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pet surgery preparation

Pet Surgery Preparation

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How to Prepare Your Pet for a Safe and Successful Procedure

When your beloved fur baby is scheduled for surgery, it is normal to feel anxious about the procedure. But surgery is a regular part of veterinary care for pets, and your vet will take the best possible care of your furry friend.

By making sure you prepare your pet for the big day, you can help ensure a successful procedure too. The team at Eastside Veterinary Associates would like to share 5 top tips for pet surgery preparation.

Animal Surgery Checklist: 5 Tips for a Successful Surgery

Your veterinarian will give you pre-surgical instructions for your pet. A vet will take your pet’s breed, size, and medical history into account before providing these tailored instructions. Make sure you reach out to your vet if you have any questions at all:

1. Make Sure Vaccines are Current

Does your pup have all her vaccines? Including the ones that are recommended by your vet but not necessarily required? If not, it may be time for her to get those done. Talk to your veterinarian about which vaccines they recommend for your pet.

If your pet receives surgical services at a different veterinarian than the one that gave them their shots, you’ll need to bring shot records.

Make sure you get all the necessary vaccines about two weeks before the scheduled surgery.

2. Schedule a Grooming Session

Whether you bathe your pet at home or send her to a groomer, now’s the time to make an appointment. You won’t be able to get your dog or cat wet for about two weeks after surgery. With a thorough grooming session, she’ll be ready to snuggle up with you stink-free after her procedure.

3. Avoid Feeding Your Pet Before Surgery

Pets who undergo sedation or anesthesia should refrain from eating the night before surgery. We generally recommend taking food away after 8 pm for a 12 hour fast before admitting at 8 am. Your pet can have water during this entire time. Please check with your veterinarian about pre-visit pharmaceutical doses and any special medications that are needed such as insulin.

4. Keep Pets Indoors

Do you have an eager hunter on your hands? Keep him inside the night before surgery to make sure he doesn’t eat any critters or other substances that could affect the procedure. This can help keep Fido or Kitty safe during surgery.

5. Go for a Potty Walk

Leash your pet up and go for a short, supervised walk around the block on the morning of his surgery. Don’t let him eat anything, but do let him sniff around and go potty. Empty bowels and bladders can help the surgery go more smoothly for the veterinary team—and for your pet.

Pet Health and Wellness After Surgery

Just as they did before your pet’s procedure, your veterinarian will give you detailed instructions for helping your pet recover. Follow them carefully and make sure you call your veterinarian with any questions or concerns.

If your pup or kitty needs to be spayed or neutered, reach out to Eastside Veterinary Associates. We provide attentive surgical services to all dogs and cats in the Kirkland, Newcastle, and Renton areas. Call us to learn more about what we can do for your pet.

canine paraphimosis

What the Heck Is Pet Paraphimosis?!?

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This blog is all about what happens when a male dog’s erection won’t go away. It’s important to be upfront about these matters because, well, male dogs get erections fairly often. The more pet owners are familiar with them, the better. Canine male anatomy is on full display, even when they’re not aroused. However, their penis can get into a lot of trouble when they encounter an issue known as pet paraphimosis. 

Not Going Away

Male dogs have the following basic equipment down there:

 

  • Two testicles inside a scrotal sac
  • Prepuce (external sheath)
  • Glans

 

You may have heard it referred to as a red rocket, lipstick, pinky-winky, or wee-nis, but no matter what it’s called, the glans is the part that sticks out during an erection.

Is It Harmful?

The prepuce safely houses the delicate tissue of the glans. It is warm and moist inside the prepuce and protected from exposure or injury. However, when a dog is sexually aroused or otherwise stimulated by their environment, the glans will stick out for all to see.

Normal Functions

Dogs also have a secondary reproductive gland called the bulbus glandis which, like testicles, look like two balls at the base of the penis. After ejaculation, the bulbus glandis becomes engorged and leads to the breeding tie between the male and female. This can last upwards of 20 minutes and increases the odds of impregnation. 

 

During this time, the glans penis remains open to the elements. Pet paraphimosis occurs when the erection doesn’t go down after 20-30 minutes following an erection or ejaculation. 

Why Does This Happen?

