Which viruses, and what should we look out for?

When we think of skin problems in cats, viruses are usually not the first cause that comes to mind, and for good reason. Allergies, parasites, infections, and other dermatologic conditions are far more common. Still, in some cases, the skin can tell a very different story.

Feline Herpesvirus: Most people know feline herpesvirus for causing respiratory symptoms or eye disease which can be very uncomfortable. However, in certain cases, this same virus can also lead to skin lesions, particularly around the face. Ulcers, crusts, and inflamed areas can sometimes develop around the eyes, nose, or facial region and can be quite impressive. Because this virus can remain dormant in the body and reactivate later (especially during periods of stress ), some flare-ups can be unexpected.

Calicivirus: This virus is well known for causing mouth ulcers and respiratory signs, but in rarer cases, it can also affect the skin. Certain forms may cause lesions on the nose, paw pads, or even the extremities of the limbs. Fortunately, these presentations are much less common.

FeLV and FIV: These viruses work a little differently. By weakening the immune system, they can predispose cats to recurrent skin infections or to more unusual skin conditions. A cat developing repeated skin infections, atypical lesions, or skin problems that do not respond to treatment as expected may prompt your veterinary team to investigate further.

Poxvirus : Poxviruses are much rarer, but they can occasionally be considered when evaluating certain ulcerative skin lesions. They are seen most often in outdoor cats that hunt rodents.

Diagnosis and treatment

Because many different conditions can cause similar-looking skin lesions, reaching the correct diagnosis is especially important. Treatments can vary significantly depending on the underlying cause.

Based on what your veterinarian observes, several tests may be recommended, including skin sampling, bloodwork, FeLV or FIV screening tests, PCR testing for certain viruses, or even a skin biopsy when the picture is particularly unclear.

The goal is to determine exactly why the lesion is present, since each disease requires a different approach. What may help in one case could be ineffective, or even worsen the condition, in another.

Even though viral diseases are not our first instinct when faced with a skin problem in cats, they remain important considerations in certain situations. Your veterinary team can help guide you toward the most appropriate tests and treatments.

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However, it is important to choose your plants carefully, as some can be toxic to pets. To help you make the right choices, here is a selection of plants that are perfectly safe for your furry friends.

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Why is rest important after surgery?

Every surgery causes some level of tissue disruption, whether it involves the skin, subcutaneous tissue, muscles, bones, or ligaments. From the outside, we often only see the skin, which can make it seem like healing is complete if the wound appears closed on the surface.

For example, in a spay procedure for a female dog or cat (which is called an ovariohysterectomy or ovariectomy), the veterinarian must go through the skin, subcutaneous tissues, and abdominal muscles to reach internal organs. If the pet becomes too active too soon, it can cause:

• A fluid buildup under the skin called a seroma, which slows healing and increases infection risk
• Physical damage to the tissues leading to dehiscence, a reopening of the wound which causes pain and may require a corrective surgery
• Hematomas, which are blood accumulations under the skin or in the muscles, that increase pain, can delay healing and may cause internal bleeding

Orthopedic surgeries involving bones, joints, ligaments, or tendons require special care. If a pet is not kept at rest for a certain length of time, complications leading to a complete failure of the surgical procedure may occur, on top of those named above. These complications include broken or shifted surgical implants (screws, plates or pins). This may require another operation to remove or replace these implants. If healing is rushed or incomplete, bones can set at incorrect angles, causing a crooked limb and possible long-term loss of function.

What does it mean to keep your pet at rest, or to limit their activity?

Your veterinarian may recommend complete exercise restriction by using a crate or limiting your pet to a small room, while permitting short walks on leash to do their business. Stair access may be blocked. These recommendations are common after orthopedic procedures such as repairs of a torn cranial cruciate ligament or bone fracture.

For soft tissue surgeries like spaying, restrictions are usually more moderate. Avoid jumping, rough play with other animals, or vigorous activities such as chasing a ball.

As healing progresses, these restrictions may change. If in doubt, ask your veterinarian what is safe at each stage of recovery.

How long does rest need to last?

Recovery time depends on the procedure and part of the body involved. Some areas heal faster than others and are less affected by movement.

For most elective soft tissue surgeries such as neuters, about ten to fourteen days of rest are sufficient.

For more complex and extensive surgeries, such as removing an intestinal foreign object, more time is sometimes recommended, generally at least two weeks.

