Holiday Cat-Friendly Treat Recipe

Ingredients: 

½ cup of hamburger

½ teaspoon shrimp paste (see Asian food section of your local grocery store)

¼ cup shelled shrimp, washed in hot water, and minced

½ teaspoon catnip

Directions:

Mix shrimp paste with the catnip and then hand work it into the hamburger.

Add minced shrimp to the hamburger mix and make into little meatballs.

These can be fed raw, or baked at 425° F for 10 minutes.

SILVER-Cat Highlight

Silver is owned by Nancy, Licensed Veterinary Technician at Great Bridge Veterinary Hospital. Silver is a three year old domestic cat. He loves playing fetch, chasing the laser pointer and dragging toys until someone will play with him.

At one time, Silver had vestibular disease. Silver was tilting his head, which was cute but not normal. He was also very dizzy, walked in circles, and could not eat on his own. The veterinarian provided him with anti-nausea (motion sickness) medication which helped greatly. It took a few days, but he returned to normal. Every now and then his mom can still see his head tilt.

TIGER-Cat Highlight

Tiger is a13 year old domestic short-haired cat, owned by Heather, a bather at Great Bridge Veterinary Hospital. Tiger likes bugging his daddy.

Tiger was overweight.  When his mom first got him, he was 21 ½ lbs. Now he has turned it around and weighs about 12 lbs. His mom was very dedicated to his health. It took him one year and a prescription weight loss diet, but he lost the weight and got his energy back. Had he stayed overweight he may have developed a number of diseases, such as diabetes.

Cat Highlight-Thomas

Thomas is a three year old domestic short-haired cat. He is owned by Pamela, a Licensed Veterinary Technician at Great Bridge Veterinary Hospital. Thomas likes bringing his toys to his mom and dad at night.

Thomas likes to scratch everything. As you can see from his picture, he is an adventurous boy. His mom doesn’t want to declaw him because at his age it could traumatize him psychologically. She deters him from scratching by putting layers of sheets over the couch, which he doesn’t particularly care to scratch. She provides scratching posts and vertical surfaces for him to scratch as well. There are many options if you prefer not to declaw… like Soft Paws!

AZAIAH-Cat Highlight

 Azaiah is a three and a half year old, domestic short-haired feline. She is owned by Rebecca, Veterinary Assistant. Azaiah likes feathers, friends and food.

Azaiah is microchipped. This ensures that if she escapes from the house, she will be returned home. It is important to register her with the correct company to ensure the fastest return home possible.  Did you know that 41% of people with lost cats described their cats as strictly indoors? Also, only 2% of unchipped lost cats make it home versus 75% of microchipped cats making it home. Visit www.petparents.com to read more information about microchipping your pet. 

PET OF THE MONTH - CALI

Great Bridge Veterinary Hospital is proud to honor CALI as our June Pet of the M...onth. Here is what her owner had to say about her first encounter with Cali....

"I had gone to Petsmart to get stuff for our two cats, of course my husband was on deployment, and I walked over to the pet adoption area. There she was in a cage. She didn't look sad but she was mad. How dare someone put her in cage and how dare someone turn her in. What a great cat! Cali has been the best, most entertaining cat I have ever had. She even lets me put costumes on her for various parties that we host. The funniest moments are how long it takes her to get in empty boxes. Like moths to a flame…as soon as we get a box, there she is…"

NAMIR-CAT HIGHLIGHT

NAMIR is a seven year old Bengal male cat. His owner is Pamela, Licensed Veterinary Technician. Namir is an indoor cat and likes hunting and attacking his toys!  

Namir has recently had his teeth cleaned. During the cleaning the veterinarian noticed a few lesions on some of his teeth. These turned out to be resorptive lesions. The lesions are painful and would have caused many problems had they not been extracted. It is very important for his future dental health to monitor him for signs of difficulty chewing, suddenly missing teeth, or teeth whose gums look inflamed as these can signal another lesion.

In the interest of your pet’s optimum health, we are providing a dental care program to ensure your cat (and dog) will avoid common dental problems.  Residues often build up on the teeth of  many pets.  The rate at which this build up occurs depends on many factors, including the breed, jaw structure, type of food eaten, and dental home care by the owner.  Thus, some dogs and cats are more prone to this problem than others.  Never the less, well over half of the pet population is prone to develop tooth and gum disease by the time they are a few years old. 

The team at Great Bridge Veterinary Hospital is genuinely interested in maximizing the companionship you have with your pet by sensibly avoiding preventable health problems.  Here are some simple measures you can follow to keep their teeth in good condition.

