Crackers is a young, male kitten brought to Southpointe Veterinary Hospital by one of our receptionists. He was one of many stray kittens in her neighborhood that was in need of a good home. Upon physical exam, he was found to be approximately 9 to 10 weeks old . Crackers was bright, alert and in good health. A firm, round subcutaneous lump was palpated near the left shoulder area. We tested Crackers for Feline Leukemia Virus and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (two very serious and potentially life-threatening feline viruses), and he was thankfully negative for both.

Crackers
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Crackers was given his first RCP vaccine (protects against Rhinotracheitis and Calicivirus which are respiratory viruses of cats , as well as Panleukopenia which is a feline gastrointestinal virus) and de-wormed for intestinal parasites. Surgery was scheduled for neuter and removal of the subcutaneous mass.

Crackers was anesthetized and prepped for surgery. His neuter procedure was routine. Surgical exploration of his left shoulder revealed a single BB which we removed. Crackers recovered uneventfully from anesthesia and surgery. Crackers is a very sweet kitten who is now available for adoption to a loving home.

Crackers xray of BB
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This case illustrates many of the dangers that outdoor cats face. Outdoor cats are at greater risk of contracting several deadly feline viruses such as Feline Infectious Peritonitis, Feline Immunodeficiency Virus, and Feline Leukemia Virus. Intestinal parasites such as roundworm, hookworm, and tapeworm are also seen in addition to other internal parasites, such as feline heartworms. External parasites, such as fleas and ticks, are also commonly found. Fleas and ticks are nuisance in and of themselves, but can also cause skin allergies, and transmit diseases such as Bartonella ( the causative agent of human cat scratch fever), Ehrlichia, and Mycoplasma just to name a few. Outdoor cats are also more likely to experience severe trauma such as being hit by a car. Abscesses as the result of animal bites, usually other cats, are common. Additionally, cats that spend a lot of time outdoors can become targets of human abuse (as was the case with Crackers and the BB).

Please feel free to contact one of our knowledgeable staff members if you have questions about outdoor cats and the steps that can be taken to minimize health threats. If you would like to see what animals we have available for adoption, please check out our adoptions link on our website. All our adoptees have complete physical exams, appropriate de-wormings, fecal tests, FELV/FIV testing for cats, and appropriate preventative medications.

The BB taken from Crackers
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