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Felix makes crunching noises when eating pheasant
Species: cat | Category: general | Submitted: 03-Feb-10 | viewed 234 times
Q Richard asks about Felix (cat - not known, M) :
Crunching noises might be damaging his teeth? Is this a concern.
Q Our vet says: It is normal for crunching noises to be heard when cats are eating hard foods. You should not feed cats cooked bones as these are prone to splintering.
Red testicles
Category: general | Submitted: 03-Feb-10 | viewed 186 times
Q Julie asks:
I have a four year old staffordshire bull terrier who has not been neutered. His testicles are extremely red and peel off after a few days. They are tender and he does struggle to sit properly when this happens. It is the fourth time in as many months that he has had this.
Q Our vet says: This does sound very painful. It is worth considering if he could be coming into contact with something which is causing this e.g chemicals used in the home.
It is worth asking your vet to check this when it happens again as you may be able to get a cream or ointment for the problem. Of course it is best to find and treat the underlying cause but sometimes this can be difficult to find and symptomatic treatment may be necessary to prevent pain and discomfort for your dog.
Blue film on cat's eye
Species: cat | Category: general | Submitted: 04-Oct-09 | viewed 3691 times
Q Karen asks about wallace (cat) :
My cat has a blue film over one of her eyes. She is almost closing her eye.
Q Our vet says: Problems with eyes should always be taken seriously. It sounds as if this might be a painful condition for your cat. (Animals close their eyes if they are painful just like we do).
Your cat does need to be taken to your vet.
Bloated Stomach
Species: dog | Category: other | Submitted: 02-Sep-09 | viewed 7555 times
Q Rose asks about Lucky (dog - not known, F) :
Hi, My dog lucky is a jack russel and is 13 years old. Her stomach in the last few weeks has become very bloated. It's round and is very hard. Last night and today she has become very weak, stumbling about and not taking notice of anything. She isnt eating much, just drinking. I know she is very old but is there anything I can do?
Q Our vet says: It is important to get Lucky to the vet as soon as possible, she could have something lodged in her intestine or the intestine could be twisted.
Urinating
Species: cat | Category: behaviour | Submitted: 17-Jul-09 | viewed 22477 times
Q Sharon asks about jazzy (cat) :
We have a 3 year old cat we got from Cat's Protection last year. The past few days she's started to do little wees everywhere including in her litter tray. We don't have any other pets and she's a house cat. We know from when we got her she wasn't treated well. She's eating and drinking normally. She still purrs, her eyes are clear and her coat is lovely. I'm really worried.
Q Our vet says: It is obviously impossible to tell you exactly what is wrong with Jazzy over the internet, but with the signs you mention most vets would start to think about problems such as cystitis or other bladder problems. You should take Jazzy along to your vet and if you can take a sample of the urine along with her it would be helpful.
Major worries with Midnight.
Species: cat | Category: medical-surgical | Submitted: 17-Jul-09 | viewed 61808 times
Q Alan asks about Midnight (cat - Common shorthair, M) :
