Hyperthyroidism is a common disorder of the older cat. It is characterized by excessive production of thyroid hormones by the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland has two lobes that are located on either side of the neck.
Typically cats suffer from weight loss, increased appetite and water consumption and increased amount of urine production, occasionally cats present nervousness, gastrointestinal signs (diarrhea, vomiting) and hair loss amongst others.
Treatment of hyperthyroidism consists in lowering the concentration of circulating thyroid hormone (T4) either medically (reversible) or surgically/radioiodine therapy (permanent). The choice usually depends on concurrent conditions and age of the patient. Medical treatment administering tablets twice daily is usually the initial treatment. If there are no complications (like renal failure which also is a common disorder in the older cat and can sometimes be unmasked after starting treatment for hyperthyroidism) after stabilization with medical treatment it is usually safe to proceed with a more permanent treatment option.
Medical treatment consists of administering a drug (Methimazole) that blocks thyroid hormone synthesis. This drug is usually given twice daily in order to achieve optimal response. Initial monitoring of kidney and liver function, complete blood count and T4 levels is important to discover and treat any possible side effects and treatment complications.
jueves, 29 de octubre de 2009
CAT INFORMATION SHEET
NUTRITION
To provide an adequate growth we advise a high quality commercial pet food.
Kittens can be weaned to cat food as from 30 to 40 days old. Ideally they should be fed a specific kitten food until they are 6-12 months old. As from then they should eat specific adult food.
You can feed your kitten dry food or tinned food, both are good options but dry food is easier and more practical as you can leave whatever has not been finished out, without worrying about it getting off.
Many cats like to eat small amounts of food several times a day but it is possible, if you want, to teach them to have 2-3 regular meals a day. Cats that live indoors have lower metabolic requirements and should be fed a low calorie commercial cat food to avoid your cat getting overweight.
Please ask us about the best available food for your cat.
INTESTINAL PARASITES (WORMS)
Young animals commonly have parasites and they need to be treated every 2 weeks until they are 3 months old. As adults the parasites come mainly from the fleas. We advise treating them every 3 months if your cat is outdoors and enjoys hunting, and twice yearly if your cat is strictly indoors.
FLEAS AND TICKS
These are common ectoparasites and can be responsible for a wide range of diseases in the cat.
Fleas; we recommend monthly treatments even if your cat is kept strictly indoors (winters in Ibiza are very mild, you will have to keep up the flea control all through the winter period). Fleas can be responsible for many skin disorders. There are several products on the market, Spot- on presentations are very easy to use. Remember that 90% of the fleas do not live on the animal but in the environment, if you are trying to control a flea infestation you will need to properly treat the environment.
Ticks; you will need to prevent tick infestations only if your cat has access outdoors. Ticks can be responsible for the transmission of very serious diseases. Spot-on formulations are the easiest to use, you only have to apply once a month.
DIROFILARIOSIS (HEART WORM)
Dirofilaria immitis is a parasite that can be found in the heart of affected cats and dogs. It is transmitted by a mosquito and the incidence in Ibiza is growing. Fortunately this can be prevented with appropriate treatment. Please consult us for more information.
MICROCHIP
Microchipping is a rapid and efficacious way of identifying your cat. It is a small chip that is inserted under the skin on the left side of the neck using a special injection device. When a microchip reader is passed over the neck of your cat a number will be displayed. This number is associated to your details in the central data base of the Balearics (Colegio Oficial de Veterinarios de las Islas Baleares). It is very important to keep your details updated and remember to notify us of any change in your telephone number or address (this is a free service).
VACCINES
Your kitten should not be allowed outdoors nor in contact with unvaccinated animals until he/she has received all his /her vaccines (usually as from 3 months old).We recommend vaccinations for:
*Feline panleucopenia, this viral disease is similar to the parvovirus in dogs. It is associated with acute onset of vomiting and bloody diarrhea.The course of the disease can be fatal.
The initial immunization starts when the kitten is 2 months old and they will require a booster when they are 3 months old. Annual reminders are necessary.
*Cat flu (feline rinotracheitis and feline calicivirus), viral disease that causes respiratory signs with ocular discharge, sneezing and conjunctivitis.
