Feline Mycoplasma
Feline Mycoplasma
Mycoplasma species are small bacteria that lack a peptidoglycan cell wall. They belong to the normal commensal flora of the conjunctiva and upper airways (pharynx, larynx, oral cavity, nasal cavity) in cats and are a well-recognized cause of conjunctivitis and upper respiratory infection in this species. This disease can cause death if not diagnosed and treated by a veterinarian. Over 100 species have been included in the genus Mycoplasma. Microbes of the class Mollicutes, to which Mycoplasma belongs, are parasites or commensals of humans, animals, and plants. The genus Mycoplasma uses vertebrate and arthropod hosts. Dietary nitrogen availability has been shown to alter codon bias and genome evolution in Mycoplasma and Phytoplasma.
Symptoms
Anemia.
Lethargy.
Lack of appetite.
Weakness.
Fever.
Yellowing of skin (Jaundice)
Pale skin and mucous membranes.
Nasal or ocular (eye) discharge.
Weak newborns, stillbirths, early death of newborns, or death while in embryo.
Diagnosis
PCR Upper Respiratory Panel
https://www.idexx.com/en/veterinary/reference-laboratories/idexx-realpcr-tests/
https://tvmdl.tamu.edu/tests/feline-upper-respiratory-panel-qpcr/
Bacterial Culture (Sensitivity test suggested)
Treatment
Only Gram-Negative Antibiotics Are Effective
Doxycycline (Preferred treatment)
(34mg) per 5lbs of cat
Enrofloxacin
(5 mg/kg/day, PO) is a suitable alternative to doxycycline.
Enrofloxacin given at 5 mg/kg, PO, every 24 hours or at 10 mg/kg, PO, every 24 hours for 14 days is tolerated by cats and is
Equally effective or more effective than doxycycline
Azithromiacin
Albuterol sulfate (Repository Distress)
Prevention
Mycoplasma genitalium (mycoplasma) has recently been identified as a sexual transmitted infection and is a bacteria that infects the mucous membranes of the urethra,cervix, throat and anus. Mycoplasma is transmitted by vaginal, anal and oral sex.
“Bacterial infections and /or Mycoplasma in the semen (click for further info) - Overgrowth of bacteria and/or mycoplasma can adversely affect sperm morphology, motility and production. Semen cultures, when evaluated in conjunction with poor quality semen can diagnose pathogenic bacteria, mycoplasma and/or ureaplasma (we prefer Michigan State University’s test - Semen culture and sensitivity with added ureaplasma and mycoplasma -speciated). Beta strep, E-coli, Streptococcus, Pseudomonas and other bacteria in abundance should be treated by your veterinarian with the appropriate antibiotics . Mycoplasma Canis and Mycoplasma Cynos are pathogens that have been shown to significantly reduce fertility. All infections should be treated with appropriate antibiotics as soon as detected. Doxycycline is the best available choice currently available for Mycoplasma (currently needs to be compounded). Frequently a combination of antibiotics are needed to resolve many infections. Please contact your veterinarian for the appropriate treatment. Some Mycoplasma’s (not Canis or Cynos) and bacteria’s can be considered “Normal Flora” in the absence of fertility problems. ”
Resources
https://www.merckvetmanual.com/circulatory-system/blood-parasites/hemotropic-mycoplasmas#v3257810
http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.1009.7562&rep=rep1&type=pdf
https://veterinary-practice.com/article/treatment-of-mycoplasma-spp-infections-in-cats
Panosteitis in Dogs
Panosteitis in Dogs
By Cheryl Yuill, DVM, MSc, CVH
Medical Conditions
What is panosteitis?
"Panosteitis is sometimes called growing pains."
Panosteitis is a painful inflammation of the outer surface or shaft of one or more long bones of the legs. It is sometimes called "growing pains." Panosteitis may occur in more than one bone at a time or may move around from area to area, cause a "shifting" lameness that goes from one bone or leg to another. The lameness tends to occur very suddenly and usually occurs spontaneously, or without a history of trauma or excessive exercise.
Are all dogs affected with this condition?
