There Is No Word for "Handicap" in a Cat's Vocabulary

Daisy is a kitty that presented to Doc Pawsitive, Clair Thompson, Leader of the Pack at PAWS/Pocono Animal Wellness Services for a Wellness Examination. A comprehensive wellness examination includes physical examination from "the tip of the nose to the tips of the toes" and is actually one of the more important portions of an animals regular veterinary visit. This thorough examination is intended to observe each of the pets' systems and senses, while potentially uncovering any developing or older problems. However, it didn't take a "rocket scientist" to notice Daisy had an older problem with both eyes! Another important portion of an animals' regular veterinary visit is a thorough history of the pet and any previous problems. By discussing the history with Daisy's owner, Dr Clair learned Daisy was a "rescue kitty" from outside Ocala, Florida and the rescue organization had posted the kitty as being blind as a result of having no eyes. Daisy's new owner adopted her in Florida and now lives in the Poconos, hence their visit to PAWS. After the comprehensive wellness examination and thorough history, Dr Clair discussed with the owners that it was most likely Daisy had been born to an un-vaccinated "queen" or mother cat and thus had not benefitted from any maternal antibodies passed across the placenta before birth or after being born through mom's milk via nursing. Without maternal antibodies, most puppies and kittens are at greatest risk to disease and Dr Clair hypothesized Daisy had contracted a severe upper respiratory infection as a young kitten that had permanently damaged both eyes, resulting in "microphthalmia, or very small eyes". This has likely left Daisy either severely visually impaired and/or completely blind. However, Daisy's mommy assured Dr Clair that Daisy loves life, gets around the house without any difficulty whatsoever and is definitely NOT HANDICAPPED! After the examination and history and explanation, Dr Clair did perform annual preventive vaccinations because Daisy shares her home with another cat that is indoor/outdoor and thus puts Daisy at some risk for contracting some traditionally outdoor feline diseases. This kitty and the case of microphthalmia and the need for vaccines despite an indoor lifestyle highlights Doc Pawsitives practice philosophy based on comprehensive physical examination, thorough history taking, client education and appropriate vaccinations under the guidance of a thorough veterinarian.

Category:

Pets & Animals

Tags:

• Microphthalmia in Cats
• Doc Pawsitive
• Dr Clair Thompson
• PAWS

[HighRevolutions]

Bless. My foster kitten has this in one eye. Her other eye always seems to be wide open and curious (except when she's sleeping).