Two docs are better than one

Dear Dr. Forsythe:  I lost my cat, Ambrosia, a couple of years ago after she fought cancer for over a year.  For the last six to eight months, I have been open to the idea of adopting another kitty.  So far I have gone to Pet’s Lifeline, Marin Humane Society as well as adoption centers in Rohnert Park and Santa Rosa.  I’ve played with over 20 different cats, from Calicos to Siamese.  I saw a huge, chubby three-legged cat who almost stole my heart.  I even went on Craig’s List and saw many different cats.  But the problem is, although I have come close to falling in love with several of them, I can’t seem to find one that makes me completely sure I’m making the right choice.  I was hoping you could tell me if you’ve heard about other people having such a hard time getting another cat.

– Fickle cat hunter

Dear Fickle:  I’ve heard many stories from clients about how they picked out a new kitty to have in their life.  Interestingly enough, cats usually pick out their human as apposed to it being the other way around.  Often times, friends and clients tell me they have gone in with the plan of adopting a large, fluffy Manx only to leave with a tiny Calico.  Cats have a way of charming their way into one’s life and not taking “no” for an answer.

From your letter, it seems like you had a special bond with Ambrosia.  It may be that you had a closer, tighter bond than you even realize and that you really aren’t done with your own personal mourning.  All the searching you are doing and visiting with different kitties is actually a nice way for you to prepare yourself for that special feeling you will undoubtedly get when the “right” cat comes your way and “picks you out.” If you have ever seen the TV show “Say Yes to the Dress,” all the brides seem to have ONE thing in common when they finally settle on the perfect dress they actually commit to – they seem to get a special, warm feeling and shed a few tears.  I don’t mean to compare your search for a wonderful kitty companion to that cheesy TLC reality show (of which I’ve seen EVERY episode) but maybe you are a person who needs to “feel the feeling”.

Please don’t rush yourself or force anything that doesn’t seem natural.  I’ve been mourning the loss of my beloved Dooney Dunsmuir for exactly a year, and I still cry if I think about him too long.  Your “kitty quest” can be long, winding, and cathartic.  Your feelings and indecision are completely normal.  Enjoy the journey and let a mutual feeling come over both you and the lucky kitty who wins your heart.  The right cat will capture your attention when the planets align – and then you’ll have those paws wrapped around your heart.  My best wishes.

– Dr. Forsythe

Dear Dr. Abbie:  We have a wonderful little Schnauzer. He is so full of fun, but lately he has been rubbing his eyes and they keep getting this green goop. I try to clean it out, but it keeps coming back. Is there anything I can put in his eyes? Will Visine or something like that help? – Moo Shu’s mom

Dear Moo Shu’s Mom:  I love those onomatopoeia words, and goop just needs no further explanation, except for maybe an adjective. As goops go, green means go – to the vet that is. Green goop in the eyes usually spells kerato-conjunctivitis sicca. Most people call it KCS.  It means dry eye, and paradoxically it causes more discharge.  It’s manageable and with the right prescription, Mu Shoo won’t need to rub his eyes anymore.

Tears are 95 percent water. The rest is mucus containing nutrients and immune factors to nourish and lubricate the cornea. When KCS strikes, tear glands stop producing the liquid portion of the tears. Left untreated it causes pain (hence Moo Shu’s rubbing) and can lead to vision loss so make an appointment to see the vet right away. In the meantime, use artificial tears several times a day.

Like most things there’s good news and bad news here. The good news that a simple test for tear production will provide a diagnosis and KCS is manageable. The bad news is that KCS can’t be cured for good; it needs lifelong treatment and the ointment can be expensive.

Good luck with little Moo Shu. Hopefully, his beguiling puppy eyes will be clear and shining again soon. Thanks for writing.  – Dr.  Abbie