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New Feline Viruses Identified

1/14/2019

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According to the authors of a recent article in the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, “the rate at which novel viruses are being discovered now exceeds our understanding of their clinical relevance.” For example, researchers have recently identified novel gammaherpesviruses (GHVs) and morbilliviruses infecting the domestic cat, but the ability of these viruses to cause disease remains poorly understood.

Gammaherpesviruses
Feline viral rhinotracheitis is a well-documented disease in domestic cats caused by infection with alphaherpesvirus feline herpesvirus 1.

Interestingly, recent observations show that feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV)–infected cats were developing cancers similar to those observed in humans with Epstein-Barr virus and Kaposi’s sarcoma­–associated herpesvirus. Subsequent polymerase chain reaction (PCR) screening identified 3 novel GHVs in domestic cats, bobcats, and pumas. PCR testing of nearly 1500 cats from the United States, Australia, Europe, Singapore, Japan, and Brazil has since estimated a 10% to 25% prevalence of the domestic cat GHV (known as Felis catus gammaherpesvirus 1 [FcaGHV1]). However, serologic studies suggest that infection rates are even higher than PCR results indicate.

Little is known about the epidemiology of FcaGHV1. Kittens are capable of acquiring FcaGHV1 infection at 2 months of age, and most affected adult cats are infected persistently. Prevalence is highest in male cats 2 years and older and in cats already infected with FIV or Hemoplasma species.

Although most infections are subclinical, recent studies suggest that FcaGHV1 infection increases an overall risk of illness. In 1 study, circulating herpesvirus concentrations were nearly 3 times higher in FIV-infected cats compared with baseline controls. Although researchers have failed to correlate FcaGHV1 infection with neoplasia development, 1 study found that survival after lymphoma diagnosis was significantly reduced if cats were co-infected with FcaGHV1.

Morbilliviruses
Morbilliviruses, including measles, canine distemper virus, rinderpest, and phocine distemper virus, can cause significant disease in many animal species. Global screening shows that feline morbillivirus (FeMV), which was first detected in domestic cats in 2012, is now widely distributed in the United States, Brazil, Japan, and Europe.

Similar to FcaGHV1, the clinical relevance of FeMV is poorly understood, as several studies have detected a high prevalence of the virus in both healthy and ill cats. Also, the virus is notoriously difficult to isolate and PCR may cause false-positive results; therefore, test results are often difficult to interpret.

The route of infection and mode of transmission for FeMV also remain unclear. Prevalence seems to be highest in multicat environments, such as stray colonies, and there is limited evidence suggesting that the virus may cause kidney and liver disease. Although many morbilliviruses can cause persistent infection, the authors stated that further investigation is needed before the same can be stated for FeMV.  

Final Thoughts
No commercial diagnostic tests have been developed for FcaGHV1 and FeMV, as continued research is still needed to understand their clinical impact. According to the authors of this review article, neither virus is believed to be zoonotic.
Source: Natalie Stilwell, DVM, MS, PhD; americanveterinarian.com
A Peaceful Farewell provides compassionate at home pet euthanasia to fellow pet owners in Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, Tempe, Ahwatukee, Scottsdale, and most of the Greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area.
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Pets need other pets to be blood donors

12/13/2018

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Emergency veterinarian Beth Lewis says that, just like people, pets need other pets to donate blood for use in emergency situations and surgeries. Potential donors are screened for good health, and Dr. Lewis says it takes "minimal effort on people's part and on the pet's part.
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Read More: Full Article 
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Researchers say cats are neither aloof nor cruel

8/9/2018

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Cats are perceived as aloof, but those that are socialized to humans as kittens are affectionate and often form close ties to their owners, though they do maintain a level of independence, says biologist Dennis Turner, who studies the relationship between people and domestic cats. Cats also appear to play cruelly with their prey, but researcher Maxeen Biben found that cats are simply being cautious.

​​Read more: Full Article
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Stem cell therapy improves osteoarthritis in canine study

8/3/2018

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Injections of autologous adipose tissue improved symptoms of osteoarthritis within one month in 78% of dogs participating in a clinical trial, and 88% showed improvement after six months, researchers reported in Stem Cells Translational Medicine. Researchers harvested the dogs' adipose tissue using a minimally invasive, one-step procedure; injected it into the arthritic joint; and saw improvement with no major adverse effects.
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Full Article 
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Dogs need daily exercise, and that's not a bad thing for their owners

5/16/2018

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All dogs need exercise every day, though the type and amount depend on breed, age and health, and exercising with a dog can strengthen the human-animal bond, says veterinarian Stacy Eckman of the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences. Exercise can alleviate pain and joint stiffness, strengthen muscles and control weight, and working with a veterinarian ensures that the exercise plan is tailored to the dog's needs and capabilities, Dr. Eckman says.

