Q. What kind of sedatives are out there for cats? Are there any harmful side effects? Does anyone know any good vets in the San Diego area?
A. Hi there...please check with the airline you will be flying as most will not transport sedated animals. This is something we encountered with nearly every airline domestic and international.
Here's an article written by the American Veterinary Medical Assoc about this:
http://www.avma.org/careforanimals/animatedjourneys/livingwithpets/sedate.asp
Don't Sedate or Tranquilize Pets Traveling By Air
American Humane Association Cautions Veterinarians and Pet Owners
Many pet owners may decide to take the family pet along on their trips. A well-planned trip with the family pet can be fun; however, if air travel is involved, leaving pets at home with a good pet sitter may be a much better option.
Pets are just like people who sometimes become anxious when they don't travel frequently. This leads some owners and veterinarians to question whether administering sedatives or tranquilizers to dogs or cats prior to flight is a good idea. According to national and international air transport organizations, as well as the American Humane Association and the American Veterinary Medical Association, in most cases the answer is "no"!
"An animal's natural ability to balance and maintain equilibrium is altered under sedation," noted Dr. Patricia Olson, DVM, Ph.D., director of veterinary affairs and studies for the American Humane Association. "When the kennel is moved, a sedated animal may not be able to brace and prevent injury."
Whether flying in the cabin or with cargo, animals are exposed to increased altitude pressures of approximately 8,000 feet. Increased altitude, according to Olson, can create respiratory and cardiovascular problems for dogs and cats who are sedated or tranquilized.
"Brachycephalic (short-faced) dogs and cats are especially affected," noted Olson. "Although thousands of pets are transported uneventfully by air, airline officials believe that when deaths do occur they often result from the use of sedation."
The American Humane Association cautions veterinarians to carefully consider the use of tranquilizers or sedatives for their clients who are considering air transportation for their family pet.
We have found that most cats will naturally feel somewhat stressed for approximately 30-40 minutes and then sleep the remainder of their travels so sedating isn't actually necessary.
Traveling tips: http://www.sniksnak.com/cathealth/travel.html
Here's an article written by the American Veterinary Medical Assoc about this:
http://www.avma.org/careforanimals/animatedjourneys/livingwithpets/sedate.asp
Don't Sedate or Tranquilize Pets Traveling By Air
American Humane Association Cautions Veterinarians and Pet Owners
Many pet owners may decide to take the family pet along on their trips. A well-planned trip with the family pet can be fun; however, if air travel is involved, leaving pets at home with a good pet sitter may be a much better option.
Pets are just like people who sometimes become anxious when they don't travel frequently. This leads some owners and veterinarians to question whether administering sedatives or tranquilizers to dogs or cats prior to flight is a good idea. According to national and international air transport organizations, as well as the American Humane Association and the American Veterinary Medical Association, in most cases the answer is "no"!
"An animal's natural ability to balance and maintain equilibrium is altered under sedation," noted Dr. Patricia Olson, DVM, Ph.D., director of veterinary affairs and studies for the American Humane Association. "When the kennel is moved, a sedated animal may not be able to brace and prevent injury."
Whether flying in the cabin or with cargo, animals are exposed to increased altitude pressures of approximately 8,000 feet. Increased altitude, according to Olson, can create respiratory and cardiovascular problems for dogs and cats who are sedated or tranquilized.
"Brachycephalic (short-faced) dogs and cats are especially affected," noted Olson. "Although thousands of pets are transported uneventfully by air, airline officials believe that when deaths do occur they often result from the use of sedation."
The American Humane Association cautions veterinarians to carefully consider the use of tranquilizers or sedatives for their clients who are considering air transportation for their family pet.
We have found that most cats will naturally feel somewhat stressed for approximately 30-40 minutes and then sleep the remainder of their travels so sedating isn't actually necessary.
Traveling tips: http://www.sniksnak.com/cathealth/travel.html
Are cat pheromone sprays good to use for overactive and maybe?
Q. behavior problem-prone tom cats? How safe are they and what are the proper methods in using them...and what type of behavior to cat pheromone sprays cure? Thanks!
A. Hello,
Let me just explain a little about pheromone before I go on to answer your question.
A pheromone is a chemical substance that is produced by an animal and serves especially as a stimulus to other individuals of the same species for one or more behavioral responses.
