Download Services Tab 1. Wellness and Preventative Care 2. Digital

Services Tab
1. Wellness and Preventative Care
2. Digital Radiology
3. Ultrasound- Abdominal and Cardiac
4. CO2 Laser Declaw Procedure
5. Rhinoscopy
6. Microchips
7. Dental Cleaning
8. Anesthesia/ Feline Surgery
9. Pain Management
10. Diagnostic Laboratory
11. MLS Laser Therapy
12. Chemotherapy
13. Wellness Plans
14. Inappropriate Urination or Defecation Consultations
15. Behavior Consultations
16. Blood Pressure Testing
17. Nutrition Consultation and Weight Management
18. Feline Hospice Care
19. Grooming and Nail Trims
20. Kitten Education and Promotional Packages
21. Feline Diabetes Mellitus Management
22. Feline Kidney Disease Management (Chronic and Acute)
23. Feline Critical Care and Emergency Care
24. Optional 24 Hour Care
25. Flea Infestation and Parasite Prevention Products
26. Feline Heartworm Testing and Prevention
Wellness and Preventative Care: Cats Veterinary staff enjoys and looks forward to
educating clients on how to maintain their cat’s good health throughout their entire
lifespan. We provide a wealth of information as well as wellness recommendations based
on your cat’s age, lifestyle, clinical signs and physical examination. Wellness
examinations provide our veterinarians with the opportunity to evaluate and identify
medical problems early so that treatment and management can be started quickly.
Wellness recommendations can include:
 Vaccinations- Cats Veterinary offers non-adjuvanted Merial vaccines. We
also adhere to AAFP vaccination standards.
 Fecal Testing- Based on the Center for Disease Control’s
recommendations, Cats Veterinary recommends yearly fecal testing to
confirm your cat is parasite free.
 Routine Blood Work- all routine blood work can be done at the time of
your appointment and can screen for metabolic diseases such as: Diabetes,
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Kidney Disease, Liver Disease, Hyperthyroidism, and Heartworm
Disease.
Urinalysis- For senior and geriatric cats, a urinalysis will give Cats
Veterinary veterinarians the best information on how well your cat’s
kidneys are functioning. This test includes a culture, screening for any
urinary tract infections.
Body Condition Scoring- We score body condition and weight on a scale
of1 to 9. Cats Veterinary staff will give you nutritional advice based on
your cats score.
Dental Health Scoring- Your cat’s dental health will be assessed and
recommendations will be made regarding dental cleanings, antibiotic
therapy, or dental extractions.
We offer complimentary nail trims with every wellness examination.
Digital Radiology: Digital radiology is state of the art technology that provides quicker,
clearer and safer x-ray imaging. Radiographs or x-rays are important for evaluating the
size and shape of the internal organs in both the chest and abdomen. X-rays can also be
used to evaluate the skeletal structure. Cats Veterinary staff is trained in advanced
radiology including: pneumocystogram (air contrast study of the bladder), gastrogram
(air contrast study of the stomach), barium administration and study, dental radiographs,
and skull and nasal studies.
Ultrasound: An ultrasound is a non-invasive procedure used to evaluate internal organs.
We are able to evaluate the internal structures of the organs screening for many disease
processes. Dr. Vani has completed advanced education on feline ultrasound skills.
 Abdominal Ultrasound- every abdominal organ is evaluated for
abnormalities. Our veterinarians will take measurements and recordings of
internal structures and will give each client an in depth interpretation of
the ultrasound. Abdominal ultrasounds allow veterinarians to evaluate the
internal architecture of organs like: kidneys, liver, gall bladder, stomach,
intestines, spleen, pancreas, and the urinary bladder.
 Cardiac Ultrasound- a cardiac ultrasound is essential for evaluation of the
function of the heart. A skilled ultrasonographer can measure the wall
thickness of the chambers of the heart to determine the contractility and
effectiveness of the heart muscle. The valves of the heart can also be
evaluated for any abnormalities.
CO2 Laser- Feline Laser Declaw Procedure
The Benefits of the CO2 Laser Declaw for Cats: Cats Veterinary is proud to
announce we have been completely “laser-only” for our declaw surgical
procedures since the year 2004. The laser surgical method for declaws provides
the most humane and state-of-the-art technique available.
Become Educated on Feline Declaw Procedure Methods: Why is CO2 Laser the
Best?
What is a declaw? Onychectomy (or more commonly called “declawing”) is the
term used to describe the permanent removal of the distal portion of the claw. The
surgical procedure is done under general anesthesia.
Why declaw my cat? Cat scratching is a normal behavior done to mark territory
and to also shed dead nails. At Cats Veterinary, we understand that behavior
modification is not always effective in deterring your feline friend from using its
claws inappropriately, and so only offers the most advanced method of declawing.
What are the surgical methods of performing a declaw surgery on a cat?
There are three methods of performing a declaw procedure. The oldest and most
outdated method is referred to as the “Resco Declaw” and utilizes a guillotinetype nail trimmer to perform the surgery. There are numerous complications with
this procedure including the chance of nail re-growth and prolonged recovery
time. The second method is performing the declaw by utilizing a scalpel blade.
