Lesson 7 - Skin Disorders and Parasites: How to Treat and Precautions

• Customer Service
• Cat Temperaments
• +1
• Vocational Education

Lesson Outline

Theory

• Skin Disorders and Parasites - How to Treat and Precautions

Practical

• Scissoring Practice - Rounding

Models

• Dummy - Cut Round (Feather Duster)

• Theory 1 Hour
  
• Quiz 15mins
  
• Break 15 mins
  
• Practical 2.5 hours
  

Lesson 7

Skin Disorders and Parasites - How to Treat and Precautions

Presented by:

Dangers in a Cat's Home

Acetaminophen (Tylenol) & other medications

Potpourri & essential oils

(citrus oil, pine oils, Ylang Ylang oil, peppermint oil, cinnamon oil, eucalyptus oil, and tea tree oil)

Daffodils, Lillies, Azaleas, Tulips, Hyacinths and other flowers

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Dangers in a Cat's Home

Chocolate

Grapes & Raisins

Garlic & Onions

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Dangers in a Cat's Home

Alcohol

Raw Dough

Milk & Dairy Products

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Dangers in a Cat's Home

Dog Food

Citrus Fruits

Caffeinated Drinks

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Preventing Cats from Eating Dangerous Foods

• Store foods out of your cat’s reach. Installing cat-proof locks on cabinets may be necessary for a curious kitty
  

• Do not let your cat on the counter while cooking or eating
  

• Do not feed table scraps
  

• Be more mindful during the holidays. There is likely more people and enticing food around, which can upset your cat’s tummy or even harm them
  

Brachycephalic Breeds

• Flat-faced breeds like Persians, Himalayans and Exotics
• Common symptoms involve mouth breathing, noisy breathing, snoring, panting, easily getting tired, and coughing
• Requires daily cleaning with saline with a cotton pad

• Excessive Tearing
  
• Breathing Difficulties
  
• Eye Infections
  

Cat Paw Anatomy

• Soft spongy tissue on the bottom of the paw. They act as shock absorbers and help to provide traction when cats walk or run
  

• They provide insulation against cold temperatures and protect the bones and tendons from injury
  

• They have sweat glands between each toe. The glands emit a scent and every cat has a different scent
  

• Regulate the paw’s temperature
  

• Sweat when they are anxious, scared or stressed
  

The paw pads are soft spongy tissue on the bottom of the paw. They act as shock absorbers and help to provide traction when cats walk or run. The pads are covered in tiny bumps called papillae, which increase the surface area of the paw and improve traction

The pads also provide insulation against cold temperatures and protect the bones and tendons from injury

Cat paws have sweat glands between each toe. The glands emit a scent and every cat has a different scent. They use it to mark their territory

The sweat glands help them to regulate the paw’s temperature

The glands also sweat when they are anxious, scared or stressed

 

Signs of a Healthy Cat Paw

•  Soft and free of cracks or abrasions
• Nails should be intact and not overgrown
• No discharge or redness around the toes

Declawing

A surgical procedure in which the claws are removed. It is painful and deliberating for cats.

Side effects:

• Chronic pain in the paw
  
• Infection
  
• Tissue necrosis (tissue death)
  
• Lameness and back pain
  

Declawing is a surgical procedure in which the claws are removed. It is painful and deliberating for cats. It can lead to behaviour problems such as biting or litter box avoidance.

Declawing traditionally involves the amputation of the last bone of each toe. If performed on a human being, it would be like cutting off each finger at the last knuckle.

It is an unnecessary surgery that provides no medical benefit to the cat.

Elderly Cats

Become frailer

Reduced activity

Bonier

Skin more delicate, thin, oily

Coats more brittle

Health Concerns that may arise:

Diabetes, Renal insufficiency, Retinal degeneration, IBD, Weakened immune system, FIP, FIV, Obesity, Dental disease, Arthritis, Dehydration

Elderly cats need more frequent grooming. Mats and shaving should be avoided because they are thinner & bonier with more fragile skin.

Health Conditions (Skin)

Tail Gland Hyperplasia (Stud Tail)

Accumulation of oils and waxy debris at the base of the tail 

Symptoms:

• Hair of tail is greasy & matted
  
• May cause thinning of hair
  
• Comedones (blackheads)

Affects:

• Intact males
  
• Also can occur in females and neutered males

Treatment:

• No prevention
  
• Regular grooms and baths to remove oiliness during bathing 
  
• Watch for secondary infection
  

Health Conditions (Skin)

Feline Acne

Hair follicles usually ones on a cat’s chin produce too much keratin and become plugged resulting in red bumps, blackheads and infected pimple-like lesions.