Feliway is the name of the pheromone that cats produce in their cheeks. It is considered to be a friendly pheromone which sends friendly messages to other cats. Feliway is also known by the name commercial name Comfort Zone.
During the research and development phase, the pheromone scent was gathered by rubbing a soft cotton ball against the cat's cheek. The pheromone residue was copied synthetically and bottled.
Feliway is safe to use, even for an extended period of time. There are however, a minority of cats that does not respond to the pheromone.
It is commonly used for reducing or eliminating the following behaviors:
* Urine marking
* Aggression
* Facial marking
* Stress reduction at the veterinarian, groomer, kennel, or while traveling
* Scratching on vertical surfaces
The pheromones come in two forms - Plug In or Spray.
The plug-in is simple, just plug it into a wall outlet and it lasts approximately 30 days, providing coverage for 500-650 square feet.
The spray is to be used on surfaces that the cat is marking.
Another option that you may want to try is Bach Flower Essences. Read more about it here:-
http://www.allourpets.com/holistic/bach-essences.shtml
I hope I answered your questions.
Let me just explain a little about pheromone before I go on to answer your question.
A pheromone is a chemical substance that is produced by an animal and serves especially as a stimulus to other individuals of the same species for one or more behavioral responses.
Feliway is the name of the pheromone that cats produce in their cheeks. It is considered to be a friendly pheromone which sends friendly messages to other cats. Feliway is also known by the name commercial name Comfort Zone.
During the research and development phase, the pheromone scent was gathered by rubbing a soft cotton ball against the cat's cheek. The pheromone residue was copied synthetically and bottled.
Feliway is safe to use, even for an extended period of time. There are however, a minority of cats that does not respond to the pheromone.
It is commonly used for reducing or eliminating the following behaviors:
* Urine marking
* Aggression
* Facial marking
* Stress reduction at the veterinarian, groomer, kennel, or while traveling
* Scratching on vertical surfaces
The pheromones come in two forms - Plug In or Spray.
The plug-in is simple, just plug it into a wall outlet and it lasts approximately 30 days, providing coverage for 500-650 square feet.
The spray is to be used on surfaces that the cat is marking.
Another option that you may want to try is Bach Flower Essences. Read more about it here:-
http://www.allourpets.com/holistic/bach-essences.shtml
I hope I answered your questions.
How hard is it to become a veterinarian in Canada?
Q. Okay, I have a couple questions. I live in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada and I just adore animals. I want to become a small animal veterinarian for dogs, cats, birds pretty much domestic animals.
1) How hard is it? Is competition fierce?
2) What courses do I take in university?
3) Salary for an entry level veterinarian?
4) Do I have to euthanize animals? I don't think I could do that!
5) How to gain experience before university?
6) Any useful tips?
1) How hard is it? Is competition fierce?
2) What courses do I take in university?
3) Salary for an entry level veterinarian?
4) Do I have to euthanize animals? I don't think I could do that!
5) How to gain experience before university?
6) Any useful tips?
A. This link gives a bit of info:
http://www.canadafaq.ca/how+to+become+a+veterinarian+in+canada/
Yes, I would imagine that part of pre-requisite of becoming a veterinarian would require having to euthanize animals. However, if you were to gain some experience at a veterinary clinic, you might find that it is something you could do. If not, then it's good to know ahead of time so you could change your field of study; something still related to animals but not as demanding as a vet. Perhaps visit a few of the clinics and set up a time to interview one or two of the staff to find out if they are willing to help you in your quest...even just talking to a vet would help give you a guideline as to what it entails, and how to 'get your foot in the door'.
btw, I'm in Ottawa as well. Ever been to Carling Animal Hospital? Some of the best vets in the city are there (imo). ;o) Dr. Johnson saved my English lop rabbit's life after he was diagnosed with a life-threatening (and rare) infection, and the staff overall are very friendly and helpful.
http://www.canadafaq.ca/how+to+become+a+veterinarian+in+canada/
Yes, I would imagine that part of pre-requisite of becoming a veterinarian would require having to euthanize animals. However, if you were to gain some experience at a veterinary clinic, you might find that it is something you could do. If not, then it's good to know ahead of time so you could change your field of study; something still related to animals but not as demanding as a vet. Perhaps visit a few of the clinics and set up a time to interview one or two of the staff to find out if they are willing to help you in your quest...even just talking to a vet would help give you a guideline as to what it entails, and how to 'get your foot in the door'.
btw, I'm in Ottawa as well. Ever been to Carling Animal Hospital? Some of the best vets in the city are there (imo). ;o) Dr. Johnson saved my English lop rabbit's life after he was diagnosed with a life-threatening (and rare) infection, and the staff overall are very friendly and helpful.
