Ask the Doctor

Advice for bad breath
Q My nine-year-old cat's breath has always been slightly unpleasant, but it has become noticeable worse over the past few months. I would like to know what might be causing this, and if there's anything I should be doing.
Natalia Brown

A Dear Natalia: There are many possible causes for bad breath in cats, and many of the reasons are the same as they are for humans. Primary causes can include dental diseases, foreign material stuck…

Best treatment for ear tumors

Q Recently, Marabelle, my 11-year-old Himalayan mix, was diagnosed with tumors in her ears and the only option offered by my veterinarian was to have her entire ear canal surgically removed. Even if I could afford this surgery, I am not convinced that it would contain the tumors. I also do not feel good about putting her through the suffering for this procedure.

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I would like to know if you can provide some specific information regarding Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome. I have a cat affected with this and most of what Ive read is redundant. I am curious about the best way to introduce a new cat into the home when you have a resident cat that suffers from FHS.

Frankly, I have a feeling that this is not feline acne. I suspect your cat has idiopathic facial dermatitis of Persian cats, also known as Dirty Face Syndrome. It is seen most commonly in young Persians and Himalayans and is thought to have an inherited basis. It is characterized by a dark greasy exudate that adheres to the hairs. The muzzle, around the eyes, and the chin are the most commonly affected areas. Concurrent waxy ears and ear infections are common.

Senior cat with digestive issues Q My cat Gizmo is 15 years old and has been having digestive problems and persistent diarrhea. He has lost five pounds in the past few months and I cannot seem to control his loose bowels. I have tried two different enzymes and I have been giving him probiotics that I bought from PetSmart, made with Alaskan salmon oil. So far, his problem still persists. …

Concerns about cats and husbands health condition Q We have nine rescue cats ranging from one to nine years old. Five go in and out during the day and all are in at night. I change the litter boxes at an outside sink. Heres my problem: My husband has been placed on the liver transplant list. The estimated time for waiting is two years, but that could change. …

Indoor cat wants to go outside Q I have a wonderful five-year-old cat who was rescued when she was a kitten. This year, Sophie has decided to drive me crazy by going from one door to the other and meowing constantly. She is not allowed out in my apartment complex. Ive had her for most of her life, and she has never acted like this. I tried walking her on a leash, but the experience was not…

Pet food and expiration dates QI recently bought several large bags of a high-quality cat food on sale at our local pet store. Unfortunately, I just realized that the best by date passed by a couple of weeks ago on two of the bags (the third bags date is okay). Should I now consider this food to be unsafe and throw it away? …

Euthanasia: a possible option? Q I am hoping that you can help me with my cat Buffy, who is six years old. Her behavior is vexing, and has gotten to the point where I am at my wits end. My computer is on a desk near a window, where I had a platform installed for Buffy. She really enjoys looking out the window - but if there is a raccoon, bird or any other animal in the…

Q My husband and I live in an elderly community, with plenty of pet lovers. Our neighbor recently lost her toy breed dog,...

Letters to Tufts Veterinarians - Anal Sacs, Socialization

My one-year-old female cat received two injections in the rear to treat an insect bite. The first injection contained an anti-inflammatory medication and the second was Benadryl. The veterinarian at the emergency clinic said that the Benadryl would burn, and my small cat screamed when it was injected.