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Answers to Your Pet Healthcare Questions at VetAsk.com

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Second eyelid cat
Species: cat | Category: general | Submitted: 09-Feb-07 | viewed 5661 times
Q Julia asks:
Jacks second eyelid is half way across his eye and he does not seem himself. Is he ill?
Q Samantha says: He probably is unwell. Often cats with this sign may have something like diarrhoea or another type of infection; they may also be dehydrated.
Skin problems
Species: dog | Category: medical-surgical | Submitted: 09-Feb-07 | viewed 6765 times
Q Rachel asks about rosie (dog - springer spaniel, F) (age 11 years, 11 months):
Rosie has very itchy skin on her back and joints and has nibbled some places sore. Do you think this could be related to her urine problem?
Q Samantha says: It depends what type of urine problem she has. There are some diseases which can cause many signs including urinary and skin problems. Usually these diseases cause a dog to drink and urinate to excess; is this the problem with Rosie? If she is getting very sore skin she should be taken to the vet for them to examine her.
coat condition
Species: dog | Category: other | Submitted: 09-Feb-07 | viewed 6593 times
Q Melody asks about Ozzy (dog - Jack Russell, M) (age 2 years, 3 months):
Ozzy seems to be losing more and more of his hair, the area under his chin on the neck is pink and hairless. It does not irritate him because he rarely scratches and there is no flakiness or dandruff on his skin. Could this be a genetic problem? He has just had his booster and the vet said he is in tip top condition otherwise.
Q Samantha says: Did you mention this problem to the vet when Ozzy was vaccinated? If you did and when the vet examined him was not concerned then there is probably little to worry about. It can be very difficult to accurately diagnose skin conditions in dogs and impossible to make an accurate diagnosis over the internet. However given the position of the hair loss I do wonder if the collar could be causing a problem (if Ozzy wears one?) Sometimes collars can rub the hair on the neck and cause some hair loss, usually there are no other signs of irritation in this situation. You could try removing the collar most of the time and just putting one on for walks. It might help to try a different type of collar completely or try a Halti type of head-collar for a while. If you are really concerned about the hair-loss get back in contact with your vet.
dog pup keeps eating own poo
Category: general | Submitted: 09-Feb-07 | viewed 5515 times
Q Paul asks:
5 month old akita, have tried medication, still doing it.
Q Samantha says: This is quite a normal behaviour for puppies despite our natural disgust! So long as your pup does not have a digestive upset (which may mean that food is not being absorbed in the gut properly and therefore coming out in the faeces- making them tasty) there is probably nothing to worry about. Try to prevent access to the faeces by regularly cleaning up after your pup. Your dog may grow out of this behaviour as he gets older.
Non union of bone in cat
Species: cat | Category: medical-surgical | Submitted: 09-Feb-07 | viewed 6082 times
Q Deb asks about Hodge (cat - Moggy, M) (age 3 years, 6 months):
I would like to enquire, by way of a second opinion, on best treatment for my cat's non-union of bone in his back leg (2 metatarsals). Our vet has mentioned pinning, but has put a less rigid/lighter cast - as a support on the back on the leg only, leaving the front padded up - back onto Hodge's leg to see if a couple of weeks on this will encourage him to walk on the leg and thereby activate bone growth. However, after 4 days, he is not putting that leg down at all (where he was with the full cast), is out of sorts and not eating (which I appreciate may in part be due be to the constant to and fro from the vets over the last few weeks) and is generally very fed up. He doesn't seem to be in pain... or at least is not vocal on that score. My question is whether pinning is the only option and whether, given his current mood, we should press for it to be done sooner rather than later? My worry is how much this will affect him and whether we should just be patient and take the time the vet has indicated first? It's distressing to see him so down, especially when he seemed to take the first few weeks very much in his stride (he was clearly irritated about not being able to go out and having to use the litter, but not generally unhappy). Many thanks in advance for any advice you can give.