While this method is an improvement on the “Resco Declaw”, the healing time is
still prolonged.
The third and most medically advanced method to performing a cat declaw
procedure is performing the declaw with the use of the CO2 Laser. The CO2
Laser provides for the quickest healing time and with Cats Veterinary pain
management protocols, your feline friend will be comfortable during the recovery
period. Declawing by CO2 laser also avoids the use of tourniquets during the
procedure, which eliminates radial nerve complications. The laser cauterizes
blood vessels and nerve endings, which provide a significant decrease in postoperative swelling and pain.
What is included in the Cost of Cats Veterinary CO2 Laser Declaw?
The cost of a CO2 Laser Declaw is higher than a declaw surgical procedure
performed by “outdated” methods. Our price of the CO2 Laser Declaw is bundled to
include all of the following:
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Pre-anesthetic blood work panel- we tailor our pre-anesthetic blood work
panels to the age of your feline. The goal of doing blood work before
surgery is to screen for underlying illnesses that could complicate general
anesthesia. Your cat’s safety is always our top concern.
Two pre-operative pain management injections- Cats Veterinary feels that
pain management is vital to a quick recovery. Pain medications to go
home are also highly suggested and will be discussed when the patient is
admitted for surgery. Pain relief medication to go home is an additional
cost.
Anesthesia induction and maintenance on gas/inhalant anesthesia- Cats
Veterinary does not utilize injectable anesthetics. This gives the veterinary
staff complete control over the patient’s anesthetic depth and we are able
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to quickly recover our anesthetic patients because of this. Patients that
undergo surgical procedures with injectable anesthetics often have
variable recovery times.
Electronic monitoring of vital signs- a licensed veterinary technician will
monitor both pulse oximetry, heart rate and temperature throughout the
entire procedure.
Surgical Technician- at Cats Veterinary, not only is the veterinarian
monitoring your cat while performing the laser declaw, there is a licensed
veterinary technician that assists the veterinarian and remains with your
cat until they are fully recovered from anesthesia.
Post-operate phone call- The surgical technician will call owners at home
to let them know their cat is in recovery.
Overnight patient recovery stay at the clinic.- Your cat will be housed in
one of our hospital cages overnight and provided meals.
Patient surgery discharge by a licensed veterinary technician on home care
including an explanation on the need to use special non-irritating litter.
Post-operative phone call from the veterinary staff to check on the
patient’s recovery at home.
Cats Veterinary aims to keep your cat comfortable during the healing period. Our staff
would be more than happy to answer any questions regarding the surgical declaw
procedure and to build an estimate specific to your cat’s needs.
Rhinoscopy: A rhinoscope is a small, rigid, fiber optic tube used for examining the entire
nasal passage. The rhinoscope is attached to a television camera to provide easy viewing.
Using the rhinoscope is valuable to visually evaluate the inside of the nasal passages. We
can take a biopsy while still being minimally invasive.
Microchips:
Facts about lost pets
 Every two seconds a family pet is lost.
 41% of cats lost in 2007 were reported by owners to be “Indoors Only”
 Only about 2% of lost cats ever find their way home.
 Collars and ID tags can fall off or become damaged, leaving no form of
identification on lost pets.
 Microchips are essential in times of disasters. If more animals had a
microchip during hurricanes, tornadoes, or other natural disasters, more
pets would be returned home.
Facts about microchips
 A microchip is small, about the size of a grain of rice.
 Microchips have been used for decades to track wildlife, zoo animals and
livestock.
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Each microchip has its own individual number.
Placement of the microchip is done through a needle, much like a vaccine.
It is injected under the skin between the shoulder blades. This is quick and
painless.
After having the microchip placed, it then needs to be registered through
the company. Registered information should be updated with the company
whenever it changes.
Overall, microchips are a permanent form of identification. Veterinary clinics and
shelters routinely scan unknown or stray animals for the presence of microchips, and
if found can help reunite the family!
Did you know????....Oral Disease is the most frequently diagnosed health problem for
cats!
Feline Dental Health Facts
 Kittens have 26 temporary teeth that begin to erupt at about two to three weeks of
age.
 Adult cats have 30 permanent teeth that start to erupt at about 3-4 months of age.
 Feline incisors (the small teeth at the front of the mouth) are used for picking up
food and grooming.
 Feline canines (the large pointed teeth) are used for grabbing prey.
 The molars (teeth at the back of the mouth) are used for crushing and tearing
food. Unlike human molars which have a flatter surface, cat molars are pointedsignifying they are truly obligate carnivores.
 Cat tongues are covered in small “hairs” called papillae that are used for
grooming.
 Cats infected with FeLV or FIV commonly have dental disease. We recommend
knowing your cat’s status. This can be tested in the office at your visit.
Signs of oral and dental diseases in cats:
 Bad Breath.
 Change in eating or chewing habits or changes in appetite
 Pawing at face or mouth
 Drooling
 Sensitivity to having the mouth area touched
 No signs- sometimes cats show no outward signs of advanced dental disease but
on physical exam shows gingivitis, periodontal disease, missing teeth, broken
teeth or resorptive lesions may be noted by our veterinarians.
