pet received the puppy or kitten series (with the last vaccine given at or after 16 weeks of age), or for older animals after a single vaccine.
+Rabies produces very good immunity as well, but because of the public safety risks of the disease, it’s still necessary to follow the laws in your area.
+As the problems associated with over-vaccination have become more widely known, veterinary schools and organizations have altered their vaccine recommendations. Most now advocate 3-year vaccine intervals instead of the traditional (but not science-based) annual schedule; but even that is probably excessive for most vaccines. The vast majority of adult pets do not need further vaccination for the diseases covered by puppy and kitten vaccines. Booster vaccines do not increase the animal’s immunity, but they do increase the risk of adverse reactions.  [[https://www.onlynaturalpet.com/blogs/holistic-healthcare-library/what-you-need-to-know-about-vaccinations |onlynaturalpet.com]]
+</WRAP>
+Overview of Vaccination Recommendations from Above Links:
+^ Recommended Vaccinations From: ^ Feline Leukemia Exam ^ Feline Leukemia Vaccine ^ FVCRP Rhinotracheitis, Calcivirus, Panleukopenia (aka Distemper, Enteritis) ^ Chlamydia ^ Rabies  ^ Feline Respiratory Disease ^ Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) ^
+| Petco | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no |
+| Kitten Lady | no | no | yes | no | yes | no | no |
+| VetWest (Australia) | no | yes | yes | yes | no | yes | yes |
+\\
+===== Parasite Treatment and Prevention =====
+Fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, roundworm, hookworms, etc.  Some insecticides absorb into the bloodstream and also act as dewormers.\\
+[[http://www.vspn.org/Library/misc/VSPN_M01289.htm |Small Animal Toxicoses - Insecticides]] by Tina Wismer, DVM, Veterinary Poison Information Specialist, ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center
+Reason to deworm before vaccinations, see: https://www.mokenaanimalclinic.com/blog/is-it-advisable-to-deworm-a-dog-before-vaccinating-it
+\\
+==== Selamectin ====
+" As all macrocyclic lactones, selamectin acts as agonist of the GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) neurotransmitter in nerve cells and also binds to glutamate-gated chloride channels in nerve and muscle cells of invertebrates. In both cases it blocks the transmission of neuronal signals of the parasites, which are paralyzed and expelled out of the body, or they starve. It also affects the reproduction of some parasites by diminishing oviposition or inducing an abnormal oogenesis.
+In mammals the GABA receptors occur only in the central nervous system (CNS), i.e. in the brain and the spinal chord. But mammals have a so-called blood-brain barrier that prevents microscopic objects and large molecules to get into the brain. Consequently macrocyclic lactones are much less toxic to mammals than to parasites without such a barrier, which allows quite high safety margins for use on livestock and pets. A notable exception to this are dog breeds that carry the MDR-1 gene defect (see later). " [[https://parasitipedia.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2671&Itemid=2948 |parasitipedia.net]]  Parasitipedia mentions studies without providing any reference, but I believe they are referring to studies with conflicts of interest.
+Further reading: [[https://books.google.com/books?id=KlJKAgAAQBAJ&pg=RA1-PA180&lpg=RA1-PA180&dq=selamectin+%22safety+margin%22&source=bl&ots=XyKph3m45c&sig=ACfU3U06E6dyZ-G3pENFCcdrrrGMUC-Rcg&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjl346T55TqAhWKc98KHcqZAksQ6AEwDnoECBoQAQ#v=onepage&q=selamectin%20%22safety%20margin%22&f=false |Kirk's Current Veterinary Therapy XV, chapter 34, Avermectins in Dermatology]]
+" Selamectin (brand names: Revolution®, Paradyne®, Stronghold®, Chanhold®) is an avermectin antiparasitic used topically to treat parasites in dogs and cats. When used in dogs, parasites treated by selamectin include fleas, heartworms, ear mites, scabies, and certain ticks. When used in cats, parasites treated by selamectin include fleas, heartworms, ear mites, hookworms, and roundworms. It has also been used to treat notoedric mange, nasal mites, and cordylobiolosis. "  [[https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/selamectin |source]]  Selamectin is also used in cats, dogs, and other small mammals to treat certain parasites off label.
