Feline Pacemakers: Making the Beat Go On

Pacemakers—the small electronic devices that can help regulate the beating of a heart—have been implanted in humans for more than 50 years. Now, pacemakers are being used to help felines live longer, healthier lives.

To answer many of the common questions a pet parent would have about feline pacemakers, Treats & Tidbits spoke with Dr. Aaron Jackson, a board-certified veterinary surgeon, and Dr. Michael Luethy, a board-certified veterinary cardiologist, who work at the Animal Emergency Referral Center in Northbrook. In the past three years, AERC has implanted pacemakers in four cats, two of which are Cat Hospital of Chicago patients. All four are doing well.

What medical problem does a pacemaker help fix?
When cats receive a pacemaker, it is almost always to treat complete heart block, which occurs when the bottom two chambers of the heart, the ventricles, aren’t receiving the proper electrical signal that tells them to pump. In cats, this problem is usually caused either by deterioration in the electrical system caused by aging, or a form of heart disease called cardiomyopathy.

Complete heart block can occur in cats of any age, but it’s more common among cats 10 and older. It is diagnosed using an electrocardiogram machine, or ECG. Not all cats with heart block will show symptoms—in fact, unlike humans and dogs, cats often can live for a year or years with heart block without having it affect their quality of life.

Is a pacemaker recommended for all cats who have heart block?
No. Before a cat can be considered a candidate for a pacemaker, veterinarians consider whether his heart is otherwise functioning somewhat normally—aside from the heart block—and whether his other organ systems are working well. Cats with heart problems as well as cancer, liver disease or kidney disease, for example, usually aren’t recommended for pacemakers because the stress and discomfort from the surgery to implant the pacemaker is generally not worth the potential benefit to the cat.

What does the pacemaker do?
Pacemakers monitor and control heart rhythm, so if the heart rate becomes irregular, the device can send a signal to get it beating properly again. When the heart beats normally on its own, the pacemaker simply rests until it’s needed.

The devices are programmable, so veterinarians can set them with two rates—a low rate (typically 100 beats per minute) for normal activity, and an upper rate (typically 120 beats per minute) for when the cat is more active. Most pacemaker batteries have motion sensors that tell the device when the cat is running and playing and may need the device to trigger a faster heart rate.

Are feline pacemakers different from human pacemakers?
No, cats receive the same pacemakers that are used in people.

How is a pacemaker inserted?
The surgeon makes a single incision from the cat’s abdomen up to its chest. The pacemaker, which is about the circumference of a 50-cent piece and three times thicker, is implanted in the abdomen, and the lead that connects the device to the heart is run through the cats’ diaphragm and sutured to the outside of the heart.

How long does the surgery take, and how much does it cost?
The surgery usually takes between 60 and 90 minutes. At AERC, which is where Cat Hospital of Chicago refers its patients, the surgery typically costs between $2,500 and $3,000 (as of late 2009).

What are the risks of the surgery?
There are three main risks to the surgery. The biggest is that the cat’s heart could stop when he is under anesthesia. If this happens, doctors can shock the heart or administer medication to try getting the heart to beat normally again.

Another risk is the anesthesia itself, which can cause negative reactions in cats (just as it does in some humans).

Finally, as in any surgery, there is a risk of infection. Cats are given antibiotics to guard against this.

How long is the recovery period?
Cats usually stay in the hospital for 48 to 72 hours after surgery. After they return home, pet parents need to limit the cat’s activity and check the incision regularly. After about a month, most cats can return to normal activity—running, jumping and even wrestling with other cats are all OK.

What follow-up care is required?
Very little special care is needed. In the first year after surgery, every three or four months a veterinary cardiologist should check that the pacemaker is functioning properly; after that, the cardiologist will check the device twice a year. The other regular maintenance is for the pacemaker’s generator (battery), which generally needs to be replaced every three to five years. (Some generators may last as long as seven years.) Only a small incision in the abdomen is needed to replace the generator.

Can cell phones or microwaves cause a pacemaker to malfunction?
No, there’s no cause for concern. Human pacemakers 20 or 30 years ago were subject to interference from electronic gadgets and microwaves, but the technology has advanced quite a bit since then.

Finally, how effective are pacemakers, and how long can cats live with them?
Pacemakers tend to be extremely effective. The biggest risk for the cat is the procedure itself, but cats usually go on to thrive. Veterinarians expect cats with pacemakers will live to whatever age it would have been without heart block—so a 10-year-old cat may live another four to seven years, or more, with a pacemaker.

