Welcome to our “Ask Dr. Paola” collection, the place each Monday we carry 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 mum or dad or a seasoned cat lover, Dr. Paola is right here to supply 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 completely happy, wholesome, and feline advantageous. Keep tuned for knowledgeable steerage on a spread of subjects that matter most to you and your cat, so you can also make knowledgeable choices and supply the absolute best care to your furry companion.
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Assist! My Cat Walks Bow-Legged!
“ Whats up. 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 sort of walks bow-legged. And he and his brother had been operating 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 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 appeared all over the place, however can’t appear to discover a man that appears like him. His face seems to be just like a Bombay and he has very very glossy medium hair and talks consistently with the tiniest meow. ” – Cathie
Hello Cathie,
I’ve by no means heard of an extra-long cat. Once we evaluate Dachshunds to the cat model, we’re often Munchkin cats who’ve brief legs as a result of an agenetic mutation referred to 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 figuring out precisely what out of your description is sadly not potential.
Nevertheless, you’re 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 extra 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 continues to be there, the most effective factor you might do is get Onyx checked by a vet. They might want to do a minimum of some X-rays and probably even an MRI to diagnose what’s going on. After examination, the vet may additionally be capable to provide you with a prognosis of his situation.
By your description, it seems like he could be a combined 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 will get a package and don’t even have to get the vet concerned.
As an extra tip, I might suggest retaining an in depth eye on Onyx, paying particular consideration to his mobility, and reporting any modifications in his exercise ranges to your vet. You can additionally do some modifications to your property 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 tender touchdown areas, and maybe even some safe playpens to reduce the danger 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 just under his neck, he’s appearing regular however I’m a bit involved” – Nicholas
Hello Nicholas, there are a number of explanation why Maverick might be getting a bald spot. The realm you’re describing is the place pour-on anti-flea therapies are positioned, so if he will get these, a response to them can be the primary potential trigger to rule out.
Moreover, you have to observe his conduct as there’s a risk that this is because of him rubbing this space towards any floor. You must also word 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 realm 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 allergy symptoms. A go to to the vet to gather samples is one of the simplest ways to get a definitive prognosis and supply acceptable remedy. 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 must be involved, simply benefit from the present!
This text is part of our weekly Ask Dr. Paola collection
