Health problems affect both cats and dogs
Dear Dr. Forsythe: My cat has been having trouble walking normally lately, so the veterinarian took an X-ray and found a problem. She has an extra bone growing in between her vertebrae and causing her pain. Apparently there is nothing they can do for her. I am so worried about her, I just can’t bear to see her suffer. I don’t want to put her to sleep but I hate seeing her struggle. Some days I think I am keeping her alive for myself, but other days I see her sunbathe and want to keep her around forever. Am I being selfish? Should I try acupuncture on her or Chinese herbs? – MJB, Sonoma
Dear MJB: I’m sorry to hear about the problems your cat is dealing with. It is not unusual for older cats – and dogs – to develop a condition known as “bridging spondylosis” as their spinal columns age. The reason this happens in some pets and not others is poorly understood. It probably has a lot to do with inheritance and genetics. It usually causes pain and stiffness in cats but since there are many important spinal nerves that pass thru the openings in between each vertebral segment, when the body starts laying down new bone growth and these little “bridges” start to form, the results can be startling.
Fortunately, there are some treatments and medications that can help slow the progression of the condition in both cats and dogs and also make them feel more comfortable as the condition does worsen. I suggest you discuss the NSAID meloxicam with your doctor. Cats usually get just a couple drops every other day to reduce pain and inflammation. In addition, a series of intramuscular injections called Adequan can help restore the cartilage in the joints to a healthier condition. While there is no magic button that turns time back – believe me, I would have pressed it for myself a few times – these treatments can be very helpful in improving your cat’s quality of life. I would start with these before you consider putting acupuncture and Chinese herbs on board. – Dr. F
Dear Dr. Forsythe: Our beautiful Cocker Spaniel puppy recently developed two red bulges, one in each eye. I checked online and with the breeder and learned about Cherry Eye. I am so grossed out when I look at the perfect little man we bought, but my husband says I am overreacting and that we don’t need to do anything about it. He thinks that having this corrected is like a person having cosmetic surgery. I am writing to ask your opinion on whether or not we should get the surgery done. Do you consider this cosmetic or necessary? I’m hoping you will side with me so I can call the vet eye doctor.
– Rebecca in Sebastopol
Dear Rebecca: Prolapse of the gland of the third eyelid, better known as “cherry eye” is very common in Cocker Spaniels and also Peekinese Pekingnese??? and Bulldogs and Pugs. In fact, we almost expect to see this occur in these breeds it is so frequent. While it is believed to be an inherited condition, passed on thru breeding, it is also considered a surgical problem.
Often, the red, itchy bulbous gland gets large enough to rub against the cornea or “windshield” of the eye. In my opinion, cherry eyes should be corrected because they usually lead to ocular problems over time, even if they start out as simply a cosmetic defect. They are a very easy to repair surgically, but the improvement to a pet’s appearance and eye health is so much improved that I do not consider it a mere “cosmetic” fix. And even if it were, the fact that this defect occurs so often in such beautiful dogs may be reason enough to have it corrected. Who wants everyone continually asking “Eww, what’s that thing in your dogs eye? Why don’t you have it fixed?” In this case, I’d side with you and recommend you have the “cherries picked from the eye.” Good luck with that pretty pet. – Dr. F