Symptoms:

• Blackheads
  
• Oily build-up
  
• Redness and swelling if infected
  

Treatment:

• Degreasing bath 
  
• Avoid plastic food dishes 
  
• Vet attention if infected 
  

Health Conditions (Skin)

Ringworm

Zoonotic Fungal infection of the skin that spreads through contact with spores, which can be airborne 

Symptoms:

• Raised, red, circular ring
  
• Hair loss/hair pulls out easily from ring areas
  
• Crusty film on the skin
  

Treatment:

• Sulphur dip
  
• Vet attention may be required
  
• Entire salon should be disinfected against fungal spores with a disinfecting agent like bleach
  

Health Conditions (Musculo-Skeletal)

Hip Dysplasia
In a cat with hip dysplasia, the ball and socket are misaligned and loose, which prevents the femoral head from moving smoothly.

Symptoms:

• Stiffness when walking
  
• Reluctance to jump or climb
  
• Occasional lameness
  

Treatment:

• Restricted exercise
  
•  Anti-inflammatory pain control
  
• Surgery
  

Health Conditions (Heart)

Hypertrophic Cardio Myopathy (HCM)
A condition that causes the muscular walls of a cat's heart to thicken, decreasing the heart's efficiency and sometimes causing symptoms in other parts of the body.

Symptoms:

• Panting
  
• Losing bodily functions
  
• Sudden death
  

Treatment:

• Avoid stress
  
• Managed by medication 
  

Health Conditions (Urinary Tract)

Cystitis (Lower Urinary Tract Disorders) 

Describes a variety of conditions that affect the bladder and urethra of cats.

Symptoms:

• Blood in urine
  
• Difficulty urinating
  
• Increased frequency of urination
  
• Urinating outside litterbox
  

Affects:

• Crystals and stones can be deadly in male cats
  

Treatment:

• Requires vet attention
  

Health Conditions (Urinary Tract)

Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD)

An inherited condition in cats that causes multiple cysts (pockets of fluid) to form in the kidneys. These cysts are present from birth.

Symptoms:

• Depression
• Reduced appetite and weight loss
• Excessive thirst and urination

Affects:

• Crystals and stones can be deadly in male cats

Treatment:

• Requires vet attention
  
• No specific treatment

Health Conditions (Gastro-intestinal)

Vomiting or Diarrhoea 

Inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract (stomach and the intestines). Caused by infection with bacteria, viruses, parasites, medications, or even new foods.

More commonly:

• Stress
  
• Carsickness
  
• Changing of food
  

More serious:

• Bacterial Infection
  
• Colitis 
  
• Intestinal Lymphoma
  
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
  

Health Conditions (Endocrine Disorders)

Hyper Thyroidism
A multi-system disorder caused by an enlarged thyroid, more commonly seen in senior cats

Symptoms:

• Weight loss
  
• Vomiting
  
• Diarrhoea
  
• Increased thirst and urination
  
• Heart murmur
  
• High heart rate
  
• Arrhythmia
  
• High blood pressure

Treatment:

• Avoid stress
  
• Managed by medication
  

Health Conditions (Endocrine Disorders)

Diabetes

The inability to produce enough insulin to balance blood sugar or glucose levels. Left untreated, it can lead to severe depression, motor function issues, coma and even death.

Symptoms:

• Increased thirst
• Increased urination
• Increased appetite
• Weight loss 
• Poor coat condition
• Hind leg weakness 
• Loss of appetite
• Vomiting
• Dehydration

Affects:

• Cats over 6 years of age 
  
• Elderly, obese, neutered males
  

Treatment:

• High protein, low carb, canned food diet 
  
• Insulin injections
  

Health Conditions (Parasite Infestation)

Ear Mites

Tiny, crab-like parasites that are contagious to other animals.

Symptoms:

• Shaking of head
• Excessive scratching of ears
• Dark brown or black discharge from ears resembling coffee grounds 

Treatment:

• May cause secondary infections, hearing loss and ear deformities 
  
• Requires ear flushing and medicated ear drops
  

Most common mite in cats

Extremely contagious to other animals, but not people

Health Conditions (Parasite Infestation)

Ticks

Parasites that feed on the blood of their host, which can be an animal or a human.

Affects:

• More commonly found on outdoor cats 

Treatment:

• May cause secondary infections, hearing loss and ear deformities 
  
• Requires ear flushing and medicated ear drops
  

How did my cat get ticks?