Dental Disease in Cats
By the age of three 70% of cats show signs of gum disease. Bad breath, tartar buildup
and inflamed gums can be signs of gum disease.
Bacteria, combined with saliva and food debris between the tooth and gum, cause plaque
formulations that accumulate on the tooth. As bacteria grow in the plaque and as calcium
salts are deposited, plaque turns to tartar.
Bacterial plaques are the leading cause in the development of periodontal disease. The
inflammation and destruction that accompanies periodontal disease results from the direct
action of bacteria and their by-products on periodontal tissues as well as the indirect
activation of the host immune response.
Without proper preventive or therapeutic care, plaque and tartar buildup leads to
periodontal disease, which affects the tissues and structures supporting the teeth. Left
untreated, periodontal disease can cause oral pain, dysfunction, tooth loss and systemic
complications, including kidney disease.
Tartar has a contributory role due to its roughened surface, which enhances bacterial
attachment and further plaque development, and also irritates gingival tissues.
Periodontal disease causes red, swollen and tender gums, receding gums, bleeding, pain
and bad breath. If left untreated, periodontitis can lead to tooth loss.
The inflammation and infection associated with periodontal disease may damage other
organs such as the heart, liver and kidneys, or lead to other health problems.
Dental health is evaluated every time your cat is seen at Cats Veterinary. We are more
than happy to show you what your cat’s teeth and gums look like. We make dental
recommendations based on these examinations.
At-Home Plaque and Tartar Control
Prevention of the most common oral disease in cats (and in people!) consists of frequent
removal of the dental plaque and tartar that forms on teeth. The Veterinary Oral Health
Council (VOHC) awards its Seal of Acceptance to products that successfully meet pre-set
criteria for effectiveness in controlling plaque and tartar deposition in dogs and cats. Cats
Veterinary has VOHC approved products to maintain your cat’s dental health at home.
Professional Dental Cleanings.
All dental cleanings are performed while the cat is under general anesthesia. Our dental
anesthesia safety protocol is as follows:
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Optional pre-anesthetic blood pressure testing- For cats over the age of 7,
we highly recommend testing blood pressure before undergoing prolonged
anesthesia. A high or low blood pressure could complicate anesthesia and
pre-dispose patients to anesthetic risk.
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Pre- anesthetic Blood Panel- We tailor the necessary blood panel to the
age of the cat. Blood panels are done to ensure there are not any disease
processes that would deem your cat unsafe for prolonged anesthesia.
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Inhalant anesthesia- Gas or inhalant anesthesia allows our veterinary staff
to better control the depth of anesthesia. All cats are intubated to allow for
controlled breathing and administration of anesthesia.
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Warming Mechanisms- While under anesthesia cats are not able to
regulate their body temperature. We monitor their body temperature and
maintain their body warmth by placing them on warming water blankets
and covering them with warm towels and blankets.
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Monitoring devices- We closely monitor and chart your cat’s anesthetic
stats. Heart rate and O2 saturation are monitored throughout the whole
procedure.
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IV catheter and IV fluids- We require this for any patient of the age of 7
and older as a means to stabilize blood pressure and provide hydration
during the procedure.
Professional dental cleaning includes scaling and other steps described below:
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Overall review of general oral health and dental charting by a licensed veterinary
technician. Comparison of dental health or charts from previous cleanings.
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Cleaning the teeth of tartar and plaque by use of ultrasonic scaling and hand
dental scaling.
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Probing and exploring gingival depths as well as examining teeth for any
resorptive lesions, cracked or broken teeth or any abnormalities.
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Veterinarian overview of the clean teeth to verify all dental disease has been
accurately charted.
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Polishing to smooth out the surface of the tooth.
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Fluoride treatment to strengthen the teeth.
Additional Dental Cleaning Options and Recommendations
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Digital Dental Radiographs- 6 views are taken of the mouth to examine the jaw
bone structure, root attachments and integrity of the teeth. Often diseased teeth
can be diagnosed and treated or removed before they become painful with the use
of dental radiographs. These dental radiographs remain with your cats medical
files so follow up x-rays can easily be compared. At discharge, our veterinary
staff will review the radiographs and explain any abnormalities.
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Medical Therapy Laser- The Cats Veterinary MLS Laser Therapy is often utilized
for gingivitis or post-oral surgery (tooth extraction) to further decrease
inflammation and promote healing time.
Anesthesia and Feline Surgeries
Cats Veterinary anesthesia protocol is to use the safest gas anesthesia for cats. Cats
Veterinary anesthesia and surgery protocol is:
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Pre-anesthetic blood pressure testing- For cats over the age of 7, we highly
recommend testing blood pressure before undergoing prolonged
anesthesia. A high or low blood pressure could complicate anesthesia and
pre-dispose patients to anesthetic risk.
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Pre-anesthetic blood work panel- we tailor our pre-anesthetic blood work
panels to the age of your feline. The goal of doing blood work before
surgery is to screen for underlying illnesses that could complicate general
anesthesia. Your cat’s safety is always our top concern.