1.  Visual Inspection:  First, check the mouth (some pets are a little head shy and this may take a little patience on your part).  Gently fold back the lips and look at the teeth and gums.  Ideally, the teeth should be ivory or light-tan colored and the teeth should be smooth and shiny.  The gums should be a nice pink color and free of any areas of localized redness or swelling.  If your pet has tartar or plaque build-up, you will notice it as tan or brownish debris accumulated on the teeth where they meet the gumline.  It is most noticeable on the “cheek teeth”, the larger teeth along the sides of the jaw.

2.  Foul Odor:  Pets with tartar or plaque build-up commonly have a foul odor to the breath.  This is from the effects of the bacteria feeding on the plaque that builds up on the teeth.  This infection can spread to the gums, causing irritation (gingivitis).  If you suspect any of the conditions noted above, it is best for your pet to have the teeth cleaned and treated.  Please call our hospital.  We will be happy to answer any questions you have.

3.  Time for the toothbrush!  Brushing your pet’s teeth?  Yes!  In many cases it will help.  Cats and dogs can benefit when you brush their teeth daily with an approved veterinary dentifrice (tooth cleansing solution).  Contact our hospital for recommendations on proper dental care for your pet.

 These tips are offered as a service to you, our valued client.  If you’d like to make an appointment for an examination and cleaning, please call.  Visit www.petdental.com for more information.

KEELY-Cat Highlight

KEELY is a six year old domestic short-haired indoor cat. Her owner, Debbie, is a Veterinary Assistant at Great Bridge Veterinary Hospital. Keely's favorite things are catnip, bird on a string toy and looking out the window at the birds and squirrels.

Keely has herpes (upper respiratory disease). This feline disease is not transmitted the same way that the human version is transmitted and is not contagious to humans. Cats catch it by contact with other infected cats via grooming, sharing bowls, or fighting. In Keely’s case, she was born with it (which means her mom had it). Her human mom keeps her indoors for two reasons: to keep her health at top-notch and to keep other cats from becoming infected by her. Keely is a beloved part of the family.

                                                                  

Feline Herpesviral Conjunctivitis is a medical term used to describe inflammation of the tissues surrounding the eye. These tissues include the lining of the lids and the third eyelid as well as the tissues covering the front part of the eye or globe. Conjunctivitis may be a primary condition (caused by an infection) or may be secondary to an underlying systemic or ocular disease.

Feline herpesviral conjunctivitis is a form of primary conjunctivitis caused by the highly infectious feline herpesvirus (FHV-1). Herpesvirus infection is common in cats and is the most common cause of conjunctivitis in cats. Many cats are infected with FHV-1 and do not show any signs of clinical illness (i.e. they have a latent infection). Fortunately, less than 45% of adult cats with latent herpesvirus infection develop recurrent ocular disease such as conjunctivitis. In most cases, herpesvirus conjunctivitis is self-limiting and will resolve within two weeks.

The most common clinical signs of conjunctivitis are squinting or closing of the eye, red, swollen tissue surrounding the eye and eyelids, ocular discharge that may range from clear to yellow-greenish in color, and upper respiratory infection symptoms such as sneezing or nasal discharge. These signs often appear suddenly and are especially common after stressful situations such as travel, boarding, surgery or illness. Chemosis, a condition in which the membranes that line the eyelids and surface of the eye appear to have fluid in them, is more commonly associated with chlamydial infections.

There is no cure for herpesviral conjunctivitis. The therapeutic goal is to reduce the frequency and severity of recurrences. Most cats respond well to medical management and lead relatively normal lives. Minimizing the chance of infection, feeding a premium diet, supplementing the diet with l-lysine daily, reducing stressful situations and proper vaccination against preventable causes are your cat’s best defense

Pets and Cookouts

Cookouts are in full swing! We want to remind you that barbeque and picnic foods should not be fed to pets.  Please bring plenty of food and treats for your pets so that they can join in on the fun and food.  

Puppy Obedience Class

Join us for our Puppy Obedience Class tonight from 6:00pm to 8:00pm at Great Bridge Veterinary Hospital. We look forward to seeing you there!

 

Dear Cat Lover

Dear Cat Lover,

Cats are fascinating creatures because of their intelligence, sophistication, and sense of mystery.  We enjoy the company of a cat because of their beauty and lovable nature.  People who have not had the privilege of being owned by a cat are missing out on the many ways that a cat can enrich our lives, a soothing, rhythmic purr in the ear, a playful pat on the pant leg, an agile, entertaining adventure. 

