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ANSWER: The answer to both of your questions regarding why your cat seems to lose her balance and fall over and why she has terrible hair mats is the same. Kidney failure is a degenerative disease (gets worse over time). The kidneys act as one of the filtering systems of the blood to keep elements that the body needs inside and to rid the body of elements it doesn't need through urination. If the kidneys are not working correctly, the body is not able to hold onto the elements that it needs and will lose valuable elements in the urine. Some of these "elements" (enzymes, minerals, etc.) build up in the bloodstream and become toxic; while other important elements are being lost in the urine. Both of these combined can cause your cat to not feel well and show signs associated with toxicity, weakness, poor appetite (and subsequent weight loss). When a cat does not feel well it will lose interest or may be too weak to keep itself groomed-thus the formation of mats. Some cats are too overweight to reach certain areas of their bodies and they form mats in the areas they can't reach; but this is a whole other story. Rehydration is key to help the body flush out toxic levels in the blood and some animals are helped by being on a special diet formulated for kidney disease (such as Hill's K/D prescription food available only from your veterinarian). Twenty-one years is a long time to have a cat; you must be doing something right!!!

Liver Disease and Seizures in a Welsh Terrier
2) Question: My dog has a high bilirubin level. He has had seizures (most recently a few weeks ago) but has always had very minor ones where he can't stop clicking his teeth together and they only last a few seconds, He has elevated bilirubin and elevated enzymes in his liver. I'm concerned about liver disease. Is this something that is treatable? Is this common in Welsh terriers? B.B., Hamburg, NY.

ANSWER: Treatment of liver disease depends upon the cause/nature of the problem. Elevated (increased) liver enzymes in the blood can be from problems with the production/destruction of red blood cells, bile duct obstructions/gall bladder problems, congenital (present at birth) problems with the liver and it's blood supply, or a problem with the liver organ itself (such as cancer, toxins, viral or bacterial infections, etc.).

Dog Urine and Yellow Grass
3) Question: Is it true if you add tomato juice to a dogs diet it will prevent the yellowing urine stains of the lawn? Or do you have other any other solutions? M.R., Long Beach, CA

ANSWER: Urine "stains" or discoloration's to your lawn can be caused by urine that is too acidic or too alkaline. Urine pH is somewhat controlled by diet. The only way to determine why dog's urine is "burning the grass" is to take a fresh urine sample into your veterinarian to have it evaluated and test the pH. If it is not neutral (too acidic or alkaline) your vet can make specific recommendations that may help control the problem. Check your local PETCO store for VETCO's full service veterinary hospitals inside the store. For the location nearest you, visit www.petservice.com.

Cat with Ongoing Bladder Infection
4) Question: My 5-year old cat has had a bladder infection for a couple months. The vet gave her a shot and pills (two different medications to be given in succession over several weeks). She still has blood in her urine. He says it's not unusual to last so long. I will keep giving her pills if it will help. What do you think? She seems happy and healthy otherwise but I don't want her to suffer, or keep peeing everywhere. It is getting expensive. L.G., Levittown, PA.

ANSWER: Some urinary tract infections can take awhile to treat. I would suggest having your veterinarian send in a urine sample, a culture and sensitivity test, and have a pathologist review the cells present in the urine for cancer. This test evaluates the urine for pH, the presence of urinary crystals, unusual cells (tumors), white blood cells (infection), and to see if the kidneys are working correctly to concentrate the urine. The culture and sensitivity test will show what bacteria are present in the urine and what antibiotic they are susceptible. This eliminates the need to try several antibiotics that may not be the exact one necessary to kill of the specific bacteria. X-rays or ultrasound might also be considered to rule out the presence of urinary stones and tumors that can also be causing the problem. Blood tests might also be necessary to evaluate other organ functions, bleeding disorders, etc. if no problems are found in the urinary tract. Having an animal means taking full responsibility for caring for that pet and that includes keeping it healthy and keeping it from suffering. Good luck!

Dogs Coughing & Off of Their Heartworm Medication
5) Question: Two of my labs have been hacking & coughing - they went without their heartworm medicine for a few months - and then we gave it to them without having them tested - could this be a sign of heartworms? A.O., Jackson, MS.

