Question:

I have two dogs. The older female had a growth removed from her leg, and the other one (male) checks that spot every morning when they get up. They sleep on the sofa together. It seems like he's checking up on her because he knows she's had a problem.

Do animals play doctor, or is it just curiosity because she may smell different?

R.E., Culpeper, Va Sep 27, 2011

Answer:

Animals do indeed "play doctor," caring for one of their own kind when ill, injured or in need of help. Members of the pack have been observed in the wild bringing food to an injured wolf until their pack mate made a full recovery. Chimpanzees and other primates have been seen consuming certain herbs when they are ill, clearly passing this knowledge from one generation to the next. Elephants and dolphins will protect an injured member of their group, and some serve as midwives and baby sitters. There are countless other reports of animals "playing doctor," all indicative of a degree of awareness/consciousness and empathic concern that should radically change how people regard and treat them.

Some dogs are more adept or motivated than others to be attentive caregivers. Just like your dog, our male dog Batman vets our dog Lizzie every morning before they go out, carefully sniffing several places on her body where various growths were removed surgically months ago. He shows evident concern and was actually the first to spot a small growth on her ankle.

Researchers are using this sensitive ability of dogs, with their highly developed sense of smell, to facilitate early diagnosis of various cancers in humans.

Question:

Our kitten, Marshmallow, is 2 years old and has always had urinary problems. I had all my cats on Royal Canin SO 30 dry cat food for most of the time. I fed various canned cat foods every other day. The cats get chicken, lean beef, fresh grass and homegrown catnip. I have eight clean litter boxes and several sources of fresh water.

Last time I had Marshmallow to one of my vets, she had crystals and thickening of her bladder wall. He told me to give her Royal Canin SO 30 canned food plus 85 days of Dasuquin. It took more than two months, but her urine cleared and increased in amounts.

Recently, I decided to switch my cats gradually to the Wellness brand dry food. After only two weeks, Marshmallow is starting to strain a little, and her urine is darkening. I thought Wellness was good for urinary tracts. What should I do?

Also, my beloved 17-year-old cat, Lucky, has kidney failure. Any of your golden advice to make her more comfortable would be much appreciated.

J.Z., Ayr, ND Sep 27, 2011

Answer:

You have learned from Marshmallow what happens to many cats who are fed only a dry food diet. Since she was doing well on the canned food brand, I would not switch to another. Encourage her to drink plenty of water, even flavoring it with a little milk or boiled chicken juice. Adding a drop of fish oil, such as Nordic Naturals for cats, to her food every day will help soothe her bladder because of the anti-inflammatory properties of fish oil. Gradually increase the amount to one-half teaspoon.

Old Lucky, suffering from kidney failure, would also benefit from fish oil and, under veterinary supervision, from being given a phosphate binder plus potassium, a drug such as benazepril (to lower blood pressure) and a vitamin D supplement.

Administering fluids under the skin periodically is a cheap and effective form of kidney dialysis and benefits many cats suffering from kidney failure. Some veterinarians offer kidney transplants from healthy donor cats, but I am not in favor of this for medical and ethical reasons.

Question:

I have a 14-year-old spayed mostly Maine coon cat, Molly, who has been suffering some sort of intestinal problem for about three months. It started with diarrhea that came on frequently and unexpectedly. She has never before had a problem with using the litter box, but in this case, she went wherever she happened to be.

I took her to the vet for a complete exam, stool sample and full blood workup. The only minor problem was that her red blood cell count was slightly below normal. She was treated for two weeks with antibiotics and steroids. The diarrhea went away, but within 10 days she began vomiting frequently and, in most cases, the material thrown up looked and smelled like excrement, not vomit.

I took her back to the vet and it was suggested she might have IBS (irritable bowel syndrome). She was put back on steroids and Pepcid was added, as was a tablet that was dissolved in water in a syringe and given to her by mouth to act as a coating agent for her stomach. She seemed better for about two weeks. Then the vomiting resumed and, once again, seemed more like excrement than vomit.

