Vet Hansel answers your questions about pet care in this weekly advice column, created in partnership with the Bahrain Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (BSPCA). It will also be highlighting each week some of the animals in the BSPCA sanctuary, in the hope of finding each of them a loving home.
Question: My cat Lando has been sniffling and his eyes have become red, what could be the problem?
Answer: There are many reasons why Lando could be showing these symptoms so you need to take him to the vet to determine the cause. It is possible that Lando is suffering from cat flu, which is the general name for a viral infection of the upper respiratory tract, most commonly caused by the Feline Herpes Virus (FHV), or Feline Calicivirus (FCV). Cat flu is a very contagious disease and can spread very quickly from cat to cat.
The most obvious symptoms are a runny nose, respiratory difficulties, sneezing and swollen and runny eyes. FHV affects the eyes and causes swelling, and sometimes, a discharge of pus. Loss of smell and appetite can also lead to dehydration and depression. The most common symptom of FCV is ulceration of the mouth and tongue, palate and lips which can cause pain when eating. Running eyes and noses are very common, as is joint pain.
Infected cats will require care as, if it is cat flu, it can have serious repercussions if left untreated. Your vet will recommend the correct medication to treat the symptoms, which typically last from seven to 10 days. It is important to note that people cannot catch the flu from their cats and vice versa.
For more information on cat flu or any other feline diseases, visit www.merckmanuals.com.
Dr Hansel is a veterinary consultant and surgeon for the BSPCA and Charis Vets. Please send your questions to bspca@batelco.com.bh
BSPCA’S DOG OF THE WEEK IS DONNA
Breed: Mix
Sex: Female
Age: Two years and 11 months
Neutered: Yes
Donna is a calm and very loving dog who would be a breeze to have at home. Her affection towards humans is second to none. She has transformed over the past year into an adoring and somewhat shy dog. She gets on well with her pen friend and other dogs so she would be an excellent addition to a home already with dogs. Her beautiful and unique looks are not seen very often and her character is fun to be around. Donna is neutered, tick-treated and fully vaccinated.
BSPCA’S CAT OF THE WEEK IS WILLIAM
Breed: DSH
Sex: Male
Age: Two years and one month
Neutered: Yes
William comes straight from a Shakespearean novel and is quite the posh ball of royalty. This elegant little being likes to flaunt his uniquely flat face and silently observe you. He is a friendly little character that loves to snack on some top quality food and bask in his greatness. He enjoys his stay at the Cat House while welcoming his guests with an unexplainable gaze that only he can understand. He enjoys being petted but loves cuddles the most. William is a great companion and an ideal buddy to be around. William is neutered and fully vaccinated.
l If you are interested in adopting Donna, William or any of our other cats, kittens, dogs and puppies, please visit the Animal Welfare Centre in Askar. From the Alba roundabout take the road sign posted Askar and Durrat Al Bahrain and at the third signal, take a right on to the truck road and after approximately 800m you will see the shelter on the right side, just before the flyover. Or, log onto the website www.bspca.org for directions. The shelter is open seven days a week from 9am to 5pm from Sundays to Thursdays and 9am to 1pm on Fridays, Saturdays and public holidays.
We accept animals 24 hours a day, seven days a week.