Bloodwork & Your Cat

Bloodwork is recommended yearly to monitor for any changes/potential concerns as well as prior to any surgeries or procedures requiring anesthesia! Talk to your veterinarian about having bloodwork completed on your pet or if you have any questions about having bloodwork ran on your pet!

GLUCOSE is a blood sugar.  Elevated levels can indicate diabetes mellitus, but in cats, mildly elevated levels can also just indicate stress.  Low levels can happen with insulin shock or malabsorption syndromes and can cause weakness, seizures, or death.

SERUM UREA NITROGEN (also known as Blood Urea Nitrogen) generally indicates kidney function.  An increased level is called azotemia, and can be caused by kidney, liver, and heart disease, urethral obstruction, shock, and dehydration.

SERUM CREATININE is a more specific indicator of kidney function in cats, although it can also be affected by dehydration and urethral obstruction.  An increased level without dehydration or urethral obstruction generally indicates kidney disease.

URIC ACID is a nonspecific value in cats, and does not indicate any disease processes.

ALT (Alanine aminotransferase) is a sensitive indicator of active liver damage but doesn’t indicate the cause.

TOTAL BILIRUBIN elevations may indicate liver or hemolytic (red blood cell destruction)disease.  This test helps identify bile duct problems in the liver and certain types of anemia. 

DIRECT BILIRUBIN elevations are another indication of liver disease and hemolysis.

ALKALINE PHOSPHATASE elevations may indicate liver damage or can also be a result of active bone growth in young kittens.  In adult cats, this is especially significant for liver damage.

AST (Asparate aminotransferase) increases are also very nonspecific, and can indicate liver, heart, or skeletal muscle damage.

INDIRECT BILIRUBIN is calculated using the total bilirubin and the direct bilirubin, and is not significant as a diagnostic test.

BUN/CREAT RATIO is calculated using the serum urea nitrogen and the serum creatinine.  In some cases, this result can help indicate if azotemia is from dehydration or kidney disease.

CHOLESTEROL is used to supplement diagnosis of hypothyroidism, liver disease, Cushing’s disease, and diabetes mellitus.  This is not a prognostic factor for heart disease such as in people.

TRIGLYCERIDES are not a significant value in cats.  They can be elevated if the cat has eaten recently, or in some disease processes, but are not a significant diagnostic factor.

CALCIUM deviations can indicate a variety of diseases.  Tumors, hyperparathyroidism, kidney disease, and low albumin are just a few of the conditions that alter serum calcium.

PHOSPHORUS elevations are often associated with significant kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, and bleeding disorders.

SODIUM is an electrolyte lost with vomiting, diarrhea, and kidney and Addison’s disease.  This test helps indicate hydration status.

POTASSIUM is an electrolyte lost with vomiting, diarrhea, or excessive urination. Decreased levels can be an early indicator of kidney insufficiency.  Increased levels may indicate Addison’s disease, dehydration and urethral obstruction. High levels can lead to cardiac arrest.

CHLORIDE is an electrolyte often lost with vomiting and Addison’s disease. Elevations often indicate dehydration.

SERUM PROTEIN indicates hydration status and provides additional information about the liver,kidneys, and infectious diseases.

SERUM ALBUMIN is a protein that helps evaluate hydration, hemorrhage, and intestinal, liver, and kidney disease.

GLOBULIN is calculated from serum total protein and serum albumin.  This is a blood protein that often increases with chronic inflammation and certain disease states.

OSMOLALITY CALCULATED is a calculated indicator of hydration status, and can help with interpretation of other blood values.

T4 (ANIMAL THYROXINE) is a thyroid hormone.  Decreased levels in cats do not signal hypothyroidism, rather, they can indicate an underlying disease process.  Elevated levels indicate hyperthyroidism.

Complete Blood Count (CBC)

WHITE BLOOD COUNT measures the body’s immune cells. Increases or decreases indicate certain diseases or infections.

RED BLOOD COUNT is the number of red blood cells per unit volume of blood.  Increases or decreases can indicate dehydration or anemia.

HEMOGLOBIN is the oxygen carrying pigment of red blood cells.  Increases or decreases in this number must be interpreted with other blood values.

HEMATOCRIT is probably the most important value of the red blood cells. This value measures the percentage of red blood cells in the blood to detect anemia, dehydration, and can help indicate some disease processes.

