What's All The Fuss About FUS?
Feline Urinary Syndrome (FUS) is the name given to a group of symptoms caused by inflammation, irritation, and/or obstruction in a cat's lower urinary tract.
Male cats are more likely to develop this type of obstruction, and if it completely blocks the passage of urine it can become a life and death situation if not treated quickly.
Common Symptoms of FUS:
- Straining to urinate
- Blood in the urine
- Frequent passing of small amounts of urine
- Lack of urination
- Urinating outside the litter box
Howling and tenderness in the abdomen may also accompany these symptoms.
Unfortunately, there is no guarantee of preventing FUS, but risk of it is reduced by a good diet and it is treatable. In mild cases a good diet will limit the formation of crystals in the bladder. Severe cases, including blockages of the ureters or urethra, may require surgery followed by dietary therapy.
If you suspect your cat has FUS, don't delay treatment. Bring him to our office for a diagnosis. It could make all the difference when it comes to FUS and the long-term health and happiness of your pet.
Vaccinations: Essential Protection For Your Pet
There's no question that the best way to protect your dog or cat from serious or fatal diseases such as rabies is through a program of regular vaccinations.
Puppies and kittens should receive their first shots between 6 and 8 weeks of age, even if they're indoor cats or dogs that will be leashed. Bacteria and viruses know no boundaries: a few minutes outdoors may be all it takes for your pet to come in contact with a disease-carrying animal or infected feces.
If you would like to know more about vaccinations and the best course of protection for your dog or cat, we'd be pleased to answer your questions during your next visit to our clinic.
Nail Trimming Made Easy
Keeping your dog's nails trimmed is an important part of regular grooming. But it is also something that many people shy away from for fear of cutting the quick - the nerve endings and blood vessels inside a dog's nail.
The secret to bloodless and painless nail trimming is in how you hold the nail clippers in relation to your dog's paw. The best position is with the blade(s) parallel to the bottom of the paw. ( If your dog knows how to "high five", you've got the picture!) This position will ensure that you cut straight across the nail instead of at an angle that will expose the quick.
With nails that have grown overly long, resist the temptation to cut them all the way back. Instead, trim them bit-by-bit over several weeks, to avoid injuring your dog.
And what if you do cut too far and a nail begins to bleed? First, calm your dog, then apply pressure to the tip of the nail or treat it with a bit of styptic powder to stop the bleeding.
If you're hesitant or if your pet is afraid, you can always have a professional groomer or veterinarian demonstrate and trim your pets nails for you.
Did You Know..
Like Garfield the cartoon cat, most pet cats spend a lot of time sleeping. This is a trait they share with their wild cousins.
In the wild, cats conserve their energy until it's time to hunt for food. Then they go back to sleeping and resting until its time for another meal. Pet cats follow a similar pattern of activity: highly active for brief periods and curled up asleep for the rest of the day.
If you think your cat is sleeping too much, you should bring him or her to our office for an examination.
Why Should I Have My Dog Spayed?
Today, many responsible pet owners are choosing to have their female dogs spayed and their male dogs neutered. Spaying and neutering are relatively low-risk surgical procedures in which the animal's reproductive organs are removed.
There are a number of benefits to spaying and neutering. Neutered male dogs tend to be less aggressive and have lower rates of prostate and testicular disease, while spaying prevents mammary cancer and uterine disease in females.
Also, by having your dog sterilized, you'll be doing your part to help reduce the problem of pet overpopulation.
When A Stray Cat Adopts You..
While most dog owners go out and get a dog, studies show that many pet cats are former strays. If you decide to take in a cat who keeps showing up at your door, keep these things in mind:
" Ask the local Humane Society, animal shelter or veterinarian to check the cat for microchip identification: your stray may be someone else's lost pet.
" Bring the cat to us for a complete check-up: parasites such as intestinal worms, fleas and ear mites are all common in stray cats.
" Before introducing the cat to other cats in your home, a viral screening should be considered.
" Don't expect the cat to become a loving pet overnight; strays need time to lose their street instincts.
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*All articles are for general information only. Please consult a veterinarian for specific health related information related to your pet. © 2001 The Practice Marketers Inc. 905-936-6884 VESU-01
Dundas Euclid Animal Hospital
(416) 362-9696
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