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Over-The-Counter Flea Remedies Not Working
1) Question: ) In last month, older cat has become very skittish, does not purr, and has scabs (?)on neck/shoulders and has hair loss on tummy. He now excessively cleans my younger cat. I came home two weeks ago and found a large hairball in yellowish liquid(?) on kitchen floor, but do not know which cat did it. Gave hairball remedy to younger cat and have not had any problems since. Also, I can't seem to control the fleas with the over-the-counter remedies. What should I do??? I am concerned. Please respond ASAP. Thanks! Veronica, Puy, Washington.

ANSWER: Your cats need to be seen by a veterinarian to make sure that they do not have a skin infection secondary to the fleas. They may also be allergic to flea saliva, which may be causing some of the skin problems. The hairloss also concerns me and should be diagnosed. Hairballs do happen in cats that groom each other or themselves excessively and can easily be controlled through diet and over-the-counter hairball remedies. As for using over-the-counter products for flea control, I feel that they are not as effective as prescription products available only through licensed veterinarians, such as Advantage or Frontline. You must also control the fleas in the environment simultaneously with treating the cats, or the problem will continue. See your local PETCO store for environmental flea-control products and associated Vetco Mobile Vaccination Clinics that carry prescription flea control products at reasonable prices.

White Spots on Goldfish
2) Question: My goldfish have developed these whitish spots on their tails; also their fins are tearing. What can I do to treat them? D.B., Wayne, New Jersey

ANSWER: Your goldfish are probably effected by a disease common to goldfish called "ich". It is a protozoan in the water that feeds off of the blood and skin cells of the fish. Non-FDA approved drugs that will kill the organism in the water but may not penetrate can treat it to parasites inside the skin layer of the fish. Your local PETCO stores carry a line of fish "remedies"; products designed to treat specific problems with your fish and/or aquarium. Often, the disease is fatal, but some fish are able to stay alive but remain chronically infected-so isolation of any fish affected by the disease is recommended. Good luck!

Frontline on Pregnant or Nursing Animals
3) Question: Can I use front line, for fleas, on a pregnant cat, and on a cat feeding kittens? U.D., Glenfork, West Virginia.

ANSWER: The product label states "This product may be harmful to debilitated, aged, pregnant, or nursing animals". With this information, along with the instructions that it is NOT to be used on kittens less than 12 weeks of age, I would not risk using the product without consulting with a representative from the manufacturer. Their telephone number is: Merial at 1-800-660-1842.

Treating For Worms Without Knowing What Kind
4) Question: I have an 8-wk old puppy that is a pitbull mix. On, 09/16/99, I'd awaken & he'd pooped. It was a pile of worms. Flat & long. I've purchased some liquid wormer. He'd taken it well. Waiting for results. Do you think it's okay for him? And long before it takes effect? THANKING YOU IN ADVANCE J.W., Gardena, California.

ANSWER: Here I must stress the importance of taking a stool sample into your veterinarian to have the "type" of parasite (worm) identified so that the proper medication can be given. You can waste several dollars on different deworming medications and still not take care of the problem because you are not using the correct medication for the specific type of worm. It is possible that, by chance, you have chosen the correct medication for the parasite(s) that your puppy has, but it would need to be repeated. A stool sample should be checked by your veterinarian even in the event that no more "adult" worms are seen in the stool.

The reason is that microscopically, the eggs may still infect your pet or larvae that the adult worms have laid inside the digestive tract (or elsewhere in the body) and it is only a matter of time before you will see worms again. I must also mention that you don't always have to see "adult" worms in the stool. Pets can still be infected with parasites and not pass any worms in the stool. Keep in mind, that fly larvae will hatch in stool that is left around within several hours and the puppy may not have worms at all. What you are seeing are actually maggots. This is why it is imperative to have a puppy's stool checked several times to rule out parasitic infections and the effectiveness of treatment. PETCO stores have Vetco full-service hospitals located within some stores in California, or they are being serviced by Vetco Mobile Vaccination Clinics that can run your fecal test for you (stool sample must be as fresh as possible for best results-nothing over 24 hrs old).