As with the feline panleucopenia the initial immunization starts when the kitten is 2 months old and they will require a booster when they are 3 months old. Annual reminders are necessary.
*Feline leukemia virus(FeLV), this is a very serious viral disease of the cats that can have multiple presentations. Kittens can have acquired this disease from the mother so we recommend testing all stray cats and those where we are not sure that the parents are disease free. If your kitten is infected and shows no signs of illness there is a small chance that he/she can recover from this disease. Those cats need to be kept strictly indoors in a one cat household to avoid infecting other animals. If your cat is not infected and is going to have access outdoors we recommend to correctly vaccinate them before they are allowed to have potential contact with other cats.
The vaccine can be administered as from when the kitten is 2 months old, it will need a booster 1 month after the first injection and then annual boosters are recommended.
*Rabies, in Spain there is no rabies. You will only have to vaccinate in case your cat is going to travel or if you wish to keep him/her in the PET scheme.
DENTAL HYGENE
Dental care is highly important and you should get your cat used to open his/her mouth. There is special toothpaste available. If you routinely brush your cat´s teeth we will be able to delay the onset of dental disease.
Please consult us for further information.
SPAY/NEUTER
Spay/neuter is a routine procedure that we recommend for all animals that are not going to be used for breeding. We will be preventing many diseases and also help control the population of unwanted/homeless animals on the island.
In cats this is the best way to reduce the risk of infection with feline immunodeficiency virus(FIV), this is a similar disease as human AIDS and infection is usually through cat fights.
It can be done at any age however we recommend to do it when they are about 6 months old, that is before the first heat in the bitch and queen, to prevent hormonal complications and old enough to reduce the anesthetic risk to a minimum.
CLAW MAINTENANCE
The claws are extremely important for your cat. They will need to daily sharpen their claws and this action helps them to keep their muscles toned. If your cat is going to be strictly indoors you will have to provide him/her with a scratching post. It is equally important to spend about 10 minutes daily playing with your cat, and always remember to rotate their toys to prevent boredom!
For more information about claw maintenance and environmental enrichment please consult us. We also have available some very interesting articles that you may want to read!.
Please do not hesitate to consult us for any further information you may require.
To provide an adequate growth we advise a high quality commercial pet food.
Kittens can be weaned to cat food as from 30 to 40 days old. Ideally they should be fed a specific kitten food until they are 6-12 months old. As from then they should eat specific adult food.
You can feed your kitten dry food or tinned food, both are good options but dry food is easier and more practical as you can leave whatever has not been finished out, without worrying about it getting off.
Many cats like to eat small amounts of food several times a day but it is possible, if you want, to teach them to have 2-3 regular meals a day. Cats that live indoors have lower metabolic requirements and should be fed a low calorie commercial cat food to avoid your cat getting overweight.
Please ask us about the best available food for your cat.
INTESTINAL PARASITES (WORMS)
Young animals commonly have parasites and they need to be treated every 2 weeks until they are 3 months old. As adults the parasites come mainly from the fleas. We advise treating them every 3 months if your cat is outdoors and enjoys hunting, and twice yearly if your cat is strictly indoors.
FLEAS AND TICKS
These are common ectoparasites and can be responsible for a wide range of diseases in the cat.
Fleas; we recommend monthly treatments even if your cat is kept strictly indoors (winters in Ibiza are very mild, you will have to keep up the flea control all through the winter period). Fleas can be responsible for many skin disorders. There are several products on the market, Spot- on presentations are very easy to use. Remember that 90% of the fleas do not live on the animal but in the environment, if you are trying to control a flea infestation you will need to properly treat the environment.
Ticks; you will need to prevent tick infestations only if your cat has access outdoors. Ticks can be responsible for the transmission of very serious diseases. Spot-on formulations are the easiest to use, you only have to apply once a month.
DIROFILARIOSIS (HEART WORM)
Dirofilaria immitis is a parasite that can be found in the heart of affected cats and dogs. It is transmitted by a mosquito and the incidence in Ibiza is growing. Fortunately this can be prevented with appropriate treatment. Please consult us for more information.