Pet paraphimosis can be linked to the following:

 

  • Physical trauma to the area
  • An obstruction in the glans penis or something wrapped around the base
  • A growth or tumor
  • A Neurological condition
  • Anatomical abnormality

 

Dog owners should have a good idea of how long the erection has lasted before intervening. If the erection doesn’t go away after 20 minutes or so, inspect the area for any visual clues. Remove any hair or string that’s causing a prolonged erection. Lubricate the glans with sterile lubricant to try to smooth the way back inside the prepuce. 

When It’s Time to Come In

An extended period of pet paraphimosis is considered a pet emergency. Constant, prolonged exposure to air, bacteria, and irritation to the tissue. Plus, it can be very painful for dogs to experience. We can decrease swelling and attempt to replace the glans inside the prepuce. In severe cases of pet paraphimosis, surgical intervention is required. 

Pet Paraphimosis

The good news is that, while dog erections are common, pet paraphimosis isn’t an everyday occurrence. That said, it’s always best to know exactly what you’re looking at and when to seek help. Our team at Eastside Veterinary Associates is always here for your dog. Please give us a call anytime at 425-882-7788 (Kirkland) or 425-276-4100 (Newcastle).

pet dna test

Pros and Cons of Pet DNA Tests

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Adopting a pet from a shelter is an exciting experience. You might be told what breed or mix of breeds your new family member is. Or, you might be left in the dark. DNA tests become more popular for both humans and pets every year. If you want to find out more about your new dog or cat’s background, an animal DNA test can seem like the perfect way to do it. But is it worth the cost? 

The Benefits of Animal DNA Tests

Let’s start with the positive side of animal DNA tests. Knowing your dog’s genetic background can tell you more about the mix of breeds that help make her who she is. And this, in turn, can help you understand your dog better. 

Say your dog drives you crazy with her love of breaking free of your home and exploring the world around her. A DNA test might show that she’s a part Siberian husky. Huskies are notorious for being escape artists, which would explain your pup’s inner wanderlust.

Or maybe your dog seems to nip at your heels a little too much. A DNA test might reveal sheepdog ancestry. Your dog is just trying to herd you! He might benefit from participating in a mentally stimulating dog sport like agility or dock diving to satisfy his inner desire for a job to do. 

A DNA test can give you a glimpse of how your dog views the world based on her background. But keep in mind that even purebred dogs have different personalities. Genetics don’t determine everything!

The Drawbacks of Pet DNA Tests

Things start getting thorny when you seek out DNA testing to find out more about your pet’s health risks. This is because the FDA does not regulate animal DNA tests. Because of this, the FDA has not approved any direct-to-consumer pet DNA tests to help detect or prevent medical conditions in animals. More often than not, these health tests aren’t completely accurate. 

When pet parents try to get ahead of their pet’s supposed likelihood of certain health conditions, they may end up doing more harm than good. So instead of leaning on DNA tests for information about your pet’s health, talk to your veterinarian about any concerns you have. 

Is your pet ready for an annual wellness check? Bring your dog or cat into Eastside Veterinary Associates for leading-edge care. Call us at (425) 882-7788 or book an appointment online today.

walking your pet

Dog Walking Tips

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While walking your pet may sometimes seem like a chore, it is a really important and beneficial activity for both parties. Read on for our best dog walking tips on how to get out there to walk your pet!

Why a Walk?

Why is walking your dog important? Let us count the ways! Walking your pet can:

  • Help pets and people stay at a healthy body weight
  • Tone and stretch human and canine muscles
  • Improve digestive function
  • Better cardiovascular health
  • Help you and your dog to socialize
  • Provide a healthy outlet for anxiety and extra energy
  • Be a source of mental stimulation 
  • Improve overall behavior 
  • Help strengthen the human-animal bond

The reasons to walk your pet are numerous, and they benefit both you and your dog. Research shows that time spent with your pet bears great benefits for us as people.

Dog Walking Tips and Essentials

Walking your dog can be lots of fun, but it is important to mind your manners so that others can have fun, too. A  properly fitted leash and collar or harness are true dog walking essentials.