Pre and peri and post- operative pain management injections- Cats
Veterinary feels that pain management is vital to a quick recovery. Pain
medications to go home are also highly suggested and will be discussed
when the patient is admitted for surgery.
Anesthesia induction and maintenance on gas/inhalant anesthesia- Cats
Veterinary does not utilize injectable anesthetics. This gives the veterinary
staff complete control over the patient’s anesthetic depth and we are able
to quickly recover our anesthetic patients because of this. Patients that
undergo surgical procedures with injectable anesthetics often have
variable recovery times.
Electronic monitoring of vital signs- a licensed veterinary technician will
monitor both pulse oximetry and heart rate throughout the entire
procedure. These vital signs will be charted and documented in your cat’s
medical file for future review and availability.
Surgical Technician- at Cats Veterinary, not only is the veterinarian
monitoring your cat while performing the surgical procedure, there is a
licensed veterinary technician that will remain with your cat until they are
fully recovered from anesthesia.
Post-operate phone call- The surgical technician will call owners at home
to let them know their cat is in recovery.
Overnight patient recovery stay at the clinic based on the surgical
procedure being done. Most major and non-routine surgeries stay in
hospital overnight. There is also the option of having critical surgical cases
transferred to Advanced Animal Emergency for round-the-clock
monitoring.
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Patient surgery discharge by a licensed veterinary technician on home
care.
Post-operative phone call from the veterinary staff to check on the
patients’ recovery at home.
Routine Surgeries Performed:
 Castration or Neutering of male kittens and cats to sterilize them and prevent
unwanted litters of kittens. We recommend performing this surgery at 6 months
of age, but if behavioral concerns are present this surgery may be performed
earlier.
 Spay or Ovariohysterectomy of female kittens and cats to sterilize them and
prevent unwanted litters of kittens. We recommend performing this surgery at 6
months of age.
 Laser Declaw Procedure: see more description in our CO2 Laser Declaw section.
Cats Veterinary Surgeons and Surgical Training:
Dr. Vani is trained and excels at feline surgery. Non-routine and specialized
surgeries performed in the Cats Veterinary facility include but are not limited to:
 Abdominal Exploratory/Biopsy
 Abscess Surgery
 Amputations
 Cystostomy(bladder stone removal)
 Ear Hematoma Repair
 Eye Enucleations
 Foreign Body Removal
 Laceration repair
 Orthopedic Procedures
 P/U surgery
 Tumor Removals
Pain Management
Pain in cats can arise from acute trauma, chronic disease processes, post-operatively,
from arthritis or from many other health conditions. Cats Veterinary aims to train the
veterinary staff on how to observe and grade feline pain as well as how to educate our pet
owners on how to recognize the signs of pain or discomfort in cats. (Here is the link to
the feline pain scale:
http://www.csuanimalcancercenter.org/assets/files/csu_acute_pain_scale_feline.pdf )
Cats Veterinary offers safe and effective means of controlling pain. Medications
dispensed to control your cats discomfort are very easy to give and are well tolerated by
the majority of our feline patients.
In-House Diagnostic Laboratory: Cats Veterinary is proud to utilize the most advanced
in-house laboratory equipment including:
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CBC or Complete Blood Count; This laboratory machine gives red and white
blood cell values as well as platelets, hemoglobin and reticulocyte counts.
Blood Chemistry Analysis: Our chemistry machine can test for: Glucose,
Fructose, BUN, Creatinine, Phosphorous, Calcium, Total Protein, Albumin,
Globulin, ALT, Alk-Phosphorous, GGT, Total Bilirubin, Sodium, Potassium and
Chloride.
T4 Screening for hyperthyroidism
FeLV/FIV testing.
FeLV Testing
Heartworm Antibody Testing
Urinalysis- Urine is tested in four ways. Specific Gravity or how well the kidneys
are concentrating the urine, Chemical Analysis (screening for glucose, pH,
protein, red blood cells…), microscopic examination (looking for bacteria, urinary
crystals or unusual cells), and urine culture to screen for an urinary tract infection.
Fecal/Stool Examination and Testing
Ear Cytology
DTM culture- testing for ringworm infection
Trichomonas Culture- used for chronic diarrhea to test for a protozoan called
Trichomonas.
Additionally Cats Veterinary utilizes specialty reference laboratories for more extensive
diagnostic testing.
MLS Laser Therapy
Cats Veterinary is proud to announce we now offer MLS Laser Therapy as an effective,
proven, and pain free treatment option. This safe and effective therapy uses specific
wavelengths of light that quickly reduce inflammation and swelling in tissues that are
exposed to the laser.
Medical Benefits of the MLS Laser Therapy
 Rapid relief of pain
 Strong anti-inflammatory effect
 Timely healing of sprains and strains
 Rapid resolution of swollen area
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Immediate improvement of local blood circulation
Postoperative pain relief
Faster wound healing
How Laser Therapy Works
Photons of laser energy penetrate into tissue and accelerate cellular reproduction and
growth. This means the laser will kick-start the healing process and speed up the
recovery time. As inflammation is reduced, pain will subside quickly. There are no
known side effects and most patients see positive results in 1-3 treatments.