Ticks wait for host animals on the tips of grasses and shrubs. When the plant is brushed by a moving animal or person, they quickly let go of the vegetation and climbs onto the host. This is a process known as questing. Ticks can only crawl; they cannot fly or jump. 

What should you do if you find a tick on the cat?

Use fine-tipped tweezers and disposable gloves to handle the tick. If you must use your fingers, shield them with a tissue or paper towel. Twisting or jerking the tick may cause the mouth parts to break off and remain in the skin, increasing the chances of infection.

After removing the tick, thoroughly disinfect the bite area and wash your hands with soap and water. Home remedies such as applying petroleum jelly or grease, or touching the rear of the tick with a hot match do not work effectively and are not recommended. These techniques cause the tick to salivate and can actually increase the chance of the pet getting a disease.

Health Conditions (Parasite Infestation)

Fleas

Parasites that feed on the blood of their host, which can be an animal or a human.

 Treatment:

• Getting rid of the parasites from the cat.
• Getting the parasites out of the environment where the cat spends time - your home and outdoor property if your cat or his animal roommate is allowed to wander outside. Ridding the environment of fleas requires meticulous vacuuming, the use of flea-killing products, and sometimes even the services of a professional exterminator.
• The cat will require a bath and blow-dry with anti-parasite products.
• Putting the cat on a topical preventive to prevent re-infestation.

A flea's life cycle lasts about a month, though it can go on for longer than that, depending on temperature and humidity. It prefers a warm and moist climate. 

During the cycle, the insect moves through a complete metamorphosis - from egg to larvae to pupa to adult - and is most dangerous in the larval and adult stages. In the larval stage, fleas need blood to support their growth, and in the adult stage, females need it to complete their reproductive cycle.

Eggs - Look like grains of sand, hatch in 2-5 days

Larva - Tiny caterpillars, feed off dead cat skin and flea dirt

Pupae - Cocoon stage, hatch out in response to host (heat,

humidity, vibration, CO2)

Adult - They jump and crawl through coat, have several blood meals daily, poop out dried blood, as “flea dirt”. Flea dirt resembles pepper in coat and typically live 1-2 weeks

Viruses - FeLV

Feline Leukemia Virus

Contagious and incurable, it is also the leading cause of illness and death in cats 

 Symptoms:

• Chronic respiratory infections 
  
• Poor healing of wounds and abscesses 
  
• Ongoing infections
  

Transmitted via:

• Bodily fluids
  
• Saliva
  
• Shared litter box
  
• Mother to kitten 
  

What is FeLV?

It is a contagious retrovirus for cats that causes a weaker immune system. Cats remain infected for their entire life. Cats that test positive can live healthy fulfilling and happy lives for years with proper care.

Why test for FeLV?

FeLV is a contagious virus, that causes secondary terminal diseases such as cancer, blood disorders and a weakened immune system. Many cats develop a secondary disease within 3 years of diagnosis.

Viruses - FIV

Feline Immunodeficiency Virus; Feline AIDS 
Depresses immune system and is often found in cats with FeLV

Symptoms:

• Chronic inflammation of teeth & gums 
  
• Pneumonia
  
• Skin disease
  
• Chronic sinus infections
  

Transmitted via:

• Bite wounds
  
• Mother to kitten 
  

There is currently no definitive cure for FIV. However, it is important to realize that while it is impossible to predict the survival of a given cat infected with FIV, cats infected with FIV can live very normal, healthy lives for many years if managed appropriately. Once an FIV infected cat has experienced one or more severe illnesses as a result of infection, however, or if persistent fever and weight loss are present, the prognosis is generally less favorable.

For a healthy cat diagnosed with FIV, the most important management goals are to reduce their risk of acquiring secondary infections and prevent the spread of FIV to other cats. Both of these goals are best met by keeping cats indoors and isolated from other cats. Spaying and neutering will eliminate the risk of spreading FIV to kittens or through mating and will reduce the tendency of cats to roam and fight if they do get outside. They should be fed nutritionally complete and balanced diets, and uncooked food, such as raw meat and eggs, and unpasteurized dairy products should be avoided to minimize the risk of food-borne bacterial and parasitic infections.

Wellness visits for FIV-infected cats should be scheduled at least every six months. The veterinarian will perform a detailed physical examination of all body systems with special attention to the health of the gums, eyes, skin, and lymph nodes. Weight will be measured accurately and recorded because weight loss is often the first sign of deterioration. A complete blood count and a urine analysis should be performed annually.