Note: Cat Hospital recommends that pacemaker surgery be performed by a veterinarian who is board certified in surgery by the American College of Veterinary Surgeons. This is a specialist in veterinary surgery who has completed four years in veterinary school to obtain a doctorate in veterinary medicine, followed by a one-year internship and a three-year residency in surgery.

De-Stress for Success

Stress is inevitable during the holiday season. And this year, for many of us, stress levels might be heightened because of the challenges created by the difficult economy. And if you’re feeling stressed out, there’s a good chance your cat is, too.

Of course, most cats don’t have to worry about losing their jobs or keeping up with rent or mortgage payments, but they can sense when their human housemates are anxious, and that stress can cause them to feel stress of their own. It can even make cats sick.

Many other factors can cause cats to feel stress, too. Some of the most common are:

Changes in life at home – a new baby in the family, bringing a new cat or other pet into the home (or losing a pet playmate), divorce or separation, or a move to a new residence

Loud noises caused by construction, fireworks or thunderstorms

Visitors

A long trip

Switching to a new brand of food or cat litter

Being left alone for long stretches

Even a change of seasons can be stressful for cats, because it often means that their environment changes. For example, when fall turns to winter, suddenly windows that usually were open are now closed, and cats lose enjoyable outdoor scents and sounds. To cats, this could be a significant environmental change resulting in boredom, which is a huge contributing factor in stress. 

Stress can cause various feline health and behavioral problems—cats might experience a change in appetite, meow continuously or act out. Stress also can cause cats to become physically ill or depressed, just like it does for humans.

When you find healthy ways to de-stress, the change in your stress level can have a positive impact on your cats, too.

There also are things you can do directly for your cats to help relieve their stress:

Think of ways to mimic hunting, such as hiding food in bowls, cups, and paper towel or toilet paper holders, for cats to find.

Try training you kitty to do new things. Training stimulates mental activity and thus relieves stress.

Play with your cat. Toys and exercise can help with boredom and thus reduce stress.

In a home with more than one cat, give each one a space of their own, where they can be away from people and other cats. Putting their food and litter boxes in separate parts of the home can help, too.

Use pheromones. They come in the form of diffusers and sprays and are sold by brands such as Feliway.

Play soothing music. Some research has even shown that cats may be relaxed by listening to a few minutes of peaceful classical music.

During the winter, bring some of the outdoors inside. Twigs, bark and pine cones can give your cats lots of new smells to stir their imaginations.

For more information on enriching the environment of your cat, see the article “Couch Potato Cats” in the Cat Hospital Online Cat Health Library.

We know that spending time with pets can help reduce the stress that we feel—just be sure to return the favor to your favorite four-legged friends and watch for changes that might cause stress in your cats’ lives.

For more cat care tips and information, visit
www.cathospitalofchicago.com.

In Case of Emergency

A recent poll of pet owners found that although few have medical emergency supplies for their pets, most would consider trying mouth-to-mouth to save their furry friends.

In the survey, conducted this fall by the Associated Press and Petside.com, 53 percent of cat parents said they would be at least somewhat likely to try CPR if their feline faced a medical emergency. Among owners of cats and dogs, more women were likely to try mouth-to-mouth—65 percent of women versus just half of men.

Unfortunately, few have pet-friendly first aid kits in their homes—just 20 percent among owners of cats and dogs. More than half (54 percent) said they do not have a pet-specific fire evacuation plan.

The next issue of Treats & Tidbits will have tips for putting together a feline first aid kit and a cat-specific fire escape plan.

Caution for Cars and Cats

When chilly winter temps hit, it’s fairly common for outdoor cats to try warming up by hiding underneath the hoods of parked automobiles. Of course, once the cars start moving, cats can be in extreme danger.

Fortunately, one New York City kitty recently survived a harrowing ride through the Big Apple after getting himself wedged inside the engine of an SUV. After a two-mile drive through the Bronx, the tabby was rescued by New York police detectives, and he is said to be on the way to recovery.

The incident is a good reminder for cat parents to keep cats inside—and for all drivers to bang on the hoods of their cars before driving, just to give sleeping cats a chance to escape. Not only do cats face the risk of car parts moving at high speeds under the hood, but engine coolant is lethal to cats.