Medical Conditions Treated by MLS Laser Therapy
After performing a full physical exam, the doctors of Cats Veterinary will determine if
your feline friend has a condition that will benefit from the use of the MLS Laser
Therapy. Such conditions are:
 Arthritis/Pain
 Tendonitis
 Sprains/Stains
 Postoperative Pain and Inflammation
 Wound Healing
 Inflamed Ears
 Cystitis (bladder inflammation)
 Stomatitis or gingivitis
 Disc Disease
 Joint and Hock Pain
 Lameness
 Sinusitis
 And Much More!
Chemotherapy
Just like people, cats can get cancer. We are pleased to be able to offer chemotherapy to
patients as a treatment for cancer. Most cats that are candidates for chemotherapy respond
well to their treatments with very few of the negative side effects seen in human
medicine. If your cat has been diagnosed with cancer, our veterinarians offer second
opinion or referral care and treatment of your cat. There are various kinds of cancer that
are manageable with the use of Chemotherapy and supportive medications. The goal of
chemotherapy is always to extend your cat’s quality of life. Our veterinary staff is well
equipped and trained to administer chemotherapy agents as well as educate owners on
home care of these special feline patients.
Wellness Plans
Cats Veterinary now offers wellness plans to help offset the cost of wellness and
preventative care. We have various plans with different degrees of coverage. Payments
are made on a monthly basis for the duration of one year (seven months for the kitten
wellness plan). For the duration of the wellness plan, you will also receive a discount on
sick or illness related veterinary visits and diagnostic testing. Please call the office for
more detailed information on our wellness plans.
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Inappropriate Urination or Defecation Consultations
Cats Veterinary offers in-depth consultations for cats that are urinating or defecating
outside the litter box. Our multi-modal approach to this problem is extensive and will
cover: medical, behavioral and environmental reasons why your cat may not be using
their litter box. Appointments generally last 45 minutes to 1 hour. The veterinary staff
will get a detailed history and will spend time educating owners on different ways to
correct or manage this problem.
Behavior Consultations
Cats that are exhibiting behaviors that are undesirable can be doing so from medical or
environmental reasons. Examples of behavior issues are: aggression towards humans or
other animals in the house, and destructive behavior in the house. Our veterinarians will
perform a full physical exam to rule out any medical problems that could be causing
these behavioral issues. In fact, a cat in pain or discomfort even from dental disease could
be acting out inappropriately. If your feline companion is deemed medically healthy,
stress and environment enrichment will be discussed.
Blood Pressure Testing
A cat with high blood pressure will often look like a cat with normal blood pressure.
Cats Veterinary is able to test your cat’s blood pressure at the time of your appointment
with the use of our Doppler Blood Pressure Machine. This procedure takes less than five
minutes and is not invasive at all. We recommend yearly blood pressure testing for cats
over the age of 7 as part of wellness care.
Nutrition Consultation and Weight Management
Obesity in cats is a serious medical condition and can pre-dispose them to many
complicated medical problems. Obesity has been shown to cause or pre-dispose cats to
medical problems such as: diabetes, arthritis, urinary disease, skin conditions as well as
others.
The preferred diet for the majority of our feline patients is strictly canned foods. Cats are
obligate carnivores. In order to maintain optimal health, an obligate carnivore requires a
diet high in protein, moderate in fat and minimal in carbohydrate content. Dry foods or
kibble foods have a greater carbohydrate concentration because of the starch necessary to
make the kibble. Carbohydrate content of dry foods is app. 35-40% (this number varies
per brand of food) whereas canned foods are generally about 10-18% in carbohydrate
content. The goal when feeding a cat an ideal diet is to get as close to a 10% carbohydrate
content in their food. This will help them maintain a lean and healthy body structure.
There is not an ideal weight on the scale that every cat should be. Because every cat’s
body structure varies so much, there is a Body Condition Scoring System in which your
cat is rated on a scale of 1-9. Included in every physical examination- your cat will be
given a body condition score.
Cats Veterinary offers nutritional counseling to provide information on appropriate diet,
feeding portion sizes, exercise and environmental issues. Our veterinary staff has taken
the initiative to become “Purina Weight Coaches”. This program trains veterinary staff on
how to best educate clients on proper nutrition and how to follow weight loss progress. If
you cat is evaluated and deemed suitable for this program, your cat will be assigned to a
licensed veterinary technician weight coach to guide you and your cat through the
process of reaching an optimal weight.
Cats Veterinary Feline Hospice Care
Our hospice care program follows protocols similar to hospice care in human medicine.
The goal of Cats Veterinary Feline Hospice Care is to allow your feline companion the
opportunity to spend his/her remaining time at ease while still in the comforts of their
home environment and surrounded by their loving family. Hospice recognizes dying as a
normal process and exists in the belief that our patients’ last phase of life deserves
compassionate care.
