Feline Medical

HPAI – Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza

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  Updated April 2025 AVIAN INFLUENZA (BIRD FLU) RISK TO CATS BEING FED RAW OR FREEZE-DRIED DIETS HPAI (Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza), due to infection with the virus, H5N1, is a steadily increasing concern across the world. Since its discovery in the United States in February 2022, it has caused deaths in many wild birds, and has required the destruction of many commercial and backyard flocks to help limit spread. Infection in birds is usually caused by direct exposure to other infected birds and is often spread by migrating wild birds. Spread of H5N1 to other species is much less … Read more »

Solensia: A Breakthrough Treatment for Feline Osteoarthritis

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What is Feline Osteoarthritis (OA)? Osteoarthritis is a very common degenerative condition in the joints in cats, where the protective tissue in the joints (cartilage) is worn down and the bones rub against one another causing significant pain and decreased mobility. It is estimated that 40% of all cats have clinical signs of OA pain. Clinical studies have shown that 60% of cats greater than 6 years of age, and 90% of cats over age 12 have radiographic evidence of osteoarthritis. The condition is not exclusive to older cats however and studies have documented cats as young as 2 years … Read more »

COVID-19 and Companion Animals Update

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Seattle’s King 5 News agency recently published an article reporting positive COVID-19 tests in 23 dogs. All dogs were part of a research study being conducted by the University of Washington to determine if companion animals living in the homes with known COVID-19 human infections might also test positive for the virus. These findings are consistent with prior scattered reports of companion animals, who are living with people with COVID-19 infection, testing positive for the virus. The importance of these positive tests is unclear. Thankfully, despite more than a year of the entire world living with COVID-19, severe clinical illness … Read more »

Coronavirus (COVID-19)-Companion Animal Q&A Update 4-6-2020

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          The following blog post is an update from Dr. Wendy Zawoysky’s post on 3/3/2020. We strive to keep our clients informed with the best information possible on COVID-19 and its potential affect on companion animals. Please continue to monitor our blog and social media posts for the most current information we are receiving.   The widely reported occurrence of a Tiger at the Bronx Zoo testing positive for COVID-19 and showing signs of a cough and reduced appetite raises appropriate questions about the risk to pets from COVID-19, and whether they could become an important … Read more »

Help! My Pet’s Got an Itch!!

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There is nothing more frustrating than being woken all night listening to a pet scratch, chew and lick.  And if you have experienced this, you know that it is probably equally as frustrating and sometimes painful for our beloved pets.  Itch and subsequent scratching and chewing of the skin can be caused by many conditions and it may take several visits to the veterinarian to help determine the cause and prevent recurrence of itch.  First and foremost, our goal is to stop the itch to ensure your pet’s welfare.  A pet that is scratching regularly, even when they don’t show … Read more »

Anesthesia, To Fear or Not To Fear?

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  My name is Debbie Figueroa and I am the Lead Licensed Veterinary Nurse at Fairhaven Veterinary Hospital. I have been a licensed veterinary nurse for 19 years and obtained my specialty board certification (VTS) in Canine/Feline practice. On a daily basis I am asked, “if this was your pet, would you place them under anesthesia”? The answer to that question is complex and must take into account each individual patient’s need and health status. Some items that are given consideration by the nurse: Is there an underlying health issue? (kidney disease, heart disease or thyroid disease). Is the patient … Read more »

What is “Pandora Syndrome” in our feline patients?

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One of the most common problems we see in veterinary medicine, and one of the most frustrating for owners, is when cats have problems with their urination.  This could show up as straining to urinate, pain while urinating, or urinating in places other than their litterbox (this last clinical sign is particularly annoying to owners!)  When no reason for this can be found (i.e. no bladder infection, no bladder stones), the problem is called “idiopathic feline lower urinary tract disease” (FLUTD) or “feline interstitial cystitis” (FIC) and is thought to be similar to interstitial cystitis in humans.  Since the actual … Read more »

Dermatology in Veterinary Medicine

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    Dermatology, as you may know, is the study of the skin and all structures of the skin such as hair and toenails. It’s not the most exciting part of veterinary medicine. We don’t get to play with a lot of shiny new gadgets – usually just our eyes and a microscope…and our noses. Yes, dermatology is smelly, sticky, and often downright gross! And I love it. The number of diseases that can affect the skin is enormous! Not only parasites and other infections, but allergies, cancer, and endocrine diseases play big roles. Auto-immune diseases can affect animals just … Read more »

Arthritis and Our Pets

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FVH Senior Pet Handout Arthritis in Dogs Arthritis (also known as Degenerative Joint Disease or “DJD”) is one of the most common diseases of older animals affecting both dogs and cats. Pets are now living longer than ever. Many conditions, such as osteoarthritis, occur with aging and can be difficult to manage. With recent advances in veterinary medicine and surgery, there are now many things that can be done to help your pet with osteoarthritis. DJD is especially common and often devastating in large breed dogs over the age of 8. Sadly, DJD starts out mild but over several years … Read more »

Oral Health and Your Pet, Does it Really Matter!?

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The answer is an unequivocal yes! According to the American Veterinary Dental Society, nearly 80% of dogs and 70% of cats demonstrate signs of oral disease by age 4. The health of a cat or dog’s mouth directly contributes to the overall health of the animal. Following veterinary advice on regular oral exams, digital imaging and dental prophylaxis is a great pathway to a happier and longer life for your beloved companion. At FVH we perform comprehensive oral care under general anesthesia beginning at age 3 for small dogs and age 4 for all cats and all other sizes of … Read more »

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