AMERICAN VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION
Reply: Question about vaccinationsI'm guessing you're asking about a 3-year rabies vaccine. If so, the 3-year...
I'm guessing you're asking about a 3-year rabies vaccine. If so, the 3-year vaccine lasts three years and doesn't need to be boostered until then. (Although I'm a feline specialist, even I know the answer to that one!)
Drew Weigner, DVM, ABVP
The Cat Doctor
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AMERICAN VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION
Reply: Cat Post- Tumor Removal Pooping On BedThere are two possible reasons he's not using his litterbox. One is...
There are two possible reasons he's not using his litterbox. One is behavioral, if he can't negotiate his litterbox with the "cone" on his head. In that case, you can take it off temporarily so he can use the box, as long as you watch him so he doesn't bother his incisions.
The more likely reason, however, is his diarrhea. As long as he has diarrhea, he won't use his litterbox consistently. If this hasn't resolved by now, you should let your veterinarian know so he can treat him.
Drew Weigner, DVM, ABVP
The Cat Doctor
Board Certified in Feline PracticeView Thread
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AMERICAN VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION
Reply: Lump on cat's head; is removal urgent?Since your cat's skin mass has been there for almost four years, it's not...
Since your cat's skin mass has been there for almost four years, it's not urgent to remove it immediately. That said, you need to know what it is, especially if it is malignant. This can be done by surgical removal, of course, but you may also be able to find out with a "fine needle aspirate." This involves putting a small needle into the mass and drawing out some material for slides. It's then sent to a lab to be read by a pathologist. For most tumors this is quite accurate but for some, it's not diagnostic. It should, however, tell you if it needs to be removed right away. If it's clearly benign, it doesn't need to be removed at this time. However, since it's slowly growing, it should be removed at some point. But it can be removed the next time your cat undergoes anesthesia (like, when he has his teeth cleaned.)
Drew Weigner, DVM, ABVP
The Cat Doctor
Board Certified in Feline PracticeView Thread
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AMERICAN VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION
Reply: Young cat possible having babiesFour months of age is a little young for a female cat to get pregnant, but...
Four months of age is a little young for a female cat to get pregnant, but not impossible. Have your veterinarian check her over and, if possible, see if she can be spayed. Your male cat is old enough to be neutered and, assuming your female is not already pregnant, she soon will be if you don't!
Drew Weigner, DVM, ABVP
The Cat Doctor
Board Certified in Feline PracticeView Thread
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AMERICAN VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION
Reply: Cone of shame...Personally, I hate these "Elizabethan Collars," but the alternative of your...
Personally, I hate these "Elizabethan Collars," but the alternative of your cat damaging the surgery site is much worse than the temporary inconvenience of using the collar. You'll find your cat adapts to it quickly, and he won't have to wear it for long. There are alternative devices, but the collar seems to work best. You may need to elevate his food and water bowls during this time, so he can eat and drink properly.
Drew Weigner, DVM, ABVP
The Cat Doctor
Board Certified in Feline PracticeView Thread
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AMERICAN VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION
Reply: what can i do over the counter or holistic/herbal ...Food allergies are very frustrating, especially since the only way to...
Food allergies are very frustrating, especially since the only way to diagnose it is to use a special "elimination" diet for several months to see if his skin problem resolves. During this time, of course, your cat will be quite itchy! There are medications your veterinarian can prescribe to decrease his symptoms, however, so let him know your cat's uncomfortable. If he's not getting relief, you may request your veterinarian refer your cat to a board certified feline specialist or dermatologist.
Drew Weigner, DVM, ABVP
The Cat Doctor
Board Certified in Feline PracticeView Thread
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AMERICAN VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION
Reply: Death after Convenia shotI'm so sorry for the loss of your cat. It does seem coincidental that he...
I'm so sorry for the loss of your cat. It does seem coincidental that he died so soon after his injections. There are three possibilities: that he was more ill than realized and died from his illness, that he reacted to the Convenia injection, or that he died from something in the other injection. While it's possible for any animal to have a reaction to any medication, Convenia does not seem to cause more reactions than others, and we have been using it without problems for years. Your veterinarian may have more insights into his cause of death.
Drew Weigner, DVM, ABVP
The Cat Doctor
Board Certified in Feline PracticeView Thread
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AMERICAN VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION
Reply: hydronephrosis--seeking answers!:)Hydronephrosis is an increase pressure in the kidneys that causes it (and...
Hydronephrosis is an increase pressure in the kidneys that causes it (and the associated ureter — the tube from the kidney to the bladder) to dilate and enlarge. This damages the kidney and can cause it to fail. It's very important to find out what is causing the problem before that happens. The most common cause of hydronephrosis is an obstruction to the flow of urine from the kidney, such as a kidney stone or one in the ureter. But here's the interesting part: if only one kidney is affected and the other kidney is working normally, you won't see signs of illness. Because of this, hydronephrosis is often diagnosed as an incidental finding when a cat is x-rayed or has an ultrasound for another reason. The treatment obviously depends on what's causing the problem and whether the affected kidney is still functional (if not, there's no treatment.)
Drew Weigner, DVM, ABVP
The Cat Doctor
Board Certified in Feline Practice
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AMERICAN VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION
Reply: Kitten with Polycystic Kidney Disease - PLEASE hel...Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is a somewhat common genetic disease in...
Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is a somewhat common genetic disease in Persian cats but it's rare in other breeds, including mixed breed cats. Unfortunately, there's no treatment other that a kidney transplant (which is done at some universities and is very expensive!) The most important thing right now, as you know, is her quality of life. This means keeping her hydrated and eating. While prescription diets for kidney disease will help a little, they're not very appetizing to most cats, especially when they're sick. So if she's not eating her regular food well, she's not likely to eat a prescription diet. Personally, I would feed her whatever she eats best. As long as she's eating, her quality of life is good.
Drew Weigner, DVM, ABVP
The Cat Doctor
Board Certified in Feline Practice
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AMERICAN VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION
Reply: Feline Kidney failureWhat you're describing is called "polydipsia," which is Latin for "drinking...
What you're describing is called "polydipsia," which is Latin for "drinking a lot." I don't know why doctors can't just say that! But drinking more is a common symptom of many diseases including kidney disease, diabetes, thyroid disease, etc. So it's obviously time for a visit to your veterinarian to find out what his problem is as soon as possible. Most importantly, it's wonderful that you noticed this before your cat is actually sick!
Drew Weigner, DVM, ABVP
The Cat Doctor
Board Certified in Feline Practice
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