| |
|
|
|
Q:
My beautiful 12 year old was diagnosed with diabetes about 10 months ago.It is costing around $300+ a month for food, insulin, vet costs etc and I'm finding it really difficult finacially. Is there any suggestions on what i can feed her that doesn't cost the earth.
A:
Diabetes can be a very frustrating disease for both vets and owners. It takes a while to stabilise an animal's blood glucose levels, which means many trips to the vet. Unfortunately, there is no simple way to avoid the costs of treating a diabetic dog. Diet is a vital part of managing a diabetic patient - they need to be feed consistently within the time frame of the insulin's action. The food needs to contain highly digestible carbohydrates, good quality protein and increased fibre content. Fortunately, there are foods out there that meet these criteria and don't eat away at your bank balance. Try Purina One Senior Protection Formula or Purina One Healthy Weight Management Formula (if your dog needs weight loss) - make sure you change the diet gradually over 7 days. I strongly recommend that you have Chloe's glucose levels checked regularly at your vet while you are changing the food, as dietary changes can significantly alter her blood glucose levels.
|
|
|
|
|
Q:
My cat (12), has hip problems years. She seen by Ortho Vet 10 years ago. He maintained no problems although painful, extremely lame & from behind, looks bowlegged but not evenly. She appears to have trouble getting up & limping when walking. Suggestion how to treat, sight unseen?
A:
It sounds like Tinker is very painful. Without examining her, it is difficult for me to know exactly what is wrong with her hips. Regardless of the cause, it is highly likely that she has now developed arthritis. Make sure she is fed a high quality senior cat food, like Purina One Senior Protection Forumula. You can try supplementing her diet with extra glucosamine and chondroitin to help improve her joint function (this can take several months to work). I suggest you take her to your local vet and they can prescribe some pain relief for her.
|
|
|
|
|
Q:
Our very old three legged cat, that we love very much has decided he doesn't like to go to the toilet properly, he just stays lying down and and either pee's or poops. Could you help us, by telling us what is the best thing we can do for for him. thank you Matya (8) & Will (6)
A:
The best thing you can do for Archie is to urgently take him to your local vet for a full check-up. Cat's do not like to lie in their pee or poop and there is obviously something very wrong for him to be doing this. It may be related to pain in the other legs, or he may have a very serious internal illness. In the meantime, make sure you keep him clean and dry with close access to food and water.
|
|
|
|
|
Q:
Bella is 3, she is an inside cat & over the last two days she has developed a rash on inside of her ears, I don't think its mites as there is no dischage or build up of wax, she is very clean. What could it be?
A:
It is possible that Bella has ear infections and or allergic skin disease, but I cannot give you a diagnosis without seeing her. Is she otherwise well? Has she been scratching her ears? You need to have her checked by your local vet so that a specfic diagnosis and treatment plan can be made.
|
|
|