Welcome to our “Ask Dr. Paola” collection, the place each Monday we carry 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 mother or father 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 provide insights that can preserve your kitty completely happy, wholesome, and feline nice. Keep tuned for professional steerage on a variety of matters 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!
“ Howdy. 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 further spinal points? He type 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 might 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 in all places, however can’t appear to discover a man that appears like him. His face appears just like a Bombay and he has very very smooth medium hair and talks continuously 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 normally taking a look at Munchkin cats who’ve brief legs as a consequence 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 feels like Onyx has some bodily abnormalities, however understanding precisely what out of your description is sadly not attainable.
Nevertheless, you’re proper, pets with abnormally lengthy spines are extra vulnerable to affected by spinal points, for instance, intervertebral disc illness. If we take into account 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 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 very best factor you could possibly 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 of offer you a prognosis of his situation.
By your description, it feels like he is perhaps a combined cat however if you wish to make sure about his genetic make-up you’ll be able to by performing a DNA take a look at, and for this, you may get a equipment and don’t even must get the vet concerned.
As an extra tip, I might advocate holding 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 own home surroundings 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 even perhaps some safe playpens to reduce 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 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 remedys are positioned, so if he will get these, a response to them could be the primary potential trigger to rule out.
Moreover, that you must observe his conduct as there’s a risk that this is because of him rubbing this space towards any floor. You must also notice 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 realm may also look pink 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 prognosis and supply applicable 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 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 feels like Sprinkles is enjoying. No should be involved, simply benefit from the present!
This text is part of our weekly Ask Dr. Paola collection
