Answers to Your Pet Healthcare Questions at VetAsk.com
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| Death of cat |
| Species: cat | Category: other | Submitted: 01-Feb-07 | viewed 5709 times |
Rhianne asks: |
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My mum dropped a small amount of dog's flea treatment on my cat's neck, realised her mistake and did not even apply cat treatment. Sixteen days later the cat was put to sleep; she was 13 years old. All tests showed she had all organs working OK and bloods were OK but after death and investigation an abnormal kidney. Why is this please?
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 Samantha says: It is really difficult to say if the flea treatment had anything at all to do with your cat's abnormal kidney. I would probably guess that it would be unlikely to have caused the renal damage; however you do not say what type of flea treatment it was so it is impossible to really help much further.
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| Fur loss |
| Species: rabbit | Category: other | Submitted: 01-Feb-07 | viewed 5770 times |
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Rose-hannah asks: |
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What causes a male rabbit to lose his fur? Patches of skin are showing and fur is becoming very thin as if the rabbit is going bald?
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Samantha says: Sometimes rabbits can get parasites such as fleas and Cheyletiella. Also ringworm could cause it (which humans can also catch so wash your hands after handling your rabbit). If the skin looks red and sore it could be due to an infection. You should take your rabbit to the vet.
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| Cat skin problem |
| Category: general | Submitted: 01-Feb-07 | viewed 4895 times |
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Emma asks: |
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My cat who is 8 months old has been continually scratching. I assumed it was fleas and recently got him a flea collar. However since he has had the collar his head, neck and behind the ears have felt bumpy when stroking him. I have looked in the said areas and the best way to describe it is like dandruff. He is not in any discomfort or itching I have taken off the collar as a precaution. Can you advise what this might be? He is an indoor cat.
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Samantha says: This is quite a difficult problem and impossible to say exactly what it might be. Cats can often get what we call miliary eczema, which is when cats get numerous small scabby bumps all over their skin. However, normally this does not look particularly like dandruff. Some parasites other than fleas may cause problems in cats. Cheyletiella, which is a mite could cause these signs. You really should take your cat to the vet to get a better evaluation of the problem and any necessary treatment.
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| Why was he bleeding? |
| Species: hamster | Category: medical-surgical | Submitted: 01-Feb-07 | viewed 5759 times |
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Ali asks about bee (hamster - not known, M) (age 2 years, 2 months): |
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Can you please tell me why, when I had Bee put to sleep, it took 15 minutes to work, and the white wrap they presented him to me in afterwards had watery bloody fluid on, which was from his nose? The vet told me they would have to give him gas to make him sleep and then inject him. I can't understand why the fluid was present, and why it took so long.
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Samantha says: It takes some time for the aneasthetic gas to take effect. Bee would have been allowed to drift off peacefully to sleep before she was given the injection and this takes at least 10 minutes or so when anaesthetic gas is used. This is the kindest method for hamsters because they are so small. There may be fluid from any orifice when an animal dies: this is a post mortem condition and although distressing for you it is very common and Bee would have been gone when this fluid was discharged.
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| Heart murmur |
| Species: cat | Category: medical-surgical | Submitted: 01-Feb-07 | viewed 5827 times |
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Charla asks about Cleo (cat - British Shorthair - Silver Tabby, F) (age 0 years, 3 months): |
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Good morning, Cleo was diagnosed with a heart murmur when I took her to a vet. When I got her home as she bleeding from her bottom, I was not informed of this and am wondering of you can give me any advice on the condition?
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Samantha says: Heart murmurs in cats may occur for many reasons and some cats have a murmur but no other signs. The prognosis and any treatment required will depend upon the cause of the murmur and the severity of the problem. As for her bleeding from her bottom when you got her home it would be a good idea to check with your vet especially if the bleeding is heavy.
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| Arthritis in a Bull Terrier |
| Species: dog | Category: medical-surgical | Submitted: 01-Feb-07 | viewed 5993 times |
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Paul asks about GABBY (dog - Bull Terrier, F) (age 8 years, 8 months): |
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Gabby has been diagnosed with arthiritis. Have you any thoughts or misgivings on using Synflex in the treatment of this ailment?
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Samantha says: Synflex is a product containing glucosamine and chondroitin sulphate both of which are known to help arthritic joints. Looking at the ingredients I wouldn't have any particular worries about it. However I do not have any personal experience of the brand itself. If you want to treat arthritis in Gabby and do not want to use anti-inflammatory drugs from your vet (which may become necessary over time) you might also wish to consider magnetic therapy and acupuncture.
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| stomach problem |
| Category: general | Submitted: 31-Jan-07 | viewed 4734 times |
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Jackie asks: |
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My 10 month cocker spaniel yelps when pooing. She has done this since a puppy there is no blood or other signs of illness. She has dry puppy food.
