General and Preventive Medicine

Oh No… the Cat Peed on the Bed!

Posted on by Laurie Coronel

The horror! Max has urinated in the middle of the bed. Once you get over the initial shock, there are a few things to check:

  • Under which circumstances did this happen? Was there a stressful event?
  • Is the litter box clean?
  • How has Max been feeling lately?
  • Did he urinate a lot more, or a lot less than usual?

Urinating out of the litter box can hide a medical problem. Having a physical exam and urinalysis done is a smart choice. Bladder inflammation, urinary crystals, diabetes, or kidney failure are all factors that can explain this "bad" behaviour. If the tests do not reveal anything, it may be a behavioural issue.

It is very important to keep the litter box spotless! We recommend that the number of litter boxes in a house be equal to the number of cats + 1. It is preferable to use a litter box without a dome, filled with unscented material... And it must be emptied every day! The box itself should be cleaned thoroughly once a week and replaced every year. Place it in a quiet and easily accessible place. Not next to the furnace!

Despite normal test results and perfect litter box management, Max may continue to urinate in inappropriate places. In this case, anxiety may be the source of the problem. This is a diagnosis of exclusion, which means that other reasons have been ruled out. Possible therapeutic approaches include synthetic hormones, milk protein hydrolysates, antidepressants, environmental enrichment. We will discuss these further in a subsequent article.

When it comes to cleaning up Max’s mess, there are different products available to neutralize odours. Cleaning should be completed quickly. Avoid bleach, as it will attract Max to the same spot! Note that bleach is an excellent disinfectant... except in this case, it’s not the best idea!

If you have any problems, don’t hesitate to reach out to your veterinarian!

 

Hôpital Vétérinaire du Boisé

Your pet is a member of your family and ours; it is a best friend, and even a confidant!

That's why our dedicated team of veterinarians, technicians, assistant technicians and receptionists is always there, ready to care for your pet and give you the most appropriate advice to ensure its well-being and health.

Bureau Vétérinaire Côté

Your pet is a member of your family and ours; it is a best friend, and even a confidant!

That's why our dedicated team of veterinarians, technicians, assistant technicians and receptionists is always there, ready to care for your pet and give you the most appropriate advice to ensure its well-being and health.

Clinique Vétérinaire Côté

Your pet is a member of your family and ours; it is a best friend, and even a confidant!

That's why our dedicated team of veterinarians, technicians, assistant technicians and receptionists is always there, ready to care for your pet and give you the most appropriate advice to ensure its well-being and health.

Clinique Vétérinaire de la Gare

Your pet is a member of your family and ours; it is a best friend, and even a confidant!

That's why our dedicated team of veterinarians, technicians, assistant technicians and receptionists is always there, ready to care for your pet and give you the most appropriate advice to ensure its well-being and health.

Why Should a Stool Analysis Be Done?

Posted on by Laurie Coronel

Because I care about your pet’s health and yours, as a veterinarian, I strongly recommend having a stool analysis performed at least annually to check for parasites in our pets. Parasites are a common and often silent threat to our pets' health, and early detection and treatment are essential for their well-being.

Here are a few reasons why a stool analysis is crucial:

  1. Humans can catch them! Many parasites can be transmitted from animals to humans; these are known as zoonotic parasites. Children, elderly individuals, and immunocompromised individuals are particularly vulnerable to them. By identifying and treating parasites in our pets, we reduce the risk of human infection and protect the overall health of our families.

 

  1. Identification of Parasites: A stool analysis helps identify the presence of various parasites, such as roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, tapeworms, and protozoa like Giardia and Cryptosporidium. These parasites can cause a range of health issues in pets, including gastrointestinal disturbances, weight loss, anemia, and in severe cases, organ damage.

 

  1. Early Intervention: By detecting parasites in their early stages, we can intervene promptly and initiate appropriate treatment. This prevents the parasites from causing significant harm and minimizes the risk of transmission to other animals or humans within the household.

 

  1. Treatment Efficiency: Different parasites require specific treatment protocols. A stool analysis helps us determine the type of parasite present, enabling us to prescribe the most effective medication. Treating a specific parasite rather than using broad-spectrum medications ensures better treatment outcomes and reduces the risk of drug resistance.

 

  1. Preventive Measures: Routine stool analysis is a valuable tool for monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of preventive measures. For example, if a pet is on a regular deworming regimen, a stool analysis can confirm if the treatment has been successful or if additional measures are required.

 

  1. Screening New Animals: When introducing a new pet into a household or a shelter environment, conducting a stool analysis is essential. It helps identify any potential parasites that the new animal may be carrying, preventing the spread of parasites to other animals already present.

 

In summary, running a stool analysis for parasites is a vital part of responsible pet care. It allows for early detection, appropriate treatment, prevention of transmission to humans, and effective monitoring of treatment outcomes. By prioritizing regular stool analysis, we can ensure the health and well-being of our beloved animal companions while safeguarding the health of our families.

 

Dr. Sébastien Kfoury  v.m., IPSAV

Clinique Vétérinaire de Beaumont

Your pet is a member of your family and ours; it is a best friend, and even a confidant!

That's why our dedicated team of veterinarians, technicians, assistant technicians and receptionists is always there, ready to care for your pet and give you the most appropriate advice to ensure its well-being and health.

Clinique Vétérinaire de la Montérégie

Your pet is a member of your family and ours; it is a best friend, and even a confidant!

That's why our dedicated team of veterinarians, technicians, assistant technicians and receptionists is always there, ready to care for your pet and give you the most appropriate advice to ensure its well-being and health.