MICROCHIP
Microchipping is a rapid and efficacious way of identifying your cat. It is a small chip that is inserted under the skin on the left side of the neck using a special injection device. When a microchip reader is passed over the neck of your cat a number will be displayed. This number is associated to your details in the central data base of the Balearics (Colegio Oficial de Veterinarios de las Islas Baleares). It is very important to keep your details updated and remember to notify us of any change in your telephone number or address (this is a free service).
VACCINES
Your kitten should not be allowed outdoors nor in contact with unvaccinated animals until he/she has received all his /her vaccines (usually as from 3 months old).We recommend vaccinations for:
*Feline panleucopenia, this viral disease is similar to the parvovirus in dogs. It is associated with acute onset of vomiting and bloody diarrhea.The course of the disease can be fatal.
The initial immunization starts when the kitten is 2 months old and they will require a booster when they are 3 months old. Annual reminders are necessary.
*Cat flu (feline rinotracheitis and feline calicivirus), viral disease that causes respiratory signs with ocular discharge, sneezing and conjunctivitis.
As with the feline panleucopenia the initial immunization starts when the kitten is 2 months old and they will require a booster when they are 3 months old. Annual reminders are necessary.
*Feline leukemia virus(FeLV), this is a very serious viral disease of the cats that can have multiple presentations. Kittens can have acquired this disease from the mother so we recommend testing all stray cats and those where we are not sure that the parents are disease free. If your kitten is infected and shows no signs of illness there is a small chance that he/she can recover from this disease. Those cats need to be kept strictly indoors in a one cat household to avoid infecting other animals. If your cat is not infected and is going to have access outdoors we recommend to correctly vaccinate them before they are allowed to have potential contact with other cats.
The vaccine can be administered as from when the kitten is 2 months old, it will need a booster 1 month after the first injection and then annual boosters are recommended.
*Rabies, in Spain there is no rabies. You will only have to vaccinate in case your cat is going to travel or if you wish to keep him/her in the PET scheme.
DENTAL HYGENE
Dental care is highly important and you should get your cat used to open his/her mouth. There is special toothpaste available. If you routinely brush your cat´s teeth we will be able to delay the onset of dental disease.
Please consult us for further information.
SPAY/NEUTER
Spay/neuter is a routine procedure that we recommend for all animals that are not going to be used for breeding. We will be preventing many diseases and also help control the population of unwanted/homeless animals on the island.
In cats this is the best way to reduce the risk of infection with feline immunodeficiency virus(FIV), this is a similar disease as human AIDS and infection is usually through cat fights.
It can be done at any age however we recommend to do it when they are about 6 months old, that is before the first heat in the bitch and queen, to prevent hormonal complications and old enough to reduce the anesthetic risk to a minimum.
CLAW MAINTENANCE
The claws are extremely important for your cat. They will need to daily sharpen their claws and this action helps them to keep their muscles toned. If your cat is going to be strictly indoors you will have to provide him/her with a scratching post. It is equally important to spend about 10 minutes daily playing with your cat, and always remember to rotate their toys to prevent boredom!
For more information about claw maintenance and environmental enrichment please consult us. We also have available some very interesting articles that you may want to read!.
Please do not hesitate to consult us for any further information you may require.
DOG INFORMATION SHEET
NUTRITION
To provide an adequate growth we advise a high quality commercial pet food.
A puppy can be weaned to dog food as from 30 to 40 days old. Ideally they should be fed a specific puppy food until they are 12 months old. As from then they should eat specific adult food.
You should feed your puppy at least 3 times daily and always provide fresh water. When they are adults they should have two meals per day. Try to avoid long walks after a meal, specially if you have a large breed dog , since there is a risk for them to develop a gastric torsion which is an emergency.
INTESTINAL PARASITES (WORMS)
Young animals commonly have parasites and they need to be treated every 2 weeks until they are 3 months old. As adults the parasites come mainly from the fleas. We advise treating them every 3 months if the dog has close contact with small children, otherwise twice yearly treatments are recommended.
FLEAS AND TICKS
These are common ectoparasites and can be responsible for a wide range of diseases in the dog.
Fleas; there are several products on the market. Spot- on presentations are very easy to use. Remember to treat your dog every month, even in winter. Fleas can be responsible for many skin disorders. When you treat your animal don't forget the environment, 90% of the fleas are not on the dog but in the environment, in their egg and worm stages!!!