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Samantha says: Is she showing any signs of constipation? Small hard faeces or straining may indicate that she is constipated. In this case you could try moistening the dry puppy food with tepid water to give it more moisture content. If you add the water about 5 minutes before feeding the dry biscuits will have time to soak up the water. Obviously make sure she has constant access to fresh, clean, drinking water. It might also be a good idea to get her anal glands checked since if these are blocked she might be experiencing pain when she defecates.
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| Excessive Drooling |
| Species: dog | Category: medical-surgical | Submitted: 31-Jan-07 | viewed 6269 times |
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Helen asks about JAKE (dog - GOLDEN RETRIEVER, M) (age 6 years, 11 months): |
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Jake is excessively drooling from the right hand side of his mouth, wetting his bedding and furniture. I took him to the vets where they said it was nothing to worry about and just cleaned his teeth. He is also drinking more then usual what could be causing this?
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Samantha says: It is difficult to say what might be causing the excessive drooling. If Jake has recently had dental treatment your vet would have been able to examine his mouth quite thoroughly so it is unlikely that there are any oral lesions present. Some dogs drool for reasons such as excitement or expectation of food. Dogs also quite often drool when they are asleep especially as they get a bit older. The drinking more than usual is something which should be taken quite seriously since it can be a sign of many problems; common diseases associated with excessive drinking (and urination) include diabetes, kidney disease, hypothyroidism and cushings disease. It would help if you could monitor Jake's water intake for 24 hours. Then your vet will be able to work out if it is an excessive water intake and go from there. Taking along a urine sample from Jake when you go back to the vets will also be helpful.
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| Coughing |
| Species: cat | Category: medical-surgical | Submitted: 31-Jan-07 | viewed 5253 times |
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Fizgig1313 asks about Fergie (cat - not known, F) (age 0 years, 10 months): |
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Cat is lethargic, off food, coughing periodically and growling when touched on back end.
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Samantha says: Cats often behave in this way if they have an infection of some kind, especially if they have a fever. She should be taken to the vet.
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| Tail is reddish |
| Species: hamster | Category: other | Submitted: 31-Jan-07 | viewed 5449 times |
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Marielle asks about MeiMei (hamster - Syrian, F) (age 0 years, 6 months): |
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Today when my hamster Mei-mei woke up, I found that her tail is quite reddish. I thought initially that it was blood but it was not as I tried to wipe it with damp cotton and there was not a single blood stain on it. On close inspection it appears to be just reddish and looks quite sore.... Could someone please enlighten me as to what this might be? Could it be an allergy or a sign of infection? Thank you very much and appreciate your reply.
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Samantha says: Several things could cause this: she could have an infection an abscess or even a tumour. She may have just traumatised the tail in some way. If she seems to have diarrhoea you should get her to the vet quickly since this could be a condition known as "wet tail" and this is a serious problem. If there is no diarrhoea and the area is not swollen you could see if it resolves in the next few days; however if you are concerned take her to the vet.
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| spine |
| Species: dog | Category: medical-surgical | Submitted: 31-Jan-07 | viewed 5862 times |
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Mark asks about bryn (dog - boxer, M) (age 6 years, 6 months): |
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Bryn has bone growth on his vertebrae. I have been told that in time the bone will fuse together and stop him moving. Can this be treated or operated on?
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Samantha says: You might be describing a condition called spondylosis. This could not be operated on as far as I am aware. It would be helpful if you make sure Bryn does not gain too much weight. If the condition causes pain your vet will be able to treat this and acupuncture can also occasionally help too. You should restrict Bryn's exercise if he seems to be in pain.
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| Cat lethargic and not eating |
| Species: cat | Category: medical-surgical | Submitted: 31-Jan-07 | viewed 5394 times |
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Christine asks: |
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10 year old female cat taken to vet when stopped eating, found nothing and gave antibiotics and anti-inflammatory. She ate immediately on return but stopped again 4 days later. Again taken to vet - blood tests suggested kidney problems, hospitalised on drip overnight, blood tests next day normal. Full set of X-rays showed nothing and she had eaten a little. Has now been home 24 hours and eaten nothing. Any ideas?
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Samantha says: It sounds as if your vet has been very thorough. Unfortunately if your vet cannot find the reason for your cat's illness with all those tests it is impossible for me to do so without ever seeing your cat. Talk to your vet again and ask what further options there are. Sorry I can't help further and I hope your cat gets well soon.
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| Haematoma |
| Species: equine | Category: medical-surgical | Submitted: 31-Jan-07 | viewed 3288 times |
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Kelly asks about charmer (equine - tb x id, M) (age 6 years, 8 months): |
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Hi, my horse I suspect has been kicked and a lump has appeared. I believe it to be a haematoma. My vet said its nothing to worry about but it is still there and seems a little harder. It will be 7 days tomorrow. Have you any advice to treat it and can he still be exercised and turned out?
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Samantha says: I am sure your vet will be correct. It would be best to get in contact with him/her again if you are still concerned since they will know your horse and the position and size of the haematoma and will be able to give better advice on exercise and turn out than I can over the internet.
