The Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) causes feline AIDS and is relatively common in Australia and New Zealand, with up to 25% of domestic cats testing positive for the virus.
This disease is incurable. It compromises the efficiency of a cat’s immune system by killing or damaging cells – allowing them to be far more susceptible and likely to succumb to common illnesses and viruses.
How is FIV transmitted?
The virus is spread by blood or saliva transfer between cats, through:
- Biting (between fighting or mating cats)
- A mother cat and her kittens
What are the symptoms of FIV?
Symptoms may not develop for many years in a large percentage of infected cats, and some may never experience any. When symptoms do develop, the most commonly observed are:
- Severe dental (and gum) disease
- Weight loss
- Kidney disease
- Eye and mouth discharge
- Swollen/enlarged lymph nodes
- Fever
- Eye diseases
- Neurological issues
How is feline AIDS treated?
Unfortunately, there is no cure or specific treatment for feline AIDS.
Veterinarians will treat each individual problem in an infected cat as and when it occurs. Often, the cat will appear to return to full health before they become ill again.
Protect your cat from FIV
You can protect your cat to an extent by keeping them indoors and limiting their exposure to unknown cats.
We recommend vaccination for high-risk cats. Vaccination will cover two strains of FIV, and is up to 80% effective.
We will run a test to ensure your cat has not already contracted the virus before beginning a vaccination program and annual booster shot.
Call our team on 07 3357 3882 or book online today to organise your appointment.
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With springtime upon us, we can expect to see more blossoming trees and flowers popping up all over the garden – and with that comes bees. Your dog or cat might think a bee is a harmless new friend, providing a bit of excitement and fun with a game of chase! Often this can result in your pet receiving a bee sting to the face, mouth, or paws.
Has my pet been stung?
It will be very clear almost immediately if your pet has been stung. Keep an eye out for:
- A sudden or continuing cry from your pet, indicating pain and discomfort
- Your pet running around in circles or otherwise erratically
- Licking, chewing, or pawing the same spot repeatedly
- Unusual swelling
- Excessive drooling
- Pale gums
In some extreme cases, pets can experience severe reactions and experience vomiting, collapse, hives, profound swelling, and difficulty breathing. If your pet has been stung by more than one bee or in the mouth or throat, their reaction is more likely to be severe, and they can potentially experience anaphylactic shock. It is essential to act fast.
What should I do if my pet has been stung?
Stay calm! Panicking will only increase your pet’s stress.
The stinger will continue to release venom until it has been removed, causing pain and discomfort.
If you have noticed any of the above-mentioned severe reactions, give us a call and make your way in to see us immediately.
If your pet is having a mild reaction and experiencing discomfort only:
- Try to locate the site of the sting
- If you can find it, remove the stinger gently with tweezers
Once you are sure the stinger has been removed:
- Apply cool water via washing the site or pressing it gently with a wet cloth.
- Keep an eye on your pet for any developing symptoms, and ensure they are well hydrated.
If your pet appears uncomfortable or develops a more severe reaction after removing the sting, please give us a call for further advice.
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