Q Samantha says: I am sorry that Hodge is not having a very easy time at the moment. I am sure that your vet is doing the best for him. If they have suggested that it is best to give him a little more time then this is no doubt the best thing to do for the moment. If this does not work I am sure that they will take care of the situation well. I know that it can be very frustrating for both you and your cat but sometimes bones just do not heal as well as we would hope them to. Often a little extra time is all that is needed, especially in cats who usually seem to heal well. Keep in contact with your vet and attend all the check-ups which are scheduled for Hodge. It may be necessary to treat the problem surgically as your vet suggests but without being able to see either your cat or any x-rays it is impossible for me to make a specific suggestion as to what the best thing for Hodge would be; every case is different and Hodge's treatment must be tailored specifically to his needs. Since Hodge has stopped eating and seems unhappy it would be best to ask your vet for a check up appointment as soon as possible in case there is an underlying problem causing this. When cats stop eating they can quickly get problems and it is a situation which needs to be taken seriously. It is unlikely that the journey to the vet for a further check will cause too much extra anxiety for him (although I do appreciate it is stressful) and I really think he should be checked because of his depression and anorexia at the moment. I hope Hodge gets better soon.
Growth on Right Hind Leg (Behind Joint)
Category: general | Submitted: 09-Feb-07 | viewed 5174 times
Q Carl asks:
I have recently discovered a growth on the rear of the cats hind leg (right side). I noticed this when I witnessed the cat kept shaking his back leg (as if to rid something from the paw!). I checked his paws and found nothing, but then found the growth to the back of the right hind leg. The cat gets agitated when this is touched for more than a short period of time. I'm worried this may be a tumour but would like your advice before taking him to my vets.
Q Samantha says: This may well be a tumour. However many tumours are benign so do not panic yet. Take him along to your vet who will be able to discuss the best thing to do for your cat. This may involve a test to find out what type of tumour it is or complete removal and then sending the lump away to be analysed if you wish. If it is a malignant tumour your cat stands the best chance of doing well if the tumour is treated early.
Keeps going to toilet
Category: general | Submitted: 09-Feb-07 | viewed 5248 times
Q Tony asks:
Our cat has just had a blood test and his white cells are a little low. He has just been treated for pet urinating a lot, having a difficult time using the bathroom, or squinting when they do urinate. He had an injection and tablets. The blood test also show that he was dehydrated.
Q Samantha says: I am sorry that your cat is poorly at the moment. It sounds as if he is receiving good care from your vet. I am a little unclear as to what you would like to know about the problem. If you are concerned about what his condition is or the treatment he should be receiving it would be a good idea to get into contact with your vet who will be able to explain better than I can because they know your cat well.
Tail chewing
Species: dog | Category: behaviour | Submitted: 09-Feb-07 | viewed 6149 times
Q Karen asks about Max (dog - english springer spaniel, M) (age 1 years, 4 months):
Max has started to chew the end of his tail which is not docked. Is there a reason for this and how do I stop him?
Q Samantha says: He probably had some sort of irritation which started the chewing. Once it starts it can become a habit and the dog might traumatise the tail and make things worse. The best thing you can do at home is to stop him biting the tail. When you are around him distract him from this activity by playing a game or giving him a toy or chew. If you cannot be around or at night time you might find that he needs a "buster collar" to stop him chewing his tail. Take him along to the vet who can check for any signs of trauma or infection and treat this as necessary. If this does not eventually stop him wanting to chew his tail and there is no sign of infection or trauma when you take him to the vet it might be a behavioural issue, this would require behavioural modification but you could start by trying not to scold or tell him off when he chews his tail; just prevent it or distract him from doing it by offering something more interesting to do.