My kitten (unfortunately I have forgotten its DOB) has had major issues. It started yesterday evening when he was in his bed. I went over to fuss it and I noticed a horrible, frothy drool. Just a few minutes after it started growling and meowing (as if in pain) and running in circles. He then proceeded to have a fit and started rolling on the floor twitching. He has vomited once and seems to be partially blind. His hearing has increased immensely and he heard me sneeze upstairs, making him go into another fit. It has not eaten anything and his mother also attempted to kill him (which is unlike her). His eyes are completely dilated and even picking him up and putting him near the light the pupil stays the same size. I linked up these symptoms to find poisoning. He may have gotten into the kitchen cupboard. I already know he will not survive for long and putting him to sleep seems my only option (I hate to see animals in pain), but is there anyway to make him feel better?
Q Our vet says: Your kitten needs urgent attention, call your vet and ask for an appointment. While you are waiting to see your vet keep your kitten quiet and warm.
Tremors in chihuahua
Category: general | Submitted: 17-Jul-09 | viewed 75170 times
Q Craig asks:
In the last couple of hours our 16 month old chihuahua has developed a kind of mini electric shock every few seconds. It is definitely not hiccups and is worrying us greatly. Any advice please?
Q Our vet says: You should get your dog checked by your local vet. It is impossible to say what it could be without seeing your dog but you should seek attention.
Weeping eyes
Category: general | Submitted: 16-Jul-09 | viewed 76003 times
Q Lucy asks about Maisy (cat) :
We brought our 9 week old kitten home today and she has weeping eyes. Her eyes themselves seem bright and clear with no swelling and she is lively. I have tried wiping it away with a luke warm damp cotton wool ball, but it has come back. She is going to the vets on Tuesday for her vaccinations. Should I take her sooner?
Q Our vet says: Yes, you should take her along to your vet sooner. If her eyes are weeping they are probably uncomfortable for her and the cause of the weeping needs to be investigated.
Dog caught hamster
Species: hamster | Category: medical-surgical | Submitted: 15-Jul-09 | viewed 12509 times
Q Natasha asks:
i've had my hamster Moo Moo for an few days now. The day after I got him the dog caught him and he was covered in blood. Now he hates being handled and hides in an corner screwed up in a ball.
Q Our vet says: Take your hamster to your vet today- he may have internal injuries as well as the problems you can see.
Cat with bad teeth
Species: cat | Category: general | Submitted: 15-Jul-09 | viewed 25645 times
Q Julie asks about Charlie (cat - DSH, M) :
My cat had to visit the vet last week for a tummy upset and while we were there she checked his teeth and said that his teeth had a bad plaque build up and his gum looked a bit red. She then went on to tell me that he would need a general anaesthetic to have a scale and polish at a cost of around £300 once you added in putting him on an IV etc for hydration. I felt a little bit like I was getting a sales pitch so I don't know if this is the kind of price dental work should cost. As much as I want to do the best for my cat this is money I just don't have right now so I wonder if there is anything else I can do to try and improve things without putting him through an anaesthetic. I would appreciate any advice.
Q Our vet says: Many animals suffer with their teeth and the discomfort often goes undiscovered for a long time. Not only do dental problems lead to pain and infection in the mouth but systemic problems may occur later on due to all those bacteria.