+=== Studies with Conflicts of Interest ===
+[[https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0304401717301024?via%3Dihub |Efficacy and safety of a new spot-on formulation of selamectin plus sarolaner..., 2017]]\\
+Paid for and carried out by employees of Zoetis, which produce Revolution.
+[[https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0304401700003071?via%3Dihub |Safety of selamectin in cats, 2000]]\\
+The study was headed by Pfizer, which used to be the parent company of Zoetis at the time of the study.
+[[https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0304401700002892 |Selamectin: a novel broad-spectrum endectocide for dogs and cats, 2000]]\\
+The study was headed by Pfizer, which used to be the parent company of Zoetis at the time of the study.
+=== Toxicology Studies ===
+[[https://ehp.niehs.nih.gov/doi/full/10.1289/EHP515 |Effects of Neonicotinoid Pesticide Exposure on Human Health: A Systematic Review, 2017]]\\
+"The studies conducted to date were limited in number with suggestive but methodologically weak findings related to chronic exposure. Given the wide-scale use of neonics, more studies are needed to fully understand their effects on human health."
+[[https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/15376520590968860 |Human Exposure to Selamectin from Dogs Treated with Revolution™: Methodological Consideration for Selamectin Isolation, 2004]]\\
+"It needs to be mentioned that selamectin has the potential to bio-concentrate, and therefore, its long-term repeated exposure may pose adverse health risks to veterinarians and their personnel and pet owners."
+\\
+==== Fipronil ====
+[[https://apvma.gov.au/node/15191 |Safety of fipronil in dogs and cats: A review of literature, Australian Government 2011]]\\
+[[https://apvma.gov.au/node/15186 |A review of animal safety studies for fipronil in the dog and cat, Australian Government 2011]]\\
+[[https://apvma.gov.au/node/15176 |Review of the mammalian toxicology and metabolism/toxicokinetics of fipronil 2009]]
+\\
+==== Fipronil vs Selamectin ====
+=== Toxicity ===
+Oral toxicology for mice and rats:
+[[http://sds.chemtel.net/webclients/texasaquarium/Revolution%20(Selamectin).pdf |Selamectin LD50 is 1600 mg/kg]], where dosage is [[https://www.uwsheltermedicine.com/library/resources/selamectin-revolution-dosing-chart |15mg-60mg]]\\
+[[http://npic.orst.edu/factsheets/archive/fiptech.html |Fipronil LD50 is 95 mg/kg]], where dosage is [[https://parasitipedia.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3681&Itemid=4079 |50 mg/kg]]\\
+[[http://npic.orst.edu/factsheets/archive/imidacloprid.html |Imidacloprid LD50 is 130-500 mg/kg]], where dosage is [[http://www.noahcompendium.co.uk/?id=-446233 |10mg/kg]]
+By the LD50, it seems selamectin is safer (less toxic) than fipronil.
+=== Effectiveness ===
+Selamectin seems a hair less effective than fipronil in keeping fleas from re-infesting cats after many days:\\
+{{:feline:percentage-reduction-in-flea-counts.jpg?direct&400|Percentage Reduction in Flea Counts}}\\
+Sourced from [[https://www.researchgate.net/publication/12218587_Evaluation_of_efficacy_of_selamectin_and_fipronil_against_Ctenocephalides_felis_in_cats |Evaluation of efficacy of selamectin and fipronil against Ctenocephalides felis in cats, 2000]]
+\\
+==== Imidacloprid and Metaflumizone ====
+[[https://www.vetfolio.com/learn/article/comparative-efficacy-of-imidacloprid-selamectin-fipronil-s-methoprene-and-metaflumizone-against-cats-experimentally-infested-with-ctenocephalides-felis |Comparative Efficacy of Imidacloprid, Selamectin, Fipronil-(S)-Methoprene, and Metaflumizone against Cats Experimentally Infested with Ctenocephalides felis]]
+\\
+==== Method of Action of Insecticides ====
+These insecticides are for dogs, although some are also approved for cats.  If fleas have become resistant to one method of action, you can switch to another.  Data from [[https://doi.org/10.12968/coan.2019.0041 |Canine flea control: too much choice?, Sue Paterson 2019]]
+  * Chloride channel activators:
+Selamectin
+  * Chitin biosynthesis inhibitors (juvenoid/IGR):
+Lufenuron
+  * GABA-gated chloride channel antagonist:
+Fipronil, Isoxazolines: Afoxolaner, Fluralaner, Sarolaner, Lotilaner
+  * Juvenile hormone mimetics (juvenoid/IGR):
+Pyriproxyfen, Methoprene
+  * Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors agonists:
+Dinotefuran, Imidacloprid, Nitenpyram, Spinetoram, Spinosad
+  * Sodium channel modulators:
+Cyphenothrin, Deltamethrin, Etofenprox, Flumethrin, Permethrin, Phenothrin
+  * Voltage-dependent sodium channel blockers:
+Indoxacar
+\\
+==== Related Links ====
+https://www.fluoridealert.org/wp-content/pesticides/lufenuron.fipronil.pets.htm
+\\
+===== Ringworm =====
+It's important to trim your cats claws, as breaks in the skin are more susceptible to infection.  Kittens playing with each other can spread the fungus through their claws.