Orthopedic surgeries often require around two months of limited activity, sometimes more.

How to help your pet rest after surgery

Make the recovery area comfortable

Choose a quiet spot in the house that your pet already enjoys. Avoid areas with too much sunlight or temperature changes. You may need to move locations depending on how your pet responds. Some need to be away from busy areas, while others dislike being alone.

Use a non-slip rug in the recovery area, especially if your pet had surgery on a limb.

Provide soft, stable bedding (a bed on the ground, a blanket…). Make sure there is a designated spot for sleeping and another for standing or stretching, whether in a crate or small room like a laundry room.

Keep your pet away from stimuli or events that may cause excitement or anxiety, such as visitors, doorbells, or children.

Do not under any circumstance leave your pet outside alone. After surgery, they should be protected from the elements just like a puppy or kitten.

If you are unsure about anything, ask your veterinarian.

Keep them mentally stimulated

If your pet enjoys food, try offering meals through food puzzles or treat-dispensing toys instead of a regular bowl; make them “work” a bit for their meal. Ask them to sit or lie down before receiving a few pieces of food, if their condition allows. Teach simple new tricks if possible.

Sturdy rubber toys that can be filled with food work well to help keep pets occupied. Fill them with canned food and put them in the freezer for a few hours them for extra entertainment.

Leaving the TV or radio on when you are away can also provide comfort.

Allow movement but keep it controlled

Most dogs can still go outside for short walks during recovery. Always use a leash, and preferably a harness over a collar, to control their pace gently and comfortably.

Use walks as opportunities for mental engagement or basic training, or associate them with mealtime routines.

Cats may not walk on a leash, but they can still learn basic cues and enjoy some time outside of a crate. It can be difficult to stop a cat from jumping or climbing, so extra care is needed.

Large breed dogs will most benefit from a spacious crate with soft bedding, water, food, and enough room to stand.

Physiotherapy, whether at home or with a professional, may help break the monotony of recovery and while also improving physical healing. Short cuddle sessions throughout the day can also be very comforting!

Create a new routine

Pets and people thrive on routine, and surgical recovery can disrupt that. Establishing a new schedule with adjusted activity and medication times helps your pet feel secure and promotes healing.

Medication support

In addition to pain relief, some pets may benefit from medications to help adjust to the new routine or to relax. Options are available for mild sedation or to reduce anxiety, but there is no safe medication that can be administered at home that will keep an animal asleep all day. Your veterinarian can recommend the right medication, including over-the-counter or prescription options. Most of these medications are approved for humans but commonly used in animals under veterinary supervision.

Build good habits before surgery

Teaching basic commands like sit, come, or stay early on helps in everyday life and during special situations like recovery.

The same goes for crate-training. The crate should be a safe, familiar place, never a punishment. It should offer your pet a calm area where they can retreat from unwanted interactions and rest peacefully.

Ask your animal health technician for tips as early as your first vet appointment.

In summary, post-surgical complications often lead to extra pain for your pet and added costs for you. Preventing these issues is far easier and kinder than having to treat them. Remember that the recovery period is temporary, and the fewer the complications, the shorter it will be. Help your furry friend recover smoothly, avoid unnecessary discomfort, and protect the success of their surgery. They will thank you for it!

The information in this article is for educational purposes only and does not replace veterinary advice. Always consult your veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment.

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For your dog, a valued resource might include cuddles, treats, attention from certain people, playtime, food, and more. Some dogs love sleeping with their humans, while others don’t enjoy it at all.

Coby, my big, fluffy black dog, doesn’t want to sleep with us. He gets too warm. He much prefers the comfort of the sofa or one of his big dog beds. On hot days, he even chooses the floor. At other times of the day, you might find him stretched out on our bed. He’s allowed there, but it’s not his usual sleeping spot. Tchili, our late little terrier, refused to sleep in our bed, as she had her own comfy beds. She didn’t like movement around her. Her little sleeping nest gave her a peaceful retreat. Dragon, our late Boston Terrier, wasn’t allowed to sleep in our room because his snoring was just too loud. He slept on the living room couch instead.

Dominant?

Dominance is defined as a relationship between two or more individuals that is established through force, aggression, and submission in order to access resources. Many behaviors that are often wrongly labeled as dominance come from a decades-old study that observed captive wolves. The environment of captivity limited their territory and changed their resource behaviors. Later studies on wolves in the wild showed different dynamics.