Ticks; There are different products on the market for ticks as well. It is important to prevent tick infestations because they can transmit several very serious diseases. Consult us on the best option for your pet.
LEISHMANIOSIS
This is a serious systemic disease that is transmitted by a mosquito (Phlebotomus spp.) mainly during the summer months. The incidence in Ibiza (as in the rest of the Mediterranean) is very high. Complete prevention is impossible but the following guidelines should be followed:
-Keep your pet indoors at night time ( mosquitoes are most active at dusk and dawn) with a mosquito plug and a small diameter netting covering the windows.
-Use a mosquito repellant on your pet, either as a collar or as a spot-on. Please consult us for more information.
-Bring your pet in for a blood test in October (after the transmission season). Early detection can influence the outcome.
DIROFILARIOSIS (HEART WORM)
Dirofilaria immitis is a parasite that can be found in the heart of affected dogs. It is transmitted by a mosquito and the incidence in Ibiza is growing. Fortunately this can be prevented with appropriate treatment. Please consult us for more information.
MICROCHIP
It is very important (and compulsory in Spain) to identify your dog with a microchip. This is inserted under the skin on the left side of the neck using a special injection device. When a microchip reader is passed over the neck of your dog a number will be displayed. This number is associated to your details in the central data base of the Balearics (Colegio Oficial de Veterinarios de las Islas Baleares). It is very important to keep your details updated and remember to notify us of any change in your telephone number or address (this is a free service).
VACCINES
Your dog should not be allowed outdoors nor in contact with unvaccinated dogs until he has received all his /her vaccines (usually as from 3 months old).We recommend vaccinations for:
Parvovirus; severe gastrointestinal disease caused by a virus. In very young animals it can affect the muscle of the heart.
The vaccine can be given as soon as 45 days of age (high risk groups) and then they receive a booster when they are 2 and 3 months old. Adults receive annual boosters.
Distemper; virus that causes a disease that can affect the respiratory system, gastrointestinal system or the nervous system. In young animals the course is usually fatal.
Vaccines are administered when the puppy is 2 and 3 months old. Adults receive annual boosters.
Hepatitis; viral disease that causes liver damage. It can also affect the respiratory, digestive, urinary or nervous system.
As for Distemper the immunizations are given at 2 and 3 months of age and then annually.
Leptospirosis; it is a bacterial disease that usually affects the kidneys, liver and the clotting system. It is not very common but it can pass from dog to human.
Vaccines are given at 2 and 3 months of age and then, in Ibiza, annually.
Kennel cough; several virus and bacteria are responsible for this disease. The dog usually has a very dry and severe cough and you may notice an increase in salivation. All animals that are going to go into kennels or those more sensitive to this disease (brachycephalic breeds- bulldog, boxer..) should be vaccinated yearly.
Rabies, rabies vaccine is compulsory in the Balearic Islands. The vaccine is given at 3 months of age and then annual boosters are administered.
DENTAL HYGENE
Dental care is highly important, especially in small breed dogs. You can teach your puppy to tolerate this procedure. There are special tooth pastes on the market for pets, this will help to delay dental disease.
Please consult us for further information.
SPAY/NEUTER
Spay/neuter is a routine procedure that we recommend for all animals that are not going to be used for breeding. We will be preventing many diseases and also help control the population of unwanted/homeless animals on the island.
It can be done at any age however we recommend to do it when they are about 6 months old, that is before the first heat in the bitch and queen, to prevent hormonal complications and old enough to reduce the anesthetic risk to a minimum.
Please do not hesitate to consult us for any further information you may require.
To provide an adequate growth we advise a high quality commercial pet food.
A puppy can be weaned to dog food as from 30 to 40 days old. Ideally they should be fed a specific puppy food until they are 12 months old. As from then they should eat specific adult food.
You should feed your puppy at least 3 times daily and always provide fresh water. When they are adults they should have two meals per day. Try to avoid long walks after a meal, specially if you have a large breed dog , since there is a risk for them to develop a gastric torsion which is an emergency.