MCV (Mean cell volume) is the average red blood cell size. This value can help indicate some disease processes, but must be interpreted with other data.

MCH (Mean cell hemoglobin) is the average amount of hemoglobin per red blood cell.  This value can help indicate some disease processes, but must be interpreted with other data.

MCHC (Mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration) is another value for interpreting hemoglobin concentrations in cells.

RDW (Red blood cell distribution width) elevations can indicate that there is an increased variety in red blood cell sizes.  This value should be interpreted along with other red blood cell values.

PLATELET COUNT measures cells that are used in blood clotting.

NEUTROPHILS are a type of white blood cells of the immune system.  An elevation or decrease in absolute or total neutrophil counts can indicate a variety of processes including stress, inflammation, infection, or other disease processes.

LYMPHOCYTES are another type of white blood cells of the immune system.  An elevation or decrease in absolute or total lymphocyte counts can indicate a variety of processes including stress, inflammation, infection, or other disease processes.

MONOCYTES are a less common type of white blood cells of the immune system that can indicate stress or chronic inflammation.

EOSINOPHILS are a type of white blood cells of the immune system.  An elevation in absolute or total eosinophils can indicate allergy disorders, parasitism,and some skin and intestinal disorders.

BASOPHILS are a less common type of white blood cells of the immune system. Elevations in these can indicate allergy disorders, parasitism, and neoplastic states.

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“CH” Proofing!

Adopting a new CH baby or a new CH pet parent? Take a deep breath and remember that you “got” this! Remember that JUST like children each pet is different so “proofing” for one family may not be exactly like the next!

What do you need to purchase BEFORE your new addition comes home?

  • Food/Water Dishes (I always recommend a silicone based dish for safety and stability as pictured below – the photographed bowls you can remove the stainless steel dishes and strictly use the silicon portion for holding your new addition’s food & water!)
Silicone food/water dishes such as this one is dishwasher safe and catches any mess from your new baby!
  • Depending on the “severity” of your new special baby (Bifford is considered “moderate” and only needs certain accommodations) they may need ramps to help them into bed or furniture ! Again depending on the severity of your new baby you still may need to help them use the ramp/get onto the furniture to further insure their safety!
Ramp for the furniture such as this one has a carpeted/felt material on the ramp providing better traction for your special baby)
  • Low rise litter box (or in Bifford’s case a rubber maid container with a hole cut out!)
Low rise litter boxes such as this one are available online (such as Amazon or Petco)
  • Washable “pee pads” to use in the event of any “accidents” (or like we do with Bifford place them outside of his litter boxes to catch any mess he was attempting to bring with him!)
  • Spray Shampoo (our favorite is Burt’s Bees brand of feline spray shampoo — no water and it has a nice natural scent to it that is not overpowering!)

Pet Proofing — “Safety!”

  • Small and dangerous objects like paper clips, nails, staples, thread, pins/needles, rubber bands, tacks — basically anything that has fallen on the floor that shouldn’t be there.
  • Any electrical cords that are too long, suggest taping the cords to the floor (a tape which can be purchased online) or running the cords out of your pets way.
  • Intriguing things like plants, electrical cords, drapes, the pulls/cords on blinds, other cords.
  • Also consider if there are any objects (furniture/decorations) that could fall over if knocked-into, or if something could fall of the furniture.
  • Be mindful of sharp corners of furniture or fragile items that your new pet could accidentally fall into and cause them to break.
  • Don’t forget to check your window screens — they should fit securely and should not give way in case your cat leans against them.
  • Odoban! It comes in a spray bottle or a one gallon jug and it breaks up any enzymes in your pet’s urine or bowel movements that may be on the floor/blanket etc.!
Odoban can be purchased on Chewy or Amazon and even found at your local Wal-Mart!
  • Close closet doors and make sure you keep your room tidy. That means keeping laundry and shoes (consider shoelaces and loose buttons) in your closet or behind other closed doors.
  • Remove plants, if necessary.
  • Move all wires so they’re out of your pet’s reach.
  • Take a look at what you have on night stands, dressers, etc. If necessary, move the items into a drawer or cabinet.
  • Close all drawers entirely. You never know when a cat will crawl in.
  • Check your bed’s box spring. Cats and kittens are known to find their ways into them.
  • Be mindful of closed doors — make sure your cat isn’t in your closet or bathroom before closing the door.