+==== Diagnosis ====
+A blacklight can be used to detect the most common form of ringworm.  From Wikipedia: "A blacklight (or often black light), also referred to as a UV-A light, Wood's lamp, or ultraviolet light, is a lamp that emits long-wave (UV-A) ultraviolet light and very little visible light."
+When shining a blacklight at a cat, "If the hairs fluoresce a lime green, it is a type of ringworm fungus on the coat. Works for cats or dogs. But the problem can still be ringworm if it doesn’t fluoresce, because there are several species of fungi that cause ringworm and only one of them fluoresces. Purple or white ‘flourescence’ or flakes or skin that fluoresces don’t count: it has to be the green and it has to be the hair shafts."  [[https://www.quora.com/Can-you-use-a-UV-light-to-know-what-areas-and-articles-have-ringworm-or-ringworm-spores-or-does-it-only-work-to-detect-ringworm-on-a-cats-coat/answer/Andie-Lenhard |Andie Lenhard, Veternarian]]
+==== Treatment ====
+Hoping ACV would be effective, I searched for scientific literature with the terms: "dermatophytosis" "acetic acid" "feline"
+[[https://books.google.com/books?id=dJsqSciCVJ0C&pg=PA223 |Muller and Kirk's Small Animal Dermatology p.223]] [[https://books.google.com/books?id=dJsqSciCVJ0C&lpg=PA226&ots=TzWjVCOma3&dq=feline%20dermatophytosis%20%22acetic%20acid%22&pg=PA225#v=onepage&q=feline%20dermatophytosis%20%22acetic%20acid%22&f=false |alternate view]]
+{{:feline:products-for-topical-treatment-of-superficial-mycoses.jpg |Products for Topical Treatment of Fungal Infections}}
+" Topical Therapies
+Topical Therapy is often curative in superficial yeast infections (Malassezia, Candida) and may be curative or adjunctive in dermatophytosis.  Dermatophyte infections are more difficult to treat because the fungi are relatively protected within hair shafts and hair follicles.  Topical antifungal agents kill unprotected dermatophyte hyphae and spores rapidly, but not hyphae and spores within hairs.
+Topical agents tend to be more effective in short coated animals, for localized alopecic lesions, and in long-haired anials that have been clipped.  Many topical antifungal agents are primarily of historical interest and are not discussed in this text.  Examples of such products include povidone-iodine, sodium hypochlorite, tolnaftate, Whitfield's ointment (benzoic and salicylic acids), gentian violet, potassium permanganate, and so forth.  The interested reader is referred to previous editions of this book.
+Spot Treatments
+Focal applications of topical antifungal agents are useful for treatment of candidiasis, Malassezia dermatitis, and localized dermatophyte lesions in dogs and shorthaired cats.
+...Products containing chlorhexidine in combination with miconazole may be more effective than either agent used alone.
+[// Spot treatments work best around the head and neck, where cats don't have direct grooming access. //]
+Rinses
+Antifungal rinses are the most effective topical products for treatment of widespread superficial mycoses.  They have more residual activity than shampoos.  ... Lime Sulfur is typically applied once or twice weekly for Malassezia dermatitis and every 5 to 7 days for dermatophytosis.  Miconazole/chlorhexidine and enilconazole rinses may also be applied once or twice weekly.