It is worth having dental treatments for pets but it can be expensive. Cats must have an anaesthetic to allow their teeth to be properly scaled and polished. Just think how much a human dentist would charge for treatment under anaesthetic! Vets use high quality equipment which must be constantly maintained so we do have to charge realistic fees.

It sounds as if your vet does have your cat's welfare at heart. Spotting problems such as this and suggesting treatment will often save your cat discomfort and save you money in the long run.

If you really cannot manage the dental treatment right now you could try Logic gel or homeopathic Fragaria. Have a look at our dental care section.
Inner eyelid not retracting
Species: cat | Category: other | Submitted: 15-Jul-09 | viewed 21739 times
Q Tilly asks about Troy (cat) :
I have a cat who is 4 years old and recently (only 5 or 6 days now) I have noticed his inner eyelid isn't going back into the corner of his eyes like normal. The odd thing is, it is in both eyes and not just one. I've looked and cannot see anything in them and he seems well in himself and not rubbing them. Is this normal?
Q Our vet says: This can happen when cats are not feeling very well generally. Often you will find that your cat has something such as a tummy upset which you may not have noticed if he goes outside to the loo. A trip to the vet would be a good idea.
Not eating
Species: dog | Category: general | Submitted: 15-Jul-09 | viewed 47958 times
Q Lisa asks about Treacle (dog) :
Treacle is a female, twelve and a half year old dog (lab-staff cross). She has always been full of life and rather fat! For the last fortnight or so, she has been off her food, and when she does eat (she will only eat 'real' meat e.g. chicken with some rice) - it goes straight through her or she vomits. As I said, she has always been rather fat, but she now looks like a bag of bones and her back bone can almost be made out. Despite this she is still happy to go for walks (which we have cut down a lot), although she is very slow. And she has a nice wet nose and glossy coat! In previous years she has gone off her food and slowed down in the heat but not to this extent. Should we ride out the summer months or visit the vet? Thank you. Lisa & Treacle
Q Our vet says: You should certainly take her to your vet!
Could my dog be pregnant?
Species: dog | Category: other | Submitted: 15-Jul-09 | viewed 26416 times
Q Michaela asks about charlie (dog - parsin terrier, F) :
Could my dog be pregnant? She was humped 5 times but did not tie when she was in season. Now 3 weeks on she's tired all the time and more affectionate. Last week she was off her food and threw up. Now her appetite is back.
Q Our vet says: Yes, your dog could be pregnant, but she could also have other problems. Vets look out for conditions such as false pregnancy and pyometra (uterine infection) in bitches following a season. The only way to find out is to ask your vet to check her for you.
Mange
Category: general | Submitted: 15-Jul-09 | viewed 76000 times
Q Gemma asks:
How can I tell if my dog has mange?
Q Our vet says: Mange is diagnosed by taking skin scrapes and examining them under a microscope to find the mites or their eggs. Obviously this is not something which you should try to do yourself.
Skin tags
Species: dog | Category: medical-surgical | Submitted: 06-Jul-09 | viewed 84934 times
Q John asks:
Hello, my eight month old cocker spaniel appears to have what looks like bubbles near her eyes and on her face near her mouth. They are attached to her body and I suppose resemble skin tags. They do not irritate her at all. She has had them before on her head and back of her neck but they disappeared. They are tiny and just look like little bubbles. Have you any ideas please? Thank you.
Q Our vet says: Without seeing your dog it is impossible to say exactly what these could be, but I would suggest that it is worth finding out from your vet if these are ticks. Since ticks can carry disease it is always worth trying to prevent the problem by treating your dog for them regularly. Do not try to remove ticks yourself since this can cause problems if it is done incorrectly.
Mating in first heat
Category: general | Submitted: 03-Jul-09 | viewed 91949 times
Q Sarah asks:
My 15 month Shi Tzu is nearing the end of her first heat, but during it she has mated with our other male dog. It is most likely she is pregnant. The only thing is I hear it is dangerous to get pregnant during the first heat and can cost her life. Is this true? Please respond quickly as we will need to take her to the vet to get an injection for termination if it threatens her life.
Q Our vet says: Any pregnancy at any time is a risk to the mother. Obviously first pregnancies in younger dogs can be problematic, but all pregnancies carry some element of risk to both the bitch and the puppies. You will have to decide if you want a pregnancy to go ahead at this time especially as this was unplanned. Ask your vet for further advice.
Upset stomach in dog
Species: dog | Category: medical-surgical | Submitted: 03-Jul-09 | viewed 88551 times
Q Sue asks:
My 14 year old Yorkie is having loose motions with blood and hard motions. He is straining when they are hard. He also passes foul smelling wind. Can you advise me please?
Q Our vet says: At 14 years of age any problem such as this should be taken seriously. You should ask your vet to check your dog for you since he must be quite uncomfortable!
Treatment of facial bone cancer in cats
Species: cat | Category: medical-surgical | Submitted: 02-Jul-09 | viewed 75670 times
Q astir78 asks about tatum (cat - GingerTabby, F) :
Hi, my cat has just been diagnosed with bone cancer, this has affected the bones on the left side of her face. The cancer may have started in the upper palette or upper jaw. I would like to know if there are any curative treatments for this. Is radiotherapy an option in this area of the cat? What is the prognosis for this treatment if it is possible? Thanks
Q Our vet says: I am sorry to hear about your cat. Unfortunately I am not a veterinary oncologist and I am not sure what the best treatment options would be in this situation. Treatment such as radiotherapy is usually carried out at specialist veterinary hospitals. The questions you are asking would be best answered by your own vet who will be able to access more specific information for you. This is obviously a serious condition and you will need to keep in close contact with your vet throughout any treatment. Speak to your vet who will be much better placed to answer all the questions you may have since he or she knows your cat and the individual circumstances of the case. Sorry I cannot help further.

