Question:

I have a 3-year-old neutered male Lab/Siberian husky mix named Max. Max seems to be very healthy and happy, with the exception of an irritated area on his front foreleg that he has licked until it''s raw.One vet diagnosed this as "licked dermatitis." Max has had two previous episodes of this problem -- one five months ago and another almost a year ago. He was treated successfully both times with Tritop ointment and hydroxyzine (50-milligram capsules). The vet said this condition could be related to a mental/nerve problem, therefore he doesn''t want to try an Elizabethan collar because he felt this could cause Max stress and make the situation worse. He also mentioned a biopsy, but felt that if he made any type of incision it would be difficult, if not impossible, to get Max to leave it alone long enough to heal.Max doesn''t seem to have any nervous tendencies. He''s very loving and playful. He gets lots of attention. He also has two close playmates with whom he runs, plays and chases squirrels in a 3-acre enclos

T.E., Rural Hall, NC Jul 31, 2005

Answer:

Some dogs who get a cut or abrasion on a paw or leg become obsessed with the sore spot and keep licking and licking, which prevents natural healing. A so-called lick granuloma develops that will never heal without surgical excision.So, if an Elizabethan collar is out of the question, have the veterinarian thoroughly clean the lesion, removing all hair around its edges, and prescribe the same medicine that worked in the past plus lots of wound dressing and bandage. Make a short splint out of a piece of a plastic water bottle, punching small holes in it so it can "breathe," and strap it over the bandage to stop your dog from tearing off the dressing. Clean and change the dressing daily until the wound is healed; then put on a dry gauze bandage and splint for 3 to 4 more weeks to help break the compulsive habit. If he starts to lick the area again, put the splint and bandage back on for another 7 to 14 days. Give your dog marrowbones and safe chew-toys as a distraction.If this treatment fails, repeat it along w

Question:

My cat, who is approximately 14 years old, has a small black patch under her chin. A long time ago, when I had another cat with the same situation, I asked a former certified veterinary technician about it and I think she called it acne. It was treated with something, but I don''t remember what, exactly.Can you help me? What treatment will it need, or should I just leave it alone?.

J.S., Niangua, Mo Jul 31, 2005

Answer:

Your cat is suffering from a condition called feline acne, which can become a source of irritation for affected cats and can be quite disfiguring.There are various glands (including scent glands) in a cat''s skin that can become hyperactive, inflamed and blocked.Treatment with an ointment containing antibiotic and cortisone, applied 3 to 4 times a day for 7 to 10 days, will clear the problem up. But it may well recur. Alternative treatment with essential oils (under veterinary supervision) such as neem, frankincense and myrrh may also help.

Question:

I have a kitten that is less than a year old. He is very affectionate and healthy. However, I believe he was weaned too early because he has become a biter.He bites when he is playful, but he also bites when he''s relaxed and being petted. He seems to bite no matter what his mood. He has many toys to chew on and play with and he sometimes acts like he''s trying to nurse from larger toys, like teddy bears. I wonder if his oral fixation has anything to do with being weaned too young.Is there anything you can suggest to resolve this issue?.

F.L., no city given, Va Jul 31, 2005

Answer:

You are correct -- many kittens weaned too soon become "nursers," sucking on soft toys, blankets, and peoples'' ear lobes, arms, fingers and hair -- and even their own paws, flanks and tails. Cats who have been de-clawed often become more oral, possibly as a compensation, and tend to bite a lot during play as well as become more aggressive.You can train her not to bite too hard while playing, just like a mother cat would. Loudly hiss, shout "No!" and tap her on the nose. Then ignore her briefly before you let her play again -- ideally from a distance, letting her chase and "kill" a stuffed toy or sock you animate by pulling a string.The best solution is to adopt another young cat. Two cats together are generally healthier and happier than those who live alone.

Question:

Our daughter has a dear little rat terrier who is 3 years old -- our "granddog" (Otis). He is constantly hungry, but eats only 2 cups of the correct blend for his size. He also sheds constantly (white hair), year round. Should he be getting a vitamin or cod liver oil to slow the shedding?

G.R., West Fargo, ND Jul 31, 2005

Answer:

Little Otis is a very active little terrier, and while it is wise to follow the manufacturer's guidelines as to how much of the processed food to give a dog of a particular body weight, he may not be getting enough food. Less-active dogs of his size could get fat on 2 cups, so one has to use some common sense and feed the dog in accordance with condition and performance or physical activity -- whether the dog is too fat or too thin.The shedding could mean his diet is deficient in certain essential nutrients. The constant hunger could also indicate a nutritional deficiency that may not be corrected by simply feeding him more of his dry food. He could also have worms that are robbing him of certain nutrients.So have your daughter get Otis examined by a veterinarian, and try out the basic home-prepared dog-food recipe on my web site.

Question:

My reason for writing concerns carsickness. My dog becomes ill on even moderate vehicle rides, whether on level ground or in mountain areas.We have tried Dramamine therapies and, more recently, 25 milligrams of Chlorpromazine about 40 minutes prior to travel -- both without success. Our local veterinarian is without further suggestions as to how to overcome this problem.We are retired, travel often and could spend more quality time with our dog it we could find a solution to the motion-sickness problem. Please advise.

