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: How do I know if my pet is developing a thyroid problem? -Neeta Ahuja
The thyroid is related to the body's growth, development and influences the complete body metabolism. It's related to skin, skin coat, general activities and activeness and also to reproductive and sexual health of the pet/body. When you observe any deviation in the above facts, you can get to know thyroid involvement. For example, if you touch the pet's belly on the lower side of the abdomen, you will find it is a little cold in comparison to your other pets. It is a symptom of hypothyroidism in dogs, which is highly prevalent. Similarly, in cats, the incidence of hyperthyroidism is more in number. Pets shiver all the time, even without taking much diet. Obesity is significantly observed. There is a lack of libido and sexual desire in your pet. You see, right from head to tail, there is listlessness.
Q: Is tick/flea medication needed for my two healthy Pomeranian dogs (both two- a) during winter? They get occasional ticks during summer and rain. -Mitali Bhatt
Ticks and fleas are generally prevalent from late February to early November when the soil and environment have an optimum level of moisture. Their breeding cycle is most prolific in this period. However, the problem can be ruled out in any other part of the month or season, the reason being climatic instability. Using a long-term medication is advisable during the main season. At the same time, use of mild shampoos and powders during off off-season is advised. This will help your pet get rid of parasitic drug resistance, and next season, the same drug will work more efficiently.
Q: My GSD is experiencing a lot of bloating and gas of late. She is five. We have not changed her food or exercise routine.-Raman Dwivedi
Bloating in a five-year-old GST cannot be a general problem. You need to get her examined: a total blood workshop which will include CBC, LFT, KAT and pancreatic profile. Ultrasonography and X-ray of the abdomen should also be done. Depending upon the tests and imaging reports, the reason can be understood. It should be seen that she has taken her regular deworming medicines and is taking a normal amount of lukewarm water. Look for the volume of urine. If not in proper volume, contact your vet. But, in any case, bloating in a pet can't be normal. A sudden change in diet also causes this problem. Anti-bloat medicines are available at any vet medical store. They should be given regularly on your vet's advice.
Q: I have heard that once my pedigree dog breeds with a mutt, she can no longer have a pure-breed litter. Is that true? - Nancy Singh
Breeding is a biological process that involves two intra-specific or within-species mating of two opposite sex partners. Mating with the same breed will produce litters of the same breed. Mating with a different breed will produce cross-breeds. The mother and father of the litter have no reverse effect on their genetic character. Litters get directly affected by their parents’ genes and not vice versa. You need not worry about the mother pet's purity of genes.
Q: There are a couple of street-dogs in my colony. I wish to ask if I should clothe them in some warm coat or sweater to help them fight this cold season?- Rashmi Kumar
Putting on warm winter clothes is absolutely a welcome welfare activity. Without any hesitation, you can move forward and do this great work. Food and heat are things that you should provide. Boiled eggs and protein diets are liked by them to beat the heat, so these should also be provided.
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