Page 4 - Hobe Sound Reflections - September '20

Page 4, Hobe Sound

tip of the tail

Feline Upper Respiratory Chlamydophila felis (C. felis), Mycoplasma species and ruling out acute infection; however, intermittent shedding
Infection Bordetella bronchiseptica. Approximately 80 to 90 percent may occur with several of the URI pathogens. Positive
of cases are thought to be caused by one of the two viruses
test results to any of the URI pathogens can occur in
above. Feline URI is readily spread via fomites and droplet clinically normal cats. Therefore, positive test results
transmission (over distances of 5 feet or less), or, most must be interpreted with caution and in the light of clinical
importantly, via reactivation of latent herpesvirus due symptoms.
to stress. Herpesvirus can remain latent in cats for years Most cases of URI will resolve within 7 to 10 days.
and only appear during times of stress. Cats can be easily Treatment for URI varies depending on the causative
stressed for many reasons, including moving homes or agent(s). Because clinical signs of FHV-1 are specifically
getting new housemates. Oftentimes, the cause of stress activated by stress, management of stress is crucial in
cannot be determined. prevention and treatment of this disease. As mentioned
Primary respiratory pathogens may increase a cat’s previously, antibiotics may be indicated, but only if a
susceptibility to secondary bacterial infections. A bacterial infection is suspected.
multitude of bacteria can be isolated from the respiratory The best prevention for these diseases is vaccination.
tract of cats infected with URI, including Pasteurella, E. Vaccines are available containing Feline Herpesvirus,
coli, Streptococcus, Enterobacter and Staphylococcus Feline Calicivirus, and Feline Panleukopenia (FVRCP).
species. Not all cats develop bacterial infections that Routine vaccination reduces severity and duration of
require antibiotics. In most cases, a definitive causative disease. Your veterinarian can provide more information
Feline upper respiratory infection (URI) can be one agent is not identified in individual cases of URI. An on an appropriate vaccination schedule for your cat.
of the most frustrating illnesses to treat, both for the cat educated guess is based on clinical signs. FHV-1 is more Established in 1981, Palm City Animal Medical
owner and for the veterinarian. Many cats are adopted likely to cause keratitis or corneal ulceration. FCV is Center is dedicated to providing the best possible care
from animal shelters and enter shelters already silently reasonably likely to be associated with oral ulceration for your pets. With focuses on compassionate care in
carrying the viruses that lead to URI. While in shelters or or limping. Chlamydophila and Mycoplasma are more surgery, physical therapy and rehabilitation, preventative
in catteries, one cat can easily transmit viruses to another commonly associated with conjunctivitis without other medicine, extensive diagnostics and emergency service,
cat. Additional influences, such as overcrowding, stress, symptoms. However, all causes may have overlapping Palm City Animal Medical Center combines exceptional
concurrent illness, parasitism and poor nutrition, can clinical signs. medical care with a caring philosophy for pets and their
predispose cats to develop URI. Diagnostic testing has become more widely available owners. For more information, call (772) 283-0920, visit
The following agents are the common causes of URI: in recent years with the development of panels specific for www.palmcityanimalmedicalcenter.com or find us on
Feline Herpesvirus-1 (FHV-1), Feline Calicivirus (FCV), feline URI. A negative test is a near conclusive method of Facebook at www.facebook.com/PalmCityAnimalClinic.

Club NewS

Martin County Genealogical researching his maternal great-great-grandmother’s the pandemic, the genealogy room is currently closed.)
Society Kicks Off 2020-21 ancestral German town. MCGS members also receive a discount on Vivid-Pix
In addition to its monthly meetings – where local and

Restore digital software that enables easy restoration
Season By Tracing Virginia national experts speak about how to explore your family of faded photos, newspaper articles and documents. For
tree – MCGS offers a variety of services at the genealogy
more information about MCGS membership, activities and
Ancestors room in the Blake Library including an extensive research services go to mcgsfl.org or call Lisa Tompson, MCGS
library and access to several genealogy websites. (Due to president, (772) 888-2422.
The Martin County Genealogical Society (MCGS) will
open its 2020-21 season with a “Genealogical Overview of
Virginia” presented via webinar by MCGS Vice President
David Attride. The free webinar will be from 2 to 3 p.m.,
Friday, Sept. 18. To participate go to www.mcgsfl.org and
register before September 17.
Founded in 1607, Virginia was the home to eight
U.S. presidents – from George Washington to Woodrow
Wilson – and many Virginians and their descendants
helped settled the American south and west. Attride will
review the state’s history, the groups who lived there and
sources available for ancestry research.
Due to the pandemic, MCGS plans to continue meeting
via webinar until further notice. In October, Jack Cipriani
will discuss Italian research. November will celebrate the
Mayflower’s 400th anniversary with a presentation by
Kurt Bressner, a member of the Stephen Hopkins Colony
of the Florida Society of Mayflower Descendants in Vero
Beach. In December, David Attride will present stories
about famous and infamous ancestors of MCGS members.
A retired chemical engineer, David Attride serves on
the MCGS Board of Directors and, as vice president,
plans the society’s monthly programs. He has written
two genealogy books: one on Welsh research and one
tracing descendants of a German emigrant. He is currently