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My maltese mix has had 2 or 3 warts since Ive had her (5 or 6years). But recently I’ve noticed that a few more are popping up all at once. Does this mean anything or is this just something that happens with age or something
My 13 yr. old cocker has sebaceous gland tumors. We have opted not to operate. One tumor has a very foul odor. Any way to lessen that? Do we just keep her on antibiotics?
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.
My new cat (have had for 3 weeks) and resident cat refuse to tolerate each other. I brought Louie home with the knowledge that they might never like each other but they would at least learn to tolerate. The first week seemed to go pretty well because when we let Louie roam and get a feel for the house Mia avoided him… but now… things seem to be getting aggressive. It doesnt matter where Louie goes or what hes doing (even just sleeping) Mia wants to attack him. Granted, as soon as he sees her he starts growling… but he only started doing that after she batted at him the first time. The episodes seem to be getting more and more aggressive. I would keep him in my room but its clear he wants to roam. And i find it unfair to lock her in a room after 6 years of letting her roam around the whole house. Before we got mia 6 years ago we had an older male cat, they got along well but he passed about 2 years ago. And according to the shelter Louie was surrendered with a sister but she was adopted without him. I need help on this one
Thank you Sarah, the baby gate didnt work… i had one up and then a door screen up but no wwy to secure the screen so he found a way to get out of his own space. For the most part, he does confine himself to his own space still but now its more so the residemt cat that is ckming to him. I have thoe litter trays and food/ water areas still seperate so theres really no reason for him to HAVE to leave his room or for her to come in to his room but they still do. I just dont want this to be a stressful situation for either of them. Mia has never been a fan of any large cat toys (trees or posts) both of my cats are declawed (adopted that way) so they dont tend to “scratch” other than the occasional carpet scratching after a stretch. Shes afraid of the tree we have for her and hes too heavy for it, he knocked it over. (Hes 22 lbs) Any other ideas are welcome
3 weeks in is still a fairly new situation. This will take more time than that. Having said that, keeping them together but separate may help. For instance, a baby gate or two could possibly help you confine them and keep them separated when not supervised, but still allow them to see each other and continue getting used to each other. It also gives them their own space which may help with the adjustment period. Just make sure each has access to their own litter tray and food and water. A few kitty “distractions” might also be helpful- for instance a cat tree and some scratch posts. If they have an outlet for some pent up energy, they may not use it on each other. Don’t give up? There are lots of people on this website that have lots of helpful ideas to share. Hopefully they will add more. Best of luck!!
My 10 year old cat is randomly pooping on rug. Any suggestions on how to make her stop?
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.
Not a lot of information here. In general, cats who stop or refuse using the litter box might do so because of pain. Cats get arthritis too. I’d start with a medical evaluation.
you need to tell your dog or cat to stop and do something about it
One of our 6 month old kittens will suck on the blanket a portion of the night. Will he outgrow this behavior? Are there any concerns if he doesn’t?
That’s adorable! We had one cat, many years ago that sucked on the ear of one of my stuffed animals her entire life… she was fine and never had any issues related to it that I can recall.
As long as he isn’t chewing holes in the blanket and eating the material he chews out of it, I would say this is a minor issue.
Thanks it has been a little less frequent and so odd it’s only a plush type blanket at night. It must be soft like like his mom’s fur. No chewing just leaves a wet spot haha
He’s suckling. Happens when mammals are removed from their mothers too soon, and can happen as a self-soothing behavior, particularly at bedtime.
I’ve just brought Indigo, my 3.5-year-old male cat, from my father’s acreage to my one-bedroom city apartment which I share with two cats already. I knew it would be a handful going in, but Indigo is very, very important to me and I desperately want him to have the longest, healthiest and most love-filled life possible; he was primarily outside, even during cold Canadian winters, and unless I was home to visit, and my father is a way very often which causes me to worry about my pets that get left behind. Indigo’s an extremely confident and friendly cat and I think things have gone quite well considering how huge of a change it’s been. He does not hide, he’s eating and drinking, playing, etc., and is getting less freaked out by traffic noise and neighbors with each passing day. All three cats are getting along very well, although it’s very crowded and I do realize I may need to rehome one of my cats to improve the quality of life for all of them, as well as myself. I also intend to take him out to a park across the street on a harness once it is warmer out so that he still gets to enjoy the outdoors like at home.
My concern is that Indigo’s personality seems to have changed a bit, especially towards me. It’s like he hasn’t forgiven me for bringing him here. He and I have had a special bond and it’s heartbreaking for me to think he’s not happy here, or that I may have harmed our bond. He is usually the sweetest, happiest and most loving cat, but he hasn’t been very cuddly with me, or really responding/purring when I pet him. I’ve had friends over and he seems to much friendlier with them, even literally walking over me to go sit with someone else. He still sleeps next to me at night, but he just lays down instead of cuddling/kneading first. I’m doing everything I can to make him happy, and I know its still very early on in the new situation to tell (been here less than a week), but I just can’t help but feel that I’ve ruined our bond by bringing him here to keep him safe. How best can I maximize his quality of life and win back my cat’s love?
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.
My 9 year old Boxer had MCT (benign) surgery on her side in the Fall. Its been healed for months. Overnight a very large growth appeared at the incision site. Egg sized. Its firm and a little warm. The dog is acting normally. Is this urgent? The soonest I can get into my vet is a week from now. I explained the issue when I called the vet’s office, sent pictures and was told it’s not urgent. Perhaps they are thinking its a seroma? Is it okay to wait so long to see a vet? (I like my vet and really don’t want to be a nuisance–nor do I want my pet’s health to suffer.)
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.
Thanks so much for the response. I do feel like my dog should be seen sooner but didn’t want my vet to think I was pushy. Thanks for the suggestion to just ask her for a referral.
So, just to update, the swelling was a very large post surgical abcess. While I was trying to find a different vet who could see me sooner than my regular vet, the abcess ruptured. My dog was in a lot of pain. I regret not being more persistent with my own vet. When I called and told my regular vet about the rupture, I then got in on an urgent basis. Next time I’ll know to just be a pushy nuisance when I think something is really wrong. I am just sorry I made my dog suffer. (She is now on antibiotics, warm compresses etc and seems to be getting better. Fingers crossed.) Thanks again Dr. Magnifico for the advice.
My dog has had about 10 seizures since last nite he is taking phenobarbital he is 11yrs old
Hello,
Please consider this an emergency and go immediately to your vets office.
We did they put Jim on phenobarbital but he still having just as many seizures is der anything we can do or give until we have enuf money to go back to vets we only get paid on Mondays and we brought him Monday gone they put him on phenobarbital 2 2wice a day
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,
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.