Furry Forum
Q. Our long-haired cat has begun licking out entire sections of fur, especially on his stomach and tail. He hasn’t had any recent changes—no moves, no dietary switches, no new people in the house. Is this a serious problem or something he will get over on his own?
-Elaine Sulzberger,
Palo Alto, California
A. In particular, cats can have a behavioral condition characterized by excessive licking. However, make sure he doesn’t have a fungal infection called malessezia or mites. Other causes of excessive licking can include inhalant allergies called atopic dermatitis and bacterial skin infections. My recommendation is to have blood work performed by your regular veterinarian to screen for systemic illness, i.e. diabetes, liver, or kidney disease. The pyschogenic cause for excessive licking is diagnosed by excluding other diseases and illness.
- Ron Hodges, DVM, DACVIM, Whitehall, Pennsylvania
A. This problem could be due to a number of things, such as poor absorption of minerals, dry skin, aging, and hidden forms of stress. It is difficult to pinpoint the reasoning behind the behavior without more in-depth information. If the case is dry skin, fish oils could help to improve the condition. If the behavior continues, it’s best if you consult your veterinarian.
- Dr. Elizabeth Webb, West Chester, Pennsylvania
Q. My 4-year-old Chihuahua has a very rare birth defect called Lobster Hand Deformity on her front two feet, causing her to walk on her hind legs often, which may hurt her back hips. Can you give me some advice to help keep her front feet and hips healthy for as long as possible?
-Stephanie Midyett,
St. Louis, Missouri
A. Feed a very nutritious diet that contains ingredients to help maintain proper bone health and development. There are certain diets on the market that contain omega-3 fatty acids that help to prevent inflammation and counteract arthritis. Your veterinarian can also prescribe medications that reduce the incidence of arthritis, such as products that contain glucosamine and chrondroitin sulfate. Proper exercise will also help. I would also recommend yearly radiographs to review the hips. There are also surgeries that can be performed later to relieve painful hip pain if needed. You can consult board certified surgeons regarding surgical options.
- R. Hodges
A. As an herbalist, I have been treating joint, hip, and back problems in people and animals with herbs and MSM, which is an amino acid for joint improvement. The combinations that I have found helpful for this come from the Brazilian Rainforest and aid in tissue regeneration. Another approach to this condition is to treat it with homeopathy.
- E. Webb
Q. I have a 1-year-old Yorkie. He has had bad allergies, and hasn’t been wanting to eat that much. What could we do to stop him from sneezing and coughing, and try to make him eat more?
-Gilbert Granillo
A. The appetite is probably a reflection of his sneezing and coughing. Often allergies are treated, but not cured. I would have your veterinarian perform the following tests to evaluate the cause of the coughing and sneezing, which is often referred to as chronic bronchitis and rhinitis: Chest radiographs, blood work (CBC, chemistry profile), fecal baerman to screen for lung worms and tracheal wash for both cytology and bacterial culture of the fluid from the lungs. Treatment involves reducing the inflammation and or secondary bacterial infection that can accompany allergies. Medications generally prescribed involve anti-histamines, antibiotics, bronchodilators, cough suppressants and steroids. If these measures are employed to help your pet, the appetite will return and I believe he will feel better.
- R. Hodges
A. This can be successfully treated with a detoxification program, homeopathy, and herbs. Detoxification can be easily and safely achieved by mixing particular herbs and a liquid detoxifying supplement to your dog’s food. Animals respond quite well to natural therapies.
- E. Webb
* The opinions expressed are not necessarily those of Tails Pet Media Group, Inc. Please consult your veterinarian before making any major decisions for your pet.
Have a question you’d like to ask about your pet?
Please write to FurryForum@TailsInc.com
-Elaine Sulzberger,
Palo Alto, California
A. In particular, cats can have a behavioral condition characterized by excessive licking. However, make sure he doesn’t have a fungal infection called malessezia or mites. Other causes of excessive licking can include inhalant allergies called atopic dermatitis and bacterial skin infections. My recommendation is to have blood work performed by your regular veterinarian to screen for systemic illness, i.e. diabetes, liver, or kidney disease. The pyschogenic cause for excessive licking is diagnosed by excluding other diseases and illness.
- Ron Hodges, DVM, DACVIM, Whitehall, Pennsylvania
A. This problem could be due to a number of things, such as poor absorption of minerals, dry skin, aging, and hidden forms of stress. It is difficult to pinpoint the reasoning behind the behavior without more in-depth information. If the case is dry skin, fish oils could help to improve the condition. If the behavior continues, it’s best if you consult your veterinarian.
- Dr. Elizabeth Webb, West Chester, Pennsylvania
-Stephanie Midyett,
St. Louis, Missouri
A. Feed a very nutritious diet that contains ingredients to help maintain proper bone health and development. There are certain diets on the market that contain omega-3 fatty acids that help to prevent inflammation and counteract arthritis. Your veterinarian can also prescribe medications that reduce the incidence of arthritis, such as products that contain glucosamine and chrondroitin sulfate. Proper exercise will also help. I would also recommend yearly radiographs to review the hips. There are also surgeries that can be performed later to relieve painful hip pain if needed. You can consult board certified surgeons regarding surgical options.
- R. Hodges
A. As an herbalist, I have been treating joint, hip, and back problems in people and animals with herbs and MSM, which is an amino acid for joint improvement. The combinations that I have found helpful for this come from the Brazilian Rainforest and aid in tissue regeneration. Another approach to this condition is to treat it with homeopathy.
- E. Webb
-Gilbert Granillo
A. The appetite is probably a reflection of his sneezing and coughing. Often allergies are treated, but not cured. I would have your veterinarian perform the following tests to evaluate the cause of the coughing and sneezing, which is often referred to as chronic bronchitis and rhinitis: Chest radiographs, blood work (CBC, chemistry profile), fecal baerman to screen for lung worms and tracheal wash for both cytology and bacterial culture of the fluid from the lungs. Treatment involves reducing the inflammation and or secondary bacterial infection that can accompany allergies. Medications generally prescribed involve anti-histamines, antibiotics, bronchodilators, cough suppressants and steroids. If these measures are employed to help your pet, the appetite will return and I believe he will feel better.
- R. Hodges
A. This can be successfully treated with a detoxification program, homeopathy, and herbs. Detoxification can be easily and safely achieved by mixing particular herbs and a liquid detoxifying supplement to your dog’s food. Animals respond quite well to natural therapies.
- E. Webb
* The opinions expressed are not necessarily those of Tails Pet Media Group, Inc. Please consult your veterinarian before making any major decisions for your pet.
Have a question you’d like to ask about your pet?
Please write to FurryForum@TailsInc.com
