Dear Dr. Forsythe: Recently I have noticed when I pet my cat near his bottom he moves his body around and adjusts himself as if he wants to show me where he wants me to pet him. Not only that, but if I don’t seem to do it right or exactly where he wants it, he actually takes his paw and pushes my hand down with it to stop me then backs up into me with the part he wants rubbed. Is this typical of cats? Do you think he’s trying to play with me or could he really be trying to teach me how to pet him the way he wants?
Puzzled Cat Dad
Dear Puzzled dad: Based on the way your describing his behavior and what I know about most cats’ personalities, your cat could be doing this for either reason. Many cats love playing so much they will engage their humans in unusual and creative ways. However, we all know how persnickety cats can be, and it may be your cat is one of those discriminating felines who really become aggravated when his owner can’t seem to just “know” how to pet him perfectly every time. This would explain his taking matters “into his own paws.” Either way, I’d continue to engage him with a fun string toy to make sure he is entertained, and it never hurts to scratch and rub and love him multiple times daily to make sure his purr mechanism is constantly in motion. After all, as far as your cat is concerned, this is your primary reason for living. Thanks for writing!
Dr. F.
Dear Dr. Forsythe: I have a 10-year-old Golden Retriever whom I’m pretty sure has arthritis. I’m weary of letting the veterinarian run a bunch of tests on her because it’s pretty obvious what’s wrong anyway. I mean, what are they going to do after they look at an X-ray or ultrasound, tell me she has arthritis? It feels like these tests need to be run just to drive the cost up. Sorry to sound like a penny pincher, but why can’t they just send home some medication based on her symptoms?
Frugal Mom
Dear Frugal Mom: You ask a great question. First, I want to tell you there are some veterinarians who will readily prescribe medications based on a brief exam alone without performing any diagnostics at all. However, it is important to diagnose a condition accurately and avoid a misdiagnosis, and this often requires X-rays or other tests.
Golden Retrievers are among the breeds with the highest incidence of cancer. There are some forms of cancer – such as hemangiosarcoma of the spleen, which can cause abdominal discomfort and something known as “referred pain.” This can make the pet very sore and unable to sit or move well and can be confused with the signs that resemble those noted with arthritis or hip dysplasia.
I myself have had owners come in convinced their pet had one condition only to find the pet’s primary problem was entirely different. Because there are often several differential diagnoses for a specific clinical signs, most veterinarians will suggest a battery of tests to accurately diagnosis the pet’s condition.
I empathize with your financial concerns; however I do not think you are justified to question the veterinarian’s intentions to “drive up the cost.” Rather, they are responsible for providing an accurate diagnosis, and you should appreciate testing is the only way to be sure and make this possible.
Advances in medicine now allow veterinarians to provide unprecedented comfort and quality of life for pets – those with arthritis or other problems. Once the location(s) and degree of your pet’s presumed arthritis is known, there are injections which can be given in a series to help replenish the damaged cartilage inside her joints. There are anti-inflammatory medications as well as excellent pain medications which could also help her. It would not be practical or in your pet’s best interest to prescribe these without supportive tests to confirm the diagnosis. In addition, there are supplements and enriched foods which can be helpful for your pet as well. Then the question I pose to you would be: what do you expect from your veterinarian? Do you want them to manage your pet’s healthcare safely? It sounds like you expect a drive through window for medications. It sounds like you are not only frustrated with veterinary costs but you’re also questioning your doctors’ medical approach as well as motives. This may be taking you into shaky grounds and you would probably do well to consider your belief system surrounding your definition of “good quality” medicine and just what your wonderful Golden Retriever deserves. Thanks for writing.
Dr. F.
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