What is the difference between Prednisone / Prednisolone used in cats?
Q. I am currently giving my cat steroids for inflammation in the mouth. While I don't know how long she will be on steroids, I wanted to know if there was a difference between the two steroids. I know long term use of steroids is not good for cats because it could cause diabetes and other complications. I am looking into other options to give my cat for the pain in her mouth. My cat is on prednisolone. Any help would be appreciated! Thanks!
A. Hi Elizabeth,
I'll gladly answer your question to the best of my knowledge and experience.
Predni-sone and PredNIS-OLONE do the same things, WHEN they get into the system. BUT -- the reason a good veterinarian will put a cat of pednisolone -- is an important difference metabolic difference between cats and us (and many other animals). A cat's digestive system. matabolic capabilities and liver functions are different than ours and other companion animals (like dogs)
A cats' metabolic system cannot break down prednisone and get the benefit of the steroid. A cat's liver will "toss out" or eliminate most of a prednisone. Their digestive system will "see" Prednisone" as a hostile element and will elimate most of it. But Predisolone does not interact with our cat's digestive and metabolic system the way Prednisone does ours. The "bottom line" result is that if kitty receives say 5 mg of Prednisolone-- all of it will be available to do do what it's supoosed to do. But if one gives Kitty Prednisone -- kitty's body will reject most of it.
Although I do not know what is going on, I do strongly believe (supported by research and the literature that you vet is prescribing the right drug...
Also, don't worry as much about diabetes and other complications as you wrote...It is certainly possible, but if Kitty has inflamation that has not responded to other drugs; and if this is not a symptom/sign of another disorder -- your vet is doing the right thing......If kitty is heavy/overweight and any pred is used indiscrimatorly -- diabetes certainly can manifest.....But again remember that Pednilisone is NOT broken down and destroyed by the liver -- so unlike us and other animals -- the chance of it (administered correctly causing diabetes or other side-effects is not as high as when we think of ourselves and prednisone.......Our digestive and metabolic system and that of our cats is VERY different. Finally if you have a good vet -- he or she weighed the need to control the oral inflamation with the potential streriodical side-effects and likely made the right suggestion/decision.
/Dave G
I hope this has helped.
I'll gladly answer your question to the best of my knowledge and experience.
Predni-sone and PredNIS-OLONE do the same things, WHEN they get into the system. BUT -- the reason a good veterinarian will put a cat of pednisolone -- is an important difference metabolic difference between cats and us (and many other animals). A cat's digestive system. matabolic capabilities and liver functions are different than ours and other companion animals (like dogs)
A cats' metabolic system cannot break down prednisone and get the benefit of the steroid. A cat's liver will "toss out" or eliminate most of a prednisone. Their digestive system will "see" Prednisone" as a hostile element and will elimate most of it. But Predisolone does not interact with our cat's digestive and metabolic system the way Prednisone does ours. The "bottom line" result is that if kitty receives say 5 mg of Prednisolone-- all of it will be available to do do what it's supoosed to do. But if one gives Kitty Prednisone -- kitty's body will reject most of it.
Although I do not know what is going on, I do strongly believe (supported by research and the literature that you vet is prescribing the right drug...
Also, don't worry as much about diabetes and other complications as you wrote...It is certainly possible, but if Kitty has inflamation that has not responded to other drugs; and if this is not a symptom/sign of another disorder -- your vet is doing the right thing......If kitty is heavy/overweight and any pred is used indiscrimatorly -- diabetes certainly can manifest.....But again remember that Pednilisone is NOT broken down and destroyed by the liver -- so unlike us and other animals -- the chance of it (administered correctly causing diabetes or other side-effects is not as high as when we think of ourselves and prednisone.......Our digestive and metabolic system and that of our cats is VERY different. Finally if you have a good vet -- he or she weighed the need to control the oral inflamation with the potential streriodical side-effects and likely made the right suggestion/decision.
/Dave G
I hope this has helped.
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