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| eye infection |
| Species: cat | Category: medical-surgical | Submitted: 31-Jan-07 | viewed 5982 times |
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Pauline asks: |
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Our 8 month old cat has had a few eye infections since she was little, the most recent of which was about 2 weeks ago in her left eye. We gave her eye drops and antibiotics and it seemed to have cleared up, but now her right eye looks bad. Is there anything we can do to stop this re-occurring? What causes these eye infections or is she just prone to them?
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Samantha says: Conjunctivitis may be due to infectious causes or due to environmental irritants or allergens. It is difficult to prevent the problem recurring if it is something in the environment which she is allergic or sensitive to. Your vet may wish to perform tests to find out about infectious causes which may be present such as Chlamydia (which is common in cats). Feline herpes virus can also cause problems such as you describe. Cats can become chronic carriers of this but episodes of conjunctivitis often subside as the cat gets older.
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| tear staining |
| Species: dog | Category: general | Submitted: 31-Jan-07 | viewed 5197 times |
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Sylvia asks about elle (dog - bichon frise, F) (age 1 years, 1 months): |
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How do I remove tear staining?
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Samantha says: Some eye cleaners for pets will help to remove or reduce tear staining.
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| Cat tonsillitis |
| Category: general | Submitted: 31-Jan-07 | viewed 3406 times |
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Marmalade asks: |
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My cat vomited some liquid with speckles of blood in it. The vet diagnosed probable tonsillitis as his tonsils are inflamed. However I keep reading that tonsillitis in cats is very rare and is usually due to another underlying problem. Also he is eating fine which suggests little pain. Should I be more concerned? I am worried it is something more sinister such as a carcinoma.
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Samantha says: Tonsillitis is unusual in cats. Since you are worried I suggest you go back and discuss your concerns with your vet. He or she might discuss the possibility of further tests should you wish this to be done.
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| dragging back legs, enlarged shoulders |
| Category: general | Submitted: 31-Jan-07 | viewed 4722 times |
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Sharon asks about George (dog - Border collie, M) (age 10 years, 4 months): |
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George is nearly 10½ years old, he has recently begun to drag his rear legs slightly and occasionally his rear end will collapse. He can now no longer walk further than a mile. He is very stiff in the morning. His shoulders are also very enlarged, but don't seem to be causing him a problem.
Any suggestions what it could be? I wondered if it was perhaps arthritis in which case, what could I give him to alleviate his symptoms.
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Samantha says: The problem with his rear legs could be due to many different problems; possibilities include spinal cord compression, arthritis and metabolic diseases. If you take him to a vet they would be able to assess his condition and suggest possible treatment. It would be best not to take him for long walks now and to let him set the pace. Short walks around the local neighbourhood will probably suit him much better than long country walks now. As his exercise levels decrease do make sure that he does not become too heavy since if he puts on weight that will not help his walking. His enlarged shoulders may be due to increased muscle mass because his front legs are compensating for weaker hind legs.
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| cat health |
| Category: general | Submitted: 31-Jan-07 | viewed 5061 times |
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Peter asks: |
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Can you tell if a cat has had a stroke? My mum's cat has started to walk sideways since last night and is having trouble jumping on the smallest of things . She is still eating and going out.
Could you put her mind at rest?
peter
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Samantha says: Your mum's cat may have had a stroke but all sorts of problems can cause cats to have these kinds of signs. Does your mum's cat have a head tilt? If so middle ear disease could be the cause. It would be best to take your mum's cat to the vet to get a more accurate assessment of the problem. You should really keep the cat inside while she has this problem since she will be more at risk from cars and dogs etc if she is not walking properly.
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| not eating |
| Species: cat | Category: medical-surgical | Submitted: 31-Jan-07 | viewed 5424 times |
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Sally asks about Bootsie (cat - not known, M) : |
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He's not eaten for nearly a week and doesn't seem to have been to the toilet. He's started to make a growling noise occasionally. I'm taking him to the vet and wonder if this could be serious. He's approximately 11 years. Please tell me if I should expect bad news
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Samantha says: There probably is something wrong with him which needs treating. If he has not passed urine that may be more serious than not passing faeces since cats can sometimes get a blocked bladder; this is serious if left but can have a good outcome if treated in time. Tumours are always a possibility in cats of this age and can have a poor prognosis. Other problems are also possible. You are doing the right thing in taking him to the vet; I hope Bootsie gets better.
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| tablets |
| Species: dog | Category: medical-surgical | Submitted: 31-Jan-07 | viewed 5728 times |
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Marie asks about shadow (dog - husky, M) (age 0 years, 8 months): |
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Are rimadyl tablets safe to give to my 7 month old husky?
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Samantha says: Hopefully these tablets have been prescribed for Shadow by a vet. If they have been there should not be a problem in giving them at the dose which your vet will have prescribed for him. His age should not be a problem. If these tablets have not been prescribed for Shadow by a vet than please do not give them to him.
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