Welcome to our “Ask Dr. Paola” sequence, the place each Monday we convey knowledgeable 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 father or mother 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 widespread behavioral points, Dr. Paola is able to supply insights that may maintain your kitty glad, wholesome, and feline wonderful. Keep tuned for knowledgeable steerage on a spread of matters that matter most to you and your cat, so you can also make knowledgeable selections and supply the very best care on your furry companion.
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Assist! My Cat Walks Bow-Legged!
“ Hi there. 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 nicely. My query is, can his size trigger him further spinal points? He type of walks bow-legged. And he and his brother have 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 in all places, however can’t appear to discover a man that appears like him. His face seems much like a Bombay and he has very very smooth 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 Munchkin cats who’ve brief legs because of an agenetic mutation often known as achondroplasia or chondrodysplasia. Since you aren’t mentioning brief legs however bow-leggedness, I’m assuming Onyx’s legs are regular size. It seems like Onyx has some bodily abnormalities, however understanding precisely what out of your description is sadly not doable.
Nevertheless, you might be proper, pets with abnormally lengthy spines are extra prone to affected by spinal points, 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 added 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 would do is get Onyx checked by a vet. They might want to do not less than some X-rays and presumably even an MRI to diagnose what’s going on. After examination, the vet can also be capable to offer you a analysis of his situation.
By your description, it seems like he could be a blended cat however if you wish to make certain about his genetic make-up you may by performing a DNA take a look at, and for this, you may get a equipment and don’t even have to get the vet concerned.
As an extra tip, I might suggest retaining a detailed eye on Onyx, paying particular consideration to his mobility, and reporting any adjustments in his exercise ranges to your vet. You could possibly additionally do some modifications to your house surroundings 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 even perhaps some safe playpens to reduce the chance of accidents and collisions.
Greatest 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 appearing regular however I’m a bit involved” – Nicholas
Hello Nicholas, there are a number of the explanation why Maverick might be getting a bald spot. The world you might be describing is the place pour-on anti-flea therapys 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 observe his habits as there’s a chance that this is because of him rubbing this space towards any floor. You must also observe whether or not he could also be inflicting the fur on this space to fall off because of extreme stretching. If that’s the case, the world may even look crimson and irritated.
There might be many causes of itchy pores and skin and secondary alopecia, with the commonest ones together with bacterial or fungal infections, fleas, and meals or environmental allergies. A go to to the vet to gather samples is the easiest way to get a definitive analysis and supply acceptable 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 below 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 seems like Sprinkles is taking part in. No should be involved, simply benefit from the present!
This text is part of our weekly Ask Dr. Paola sequence