+Another useful rinse for the treatment of Malassezia dermatitis is acetic acid 2.5%.  The solution can be prepared by combining equal parts vinegar (5% acetic acid) and water.  The solution is well tolerated and particularly useful as a foot soak (5-10 minutes daily) for Malassezia pododermatitis. "
+Systemic Therapies
+I'd rather not give a cat medication, because of the side effects.  However, the best tolerated one (also recommended by kitten lady) is itraconazole (brand name: itrafungol).
+==== Related Links ====
+http://www.tinykittens.com/ringworm\\
+https://www.hunker.com/13420890/how-to-disinfect-a-home-after-an-infection-from-ringworm\\
+{{:feline:ringworm-qa.pdf|Maddie's Institute Ringworm Q&A}}
+\\
+===== Natural Dermal Treatments =====
+\\
+==== Apple Cider Vinegar ====
+One possible treatment for an ear infection is ACV apple cider vinegar.  The paper I found stated "clear distilled malt vinegar" (aka acetic acid) at a ratio of 1:1 with water, in cases of antibiotic resistance.  ((Use and abuse of topical dermatological therapy in dogs and cats. Part 2, CATHY CURTIS))
+\\
+==== Aloe Vera Gel ====
+While the plant is toxic to cats, the gel itself is not. ((https://www.seattletimes.com/life/pets/veterinary-qa-follow-up-on-toxins-aloe-vera))  Maybe it can be beneficial as it is for human skin?  I found some studies of the extract of aloe vera, but I'm not sure this is quite the same as aloe gel/juice.  Search terms used were "aloe barbadensis dermatophytosis".
+One article was for aloe vera juice.  It was found to inhibit growth of different species of dermatophytes in agar gel. ((Susceptibility of dermatophytes to Aloe vera juices using agar http://www.usa-journals.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/Oladejo_Vol18.pdf))
+The other was for fresh aloe straight from the plant: "Faster cure of the Ringworm was achieved with the fresh sample treatment than was recorded for the fermented Aloe vera treatment."  ((Control of Tinea (ringworm) using Aloe vera gel in Rivers State.  https://www.cabdirect.org/cabdirect/abstract/20133195714))
+I am trying treatment with aloe first, because the kitten seems to tolerate it well, and even likes it as I massage him with my fingers.  Perhaps he sees that I use it on myself as well, so it's a grown up thing to do.  This is in contrast to Conzol 1% (miconazole nitrate) lotion, which he complains bitterly when I apply, also using my fingers.
+I don't see the rave in using other products, considering that in healthy cats, ringworm resolves by itself in 70-100 days.  If using pharma or lime-sulfur the issue resolves in 60 days, is that such a big difference?
+Update 20200704:
+For treatment of ringworm, the first day on the June 23, I used the miconazole nitrate.  After that, I've been using aloe vera on subsequent days, once a day, until today July 4th, 11 days later.  His hair is really smooth.  His condition isn't resolved, but much improved.  I can no longer see the bald spots on his head or feel the scaly spots that were around his neck.  Some former spots have disappeared.  His ears still have uneven hair.
+Under the blacklight, I can see some regions that are still infected, but the hair has started growing back.  The ears show a trace amount of infection, where before there were dense patches of luminescence.
+Update 20200712:
+The research article [[https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3551117 |Processing, food applications and safety of aloe vera products: a review]] states: "Unfortunately, because of improper processing procedures many of these so called aloe products contain very little or virtually no active ingredients namely, mucopolysaccharides. In view of known wide spectrum of biological activities possessed by the leaves of aloe vera plant and its wide spread use, it has become imperative that the leaf must be processed with the aim of retaining essential bioactive components up to maximum possible limit or as much as contained in fresh leaf."
+I assume the product I am using is ok because it states that the aloe is cold pressed and polysaccharide rich.  It's ingredients are: organic aloe vera juice, xanthan, abscorbic acid, citric acid, and potassium sorbate.
+Murci's ringworm condition has improved.  Since the 4th, I have applied aloe every other day, rather than once a day.  Under blacklight only faint traces remain, and most areas have disappeared.  The arms, which I did not treat, still have significant patches, suggesting that the aloe is beneficial.