  • Purchase trash cans that your pets can’t get in to (like those with lids), or hide your trash can in a cabinet. Don’t forget about small wastebaskets in the bathroom — cats can easily turn them over and rummage through the contents.
  • Use childproof latches to keep cabinet doors from being pulled open. (This is usually the case with cabinets that don’t have latches to keep them shut in the first place.)
  • Place all medications, cleaners, and chemicals on high shelves or in childproofed cabinets. Similarly, keep insecticides, rodent poisons and dryer sheets out of reach.
  • Look for small spaces your pets can squeeze into — behind appliances, between an appliance and the wall, etc. — and find ways to seal them.
  • Always keep the doors to your washer and dryer closed. Before doing each load of laundry get a visual on every furry member of your household.
  • Always put down the toilet seat lid. Cats can easily fall in and drown.

  • Again, look for small spaces your pets can squeeze into — under your couch, holes in furniture, etc. — and find ways to seal them.
  • Move wires and cords from lamps, entertainment systems and phones so your cat can’t access them. Petfinder.com suggests running the cords through PVC pipes to prevent pets from chewing on them. You can also purchase sprays that give the wires a bad taste, or run them under heavy rugs and carpets.
  • Watch your cat carefully when opening a front or back door.

In some severe CH cases your pet may benefit from you purchasing a “portable crib” for pets (found the one photographed below on Amazon) to help keep your baby safe (and the carpeted insert allows you to easily remove it to wash it in the event of any “accidents”!)

Have any suggestions/tips or tricks? Post them below and we will include them in our “Guide for New CH Pet Parents!”

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Flea Prevention & CH Pets

Often we are asked about flea prevention and cerebellar hypoplasia and if flea prevention treatments are safe to use on your CH pet and we answer with the same every time — YES, but ALWAYS consult your veterinarian about your concerns and which product is right for your pet!

Lots of “CH” pet parents post on cerebellar forums and pages lamenting about certain prevention and products may have harmed or proved fatal for their special pet which is frustrating because applying prevention to a cerebellar hypoplasia pet is not the lethal combination that people make it out to be!

In both humans AND animals anything (medication or otherwise) can have side effects or be potentially fatal (this can also be said for products that are coined as “green” or natural/holistic) so we always stress to do your homework and have an open dialog with your veterinarian!

Anytime a person (or animal) has any kind of reaction while on a certain medication the F.D.A is required to list this on their potential adverse reactions list which could range from mild reactions to potentially fatal. Just because there is an “adverse reaction” listed for that particular medication does NOT mean that it automatically unfit for your special baby!

Isoxazoline, Prevention & Pets

  • The FDA is alerting pet owners and veterinarians of the potential for neurologic adverse events in dogs and cats when treated with drugs that are in the isoxazoline class.
  • The FDA-approved drugs in this class are Bravecto (fluralaner) tablets for dogs, Bravecto (fluralaner) topical solution for cats and dogs, Bravecto Plus (fluralaner and moxidectin) topical solution for cats, Bravecto 1-month (fluralaner) tablets for cats, Nexgard (afoxalaner) tablets for dogs, Simparica (sarolaner) tablets for dogs, Simparica Trio (sarolaner, moxidectin and pyrantel) tablets for dogs, Credelio (lotilaner) tablets for dogs and cats, and Revolution Plus (selamectin and sarolaner) topical solution for cats. These products are approved for the treatment and prevention of flea infestations, and the treatment and control of tick infestations. Some of these products also have other indications.
  • Although these products can and have been safely used in the majority of dogs and cats, pet owners should consult with their veterinarian to review their patients’ medical histories and determine whether a product in the isoxazoline class is appropriate for their pet.

What should I know?

  • The FDA considers products in the isoxazoline class to be safe and effective for dogs and cats but is providing this information so that pet owners and veterinarians can take it into consideration when choosing flea and tick products for their pets.
  • Isoxazoline products have been associated with neurologic adverse reactions, including muscle tremors, ataxia, and seizures in some dogs and cats;
  • Although most dogs and cats haven’t had neurologic adverse reactions, seizures may occur in animals without a prior history;
  • Many products are available for prevention and control of flea and tick infestations. You can discuss all options with your veterinarian to choose the right product for your pet.

What products are in the isoxazoline class?