Read more: Full article
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Rottweiler is breed most prone to osteoarthritis, study finds

4/25/2018

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The Rottweiler is more likely than other breeds to develop osteoarthritis, and the condition is more likely in males and in dogs that are heavier than average for their breed, according to Royal Veterinary College analysis of records from 1,000 veterinary practices in the UK. The average age at diagnosis was 10.5 years, and long-term pain medication is recommended in 75% cases, the researchers found.

CLICK HERE to read the complete article
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RECALL: Northwest Naturals Frozen Chicken and Salmon Pet Food Chubs - Possible Listeria Monocytogenes Health Risk

2/27/2018

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​Northwest Naturals of Portland, Oregon is recalling 5lb frozen Chicken and Salmon petfood chubs because it has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. Listeria monocytogenes can affect animals eating the products and there is risk to humans from handling contaminated pet products, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the products or any surfaces exposed to these products.

Listeria monocytogenes is pathogenic to humans. Healthy people exposed to Lm should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramping, fever.
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Pets with Listeria monocytogenes. Listeria monocytogenes (Lm) can affect animals eating the product. There is the possibility of risk to humans from handling product that is positive for Listeria monocytogenes especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after and if they have made contact with the product or any surfaces exposed to the product.

Product was 1 isolated batch of 94 cases distributed to distributors in California, Washington, Texas, Michigan, Georgia, and Rhode Island and sold thru specialty pet retail stores.
Product is packaged in 5lb frozen chubs labeled Chicken and Salmon Dog Food with a UPC code of 0 87316 38440 6 and a product best buy date code of 15 082218

No pet or human illnesses have been reported to date. The product passed lab testing on 12-22-2016 and was sold over 1 year ago to distributors listed above, on or before 1-23-2017. Reports from distributors indicate there is no product at any distributors.

The company was notified on 2-21-2018 by FDA and the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD). MDARD bought 1 chub at a Michigan specialty pet store and tested the sample which was negative for e coli, salmonella, and positive for Listeria moncytogenes. The company tests all batches of products for all pathogens in a positive release program before releasing for shipping. The company tests over 600 batches of product per week. The company is a dual jurisdiction facility regulated by USDA-FSIS every day on every shift and FDA. The company does dual lab testing several times per month matching USDA- FSIS lab samples and comparing results.

Consumers are encouraged to check the lot code on any 5lb frozen Chicken and Salmon chubs. Any product with the noted lot code should return product to the specialty retailer where purchased for full refund.
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​Consumers with questions may contact Northwest Naturals at 1-866-637-1872, Monday-Friday, from 8:00am to 4:00pm PST or go to www.nw-naturals.net

Source: FDA

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“Doggie breath” could be a sign of life-threatening disease

2/11/2018

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Pet owners urged to schedule a dental checkup in February during National Pet Dental Health Month
​Fido's or Fluffy's bad breath could be more than an odor problem; it might signify a serious health risk with the potential to damage not only the animal’s teeth and gums but its internal organs as well.
To address the importance of oral health care for pets, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) is sponsoring National Pet Dental Health Month® in February.

AVMA President Dr. Mike Topper says regular dental exams are an integral and primary component of a pet's overall health care, and can help prevent more serious health problems.

"Oral disease is the most frequently diagnosed health problem for pets; it's also entirely preventable," said Dr. Topper. "Twice-a-year checkups, including an oral health checkup, are important to ensure your pet is not in pain and is not suffering from serious oral health problems. Besides causing receding gums and tooth loss, bacteria in the mouth can enter the bloodstream, potentially infecting the heart, liver and kidneys, which can be potentially life threatening.

"Just as the public has come to realize that their own oral health is linked to their overall health, veterinarians want people to understand that dental health care is essential to maintaining the overall health and well-being of the family pet."

Routine cleanings can help prevent periodontal disease and save money in the long run. A 2014 analysis conducted by Veterinary Pet Insurance Co. showed that the average cost per pet to prevent dental disease is just one-third of the average cost of treating dental disease. More importantly, a complete oral examination can detect hidden health problems. Even if your pet's breath smells fine, there still could be dental conditions that are hard to spot without a complete veterinary exam.

While regular dental checkups are essential to help maintain your pet's dental health, there are a number of signs that dental disease has already started. If you notice any of the symptoms below, take your pet in to your veterinarian immediately:
  • Red swollen gums
  • Bad breath (similar to the smell of a rotten egg)
  • Teeth that are broken, loose, discolored or covered in tartar
  • Abnormal chewing, drooling or dropping food from the mouth
  • Bleeding from the mouth
  • Shying away from you when you touch the mouth area
  • Frequent pawing or rubbing at the face and/or mouth
  • Reduced appetite or refusal to eat
  • Weight loss

In addition to professional dental care, Dr. Topper advises pet owners to make oral home care part of their pet's routine as a way to prevent tooth decay. Veterinarians can help pet owners begin a pet dental care routine at home, and encourage them to continue regular veterinary checkups to monitor their pets' oral health.