Our best dog walking tips include remembering that:

  • Not all dogs like other dogs: A leash is needed to help keep your pet out of the space of other animals. Not all dogs are happy about meeting other pets. Likewise, wild animals can pose a hazard as they try to defend themselves against a would-be predator. Avoid flexi-leads that don’t allow for good control and invest in a  good, sturdy six foot lead for your pup. 
  • Not all people like dogs (gasp!): We know, it’s unbelievable that someone wouldn’t want to greet your happy dog, but it’s true. Keeping your pooch leashed helps them to keep their kisses and jumps to themselves unless they’re welcome
  • Leashes are for safety: When you are out and about, a bouncing bunny, a speedy jogger, or another dog is quite capable of unexpectedly distracting your dog. Leashes can help keep your walk from turning into a pet emergency. 
  • Poop is for picking up: Carrying a poop bag during your walk may not be fun, but picking up after your pet is essential. Dog poop can be smelly and not a fun surprise to step in. It can also attract flies, spread disease, and can also wash into our waterways. The more diligent dog lovers are, the more likely places are to allow our pets to visit. 
  • Maximize your efforts: Walking is a great activity that is readily accessible and low impact. Keep a brisk pace that is comfortable for you and your pet to maximize the physical benefits. Don’t forget to take time to stop and look at the scenery and let your dog smell the world for mental benefits.
  • Play it safe: Besides a leash, there are other ways to stay safe while you walk your dog. Be sure that your pet has proper, up-to-date identification. Likewise, be sure that they are current on their wellness care. Vaccinations and parasite prevention is important. Call us to be sure that your pet is protected.
  • Dress for the occasion: Be mindful that paws can be sensitive to hot surfaces, chemicals like ice melt, or harsh surfaces like rocks or ice. Well-fitted booties may be in order. Short-coated or very thin dogs may benefit from a coat of some type.

At Eastside Veterinary Associates, we know how important regular exercise is for your pets. Yearly wellness checks also help to keep your pets in optimal health. Call (425) 882-7788 to schedule an appointment with our Kirkland location or (425) 276-4100 for our Renton location.

3 Facts About Pet Dental Care Every Pet Owner Should Know

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Pet’s teeth and gums need just as much love and attention as our’s do, but oral health is an often overlooked facet of dog or cat ownership. Dog and cat dental care is an essential element of overall pet wellness, however, and your friends at Eastside Veterinary Associates want to make it easier than ever to give it to them. Here are some facts about the importance of pet dental care so you can be sure you can keep their teeth and gums in top shape:

1. Dental Disease Is More Common than You Think

Most cats and dogs will have some form of periodontal disease by the age of 3, which means you have to start thinking about caring for teeth and gums early in their lives. Dental disease can manifest in many different ways, including:

  • Visible yellow or brown buildup on the teeth
  • Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
  • Bad breath
  • Excessive drooling
  • Changes in eating or chewing habits
  • Pawing at the face
  • Loose teeth
  • Depression

If you notice any of the above in your dog or cat, you should schedule a dental appointment with your veterinarian. 

2. Anesthesia Is Essential for Proper Dental Cleanings

Cat and dog teeth cleaning without anesthesia can be dangerous and not effective. Veterinarians use anesthesia when cleaning your pet’s teeth to ensure that your pets do not feel undue stress during the procedure. Anesthesia also allows them to thoroughly clean the teeth and gums, which will help prevent future issues with tartar and periodontal disease.

3. Pet Dental Care Is a Team Effort

Although professional dental cleanings are hugely important, they alone are not enough to completely ward off all forms of periodontal disease. If you want to give your pets the best defense against infections in the mouth, you have to do your part at home, too. Talk to your veterinarian about the best kind of home toothpaste and brush to use for your cats and dogs to keep their teeth and gums healthy.

Eastside Veterinary Associates are here to help you get the pet dental care your pet needs. From routine cleanings to surgery, our dedicated team will always do our best for your pets. We are proud to partner up with you for your pet’s health. 

Winter Pet Care Tips in Washington State

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Winter Pet Care Tips in Washington State

Now that colder temperatures are on the doorstep, it’s time to bring out the heavy jackets, scarves, and gloves. Put the ice scraper and winter emergency kit in the car. Now you’re ready for winter’s cold, wind, and occasional snow.

Next, take steps to protect your dog from harsh winter weather. These five winter pet care tips will give you a leg up whatever Mother Nature throws your way. 

Winter Care for Pets

Animals are very curious by nature, and they love to explore, even when it’s cold outside. It’s up to you to ensure they have everything they need to stay safe from the winter weather.

Invite Him Indoors

It’s important to keep your pets inside when the temperatures drop below freezing. Hypothermia and frostbite are real risks for pets (even with all that fur), and they cannot verbally tell us when they’re feeling cold. If you have to let your dog out, try to do so in short bursts. As much as they might fight you, keep your cats inside to keep them safe and warm.