Panosteitis is a condition that affects young, rapidly growing dogs. Although it can occur in any breed of dog, larger breeds, such as German Shepherds (most common), Great Danes, Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, Rottweilers, Doberman Pinschers, and Basset Hounds, are more prone to this problem. Affected dogs are usually between 5 and 14 months of age, but the first symptoms may occur as early as 2 months of age or as late as 18 months of age. Males seem to be affected more often than females, although either sex can develop panosteitis. Affected dogs often have recurrent episodes of panosteitis until they reach 2 years of age, at which time it will spontaneously resolve.
What is the cause?
Panosteitis is a painful condition, and the pain is likely caused by increased pressure within the bone, and/or by stimulation of pain receptors in the periosteum, or outer, soft tissue lining of the bone. The underlying cause of panosteitis is unknown, but genetics, stress, infection, metabolism, or an autoimmune component may be factors. Since German Shepherds seem to be particularly predisposed to panosteitis, there may be a genetic component to the disease, at least in this breed. It has also been suggested that rapid growth and high-protein, high-calcium diets may predispose some dogs to this condition.
What are the clinical signs?
The typical symptom is a sudden, unexplained, painful lameness of one or more legs. The lameness may be mild or severe. The most common bone that is affected is the humerus (upper arm), but panosteitis may also be found in the radius and ulna (the foreleg), the femur (thigh) and/or the tibia (lower rear leg). The affected bone will be painful to the touch. Other symptoms such as fever, anorexia, lethargy, or weight loss may be noticed.
Panosteitis tends to have a cyclic nature, with periods of worsening symptoms followed by periods of improvement. The pain often shifts from leg to leg. Each episode of lameness may last for a few days to a few weeks, and the period between episodes is often about a month, but may vary.
How is it diagnosed?
When your veterinarian examines your dog, panosteitis will be suspected if the patient shows pain when pressure is applied to the affected bone(s). The diagnosis is confirmed by radiographs or x-rays, which usually show a characteristic increase in the density of the affected bones. The degree of change may not correlate to the severity of the lameness. In some cases, radiographic evidence may not be present for up to ten days after lameness begins; in these cases, repeat x-rays taken 2 weeks later will confirm the diagnosis. After the condition has resolved, the bone density normalizes and the bone looks normal on radiographs.
What is the treatment?
Although this disease is self-limiting, and will spontaneously resolve, during episodes of lameness the condition is very painful. At these times, treatment is supportive, using analgesics (pain medications) and/or anti-inflammatory drugs as needed.
"Pain control should always be given to help your pet feel more comfortable; denying your dog pain control is inhumane."
Pain control should always be given to help your pet feel more comfortable; denying your dog pain control is inhumane.
During episodes of lameness, exercise should be restricted. Between episodes, light to moderate exercise should be encouraged, but hard or vigorous exercise is discouraged, as are very long walks.
Some dogs with panosteitis have a poor appetite; in these cases, it is important to ensure that they are given a properly balanced and palatable diet. In some cases, supplements such as nutraceuticals, Omega fatty acids or antioxidants such as Vitamin C may be helpful.
What is the prognosis?
Panosteitis is a self-limiting disease, meaning that it will eventually go away. The disease should be completely resolved by the time the dog reaches 18-24 months of age. Each episode of lameness should last no longer than 3 weeks; if your pet's lameness persists without relief for longer than 4-5 weeks, it is likely that the dog is affected with another bone disorder (see our handout on Bone Diseases of Growing Dogs for further information).
If panosteitis is a self-limiting disease, why is it necessary to perform diagnostic procedures such as radiographs?
Although panosteitis is not a serious disease, and is a common cause of lameness, other, more serious bone diseases can cause lameness in young dogs. In order to be sure that a sudden onset of lameness is not caused by one of these more serious bone diseases, radiographs must be taken. If the radiographs show the typical lesions of panosteitis, then you can rest assured that your dog will eventually outgrow the problem.
Are there any preventive measures I can take to prevent panosteitis in my large breed dog?
"...it is contraindicated to feed large breed puppies with an adult dog food that contains lower levels of protein and calcium."
Although there are potential links between diets containing excessive levels of dietary protein and/or calcium, it is contraindicated to feed large breed puppies with an adult dog food that contains lower levels of protein and calcium. The reason for this is that adult dog food also has lower calories or energy levels than puppy food. Rapidly growing puppies require higher levels of dietary energy to meet the needs of growth, and will need to eat more of a low-energy food to meet these requirements. Eating more of a low energy diet will result in a higher overall intake of protein and calcium. A better option is to feed an affected dog a high quality diet that has been specifically formulated for use in large breed puppies or adolescents, and to restrict the quantity fed to keep the dog at a lean, healthy body weight. Do not allow your puppy to become overweight. Consult your veterinarian for further advice on the most appropriate nutrition for your dog.
