206-523-7187

info@northseattlevet.com

Click here for information about the Avian Flu


Avian Influenza, also called H5N1, is a viral disease found in wild and domestic birds. It is transmissible to many mammals, with our biggest concern being pet cats. The most likely ways for cats to become ill is by catching wild birds or from eating a raw-food diet. People can also become sick from avian influenza, though at this time there have been no reported cases of a person becoming infected from a pet cat.

There have been several recent cases of cats contracting avian influenza (and dying) from being fed a commercial frozen raw-food diet. Transmission is also possible from feeding raw (non-pasteurized) milk. Freeze-dried or high-pressure pasteurized diets have a lower risk of causing avian influenza but still have a potential to transmit pathogens. If you are currently feeding a raw diet, we recommend transitioning your pet to a cooked diet. Frozen raw diets can be baked before feeding to kill the virus. 

Cats can also become infected with avian influenza from hunting wild birds. We recommend keeping cats inside at all times, or allowing them outside only while monitored on leash or contained in a catio or cat tent.

Symptoms of avian influenza in cats include respiratory signs such as nasal discharge, coughing and wheezing, and neurologic signs such as wobbliness, difficulty walking and seizures. If you are concerned your cat could be exhibiting signs of avian influenza either call us or your local emergency clinic. Keep in mind that avian influenza is relatively rare, and there are many other diseases that can cause similar signs. If your cat is not allowed outside and is not eating a raw diet then your cat does not likely have avian influenza. If your cat is having trouble breathing or is not able to stand, head to the nearest emergency clinic right away, calling them while en route. 

There is no vaccine to prevent avian influenza in cats. 

Please let us know if you have questions. To read more information about avian influenza and cats visit these links:

https://www.wormsandgermsblog.com/2025/01/articles/animals/cats/h5n1-influenza-raw-diets-and-petsan-overview/

https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/index.html

https://apps.oregon.gov/oregon-newsroom/OR/ODA/Posts/Post/morasch-meats-voluntary-recall-feline-raw-pet-food-hpai

http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/phcommon/public/media/mediapubhpdetail.cfm?prid=4923

Pet Dental Care

Just as it’s important for you to see a dentist regularly, it’s important for dogs and cats as well.

Appointment

Pet Dental Care at North Seattle Veterinary Clinic

Your pet’s oral health is directly connected to their overall health. Signs of dental disease include bad breath, loose, broken, or missing teeth, yellow or brown teeth, red, inflamed, or bleeding gums, difficulty or pain when chewing, pawing at the mouth, and excessive drooling. If you notice any of these symptoms, please get in touch with our team, and we’ll be happy to help.

Dental Extractions

In many cases, dental disease in dogs and cats progresses to a point where teeth need to be extracted or treated with advanced dental techniques. The North Seattle Veterinary Clinic offers comprehensive dental surgical services but may also elect to refer to a board-certified veterinary dentist when the circumstances require it.

Digital X-Rays

We are proud that we have the most up-to-date equipment to treat dental disease, including digital dental x-rays. This allows us to detect any disease beneath the gum line that we would not be able to see otherwise. We can often see undetected abscesses, broken teeth, resorbed roots, retained roots, and more, thanks to dental radiographs.

Dental Cleanings

Dental hygiene is an important part of your pet’s health because dental disease can be associated with other serious health problems such as heart disease and kidney disease. But how do you know if your pet has a healthy mouth?

Our goal is to provide the best possible care and education so that your furry loved ones may enjoy a long happy life with you.

We consider you and your pets family and look forward to meeting you.