FIV is a feline disease, and cannot be transmitted to humans. There is no vaccine currently available to prevent infection by this virus.
| Q: | I've heard that there is a Feline AIDS Virus. Am I at risk for getting AIDS from my cat? |
| A: |
Cats can be infected by Feline Immunodeficiency Virus
(FIV) which is a retrovirus similar to the human HIV virus which causes
AIDS. The FIV virus is transmitted from cat
to cat in the saliva or blood which may occur when a cat is bitten by an
infected cat Outdoor male cats are at
increased risk of being infected by FIV due to territorial fighting.
Upon entering the cat’s body, the virus will infect the cells of the
cat’s immune system. The virus may go into
a dormant state for several years, during which a cat will not show signs of
disease. Once the virus comes out of dormancy, however, the cat most
likely will die from a terminal disease. FIV interferes with the
immune system's ability to fight off infections and diseases. Cats
that become infected with FIV generally succumb to a wide variety of
secondary diseases. FIV is a feline disease, and cannot be transmitted to humans. There is no vaccine currently available to prevent infection by this virus. |
| Q: | What is an electrocardiogram? |
| A: | An electrocardiogram (ECG) is a test used widely to assess the condition of the heart. The ECG is used to evaluate the status of the heart's conduction system. the status of the muscle. and indirectly, the condition of the heart as a pump. The ECG is a graphical presentation of the electrical activity (voltage) of the heart muscle and an ECG machine (electrocardiograph) is a recording voltmeter. more information |
| Q: | My cat recently had a battery of lab tests done and I am having trouble understanding what terms like BUN, CBC, SGPT, etc. mean. Please help. |
| A: | For an excellent explanation of laboratory test terms go to this web page: Learn more about lab tests |
| Q: | My cat has been straining in his litter box. Do you think he's constipated? |
| A: | While your pet could be constipated, a more likely cause is a lower urinary tract disorder (LUTD). Cats with LUTD frequently visit the litter box and strain to pass very small amounts of urine. The urine may be pink or blood-tinged. Males cats are at relatively high risk for a blockage of the urethra (the tube that carries urine from the bladder) and may go into kidney failure and die if not treated. You should make an appointment for an examination as soon as possible. If the pet is showing additional signs of poor appetite, lethargy, vomiting or abdominal pain, it should be seen by a veterinarian immediately because it could be going into kidney failure. |
| Q: | What kind of worm is ringworm? |
| A: | Ringworm is not a worm at all, but is a fungal infection. Signs include patchy areas of hair loss, and flaky or reddened skin. Kittens are most susceptible, but cats of any age may become infected. While cats can be infected by contact with other infected animals or humans, contaminated soil is the most common source of the fungal organism. Diagnosis is made by culturing infected hairs and identification of the organism under a microscope. |
| Q: | How does a cat get tapeworms? |
| A: | The most common source of tapeworm infestation for domestic cats is the flea. Fleas can harbor tapeworm larvae, and when they are ingested during grooming, the larvae will develop into adult tapeworms which live in the pets intestinal tract. As the parasite grows, egg packets develop in segments of the worm and are passed with the feces. These segments are white and will move about. Dried segments may appear as pieces of brown rice or sesame seeds around the rear of the pet. |
| Q: | Will sterilizing Pets Make Them Fat and Lazy? |
| A: | No, your pet will actually benefit. Sterilized pets lead healthier, longer lives. Spaying a female eliminates the possibility of uterine and ovarian cancer as well as reduces the chances of breast cancer. Neutering a male reduces the risk of both prostate enlargement and prostate cancer. Neutering will also make your pet more affectionate and less likely to roam, get in fights or become lost. |
| Q: | I am pregnant and my doctor said I should be careful about Toxoplasmosis. What is the concern? |
| A: | Toxoplasmosis & Pregnancy info from the CFA |
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