Avian Influenza Diagnosed in Cat Fed Raw Diet
We are saddened to report that we have diagnosed avian influenza in a cat who was fed a chicken based raw food diet. The cat initially presented to us with a high fever, it then progressed to severe fatal pneumonia. Avian influenza was diagnosed by samples submitted to Cornell University. City, state, and federal health agencies have been notified. This is the first reported, confirmed case of avian influenza in a cat in NYC.
We recommend that any pet; cat or dog, NOT be fed a raw food diet. This includes freeze dried raw diets. At this point, only raw chicken has been linked to influenza in cats. However, influenza virus is very adept at mutation, so we are recommending that NO raw meat, regardless of the source, be fed to ANY pet.
Symptoms of avian influenza in cats are variable. The most common symptoms are neurologic abnormalities, high fever, eye infection and respiratory infections. So far, transmission of avian influenza has been from outdoor cats eating wild birds or cats fed raw chicken. There have not been reported cases of cat to cat transmission or cat to human transmission. Avian influenza has not been reported in dogs.
We will keep you updated with any new information we receive. Feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns.
COVID-19 Statement
We at BVC take your health and the health of our staff seriously. While masks are no longer required, we ask that any clients who are not feeling well to please wear a mask when in the facility. Thank you.
Clients Looking to Book Annual Wellness Exams
Brilliant Veterinary Care takes its responsibility to clients and patients seriously and we will never turn away an existing client with an urgent need. We ask, however, clients looking to book wellness exams schedule two weeks or more in advance as we have a limited amount of wellness exams available per day so we are better equipped to address urgent and sick patients in need.
Thank you, as always, for trusting BVC for your pet’s care and for your understanding and cooperation.
Full Service Veterinary Care for Dogs and Cats on the Upper West Side of Manhattan
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Brilliant Veterinary Care celebrates the human-animal bond. Our goal is to provide the highest standard of nurturing care for our patients while being mindful of our clients’ needs and the community that we serve. The Upper West Side is our home, its residents, our family.
Individualized, Thoughtful, Quality Veterinary Care
We specialize in veterinary care for cats and dogs. We look forward to building a relationship with your family.
Through all stages of your pet’s life, we’ll be there to ensure they are on the right track to a long, healthy life.
We keep your pet’s smile healthy and bright. Your pet’s oral health is more important than you think.
Our older pets meet the same age-related challenges as we do. We want to ensure that they are living their best lives possible.
We keep your pet happy and healthy.
Dr. Bayazit, originally from Canada, grew up in Fairfield County, CT. She earned her BS at Mount Holyoke College and DVM at Michigan State University. After completing a post-graduate internship year at VREC in Norwalk, CT, she moved to the Upper West Side and started practicing full time at Animal General with Dr. Paul Howell and Karen Heidgerd. Dr. Bayazit moved back to CT with her husband and 2 children where she continued to practice full time at Poster Animal Hospital. Dr. Bayazit currently enjoys her hobby farm in Westport, CT where she has 3 dogs, 2 mini cows, 11 chickens, and countless honeybees. Dr. Bayazit is USDA accredited and is a member of the AVMA, NYSVMS, and CVMA.
“I have always loved the energy and strong sense of community in the Upper West Side. Starting Brilliant Veterinary Care with Karen has brought my career full circle.”
The foundation of Karen’s lifelong career in veterinary medicine is her compassionate love of animals. This passion has found new expression in “Brilliant Veterinary Care”.
Her previous 25 years were spent serving the community of the Upper West Side, as practice administrator for Animal General. Under her leadership, Animal General grew to become one of the most popular and beloved veterinary hospitals on the Upper West Side.
Through Animal General, with the support of Dr. Paul Howell, Karen was able to establish many beneficial programs. She developed “Protected Pets”, a program designed to aid the pets of victims of domestic violence, “Tenth Life for NYC cats”, a community endeavor to rescue pets slated for euthanasia at the NYC shelter, and “Senior Foster”, a program that placed senior cats with senior citizens providing food and medical care as needed.
Karen helped people as well as pets. Animal General worked with the NYCAHRC Hire program and employed many learning-disabled adults, giving them full-time jobs and purpose. These charitable programs were in addition to the delivery of gold-standard veterinary care for all clients.
Karen is also the co-founder of two charitable organizations that both care for urban wildlife: the “Wild Bird Fund” and “City Pigeon Rehabilitation”.She lives with her family in Westchester with rescued dogs, cats, and a handful of birds. “I am excited to continue to bring compassionate and inclusive veterinary care to the Upper West Side where one size does not fit all.”
Coming soon!