Welcome to our “Ask Dr. Paola” collection, 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 supply insights that may maintain your kitty completely happy, wholesome, and feline fantastic. Keep tuned for professional steering on a variety of matters that matter most to you and your cat, so you may make knowledgeable selections and supply the very best care in your furry companion.
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Assist! My Cat Walks Bow-Legged!
“ Hi there. 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 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 regarded 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 smooth medium hair and talks always 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 normally 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 feels like Onyx has some bodily abnormalities, however figuring out precisely what out of your description is sadly not potential.
Nonetheless, you might be proper, pets with abnormally lengthy spines are extra inclined 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 are able to assume there’s 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 not less than some X-rays and presumably even an MRI to diagnose what’s going on. After examination, the vet may have the ability to provide you with a analysis of his situation.
By your description, it feels like he may be a blended cat however if you wish to be sure about his genetic make-up you may by performing a DNA take a look at, and for this, you may get a package and don’t even must get the vet concerned.
As a further tip, I might advocate preserving a detailed eye on Onyx, paying particular consideration to his mobility, and reporting any adjustments in his exercise ranges to your vet. You could possibly 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 tender touchdown areas, and even perhaps some safe playpens to attenuate the chance 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 under 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 realm you might be describing is the place pour-on anti-flea remedies are positioned, so if he will get these, a response to them can be the primary potential trigger to rule out.
Moreover, you should observe his conduct as there’s a risk that this is because of him rubbing this space towards 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 result of extreme stretching. If that’s the case, the realm can even look pink and irritated.
There could possibly 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 allergic reactions. A go to to the vet to gather samples is one of the simplest ways 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 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 feels like Sprinkles is enjoying. No must be involved, simply benefit from the present!
This text is part of our weekly Ask Dr. Paola collection
