Welcome to our “Ask Dr. Paola” sequence, 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 father or mother 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 advantageous. Keep tuned for professional steerage on a variety of matters that matter most to you and your cat, so you can also make knowledgeable choices 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 effectively. My query is, can his size trigger him additional 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 exhausting 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 seemed in every single place, however can’t appear to discover a man that appears like him. His face appears just like a Bombay and he has very very modern 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 evaluate Dachshunds to the cat model, we’re normally taking a look at Munchkin cats who’ve brief legs on account of an agenetic mutation often known 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 doable.
Nevertheless, 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 remains to be there, the very best factor you would do is get Onyx checked by a vet. They might want to do at the very least some X-rays and probably even an MRI to diagnose what’s going on. After examination, the vet may additionally be capable to offer you a prognosis of his situation.
By your description, it seems 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 check, and for this, you may get a equipment and don’t even have to get the vet concerned.
As an extra tip, I’d suggest protecting 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 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 smooth touchdown areas, and maybe even some safe playpens to attenuate the chance 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 the reason why Maverick could possibly be getting a bald spot. The world you might be describing is the place pour-on anti-flea remedys are positioned, so if he will get these, a response to them can be the primary potential trigger to rule out.
Moreover, it’s essential to observe his conduct as there’s a chance that this is because of him rubbing this space towards any floor. You also needs to be aware whether or not he could also be inflicting the fur on this space to fall off on account of extreme stretching. If that’s the case, the world may also look pink and irritated.
There could possibly 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 one of the best ways 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 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 should be involved, simply benefit from the present!
This text is part of our weekly Ask Dr. Paola sequence