BTAH

An Italian proverb sums up life with a cat best: “Happy is the home with at least one cat”. Cats are truly amazing.  With 500 million domestic cats in the world, it is not a surprise that, in 1987, cats surpassed dogs as the number one pet in America.  And each one is unique in its own way. Our goal at Brown Trail Animal Hospital is to keep your cat healthy and happy as long as possible.

Each year, we recommend a thorough physical exam where we will examine your cat’s teeth, heart, lungs, abdominal organs, skin, eyes and ears for any ailments.  Considering that a cat ages much quicker than us, it is imperative to have him examined yearly.  Please bring any concerns to our attention during the exam so we can address them properly.

Heartworm disease is a fatal parasitic disease transmitted by bites from infected mosquitoes.  When heartworms infect a pet, the heart becomes damaged leading eventually to death.  Unfortunately, our climate in Texas allows mosquitoes to live all year round.  And in cats, heartworm disease is untreatable.  Each pet should take oral or topical heartworm medication monthly to prevent this disease from forming.  Such products like Heartgard or Revolution are safe and effective.

Your furry feline will also be tested for intestinal parasites.  These parasites are transmitted through ingestion of stool from an infected animal and cause diarrhea, vomiting, and weight loss.  It is also frightening to know that some of these intestinal parasites can transmit to people.  Most heartworm preventions contain medicine to treat and prevent most intestinal parasites.

Viral diseases are as unfortunate in cats as they are in people.  Rabies is the deadliest and can transmit to people.  Because of this, our state requires a current rabies vaccination.  Other viral diseases than can cause major illnesses and even death in cats are rhinotracheitis and leukemia.  Luckily, vaccinating cats provides long lasting immunity towards these diseases.  Each case is different; we will make vaccine recommendations involving based on your cat’s tailored needs.

We look forward to meeting your new cat and building a long lasting relationship.  Our staff is trained to answer any questions you may have regarding your cat’s health.