Welcome to our “Ask Dr. Paola” sequence, the place each Monday we deliver professional 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 dad or mum or a seasoned cat lover, Dr. Paola is right here to supply solutions to your most urgent questions. From diet suggestions and preventive care to troubleshooting widespread behavioral points, Dr. Paola is able to provide insights that can maintain your kitty joyful, wholesome, and feline high quality. Keep tuned for professional steerage on a spread of subjects that matter most to you and your cat, so you can also make knowledgeable selections and supply the absolute best care in your furry companion.
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Assist! My Cat Walks Bow-Legged!
“ Hello. My male 18-month-old tuxedo cat is like a limo (or dachshund of a cat). His brother is long too, but Onyx is abnormally long. And has the lowest tail I have ever seen as well. My question is, can his length cause him extra spinal issues? He kind of walks bow-legged. And he and his brother were running around several months ago. Onyx hit the dresser hard and since then, he has had a tiny bump near his back. I am assuming like a bruise. How long could a bruise like this last? I am also wondering what kind of cat has a very long length as he does so I can research. I have looked everywhere, but can’t seem to find a guy that looks like him. His face looks similar to a Bombay and he has very very sleek medium hair and talks constantly with the tiniest meow. ” – Cathie
Hello Cathie,
I’ve by no means heard of an extra-long cat. Once we examine Dachshunds to the cat model, we’re often Munchkin cats who’ve quick legs as a consequence of an agenetic mutation often known as achondroplasia or chondrodysplasia. Since you aren’t mentioning quick legs however bow-leggedness, I’m assuming Onyx’s legs are regular size. It feels like Onyx has some bodily abnormalities, however realizing precisely what out of your description is sadly not potential.
Nevertheless, you might be proper, pets with abnormally lengthy spines are extra vulnerable 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 will 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 remains to be there, the perfect factor you possibly can do is get Onyx checked by a vet. They might want to do at the least some X-rays and probably even an MRI to diagnose what’s going on. After examination, the vet may have the ability to offer you a analysis of his situation.
By your description, it feels like he could be a combined cat however if you wish to be sure about his genetic make-up you’ll be able to by performing a DNA check, and for this, you may get a equipment and don’t even must get the vet concerned.
As a further tip, I’d suggest preserving a detailed eye on Onyx, paying particular consideration to his mobility, and reporting any modifications in his exercise ranges to your vet. You might additionally do some modifications to your property surroundings to make sure there are not any extraordinarily excessive surfaces to leap from, including ramps for him to simply climb on to couches or beds, add some delicate touchdown areas, and even perhaps some safe playpens to attenuate the danger 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 below his neck, he’s acting normal but I’m a bit concerned” – Nicholas
Hello Nicholas, there are a number of the reason why Maverick might be getting a bald spot. The realm 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, that you must observe his habits as there’s a risk that this is because of him rubbing this space in opposition to any floor. You also needs to word whether or not he could also be inflicting the fur on this space to fall off as a consequence of extreme stretching. If that’s the case, the world will even look crimson and irritated.
There might be many causes of itchy pores and skin and secondary alopecia, with the most typical 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 applicable therapy. Good luck!
Sincerely,
Dr. Paola
Assist! My Cat Likes to Bury All Her Toys!
“My cat loves to bury her toys in her bed or under a pile of blankets and then dig them out like it’s a treasure hunt. Is this normal?” – Deena (Mother of Sprinkles)
Hey Deena, it feels 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
