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Answers to Your Pet Healthcare Questions at VetAsk.com

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dirty eating habit
Species: dog | Category: general | Submitted: 29-Jul-07 | viewed 16954 times
Q Carrie asks about jersey (dog - yellow lab, F) (age 0 years, 10 months):
What would be the reason my nine month old yellow lab would eat her own poop? On occasion I catch her doing her business, turning around and eating it. We also have a cat, the dog does not bother with the litter box at all. How can I fix this eating problem?
Q Samantha says: This is not an unusual behaviour in dogs- they do not find it disgusting, but we usually do. The first thing to remember is that to a dog this is a reasonable behaviour and it may be difficult to correct. Have her checked by your vet to make sure that she does not seem to have any nutritional deficiencies or other medical problems- sometimes undigested material can be present in the faeces which makes it very palatable and likely to be eaten again! If there are no obvious reasons for the behaviour then the easiest way to stop it is to deny access to passed faeces by removing and disposing of them as soon as possible.
Feeding
Species: dog | Category: nutrition | Submitted: 14-Jul-07 | viewed 17094 times
Q Terry asks about Max (dog - GSD, M) (age 1 years, 1 months):
My GSD loves liver with his dried food how often can he have liver?
Q Samantha says: Liver is high in vitamin A which can cause problems if animals get too much of it; it is well known to be a real problem with cats, but in dogs too, I would suggest it is only an occasional treat. Your dog may also appreciate other types meat with his biscuits.
red lump under my cat's tail
Category: general | Submitted: 13-Jul-07 | viewed 14557 times
Q Victoria asks:
I just got a 2 year old cat from my friend a couple of weeks ago and I just noticed a couple of days ago that she has a red bump under her tail. When I looked at it today it had got bigger and the same day around midnight I noticed that it started to bleed. The blood was thick and puss like and she would lick it up. It didn't seem like she was in pain but it maybe seemed like it was a little bit itchy and it didn't bother her that much except that I would see her cleaning it a lot and she would meow all the time, sleep a lot and I suppose had a loss of appetite. Can you please help me and tell me what is wrong with my cat and tell me what I can do to make her feel better?
Q Samantha says: It sounds as if it may be an abscess which definitely needs attention from your local vet especially since your cat is also quite sleepy and not eating as much as usual. Take your cat along to your local vet who will be able to help you further- trying to treat this at home without a vet's help may result in the problem coming back or getting worse even if it looks as if it resolves initially.
Pink skin tag
Category: general | Submitted: 13-Jul-07 | viewed 14808 times
Q Justine asks:
My female dog Aussie is an Australian blue healer/Australian shepard mix. I adopted her therefore I do not know her history. She has developed what I believe is a skin tag on her right front elbow. I read somewhere that if it is pink, which it is, it can be dangerous to the animal. Is that true, should I have her checked out?
Q Samantha says: Yes, you should get it checked. It may be something completely benign or it may need attention. Whatever it is the sooner you find out the better.
Coughing and vomiting
Species: cat | Category: medical-surgical | Submitted: 09-Jul-07 | viewed 16508 times
Q Nicky asks about Ringo (cat - not known, M) (age 11 years, 2 months):
Ringo has been coughing for about 2 months, I thought it was due to fur-balls. His cough doesn't produce anything, he doesn't have runny eyes or nose. He isn't wheezy and he isn't having any trouble breathing. His appetite is good, he hasn't lost any weight and his temperament is exactly the same and he is very happy. He seems to cough once or twice a day for about 10-15 seconds. He crouches on all fours and extends his neck and head forward. Also he vomits once or twice a week usually after eating and brings his food back, usually whole. Are the two connected and does his cough warrant further investigation?
Q Samantha says: Yes, this should be investigated further. Sometimes it can be difficult to differentiate between coughing and retching and I wonder if your cat may actually be retching and attempting to vomit? Take him along to your local vet who will be able to check his chest and abdomen for you, and investigate further as necessary.
soft spot
Category: general | Submitted: 05-Jul-07 | viewed 16468 times
Q Alicia asks:
I have a chihuahua. She is about five months old and she has a soft spot in top of her head. I was wondering if this is normal? Also I was wondering if it is okay for her to play with my other dogs? Should I be concerned? Thank you for your time.
Q Samantha says: It is difficult to be sure what this is without actually being able to examine her and palpate the soft spot. It could be something like a cyst but you should really get your local vet to check it for you. You also ask if it is OK for her to play with your other dogs- this will depend upon several things, such as the size and temperament of the other dogs, and if she would be able to get away from them if things get a bit too rough for her. I have known several tiny dogs who happily play with very large dogs, but this is a judgment which needs to be left up to you, since only you know your animals well enough to decide. I would say that if you have any doubts as to her safety you should be very cautious and trust your own judgment.
biting tail
Species: dog | Category: general | Submitted: 02-Jul-07 | viewed 18054 times
Q Janette asks:
He is biting his tail next to his bottom, it might be itchy; can't stop it can you help?