There is also no clear consensus on whether dominance exists between two different species. It’s important to distinguish between dominance, which is about competition for resources, and predator-prey relationships.

Dogs were domesticated roughly 20,000 years ago. Their behavior is no longer the same as their ancestor, the wolf. Today’s dogs are not in a constant struggle for survival, at least I hope not. Personally, I aim to have a relationship with my dog that is built on leadership and friendship. I want my dog to want to do what I ask (like coming when called) because they trust me and know it’s a positive experience. I don’t want a relationship based on anxiety or fear of punishment.

Anxiety?

That said, behaviors that are sometimes interpreted as dominance are often rooted in fear or anxiety. A dog that growls in a new situation is expressing discomfort, not attempting to assert dominance. We’ll explore that more in other articles.

Own Your Choice

Ultimately, whether you choose to let your dog sleep in your bed or not should depend on your own preferences and your dog’s. Sleeping in your bed will not make them more or less dominant. If you choose to allow it, the goal should be that both of you sleep well and that the decision works for everyone in the household. Make sure your choice is consistent. If it’s yes today and no tomorrow, it can be confusing for your dog, who may need time to adjust. Be patient. Sleep well!

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Supporters and Critics

Proponents of raw diets claim a variety of benefits, such as improved longevity, better dental and general health, and even resolution of chronic conditions, particularly gastrointestinal issues. They also point to the benefits of supplying natural enzymes and other substances that may be altered or destroyed during cooking.

However, public health and animal safety concerns are often raised by opponents of raw feeding.

According to the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association and the Public Health Agency of Canada, there is evidence supporting the health risks for both pets that consume raw meat diets and for humans who come into contact with raw meat or animals that are fed raw meat.

Several studies have shown that dogs fed raw diets can shed multidrug-resistant pathogenic bacteria in their feces without necessarily showing visible signs of diarrhea. This means a dog could be contaminating its environment without the owner realizing it.

This is why the Delta Society, now known as Pet Partners, implemented a policy in 2010 that prohibits animals fed raw meat or raw animal products from participating in their Pet Partners program, which involves animal-assisted therapy for children and seniors in settings like hospitals and nursing homes.

Dr. Scott Weese, a veterinary internist, microbiologist, and Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine at the University of Guelph, explains that fecal bacteria can end up on an animal’s coat, on people’s hands, and on surfaces throughout the environment. These pathogenic bacteria can then make their way into the digestive systems of high-risk individuals and cause serious health issues.

Health Risks for Pets

Raw diets can also cause various health problems in the animals that consume them. Here are some examples:

• Diarrhea and vomiting caused by pathogens such as Salmonella, E. coli, Campylobacter, or parasites
• Growth issues when diets are unbalanced or do not meet AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) standards; rickets, for example
• Risks from ingesting bones, such as intestinal blockage, perforation, or broken teeth

Veterinary Expert Opinions
The American College of Veterinary Nutrition (ACVN) does not recommend raw diets for pets.

According to the ACVN, the supposed benefits of raw diets are based mostly on anecdotal evidence. There are no peer-reviewed studies currently available to support the claims made by advocates of raw feeding. No studies have compared the health outcomes of raw-fed animals with those fed kibble, canned food, or cooked homemade diets, except for limited research on digestibility.

In general, raw meat is slightly more digestible than cooked meat, but this does not extend to other raw ingredients like grains or starches. Despite this, the ACVN clearly states that the risks and health consequences of raw diets for animals and humans are well documented.

Recommendations

Here are my recommendations regarding raw diets for pets:

1. Avoid raw diets.
   Speak with your veterinarian, who can recommend a high-quality, balanced diet based on your pet’s age, health status, and specific needs.
2. If you are committed to homemade diets
   Make sure the recipe meets AAFCO standards and cook the food thoroughly.
3. If you absolutely insist on feeding raw,
   Avoid exposing your pet to vulnerable individuals, such as:
   • Children under the age of 5
   • Adults over the age of 65
   • Pregnant individuals
   • People with weakened immune systems due to chronic illness, cancer, or other conditions

References
Complete & Balanced: 101 Healthy Home-made Meals for Dogs

Complete & Balanced: 101 Healthy Home-made Meals for Cats

Related reading:

More Raw Debate – Worms & Germs Blog 

Are raw pet foods better than canned or kibble foods? – ACVN 

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