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One of my cats pooped on the carpet

Species: cat | Category: behaviour | Submitted: 28-Mar-07 | viewed 8720 times

kittiei asks:

My cats are both almost 3 and yesterday one of them pooped on the carpet in front of my door. I live in an apartment and have been there for almost a year now. This has never happened, they're usually well behaved. I don't even know which one did it let alone why. Any suggestions? Thanks.

Samantha says: The position near the door indicates that this may be a territorial marking behaviour known as "middening". One of your cats may feel vulnerable about people or animals coming through the door and is trying to indicate that this is their home. Of course it could also be that one of your cats was "caught short" and didn't make it outside in time if this is where they would normally go. Make sure that neither of your cats has constipation, diarrhoea or any other medical problem.

Cat cold

Species: cat | Category: medical-surgical | Submitted: 28-Mar-07 | viewed 8457 times

Lexie asks:

After a visit to the vet over a week ago for an ear infection, my cat has a cold. She had cat flu a few yrs. ago & the vet said that if she gets stressed, these flu symptoms may re-occur. She is sneezing & has a runny nose, but she is still eating & goes outside etc. Do I need to take her to the vet for treatment, or will the cold run its course, therefore avoiding further stress by not taking her to the vets ?

Samantha says: I think it would be wise to take her back to the vets again really. She may need treatment for the runny nose etc especially if she has a bacterial infection. I know that it can be very stressful for cats going to the vets; try to keep her as calm and quiet as possible and perhaps use a Feliway spray in her basket (on the bedding before she gets in it) to help keep her relaxed. During travel keep her basket covered up so she feels she is hiding and when she gets to the waiting room keep her basket on your knees so she is away from the floor. Stay as far away from dogs as possible and don't let people put their face close to the basket to take a look at her (she will feel trapped and vulnerable). You could perhaps ask for an appointment when it is likely to be quiet at the practice to further minimize her stress.

urine with mucus/ blood

Species: dog | Category: petcare | Submitted: 27-Mar-07 | viewed 6222 times

Karen asks about chilli (dog - staffordshire bull terrier, F) :

Our dog is a five year old staff is wetting herself; urine with mucus, blood in it. Why is this?

Samantha says: It is possibly an infection of the urinary tract or could be pyometra (an infection of the uterus). If this problem goes untreated the consequences could be serious; bitches can die from pyometra. Please get her seen by your local vet.

Blood in feline stool

Category: general | Submitted: 27-Mar-07 | viewed 7511 times

Heather asks:

My female cat has recently gained some weight and has for about 6 months now (which is when we got her) pooping blood. She also vomits often and has developed big sides that look like she is pregnant but she is not. She also has lumps under her skin. What do I do?

Samantha says: Take her to your vet as soon as you can. The weight gain and "big sides that look like she is pregnant" sound like fluid build up in the abdomen (ascites). This may be caused by a number of diseases, so without examining her it is impossible to say what the underlying cause of this may be; however it is likely to be serious and will need veterinary attention. The vomiting and blood in the faeces are likely to be part of the underlying problem.

Gut mobility in horses

Species: equine | Category: nutrition | Submitted: 26-Mar-07 | viewed 5878 times

Claire asks:

Pharaoh my 25 YO horse suffers from gut immobility resulting in colic. My vet has recommended regular doses of lactulose but I'm finding it difficult to buy it in the quantities needed - 500mls every other day. Can you recommend somewhere I can purchase it in bulk by phone or online as the local pharmacists are reluctant to sell too much at a time and they also get funny when I'm honest and tell them it's for my horse

Samantha says: You could get it from your vet I am sure. Otherwise you could try the on-line pharmacies such as VetUk.co.uk or Bestpetpharmacy.co.uk

hot spots

Species: dog | Category: medical-surgical | Submitted: 26-Mar-07 | viewed 9517 times

Tobi asks:

Breed: Australian shepherd-Heeler Age: 8 years old Issue: He's had hot spots on his abdomen/groin area for a few years now. They are now blackened. He has been on lamb rice diet since 2002 and it worked in the beginning but is no longer. Could this be a contact allergy since it's on his underbelly/groin area, a food allergy and/or a thyroid issue? His behavior is normal and he doesn't seem to be affected by it with the exception of the itching-licking. Thank you!

Samantha says: Skin problems on the belly and groin are very common and can be caused by any of the problems you mention plus many more. Skin problems often need investigation and tests to find the underlying cause; they can be difficult and frustrating to diagnose accurately. Talk to your vet about this and they will be able to take any necessary steps towards the diagnosis for you, and/or help by treating your dog for the signs he is showing as is most appropriate for him. Sorry I can't help further; I hope you find out what is causing this.

