Sphynx Cats with Diarrhea

So you’re doing your everyday business cleaning the house, or working from home on your computer and suddenly you hear a sound of running water from your precious Sphynx litter box with a horrific smell that literally chases you and your other family members from the room! Diarrhea or any other bowel issues can be caused by many things like IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) but too many times there is one little pain in the but parasite that goes untreated or misdiagnosed, that would be called Giardia.

What is Giardia you ask?

If your Sphynx has these symptoms, chronic diarrhea, horrible smelly poop, soft stools, bloody diarrhea, and sometimes even vomiting it’s quit possible he or she has Giardia. The parasite lives in the intestinal tract and causes damage to the intestines. Giardia is commonly seen in young cats confined together in groups, such as a cattery, kennels, shelters, and pet stores.

Symptoms

Diarrhea is the most common sign of infection. Some cats may vomit in addition to the diarrhea. Weight loss may occur secondary to the diarrhea. The cat may still have a good appetite as well but still have the diarrhea. In many instances, a cat may be infected with Giardia, but show no clinical signs at all. So when you tell your vet after days and weeks of chronic, smelly diarrhea that you think it may be Giardia, and he or she shakes their head no, insist he or she prescribe treatment for your sphynx which generally would be Metronidazole (Flagyl).

Diagnosis

There are several ways to diagnose Giardia infection. The most common methods involve analysis of a fecal smear. Direct analysis of a fecal sample may lead to a quick diagnosis. A fecal sample can also be sent to a diagnostic laboratory for more sophisticated testing. Many vets misdiagnose Giardia because sometimes it takes several samples to show positive! So do not take no for an answer!

Treatment

Metronidazole (Flagyl) has been used extensively to treat Giardia in dogs and cats, as well as in people. This drug has an added advantage of being effective against other protozoans and some bacteria that might also be contributing to the diarrhea. Side effects involving the nervous system have been reported in some animals, although this is uncommon. Cats with Giardia need to have their prescribed medication administered faithfully. High fiber diets often provide additional help in controlling the diarrhea along with pumpkin. If you have other pets, all animals should be treated to prevent reinfection or transfer back into the home. Bathing all animals infected is recommended before introducing them into an uncontaminated environment which allows for removal of feces and infective cysts from the hair, coat or in the Sphynx case skin.

Prevention

Decontamination is recommended in multiple pet households and in crowding situations (kennels, a cattery, shelters, or pet stores), proper sanitation is key to prevent cross contamination from one animal to another. All fecal material needs to be removed from cages, runs, and yard. Kennels and cages need to be cleaned with proper disinfectants and let totally dry before allowing animals back into them.

Sphynx Cat Community

Sphynx cats and HCM (Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy)

What is Feline HCM (Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy)?

HCM is a disease that causes a thickening of the heart muscle, and is believed to be largely genetic in origin, with several breeds considered suspect including the Sphynx and is still under study. Although there is no known cure for this condition, with prompt diagnosis and early treatment, Sphynx cats may live on for years after they are diagnosed. Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) results from HCM. Do not be mislead by certain sites and articles that unfortunately leave new Sphynx owners in a panic frenzy to begin making phone calls to their vet and setting up appointments for their Sphynx cat to schedule an X-Ray, ECG (Electrocardiogram) or an Echo because they read of this horrible “Sphynx cat disease” on the internet that everyone is talking about. “YES,” it is a horrible disease and “NO,” it’s not only a “Sphynx cat disease!”. HCM is a disease that affects animals like cats, dogs, hamsters, rabbits and even humans can be diagnosed with HCM. There is no “guarantee” that any animal including Sphynx cats will or will not contract this disease so do not let any one tell you different. For instance, two breeding Sphynx parents can live full healthy lives with no symptoms of HCM, scanned yearly HCM free but one of their kittens can be diagnosed 2 years down the road into its life. So if HCM is something that bothers you, or keeps you up at night, then by all means see your vet, get your regular check up and ask his opinion on the matter and go from there. What I will tell you is most vets, unless your Sphynx cat shows symptoms of HCM, will not explore any further then a simple check up and send you on your way.