Your comments

On Thursday 6th August 2009 at 14:22 Jane added the following:
Hi, There is a vet who specialises in treatments for cancer. I have seen him a few years ago with one of my cats. His name is Ron Lowe and he is in Knaresborough, near Harrogate West Yorkshire. You can have a look at his website which is Petcancervet. I hope this helps. Jane.
Hamster's eyes
Category: general | Submitted: 30-Jun-09 | viewed 95552 times
Q Stacey asks:
I've recently got a new hamster. I noticed this morning that her eye appears slightly puffy and watery. I have used sterile water and sterile cotton buds to clean her eye and it does seem to have reduced the puffiness but it is still watery. She is still her usual self, running round the cage, eating and drinking, she still loves being stroked and picked up. What could be causing this problem and how can we sort it out? Thanks, Stacey.
Q Our vet says: Even though your hamster still seems well in herself it would be wise to take her along for a check by your local vet. It sounds as if her eyes might be quite uncomfortable. It is necessary to be able to examine the eyes to tell you what could be the cause of this problem and how to treat it. Hamsters can become unwell very quickly so it is always best to get them checked promptly if you notice any problem.
Wild bird found!
Species: bird | Category: medical-surgical | Submitted: 30-Jun-09 | viewed 8998 times
Q Brian asks:
I just found a wild bird outside. I think it's a finch or sparrow, but I'm not sure. It was on its back beside my house and its legs were moving very fast, like a million twitches per second! I didn't know what to do so I picked it up, put it in a kitchen cloth and put it in a container. I placed the container in my small bathroom and put bread crumbs and water beside it. Have I done the right thing? What is wrong with the bird? I have just checked up on the bird. It was got up and out of the cloth but it is yet again on its back and its legs are moving very fast. It is squirming on the floor! Help!
Q Our vet says: It is difficult to know exactly what could be wrong with this bird without examining it. It sounds as if it may have a neurological (nerve) problem of some kind. Is it possible that this bird flew into a window and injured itself? (This is quite common since birds often do not see glass windows and try to fly through at speed resulting in a nasty bump).
The best thing to do would be to contact a local animal rescue organisation or your local vet, but it may be that very little can be done for this little bird if it is severely injured.
Showing 1 to 20 of 654 found Next >


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Your Questions Answered

Red testicles

Julie asks: I have a four year old staffordshire bull terrier who has not been neutered. His testicles are extremely red ... view

Felix makes crunching noises when eating pheasant

Richard asks: Crunching noises might be damaging his teeth? Is this a concern. ... view

Blue film on cat's eye

Karen asks: My cat has a blue film over one of her eyes. She is almost closing her eye. ... view

Bloated Stomach

Rose asks: Hi, My dog lucky is a jack russel and is 13 years old. Her stomach in the last few ... view

Urinating

Sharon asks: We have a 3 year old cat we got from Cat's Protection last year. The past few days she's ... view

Major worries with Midnight.

Alan asks: My kitten (unfortunately I have forgotten its DOB) has had major issues. It started yesterday evening when he was ... view

Tremors in chihuahua

Craig asks: In the last couple of hours our 16 month old chihuahua has developed a kind of mini electric shock ... view

Weeping eyes

Lucy asks: We brought our 9 week old kitten home today and she has weeping eyes. Her eyes themselves seem bright ... view

Mange

Gemma asks: How can I tell if my dog has mange? ... view

Could my dog be pregnant?

Michaela asks: Could my dog be pregnant? She was humped 5 times but did not tie when she was in season. ... view

Dog caught hamster

Natasha asks: i've had my hamster Moo Moo for an few days now. The day after I got him the dog ... view

Not eating

Lisa asks: Treacle is a female, twelve and a half year old dog (lab-staff cross). She has always been full of ... view

Inner eyelid not retracting

Tilly asks: I have a cat who is 4 years old and recently (only 5 or 6 days now) I have ... view

Cat with bad teeth

Julie asks: My cat had to visit the vet last week for a tummy upset and while we were there she ... view

Skin tags

John asks: Hello, my eight month old cocker spaniel appears to have what looks like bubbles near her eyes and on ... view

Mating in first heat

Sarah asks: My 15 month Shi Tzu is nearing the end of her first heat, but during it she has mated ... view

Upset stomach in dog

Sue asks: My 14 year old Yorkie is having loose motions with blood and hard motions. He is straining when they ... view

Treatment of facial bone cancer in cats

astir78 asks: Hi, my cat has just been diagnosed with bone cancer, this has affected the bones on the left side ... view

Hamster's eyes

Stacey asks: I've recently got a new hamster. I noticed this morning that her eye appears slightly puffy and watery. I ... view

Sore paws and scary water!

Daisy asks: Skye is a one year old Border Collie and suitably cheeky and boisterous! He tends to skid to a ... view

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