Shelter Medicine

Question 1

what is the most significant risk for URI in shelter cats

Answer 1

space and stress

having >8 sq ft floor space and double compartment (separate food and litter boxes) at intake housing resulted in a decreased risk of URI by 50x

Question 2

what pathogen is most common cause of URI

Answer 2

herpesvirus - stress causes reactivation

Question 3

what are the available shelter guidelines for

Answer 3

• standards of care
• high volume high quality spay/neuter
• vaccination

Question 4

what is the rough magnitude and direction of change in the number of animals euthanized per 1000 capita in the U.S. since 1970

Answer 4

magnitude: >20x decrease per 1000 capita (from over 100 to less than 5)

direction: decreasing