She's walking backwards

Species: cat | Category: behaviour | Submitted: 26-Mar-07 | viewed 8084 times

kittiei asks about Tulip (cat - not known, F) (age 2 years, 11 months):

My 4 year old cat woke up from napping yesterday and she would only walk backwards. It was almost like she couldn't go forwards when she tried. This is the second time that's happened. Maybe she's just groggy from her nap? She was fine after that, running and playing and stuff.

Samantha says: It sounds unusual. Does she seem distressed at all? Sometimes cats seem to do that kind of thing if they have some sort of pain or discomfort, especially around the face, (they often back away from food if they have tooth pain). I think it might be worth having her teeth and mouth checked. Otherwise, if she seems fine, keep an eye on her and if you notice that this happens more frequently/ at other times, or if there are other unusual signs take her to your local vet to be checked.

dog has trouble with legs, is wobbly, and vomits

Category: general | Submitted: 26-Mar-07 | viewed 7160 times

Jillian asks:

My 7 year old Shih Tzu has symptoms such as leg trouble, wobbliness, and vomiting. When she walks she slides around and is very wobbly. She also vomits a lot, usually at night. We saw a vet who seemed to think it might be epilepsy, but I am not so sure. Because we have never seen her have a seizure. What could this possibly be?

Samantha says: It is difficult to say exactly what this may be without actually being able to examine your dog because there are several possible causes for these types of signs. I would suggest that you go back and talk to your vet again about this. Vets are usually happy to discuss cases again if owners are worried, but they need to know of your concern!

infected wound in cat

Species: cat | Category: medical-surgical | Submitted: 26-Mar-07 | viewed 8756 times

Gayla asks about lilman (cat - not known, M) (age 2 years, 11 months):

Will the puncture wound start to drain on its own. Will terramycin be good or bad for it?

Samantha says: Often puncture wounds in cats are due to cat bites and they often result in the formation of an abscess. Obviously if left your cat may become unwell (lethargy, lack of appetite etc) if an abscess were to form. Abscesses are also very painful. I think it would be unwise in this situation to either leave it or attempt home treatment. Prompt treatment of bite/puncture wounds can sometimes prevent the formation of an abscess.
Your vet should be able to help further.

Vomiting yellow stuff

Species: dog | Category: general | Submitted: 25-Mar-07 | viewed 7683 times

Ba asks:

Freaka has no appetite and is vomiting yellow stuff. She has no energy and moans a lot. What's up?

Samantha says: The yellow coloured vomit is possibly bile and the lack of appetite is probably due to nausea. Dogs often moan when they are in pain. You need to take Freaka to your local vet because it sounds as though she is quite unwell.

Cat cough

Species: cat | Category: medical-surgical | Submitted: 24-Mar-07 | viewed 8831 times

Alanna asks about Casper (cat - common house cat, M) :

My cat is about 12 years old and was throwing up this morning. Since then he has developed this cough that sounds almost like he's gagging at times. What can I do to help him?

Samantha says: Cats of this age can get both gastrointestinal problems and respiratory problems; it is difficult to tell from your question which type of problem your cat may have. It would be best to take your cat along to your local vet for a check up and to find out what the problem may be.

Dragging back legs

Species: hamster | Category: medical-surgical | Submitted: 24-Mar-07 | viewed 8299 times

Christine asks about Monkey (hamster - Roborovsky, M) (age 1 years, 3 months):

My hamster is 15 months old and was hardly able to walk for last day or two, dragging back legs, didn't appear injured. Was breathing rapidly, didn't eat, slept anywhere slumped on ground and looked very unwell. Seems better now, but this is second time it's happened. Vet couldn't diagnose first time so didn't take hamster again. Can you suggest what to do to prevent/care for? Thank you.

Samantha says: I am sorry to hear that your hamster has been unwell like this. It can be very difficult to make an accurate diagnosis in this type of situation. There are many things which can cause this type of problem, including infections, metabolic disease, trauma, and tumours. It is often extremely difficult (and can be costly) to find out exactly what is causing problems such as these.

Sometimes hamsters can get a condition known as "cage paralysis" which may cause them to have signs of paresis such as you describe. "Cage paralysis" is often secondary to trauma but can also occur due to lack of exercise or nutritional problems.