This time I took her to the emergency vet hospital. The vets did another exam, X-rays and another complete blood workup. They suggested that I might want to have an ultrasound done, although they weren't sure it would provide any more information than we already had. And, to be honest, by this time I had spent almost $1,000 and my cat was still in the same shape as when we started. They gave me more Pepcid and prednisone. For another two weeks, no vomiting; then, in the past couple of days, the vomiting has started again, same details.

She has had no change in diet at any point. Although I have offered EVO canned food, she will not touch it. She normally eats Friskies and/or Fancy Feast canned, and EVO dry food is available in a dispenser.

I know that steroids are not good for animals, especially for long-term use, but the vets seem to think that if the steroids calm the inflammation, she can take them forever. Can you offer any suggestions on what the problem might be and what I can do about it that will not harm my cat? She has a bad tooth that needs to come out, but nobody wants to do the dental work until the current situation is resolved.

K.B., Owings, Md Sep 26, 2011

Answer:

You and Molly have my sympathy, as do the veterinarians treating her, because this not-uncommon malady is difficult to diagnose and therefore is not easy to treat.

A food ingredient allergy is most likely, but other factors affecting the gut bacterial population, including genetically modified food ingredients, may also be involved. (For details, see my website.) Although you never changed her diet, remember: Different batches of the same brand may contain different ingredients. EVO was taken over last year by a big company, and concerns about quality and content have been voiced, although I have not yet heard of any problems. Either way, ad-lib feeding from a dry food dispenser is not advisable since cats may overeat and become obese.

Her stinky vomit may indicate a bacterial infection, and the veterinarian might consider treating this as chronic colitis and try sulfasalazine, tylosin or metronidazole.

She probably needs additional supportive treatment for dehydration and may benefit from fish oil, glutamine and probiotics supplements. Catnip or peppermint tea, given to Molly in a dropper, may give some temporary relief. With such treatment, wean her off the prednisone gradually and perk up her appetite with Gerber's chicken, beef and turkey baby-food formulas.

Do let me know how Molly progresses. I always appreciate hearing back from readers whose letters are published.

Question:

My terrier mix, who is 14 years old, went for his annual physical and he checks out OK. But the veterinarian couldn't help us with Max's changing behavior.

There are times when he seems disoriented and unsure where he is. There's nothing wrong with his eyesight or hearing. Any suggestions?

E.M.F., Sequim, Wash Sep 26, 2011

Answer:

As dogs go through the aging process, their brains (just as in humans) may be subject to degenerative changes that can impair cognitive processing. They may have brief episodes of disorientation with associated anxiety, which may increase in duration over time.

Gentle reassurance, patience, physical contact and clear hand signals to get the dog's attention (especially when hearing is impaired) are important supportive measures. Rugs on slippery floors and dog stairs to make getting up and down from a favorite chair, bed or sofa can make life easier, especially for old dogs with arthritis and weight problems.

One to two tablespoons daily of coconut oil in his food may help improve his brain function, along with such daily supplements as CoQ10 (50 milligrams) and N-acetyl-L-cysteine (50 to 100 milligrams). Severe cases of canine senile dementia may benefit from a prescription of selegiline that your veterinarian can provide.

Send all mail to Dr. Michael Fox in care of Universal Uclick, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106. The volume of mail received prohibits personal replies, but questions and comments of general interest will be discussed in future columns.

Question:

Whenever my husband and I have a salad, our sheltie goes crazy for carrots. She also likes broccoli, peanut butter and the plain yogurt we put on our cereal.

I know these are "people foods" and wonder if they are safe for dogs. I know onions, chocolate and raisins are not.

Y.S., Springfield, IL Sep 26, 2011

Answer:

Let's dispel the myth of "people foods" versus "dog foods." This is an old ploy of pet food companies bent on selling their processed, manufactured products and discouraging people from feeding their dogs anything else. Many companies have changed their tunes somewhat and are including carrots and other vegetables and fruits such as blueberries in their formulas. However, heat processing destroys many nutrients.