  • The FDA-approved drugs in this class are
    • Bravecto (fluralaner) tablets for dogs
    • Bravecto (fluralaner) topical solution for cats and dogs
    • Bravecto Plus (fluralaner and moxidectin) topical solution for cats
    • Bravecto 1-month (fluralaner) tablets for cats
    • Credelio (lotilaner) tablets for dogs and cats
    • Nexgard (afoxalaner) tablets for dogs
    • Simparica (sarolaner) tablets for dogs
    • Simparica Trio (sarolaner, moxidectin and pyrantel) tablets for dogs
    • Revolution Plus (selamectin and sarolaner) topical solution for cats
  • These products are approved for the treatment and prevention of flea infestations, and the treatment and control of tick infestations.

What should I do if my pet has an adverse drug event while using an isoxazoline product?

  • If your dog or cat experiences any adverse event while using an isoxazoline product, first consult your veterinarian.
  • The FDA continues to monitor adverse drug event reports for these products and encourages pet owners and veterinarians to report adverse drug events. You can do this by reporting to the drugs’ manufacturers, who are required to report this information to the FDA, or by submitting a report directly to the FDA.
  • To report suspected adverse drug events for these products and/or obtain a copy of the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) or for technical assistance, contact the appropriate manufacturers at the following phone numbers:
    • Merck Animal Health (Bravecto): 800-224-5318
    • Elanco Animal Health (Credelio): 888-545-5973
    • Boehringer Ingelheim (Nexgard): 888-637-4251
    • Zoetis (Simparica, Revolution Plus): 888-963-8471
  • If you prefer to report directly to the FDA, or want additional information about adverse drug experience reporting for animal drugs, see How to Report Animal Drug and Device Side Effects and Product Problems.
  • Pet owners and veterinarians who have additional questions can contact AskCVM@fda.hhs.gov or call 240-402-7002.

https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/animal-health-literacy/fact-sheet-pet-owners-and-veterinarians-about-potential-adverse-events-associated-isoxazoline-flea

  1. An adult flea that jumps on your pet will begin to feed on your pet’s blood immediately and excrete flea dirt or digested blood so the flea larvae can feed on the flea dirt later.
  2. Adult male and female flea mate on the host (your dog or cat).
  3. Each adult female will lay up to 50 eggs per day 1-2 days after it gets on your pet.
  4. The flea eggs and flea dirt on your pet, will drop off of your pet on to your carpet, sofa and bedding.
  5. In 2 -5 days, the Larvae will hatch from the eggs and the larvae develops by feeding on the flea dirt and organic debris. Larvae development time is between 5-21 days depending on the environment and nutrition.
  6. The larvae will develop into a pupae by making a cocoon.
  7. Pupae development takes about 8-13 days, but can take up to 30 weeks in poor conditions.
  8. New adults emerge and are waiting for a new warm-blooded host to feed on.

Diseases Caused by Fleas

  • Flea allergy dermatitis is the most common problem. Your pet will become itchy and will cause a severe irritation and inflammation leading to secondary skin infection.
  • Heavy flea infestation can lead to anemia (low red blood cells) and in very young animals, this could be serious and even lead to death.
  • Fleas can transmit a variety of diseases: Rickettsial diseases, Bartonella henselae, Dipylidium caninum, Acanthocheilonema, Yersenia pestis (plague), Trypanosoma lewisi, Mycoplasma diseases, Francisella tularensis.

Diagnosis

Fleas look like a small black sesame seed. It moves quickly between your pet’s coat. The best way to see fleas on your pet is to run your hands against the grain of the coat. You will see the flea moving very quickly trying to escape. You may also see flea dirt (digested blood meal) which looks like black pepper. The larvae and pupae are difficult to see because it is small and blends into the environment.

Preventing Fleas

Preventing fleas is much easier that treating fleas so it is best to prevent your pets from getting fleas. The best way to prevent fleas is to use a product that has efficacy against all stages of the flea life cycle. While there are many flea prevention products in the market, Simparica and Nexgard are very effective monthly flea prevention.

Flea Treatment for Dogs and Cats

If your pet is infested with fleas, a comprehensive elimination program should be implemented.