Cats Veterinary wishes to honor the human-animal bond by allowing families to have
time to adjust to their cat’s progressive disease and to allow for an extended farewell,
while also permitting your cat to spend his or her last days in dignity and free from pain.
Cats Veterinary Staff Promise:
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To educate owners on their pet’s health condition, expected symptoms of
progression and how to determine quality of life.
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To provide compassionate, emotional and medical support throughout
hospice care with references for professional grief counseling.
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To always provide non-judgmental advice and support tailored specifically
to your cat and your family’s needs.
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To complete the “circle of care” by sharing and providing all knowledge
related to hospice.
A hospice team will be created to support your cat and your family
through this process. If you are interested in learning more about our
hospice program please call the office at 586-463-9550.
Grooming and Nail Trims
Cats Veterinary offers grooming including general brush outs and shaving mats. Our
grooming packages include:
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Mini Spa Treatment:
This grooming package includes an overall brushing, nail trim, ear and eye wipe
out.
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Shave Mats:
Using scissors to cut out mats can be dangerous as the skin is often very close to
the mat. It is easy to accidentally cut your cat’s skin with scissors when trying to
cut out a mat. Repair for this type of laceration requires general anesthesia,
sutures, and sometimes antibiotics. If your cat has a mat in its fur, we
recommend having it shaved out with the use of our clippers.
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Hind End Quarter Trim/ Sani-Trim
Sometimes cats have a hard time keeping their hind ends sanitary. Trimming the
fur with the use of our clippers often makes it easier for them to maintain their
hygiene- or make it less likely for fecal material to adhere to the fur.
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Lion Cut Shave
Our most popular form of grooming is our lion cut shave. Fur is shaved all over
the body of the cat until they resemble a lion. A ‘mane” is left around the face, a
puff of fur remains on the tail and “boots” of fur remain around all the feet.
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Nail Trims
Nail trims are always complimentary with physical examinations and anesthetic
procedures as a courtesy to our clients. We also do nail trims separate from
examinations for a small fee- these can be scheduled at your convenience during
business hours.
Cats Veterinary does require that all patients undergoing any grooming be up to date
on vaccinations and has been seen our veterinarians within one year.
Kitten Education and Kitten Promotional Packages
Getting a new kitten is a wonderful and fun experience. Whether you are a seasoned cat
owner or a new kitten owner, our veterinary licensed technicians will spend time
educating owners on all things related to kitten and cat health. Our “Kitten Books” will
become a reference point for your family as your kitten grows and matures into a cat.
Topics covered in our kitten education talk and kitten book include: appropriate toys for
kittens, environmental enrichment, intestinal parasites, FeLV/FIV testing, vaccinations,
proper nutrition, toxic substances (plants, foods and medications), as well as many other
topics.
To help offset the cost of adopting a new kitten; Cats Veterinary has developed a “Kitten
Promotional Package” which includes everything your kitten will need to complete their
kitten wellness care. This package also includes the cost of laser declaw and sterilization
(neuter or spay depending on the sex of the kitten). More details on this kitten
promotional package can be found under our Specials Tab.
Feline Diabetes Mellitus Management
Signs of Feline Diabetes tend to include:
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Increase in appetite
Weight Loss
Increase in thirst
Increase in urine production
During a diabetic consultation your cat’s diet, medications, blood values and overall
general health will be evaluated. Recommendations for continuation of treatment will be
made based on all of the above.
If your cat is started on insulin injections, our technician staff will train family members
how to properly administer insulin injections; as well as how to monitor the effect of
insulin (especially signs of low blood sugar).
Proper diet is a huge factor in maintaining proper glucose (blood sugar) levels in a cat.
Much like diabetic people, a proper diet is key to controlling diabetes. Commercial dry
food is highly discouraged for diagnosed diabetics- pate canned commercial foods or
prescription diabetic diets are preferred.
Feline Kidney Disease Management (Chronic and Acute)
The function of a normal kidney is to eliminate waste products, produce erythropoietin
(which matures red blood cells), maintain electrolyte levels, regulate acid-base levels,
maintain normal hydration level and produce rennin (which controls blood pressure). The
kidney has approximately 200,000 tiny structures called nephrons that enable the kidneys
to function properly.
More than 75% of kidney function is lost before it can be detected. This means that the
kidney has lost function of at least 75% of nephrons, so the kidneys can no longer
eliminate waste products efficiency, can no longer balance electrolytes properly and can
no longer maintain red blood cell volume.
Signs of Feline Kidney Disease
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Symptoms can be very subtle such as slight changes in appetite, or activity level.
The most telling signs are increased thirst and excessive urination.
Other common symptoms are: nausea, vomiting, constipation, weight loss, muscle
wasting, poor hair coat, bad breath and lethargy.
Kidney Disease is diagnosed with diagnostic laboratory testing.
1. Urinalysis- a complete urinalysis is often the FIRST diagnostic test that can be
done to screen for kidney disease. A urine sample is obtained in the office and is
tested in 4 different ways. Specific Gravity tests how well the kidneys are
concentrating the urine. A low specific gravity is indicative of kidney disease. A
microscopic examination of the urine is preformed to look for abnormal cells,
casts, crystals and bacteria. A Chemistry analysis of the urine is performed to
screen for protein content, sugars, ketone bodies and pH. Finally, a urine culture
is done to rule out any bacterial infection.
