3 Cat’s Incurable Virus Infections

 

The most famous feline virus infections are

Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV), Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV), Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP).

During my practice as a veterinarian in these cases ,we used to said to our pets parents or  that we can’t do anything or that we can do very little for their loving ones.

But now time is changed ,now maybe we can do some certain things. In this article i will explain how to recognize these conditions and how can you help to your pet.

How to Recognize These  Diseases 

The signs all vary ,but they are all having a chronic suppressed immune system and it varies as to which organs are affected. In all diseases you can see weight loss, severe dental disease (gingivitis), chronic poor skin, cancer (lumps, enlarged lymph nodes), ongoing diarrhea, recurrent fevers. In FIP you see inflammatory tissue cells all throughout the body. The organs may fail, fevers develop, and fluid accumulates in the chest or abdomen. FIP cats are often thin cats with large distended abdomens.

Causes Of Illness 

FIV is caused by deep bite wounds that occur during fighting. It is similar to the Human AIDS virus, although signs may not occur for more than 5 years after infection.

Mutation of Corona virus causes FIP ,begins in gut .FIP the coronavirus leaves the intestinal tract, and causes other organs to be attacked by the immune system. FIP is not contagious – most cats never get FIP even though Coronavirus is common.

Feline Leukemia Virus is caused by a virus spread through by the saliva of infected cats, via blood (cat fights) and via mother to fetus in pregnancy. Most infected cats eliminate the virus and become immune. In those cats that do not develop immunity, the virus spreads to the bone marrow.

What  are the Solutions 

If your cat has some serious, chronic ongoing diseases, then have your vet test and rule out these infectious diseases. Unfortunately, nothing we give will cure your cat of these diseases, but we can do a lot in extending your pet’s quality of life. It is important to not spread the disease to other cats, and know how to prevent it with your other cats. If you have a FIP/FeLV or FIV positive cat, then I would advise testing your other cats for this disease, and vaccinating them with FeLV or FIV vaccine. FIP is not contagious, so there is no reason to use that vaccine.

Alternative Medicine 

Probiotics 

These are the beneficial bacteria that support the immune system, and they are particularly important to potentially help prevent, and manage a cat with any of the infectious diseases. One cat study on FIV said this:

'...These results suggest a novel role for FIV in upregulating transcellular transport across the gastrointestinal epithelial barrier and demonstrate the potential therapeutic use of probiotic bacteria to restore intestinal homeostasis.'

Quercetin  (beneficial flavonoid found in apple peel)

Boston University School of Medicine study shows a link between a nutrient-dense diet rich in quercetin plus other antioxidants and a lowered risk of cancer. Quercetin seems to have potential chemo-preventive activity and might have a unique antiproliferative effect on cancerous cells, making it an effective addition to any natural cancer treatment approach.

Colostrum

This is mothers 1st milk, and now increasingly being looked at for it's immune supportive properties. A great option to consider for a cat with any of these diseases (or even help prevent them). Bovine colostrum (BC) has attracted the interest of numerous researchers investigating its anti-cancer potential.

Safe, minimal side effects, good supplement option. Doses of 100mg/10lbs daily.

Cannabinoids 

CBD and the other cannabinoids may be beneficial for a cat with FIV/FeLV or FIP. Here is what one review article said:

'…Since they play important roles in the regulation of cell proliferation, differentiation and survival, endocannabinoids (ECS) have emerged as a cell regulatory mechanism involved in protection against cancer development.'   Standard CBD dose of 3mg/10lbs once-twice daily.

ESSENTIAL FATTY ACIDS are considered pharmaconutrients

Preventive: low levels of EFA’s in mammary tissue increase chance of serious cancer 

Studies show that people who consume the most omega-3s have up to a 55% lower risk of colon cancer. One study in particular showed impressive evidence for using Krill Oil. Krill oil extract suppresses cell growth and induces apoptosis of human colorectal cancer cells

MEDICINAL MUSHROOMS.

Turkey Tail Mushroom: Used conventionally in Japan for over 30 years for many types of cancer, esp colon cancer. Safe, limited/no side effects, works with chemotherapy drugs. Animal dose of 100mg/10lbs twice daily.

Reishi Mushroom. If your cat has lymphoma, maybe you should use REISHI mushroom. The studies showed that this is the most beneficial medicinal mushroom for Lymphoma. The Reishi dose is 100mg/10lbs once-twice daily.

Artemisinin 

Artemisinins are a unique class of antimalarial drugs with significant potential for drug repurposing for a wide range of diseases including cancer. Artemisinins have an excellent safety and tolerability profile as well as being affordable.

A good option to consider for pets with cancer. Cat doses: 30mg/10lbs once-twice daily.

Panacur . (Fenbendazole). 

Panacur for Cancer. This is an old veterinary dewormer, that is very safe for cats, and showing to be helpful for some people, and some animals with cancer. Dosing regimen of Panacur. 50mg/kg 3 days on/4 days off for 30 days, if working continue for another 90 days or 10mg/kg once daily. I would use this on my cat with FeLV/FIV or FIP

 These are the methods  that you should try if your cat is diagnosed with these three deathly incurable diseases. It will not cure your cat but certainly can with appropriate healthy food ,improve their quality of life .