Lack of exercise should be easy to correct by supplying wheels and tunnels etc for your hamster to climb through and play on. (Take care with wheels though - I have seen some very nasty injuries from wheels when they have not been correctly fitted and hamster's legs have become caught up in them).

Nutritional deficiencies are uncommon if hamsters eat a good balanced diet, but it is worth discussing this with your vet because vitamin supplements are thought to sometimes help.

There can also be genetic factors involved in this problem and unfortunately males do appear to be more susceptible than females.

In summary, it would be a good idea to provide more toys and exploratory activities for your hamster; then take a look at the diet and get a good reliable brand of food for him.

I would also strongly urge you to take your hamster back to your vet. There are several possible causes for the signs you describe and it is obviously impossible for me to make a diagnosis or suggest specific treatment over the internet. Also some conditions can be quite serious and or painful (such as tumours). Your vet will be able to help if he or she thinks further investigation of this problem is required.

I hope your hamster gets better.

stomach making strange noises

Species: dog | Category: general | Submitted: 24-Mar-07 | viewed 8106 times

Juliet asks about Alfie (dog - Shar Pei, M) :

Alfie’s stomach is making lots of strange gurgling noises and he was sick yesterday night. He is off his food and just lying in his bed. Yesterday he was sniffing around a smelly drain by some flats and wondered now if he drank anything from there? Why is his stomach making these constant strange sounds? Is there anything I can do for him?

Samantha says: It sounds as if Alfie may have a gastrointestinal upset and could be feeling quite poorly.(This could be due to drinking the smelly water but it is difficult to be really sure) His stomach might be making strange sounds due to an increase of gas and perhaps increased gastrointestinal movement. It would be wise not to feed Alfie for around 24 hours and you should also take him to the vet so that he can be given appropriate treatment. Do not be surprised if Alfie gets diarrhoea as well!

Whelping

Species: dog | Category: other | Submitted: 22-Mar-07 | viewed 8333 times

Deepak asks about Snoopy (dog - Rottweilier, F) :

Dear Doc, I am from India. I have a female rottweilier that was mated on 23rd and 24th of January 2007. This was her first mating. She gave birth to a puppy on 18th March night and to another on 19th morning which was a week advance from her due date. Unfortunately both the pups did not survive. When I got her checked by the vet he said there are more pups inside her. Now she is eating happily and is quite active. Can you please tell me is it normal or there is any problem with her or the other pups will be born on their scheduled time. Your help will greatly help me. Rgds, Deepak

Samantha says: Pregnancy and birth are always risky and there are never any guarantees. It is obviously impossible to make any accurate predictions about what will happen but I would personally assume that any remaining pups- if alive- are at very high risk; however your own vet will be able to tell you more as they are able to physically examine her. No vet could tell you for sure if the pups will make it or not. Even in human medicine it is impossible to guarantee the outcome of any pregnancy. Keep in close contact with your vet. Watch for any vaginal discharge, especially if it looks greenish brown, smelly or bloody. If your bitch seems to be unwell in any way take her immediately to your vet. I wish you and Snoopy the very best of luck for a good outcome- let me know what happens!

laying down

Species: dog | Category: petcare | Submitted: 21-Mar-07 | viewed 7517 times

Caroline asks:

Wharen my dog lays down it looks like he is fitting but did not seem too bother him at all, but I don't like the look of it can you help?

Samantha says: If your dog seems to be fitting he probably is! Most people seem to be very good at recognising a fit when they see it, so you should trust your instincts on this. Even though your dog seems to be unaffected by the fits at the moment you should take him along to your vet to be checked. Sometimes there is a straightforward medical reason for the fits, however it can occasionally be difficult to make a diagnosis straight away. Help your vet to work out why he is having fits by keeping a record of all the fits he has. Include the date, time and duration of the fit as well as noting down what was going on just before and afterwards if you can. This might help your vet to treat your dog too, because it will be apparent from such a record if any medication is helping the fits.

Defecating outside the litter box

Species: cat | Category: behaviour | Submitted: 21-Mar-07 | viewed 8308 times

Lisa asks about Axel (cat - not known, F) (age 14 years, 3 months):

We have just moved to a flat from a house so there is no garden for her to go in to but she has started to mess right by the front door, have tried deterrents and moving litter box. It's strange but she only seems to do it when my mother is about too. Is there any thing we can do to stop her?