INTESTINAL PARASITES (WORMS)
Young animals commonly have parasites and they need to be treated every 2 weeks until they are 3 months old. As adults the parasites come mainly from the fleas. We advise treating them every 3 months if the dog has close contact with small children, otherwise twice yearly treatments are recommended.
FLEAS AND TICKS
These are common ectoparasites and can be responsible for a wide range of diseases in the dog.
Fleas; there are several products on the market. Spot- on presentations are very easy to use. Remember to treat your dog every month, even in winter. Fleas can be responsible for many skin disorders. When you treat your animal don't forget the environment, 90% of the fleas are not on the dog but in the environment, in their egg and worm stages!!!
Ticks; There are different products on the market for ticks as well. It is important to prevent tick infestations because they can transmit several very serious diseases. Consult us on the best option for your pet.
LEISHMANIOSIS
This is a serious systemic disease that is transmitted by a mosquito (Phlebotomus spp.) mainly during the summer months. The incidence in Ibiza (as in the rest of the Mediterranean) is very high. Complete prevention is impossible but the following guidelines should be followed:
-Keep your pet indoors at night time ( mosquitoes are most active at dusk and dawn) with a mosquito plug and a small diameter netting covering the windows.
-Use a mosquito repellant on your pet, either as a collar or as a spot-on. Please consult us for more information.
-Bring your pet in for a blood test in October (after the transmission season). Early detection can influence the outcome.
DIROFILARIOSIS (HEART WORM)
Dirofilaria immitis is a parasite that can be found in the heart of affected dogs. It is transmitted by a mosquito and the incidence in Ibiza is growing. Fortunately this can be prevented with appropriate treatment. Please consult us for more information.
MICROCHIP
It is very important (and compulsory in Spain) to identify your dog with a microchip. This is inserted under the skin on the left side of the neck using a special injection device. When a microchip reader is passed over the neck of your dog a number will be displayed. This number is associated to your details in the central data base of the Balearics (Colegio Oficial de Veterinarios de las Islas Baleares). It is very important to keep your details updated and remember to notify us of any change in your telephone number or address (this is a free service).
VACCINES
Your dog should not be allowed outdoors nor in contact with unvaccinated dogs until he has received all his /her vaccines (usually as from 3 months old).We recommend vaccinations for:
Parvovirus; severe gastrointestinal disease caused by a virus. In very young animals it can affect the muscle of the heart.
The vaccine can be given as soon as 45 days of age (high risk groups) and then they receive a booster when they are 2 and 3 months old. Adults receive annual boosters.
Distemper; virus that causes a disease that can affect the respiratory system, gastrointestinal system or the nervous system. In young animals the course is usually fatal.
Vaccines are administered when the puppy is 2 and 3 months old. Adults receive annual boosters.
Hepatitis; viral disease that causes liver damage. It can also affect the respiratory, digestive, urinary or nervous system.
As for Distemper the immunizations are given at 2 and 3 months of age and then annually.
Leptospirosis; it is a bacterial disease that usually affects the kidneys, liver and the clotting system. It is not very common but it can pass from dog to human.
Vaccines are given at 2 and 3 months of age and then, in Ibiza, annually.
Kennel cough; several virus and bacteria are responsible for this disease. The dog usually has a very dry and severe cough and you may notice an increase in salivation. All animals that are going to go into kennels or those more sensitive to this disease (brachycephalic breeds- bulldog, boxer..) should be vaccinated yearly.
Rabies, rabies vaccine is compulsory in the Balearic Islands. The vaccine is given at 3 months of age and then annual boosters are administered.
DENTAL HYGENE
Dental care is highly important, especially in small breed dogs. You can teach your puppy to tolerate this procedure. There are special tooth pastes on the market for pets, this will help to delay dental disease.
Please consult us for further information.
SPAY/NEUTER
Spay/neuter is a routine procedure that we recommend for all animals that are not going to be used for breeding. We will be preventing many diseases and also help control the population of unwanted/homeless animals on the island.
It can be done at any age however we recommend to do it when they are about 6 months old, that is before the first heat in the bitch and queen, to prevent hormonal complications and old enough to reduce the anesthetic risk to a minimum.
Please do not hesitate to consult us for any further information you may require.
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