Feline AIDS Not Believed to Be Threat to Humans
Q I recently saw a television news report on a feline AIDS virus that has been discovered in Northern California. Is this the same disease as human AIDS? I have two cats at home. What do I look for in case they become sick? Can a cat be treated?
Mrs. Mark Turner,
Stanton
A This past year, a viral disease occurred in a cattery in Northern California. The cats developed fever, weight loss, appetite loss, diarrhea, oral lesions and enlarged lymph nodes, all of which are generalized signs of the Feline Leukemia virus, or FeLV, yet these cats were FeLV negative when tested. A type of virus, called Retrovirus, was isolated and identified as a virus that attacks the cat’s immune system, primarily the T-lymphocytes. This virus is the same type of virus that causes acquired immune deficiency syndrome in humans. The virus was identified as an FTLV-FAIDS virus (Feline T-Lymphocyte Virus--Feline AIDS).
The disease apparently is transmitted through the saliva of an infected cat and is believed not to be transmittable to humans. Treatment is mainly supportive care and it is recommended that affected cats be isolated from healthy cats because of the method of transmission. Your veterinarian can take blood samples from your cats and have them tested for the virus. This testing is new and not all laboratories can do it.
Research is still continuing in order to improve methods of identifying this virus and developing an FTLV vaccine. The Feline Leukemia virus may still play a role in this disease and needs to be distinguished from FTLV when symptoms appear. Hopefully, more information will become available and a vaccine can be made.
Q What are anal sacs? When I have my dog groomed and bathed, the groomer always squeezes my dog’s anal sacs. Is this harmful?
G. Myrick,
Seal Beach
A Anal sacs are two elongated saccules, one on each side of the rectum, which are lined with glandular and mucus-secreting cells. These anal sacs are possibly similar to the scent glands of skunks and serve as a form of territorial marking apparatus for dogs. They can be expressed by the dog with a muscular contraction, especially when excited or frightened. If they are not expressed, the sacs can become infected or abscessed, requiring surgery to repair or remove. Sounds like your groomer is doing a good job of emptying these anal sacs as part of the service.
ADOPT A PET
Emerald, above, is a 4-year-old spayed female greyhound mix. The friendly, mature adult dog would make an ideal pet for an outdoor family. Emerald enjoys watching television and going for long walks in the sun. She also likes eating breakfast from fast-food restaurants. The cream-colored pooch is great with children and other dogs. Emerald needs lots of attention and a fenced yard. She is available for adoption at the San Clemente Animal Shelter, 320 Avenida Pico, San Clemente (714) 492-1617.
Also waiting to be adopted at the San Clemente Animal Shelter:
Mixed boxer: Lady, a 2-year-old spayed female, beige with a black face, is energetic and bouncy, had some obedience training and gets along well with other animals. This dog is best suited for a woman owner.
German shorthair pointer: Peter, a neutered male, about 2 years old, had some obedience training, is well-mannered, very intelligent, needs space to roam and romp, likes kids and most other dogs.
The San Clemente Animal Shelter is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Saturday from noon to 3 p.m. Fee: $25 for dogs, plus $20 spay-neuter refundable deposit; $20 for cats, plus $10 spay-neuter refundable deposit. Adoption agreement allows owners to return pets having adjustment problems within 21 days.
Got a question about your pet? Send it to Dr. Glenn Ericson, Ask the Vet, Orange County Life, The Times, 1375 Sunflower Ave., Costa Mesa, Calif. 92626. Ericson, a practicing Orange County veterinarian, is president of the Southern California Veterinary Medical Assn.