I see no problem with giving your dog these healthy raw treats -- food is food, after all. Carrots help keep teeth and gums healthy. Plain organic yogurt, rich in probiotics, is good for the digestive system, and peanut butter is an excellent vehicle to hide pills when dogs need to be medicated.

Question:

My boyfriend says I spoil my dog and that she will not learn to respect him when she growls at him. This happens especially when she's on the sofa with us. I say she's just jealous and scolding her to get off the couch will make things worse. Help! My boyfriend is almost at the point of saying it's either me or the dog.

V.S., St. Louis, Mo Sep 20, 2011

Answer:

You are not the only single person with a jealous-dog dilemma. Dogs (cats, too) will often demand the undivided attention of their guardians when they see a visitor, male or female, as a potential rival for attention.

Reassurance, rather than discipline, is called for, along with the understanding by your boyfriend that this is a natural reaction and not a sign of disrespect or an indication that you care more for your dog than for him when you don't shoo the dog away. Possibly you have overindulged your dog and she knows no boundaries, in which case you must step in and teach her that growling is unacceptable and that she is not allowed on the sofa when she growls.

Remember, banishing a dog is, for a pack animal, the severest of reprimands. Dogs growl for different reasons that you must determine: Is your dog growling for attention? If so, then simply ignore her and then pet her when she's quiet. If it is a threatening or warning growl, there could be something in your boyfriend's behavior or body language that you don't see but the dog either perceives or misperceives as threatening or intimidating. Dogs can be remarkable judges of human character.

Encourage your boyfriend to walk the dog on a leash with you and also alone. Have him learn (if he does not already know) how to play with her and groom her.

Young children whose parents are divorced also act out when a parent brings a date home to meet them. Forbearance, love and understanding are called for where there is insecurity for man and beast alike.

Send all mail to Dr. Michael Fox in care of Universal Uclick, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106. The volume of mail received prohibits personal replies, but questions and comments of general interest will be discussed in future columns.

Question:

I read your column pretty regularly. I have a 3-year-old female beagle, and I try to take good care of her. I feed her food from a local pet store and try to get the best, as far as I can tell. Right now I am feeding her Taste of the Wild Sierra Mountain Canine Formula with roasted lamb, and she seems relatively healthy.

My question relates to an article in the recent issue of Consumer Reports magazine. The point of the article, in general as it came across to me, was that most store-bought foods are about the same, as long as they are marked as "complete and balanced." So a pet owner might as well go ahead and buy the cheapest brand, per ounce or pound. This usually wound up being a store brand from a very large chain, or the like.

Can you please read the article and give us your opinion?

D.M., Friendsville, Md Sep 20, 2011

Answer:

I hold Consumer Reports in high regard, but its "Tame Your Pet Costs" (August 2011) report was a washout in its coverage of manufactured pet foods. Advising not to pay a premium for "premium" pet food, provided the brand is labeled "complete and balanced," "total nutrition" or "100% nutritious," was misleading at best. Then, listing some canned and dry cat food brands (which I would never recommend) at bargain prices added insult to injury.

The book that I co-authored with two other veterinarians, "Not Fit for a Dog" (Linden Publishing), and the manufactured pet food rating system by Dr. Stephen Molle posted on my website, warrant Consumer Reports doing a more in-depth study and publishing a full report on pet foods in the near future. Diet-related pet health problems are all too prevalent and costly, and one of the best ways to "tame your pet costs" is through good nutrition. The health risks of genetically modified ingredients in major pet food brands is a serious issue that I address in a new posting on my website, DrFoxVet.com/info.

I endorse this report's caution about buying pet health insurance that, in the magazine's analysis, is rarely worth the price. And I applaud that it advocates pet adoption rather than purchase of a purpose-bred kitten or puppy, and emphasizes the advantages of adopting an adult animal.

Question:

Please help settle an argument I am having with the staff at our local animal shelter. They insist that any kitten(s) I decide to adopt must be spayed/neutered and vaccinated before I can take them home.