Written by Imrana Sljivo DVM 

Advice About How to Treat a Dog with Cushing’s Disease

In my previous article I talked about Cushing’s Syndrome  in general,also I mentioned some conventional treatments and possibilities .

Today i want to say more about natural remedies and  healthy food that you can give to your pet to help them overcome more easily the issue.

Some people say that poor-quality commercial food diet  including diets high in fats and low in proteins can also contribute to Cushing’s in dogs.In some cases especially if your dog has mild pituitary-dependent Cushing’s maybe the conventional treatment is not really urgent 

 

Dogs with mild pituitary-dependent Cushing’s should be closely monitored .Some veterinarians recommend a natural, anti-inflammatory diet and herbal therapy for treatment 

What You should Consider Before Taking Any Step to Treat your Pet’s condition 

• Talk to your veterinarian before you change your dog’s diet.
• Notify your veterinarian before you start your dog on any herbal or natural supplements.
• If you choose not to treat your dog immediately, closely monitor for any worsening symptoms

What Are Natural Treatments for Dogs with Cushing’s?

Many vets and owners have found natural treatments that can help with Cushing’s symptoms. Most of the natural treatments are herbal or dietary supplements, including:

• Fish oil
• Dandelion
• Magnolia bark
• Si Miao San
• Ginkgo biloba
• Melatonin
• Nettle
• Rosehips
• Clover
• Burdock
• Milk thistle
• Homeopathic pituitary extract
• Homeopathic formic acid
• Kelp
• Clover
• Garlic
• Apple cider vinegar
• Phosphatidylserine supplements 
• Dog food for Cushing’s

For dogs with food-induced Cushing’s, some experts recommend adrenal enzyme blockers, taken a few hours before meals.

Some also recommend acupuncture, which can help regulate the endocrine system and thus help Cushing’s symptoms.

Dietary Changes for Dogs with Cushing’s Disease

Certain dietary changes can also help reduce your dog’s Cushing’s symptoms. They include:

• Food high in protein
• Food low in fat
• Food low in fiber
• Food  with low purine levels (avoid organ meats)
• Food low in carbohydrates
• Food low in calcium
• Food rich in lignins (including whole grains, nuts and seeds, legumes, fruits, and vegetables)

Specific Food that is Good for Dogs with Cushing’s

carrots -peas -green beans -potatoes -broccoli -celery -lettuce -bok choy -spinach -brussels sprouts -mushrooms -green peas -zucchini
beef -chicken without skin or bones -fish (except sardines) -shellfish -salmon -kidneys -liver -eggs

Raw Diet for Dogs with Cushing’s

Many believe that feeding a dog a raw diet can help with a number of health problems, including Cushing’s disease symptoms. Since your dog’s natural ancestral diet before domestication included raw protein, he is carnivore and he already has the enzymes to break down the bacteria, and you may find general health improvements.

Advantages of a raw diet include:

• Increased energy levels.
• Improved skin and coat.
• Stronger teeth and bones.
• Improved muscle strength.
• Better digestion.

Of course there are always some cones 

Concerns of a raw diet could be :

• Additional supplementation may be necessary, to ensure that your dog’s diet is balanced over the long term specifically calcium and phosphorous.
• Bacteria in raw meat can get your dog sick if their body doesn’t properly protect against it (in some cases, a dog may not build up the immunity).
• Proper cleaning after feeding your dog to avoid contamination.
• Two studies led by a team at the University of Bristol have found dogs who are fed on a diet of raw meat were more likely to excrete antibiotic-resistant bacteria Escherichia coli (E. coli) in their poop . Previous research has shown that there is the potential for bacteria to be shared between dogs and their owners through everyday interaction, leading the researchers to suggest that raw feeding is not the safest dietary choice, and that, if chosen, owners should take extra precautions when handling raw meat and be especially careful to clean up after their dog. 

While a raw diet may not significantly affect Cushing’s symptom ,it can help health overall. In particular, high protein in a raw diet might be  helpful for dogs in danger of losing muscle mass .

What other food You should Give If Your Dog Is on a Raw Diet

If you have your dog on a raw diet, you should follow certain recommendations to help him maintain his health, such as:

• Introduce a raw diet step by step , so his body has a chance to build up the needed enzymes to destroy bacteria in raw meat.
• Include raw vegetables, eggs, and small amounts of fruit and starches.
• Stick to only high-quality meat and proteins.
• Feed your dog small amounts of dairy products, including possibly a probiotic yogurt with active cultures.

Written by Imrana Sljivo DVM 🐾

Resources 

Evidence that faecal carriage of resistant Escherichia coli by 16-week-old dogs in the United Kingdom is associated with raw feeding' by Oliver Mounsey, Kezia Wareham, Matthew B. Avison, Kristen K. Reyher et al. in One Health

Cushing's syndrome

This disease is endocrine pathology characterized by an excessive presence of glucocorticoids in circulation.