Viruses - FIP

Feline Immunodeficiency Virus; Feline AIDS 

Disease-causing form of Feline Enteric Corona Virus (FECV). 2 forms: wet & dry 

Transmitted via:

• Saliva 
  
• Respiratory secretions 
  
• Fecal-Oral
  

Transmission from one cat to another is rare, but the virus can mutate in a cat with FECV.

If the cat is suspected of having FIP, stop grooming, bleach all surfaces, notify the owner and refer to vet. 

Symptoms:

• Loss of appetite
  
• Weight loss
  
• Lethargy
  
• Fever 
  

Wet Form:

Build-up of fluid in chest or abdomen, causing swelling of belly and respiratory problems 

Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is a viral disease of cats caused by certain strains of a virus called the feline coronavirus. Most strains of feline coronavirus are found in the gastrointestinal tract and do not cause significant disease. These are referred to as feline enteric coronavirus (FeCV). FeCV is the benign form of FIP. 

There are two major forms of FIP, an effusive, or “wet” form and a noneffusive, or “dry” form. Regardless of which form they ultimately progress to develop, cats infected with FIPV usually first develop nonspecific signs of disease such as loss of appetite, weight loss, depression, and fever.

Viruses - Parvovirus

Parvovirus

Infection carries a very high mortality rate, particularly in unvaccinated kittens.

Transmitted via:

• Blood
  
• Urine
  
• Feces
  
• Nasal secretions
  
• Fleas 
  

Treatment:

Annual timely vaccination

 Symptoms:

• Loss of appetite
  
• Weight loss
  
• Fever
  
• Lethargy 
  
• Vomiting
  
• Severe diarrhoea
  
• Dehydration 
  

Feline parvovirus is much better prevented than treated. Highly effective vaccines are available and all cats and kittens should be vaccinated (including indoor-only cats)

Viruses - Feline Herpes Virus Infection

Feline Herpes Virus Infection

Part of a complex of upper respiratory bacterial and viral infections

Treatment:

Annual timely vaccination

Symptoms:

• Sneezing
• Nasal discharge
• Abnormal eye discharge

Transmitted via direct contact:

• Eye secretions
  
• Saliva
  
• Nasal secretions
  
• Sneezes
  

Therapy for cats infected with herpesvirus is aimed at controlling clinical signs and reducing secondary complications. It is important to note that there is no cure for Herpesvirus, but anti-viral medications (both ocular and oral) and supportive care can reduce the severity of the infection. Oral antibiotics to treat secondary bacterial infections, nebulization to help with airway congestion, and intravenous fluid and nutritional therapy are sometimes necessary for severely infected cats.

Viruses - Calicivirus 

Calicivirus

Similar to herpesvirus but less severe. Many strains, therefore vaccines are not always effective.

Transmitted:

• Infected cats shed virus for up to 2 weeks 
  
• Recovered cats can still shed virus for weeks to years
  

Symptoms:

• Fever
• Conjunctivitis
• Respiratory infections
• Nasal discharge
• Sneezing
• Stomatitis (sores/ulcerations of the mouth)

Feline calicivirus is a virus that is an important cause of upper respiratory infections and oral disease in cats. This virus infects cats throughout the world and can cause disease in both domestic and exotic cat species. 

Similar to herpesvirus but less severe. Many strains, therefore vaccines are not always effective.

How does a cat get a calicivirus infection?

Calicivirus is highly contagious and infected cats can shed the virus in saliva or secretions from the nose or eyes. If an infected cat sneezes, airborne viral particles can be sprayed several meters through the air.

How long does a typical calicivirus infection last?

Once a cat is exposed to calicivirus, it will go through an incubation period of 2-6 days before developing clinical signs which typically last for 14-21 days. During this entire time, the cat will potentially be infectious to other cats. At a minimum, infected cats will shed the virus in their bodily secretions for 2-3 weeks.

Following apparent recovery from the disease, as many as half of all infected cats may develop a carrier state in which they will continue to shed the virus. In some of these cats, the carrier state may only last for a few months, but in a small percentage of cats, the carrier state may persist for life. 

Carrier cats may or may not show any signs of infection when they are actively shedding calicivirus and serve as an important source of infection to susceptible cats. Female cats that are carriers of this virus can pass the infection on to their newborn kittens.

Name 5 dangers in a cat's home

Name a Brachycephalic breed and what it commonly suffers from?

What are some functions of cat's paw?

What are some health issues that may arise in an elderly cat?

What are some symptoms of a Tail Gland Hyperplasia (Stud Tail) ?

How do you treat a parasite infestation in a cat?
e.g. fur mites or ringworms