Welcome to our “Ask Dr. Paola” collection, the place each Monday we carry skilled recommendation straight from Dr. Paola Cuevas (MVZ) to assist our readers higher perceive their cat’s well being and well-being.
Whether or not you’re a brand new pet dad or mum or a seasoned cat lover, Dr. Paola is right here to offer solutions to your most urgent questions. From diet ideas and preventive care to troubleshooting frequent behavioral points, Dr. Paola is able to supply insights that can preserve your kitty comfortable, wholesome, and feline high quality. Keep tuned for skilled steerage on a variety of matters that matter most to you and your cat, so you can also make knowledgeable selections and supply the very best care to your furry companion.
Have a question? Send it in here!
Assist! My Cat Walks Bow-Legged!
“ Howdy. My male 18-month-old tuxedo cat is sort of a limo (or dachshund of a cat). His brother is lengthy too, however Onyx is abnormally lengthy. And has the bottom tail I’ve ever seen as effectively. My query is, can his size trigger him additional spinal points? He type of walks bow-legged. And he and his brother had been working round a number of months in the past. Onyx hit the dresser onerous and since then, he has had a tiny bump close to his again. I’m assuming like a bruise. How lengthy might a bruise like this final? I’m additionally questioning what sort of cat has a really lengthy size as he does so I can analysis. I’ve seemed all over the place, however can’t appear to discover a man that appears like him. His face appears just like a Bombay and he has very very modern medium hair and talks always with the tiniest meow. ” – Cathie
Hello Cathie,
I’ve by no means heard of an extra-long cat. After we examine Dachshunds to the cat model, we’re normally taking a look at Munchkin cats who’ve brief legs as a consequence of an agenetic mutation often called achondroplasia or chondrodysplasia. Since you aren’t mentioning brief legs however bow-leggedness, I’m assuming Onyx’s legs are regular size. It feels like Onyx has some bodily abnormalities, however figuring out precisely what out of your description is sadly not attainable.
Nonetheless, you might be proper, pets with abnormally lengthy spines are extra inclined to suffering from spinal issues, for instance, intervertebral disc illness. If we contemplate Onyx’s lengthy backbone is mixed with different anatomical variations like a low-set tail or bow-legged gait we are able to assume there’s potential for extra stress on the backbone and joints, which might result in discomfort or mobility challenges over time.
Because you describe the accident that occurred months in the past and the bump continues to be there, the perfect factor you could possibly do is get Onyx checked by a vet. They might want to do not less than some X-rays and probably even an MRI to diagnose what’s going on. After examination, the vet may additionally have the ability to offer you a prognosis of his situation.
By your description, it feels like he is perhaps a combined cat however if you wish to make sure about his genetic make-up you possibly can by performing a DNA test, and for this, you may get a equipment and don’t even have to get the vet concerned.
As an extra tip, I’d advocate protecting a detailed eye on Onyx, paying particular consideration to his mobility, and reporting any modifications in his exercise ranges to your vet. You might additionally do some modifications to your own home atmosphere to make sure there aren’t any extraordinarily excessive surfaces to leap from, including ramps for him to simply climb on to couches or beds, add some tender touchdown areas, and maybe even some safe playpens to reduce the danger of accidents and collisions.
Finest needs!
Dr. Paola
Assist! My Cat has a Bald Spot!
“Maverick is getting a bald spot between his shoulder blades just under his neck, he’s performing regular however I’m a bit involved” – Nicholas
Hello Nicholas, there are a number of explanation why Maverick could possibly be getting a bald spot. The world you might be describing is the place pour-on anti-flea treatments are positioned, so if he will get these, a response to them can be the primary potential trigger to rule out.
Moreover, it’s essential to observe his habits as there’s a chance that this is because of him rubbing this space towards any floor. You must also be aware whether or not he could also be inflicting the fur on this space to fall off as a consequence of extreme stretching. If that’s the case, the realm may also look purple and irritated.
There could possibly be many causes of itchy skin and secondary alopecia, with the commonest ones together with bacterial or fungal infections, fleas, and food or environmental allergies. A go to to the vet to gather samples is one of the simplest ways to get a definitive prognosis and supply applicable therapy. Good luck!
Sincerely,
Dr. Paola
Assist! My Cat Likes to Bury All Her Toys!
“My cat likes to bury her toys in her mattress or beneath a pile of blankets after which dig them out prefer it’s a treasure hunt. Is that this regular?” – Deena (Mother of Sprinkles)
Hey Deena, it feels like Sprinkles is playing. No have to be involved, simply benefit from the present!
This text is part of our weekly Ask Dr. Paola collection