The condition is very frequent in dogs and rare in cats.  

Racial predispositions ,Dogs that are More Sensitive 

For the pituitary form (Poodle, Dachshund, Boxer, Beagle), German shepherd and

Miniature poodles appear to be frequently affected by adrenal tumors.

Middle-aged or older dogs are also more affected. The pituitary-dependent form can

also affect 1 year old subjects. 

It seems that females are more predisposed than males to develop a neoplastic form of the adrenal gland.

It appears that small breeds <20 kg tend to have the pituitary form; while >20 kg 

adrenal.

More than 80% of dogs show PU/PD

- Decreased central release of ADH

- Interferences with the action of ADH at the level of the renal tubules and loss of tonicity

medulla due to increased renal blood flow

- Accompanying subclinical or manifest diabetes mellitus.

Possible Complication of  this Disorder

Pulmonary thromboembolism caused by a hyperadrenergic state, the clinical signs of this complication are acute dyspnea and orthopnea (dyspneic animal forced to stand) . 

How To Recognize the Cushing Syndrome condition 

Under examination radiographically, plauritic effusion and an increase in the caliber of the pulmonary vessels are observed, above all

the arteries.

We can have:

- Iatrogenic Cushing's;

- Spontaneous Cushing:

Pituitary (80/85%)

Adrenal (15/20%):

▪ Adenomas (40%)

▪ Carcinomas (60%)

From ACTH (ectopic)

Symptoms of the Cushing’s Syndrome 

With direct clinical examination we can detect 

- PU/PD

- Polyphagia (excessive hunger )

- Barrel abdomen

- Muscle atrophy and laziness

- Shallow and frequent breathing/dyspnea

- Gonadal atrophy and anestrus

- Hepatomegaly ( liver enlargement)

- Ectopic calcifications

- Cutaneous signs: bilateral and symmetrical alopecia( area without hair) thinning of the skin,

hyperpigmentation, skin calcinosis, comedones, dry seborrhea, febelectasias, ecchymosis.

The barrel abdomen is caused by the decrease in muscle component and redistribution of body fats (thin skin due to increased catabolism).

The physiological reproductive cycle is altered 

Neurological Symptoms

From a skin point of view, the vascular pattern becomes more visible, the alopecia is mainly localized trunk and neck. If you notice anything like said above ,maybe you should call your veterinarian.

Diagnosis

Often the diagnosis is made only thanks to clinical findings; diagnostic tests

they are often used to evaluate the functionality of the Hypothalamus – Pituitary – Adrenal axis, to confirm

the suspicion and start appropriate therapy.

Other diagnostic tests are ultrasound and laboratory tests and sometimes x-rays.

Collateral investigations

1. RX: Radiological findings : increase in abdominal contrast due to accumulation of fat in the abdomen, hepatomegaly (due to accumulation of steroids), enlargement of the

bladder due to polyuria, dystrophic calcifications of the trachea, bronchi and skin.

A very rare finding  is the presence of a mass of soft tissue or calcification in the adrenal area (neoplasm). Metastases may be present lung carcinomas.

2. Hematological profile Urinalysis

Leukocytosis Hyposthenuria

Neutropenia Possible glycosuria (due to diabetes mellitus)

Lymphopenia Leukocyturia

Eosinopenia

3. Biochemical findings 

> alkaline phosphatase ALP

> cholesterol and triglycerides (lipolysis)

> liver enzymes (ALT, GGT)

> Na + H2o ➔ Hypertension

< K, Ca, P

< urea nitrogen (BUN)

> Blood sugar (due to insulin resistance)

4. Urinalysis: hyposthenuria, glycosuria (due to diabetes mellitus), leukocyturia.

5. Ultrasound:

Pituitary Cushing ➔ Bilateral hyperplasia of both adrenal glands, which appear

increase in volume.

Adrenal Cushing's ➔ Increase in volume of the adrenal gland which is the site of the neoplasm,while the contralateral is often not visible because it is atrophied.

6. Tests

1. ACTH stimulation test
2. Low-dose dexamethasone suppression test
3. Suppression test with high dose dexamethasone 

Therapy to keep your Pet Healthy 

Chronic Cushing's has a deleterious effect, and if left untreated the your pet can die because of changes of immune and cardiovascular system 

1) Trilostane (Modrenal cps 60 mg)

Side effects: Vomiting, rarely diarrhea.

Contraindications: In case of pregnancy or severe hepato-renal dysfunction.

2) Mitotane ( human chemotherapy drug but can be used to treat Cushing in dogs ) 

It’s very similar to Trilostane and has similar side effects 

Other therapeutic options include surgical removal of an adrenal or adrenal tumor

both glands, the latter when we have pituitary cushing; radiotherapy for i pituitary macroadenomas.If you decide to have surgery, you will need to take post-operative care into account pharmacologically to the missing hormones, generally using prednisolone.

Prognosis 

The prognosis depends on the age of your pet, young subjects can survive for up to 6-7 years,

while older about 2 years after diagnosis.

Written by Imrana Sljivo DVM🐾