How is Feline Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Treated?

The Treatment for HCM will depend on the progression of the disease in the Sphynx cat, and includes:

Beta Blockers: atenolol and metoprolol
These drugs help improve the “filling” function of the left ventricle, which will subsequently increase the volume of blood flowing to the lungs, helping to decrease pulmonary edema.

Calcium Channel Blockers : diltiazem
Also help improve heart function, by reducing heart rate and myocardial oxygen consumption.

ACE Inhibitors:enalapril or benazepril
Ongoing clinical trials with cats seem to indicate that these drugs may work better than Beta Blockers, for improving heart function.

Diuretics: Help to reduce pulmonary edema. Because of the potential for negative side effects. Renal function must be monitored carefully when diuretics are used.
Treat underlying conditions
Most often Hyperthyroidism and/or hypertension (high blood pressure).

How Long Can my Sphynx Cat Live with HCM?

Every Sphynx cat will carry their own history of the disease, and it is impossible to predict the prognosis of any Sphynx cat with HCM. However, existing technology offers great possibility of several more months to several years, and depending on the overall condition of your cat at diagnosis. A dedicated Sphynx owner can help by working closely with their vet, and by providing a warm, stress-free environment for their Sphynx companion and their Sphynx could have a long and enjoyable life with their human.

Disclaimer: I am not a vet. This article is just my opinion, as always refer to your vet for proper diagnosis and treatment of any feline disease.

Holiday dangers for your Sphynx cat and other pets.

Well it’s the holiday season and the fun begins, eating, drinking and family visiting. We all know this can make for an exhausting but wonderful time! So I thought I would give a few holiday tips to help every one especially when our minds are in other places around the holidays and not focused on our Sphynx cat’s and other pets.

Be sure to Clear the tables and put away leftovers and trash right away. Your Sphynx can get into garbage cans and onto tables if they see a free meal and we know how much our Sphynx enjoy eating at the table with us! When dogs or cats chew and eat leftover bones, they can experience digestive tract tears and even fatal injuries. Also, the amount of fat and salt in holiday food is dangerous to our pets’ digestive systems, but I must admit, I do catch myself letting my Sphynx cat have a nibble or two!

Keep your  christmas tree safe for your Sphynx cat and other pets. If you have a real tree trim lower branches because pine needles that are ingested can cause severe puncture wounds in your pet’s intestines. Make sure your tree is well-anchored and keep garland higher up, curious climbing Sphynx and other pets can get strangled or pull the tree on top of themselves. And be sure to never add anything to the tree water in the bottom, in case your Sphynx cat or pet  drinks it, and we all know how thirsty our Sphynx get and will find any means necessary to find available water.

Protect your Sphynx cat from poisonous plants like mistletoe, holly and poinsettia by keeping them out of reach, and the Sphynx cat, as we all know will find ways to get what they want no matter how hard of a task it is!
Keep  all of your pet’s height and regular behavior in mind when you decorate around the house. Glass decorations of all kinds especially bulbs that you hang on your tree, breakable glass  and globes, as well as dreidels and tinsel should be kept or strung out of Sphynx reach to safeguard them from knocking them over, cutting themselves or even worse, eating  them.
Secure all electrical cords to the floor or wall with clips or strong duct tape so Sphynx can’t chew them and risk being electrocuted.

If your anything like my wife, your a candle guru, so only Light your candle’s and decorations  when you are home and able to monitor all rooms with candles that are lit and keep them way above eye level of your pet’s and children. A swat of the tail or a paw can cause your candle to tip over and cause serious burns to your Sphynx and even set the whole house on fire!
Maintain a firm routine for your pet around the holiday times to reduce stress on them, especially dogs. Keep walks, feeding and playtime consistent for your pet so there is less chance he or she will become aggressive or anxious when their routines are disturbed by all the festivities and visitors during the holiday season!

Happy Holidays everyone, and be safe!

Sphynxlair-the Sphynx Cat Community