A.B., Fresno, CA Jul 31, 2005

Answer:

I sympathize with you and your dog''s predicament. Dramamine helps some dogs, while Xanax (given one hour before a trip) can help reduce anxiety associated with being in a car and experiencing motion sickness.Part of this problem is reflexive, and relates to associated conditioning -- being in the car, the dog remembers being sick and is more than likely to become sick again. So you must desensitize and de-condition your dog.First, just sit with him in a stationary car, at times turning the radio as well as the engine on. Pet your dog and offer treats. Do this for two to three weeks. Then, for another couple of weeks, just drive slowly around the block with your dog -- making no sudden stops or acceleration. (Dogs do pick up on drivers'' tension.) Next, go for longer rides. If your dog "regresses" and gets panicky or carsick again, go back to step one and have your dog pre-medicated with the two drugs I mentioned above every other day for one to two weeks.With patience and persistence, many dogs have overcome

Question:

Since your column deals with all kinds of animal issues, perhaps you can help me with a deer problem.I have had a new house built close to federal parkland, and at night deer came into my garden and ruined it. I don''t want to put up a fence because I like the open, natural landscaping. What is your solution to keeping deer away from my property?.

J.K., Washington, DC Jul 24, 2005

Answer:

Whitetail deer, as well as other wildlife like raccoons, opossums, moles and squirrels, who will also dig up your garden, were here before you. You have invaded their domain. How many trees and how much natural cover did you destroy to put up a new home and make a garden?If you really like open, natural landscaping, why not make your "garden" a wildlife haven with plants that attract butterflies and provide food and shelter for birds and other animals? Dig a small pond and put up a salt lick for the deer.It is ironic that people like to live close to nature, but then wage war against wildlife with poison bait, fences, electrified wires, bright lights, electronic bug-zappers, pesticides and even live traps.

Question:

I have a question that I have never seen addressed. Why is it that fish and pork are never in dog foods? I have asked other people and no one has an answer. Many of us await your response.

G.M., Norfolk, Va Jul 24, 2005

Answer:

The labeling of commercial pet foods is not fully informative. Ingredients like "meat meal" and "meat byproducts" could well include various parts of pigs and, until recently, the rendered remains of dogs and cats from animal shelters and road-killed deer and other animals.Fish is not used in most brands of dog food, to my knowledge, but is included in some specially formulated diets for dogs who have a hypersensitivity to beef, poultry and other sources of animal protein.

Question:

I have a female cat, Ginger, who is three years old. She''s been spayed and de-clawed. She had a trachea infection that was treated and cleared up.I have a question. For a couple of weeks, when we would pet or touch her body, it would crackle and sound like Rice Krispies. Why is this so?.

C.W., Virginia Beach, Va Jul 24, 2005

Answer:

Ginger''s fur crackles because when you make contact with her there is a discharge of static electricity. This is very common with indoor animals on nylon carpets and other synthetic surfaces, especially in a dry, hot home during winter months.Metal water and food bowls can shock animals because of this electrical phenomenon, which can result in food and water aversion. Static electricity can also make it very difficult to groom an animal. Wiping them first with a moist sponge can help reduce this problem.From your letter (edited for length here), I understand that you have cerebral palsy and that your cat is a great support to and companion for you. If you have computer access you may enjoy my Web site, www.doctormwfox.org. I am also sending you a complimentary copy of my video, "A Video Guide to Successful Cat Care." Enjoy!

Question:

My 7-year-old Rhodesian ridgeback died of liver cancer. Surely she was too young to die so soon. She was fed top-quality dog food and was on regular heartworm (Interceptor) and flea-control (Program) medicine every month. What do you think could have caused the cancer?.

G.L., Washington, DC Jul 24, 2005

Answer:

Many factors are involved in the development of various kinds of cancer, notably genetic susceptibility, stress, diet, prior infection and exposure to toxins in the environment and in food. (More toxic metals are allegedly present in commercial pet foods than in home-prepared diets.)I am especially concerned that many veterinarians are advising monthly "preventive" flea control drugs for dogs and cats who could be at risk from long-term treatment, especially if their immune systems are already compromised.

Question:

Would you please write an article on summer eczema, also known as itchy dry skin? For the last three years my dog has had this.The first vet I took her to said it was fleas, and my dog was treated for this, but it didn''t do any good. The next vet said the fleas were under the skin and treated my dog for that, but the itching didn''t stop.I was looking in my "Sergeant''s Dog Book" and saw an article on summer eczema. I think this may be the problem, not fleas.

G.C., Mason, MI Jul 24, 2005

Answer:

"Summer eczema" is a generic term for seasonal dermatitis in dogs. It is often misdiagnosed as being caused by fleas, hence the widespread but hazardous misapplication of spot-on flea drops, dips and pills.Many dogs develop itchy skin and red eruptions -- often with secondary bacterial infections -- as a result of being allergic to various flowers, grass and tree pollen. Antihistamine medication (and steroids in severe cases) should be given. Flea medicines might make such pollen allergy problems worse by disrupting the dogs'' immune systems.Pollen-allergy eczema can also be misdiagnosed as mange (caused by skin-burrowing mites), which a routine skin-scraping may not reveal. So a careful diagnosis is called for -- not more flea-killing poisons!