Cats

Antiviral Discovered to Speed Recovery and Reduce Corneal Disease in Kittens with Herpesvirus

 

A recent clinical trial conducted by the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine has shown that famciclovir, an antiviral used to treat feline herpes, hastens recovery in kittens with infectious upper respiratory disease (IURD). The results of the research, published today in the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, also indicated that the drug may also reduce corneal disease in some of these kittens.

Pet Owners: Watch Out for Foxtail Seed Pods That Can Harm Your Dog or Cat This Summer

Across much of the United States, spring is in full force. With warmer weather, people are taking their furry family members out on longer walks and spending more time outside. Alongside blooming flowers and trees, your pet might run into a small, unassuming grass seed pod known as a foxtail. Despite the cute name, foxtails can pose a major threat to your pet’s health.

“Assistant Manager” Cat Gets Cancer Treatment and Moves Research Forward

 

What should a business owner do when a favorite employee gets cancer? What if that employee is a cat? When Horatio, “Assistant Manager Cat” of Seventh Son Brewing Co. in Columbus, Ohio—loved by guests and staff alike—was diagnosed with fibrosarcoma, the brewery took an unconventional approach to help both Horatio and the species. Seventh Son opened a GoFundMe for which 50 percent of the proceeds go to Horatio’s treatment, and the other 50 percent to the UC Davis Feline Cancer Research Fund and an Ohio organization dedicated to saving pets' lives through funding veterinary care.

UC Davis Opens Advanced Veterinary Surgery Center

The UC Davis Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital has expanded its Orthopedic Surgery Service to open the Advanced Veterinary Surgery Center. Modeled after human health inpatient/outpatient facilities, the center provides advanced surgical capabilities for animals suffering from injuries or disorders of the bones and joints, while increasing case volume and training capacity.

Young Cat Back to Full Activity after Total Hip Replacement

Atlas, a 2-year-old male cheetoh cat (Bengal/ocicat cross), is a fearless daredevil who likes to get into mischief, always wanting to climb to the highest heights he can reach in the house. Unfortunately, those activities caught up with him last May when he became acutely lame after jumping down from an elevated structure at home. X-rays showed a displaced fracture of the right femoral head that would require surgery.

Disease Discovery in Kittens May Affect Treatment

The two most common causes of death in kittens are diarrhea and severe upper respiratory tract infections. Thanks to a Center for Companion Animal Health grant, UC Davis veterinary scientists have made a small discovery that may give veterinarians a better understanding of one of those issues.