To learn more about dental care for pets, including an instructional video on brushing pets’ teeth, visit avma.org/petdental.
Source:  avama.org / Michael San Filippo
A Peaceful Farewell provides compassionate at home pet euthanasia to fellow pet owners in Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, Tempe, Ahwatukee, Scottsdale, and most of the Greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area.
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The Health Benefits of Owning a Cat

9/5/2017

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People are increasingly discovering that pets provide them with emotional and physical health benefits, according to former AVMA President Dr. Douglas Aspros, and it is likely the stereotype of the "crazy cat lady" may soon be a thing of the past. Petting cats releases oxytocin, making people feel less stressed; the sound of a cat's purr can lower blood pressure; cat owners have less risk of dying from a heart attack or stroke; cats' companionship can reduce loneliness; and exposure early in life may prevent later pet allergies.
6 Ways Cats Improve Your Health...
  1. CAT LOVERS MAY BE SMARTER AND MORE SENSITIVE. Practice your best humble brag because a 2014 study found that those who identify as cat lovers are more introverted, yes, but also more open-minded and sensitive than dog lovers. Cat lovers also scored higher in intelligence than a canine's companions.
  2. THEY HELP US STRESS LESS. Feeling anxious? You might want to pencil in an extended petting session tonight. The act of petting your cat releases oxytocin, the bonding hormone or "cuddle chemical," which can make you feel less stressed, says Melanie Greenberg, Ph.D., licensed clinical psychologist and author of The Stress-Proof Brain.
  3. THEY'RE GOOD FOR YOUR TICKER. In fact, in a study published in the Journal of Vascular and Interventional Neurology, researchers noticed a link between cat ownership and a decreased risk of dying from heart attack or stroke. Even the sound of your cat's purr can calm your nerves and lower your blood pressure.
  4. THEY KEEP LONELINESS AT BAY. One of the best things a cat can provide is simple: companionship. “People are a little more disconnected these days,” Greenberg says. “And research shows that loneliness is a big factor for all kinds of diseases.” For example, one recent study linked loneliness to an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
  5. THEY MAY PREVENT ALLERGIES. According to a study published in the journal Clinical & Experimental Allergy, teens who were exposed to cats during their first year of life were less likely to develop an allergy to fur babies as a result. “The theory is that by giving the immune system something natural to work on, it develops in a healthy, normal manner and isn’t always overreacting to non-dangerous stimuli,” says Haworth.
  6. THEY'RE LESS EXPENSIVE THAN DOGS. It's not all about mental or physical health — cats are better for your finances, too. According to the ASPCA, owning a furry feline, instead of a pup can save you about $300 to $800 a year.
Source: nbcnews.com / Christina Heiser
A Peaceful Farewell provides compassionate at home pet euthanasia to fellow pet owners in Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, Tempe, Ahwatukee, Scottsdale, and most of the Greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area.
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Experts: How to prevent heatstroke in pets

7/13/2017

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Brutus, Duke, Coco, Lola and Jake...sure, they're fairly common pet names, but they're also the names of just a few of the pets that died last year because they were left in cars on warm (and not necessarily hot) days while their owners were shopping, visiting friends or family, or running errands. What's so tragic is that these beloved pets were simply the victims of bad judgment.

Want numbers? An independent study showed that the interior temperature of vehicles parked in outside temperatures ranging from 72 to 96° F rose steadily as time increased. And cracking the windows doesn't help.
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...add to that the fact that most pets are not properly restrained while in the car, and you've got some dangerous situations – for people and pets alike. Unrestrained pets can be seriously or fatally injured, or could even hurt you, in a collision or sudden braking situation. In addition, they're a distraction for the driver, which increases the risk of driver errors. According to a 2010 American Automobile Association (AAA) survey, 2 out of 3 owners engage in distracting behaviors (playing with, feeding or petting their dog, or letting their dog sit in their lap) when pets are in the car...and according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), approximately 20% of injury crashes involve distracted driving.

Please don't become another statistic: only take your pets in the vehicle with you when you absolutely need to, and always properly restrain your pets while in the vehicle.

How can you help prevent these injuries and deaths?
  • Learn more about keeping your pet safe during travel;
  • Set a good example by leaving your pet(s) at home except when you need to have them in the vehicle;
  • Set a good example by always properly restraining your own pet(s) while in a vehicle;
  • Educate clients, family and friends about these issues and how they can keep their pet(s) safe;
  • Download and distribute our posters to help educate pet owners about the dangers of hot vehicles and lack of restraint:
Source: AVAMA
A Peaceful Farewell provides compassionate at home pet euthanasia to fellow pet owners in Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, Tempe, Ahwatukee, Scottsdale, and most of the Greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area.
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