How often does he lick it? Is is possible this is a lick granuloma?

If this were a Doberman, I’d worry about Wobbler’s…in German Shepherds, I’d worry about DM/Degenerative Myelopathy. I hope you get answers quickly.

I know this can’t help you in the short term, but I’d invest in DNA testing for it, for any GSDs you might bring into your home. GenSol Diagnostics, VetGen LLC, Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, Paw Print Genetics all carry tests.

So, the casing on sausages is usually “natural” – meaning it’s made of intestine. It’s meant to be digested. I would monitor, but I don’t think I’d overly stress. Dr. Magnifico might have another opinion, and if she chimes in I’d listen to her more than I’d listen to me. Just relaying how I’d react in this situation.

I WOULD plan to alter the trash situation, if your cat can dig around in it. Don’t want kitty getting something really dangerous, like cooked chicken bones!

I know vets will extract retained baby teeth in dogs. I would imagine they do the same for cats.

I’d get him to the vet. Big bellies are (usually) wormy bellies, but your vet will be able to help you here.

If this is environmental: add an air cleaner (one that just blows dust into a filter) near their enclosure. I really like the system made by Swiffer – it’s literally a fan in a base, blowing dust into a filter sock. It looks nice and does a great job at reducing dust. Furthermore, make sure you aren’t using harsh cleaners, or anything with airborne scents. This means no candles, no aerosols, no oil diffusers.

Make sure you vacuum in their area frequently, and make sure you keep the room free of dust. The aforementioned air cleaner helps but it doesn’t completely remove the need to dust.

Also consider their bedding. Do you clean it on a schedule which is correct for their needs? Is it dust-free? Some bedding types are NOT recommended for small mammals.

Maggie, my heart is with you. My old man cat is doing well right now but I fear the downward swing during this quarantine period.

I’m so sorry.

Based on the following link, it sounds like dominance behavior: http://www.degutopia.co.uk/degubhvrfaq.htm#FIGHT

Only a month before bringing another animal in? He might be unsettled. Get back to your daily training and he’ll come back to you as his primary person.

He sounds terribly polite.

Why not take him for a walk? 🙂