Your Pet: Q&A
Posted on April 1, 2012 by bob in PetWise
Q: My 16-year-old cat has been vomiting off and on for a week. The veterinarian said it’s because her kidneys are failing. Should I consider putting her down? – J.S., Cyberspace
A: “There’s a difference between kidney insufficiency and kidney failure,” notes Dr. Elizabeth Colleran, of Chico, CA. “Kidney insufficiency is very common and occurs in most cats over 12; and it is treatable with diet, nausea medication, fluid intake and supplements.”
The prognosis for kidney failure isn’t nearly as optimistic. Still, depending on the severity, quality of life might be maintained for some time by treating the symptoms.
Colleran, past president of the American Association of Feline Practitioners and spokesperson for Cat Friendly Practices, adds, “Your veterinarian will know how to figure out what’s going on with your cat. It’s pretty straightforward, based on blood work, kidney values, thyroid function and your cat’s general condition.”
You might consider seeking a second opinion from a feline veterinarian. It sounds like you want to do what’s in the best interest of your cat, which is most important. My thoughts are with you.
Q: Our 4-year-old Papillon is scared of the steps I bought for her so she could climb into our bed. We just bought a new mattress and box spring, so the bed is higher than before. The dog can jump up on the bed, but I’m afraid she might get hurt jumping down to the floor. How do I convince her to use the steps? – S.B., Pahrump, NV
A: I recall a similar question around the time I began this column nearly 20 years ago, I was disparaged by at least one other pet writer for taking the question seriously. How times have changed! Today, nearly half of all dogs sleep in bed with their people.
As it happens, my wife and I also just purchased a new mattress and box spring, and we practically need a step stool ourselves to get in bed. The salesperson explained that beds are now higher than ever, so your trepidation about your dog jumping off is reasonable, and could be an even greater concern as the pet ages.
Try smearing some peanut butter on the top step. Once your dog makes it that far, place a treat just beyond her reach on the bed. Of course, going up is the easy part. To get your dog in the habit of going down the steps, lead her down them using a leash. Hold a special treat as a lure to direct her down, while you also offer a cue, such as, “Out of bed.” Use a weekend to train her.
Q: Van Gogh, my 3-year-old calico cat, has cracked, rough paw pads instead of soft pink ones. Why did this happen to our indoor cat? I’m currently putting olive oil on the cat’s paw pads, but that’s sloppy because she jumps on the couch and gets olive oil there. Any advice? – T.P., Chicago, IL
A: Save the olive oil for your pasta. If your cat is limping or demonstrating discomfort in any way, see your veterinarian promptly.
You could try Omega 3 fatty acid (as a nutritional supplement), which might improve Van Gogh’s skin. Dr. Colleen Currigan, a Chicago, IL-based feline veterinarian and board member of the American Association of Feline Practitioners, notes that some cats with rough paw pads, as you describe, may be dehydrated.
“Your veterinarian can tell for sure,” she says. “But you can do no harm by offering many choices of places to drink (particularly if you have other cats). Add some water to canned food (if that’s what you’re feeding). If you’re feeding only dry food, consider adding some canned food. Many cats enjoy running water, and fountains for cats are available (online and wherever pet products are sold). And be sure to add fresh water to water bowls daily.”
If adding Omega 3 to your cat’s diet and insuring that Van Gogh is drinking lots of water doesn’t help, Currigan says the problem may be an allergy or a number of metabolic causes. It’s possible – if Van Gogh is declawed – walking with an unusual gait could cause the problem. Or, dry pads may mean nothing and can be totally insignificant. Your veterinarian can tell you.
Steve Dale is Certified Animal Behavior Consultant. Contact him at Tribune Media Services, 2225 Kenmore Ave., Suite 114, Buffalo, NY. 14207, or by e-mail, petworld@stevedale.tv. Include your name, city and state. (c) 2012 Tribune Media Services, Inc.
