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 Indie, Sheru, has been scratching his belly non-stop. Now there are these red, crusty patches on his skin, and he smells like a damp towel even after a bath. I’ve been applying coconut oil, but it only seems to make him stickier and the itching worse. Is this just the changing weather, or does he need real medicine? — Shailja Bhattacharya
Scratching in the abdominal region, combined with a condition that worsens after bathing or oil application, suggests a mange-like condition. Deworming, anti-mange solutions, spot-on treatments, and oral medication will help relieve your pet. Scratching is rarely an isolated issue; it often indicates multiple systemic affections. Rule these out one by one; if you do not see results, skin scraping tests, skin cytology, and a blood profile should be requested at your veterinary surgery.
Q: Ever since the weather got a little warmer, my Pug, Leo (4), has been acting very strange. He’s panting heavily even when sitting under the fan, and today he actually refused his favourite chicken and rice. He’s just lying on the cold kitchen tiles and looking very 'off'. — Saima Qureshi
A four-year-old Pug should be active and agile. Panting during changing weather conditions may indicate a mild viral fever. Seasonal shifts often allow mild pathogens to flourish, and pets with lower immunity can become dull, lethargic, and lose their appetite. This should be treated gently using anti-pyretics and immunity boosters; appetite and activity usually return within a few days. If the panting persists, you must visit your vet for a thoracic/chest examination, as the lungs or heart could be affected by infection. Try providing a liquid diet to maintain energy levels.
Q: I found three fat ticks on my Labrador, Bruno, after our walk a couple of days ago. This morning, he has a high fever, and his gums look unusually pale. I’ve heard so many horror stories about 'Tick Fever' lately. How do I know if he’s caught it, and what steps should I take? — Ragini Sharma
Ticks are a serious concern, but are highly manageable. Various treatments—liquids, shampoos, spot-ons, medicated collars, and tablets—are readily available at pet stores or via a veterinary prescription, providing coverage from one to eight months. It is vital to eradicate these parasites immediately. 'Tick Fever' is a broad term for diseases spread by ticks, fleas, and mites. Symptoms include a loss of appetite, pale mucous membranes (anaemia), a dull coat, and, in advanced cases, hepatic or renal issues leading to jaundice, oedema, or lameness. Diagnosis requires a proper veterinary pathology lab. Once confirmed, treatment begins with an intravenous infusion, followed by oral medication for 21 to 45 days, depending on severity.
Q: My 4-month-old Golden Retriever puppy managed to sneak some garbage during his morning walk. Since last night, he’s been vomiting and has very watery, foul-smelling diarrhoea with a bit of blood in it. He hasn't had his final round of vaccinations yet. Is this just an 'upset stomach', or something more dangerous like Parvo? — Munmun Singh
A four-month-old puppy with incomplete vaccinations is highly susceptible to viral or bacterial infections, as their immunity is not yet fully developed. Scavenging rubbish invites both aerobic and anaerobic infections. A young pup often cannot cope with the resulting cascade of reactions; you must seek immediate veterinary opinion. Even one or two bouts of vomiting or diarrhoea can severely weaken a puppy. If vomiting has ceased, start giving oral rehydration salts. Clean the puppy with wet wipes or mild antiseptics to reduce the viral load, and ensure all bedding and surfaces are sanitised to aid a faster recovery.
Q: My Persian cat, Rani, has become quite 'healthy' lately—she looks like a football. My mother insists on feeding her a little home-cooked rice and dal because she ‘looks hungry,’ but now Rani can barely jump onto the sofa. Is home-cooked food making her obese? — Shilpi Sahu
A cat’s diet should ideally consist of 70% to 90% protein. Any deviation will cause health issues. You are feeding her a diet high in carbohydrates, which are stored as fat if not 'burnt off' through exercise. The abdomen is a primary site for fat deposition, which is why your cat is becoming globular. You must reduce carbohydrate intake and gradually increase protein intake. Obesity in cats leads to cardiac issues, diabetes, and arthritis; her inability to jump is a likely sign of arthritic pain. There are commercial 'weight management' foods (such as Royal Canin or Farmina) that can manage this over three to six months. Focus on balanced nutrition and a healthy lifestyle.
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