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COVID-19 and PETS

We are getting lot of queries from the clients regarding COVID-19 and how it affects pets. In this blog we have tried to answer few most common questions about COVID-19 and SARS-CoV-2 as it pertains to veterinarians and pets.

A novel coronavirus, named severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), was identified as the cause of an outbreak of respiratory illness first detected in Wuhan, China in 2019. The illness caused by this virus has been named coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Can SARS-CoV-2 infect dogs, cats and other animals?

We don’t really know.  Preliminary evidence suggests that one dog in Hong Kong that lived with a person infected with the virus tested positive multiple times over multiple days.  This suggests that the dog was in fact infected, rather than just contaminated with the virus.  In mid-March, 2020, the World Health Organization stated that there is no evidence at present that dogs and cats can be infected with SARS-CoV-2, develop the disease, or spread the disease.  It is important to note that SARS-CoV-2 was not isolated from the dog in Hong Kong – only RNA was identified via RT-PCR.

SARS-CoV-2 utilizes two receptors in humans: It binds Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2) and then fuses with the cell membrane with help from a type-II transmembrane serine protease (TMPRSS2) (similar to the original SARS virus in the early 2000s).  Sequence homology for ACE2 at the critical binding sites suggests that SARS-CoV-2 might be able to bind to ACE2 receptors in cats and ferrets.  Given the findings from the one dog in Hong Kong (see Worms-and-Germs Blog), we can reasonably suspect that dogs might also bind the virus.  Rats and mice appear not to be able to bind the virus, because their ACE2 receptors are different enough from those of dogs or cats.

Infection, however, requires additional steps than just virus binding and membrane fusion.  Viral replication, avoiding the host immune response etc. are also necessary components of infection and potential transmission.

Can infected dogs and cats transmit the disease to people?

Currently, no evidence exists that dogs and cats, even if infected, can transmit the SARS-CoV-2 virus to humans.  Indeed, no infected cats have been identified.  To date, all transmission has been human-to-human, after the initial jump from bats (most likely) to humans.  It is worth noting that the original SARS virus could also bind to the dog and cat ACE2 receptor, but no reported cases of pet-to-human transmission of that virus were ever reported, although that outbreak was much smaller and investigation of domestic animals was limited.

Can pets serve as fomites in the spread of COVID-19?

(A fomite is an object such as a dish or a doorknob that may be contaminated with infectious organisms and serve in their transmission. Answer from the American Veterinary Medical Association)

This question has been addressed by the American Veterinary Medical Association. Here is the direct quotation:

“COVID-19 appears to be primarily transmitted by contact with an infected person’s bodily secretions, such as saliva or mucus droplets in a cough or sneeze.COVID-19 might be able to be transmitted by touching a contaminated surface or object (i.e., a fomite) and then touching the mouth, nose, or possibly eyes, but this appears to be a secondary route. Smooth (non-porous) surfaces (e.g., countertops, door-knobs) transmit viruses better than porous materials (e.g., paper money, pet fur), because porous, and especially fibrous, materials absorb and trap the pathogen (virus), making it harder to contract through simple touch.

Because most pet hair is porous and also fibrous, it is very unlikely that a person would contract COVID-19 by petting or playing with a pet. However, because animals can spread other diseases to people and people can also spread diseases to animals, it’s always a good idea to wash hands before and after interacting with animals; ensure the pet is kept well-groomed; and regularly clean the pet’s food and water bowls, bedding material, and toys.”

Could the SARS-CoV-2 virus cause clinical disease in dogs, cats or ferrets?

We don’t know.  The two dogs that might be infected in Hong Kong showed no clinical signs.  The closely related SARS virus did not cause disease in cats (but cats were able to transmit the virus to other cats). In contrast, disease did occur in experimentally infected ferrets. There is currently no evidence that domestic animals can develop disease from this virus or, if infected, transmit it to other animals or people. However, study of animals to date has been limited.

Should I (can I) test a pet for SARS-CoV-2?

Many animal diagnostic laboratories are not currently set up to test for this specific coronavirus.  Some are, and might be able to test animals with known exposure.  For example, if the owner is infected (confirmed), it could be possible for them to ask for testing of their pet dog or cat (or ferret).  However, given that the current data suggest that these pets are not infective to people, the rational for doing this is questionable.

The dilemma about testing pets increases, given that any owner with a known infection (has tested positive) should be quarantined, and their pet should be considered, from a health-and-safety perspective to also be contaminated or infected.  Consequently, you would be required to adopt precautions to prevent infection, by wearing PPE, a face mask, and face shield (to prevent contact from the pet’s contaminated haircoat, or, if infected, saliva or droplets getting into your conjunctival mucosa) etc.  Most clinicians are not set up to do this.

What disinfectants can I use to decontaminate surfaces?