+\\
+===== Diarrhea From Overeating =====
+Apart from all the reasons given for diarrhea by vets, quite possibly the most common cause of diarrhea in kittens is overeating [[https://pets.thenest.com/symptoms-kittens-over-eating-6780.html |pets.thenest.com]].  Some kittens have a more voracious appetite than others.  This appetite serves them well for survival in the wild, but being tended to by adoring humans in the land of milk and honey, they are often given more food than they need, and devour every bit of it, causing intestinal distress.  While kittens need a lot of calories to grow up healthy and strong, it is best to estimate the recommended daily serving, using guidelines from the food manufacturer, from rescue organizations, and from your own experience with the kitten(s).  Food manufacturers tend to overestimate.
+ With more than one kitten, you may have to be on guard to limit the over-eaters.  Lifelong obesity can result:
+<WRAP center round box 95%>
+It is a myth that kittens should be fed as much as they want to eat (i.e., “ad-lib” feeding). After weaning, which usually happens between 5-8 weeks of age, a kitten accommodates to intermittent feeding. Easy access to food and overeating are common factors contributing to juvenile feline flatulence and diarrhea (scientific articles refer to it as “gluttony”).\\
+...\\
+Do not feed more than 6 ounces of canned food per day unless otherwise directed ... Remember that it is totally normal for a juvenile cat to act “hungry” all the time. This is more a reflection of the intense predatory drive at this age rather than a physical need for calories.[[https://www.catsexclusive.com/blog/kittenhood-obesity |catexclusive.com]]
+</WRAP>
+Kitten Feeding Chart by [[https://be.chewy.com/how-much-to-feed-your-kitten/ |chewy.com]]
+Keep in mind the data in the graph below are averages for healthy kittens. Individual needs may vary up to 50 percent in either direction.
+| Kitten's Weight | Average Caloric Intake |
+| 4 oz (0.1 kg) | 31 kcal / day |
+| 8 oz (0.2 kg) | 52 kcal / day |
+| 12 oz (0.3 kg) | 88 kcal / day |
+| 1 lb (0.4 kg) | 104 kcal / day |
+| 2 lb (0.9 kg) | 162 kcal / day |
+| 3 lbs (1.4 kg) | 225 kcal / day |
+| 4 lbs (1.8 kg) | 272 kcal / day |
+| 5 lbs (2.3 kg) | 327 kcal / day |
+| 6 lbs (2.7 kg) | 369 kcal / day |
+| 7 lbs (3.2 kg) | 419 kcal / day |
+| 8 lbs (3.6 kg) | 457 kcal / day |
+| 9 lbs (4.1 kg) | 504 kcal / day |
+| 10 lbs (4.5 kg) | 541 kcal / day |
+{{:feline:kitten-weight-chart.jpg?direct|Kitten Weight Chart}}\\
+[[https://www.askthecatdoctor.com/kitten-weight-chart.html |askthecatdoctor.com]]
+\\
+===== Vomiting / Regurgitation =====
+\\
+==== Vomiting vs Regurgitation ====
+https://www.webvets.com/Resources/resource.php?Ask-the-Vet-Why-do-Cats-Vomit-by-Kristel-Weaver-DVM-MPVM-27\\
+https://badgervet.com/2014vomiting-versus-regurgitation-in-cats
+\\
+==== Peppermint Tea ====
+An archive of the site nelsonvet.com, recommends a tablespoon of peppermint tea as a [[http://web.archive.org/web/20100415194451/https://www.nelsonvet.com/cat_vomiting.html |remedy for cat vomiting]].  However, peppermint tea in large amount is toxic to cats.
+\\
+==== Essential Oil Diffusion Toxicity ====
+Essential oils that are known to cause poisoning in cats include oil of wintergreen, oil of sweet birch, citrus oil (d-limonene), pine oils, Ylang Ylang oil, peppermint oil, cinnamon oil, pennyroyal oil, clove oil, eucalyptus oil, and tea tree oil. Symptoms that develop depend on the type of oil involved in the exposure and can include drooling, vomiting, tremors, ataxia (wobbliness), respiratory distress, low heart rate, low body temperature, and liver failure.
+\\

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