Q Samantha says: There are many reasons why the area around the bottom may be itchy or uncomfortable. One of the most common causes is a problem with the anal glands. These two small glands located on either side of the anus sometimes get blocked and then may become infected and even rupture. It would be wise to take your dog along to your vet who will be able to check the glands for you and have a look at the area to find out what the problem could be.
Possible reaction to Synulox
Species: cat | Category: general | Submitted: 01-Jul-07 | viewed 16301 times
Q Linda asks about Jess (cat - not known, N) (age 0 years, 6 months):
My female kitten (born 15.01.07) was neutered on Wednesday. She was born with cat flu and has had courses of tablets and been fine. However post op she was put on Synulox 50mg (half tablet twice daily) she has since stopped eating and become very lethargic in last two days. Any advice welcome.
Q Samantha says: Take her back to your vet! She will need to be examined to find out what the problem is (it may not be a reaction to the tablets). Lethargy in cats of this age should always be taken seriously so please do contact your vet.
found cat drooling, vomiting
Species: cat | Category: behaviour | Submitted: 01-Jul-07 | viewed 17990 times
Q Lisa asks:
We found a cat under our deck. Our dogs cornered it and when we pulled it out from the deck, it was drooling and its fur was wet. It is contained now but vomits and has loose stools. What is this a sign of?
Q Samantha says: It sounds like a sick cat and you should contact your local vet about it. Drooling saliva may be a sign of many things including bad teeth, tumours in the mouth etc. The vomiting and diarrhoea are signs of a gastrointestinal problem of some sort but it is impossible to say exactly what without examining the cat. I know that this web-site is now getting questions from people outside the UK so if you live in a country where rabies is a possibility this should always be of great concern if you come across any animal salivating excessively; if you do live in a country where rabies is endemic please seek professional advice urgently.
sick terrapin
Category: general | Submitted: 30-Jun-07 | viewed 15017 times
Q Angela asks:
My terrapin's beak has become all white and flakey he has started floating rather than swimming and he has lost his appetite. Please advise as no vet in my area deals with reptiles.
Q Samantha says: You do need to find a vet who can examine and treat your pet- so ask your local practice who they would recommend. It may be necessary to travel a little bit but your terrapin does deserve the best of care.
cat can't walk properly
Species: cat | Category: medical-surgical | Submitted: 28-Jun-07 | viewed 16936 times
Q Tony asks:
Started with a limp on rear leg, hobbling around. Cat's back legs now wobble like jelly when walking as if weight can't be put on them .. Eating and drinking fine. Cat lives indoors doesn't go out.
Q Samantha says: Your cat will need to go to the vet. It is impossible to say exactly what it could be without examining your cat but some conditions which could cause these signs may be quite serious so please take your cat along to your local vet as soon as you can.
Stone removed from urethra
Category: general | Submitted: 25-Jun-07 | viewed 16522 times
Q Julia asks:
My dog had the surgery on June 11th. The wound is open and has no stitches the Vet told my husband that's the way it should be and it will take a while to heal. He pees fine, but it takes time and and the pee is coming out also from the cut or wound, I don't think that's normal. The dog seems fine he is eating, but it is a little bit sad and I think in pain.
Q Samantha says: It is quite normal to leave a urethrotomy incision open in the way you describe. It usually heals within about a month or so, but until it does there will be urine and possibly some blood passed from the open wound. It is worth talking to your vet about this as you are worried- if your dog is in pain they may be able to help him. I know sometimes that these procedures may seem somewhat unusual- but there is usually a good reason for them and it is always worth sharing your concerns with your vet so that they can reassure you of what to expect.
dog ingested onions
Species: dog | Category: medical-surgical | Submitted: 22-Jun-07 | viewed 20775 times
Q Duane asks about Ella (dog - Beagle, F) :
Our beagle who weighs like ingested a gyro which contained a lots of onions... is she in trouble?
Q Samantha says: Onions are toxic to dogs so you should take her along to your local vet.
fit
Species: dog | Category: general | Submitted: 20-Jun-07 | viewed 18021 times
Q Julie asks:
Is there anyway I can tell if my dog is going to have a fit before it happens?
Q Samantha says: In epilepsy a dog will often start to behave a little strangely before a fit occurs, they may just seem a bit dazed, quiet or clingy. With fitting due to other causes, it may be more difficult to tell. Close observation of your dog and perhaps keeping a "fit diary" detailing dates, times and activities around the time of the fits, may help you to establish a pattern and help you predict when a fit is more likely.
removing haematoma
Species: dog | Category: medical-surgical | Submitted: 19-Jun-07 | viewed 21093 times
Q Michelle asks about Len (dog - Bernese mtn, M) (age 6 years, 7 months):
Len has a haematoma in his left outer ear. I have been advised to get it removed (drained) before it hardens and to do this he will need a general anaesthetic. My concern is my dog dying during this procedure so my questions are 1) what if it was left untreated, 2) If treated is there another way 3) should I go to someone used to dealing with big dogs? Thank you for this I look forward to hearing from you
Q Samantha says: If left untreated your dog will probably end up with a deformed ear (cauliflower ear). If an anaesthetic is something which is considered very risky for your dog then simple drainage of the haematoma via a needle and syringe may be attempted (the dog is awake and it is no more painful than blood sampling); however the dog needs to be very well behaved and still. This technique is often not very successful and the haematoma returns, meaning that surgery is necessary anyway. Any vet who is used to dealing with canines should be able to look after large dogs such as yours- we all look after dogs large and small and there should be no particular issues in that respect. Speak to your vet regarding your concerns about the general anaesthetic if you decide to have the surgery done.