Head bowling
Species: dog | Category: general | Submitted: 08-Feb-07 | viewed 3936 times
Q Nora asks:
My dog has started to flick-bowl his head to the right. At first I thought he was chasing a fly but he has done it too much for that. Vet has checked his skin/ears/bottom and eyes; she did take a while on his eye check. Gave him anti-inflammatory jag. To go back next week. Still doing it when we got home. Any ideas what it can be?
Q Samantha says: I am sure your vet will have thoroughly examined your dog and if she was unable to make a diagnosis then it is likely that she will investigate further if the problem does not resolve with the anti-inflammatories she has given. Unfortunately it is difficult to say what it could be without seeing your dog. If you are worried about your dog it would be wise to get in contact with your vet and discuss it with her since she will then be able to help you further.
Bowel problems
Species: cat | Category: other | Submitted: 08-Feb-07 | viewed 4780 times
Q Kelly asks about buster (cat - short hair domestic, M) (age 0 years, 7 months):
Hey there. My cat has diarrhoea for the last week. He has had it before but seemed to clear up after a few days and it seems to have come back. He seems OK in himself and is eating OK, if not eating a little more that usual? Just wanted a little help if there is anything I can do to help clear it up without a trip to vets . Thank You Kelly
Q Samantha says: You could try a bland diet for a day or so (chicken or white fish such as cod or coley). Don't give any milk or treats and make sure your cat has been wormed recently. I have to recommend a trip to the vets though, since if diarrhoea does not clear up it could be due to some underlying problem or an infection.
Excessive salivation
Category: general | Submitted: 08-Feb-07 | viewed 4107 times
Q Julia asks:
Molly has this evening started producing a lot of saliva which is dripping from her chin She keeps licking her nose and lips to remove the drops. We do not know the cause of this and would like some indication whether this could be viral or otherwise.
Q Samantha says: Sometimes cats produce excessive saliva when they have licked something which they find noxious (perhaps when grooming themselves). If this is the case it will probably clear up in an hour or so. If not she should be checked by the vet to make sure she does not have a problem with her mouth.
Behaviour & Hygiene
Species: cat | Category: behaviour | Submitted: 08-Feb-07 | viewed 5817 times
Q David asks about MOGGY (cat - not known, M) (age 16 years, 7 months):
Moggy has recently started to approach his water bowl and, before drinking, he paws the floor, as though he was in the litter tray. What does this mean? Forgot to mention, he also has very bad breath, is this relevant? I received an e-mail saying the answer was on-line but haven't been able to find it? Help! Many Thanks David
Q Samantha says: Yes! This could indicate that Moggy has pain when drinking/eating. It may indicate that there is a dental or oral problem- get your vet to take a look.
Odd Behavious on Drinking Water
Species: cat | Category: behaviour | Submitted: 08-Feb-07 | viewed 4141 times
Q David asks about MOGGY (cat - not known, M) (age 16 years, 7 months):
Moggy has recently started to approach his water bowl and, before drinking, he paws the floor, as though he was in the litter tray. What does this mean?
Q Samantha says:
Strange whining.
Category: general | Submitted: 08-Feb-07 | viewed 5318 times
Q Daniel asks:
My kitten (6 months) started whining strangely this morning. It is almost a mix between a miaow and a purr. Any suggestions on what this could mean?
Q Samantha says: Is your kitten female? If so is she spayed? If female and not spayed it could mean she is coming into season. Otherwise it could be your kitten's particular way of vocalising which may develop over time. Cats can and do vocalise in many different ways and over time you will get to know your kitten's particular ways of communication. It probably is not anything to worry about unless your kitten seems unwell or distressed in any way.
Sore anus
Category: general | Submitted: 08-Feb-07 | viewed 5780 times
Q Dean asks:
I have recently been given a cat and don't know anything about her medical history, only that she is about 9 months old and is not neutered. In the last 2 days she has become lethargic , has not eaten much and now I noticed she has a lump on the base of her tail and her anus is sore, swollen and oozing a clear liquid. What could it be?
