Capitol Illini Newsletter

Feline Heartworm Disease

Many people have heard of heartworms, but an amazing number only associate them with dogs. Cats can get heartworms as well, in fact heartworms can be considered more dangerous in the feline as there is no cure.

Cats contract the disease the same way dogs do, through the bite of an infected mosquito.

Although outdoor cats are at a higher risk, there is an alarming number of indoor cats affected with the disease. Mosquitoes are extremely adept at getting into houses via open windows, screens, vents, and on other pets such as a dog that goes in and out. This makes indoor cats susceptible to heartworms.

Because a cat's heart is small, it may take only one worm to cause a significant amount of damage.

Although the worms live in the heart the disease also affects the lungs. Because the cat is not the primary host like the dog, worms migrate to the lungs as well. It is difficult to diagnose because the symptoms mock many other feline infections such as asthma or allergic bronchitis. It is also difficult to test for as tests only detect heartworm disease if there are multiple worms and cats typically have low numbers. Symptoms include coughing, difficulty or heavy breathing, lethargy, vomiting, collapse, seizures, and respiratory problems. Some cats may never show symptoms and can pass suddenly from the disease.

With the lack of a cure for feline heartworm disease prevention is a must. To prevent this horrible infection from affecting your pet our clinic recommends the topical product Revolution. Revolution not only prevents heartworms, but also controls intestinal parasites, ear mites, and fleas! It is a topical solution that is placed in between the shoulder blades, on the skin.

If you think your cat may have been exposed to heartworms please contact your veterinarian today!

Quick Tips On Summer Care

In past newsletters we have covered the dangers of summer heat (you can visit our website for that issue at www.capitolillinivet.com). But here are a few quick tips for a friendly reminder on summer care.

Never leave your pet in the car. In a matter of minutes the sun can turn the inside of a car into a hot 120 degrees!

Water, water, and more water. This goes for both you and your pet. Be sure you both have access to plenty of fresh water.

Keep them inside. Animals should never be left unattended on a hot summer day, keep them inside as best you can. If you cannot bring them in, provide adequate shelter with plenty of shade!

Don't overexert them. Exercise is an important part of a healthy pet, but during hot times of the day it is best to keep your pet cool. Exercise early morning, or late evening when the temperature has lowered.

Sunscreen helps. Certain animals with light skin, or thin hair can get sunburned. Rub a small amount of sunscreen on unprotected areas such as ear tips or the nose. Some dogs may even require a small amount on their bellies if they are sunbathers!

Some pets can't handle the heat. Older, very young, or ill pets have a harder time controlling their body temperatures. These animals should be kept inside, out for small periods, and always supervised when outside.

Heatstroke is serious! Signs of heatstroke include panting, high fever, rapid heart rate, dazed, unresponsive, vomiting, or collapse. If your pet or a pet you know is suffering from any of these symptoms on a hot day it is imperative they get treatment immediately! Contact your veterinarian as soon as possible. Keep these tips in mind and have a wonderful and safe summer with your pets!

New Vet Jet Vaccine Administrator

There is a new innovative way for our feline friends to get their leukemia vaccine. The Vet Jet allows the vaccine to be given transdermally.

Transdermally means dispersed through the skin. There is no needle involved. Because of the way the vaccine is dispersed immediately upon giving it, instead of injected in one spot, there is a less amount needed to give.

There are several benefits with this method of delivering the vaccination. First and foremost it is safer for the cats.

There is a potential that a cat can develop cancer from vaccinations. One out of one thousand cats to be approximate. With giving less of the vaccine and the dispersion of it reduces the risk of the vaccination causing cancer. Also because of the wide dispersion it targets more immune rich cells, creating more efficacy than the previous vaccine.

As of now the leukemia vaccine is the only one designed for the Vet Jet system, but in the future distemper should be as well.

Now your cat can enjoy a vet visit with little to no needles!

Pet Partners Program

Going to a children's hospital, or nursing home can be very heart-wrenching. To go knowing you and your pet were making a huge difference in their lives can be truly uplifting.

The Pet Partners Program with the Delta Society puts you and your furry companion in that very position.

Through a series of training courses, workshops, home study courses, and an evaluation you could become a team member enlightening the lives and spirits of those in need.

Pet Partners travel to hospitals, nursing homes, schools, libraries, you name it.

Adults are not the only ones who can participate. Children as young as ten years old can be a team member. Anyone under the age of sixteen must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Many various types of animals are eligible to become a partner. The list includes; dogs, cats, guinea pigs, rabbits, domesticated rats, horses, goats, llamas, donkeys, pot bellied pigs, miniature pigs, Cockatoos, African Grey parrots, and chickens.

There are certain requirements the pets must have. First and foremost the animal must be well behaved with a good temperament. All animals except "pocket pets" (guinea pigs, rats, etc.) must be at least one year before being evaluated. Pocket pets must be six months. Also the pets must have lived with the owner for at least six months, besides birds which must have lived with the owner for one year before being eligible.

If this is something you think you, or your child and your pet would be suited for you can get more information from the Delta Society. On the Delta Society website you can get in contact with the local Delta Society representative, read stories of the good each individual pet teams have made including one on how the patients in a hospital held a birthday party for the dog!
Their web address is: www.deltasociety.org
or they can be contacted by phone at: (425) 679-5500.

Third Annual Client Appreciation Day!

The third annual client appreciation day will be held on Saturday September 15th from 1:00-4:00.

In the past we have had a celebration at each location. Due to the wonderful turn out last year, and the need for more space we will only hold it at the Chatham location. The Chatham location provides several fields for demonstrations, and ample parking across the street in the Harmon's shopping center.

If you are unfamiliar with how to get to us out there simply take route 4 south to Chatham (coming from Springfield) and take a right at Plummer Blvd. Then take the first left after the bank which is Jason Place. Capitol Illini is at the end of the cul-de-sac. Plenty of parking should be available in the shopping center across the street; don't worry it's not a busy road so crossing should be easy.

Free food, gifts, prizes, games, and our staff will be onsite to thank you for your dedication.

More information will be provided as the time nears, including an email giving all the details if we have your email address on file. If not you can always call or let a receptionist know, and we will be happy to enter it in our computers.

All family members are encouraged to attend especially four-legged ones! Please mark this day in your calendars and come join us for some fun!

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