Dog Breed Recommendations for Allergic Family Member
5) Question: My sister is allergic to dog dander (not that much) and we were wondering the best types of dogs to get that won't make her react as much. Let me know if a cocker spaniel is a good breed to get. D.S. Westerville, Ohio.

ANSWER: I would not suggest getting any pet with fur or feathers in the case of an allergic family member. The reason is that it is the animal that will suffer when it is decided that the child, sister, cousin, etc. is too allergic to keep the pet. Many animals end up every year at area shelters and euthanized (killed) because they are not adopted out (since they are no longer "puppies"). Some allergic reactions can be very severe and even involve trips to the emergency room or lifelong usage of antihistamines for control. May I suggest getting a reptile or a fish aquarium instead? Check your local PETCO store for a wide selection of adorable reptilian or aquatic species that make wonderful pets. They also have a whole line of equipment, food and supplies for any type of animal you should purchase there and they are always glad to help with questions and getting you started. Amazon.com has a wide selection of books available on reptiles and aquatic species that you can check out at their website. Good luck and please stay away from fur or feathers.

Coccidia in Young Kittens Surviving Panleukopenia
6) Question: We are trying to research treatment of coccidia in 2-15 week old kittens that just survived feline panleukopenia. The medicine a vet gave us has not worked after 10 days of treatment and semi-isolation. P We would like to know if our other cats and dog would contract anything, what signs to look for, they are current on all vaccinations. K.F., Columbus, Ohio.

ANSWER: First, coccidia are a protozoan parasite that can also be present in stools of animals showing no clinical signs. Clinical signs of infection with coccidia are diarrhea that varies with soft to fluid consistency and is occasionally bloody or mucousy. Other signs can include vomiting, weight loss, dehydration, and lethargy. Some forms of coccidia may interfere with absorption and cause the pet to not be able to absorb nutrients properly. Coccidia can become pathogenic (causing clinical signs/symptoms) in animals that are stressed, overcrowded, malnutritioned, or immunosuppressed from having concurrent infections/problems.

In your case, your kittens are immunosuppressed (their immune systems are very weak) from suffering from feline panleukopenia (a viral disease affecting the protective white blood cells of the immune system). Their immune systems are not going to be as efficient in fighting off infections of any kind. Longer treatment and different drug trials may be necessary for treatment. Common drugs used in the treatment of coccidia are trimethoprimsulfa, sulfadimethoxine, furazolidone and amprolium. Ask your veterinarian for help and let him/her know that the treatment is not effective--we are always glad to help. With the presence of coccidia being normal in some animals, you should also have your veterinarian look for other causes for their symptoms, as Feline Leukemia virus is seen simultaneously in animals affected with feline panleukopenia. And, with the immune suppression that your kittens have been subject to, many other parasites should be ruled out such as Giardia, etc. All other animals in your household need to be treated simultaneously in my opinion, and the stool from all pets needs to be careful picked up and discarded daily. Wear rubber gloves to ensure that you will not become infected, and wash your hands after handling any of the animals until the problem is under control.

Bringing Fleas Home from SPCA
7) Question: I am about to start a new job at my local SPCA. I was just wondering if there was any way to prevent bringing home fleas and infecting my own pets? Thanks, L.N., Quebec CANADA.

ANSWER: Yes, do not bring any animals home from the SPCA. Fleas are host-specific, meaning dog fleas like dogs, cat fleas like cats, and fleas will "settle" for a dog or cat if the preferred species is not present. Just to be on the safe side, keep a set of clothing that is worn only at work, but actual transmission would be highly unlikely.

Cats with Reproductive Problems
8) Question: I have one female cat that goes into heat once every six months for one or two days while the other female cat goes into heat every other month for at least a week. I'm planning to have the cat that goes into heat every other month while the other cat, I'm not going to have fixed, P.C. Bronx, New York.