Q Samantha says: It could possibly be an abscess. It is common for cats to get abscesses on the base of their tails because if they are in a fight and decide to run away the winning cat often bites them on their tail as they go! This would explain the swelling on the base of the tail and also the lethargy and anorexia since cats with an infection often feel very poorly and may have a raised temperature. I do not know what the oozing from the anus could be unless perhaps her anal glands are affected. Your cat will need treatment from your local vet if she does have an abscess or infection so take her along for an appointment so your vet can make a diagnosis and give appropriate treatment.
Bleeding from the nose in lungworm
Species: dog | Category: parasites | Submitted: 08-Feb-07 | viewed 6801 times
Q Coleen asks about Jake (dog - Staffordshire Bull Terrier, M) :
My friend's dog has been bleeding from the nose & the vet has treated him for lungworm. Could you tell me what this is?
Q Samantha says: Lungworms, as their name suggests are parasitic worms which infect the respiratory system of animals. There are several different species of lungworm which affect small animals including Angiostrongylus vasorum and Filaroides species. Dogs may be infected by mechanisms such as salivary contact with other infected dogs (especially pups infected by their mother) or by eating an intermediate host of a parasite such as a snail. The route of infection depends on which species of parasite is involved. Lungworms cause signs such as persistent coughing, retching, respiratory distress and can also cause bleeding disorders. I hope your friend's dog gets better soon.
Weeping, smelly ear
Species: cat | Category: other | Submitted: 07-Feb-07 | viewed 6091 times
Q Joanna asks about oliver (cat - persian, M) (age 0 years, 3 months):
Hi, my kitten has developed a weeping and slightly smelly ear. I have cleaned it but it has come back again.
Q Samantha says: Your kitten might have an ear infection or ear mites (which are common in kittens). Although cleaning it might help a little, it probably needs a prescription ear ointment to clear it up. Your vet will be able to check this and recommend any necessary treatment.
Wheezing and blood around the nostrils
Species: cat | Category: general | Submitted: 07-Feb-07 | viewed 5580 times
Q Diane asks about thomas (cat - not known, N) :
He is wheezing, not very often, and we have noticed a small amount of blood around the nostrils.
Q Samantha says: Thomas should be taken to the vets. These signs could be caused by many different things and it is impossible to say what it could be without seeing him. However I think that the blood around the nostrils as well as the wheezing are symptoms which should be taken seriously and investigated by your vet.
Sickness or diarrhoea
Species: hamster | Category: general | Submitted: 07-Feb-07 | viewed 6236 times
Q Caitlin asks about harry (hamster - not known, M) (age 0 years, 2 months):
Hi there. Our young hamster is either being sick or has diarrhoea. When he is in his ball we notice a creamy coloured fluid and are unsure what this is. We have only noticed it when he is in his ball and do not know if it is happening in his cage. Can you help please? Thanks caitlin
Q Samantha says: It is really difficult to know what you may be seeing without seeing both the fluid and your hamster. However if it is diarrhoea it is likely to become serious quite quickly as these little animals very rapidly become dehydrated and very poorly indeed. If diarrhoea goes untreated your hamster is likely to die. Take your hamster to the vet and take along a sample of the fluid you have seen along with you.
Drinking lots of water
Category: general | Submitted: 06-Feb-07 | viewed 5495 times
Q Danielle asks:
My pet boxer Nazeem is 12 years old approx. He has just started to drink lots of water. He seems healthy in himself and he is not off his food but he is slightly incontinent with the amount of water he is drinking - please can you advise if I should be worried?
Q Samantha says: When dogs or cats start to drink more than usual it is always a sign which should be taken seriously. There are many diseases which can cause this and many of them can become serious if they are left untreated. It is definitely something which should be investigated at your local vet's. It may be helpful if you take a urine sample from Nazeem along to your appointment and if you give your vet an idea of how much water Nazeem drinks in 24 hours that might be helpful too.
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