Fleas
Category: general | Submitted: 17-Jun-07 | viewed 17316 times
Q Sandra asks:
I have found fleas on my Yorkshire Terrier and cannot understand how she has got them as she has not been in contact with other animals. How could she have picked them up?
Q Samantha says: She does not need to be in contact with any other animals to pick up fleas. The majority of the flea life cycle goes on in the environment so fleas can be anywhere! She may have picked up fleas in the park, the garden, the groomers etc. Even you may have carried fleas home on your clothing and then passed them on to her. Fleas can be anywhere and you can never assume that any animal is free of them however isolated or clean that animal is. Start a program of regular flea treatment now to prevent the problem getting worse.
gooey eyes
Species: cat | Category: medical-surgical | Submitted: 12-Jun-07 | viewed 19465 times
Q Jade asks about fifi (cat - burmese, N) (age 0 years, 2 months):
Fifi has sticky eyes but is well in all other ways could this be conjunctivitis?
Q Samantha says: Yes, it could be but it is important that you take Fifi to a vet to get her checked. Many cases of conjunctivitis are simple but sometimes there may be a more serious underlying cause. Remember that corneal ulcers may also give the appearance of a sticky or sore eye too. So do get her checked soon.
Neutering
Species: dog | Category: medical-surgical | Submitted: 10-Jun-07 | viewed 21464 times
Q Penny asks:
My dog was neutered Thursday and removed the stitches that night. The humane society who performed the surgery advised to leave the surgical site open and prescribed antibiotics. I am afraid of infection if something gets in there. Is this right? Thank you
Q Samantha says: I am sure the humane society vets will have given you good advice (there are usually internal sutures as well, so often things look worse than they really are). These vets will know what types of sutures have been used during the procedure and if they are confident I expect you can be too. The antibiotics will help to prevent infection but obviously do not let your dog swim or get dirty until the wound has healed.
urinary tract infection in cat
Species: cat | Category: medical-surgical | Submitted: 09-Jun-07 | viewed 19673 times
Q Lauren asks:
We know she has a urinary tract infection... and she has had one before. We don't have the money to take her to the vet, but last time we had to bring her in for this they said it was the type of food she was eating that was the problem. She eats Meow Mix brand. They told us to buy: Royal Canin Veterinary Exclusive Urinary sold by Innovative Veterinary Diets So we did and we took away all of her other food and left the special kind for 4 days and she refused to eat it. So I gave up and put the old kind back, and she was OK for about 2 or 3 months but just last week she started peeing on the stairs and blood would be mixed in with the pee. And right now we don't have the money to get it fixed. My mother is a nurse and we have some extra 500mg Ceftin left over from when I had a cold. We cut one of the pills up into a very very very small piece... Does anyone have any advice or recommendations ? And is it OK to give this to her ? I'm beginning to get very worried.... any information?
Q Samantha says: Diet often helps cats if they are prone to urinary tract infections. If you want to change the diet the trick is to do it slowly. It is natural for a cat to ignore a new food- it helps them avoid being poisoned etc. Put a new food down with the old food (a very small amount at first). Your cat will most probably either completely ignore it and eat around it or at best sniff at it and then go away. As long as there is food which she will eat down as well this is fine. After about a week of this, gradually start to reduce the amount of her old cat food and increase the new. Allow around 10 days and often longer for her to be completely on the new diet. As for using your own antibiotics I am afraid that I cannot recommend it and I would urge you to try to get her to a vet if possible. Also consider if she is stressed by anything (for example, other cats in the neighborhood) since stress is often a factor when cats get recurring cystitis.
Temporary lameness in back legs
Species: rabbit | Category: medical-surgical | Submitted: 09-Jun-07 | viewed 18571 times
Q David asks about Woodstock (rabbit - Miniature Lop, M) :
Occasionally our rabbit seems to lose the use of his back legs (usually after struggling while being held). He doesn't yelp, he still eats and drinks, but he limps for a while (and it breaks our hearts!). He always seems to recover, but is this a recurring problem we need to see a vet about? Could it be spinal damage?
Q Samantha says: This does sound like a worrying sign and I cannot be sure what the problem is but if you take your rabbit along to your local vet they may be able to help you further once they have examined him. Perhaps one of the most useful things that I can suggest over the internet is that you ask a vet or veterinary nurse to demonstrate how to hold your rabbit correctly to prevent injury, since it is very common for rabbits to get badly hurt if they struggle when they are being handled and they are not being correctly restrained.
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