The skin on a cat’s footpad is 75 times thicker than the skin on any other part of his body. Yet the pads are amazingly sensitive—cats use them to detect vibrations, temperature and other tactile stimuli, which is very important for hunting. The foot pads contain sweat glands, making them one of the few areas where felines sweat. The pads also are very thick, allowing them to act as shock absorbers when cats jump.

Signs of an ear infection may include redness, discharge and a foul odor. Cats with ear infections may scratch their ears frequently, rub them on the floor or shake their heads. Have your Cat Hospital of Chicago veterinarian check out your feline if you notice any of these behaviors.

Boo, Baby:

A couple of the other cool cats and I need you to settle a hot bet. How long do cats normally live? I say it’s about 12 years but the others say it’s not that long. And what does that translate to in human years?

Please reply with catlike quickness cuz a whole week of solo naps on the kitchen heating vent is at stake! (By the way, momma, you’re looking fine!)

— Make Me A Warm & Toasty Tabby

My Dear Toasty:

While I most certainly do not approve of wagering, I shall endeavor to enlighten you and your kitty companions on the life span of cats.

There are many factors that influence the number of years that a typical feline lives, so there’s no simple answer to your query. (However, the number of times one refers to me as “baby” or “momma” has been proven to be inversely proportional to the number of years one graces the planet.)

That said, most indoor cats live to be 12 to 15 years of age, though some precocious pussycats have pushed the limits and passed 20! I know you will enjoy the coveted heating vent, my soon-to-be-toasty Tabby.

Having settled your bet, I would be remiss if I did not offer further facts for you and your furry friends about how cats can live long lives.

As one might imagine, indoor/outdoor cats typically live far fewer years than indoor-only kitties. This is due to outdoor dangers such as traffic accidents, fights with other animals accidental (or intentional) poisoning, disease or predators.

Outdoor strays and feral felines also face the risk of starvation, which is why their typical survival rate is just two years or less.

In addition to not venturing beyond your human’s front door, what can we cats do to extend our lives? Proper nutrition and regular veterinary care—including dental exams—top the to-do list. And don’t forget about exercise (also known as play!). It helps stimulate mind and body.

Finally, to respond to your query about kitty and equivalent human years, this chart should suffice purrrfectly.

In closing, dear Tabby, just know that one needn’t gamble with his or her well-being. Merely heed the simple facts I’ve fed you above and you will likely live to enjoy the decision.

Licks and cuddles,

— Boo

E-mail your questions to
askboo@cathospitalofchicago.com

The holidays are coming, and with them come plenty of potential dangers for your feline friends. To ensure they have a safe and happy holiday season, follow these tips:

Healthy treats, please. Don’t give chocolate and other sweets to cats. Chocolate contains theobromine, which can be deadly to cats. Look for special cat treats instead of cookies or sweets meant for people.

No bones! Avoid giving bones to your cats. Keep kitty away from your food preparation area, and make sure garbage receptacles are securely covered. Poultry bones splinter easily and can cause serious injury including intestinal blockages or lacerations. Other holiday foods can cause stomach upset, and spoiled or moldy food can cause tremors or seizures.

Avoid alcohol. Place unattended alcoholic drinks where kitty cannot reach them. A cat that ingests alcohol could become very sick and weak, and may go into respiratory failure or a coma, which could result in death.

Be particular about plants and floral decorations. Many popular holiday plants are poisonous to cats. Lilies, which are commonly used in floral arrangements at this time of year, can cause kidney failure in cats. Mistletoe and holly berries also can be toxic. Poinsettias are considered to be very low in toxicity, but they could cause mild vomiting or nausea if ingested. Safe alternatives can include silk or plastic artificial flowers.

Keep lit candles out of kitty’s reach. Cats could get burned or knock them over and cause a fire.

Cat-proof your tree. Kittens tend to think Christmas trees are great to climb, so be sure your tree is secure, place ornaments high enough so they are out of paw’s reach, and, if possible use non-breakable ornaments.

Beware of tree water. Stagnant tree water can be a breeding ground for bacteria, and cats that ingest it could end up with nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Aspirin and other chemicals that are frequently added to the water to keep the tree living longer are toxic to pets, so it’s important to keep the tree water covered.

Tinsel can be trouble! Yes, tinsel, angel hair and ribbons look lovely on Christmas trees, but cats commonly ingest them. Those that do can suffer serious intestinal problems that require surgery.