Dress Him for the Weather

There is plenty of weather gear for pets that can help keep your furry friends toasty if they have to spend time outside. Provide your short-coated, elderly, very young, or very thin animals with a toasty warm sweater. In very cold weather or paw pads to offer an extra layer of protection from the cold.

Wipe His Paws After Trips Outside

De-icing salts and chemicals can irritate your pet’s footpads, and is toxic if ingested. Keep a damp towel handy, and thoroughly wipe his feet after his potty walks and treks around the neighborhood. Remember: even if the walkways look clear, there’s a good chance of salt and chemical buildup.

Keep Him Away from Deadly Antifreeze

Animals are attracted to the traditional sweet taste of antifreeze. Unfortunately, this substance is deadly to many small creatures. Be extremely careful how you use and store antifreeze to be sure it is safely away from your susceptible pets.

Provide Shelter

Some animals truly love being outdoors, and providing a warm, sturdy shelter can protect from harsh wind, rain, and snow.

Give your pet a draft-free structure in which he can comfortably sit and lie down. However, keep it small enough so it holds his body heat. Raise the floor off the ground, and cover it with clean straw or cedar shavings. Face the entrance away from the wind, and cover the door with heavy plastic or sturdy waterproof fabric.

The staff at Eastside Veterinary Associates is here to help you with everything from winter care to annual wellness exams. To learn more about our services, please call (425) 276-4100 for our Renton location and (425) 882-7788 for our Kirkland location.

The Best Pet Care Products to Spoil Your Cat With This Season

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The Best Pet Care Products to Spoil Your Cat With This Season

 

We all have that one person that is impossible to buy for during the holidays. Eastside Veterinary Associates understands that, for some of us, that person is a cat. Read on to find some of our favorite and best pet care products to indulge your cat this holiday season.

Best Pet Care Products

Most of our kitties are used to living in the lap of luxury already, but with some of the newest and best pet care products out there, you can up your ante.  Some of our favorite and best selling pet products for cats include:

 

  • Litter-Robot 3: A litter box robot that empties your cat’s throne regularly and tells you when it’s full? What’s not to like? While it may not be the perfect gift for every cat (larger cats, arthritic cats, more timid cats), it is a game changer for feline fanatics everywhere. 
  • Doc and Phoebe’s Indoor Hunting Feeder: These little mice are designed to be hunted by your cat, resulting in more natural hunting behavior, increased exercise, and mental stimulation.
  • Assisi Loop or Lounger: We know that many cats suffer from some arthritis as they get older. Targeted pulse electromagnetic field therapy can be a great way to help with this. Ask us about whether an Assisi loop or lounger might be a good option for your pet. 
  • Catit Pixi Smart Fountain: Water fountains are great for encouraging cats to drink, and this cute option has lots of benefits! Whisker-friendly with a stainless steel top, it is kitty friendly. The LED indicator to add water is very helpful, too. 
  • Window perch: There are many different options for window perches for cats that can help them get a good look into the great outdoors from the safety of home. 
  • Meowbox: A subscription box for cats? Yes, please! Choose delivery of unique and fun toys and treats monthly or every other month and up your environmental enrichment game. 
  • Van Ness Calm Carrier: A secure and kitty friendly cat carrier can make bringing your cat in to see our team a dream. We love the Van Ness Calm Carrier that allows timid patient to remain in the safety of their carrier for most of their visit. 
  • Exercise wheel:  Get your kitty moving with an exercise wheel. Many cats love burning off a little steam. 

 

Thinking Outside of the Box

But what about the cat that truly has everything? There are some trending pet products and services that might interest the cat owner with enough “stuff.” Consider:

 

  • Basepaws Breed + Health DNA Test: DNA testing with companies like 23andMe are all the rage for people. Why not include your cat? Companies like Basepaws not only give you fun insights into your cat’s breeding via a cheek swab, but can also give you valuable health information such as whether your cat is at risk for certain health conditions such as dental disease or cardiovascular problems.
  • Rover: The Rover app may bear a more doggo-friendly name, but we think it’s great for finding qualified, responsible people to help you care for your kitty. Consider booking your cat a playdate during long work days or some extra attention while you are out of town. 
  • Rescue Box: While getting your cat a subscription to Rescue Box does mean a monthly shipment of fun toys, it also is a way to give back to pets in need. 
  • Pet insurance: Consider a pet insurance policy to help you care for your pet. Pet Pawlicy Advisor is a great place to help you compare options. 