ANSWER: Why not have all of your cats spayed and neutered? If you are interested in breeding your cats, then I suggest complete veterinary exams to rule out any fertility or health problems that need to be treated prior to breeding. Any breeding cat should be tested for carrying fatal viral diseases such as Feline Infectious Peritonitis, Feline Leukemia, Feline Immunodeficiency Virus. Also, screening for parasites is essential, especially if you have the female. If you are experiencing heat problems with any of your animals, they need complete physical examinations and tests to find the cause and institute proper medical treatment. Good luck!

Cat with Mass on Xray
9) Question: Recently, my cats eating habits have changed. I took her to the vet as she has been vomiting much more than before. The vet took xrays and found a mass (left side) below her rib cage. He ordered a blood test and reported that nothing major to be concerned about. He said her liver enzymes were slightly elevated. I have several options to consider. One, the vet can order a sonogram. Two, exploratory surgery. Today, she is not eating and when she does she vomits. I am giving her antibiotics as she is running a fever of 103.5. What advise do you have? I am afraid that she may have a tumor. Can a tumor be seen in an xray? R.B., Washington, D.C.

ANSWER: "Masses" can be seen on xray. Masses can be organ enlargements, tumors, cysts (fluid filled sacs), abscesses (infected sacs filled with pus), granulomas, foreign objects, etc. I am concerned that she is not eating and has a fever and feel you should take her to an emergency service to help her ASAP! She is definitely suffering and she needs to be stabilized before ANYTHING else is done (if she is not eating she needs to be on intravenous fluids to help maintain hydration especially if she is having other medical problems). Antibiotics wouldn't be a bad idea depending upon what her CBC suggests.

I cannot make the decision between surgery and the ultrasound, that should be made by the veterinarian. Your vet is able to evaluate what your cat's overall medical condition is and what diagnostic tool would be best tolerated, give the most information, and possibly provide some relief. You both need a diagnosis in order to make any further treatment decisions. You need to sit down and discuss your questions with your veterinarian until you have a FULL understanding of your options and your cat's condition. If your vet is unwilling to do this with you, please seek a second opinion immediately! Now, get your cat to an emergency service ASAP! Good luck! Ask what information is to be gained by each procedure, what steps are taken once that procedure is done, what are the advantages and disadvantages of each procedure, what will your cat be able to endure in it's current condition, what is the price for all of the services and what is the prognosis (survival) of each of the suspected problems, treatments. You have a right to know before you make a decision! Again, good luck!

Medication is a Fight With Cat
10) Question: My cat gets Amphogel twice a day for kidney failure. I wrap her in a towel and squirt it in her mouth with a syringe. She flails, spits and sometimes vomits. I tried fish flavored: she vomited every time. Are there alternatives, or a way to make this less traumatic? K.T., Watertown, Massachusettes.

ANSWER: Yes, you can try capsules. If the capsules are too large for your cat to swallow or too large of a dosage, have your veterinarian prescribe how to dose the capsule effectively for your cat's weight and place the powder in the cat's food. The Amphogel itself can be placed in the cat's food, as well. Ask your veterinarian if Milk of Magnesia would be an appropriate medication for your particular cat and it's condition, you can always try other products. Your veterinarian might be able to have a special "formula" made up with the help of a pharmacist that is the appropriate dose for your cat out of capsules or other suspensions. She isn't getting much of it if she is vomiting or spitting it out, so you really can't lose by trying other methods. Good luck and don't give up! These phosphorous binding products don't always taste the best!

Final Note:

Thanks for all of the good questions this week. There were so many good ones to choose from, it was very difficult. I tried to answer all of the questions that were sent, but as the numbers get greater; it becomes more difficult. If you are worried about your pet, please don't hesitate to take it in to your vet and have it examined. There is no price for peace of mind and healthy animals. Thanks, again. Dr. Kelly Brodnik.