Parvo virus is preventable

CAT flu is actually a terrible misnomer for canine parvo virus (CPV).

Parvum is the latin word for small as this virus is tiny.
In the 70s and 80s, the parvoviruses were first described as the cause of severe gastroenteritis and bone marrow failure in both species, as well as some exotic canids and felids. Because some cats were apparently infected from mutant dog CPV (which was never proven), it became known as ‘cat flu’.

Virology 101

A virus is a complex protein capsule surrounding a few small pieces of DNA (DNA is all it needs to multiply inside a host cell).

Viruses are small – CPV is only 20 millionths of a millimetre (20 nanometers) across. CPV, like other viruses, must bind to and invade a cell via a surface ‘receptor’ and ‘hijack’ the cellular machinery, forcing the cell to suicidally produce and release more virus particles into the local area of bloodstream.

How is CPV transmitted?

CPV is transmitted via faceal-oral contact.

It is an extremely contagious virus, and is able to survive in the environment for extended periods, thus increasing the chances of it spreading.

Your cat or dog may not have obtained sufficient antibodies from its mother, especially if she was unvaccinated, or if they were not able to suckle during the first 24 hours of life from his natural mother.

In this critical period after birth, the milk of a properly-vaccinated mother is rich in all her antibodies and can be absorbed because the puppies’ guts are ‘porous’ to these large molecules. After 24 to 48 hours, the gaps close up and the absorbed antibodies persist, thus protecting the puppies for four to eight weeks, until its own immune system, sensitised and boosted by appropriate vaccination, can make its own protective antibodies.

Rooibos remedies for pets

Here are a few tried and tested Rooibos remedies recommended for pets suffering from allergies, irritated paws and other common ailments:

Eye allergies:
Place two Rooibos tea bags in a teapot of hot water and allow to steep for 15 minutes. Once cooled, use the tea to rinse out your pet’s irritated eyes.

Irritated paws:
For allergies or infections of the paw, soak your pet’s paws for at least 30 seconds in a bowl Rooibos tea. This will reduce discomfort and help to treat symptoms. Gently pat paws dry and avoid rubbing them as this can cause irritation.

Eczema, itchy and inflamed skin:
Either bath or rinse affected skin areas in brewed Rooibos tea or apply cooled Rooibos to the affected area with cotton wool or a facecloth, or place it in a spray bottle and spray the affected area frequently. Also ask your local vet or pet shop about the various anti-itch Rooibos skincare ranges that are available.

Appetite woes:
Dog-lovers have also reported the appetite-enhancing effect that Rooibos has had on their dogs. Pour cooled red or green Rooibos tea into your pet’s water bowl daily to ensure they get a good dose of its goodness on the inside too.

Hair loss:
Using Rooibos on hair can improve not only general hair growth, but also the overall condition of hair. Many pet-lovers have shared their stories about how their pets’ coats or hair shine after regular use of Rooibos. Look out for Rooibos-enriched shampoos or lotions.

Sourced from South Coast Herald.