Welcome to our “Ask Dr. Paola” collection, the place each Monday we carry skilled 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 guardian 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 hold your kitty pleased, wholesome, and feline nice. Keep tuned for skilled steering 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!
“ Hey. 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 properly. My query is, can his size trigger him additional spinal points? He form of walks bow-legged. And he and his brother have been operating round a number of months in the past. Onyx hit the dresser arduous and since then, he has had a tiny bump close to his again. I’m assuming like a bruise. How lengthy may 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 all over the place, however can’t appear to discover a man that appears like him. His face appears to be like just like a Bombay and he has very very modern 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 often Munchkin cats who’ve brief legs as a result of an agenetic mutation often called achondroplasia or chondrodysplasia. Since you aren’t mentioning brief legs however bow-leggedness, I’m assuming Onyx’s legs are regular size. It appears like Onyx has some bodily abnormalities, however figuring out precisely what out of your description is sadly not doable.
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 may be potential for added stress on the backbone and joints, which may 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 very best factor you could possibly do is get Onyx checked by a vet. They might want to do no less than some X-rays and presumably even an MRI to diagnose what’s going on. After examination, the vet might also have the ability to offer you a analysis of his situation.
By your description, it appears like he could be a combined cat however if you wish to make sure about his genetic make-up you possibly can by performing a DNA check, and for this, you may get a package and don’t even must get the vet concerned.
As a further tip, I might suggest preserving a detailed eye on Onyx, paying particular consideration to his mobility, and reporting any adjustments in his exercise ranges to your vet. You may additionally do some modifications to your private home setting 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 smooth touchdown areas, and maybe even some safe playpens to reduce the chance of accidents and collisions.
Finest needs!
Dr. Paola
Assist! My Cat has a Bald Spot!
“Maverick is getting a bald spot between his shoulder blades slightly below his neck, he’s appearing regular however I’m a bit involved” – Nicholas
Hello Nicholas, there are a number of the reason why Maverick could possibly 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, you want to 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 as a result of extreme stretching. If that’s the case, the world may also look crimson and irritated.
There could possibly 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 likes to bury her toys in her mattress or underneath 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 appears like Sprinkles is enjoying. No must be involved, simply benefit from the present!
This text is part of our weekly Ask Dr. Paola collection
