My Pet World: Regular veterinary visits can catch any problems early

TAMPA, FLA. -- Your questions are answered this week by experts attending the American Animal Hospital Association Conference, March 12-15.

AAHA is the only organization that accredits veterinary practices in the U.S. and Canada (and actually most practices, around 85 percent, are not accredited). To be accredited, hospitals must meet approximately 900 standards of veterinary excellence. AAHA-accredited hospitals are recognized among the finest in the industry, and are consistently at the forefront of advanced veterinary medicine. Learn more at www.aaha.org.

Q: I read your recent column on the decline in veterinary visits. We have five cats, ranging from 3 to 14 years old. I'm disabled and my husband will retire soon. We don't have the money to take them in annually, as you suggest.

One of our boys, Tux, eats only dry food. We do have a water bowl, but I don't know who's drinking what with so many cats. I read that male cats that eat only dry food are more likely to have urinary tract infections, so should I feed moist food because he's a male?

Our oldest girl, Sitter, seems to sleep a lot. I know older cats do, but that's all she does. I know she's quite overweight, but I never see her eat. The fur on her back is very dry and has skin flakes. I do brush her daily, but it doesn't help. She doesn't act sick, but should we be worried? -- D.C., via cyberspace

A: "Eating solely dry food is not the cause of urinary tract infections in cats," says American Animal Hospital Association Board Member Dr. Heather Loenser, of Glen Gardner, NJ. "This is why pet owners should be careful about what they read, and when in doubt, ask your veterinarian.

"To be clear, adding some moist food to your cats' diet isn't a bad idea," Loenser adds. Moist food contains lots of water, and our cats generally don't get enough water. One water bowl for five cats isn't adequate. It won't cost much to add a few more water bowls, and place them at varying height levels to increase resources and lessen competition. Also, many cats enjoy water fountains manufactured for cats.

"Both of your questions point out why regular veterinary visits are important. Certainly, if your old girl is overweight, she must be eating something, but if the appetite depression is recent, it's absolutely a sign that something may be wrong. Another sign of a problem is when cats -- who are by nature fastidious -- no longer groom themselves as often, which may be what's going on with her coat. A physical exam, including blood work, is likely necessary for this cat," Loenser says.

"Regular veterinary visits can prevent illness from happening, or catch disease early, which often leads to an improved prognosis," says Loenser. "Also, by catching something early you may prevent an expensive visit to the pet ER."

Q: My 2-year-old Australian Shepherd/Labrador mix chews on her back feet, and as a result, leaves wet footprints all over. Lately, the problem has gotten worse. What could be causing this? -- M.E., Las Vegas, NV

A: "At this moment, she may have yeast and/or bacterial infections, so the first step is to treat these thoroughly," says American Animal Hospital Association President Dr. Tracy Jensen, of Wellington, CO. "Also, ask your veterinarian about a product called APOQUEL, which has been so successful at controlling itchiness (that) there's been a supply problem (soon to be rectified).

"Having said that, you do want to know the cause, which is likely allergies, inhalant allergies, food allergies or both."

Jensen says one possible place to begin is with a food trial under veterinary supervision using a prescription diet as directed by your veterinarian. For three months, your dog would eat only this diet with a novel protein source. If the new diet helps, you'll know the problem is likely a food allergy.

Q: Three feral cats have adopted us. We've spayed/neutered all of them and had them ear-tipped (to identify which cats have for sure been spayed/neutered) and vaccinated for rabies. The cats mostly live in the woods near us and are infested with ticks. Catching them is a 2- to 3-day affair because they're so skittish, but it would be possible to do this and take them to a veterinarian if you think this is a good idea. -- L.P., Woodbine, MD

A: Dr. Nancy Soares, a board member of the American Animal Hospital Association, cheers, "You're terrific to care so much about these feral cats. Ideally, veterinary care is best, to check (the cats') general health and also for diseases like feline leukemia and the feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), which outdoor cats may give to one another. And also consider vaccinating these cats, if your budget allows.

"Your concerns about tick disease are valid. Cats are susceptible to one tick disease, in particular, called cytauxzoonosis, which is usually deadly. The best defense is prevention. Even if you can't get the cats into the vet, you may be able to apply spot-on products. Ask your veterinarian about options, such as EFFIPRO or Frontline Plus for cats."

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