Be careful with cords. Some cats like to chew electrical cords. If yours does, give the cords a good dousing with Bitter Apple, Bitter Yuck or another chew deterrent.

Seclude kitty during parties. If you’re hosting a holiday gathering, place your cat in a separate room during the festivities. Turn on a radio or TV to keep kitty company, and be sure to include food, water, a litter box and some toys.

Winter in the Windy City also means freezing temperatures, snowstorms and icicles, all of which can be problematic for animals. Here are some tips to help protect your furry friends when temperatures fall:

Keep your cat inside. When outdoors, felines can freeze, suffer frostbite, get lost, get injured or even die.

Make sure your cat has identification. More pets are lost in the winter than at any other time of the year, often because they lose their ability to scent their way home in snow and ice. So be sure your cat has up-to-date ID tags on or a microchip. If your feline already has a microchip, now is a good time to be sure the chip manufacturer has your correct contact information. (Please note the chip does NOT contain your contact information. The chip manufacturer has it if you provided it.) See Treats & Tidbits Fall 2007 and Summer 2009 for more information about microchips and updating your microchip registration information.

Never leave kitty in a car. Cats shouldn’t be left inside a vehicle in cold weather for any length of time. A car can act as a refrigerator in the winter, holding in the cold and causing freezing or hypothermia, an abnormally low body temperature brought on by spending extended time in cold temperatures.

A dry cat is a happy cat. Cats shouldn’t be taken outside after a bath unless they are absolutely, positively, 100 percent dry.

A warm cat is a happy cat. Make sure your cat has a warm place to sleep, off of the floor and away from all drafts.

Kitty-proof the fireplace. If you have a fireplace or wood stove, use a protective barrier or fire screen to keep your cat from getting burned.

Take extra care with space heaters. A cat landing on a space heater can be easily burned. And if a cat knocks over the unit, your place could go up in flames.

You also can take precautions that help protect other animals that live in your neighborhood:

Use safe sidewalk de-icers. The salt you use to de-ice your driveway and sidewalks can hurt animals. Use a de-icer that’s safe for animals, such as Safe Paw, which is available at PetSmart stores.

Use safe antifreeze. It may smell and taste good to cats, but ethylene glycol-based antifreeze is a lethal poison for animals—just a few licks can be deadly. While no antifreeze is safe for ingestion, propylene glycol-based antifreeze, such as Sta-Clean Antifreeze or SIERRA Antifreeze/Coolant, generally is much less toxic. Be sure to keep the product stored in a clearly marked, sealed container in a place where pets don’t have access, never allow animals to be in the area when you are draining antifreeze from your vehicle, and clean up any antifreeze spills immediately.

… cats’ average body temperature is 101 to 102 degrees? That’s warmer than that of humans, which is 98.6 degrees.

Lights of Love

Cat Hospital of Chicago is the proud sponsor of a very special event this month at the Tree House Humane Society.

On December 12, from 3 to 8 p.m., Tree House holds its annual Lights of Love Open House and Lighting Ceremony. The festivities will feature live music and vegetarian fare, guided tours of the facility and a silent auction; and a ceremony that gives all guests a chance to honor their loved ones. For each $10 donation, the organization illuminates a light dedicated to a special pet or person in your life. Proceeds benefit Tree House, a no-kill shelter that rescues and rehabilitates sick and injured cats.

The event will be held at Tree House Humane Society, 1212 West Carmen Ave. For more information, please call 773-784-5488, extension 238, or email erin@treehouseanimals.org.

Tree House also has holiday cards for sale as well as fun merchandise perfect for gift giving, including t-shirts, sweatshirts, cat toys and more. These items are available at the Tree House gift store.

You can also help support Tree House by doing some of your holiday shopping at merchants that are donating portions of their proceeds to the shelter. Through January 31, Arbonne International is donating 40 percent of all sales of its skin care products to the shelter. Zola Jones, a local boutique maker of handcrafted bags, is donating 10 percent of online and in-store sales from December 14 to December 23.

Top 10 Kitty Kat Kristmas Shows

10. The Bells of St. Meowy
9. Christmas in Catnecticut
8. Litter Drummer Boy
7. Rudolph the Wet-Nosed Rag Doll
6. A Catnip Carol
5. A Charlie Brown (and White Tabby) Christmas
4. Santa Claws is Coming To Town
3. How the Grinch Stole Catnip
2. It’s a Whiskerful Life
1. Natures Miracle on 34th Street