There are 82 million pet cats in the United States compared to 72 million dogs, making cats the most popular pet in the country! Yet studies show a continual decrease in veterinary preventive examinations and veterinary care visits for our feline companions. What’s more, cats are living longer than they did 20 years ago. That’s why putting off veterinary visits can put your cat’s health at risk. 

Cats are masters at hiding illness. Your cat needs regular vaccinations and exams to stay healthy and live a long, happy life. Your cat could be giving you subtle signs of sickness, letting you know that it’s time to visit your veterinarian. We recommend semi-annual wellness visits and examinations any time you suspect that your pet may be showing signs of illness. Visit www.healthycatsforlife.com for a detailed list of subtle signs of illness, which include inappropriate elimination behavior or litter box use, changes in food and water consumption, changes in sleeping habits, or even bad breath. 

We understand that getting your cat to Great Bridge Veterinary Hospital can be challenging sometimes, but it’s worth it to both you and your beloved feline companion.  Here are a few tips to make it easier for both of you:

·         Help your cat be more comfortable in the car by using a pet carrier and taking frequent short rides to places other than the veterinary office.  This will help to acclimate your pet to both the carrier and the car.

·         It should be easy to get your pet in and out of your carrier.  This will lessen the stress to both you and your pet. Top-loading carriers work best.

·         Cats are extremely sensitive to smell, so take your cat carrier out of storage several days prior to taking a trip. Place a familiar blanket inside the carrier along with the cat's favorite toys.

·         Cats travel best on an empty stomach.  Do not feed your cat for several hours before traveling.

·         Place a towel or blanket over the carrier when driving.  Limiting the cat’s vision of moving objects during travel will help to reduce car sickness.

For more information about how you can help your feline companion stay healthy and live a long, happy life, call our office at (757) 547-1600 or visit our website at www.greatbridgevet.com.  Additionally, visit www.catalystcouncil.org and www.vet.cornell.edu/fhc  for more educational information and videos.

Sincerely,

Your Doctors and Veterinary Care Team

At Great Bridge Veterinary Hospital

UNO-Cat Highlight

UNO is a five year old domestic short haired cat. She is owned by Heather, Pet Bather.She has been spayed and stays indoors. She loves staring out the window as if the outside were a fishbowl.

As soon as Uno was adopted, she was tested for feline leukemia and aids. Because Uno was found outside in a barn with other cats, her risk for having contracted these infectious diseases was high. Luckily, the test is fast and within 15 minutes the results showed she had not contracted either of the diseases. She has lived with her family as an exclusively indoor cat for about 4 years and is very happy. These feline diseases are not transmitted the same way that the human versions are transmitted and are not contagious to humans.

Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) is one of the most important infectious viruses of cats. It was first discovered in cats with a form of leukemia, hence its name. FeLV is the cause of a variety of diseases, not just leukemia. Like all viruses, FeLV is a minute micro-organism consisting of nucleic acid and a few proteins and glycoproteins in a simple structure. Viruses can only replicate themselves inside living cells. FeLV is specific to members of the cat family and does not pose a risk to other animals or people.

FeLV infection is found worldwide. In general, around 1-2% of the cat population is persistently infected with this virus, and many more are exposed. The proportion of cats infected differs according to the geographical location, environment and the life-style of the cat. Infection is more common in colonies of cats where there is close contact between individuals.

Direct contact between cats is the most frequent method of FeLV infection. The virus is fragile and cannot survive longer than a few hours in the environment outside of the cat. A cat with FeLV sheds a large quantity of the virus in its saliva as well as in other bodily fluids such as urine and feces. However, FeLV is not a highly contagious virus, and transmission generally requires a prolonged period of close contact between infected and susceptible cats. Close contact activities include mating, mutual grooming, and sharing of litter trays and food bowls. Cat bites by an infected cat can readily transmit infection.

There is currently no specific treatment for FeLV-infected cats. There is no treatment to eliminate the virus from the body.  PREVENTION is the best method! Vaccines are available to protect cats against FeLV infection. Their use is highly recommended for any cat that goes outside at any time and therefore could have contact with FeLV- infected cats. As with other vaccines, an initial course of two injections is required, and regular boosters are necessary to maintain immunity. Your veterinarian will discuss the most appropriate options for your cat with you. All cats should be tested for FeLV prior to vaccination.

Although vaccination is very helpful in preventing infection with FeLV and thus controlling FeLV-related disease, no vaccine is 100% protective. Where possible do not allow your cat, particularly if a kitten, to come into close contact with known FeLV-infected cats or cats without a known history of proper vaccinations.

Visit American Animal Hospital Association for more information about Feline Leukemia.