• Isopropyl alcohol (70%), commonly called rubbing alcohol
• Bleach can be diluted by putting 4 teaspoons of bleach per 1 quart of water or 20 milliliters of bleach into 1 liter of water
• 0.5% hydrogen peroxide
• 0.1% sodium hypochlorite

Can a veterinary client-patient relationship be established via a telemedicine consultation to minimize exposure risk but still provide veterinary care?

A veterinary-client-patient-relationship (VCPR) is established primarily by state law. On the federal front, the FDA has issued guidance noting that due to the current pandemic they “may” not prosecute for extralabel drug use in animals where VCPR doesn’t exist, but this limited potential exception does not change state law. As a general rule, you cannot establish VCPR using telemedicine. On the other hand, once you have VCPR using traditional standards, you can certainly use telemedicine for ongoing care. Regardless, remember you are responsible for meeting the medical standard of care – using telemedicine does not change the standards.

Can I still go to the veterinarian if I am sick?

It’s best if you self-quarantine. The CDC says that If you have a medical appointment, call the healthcare provider and tell them that you have or may have COVID-19. This will help the healthcare provider’s office take steps to keep other people from getting infected or exposed. Perhaps someone else can take your pet in.

For everyone’s safety, if you believe you have been exposed to COVID-19, call your veterinarian before having your pet seen for any health conditions. Practice social distancing. You and your veterinarian can discuss the safest approach for all concerned whether he needs immediate medical intervention or not. Prescriptions can be mailed, but make sure you call early enough so that they will arrive in the mail by the time you need them.

A urinary blockage occurs when there is an obstruction in the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body. When this happens it is difficult or impossible for a cat to empty the bladder, making it a life-threatening emergency. If your cat is having trouble urinating (see list below), do not delay in having him or her checked by your veterinarian.

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Why Blockages Occur

Although both male and female cats can develop urethral obstructions, the urethra is particularly narrow in male cats as it must pass through the penis and this makes male cats more prone to urinary blockage. Regardless of gender, the signs in both male and female affected cats are the same.

The material blocking the urethra can comprise several things, including:

• Small bladder stones
• Mucus
• Inflammatory cells
• Urinary crystals
• Blood clots
• Bacteria (usually a plug of bacteria combined with inflammatory cells and proteins)

Signs of Urinary Blockage

Cats that are partially or fully blocked often show some or all of the following signs:

• Repeatedly straining to urinate in or around the litter box. This is often mistaken for constipation and straining to defecate.
• Producing only small drops of urine or none at all
• Crying or howling in or around the litter box or in general
• Licking at the genitals or around the base of the tail
• Hiding/lethargy
• vomiting and/or refusing to eat
• Resenting being touched, especially around the abdomen

Cats can experience partial or complete urinary blockage and their signs can vary greatly. With a partial blockage, an affected cat may seem uncomfortable or in pain and spend excess time repeatedly going in and out of the litter box. An owner may notice urinary accidents around the house or find small puddles of urine (sometimes bloody) in the litter box or unusual places.

As the condition progresses to a full urinary blockage and the cat is unable to pass any urine, the signs become more intense and the cat may experience life-threatening complications. It is common for a blocked cat to vomit, lose its appetite and become extremely lethargic. If left untreated, the urinary blockage can lead to kidney failure and death within 24 to 48 hours.

If your cat is showing any of the above signs, see your veterinarian or go to the nearest emergency clinic immediately.

What to Expect at the Veterinary Visit

When gently pressing on your cat’s abdomen, your veterinarian may identify a large, firm and often painful bladder from which urine cannot be emptied manually. Once a urinary blockage is identified, emergency treatment and stabilization is required. Blood and urine tests will usually be recommended to help identify any underlying causes as well as complications associated with the blockage. Radiographs (X-rays) or ultrasound may be recommended to help identify urinary tract stones or other underlying issues.

Most importantly, an affected cat must have the blockage relieved, typically while under heavy sedation or general anesthesia. A urinary catheter, or tube, is threaded into the urethra to help dislodge the obstruction and re-establish urine flow. The urinary catheter may be left in for a period of one to several days depending on the severity of the obstruction and associated complications. Many supportive treatments may be given during this time, including IV fluids, pain medications and sometimes antibiotics or other medications to help keep the urethra relaxed to encourage urine flow.

Not all affected cats can be unblocked with a urinary catheter and some may require emergency surgery, although fortunately this is less common.

What to Expect at Home

The first few days after your cat returns home may be stressful as some straining to urinate and discolored urine may still occur. Some cats may re-block during this time so close monitoring is required and any concerns should be reported immediately to your veterinarian. Frequent veterinary rechecks are usually scheduled during this time.Getting an affected cat unblocked and through the emergency is just the beginning of managing this condition. Unfortunately, it is quite common for urethral obstructions to recur days, weeks, months or even years later.