 

Buying a gift for those you love can be a fun and rewarding experience. We hope that we have helped you find the purr-fect gift for your whiskered family this holiday season

reverse sneeze in pets

What Was That Noise? The Reverse Sneeze

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If you hear an unusual, somewhat alarming sound from your dog—not quite a sneeze, not quite a cough—you might ask yourself, “What was that noise?”

This unusual honking sound could just be a reverse sneezing, and this article will discuss what it is, why it happens, and what you can do about it. 

What Is a Reverse Sneeze?

Reverse sneezing is a fairly common condition that affects dogs of all ages and breeds. It may last for just a few seconds or go on for several minutes. During a reverse sneeze, the dog suddenly stands still, extends its head and neck, and produces a snorting sound.

A reverse sneeze is a sudden, involuntary inhalation through the nose accompanied by a loud snorting sound. A dog may reverse sneeze several times in a row or just once. It’s not unusual for the dog to have a mild nasal discharge and difficulty breathing during or after the episode.

Why Is My Dog Reverse Sneezing So Much? 

It’s not entirely clear why some dogs experience reverse sneezing, but it’s thought to be because of irritation of the soft palate (the flap of tissue that connects your dog’s mouth to his nose) or trachea (windpipe). Excitement, stress, or water getting into the airway during exercise may also contribute to episodes. 

Reverse sneezing has been linked to allergies, which can cause inflammation of the nasal passages and windpipe. This inflammation makes it difficult for air to pass through your dog’s nose and throat. 

When your dog tries to inhale, the throat momentarily closes off. Your dog then opens its mouth quickly to try again—this is when you hear the loud snorting sound. The pressure behind the closed windpipe causes your dog to take rapid, shallow breaths, similar to a short series of sneezes.

Airway irritation can be caused by: 

  • Allergies to dust or pollens
  • Smoke, perfume, or chemicals
  • Nasal congestion
  • Sinusitis (an infection or inflammation of the lining of the sinuses)

How Can I Treat My Dog’s Reverse Sneezing?

The best treatment for reverse sneezing is prevention. Try to avoid situations or substances that tend to bring on reverse sneezing in your dog. Anxiety and stress—even excitement—can exacerbate the problem. 

If your dog begins to reverse sneeze, stay calm and let the episode pass on its own. You can help your dog by holding it upright and gently rubbing its back or massaging its throat until the episode passes.

What If My Dog’s Reverse Sneezing Is Getting Worse? 

If your dog’s reverse sneezing becomes worse, contact your veterinarian.

Reverse sneezing can be alarming to witness and hear. Your dog may appear to be choking, with its head back and mouth open. But this behavior is actually a reflex that causes the soft palate to contract and then relax repeatedly. 

Your dog may seem restless during an episode of reverse sneezing, but it shouldn’t show other signs of distress, such as pawing at its nose or face, gagging, or trying to vomit. If your dog displays these symptoms and can’t clear its airway after several attempts, seek immediate veterinary care.

If your dog has had episodes of reverse sneezing in the past, it’s likely to continue throughout its lifetime—although the occurrences may become less frequent with age.

Reverse Sneezing Should Resolve on Its Own

If you have questions about your dog’s reverse sneezing, give us a call at 425-882-7788 for our Kirkland location or 425-276-4100 for our Renton location. Our team is always happy to help!

pets benefit mental health

Discover How Pets and Mental Health Research are Connected

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Everyone knows your dog or cat provides the best stress relief on the planet. Maybe your pet greets you at the front door after a challenging day. Playing with them and stroking their coat can help your stress virtually dissolve into thin air. At Eastside Veterinary Associates, we’re not surprised that pets can provide other mental health benefits. Keep reading to learn about the link between pets and mental health research, and look at your dog or cat in an entirely new light:

The Link Between Pets and Mental Health Research

During the past few decades, numerous studies have delved into the benefits of pets for human health. Specifically, the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Healths January 22, 2021 edition published a qualitative study on how human-animal interactions can affect pet owners’ mental and physical health. The UK-based study analyzed feedback from 5,926 participants locked down at home during the COVID-19 pandemic’s first wave.

How Participants’ Companion Animals Uplifted Them

Study participants reported that their pets helped to support their mental and physical well-being during a challenging time. Participants said their pets’ unconditional love and affection was a great stress reducer and mood enhancer. Animal ownership also helped participants to maintain a sense of purpose while decreasing feelings of isolation and loneliness.