I say that's too stressful (after reading about vaccination risks on your website). I would bring the kitten(s) in to be spayed/neutered after a few weeks, getting them used to living with me first. What is your opinion?

Sep 19, 2011

Answer:

I understand and respect the adoption protocols of animal shelters and local humane societies, which have evolved because so many people never followed through on the promise to have their animals spayed/neutered after adoption. I also agree with you.

There should be some flexibility and room for negotiation with the administrators of adoption protocols. I would have you pay in advance for the spay/neuter and allow you to bring in your kitten(s) for the operation after they have lived with you for a few weeks.

Part of the adoption fee should also include the cost of a home visit by shelter staff to check up on the care of adopted cats and dogs. Many shelters and pet-fostering/adoption networks do this, while others just seem to want to adopt to anyone regardless, because they lack adequate funding, staffing or space for all the animals they receive every week.

Question:

I adopted two kittens from our town shelter. They were about 10 weeks old and from the same litter. Now they are 1 year old and I want to thank you for writing in your column that it's best to have two cats, ideally from the same litter. Jim and Jane get on so well as playmates -- they always sleep together, groom each other and look out for each other.

One question, though: Is there more than the fact that one is male and one female (both neutered) to account for their very different personalities? Jim is more the introvert, while Jane is the tease and into everything.

J.M., Alexandria, Va Sep 19, 2011

Answer:

I appreciate your confirmation that raising two cats together is better than having just one cat deprived of ever realizing and enjoying all that it means to be a cat.

Cats "mirror" each other's behavior and provide reciprocal social enrichment and emotional stimulation. As for their very different personalities, one can rule out environmental influences because they were raised together. So it is primarily their genetic differences that determine how they react and initiate responses, as well as their likes, dislikes and motivations.

The more one gets to know different cats and becomes attuned to their subtle behaviors and to their likes, dislikes and quirks, the more one realizes what complex personalities they possess, often paralleling the kinds of differences we see in our own species!

Send all mail to Dr. Michael Fox in care of Universal Uclick, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106. The volume of mail received prohibits personal replies, but questions and comments of general interest will be discussed in future columns.

Question:

One of my good friends in Minnesota just completed her training to become a wildlife rehabilitator. Now a game warden in North Dakota is fighting her over a baby duck she took from North Dakota.

There is also a woman in Fargo who has taken in baby birds for about 30 years. She has about a 90 percent rehabilitation success record. Well, this game warden got wind of her, raided her house and took all the birds, some of them in various stages of recovery and others still fledglings. He then fined her and her veterinarian.

My land is a wildlife haven, and I have spent 20 years making it that way. Now when I raise a baby robin, which my mother taught me how to do, I may be raided by the cops. (My mom wrote a pamphlet for the North Dakota Audubon Society years ago titled "How to Care for Baby Birds and Animals.")

This is North Dakota. Sometimes it's torturous to live out here, where I seem to be the only animal lover. Everyone shoots everything; shelterbelts are clear-cut in the middle of nesting season; people have cat factories at their farms; and dogs are full of ticks and cockleburs. It's sickening.

J.Z., Ayr, ND Sep 19, 2011

Answer:

Some readers may find your letter inappropriate for my column, if not offensive. But what is truly offensive is how the land and animals, wild and domestic, are mistreated in much of rural America.

The fact remains, as I emphasize in my new book, "Healing Animals & The Vision of One Health," that our physical, mental and spiritual health and long-term economic well-being depend on us keeping animals and the environment healthy.

Years ago, Arizona Sen. Barry Goldwater intervened when the state Game & Fish department confiscated a baby quail, I think it was, that a boy had rescued. Surely the governor of North Dakota or some caring members of the state legislature could intercede and restrain this overzealous, if not uncaring, game warden from causing further harm.

Wildlife, including what are often called trash and nuisance species, may be the "property" of the state, but that does not mean the state has no responsibility with regard to their health and well-being. The state has no right to prevent experienced, if not licensed, citizens from caring for sick and injured animals, especially when there are few or no state-run wildlife rescue and rehab facilities.