Hello,
Some of these skin masses are benign cosmetic lesions and require only monitoring. But others can be more dangerous to your pet. Th best advice is to consult with your veterinarian and if you or they are concerned about any of them have them removed and submitted for a biopsy. That’s the best and in some cases only way to truly diagnose them.
Hello,
I’m sorry to hear about your pup. Why have you declined surgery? I wouldfear that the foul odor is due to infection? In these cases I always suggest removing them as there is no other way to manage the infection. In the long run that mighteven be cheaper than antibiotics indefinitely. At my clinic we can often manage these for a few hundred dollars.
Hello,
This is never an easy answer. Here’s what I tell my clients.
1. Start with a good thorough examination at your vets office.
2. Run senior bloodwork to check thyroid and blood pressure.
3. Look for any evidence of joint pain or disease
4. Keep the litter box really clean. Scoop daily. Dump and clean box weekly.
5. Make sure there are ample boxes for the number of cats you have. Ideally two for the first Cat and an extra for each additional Cat.
6. Get a low sided big box. No cover. See if they like this size better
7. Try play sand or potting soil. See if they like this better than the clumping litter which is often super dusty and perfumed (both of which cats hate).
8. Make sure the box is in a safe quiet place. Not near an outlet or appliance or hidden away someplace scary
9. Often I see this happen in older cats who know they are supposed to go inside the box but it hurts too much to get into it. So they go near it.
See if these help. Let us know.
Please also know that your cat is trying to tell you something. So it may take a little time and detective work to figure that out. By there is always a reason why.
Hello,
First of all I applaud your devotion to your cats. As you mention he seems to be acclimating amazingly well. Please understand that this is in my opinion the most important part of this situation. Secondly, I do not believe that cats are capable of punishing or holding grudges. So I don’t think that this should be a reason to explain his change in behavior.
Cats are very intuitive and intelligent creatures. He is doing the best he can and he sounds like he is excelling in his ability to adapt and overcome big (really big) changes. Please don’t take anything personally. He doesn’t love you less he just has had to learn to survive differently. Be proud of him for this and be patient. It is the most important part of being a parent. Loving unconditionally and staying devoted through thick and thin. Best of luck.
Perhaps you can Call the vet and ask for a prescription of Valium? Or another sedative to help manage the seizures like gabapentin? Maybe these can help and be affordable? They are also available at human pharmacies and often are very affordable. Or ask your vet to see you and allow you to make payments. Your pup needs help ASAP.
Hello,
I am not sure if this is urgent or not as I don’t know what the swelling is due to. Is there any way your vet can refer you to someone who can see you sooner. Just to look at the incision? Hopefully it isn’t anything serious.. but you cannot be sure until your vet (or a vet) looks at it.
Hello,
Please consider this an emergency and go immediately to your vets office.
Hello,
I’m sorry if you thought the answer was condescending. It wasn’t intended to be. It was intended to be my perception of what your new cat might be thinking and why he might be confused with the litter box moving and your expectation of his response and confusion. If it upset you I apologize. It wasn’t my intention.
Hello,
I think the disconnect is in teaching him to go in your room then assuming he would understand he wasn’t supposed to. I recommend not confusing your pet by starting with one direction (ex here is a litter box for you but it will be in a different place tomorrow) and then being upset he is confused. Why can’t you keep it in your room? If he is your cat and stays with you it will probably be the best way to insure he is going where you want him to (in the box). If you refuse to have it in your room you will have to wait until he is acclimated to the house and using the other one. And then you will have to start very (like very!) gradually moving the box in your room to the place you want it to be. Also. Lots of cats don’t want to share litter box spaces or areas. It is a place they feel threatened or anxious so they prefer to be in a quiet private place. I hope this helps.
Is everyone neutered?
And no I vehemently argue that they “know better”. They may know you are not happy but they do not know spite or anger. I don’t recommend training on pee pads because it gets too confusing for pets. As I think is the case for your dogs. How are they supposed to understand “pee in the house, BUT only right in this little spot on this little thing?” How confusing must that be?
You could also try a belly band while you figure out how to manage the bathroom issues.