Vet’s Views
Dr Kaushlendra Kumar
The doctor has been practising in Lucknow for the past 20 years in canine and other pet animal medicine and surgery
Q: My cat, Cody, was just fine until recently- eating healthy. But now something is not right with him. He stands on the side of the living room for many minutes before retiring behind sofa, and during the course of the day is very lethargic and doesn't want to eat his food. Suggest a line of treatment please. Cara John
Your cat who is keeping dull and lethargic might be having mild fever. Get him checked by a vet because, there is a change of season and viral infections are on the rise. Second reason could be, he is searching for a partner to mate. In this condition also, they become dull and lose appetite waiting for the partner. It is better to get him checked for these two conditions. A change of feed- with both wet and dry- may help him recover his mood and cat treats can be added attraction.
Q: My 2-year-old Pom is limping and not letting me check. She goes for routine walks but, returned from one limping. My servant claimed there was no accident or mishap. What should I do? Latika Dubey
Pom of age two is the typical age when limping starts in many growing age dogs. This condition is called juvenile arthritis. It is basically a hereditary disease. This needs a very special care, treatment and management. Giving only painkillers will not solve the problem, rather invite other problems too. Consult a vet, get the joints x-rayed and then get the medicines. Joint medicines are little different and need to be administered in proper doses. There is a great advancement in this field so recovery chances are very high, do not worry.
Q: My dog eats grass and vomits. This has been happening quite frequently now. What should I do? Ankit Purohit
Dogs with such vomiting habit once in a while is a common symptom and is not considered a problem. But, when it recurs frequently after eating grass, you should take it seriously. Worm loads, acute to chronic gastritis, pancreatic and other systemic infections need to be ruled out. Get your dog dewormed every three months with different types of salts round the year, keep the body free from parasites both external and internal. For systemic affections, a blood report is a must to know the values and then get the treatment done accordingly.
Q: My 8-years-old Labrador seems to be having trouble passing bowels. Can it be simple constipation or something serious? Neha Pant
Constipation in old or geriatric dogs can be simple or complicated both. Constipation occurs after slowing down of intestinal motility. This in turn happens due to other problems. Simple constipation can be managed by giving deworming medicines regularly, calcium and multivitamins and add salt into the diet to increase water consumption. Water intake will help in many ways and relieve constipation. If it is a male dog, constipation can be seen due to prostatic affections. For this detailed X-ray and ultrasonography are needed to confirm the condition and then get the treatment accordingly.
Q: I have two Indie dogs-both male and neutered. They keep in good health. Is it necessary to get them vaccinated and checked by a vet routinely? They don't go out on the streets. Kavita Seth
Two Indie dogs kept in a healthy environment will not invite many problems. This is true. But there are certain things which come through our food chain and ecosystem. Our pets are also part of this ecosystem. Food and water affect the health of the animal. Going to vet is not the point. But you must get your pets vaccinated and dewormed regularly. Vaccination and deworming are not only helpful for your dog, but benefit the family members too. Transmission of diseases from animal to human is not uncommon. It is called as zoonoses. Keeping all these facts in mind, as a responsible citizen and member of the family, get your pets vaccinated every year and on due time too.
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