Samantha says: This sounds like a problem known as "middening". Basically she considers the door as an area which in her eyes is not secure and she is sending a clear message to any visitors that this is her territory! (Cats use smell from urine and faeces to mark their territory). You could try a couple of things. The first is to use Feliway which is a pheromone product for cats which will help her feel more secure generally. This is available from vets or on-line. The next thing you could do is to put her food down by the front door as this will make her less likely to defecate there. If this does not work you may need to consult a behaviourist in your area. Always make sure her litter tray is clean since some fastidious cats will not use their tray if it is at all messy.

Protocol for subcutaneous fluids

Species: cat | Category: medical-surgical | Submitted: 20-Mar-07 | viewed 8746 times

Gwen asks:

My 13+ year old cat must receive SQ Lactated Ringer's daily for renal failure secondary to diabetes. Since my vet told me I could reuse his insulin needles once or twice, and have for some time, can I also reuse the large bore needles for the SQ infusion? They both go into the subcutaneous space. Also, they said I can flow 100 cc's per day out of the 1000 cc bag. After spiking, will the LR remain stable and uncontaminated for 10 days? There is NO DEXTROSE in the solution.

Samantha says: I am aware that some cats with renal failure are given such home treatment with subcut fluids. I think it is an excellent way to keep them at home while receiving fluids. However this is more common in the USA as far as I understand, and I have no experience of this in any UK practice in which I have worked. Since I am inexperienced in this method of treatment I feel unable to give advice in this situation; therefore I would suggest you speak to your vet regarding these issues. I hope your cat does well and I will endeavour to find out more about this! Sorry not to be able to help.

update re breathing problems in cat

Species: cat | Category: other | Submitted: 18-Mar-07 | viewed 8647 times

Shari asks about Carra (cat - siamese, F) :

Hello Sam Many thanks for your reply, just after posting the question I did manage to contact the emergency vet who was very good and saw us at the surgery. Carra was checked over and it was confirmed that this breathing problem was probably as a result of her previous runny nose. She was given an injection and we were given some tablets, Baytril 15mg - the vet was very pleasant but obviously wanting to get to his bed so could you just explain what these are prescribed for ? My understanding is that her nasal tubes are blocked, is that correct ? I understand she is elderly for a cat and realise I will not have her forever but is it anything too serious for me to worry about or just the case of because she is elderly she is more prone to getting these sort of problems ? Many thanks

Samantha says: Thanks for the update; it is good to hear about what happens to your pets! Baytril tablets are antibiotics and will help to treat any bacterial cause of the breathing problems Carra is experiencing. These antibiotics are commonly prescribed for this type of problem and in my own experience generally give good results. It sounds as if your vet has found that Carra has an infection of the respiratory tract ( a bit like humans who get flu, with a blocked up nose and effort with breathing). As an elderly cat she will need extra TLC from you and attention from your vet should she have any further difficulties. I hope she gets well soon!

swallowed plastic

Category: general | Submitted: 18-Mar-07 | viewed 5884 times

Jamie asks:

My dog swallowed a small piece of plastic. Should I call the vet immediately or see if he passes it? He has had some diarrhoea and constipation in the past week.

Samantha says: If your dog is happy and well (apart from the mild diarrhoea you mention) then you can wait a little while to see if the plastic passes through, which is often the case. However if your dog starts to vomit, seems depressed, goes off his food or stops eating, stands with his back arched or hunched up, or seems to experience any pain or discomfort then you should seek immediate veterinary attention. If the bowels are obstructed dogs can die, so please consult your vet if your dog shows any of the above signs or anything else which is unusual or gives you concern. You should probably seek attention anyway if you think that the plastic was hard or sharp enough to give the possibility that the bowel could be perforated as the plastic passes through.

breathing problems in cat

Species: cat | Category: medical-surgical | Submitted: 18-Mar-07 | viewed 6729 times

Shari asks about Carra (cat - siamese, F) :

Hello I hope you can help as I am currently unable to get in touch with my own vet due to it being out of hours. For last 24 hours Carra has been having what would appear difficulty in breathing, she is breathing very fast and can be seen exhaling through her mouth. Perhaps she has a blocked nose ? I am currently recovering from a heavy cold and perhaps passed something on to her ? Her fast breathing concerns me, she is also making some very strange noises whilst breathing. She is elderly, perhaps 18yrs or so, she was a stray that came to me. We visited the vet last week as she was constantly sneezing and had a runny nose with a green discharge from one nostril, we were given medication and it seemed to clear things up but now her breathing is a great concern. I have kept the heating off as perhaps she is just blocked up but what can I do to help her ?

Samantha says: It really does sound as if she may need a vet even though it is the weekend. There should be an emergency service available in your area even when your own vet is closed. If you phone your vet they will have a message about out of hours services which are available.


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