  • Immediately place your pet on prescription strength comprehensive flea prevention such as Simparica or Nexgard to kill the fleas and to prevent re-infestation.
  • Bathe your pet to remove fleas, and flea dirt. Repeat bathing as needed.
  • Vacuum all floors, sofas, beds and rugs thoroughly and frequently.
  • Flea life cycle will take several months to break so monthly flea prevention is imperative to eradicate flea infestation.
  • In areas where there is heavy flea population, professionally treating the yard may be needed.

Health Risks for People

The common flea of the dog is Ctenocephalidies felis. This flea can cause a number of diseases which can be transmitted to people. Bartonella henselae causes cat scratch disease, Rickettsia typhus causes flea borne typhus, Dipylidium caninum causes tapeworms to name a few. Dogs and cats can acquire rodent fleas. When these fleas leave the host and bite humans, flea bites can cause bubonic plaque (Yersenia pestis).

What Prevention does “President Bifford” utilize?

With the supervision of his veterinarian (shout out to Dr. Courtney Cameron at Niles Veterinary Clinic for loving the “handicats”) Bifford gets Advantage Multi (a topical treatment that is applied every 30 days that covers fleas, intestinal parasites, ear mites & heartworms) and Bart has on the Seresto collar (the collar is good for 8 months and covers fleas & ticks and according to the Bayer Pharmaceutical representative they are “break away” collars if need be but I cannot confirm nor deny that claim at this point) and both have had zero issues or complications and are well protected against fleas (despite them being strictly indoor cats they can STILL get fleas either from a flea jumping into a screen door or window or you bringing a flea in on the bottom of your pant leg or shoe!).

The one thing we ALWAYS stress is to NEVER trust or use “over-the-counter” flea prevention as they are not protected by the F.D.A nor are they regulated for your pet’s safety! Furthermore if your pet has a reaction to an “OTC” product your veterinarian may struggle to get them the best possible care because often times we do not know ALL of the ingredients that go into those store-bought preventions (or how much goes into them) so always PLAY IT SAFE and talk to your veterinarian about the prevention best suited for your pet and purchase it from your veterinarian’s office!

Category: Awareness, CH-Proofing, Did You Know?, Miscellaneous, Veterinary Medicine | LEAVE A COMMENT

Questions for the Veterinarian

The ongoing concern for “CH” parents is that they are afraid to have their special needs pet go for any procedures as they are concerned about anesthesia.

Currently there is NO studies that confirm nor deny the use (or avoidance) or certain anesthetic medications but there are certain medications to be cautious about as their side effects could affect even a non-CH pet! Here is a list of questions below to ask your veterinarian/veterinary staff prior to your pet’s “big day” (feel free to customize this template as you see appropriate!):

[   ] Are you aware of and/or ever cared for a cerebellar hypoplasia patient?

[   ] Do you have any reservations in caring for a CH pet?

[   ] Are pre-anesthetic physical examinations & pre-surgical bloodwork required/completed?

[   ] Can I request that pre-anesthetic bloodwork be completed on my pet PRIOR to surgery/procedure?

[   ] Premedication(s) – What type(s) are utilized?

[   ] Do you intubate anesthetized patients (this ensures that their airways stay open & they receive enough oxygen)?

[   ] Are IV catheters utilized? May I request that an IV catheter is utilized for my pet?

[   ] Do you monitor body functions under anesthesia (HR/RR/BP/ETCO2, SPO2, Temp)?

[   ] Documentation of patient parameters during anesthesia/recovery (anesthesia record)

[   ] Continued patient support & monitoring in recovery (post-anesthesia)?

Category: Anesthesia, Awareness, Diagnostics, Did You Know?, Miscellaneous, Veterinary Medicine | LEAVE A COMMENT

We Want YOU… to help us!

    We are beginning to collect information of veterinarian’s in the United States that have special needs animals, regularly treat special needs animals etc.

    We have found that there are still SO many veterinarians & veterinary support staff that know very little about special needs pets (especially cerebellar hypoplasia pets!) and want to construct a map of all of the veterinarian’s that understand and care for special needs pets!

    This map will better assist special needs pet parents in “doing their homework” in finding the best veterinarian for them and their family!

    Know of a veterinarian? E-mail us at PresidentBifford@gmail.com! Please be sure to include:

    • Veterinarian’s Name & Clinic Name (if applicable)
    • Website/Address (of clinic)
    • What special needs pets they own and/or care for or have an understanding of
    Category: Awareness, Did You Know?, Miscellaneous, Veterinary Medicine | LEAVE A COMMENT