Welcome to our “Ask Dr. Paola” sequence, the place each Monday we deliver 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 guardian 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 frequent behavioral points, Dr. Paola is able to provide insights that may hold your kitty blissful, wholesome, and feline tremendous. Keep tuned for knowledgeable steerage on a spread of subjects that matter most to you and your cat, so you can also make knowledgeable selections and supply the very best care to your furry companion.
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Assist! My Cat Has a Crusty Development on His Chin!
“Expensive Dr Paola,
Mr Crowley is a mini-panther and he has he small bumps on his trunk the place there shouldn’t be, however what actually issues me is a crusty, sticky progress on the tip of his chin, concerning the measurement of a pea which cannot be seen. I solely felt it and it actually issues me. Thanks,“ – Steve
Hello Steve,
I fully perceive your concern. Any surprising adjustments in Mr. Crowley’s pores and skin, particularly a crusty or sticky progress, deserve consideration. The chin is a typical space for feline pimples, which might result in clogged follicles, small bumps, and even secondary infections. Nevertheless, because you describe the expansion as agency, sticky, and crusty, there are different potentialities to rule out, together with an contaminated follicle, a cyst, and even one thing extra complicated like eosinophilic granulomas AKA “rodent ulcer” or a sort of pores and skin tumor.
The small bumps on his trunk might be associated or a separate problem, equivalent to allergic dermatitis, insect bites, or one other kind of pores and skin response. Since pores and skin circumstances can have a variety of causes, and most require particular remedies, one of the best method can be to have him seen by a veterinarian. They could carry out a pores and skin scrape, cytology, or perhaps a biopsy if wanted. Within the meantime, keep away from touching the world, and if he makes use of plastic bowls, I like to recommend switching to chrome steel, as plastic can harbor micro organism and infrequently contributes to pores and skin irritation.
I actually hope it’s one thing easy and treatable for Mr. Crowley, however given the crusty texture and persistence of the expansion, an in-person examination can be the easiest way to make sure he will get the care he wants.
Finest needs, Dr. Paola
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Assist! My Cat is Abruptly Sneezing!
“Hello Dr Paola!
I’ve observed my cat Shushu, who’s 11, began to sneeze a number of occasions a day a number of days in the past. Moreover she had a cough episode this morning (round 10 seconds) which didn’t repeat. No sputum/discharge observed. She is sleeping a lot of the days, nonetheless has an enormous urge for food and zoomies. What might it’s? Ought to I go to her vet for this? I’m frightened it might be cigarette smoke resulting from anyone smoking in the home, or perhaps a chilly, a virus, and even mud? Thanks a lot!! “ – Cana
Hello Cana!
It’s nice that you simply’re paying such shut consideration to Shushu’s well being, particularly as she will get older. Occasional sneezing in cats will be triggered by quite a lot of elements, together with environmental irritants like mud, cigarette smoke, and even family cleansing or different scented merchandise. Since somebody in the home smokes, this might be a possible irritant affecting her respiratory system, as cats are fairly delicate to airborne pollution.
That mentioned, the truth that she additionally had a quick coughing episode raises the opportunity of an underlying respiratory problem. Viral or bacterial infections, allergic reactions, and even early indicators of bronchial asthma might be at play. Whereas her urge for food, power, and habits appear regular, which is reassuring, her age makes it vital to observe her carefully. If the sneezing and coughing proceed, develop into extra frequent, or if she develops nasal discharge, eye irritation, or any adjustments in respiration, a veterinary go to can be clever to rule out infections or inflammatory circumstances.
For now, decreasing potential triggers like smoke publicity and mud might assist. Attempt holding her in a well-ventilated, smoke-free space, and think about using an air air purifier and a humidifier if the air is dry. For those who discover any worsening indicators or a rise in frequency, a veterinary check-up can be greatest to make sure her respiratory well being is absolutely assessed.
I hope this helps!
Dr. Paola
Assist! My Cat Is Shedding Hair!
“My boyfriend’s cat Beckham is shedding fur in patches, particularly the place he scratches so much. His pores and skin is usually pink with some faint black spots. I additionally noticed a black bug in his fur and the pores and skin close to his stomach pouch seems contaminated. Since he’s not my cat, I can solely take him to the vet if it’s severe. Additionally, he scratched me deeply and it took six months to heal – might he have given me an an infection? – April
Hello April,
Beckham’s fur loss, itching, and pores and skin irritation sound regarding, particularly with the presence of a black bug in his fur. This strongly suggests a parasite infestation; most definitely fleas. Cats with flea allergic reactions can have intense itching, resulting in overgrooming, hair loss, and even secondary pores and skin infections. The black bug you noticed might be an grownup flea, and the black spots on his pores and skin is likely to be hyperpigmentation from persistent irritation. If the pores and skin close to his stomach pouch seems contaminated, crimson, swollen, or oozing it’s probably a secondary an infection from micro organism benefiting from the irritated pores and skin, this requires veterinary consideration.
Because you talked about Beckham scratched you deeply and it took months to heal, there’s a risk you contracted an an infection, particularly if the wound was infected, sluggish to shut, or worsened over time. Cats can carry Bartonella (also referred to as cat scratch illness), together with different micro organism like Pasteurella that may trigger slow-healing wounds. For those who nonetheless have any lingering results or issues, get checked by an MD.
As for Beckham’s worsening an infection, he does want veterinary care. A vet must rule out problems like fungal or bacterial infections. Caring for everybody’s well being is extraordinarily vital. Guaranteeing Beckham will get a correct medical analysis won’t solely help his well-being but in addition assist shield the well being of these round him. I hope he receives the care he wants quickly!
Wishing Beckham some reduction and hoping your scratch is absolutely healed by now!
Sincerely,
Dr. Paola
This text is part of our weekly Ask Dr. Paola sequence