After a urinary blockage, lifestyle changes may be necessary to help prevent recurrence of this life-threatening condition. Several factors have been implicated as potentially contributing to urethral blockage, including household stress and inadequate access to or intake of water.

The following are steps your veterinarian may recommend to help prevent a recurrence in the future:

• Increase the amount of water your cat drinks. This “simple” strategy is strongly associated with a decreased recurrence of urinary blockage. 
• Look at food and diet. Your veterinarian may recommend a modified diet or a prescription diet — possibly one that can help dissolve certain types of crystals or stones.
• Enrich the environment. Making sure your cat feels safe and stimulated is an important way to help decrease or eliminate household stress. Enrichment often includes appropriate litter-box management as well as access to climbing structures, viewing and resting perches and scratching posts. Synthetic feline facial pheromones may help reduce stress and anxiety for some cats.

The prognosis for most cats affected by urinary blockage is better now than ever before. But the outcome depends on how early a blockage is detected and how well the cat responds to treatment. Don’t delay if your cat is having urinary signs — a few hours can make a huge difference!

This blog was written by McQueen Animal Hospital, an animal clinic (vet hospital/vet clinic) in Brampton committed to providing only the highest level of veterinary care to our beloved pets.

What Is It?

Spaying and neutering are surgical procedures used to remove the reproductive organs of dogs and cats. Spaying is the removal of the uterus and ovaries of a female dog or cat. Neutering is the removal of a male dog’s or cat’s testicles. These procedures are also sometimes referred to as “sterilizing” or “fixing” pets.

How It Works

Both of these procedures are performed by a veterinarian while the pet is under general anesthesia. Spaying is generally a more involved procedure than neutering because the reproductive organs being removed are internal.

Although all surgical procedures carry some risks, spaying and neutering are the most common surgeries performed in dogs and cats, and most pets handle the surgery very well. Be sure to follow instructions regarding withholding food and water before surgery. Your pet will need to stay at the hospital anywhere from a few hours to a few days, depending on his or her age, size, sex, and condition, and the hospital’s policy. Also be careful to follow all recommendations for home care or aftercare, such as pain medications and appointments for suture removal. The procedure is typically recommended for dogs and cats before they reach sexual maturity (at about 6 months old).

Benefits of Spaying and Neutering

One of the best reasons to spay or neuter your pet is to avoid adding to the problem of pet overpopulation. Every day thousands of more puppies and kittens are born than human babies. The result is that there are not enough homes for all of these pets.It is estimated that at least 3 to 4 million cats and dogs are euthanized, or “put to sleep” each year, where many of them are young and healthy animals.

Spaying and neutering also has immediate benefits for you and your pet: Your pet will be much less likely to get a number of serious health problems that can be life-threatening and expensive to treat, such as uterine, mammary (breast), or testicular cancer.

Spayed and neutered pets are less likely to try to escape and roam. Roaming pets are far more likely to get into fights with other animals or to experience traumatic injuries, such as being hit by a car. Neutering male cats makes them less likely to mark their territory (your home) by spraying urine. Spaying female pets prevents them from coming into heat—that is, actively seeking a mate. Pets in heat may vocalize more and may leave bloodstains on carpets or furniture. A female dog or cat in heat may also attract unwanted male canine or feline visitors to your property. Some aggression problems respond favorably to spaying or neutering.

Common Concerns About Spaying and Neutering

Will my pet gain weight?

You can help keep your pet from gaining unnecessary weight by not overfeeding or overindulging him or her with treats and by making sure he or she gets plenty of exercise. Regular walks (for dogs) or playtimes (for cats) can help keep your friend fit.

Isn’t it expensive?

Spaying or neutering is a one-time investment in the health of your pet. This procedure is relatively inexpensive in light of the veterinary training and medications required for it. Compare the expense of this procedure to the expense of caring for a pregnant and nursing mother, raising a litter of puppies or kittens (including the necessary vaccinations and deworming medications), and feeding puppies or kittens until they are old enough to be placed in homes. Also consider that spayed and neutered pets are less likely to roam or develop certain serious diseases.

Shouldn’t my female pet have at least one litter?

Spaying female dogs and cats before they go into heat even once further reduces the chance of certain medical conditions that affect the reproductive organs. Preventing pregnancy also eliminates the possibility of your pet having complications from pregnancy and delivery. It is also very time-consuming and expensive to raise healthy offspring, and it can be very difficult to find homes for the new arrivals. Your female dog or cat will not “miss” being a mother, and if you have children, you can help teach them the “miracle of life” through other methods, such as books and videos. If fewer puppies and kittens are born, more will find homes and avoid euthanasia.

This blog was written by McQueen Animal Hospital, an animal clinic (vet hospital/vet clinic) in Brampton committed to providing only the highest level of veterinary care to our beloved pets.