ArcaMax

Q: I adopted a pit bull who had lost one ear in the fighting ring, so I named him van Gogh. He is a healthy, sweet, gentle guy who loves to snuggle. When we lie on the couch watching television and my arm drapes across his chest, I sometimes notice that his heart beats in an unsteady rhythm.

It beats fast for a few seconds, then slowly for a ...Read more

Q: I am ready to get a cat. During the upcoming "kitten season," there will be plenty of free kittens available from local farms and elsewhere in my community. Alternatively, I can adopt a kitten or cat from a shelter or rescue group, but that would cost money. Do you have an opinion about where I should go for my new cat?

A: Adopting a kitten ...Read more

Q: Our dog Pearl seems to prefer my wife to me, and that hurts my feelings. Do you know why? Can I do anything to convince Pearl to like me more?

A: A few possible reasons come to mind. Does your wife feed Pearl? Does she spend more time with her? Does your wife greet Pearl warmly and cuddle her more than you do?

Another possibility is that ...Read more

Q: My cat has lymphoma. I know humans also get this type of cancer. Is it possible for my cat to give me her lymphoma?

A: No. Cancers are not transmitted from pets to people, or for that matter, from one person to another.

Cats infected with FeLV, the feline leukemia virus, are at greater risk of developing lymphoma than cats that were never ...Read more

Q: My hamster, Cheeky, doesn't use his exercise wheel. My friends' hamsters all do. Is Cheeky just lazy, or should I get him a different wheel?

A: Most hamsters enjoy their wheels, although some don't, just like some people don't relish jogging on a treadmill.

One study of wheel preference found that hamsters like large wheels, the 35 ...Read more

Q: After my dog Lola was spayed, her veterinarian fitted her with a plastic Elizabethan collar, or E-collar, to prevent her from licking her surgical incision. Fortunately, the incision is healing well. Why do dogs lick their wounds, and why would our vet want to prevent it? I thought dog saliva contained an antiseptic that made licking ...Read more

Q: I love my dog, Jack, and my cat, Annie. They are important members of my family, and I want to keep them with me as long as possible. What are the best ways to help them live long, healthy, happy lives?

A: This is the ideal time to make your New Year's resolutions about pet care.

Start by resolving to maintain your pets' body weights within...Read more

Q: Our daughter, who recently bought her first house, has been talking about getting a puppy. She will be hosting Hanukkah this year, and we'd love to see her face when a cute little puppy sporting a big blue bow springs from the box we give her.

However, we're nervous about giving her a pet because she may feel obligated to keep it even if ...Read more

Q: The veterinarian says my cat has tooth resorption, so I made an appointment for her to have dental X-rays and probably tooth extraction. What can you tell me about this condition?

A: Tooth resorption, previously called feline odontoclastic resorptive lesions or neck lesions because they're often seen on the neck of the tooth where the ...Read more

Q: My dog recently developed a red eye. What causes this? Should I try putting human eye drops in his eye?

A: A red eye can result from any number of diseases, some of which threaten vision if not addressed quickly. So, when you see a red eye, take your pet to the veterinarian immediately.

Glaucoma, increased pressure within the eyeball, is a ...Read more

Q: My kitty Simba is a pussycat at home, but he turns into a lion every time we go to the animal hospital. The staff is gentle with him, but he hisses and growls, and I'm afraid he will bite them. What should I do?

A: Before your next visit, ask your veterinarian about an anti-anxiety medication such as gabapentin for Simba. It's easily mixed ...Read more

Q: May we treat our dog and cat to some Thanksgiving leftovers? Is it OK for the cat to clean the remaining meat from the turkey carcass and chew on the small bones?

A: In a word: No. Veterinary emergency clinics see way too many dogs and cats after holiday feasts. Don't make your pets join that crowd.

Any abrupt change in diet can precipitate...Read more

Q: We recently welcomed a Labrador retriever puppy into our family. Our veterinarian recommends that during her spay surgery, the surgeon attach her stomach to her body wall to prevent it from twisting. Is this "gastropexy" procedure safe?

A: Gastropexy is a standard, low-risk surgical procedure to prevent GDV, or gastric dilatation volvulus, ...Read more