2. Blood Work- more than 50% of kidney function has to be lost for blood values
to start to change. Blood work values that doctors monitor with a cat with kidney disease
are:
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BUN- This is a normal waste product from protein metabolism. A
high value can be a reflection of diet, hydration status, intestinal
health or red blood cell destruction. An increase in this value is not
ALWAYS conclusive of kidney disease.
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Cre- Creatinine is a waste produce excreted through the kidneys
and if elevated, is very indicative of the loss of kidney function.
PCV/HCT- This number is monitored for anemia (low red blood
cells). Because one of the functions of the kidneys is to produce
the hormone that regulates the production of red blood cells, as
kidney disease progresses, the cat can become anemic.
P/Phosphorous- High levels of this will accumulate when the
kidneys can no longer efficiently excrete it making for secondary
complications.
K/Potassium- This is a vital electrolyte. Cats with kidney disease
cannot preserve enough of it and levels can become low.
3. Advanced Diagnostics such as kidney ultrasound or kidney radiography (xrays). A kidney ultrasound allows the veterinarian to evaluate the internal structures of
the kidneys as well as the size and shape of the kidneys. An x-ray of the kidneys allows
the doctor to evaluate the size and shape of the kidneys.
4. Testing Blood Pressure- the kidneys play a crucial role in regulating blood
pressure. The kidneys are also subject to damage from high blood pressure which can
deteriorate them more rapidly and accelerate the kidney disease.
Once a cat has been diagnosed with kidney disease, diet and medications are discussed
and prescribed based on the level of advancement of the disease. Often times, kidney
disease patients can be supported and are able to maintain a good quality life for many
years. The goal of treatment of a cat diagnosed with kidney disease is to: reduce the work
the kidneys have to do through diet and oral medications, maintain a healthy red blood
cell volume, maintain electrolyte balance, maintain hydration and prolong quality of life.
Feline Critical Care and Emergency Care
How to know when your cat needs emergency care
As a pet owner it can be difficult to tell what medical conditions are true emergencies.
Unfortunately emergencies do not always happen when Cats Veterinary is open, so how
do you know if your cat needs to be taken to an emergency veterinary hospital?
Things like trauma (such as open wounds or accidents) should always be treated as an
emergency situation. Other common feline emergency situations include:
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Inability or difficulty urinating:
o This a very serious and life threatening condition. The
inability to urinate is most commonly seen in male cats.
Signs that your cat may be having difficulty urinating are:
going in and out of the litter box frequently, painful or
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bloated abdomen, yowling or vocalizing in pain, leaving
very small spots of urine throughout the house, discolored
or red urine.
Frequent vomiting and inability to keep food down
o Cats are notorious for playing with objects that can become
ingested and have to be surgically removed. At Cats
Veterinary, the doctors have surgically removed things like:
pieces of flip flops, strings, nickels, hair ties, pieces of
blankets, and bone pieces.
Difficulty breathing- labored breaths or open mouth breathing
o It is not normal for a cat to pant like a dog- this is sign of
serious respiratory distress. Raspy-sounding breaths or very
quick breathing patterns can also be a sign of distress.
Weakness in the rear legs/ or stiff and unresponsive rear legs
o Cats are very good at hiding things- including heart disease.
Weakness in any limb is an emergency situation- but
weakness in the hind legs can be a sign of a Saddle
Thrombus. This is when a blood clot leaves the heart and
lodges in the artery supplying blood flow to the hind legs.
Wellness exams and cardiac wellness checks (such as blood
pressures, chest radiographs, and screening cardiac
ultrasounds) are the best way to monitor your cats’ heart
health as they age.
Neurologic symptoms such as active seizures, head tilts, circling
Consumption of poisons, toxic plants or medications- there are lists
provided on our website of commonly ingested poisonous items. If
you cat ingests anything suspicious it is recommended to call the
ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 1-888-426-4435.
This list is not an all inclusive list of serious feline medical conditions, the
recommendation for any condition in question is to call a veterinary office for a
professional opinion. If Cats Veterinary is closed we recommend calling Advanced
Animal Emergency (located directly behind the clinic in the same parking lot) at 586466-6133.
Optional 24- Hour Care
Cats Veterinary is proud to have a professional relationship with Advanced Animal
Emergency and to be able to provide our patients with 24-hour-care. If your cat is either
hospitalized or undergoes a surgical procedure in our hospital- you will be given the
option of having your cat transferred to Advanced Animal Emergency for around-theclock care. Their veterinary staff will follow our medical treatment protocol while
ensuring your cat is stable throughout he night or weekend. Cats Veterinary staff are able
to transfer patients to Advanced Animal Emergency at night, as well as transfer the
patient back to our hospital for treatment in the morning.
Please visit Advanced Animal Emergency website for more information at
www.advancedanimalemergency.com
Magnets with their contact information are always available.
