TECHNICIANS IN TRAINING

MSAH Bulletin #10

Page 3

CASE OF THE MONTH

and revealed an enlarged prostate with mineralization (calcium deposits) in the soft tissue.  This type of mineralization could occur with a chronic infection or with cancer.  At this time a biopsy was taken.  Magic was then taken to surgery and neutered.

In the next few days after surgery, Magic's condition improved greatly.  His temperature was down, and  his appetite robust.  Once again, he greeted everyone with a wagging tail.  Magic was then discharged to his family.  Fortunately, his biopsy results showed "Mild Prostatic Hyperplasia" and "Mild Chronic Prostatitis".  These changes are typical of an infected and inflamed prostate.  This made everyone happy because his prognosis for recovery was very good.

Prostatic disease usually occurs in older, male dogs that have not been neutered.  A prostatic infection can develop from: 1) a urinary tract infection where the bacteria spreads into the prostate, or 2) another disease condition of the prostate causing an increase in prostatic secretions which become secondarily infected.  The prostate also increases in size in response to hormones, testosterone in particular.  There is a disease named "Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy (enlargement)" where the prostate is enlarged due to an excessive amount of testosterone in the body. Since the prostate is so affected by hormones, it will shrink down markedly in response to neutering.  Likewise, male dogs that are already neutered have a very slim chance of ever developing prostate problems. 
In Magic's situation, he responded very well in response to antibiotic therapy and neutering.  Today, he is doing very well.  His prostate is much smaller and free of infection.  His appetite and overall health are very good!

What is the immune system? Why is it important? The immune system plays a pivotal role in maintaining your cat's health. One of the most important functions of this highly complex system of specialized cells and molecules is to protect cats from disease and infection caused by foreign invaders--viruses, bacteria, and a host of other microbes and parasites intent on assaulting the body and causing disease.

What does vaccination accomplish?  Vaccines are given to prepare the body's immune system against invasion by a particular disease-causing organism. Vaccines contain antigens which to the immune system "look" like the organism but don't, ideally, cause disease. When the vaccine is introduced by injection or some other means, the immune system responds by mounting a protective response. When the cat is subsequently exposed to the organism, the immune system is prepared and either prevents infection or reduces the severity of disease.

Why do kittens require a series of vaccinations?

Kittens receive antibody from colostrum (the first milk the mother produces) that is ingested during the early hours after birth. Maternal antibody helps protect against infectious disease until the kitten's own immune system is more mature.
Unfortunately, maternal antibody also interferes with a vaccine's ability to stimulate the kitten's immune system. To counteract this problem, veterinarians often administer a series of vaccines, usually beginning when the kitten is around six to eight weeks of age, and then repeating vaccination at three or four week intervals until maternal antibody has waned, usually at around twelve weeks of age. In some cases (e.g., rabies vaccines) the initial vaccine is not given until maternal antibody has disappeared.

Vaccine Reactions

Mild Reactions

The following reactions are fairly common, usually start within hours to several days after vaccination, and last no more than several days:

• discomfort at the site where the vaccine was given
  
• mild fever
  
• diminished appetite and activity
  
• sneezing at about four to seven days after administration of an intranasal vaccine