This client information sheet is based on material written by: Cheryl Yuill, DVM, MSc, CVH
Kitten Incubator
Kitten Incubator
Sadly, Joe Freed, the owner of Petiatric, passed away. The entire rehabber community along with many breeders, are incredibly indebted to Joe for his kind heart and amazing work that will live on for years to come. I am now exclusively using Brinsea incubators (actually called “intensive care units”).
Brinsea incubators are great quality, easy to clean, and have solid sides to give the babies more security and reduce the stress on them. These units also have a digital temperature control, air filtration, an immersible bottom for easy cleaning, and a clear door so rehabbers can keep an eye on the babies.
You can find cheaper incubators on the market, and certainly homemade versions can be assembled for less, but they are not as reliable. Please consider Brinsea.
I own two of these!
Other Items You Might Need
Feline Upper Respiratory PRC Test
What is a PCR Test?
Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a process that enables the production of virtually unlimited copies of genetic material in the laboratory. PCR testing identifies a pathogen based on the presence of the pathogen’s DNA or RNA in the patient specimen, before antibody can be detected, making it a useful diagnostic tool for early disease detection in sick animals.
Bordetella bronchiseptica
Chlamydophila felis
Feline calicivirus (FCV)
Feline herpesvirus 1 (FHV-1; also known as feline rhinotracheitis virus)
Influenza
Mycoplasma felis
IDEXX RealPCR Tests
The IDEXX Canine Respiratory Disease (CRD) RealPCR Panel provides rapid, sensitive and specific identification for eight infectious agents—all at once. The IDEXX Feline Upper Respiratory Disease (URD) RealPCR Panel dramatically increases your chance of accurately identifying the origins of feline URD.
Canine code: 2524
Feline code: 2512
Equine code: 2740
https://www.idexx.com/en/veterinary/reference-laboratories/idexx-realpcr-tests/
https://www.zoologix.com/dogcat/Datasheets/FelineRespiratoryPanel.htm
Tube & Bottle Feeding Savannah Kittens
Tube & Bottle Feeding Kittens
Feeding Mixture
- Powder Mix (0-2 Weeks)
- Milk Matric Ratio is 1 scoop powder per 3 scoop water.
- Dry Mix (3-12 Weeks)
- Typical Ratio is 1 scoop dry, 1 extra scoop water per every 2 scoops powder.
- Increase ratio of dry scoops based off feeding schedule listed below, if kittens are crying in between feedings they need more dry scoops to mix to remain full longer. Always add 1 extra scoop water per 1 dry scoop added.
Feeding Schedule
- 0-2 weeks every two hours of powder mix.
- 3-4 weeks every four hours.
- 4-6 weeks every five hours but sleep through the night.
- 6-12 weeks three feedings at morning, noon and night. Leave out dry.
Tube Feeding
Tube feeding is used when a kitten refuses to suckle, unable to suckle or special circumstances. Kittens 0-4 weeks of age normally refuse the bottle at first. If kittens are healthy and you know when they last ate then give them 4-8 hours to become hungry before offering bottle, tube feed if unable/refusal (Can take up to 4 tube feedings before they cave!). Tube feeding ages 0-4 weeks at night can be beneficial when feeding large litters as it saves so much time if feeding ever couple of hours. The prognosis for a kitten who will not suckle long term is not good, typically no sucking after extended period of time can indicate serious problems such as being underdeveloped.
Tube Feeding Supplies
- Luer Lock Syringe 10 or 20 cc (will attach to feeding tube)
- 3cc - Premature kittens
- 3.5fr Feeding Tube - Premature kittens
- 5fr Feeding Tube – 1 to 6 Wks
- 8fr Feeding Tube – 6 to 10 Wks (Older kittens can chew tubes in half, use if emergency)
Bottle Feeding Supplies
- Bottles
- PetAg - 4 oz.
- Tighen tid to control milk flow.
- Nipples
- PetAg Ready-to-Feed Nipple
- Use razor blade, shave small increments until desired hole size
- Milk
- Zoologic Milk Matrix 33/40
- Only use KMR in emergency, replace asap.
- Formula Mixer Bottle