Flea Infestation and Parasite Prevention Products
It has been reported that the fleas, ticks and parasite infections are on the rise- with the
anticipation that each year will be worse than the year before. Our veterinary staff is very
knowledgeable in parasite protection products, as well as in the parasites themselves.
Common Feline Parasites Include:
Fleas: Fleas are parasites that live on the cats (or dogs) skin and in the
environment. Preventing a flea infestation is much easier than treating a flea
infestation. Even indoor-only cats are susceptible to flea infestations. Fleas have been
known to jump through screens, hitch a ride on pant legs, or come in on doggie friends.
Fleas have the potential to cause medical problems as well as an unhealthy hair coat.
For more in-depth information on fleas please visit this website www.capcvet.org/capcrecommendations/fleas
Tapeworms: Tapeworms are an intestinal parasite that can be visually seen as
“rice-grain” segments on the fur near the anal area. A cat is infected with tapeworms by
either ingesting fleas, or ingesting infected prey. Tapeworms are diagnosed by visually
seeing the segments in the fur, or by fecal testing. Tapeworms are treated with a deworming application. Please visit this website for more information on tapeworms:
www.capcvet.org/capc-recommendations/diphyllobothriidean-tapeworm
Roundworms: Roundworms are one of the most common parasites found in
kittens, although cats are susceptible to roundworms throughout their entire life.
Roundworms can be transmitted to humans (this is called a zoonotic parasite) and can
cause blindness. Children and immunocompromised adults are most at risk. Roundworms
can be seen in the stool and resemble thin spaghetti noodles, they are best diagnosed with
fecal testing. Roundworms are treated with a de-worming application. Please visit this
website for more information on tapeworms: /www.capcvet.org/capcrecommendations/ascarid-roundworm
There are many other intestinal and external parasites. www.capcvet.org has a
wealth of information on parasites. If you have any specific questions regarding parasites,
our veterinary staff would be more than happy to discuss them with you.
Cats Veterinary Flea, Tick, and Heartworm Protection Products:
Frontline: Frontline is a topical product put on the skin every 30 days to prevent
flea and tick infestation. After you apply Frontline, it quickly spreads all over the body
and into the oil (sebaceous) glands in the skin. From the sebaceous glands, it is
continually replenished onto the skin and hair coat- making for long-lasting and
WATERPROOF coverage. Frontline does not repel fleas, it kills them. Fleas become
hyper stimulated upon contact with the Frontline, and rise to the top of the hair coat in the
process of dying. This is a sign that Frontline is working! Within hours of application,
Frontline kills 99-100% of fleas on your cat. Within 24-48 hours of application, Frontline
kills up to 100% of ticks on your pet. Any new fleas or ticks emerging from the pet’s
environment are also killed rapidly. Purchasing this product from our veterinary office
will provide a product guarantee from the company. In fact, if your flea infestation has
not been resolved in three months of application, Merial (the makers of Frontline) will
pay to have your house professionally exterminated. This product is safe and approved
for use on kittens 8 weeks and older and even approved for breeding, pregnant and
lactating cats. Please see our specials tab for current Frontline promotions.
Please visit www.frontline.com for more information.
Revolution: Revolution is a topical product put on the skin every 30 days to
prevent: Fleas, Heartworms, Roundworms, Hookworms, and Ear Mites. This product
enters the bloodstream and will treat, control and prevent external and internal parasites.
Revolution is safe in kittens as young as 8 weeks old as well as in breeding, pregnant and
nursing animals. Please visit https://www.revolution4cats.com/default.aspx for more
information.
Heartgard: Heartgard is a chewable treat given orally to your cat every 30 days
to protect your cat against Heartworms and Hookworms. Heartgard has been shown to be
well tolerated by cats. More information on this product can be found at
www.heartgard.com
Feline Heartworm Testing and Prevention
How does a cat get Heartworm?
Heartworm is contracted when an infected mosquito bites a cat. The larvae enter
through the mosquito bite wound where they develop in the tissues. The immature
worms enter a blood vessel and are carried to the arteries in the lung where they
cause an inflammatory reaction. This inflammatory reaction can cause cats to
have respiratory problems such as difficulty breathing or coughing. Most worms
die at this stage, causing even more inflammation and damaging vital lung tissue.
Worms that do survive and progress to the adult stage may live undetected for
years. When adult heartworms die, the inflammation can be severe enough to
cause sudden death. The respiratory signs associated with these reactions are
called Heartworm Associated Respiratory Disease (HARD).
How can I tell if my cat has Heartworm?
Signs associated with HARD (Heartworm Associated Respiratory Disease)
include :
Coughing, difficulty breathing, vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea, weight
loss, rapid heart rate, fainting, blindness, collapse, convulsions or sudden
death.
How can my cat be tested for Heartworm?
Cats Veterinary is proud to offer Heartworm Antibody testing in office. This test
can be done at the time of your appointment and you will be given results before
you leave the office.
Cats Veterinary staff highly recommends visiting www.knowheartworms.org for more
information on heartworm and HARD.