ANSWER: Yes, coughing is one of the most prominent signs of canine heartworm infection. Exercise intolerance, pale gums, trouble breathing, and weaknesses are also among the signs of heartworm infection. They can also be signs of other problems such as kennel cough, canine distemper virus, heart problems, and other diseases. Please take both of your dogs to your veterinarian to have them examined and tested for heartworms today. Early detection leads to early treatment and longer survival times.

Rawhides-Are They Safe for Dogs
6) Question: I was once told that rawhide bones and toys are not good for dogs, because the rawhide knots up in their stomach. I am wondering if this is true since I have a 10-week old puppy that wants to chew right now. Can I give her rawhide to chew? K.S., Houston, TX.

ANSWER: I have always recommended rawhide chews for dogs and have personally never seen any problems associated with them. Some veterinarians have found rawhides causing intestinal obstructions (blockage) from the chews, but it is pretty rare. Usually, the rawhide, if swallowed, will pass on through. I stay away from the smaller chews (in bigger dogs) to decrease the likelihood of the animal swallowing it. Stay away from toys that are easily torn into small pieces for this same reason. I have seen many items removed from animal's gastrointestinal tract such as nylons, underwear, tampons, rubber bands, balls (lots of balls), rocks, strings, cigarette butts, caps & lids, batteries, light bulbs, Christmas ornaments, cloths, stuffed animals, sticks, and even a table knife. Almost anything can be swallowed. Supervision and prevention by keeping things out of the animal's reach are most important in preventing problems. Remember that some plants (indoor and outdoor) can also be toxic to your pets. Electrical cords can be chewed and cause electric burns even death. Take care to supervise your pets!

Hair Loss
7) Question: I have a 5-yr old boxer w/hair loss over his hindquarters no scratching any fleas. Vet did a scrape and found nothing unusual, any ideas? E.A., Pittsburg, PA.

ANSWER: Hair loss in dogs can have one (or several) of a list of causes ranging from a primary skin condition such as: bacterial infections, nutritional problems, etc., hormonal problems (such as hypothyroidism, or problems with other hormones such as estrogen or adrenal gland problems), allergies (inhaled, food or contact allergies), parasites (fleas, intestinal parasites, different forms of mange), fungal infections (ringworm, yeast, etc.), and the hair loss may not be related to a skin problem but an internal problem or even a problem with the dog's immune system. Any hair loss should be diagnosed properly by your veterinarian so that an appropriate treatment plan can be implemented. Sometimes, your vet may suggest a skin biopsy and send it to a veterinary pathologist for an evaluation--or even work with or refer you to a veterinary dermatologist.

Dog with Possible Red Mange
8) Question: My dog has something called Red Mange. What can I do to help her? We took her to the vet and they gave us some shampoo but it didn't work. What should I do? C.W., Highlands, TX.

ANSWER: Mites in general can be difficult to treat and take awhile (sometimes 12 weeks or more) with bathing, dipping, cleaning the environment, and sometimes drug therapy to help control secondary skin infections, hypersensitivity reactions, etc. The prognosis for "cure" depends on your own individual animal's ability to fight off/control the infection, the duration of infection, and the intensity of hypersensitivity to these mites. Your vet would be the best person to ask about prognosis, as this person can monitor response to treatment.
Most cases can be treated, don't give up!

Possible Pregnant Cat
9) Question: My cat got out of the house and I believe she was mated while she was out. However, a day after she was home she went into a less severe heat cycle. Is that possible if she is pregnant? Thanks!! K.I., Lakewood, OH.

ANSWER: Yes, it is possible that she could be pregnant. If she had been spayed, it would not be possible. This is why veterinarians recommend spaying and neutering as early as possible to prevent unwanted or unplanned pregnancies. Please have your pet spayed or neutered today! The bleeding could be from her cycle, or from trauma of being mated or an unrelated problem. Please take her in for your vet to examine her today!

Giving Over-the-Counter Human Medicine to Pets
10) Question: Is it ok to give our 13-year old Cocker Spaniel, a baby aspirin to help ease her arthritis and ear aches. She is already on medication for her constant ear infections. C.S., Sedalia, CO.

I cannot recommend any over the counter medications for a pet that I have not seen or that I am not familiar with its medical history. You need to check with your own veterinarian that has a copy of the medical chart before giving any medications to your pet!