Participants’ Pets and the Great Outdoors

Many study participants said their pets helped them to maintain their physical activity during an otherwise sedentary period. Walking their dogs provided good exercise and exposure to green space and the natural world. Pet owners with horses reported benefits from caring for and exercising their equine companions.

Other Ways Pet Ownership Enhances Human Health

Not surprisingly, the benefits of pets for human health continue. Multiple studies have demonstrated that the human-pet bond can result in reduced blood pressure, triglyceride levels, and cholesterol levels.

Playing with your dog has been shown to increase dopamine and oxytocin, the feel-good brain chemicals that produce well-being sensations. Older pet-owning adults have improved cognitive function. Pet ownership can also help to reduce anxiety and PTSD symptoms.

Health Benefits of Pets in the Workplace

Taking your pet to work offers two proven benefits. Whether you work at home or in an office, studies have shown that having your pet nearby helps to decrease your stress and increase your job satisfaction. And sometimes, a few timely licks or nuzzles can help to smooth out uncomfortable situations.

On-the-job pets can help to improve productivity. When a dog visits a virtual meeting, participants rank their coworkers higher on several important variables. And it’s impossible not to laugh when your cat plops himself on the keyboard while you’re trying to type an important email.

Keeping Your Pet Healthy is Important

By providing your dog or cat with consistent wellness care, they can better improve your quality of life. At Eastside Veterinary Associates, our skilled veterinarians and veterinary team stand ready to help keep your pet in tip-top shape. Call us for an appointment in Kirkland: 425-882-7788. Call us in Newcastle/Renton: 425-276-4100.

 

 

 

cat scratching

What’s the Big Deal About Cat Scratch Fever?

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We love sharing our lives with animals. In fact, few things compare with a good snuggle, and for many of us, the time spent holding and nuzzling a sweet, furry feline is life-affirming. Part of what makes this closeness possible is a proactive approach to disease prevention. Unfortunately, zoonotic diseases, or those that can be transmitted between animals and people, can make living in such close proximity dangerous. Cat scratch fever is one such illness.

A Thin, Invisible Line

Cats have the potential to carry various zoonotic diseases, including rabies, ringworm, toxoplasmosis, and more. A reasonable concern for most cat owners is cat scratch fever, or Cat-Scratch Disease (CSD). A bacterial infection caused by the bacterium Bartonella henselae, CSD is a zoonotic disease carried by approximately 40% of all cats at some point in their lives. 

It would be one thing if owners saw obvious symptoms of cat scratch fever, but many cats show no signs of illness. Most carriers of the disease are kittens younger than a year.

How to Protect Yourself

Cats get infected with Bartonella by way of fleas, specifically through bites and flea dirt (feces). When flea dirt builds up around the feet and claws, or near the mouth, the chances of passing the infection to others increases. If a cat with the bacterium scratches or bites you, or licks an open wound, the Bartonella organism can enter the bloodstream and cause infection.

Signs of Cat-Scratch Disease in humans can include:

  • Redness at the site of the wound
  • Fatigue
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Decreased appetite

 While CSD can be mild enough to warrant little to no medical intervention, reactions can be more serious in young and immunocompromised people.

Either way, it is worth it to protect yourself and your family from problems associated with CSD. 

Good Kitty

Your cat benefits from an effective parasite prevention medication, and so does your entire household. Keeping them free of a flea infestation is an important precaution, but knowing that their medication can prevent CSD is an additional motivator. 

Furthermore, cat owners can protect themselves from CSD in these ways:

  • Wash cat bites or scratches right away with hot water and soap. 
  • Try not to handle unfamiliar cats, and if you do, be sure they don’t bite or scratch you.
  • Trim your cat’s nails regularly to minimize their scratching power.
  • Keep your house as tidy as possible to reduce any flea numbers.

While fleas can find even strictly indoor cats, it is proven that indoor cats have lower rates of problems related to fleas and other parasites. 

No More Cat Scratch Fever 

If you have any questions about your cat’s health, safety, lifestyle, and behavior, please give us a call at 425-882-7788 for our Kirkland location or 425-276-4100 for our Renton location. We’re always here for your cat at Eastside Veterinary Associates, and hope you and your cat can squeeze in a good, disease-free, snuggle soon.