Walk to Defeat Lyme Disease

National Capital Lyme and Tick-Borne Disease Association will be hosting a Walk to Defeat Lyme Disease on Saturday, May 21st at Mount Trashmore Park in Virginia Beach. Registration will begin at 8:30 a.m. and the walk will begin at 10:00 a.m. Registration includes a tee-shirt; (please bring your own lunch). Come on out for a day of sunshine and fellowship as we all walk together to defeat these diseases!

 

Preventing Ticks on Your Pets

Dogs are very susceptible to tick bites and tickborne diseases. Vaccines are not available for all the tickborne diseases that dogs can get, and they don’t keep the dogs from bringing ticks into your home. For these reasons, it’s important to use a tick preventive product on your dog.
Tick bites on dogs may be hard to detect. Signs of tickborne disease may not appear for 7-21 days or longer after a tick bite, so watch your dog closely for changes in behavior or appetite if you suspect that your pet has been bitten by a tick.
To reduce the chances that a tick will transmit disease to you or your pets:

• Check your pets for ticks daily, especially after they spend time outdoors.
• If you find a tick on your dog, remove it right away.
• Ask your veterinarian to conduct a tick check at each exam.
• Talk to your veterinarian about tickborne diseases in your area.
• Reduce tick habitat in your yard.
• Talk with your veterinarian about using tick preventives on your pet. 

Note: Cats are extremely sensitive to a variety of chemicals. Do not apply any insect acaricides or repellents to your cats without first consulting your veterinarian!

Kill Ticks on Dogs

A pesticide product that kills ticks is known as an acaricide. Acaricides that can be used on dogs include dusts, impregnated collars, sprays, or topical treatments. Some acaricides kill the tick on contact. Others may be absorbed into the bloodstream of a dog and kill ticks that attach and feed.

Pros:

• Helps to reduce the number of ticks in the environment
• Prevents tickborne disease

Cons:

• Tick bites can cause a painful wound and may become infected.
• When bitten, a dog may become infected with a number of diseases. This depends on the type of tick, which diseases it is carrying (if any), and how quickly a product kills the feeding tick.

Examples of topically applied products (active ingredients):

• Fipronil
• Pyrethroids (permethrin, etc.)
• Amitraz

Repel Ticks on Dogs

A repellent product may prevent the tick from coming into contact with an animal at all or have anti-feeding effects once the tick comes into contact with the chemical, thus preventing a bite.

Pros:

• Prevents bite wounds and possible resulting infections
• Prevents tickborne disease

Cons:

• Will not reduce the number of ticks in the environment (doesn't kill ticks)

Examples of topically applied products (active ingredients):

• Pyrethroids (permethrin, etc.)

Reference to any commercial entity or product or service on this page should not be construed as an endorsement by the Government of the company, its products, or its services.

FREE Puppy Training Seminar

Have you heard about Great Bridge Veterinary Hospital's FREE Puppy Training Seminar? This event takes place June 2, 2011 from 6pm to 8pm and is for puppies 4 to 6 months old. Please don't forget to register! We look forward to seeing you and your new furry family member there!

 

Did you know that animals that are overweight live two years less than pets at an ideal weight?  Obesity is fast becoming an epidemic among our pets.  Diet and exercise are the two most important factors in preventing and treating obesity.  We can provide a customized feeding program for your pet and get them back in tip top shape!

Puppy Training Seminar

Take part in Great Bridge Veterinary Hospital's Puppy Training Seminar! This event takes place June 2, 2011 from 6pm to 8pm and is for puppies 4 to 6 months old. Call our office to register your pet for the class!

Allergies

Is your pet’s itching and scratching keeping you awake at night? Spring is the beginning of allergy season as the pollen and mold counts rise. Pets are not born with allergies, they develop with repeated exposure. Chewing, biting, scratching, sneezing, itchy ears and watery eyes may be indications that your pet may have developed some allergies. We have developed a comprehensive plan to address these issues and would be happy to help your pet so they can enjoy the spring season as well.

Happy Mother's Day!

Some children have feathers, and others have fur, some kiddies chirp, some bark, and some purr. Among all their moms, the one thing that's true, is that the best of them all...happens to be YOU! Great Bridge Veterinary Hospital would like to wish everyone a Happy Mother's Day weekend!

 

This week is National Pet Week!

Pets provide love, companionship, devotion, and loyalty, enriching the lives of their owners and community in general. It is only right to honor our pets for the joy they bring into our lives. Of course, we should honor our pets every week, but this week plan something special to do with your pet to show them how much you love and appreciate them.