DR BRUCE CHARD
contact@northharbourvet.co.nz I have two dogs which I regularly treat for fleas during summer with a spot on-type preparation. As it is now winter is it okay to not give further treatment until spring?
It depends on how well you have control of any flea infestation. As most dogs live indoors there is no longer the opportunity for cold winters to stop the flea life cycle. During summer this can be as short as two weeks from the time a female flea lays an egg to an adult flea being hatched. The flea can stay in the pupal form for seven months so there is always potential for fleas to hatch and attach themselves to your dogs, therefore it is better to continue with your treatment. Your vet will check flea control with your annual visit. One of the new oral treatments lasts 12 weeks so consider using this.
My 10-year-old cat, Misty, has a little sore or cavity on one of her lower teeth. It does not seem to bother her so should I get treatment for her?
What you are describing is probably a resorptive lesion that cats are susceptible to. It is a process where a cell breaks down the hard outer surface of the tooth or enamel exposing sensitive tissue. It usually occurs about the gum margin and gum tissue grows over the deficit. Often there can be other teeth involved so it is always important to have Misty booked in for a dental appointment. Your vet will check all teeth under an anaesthetic and ideally take dental X-rays. This is necessary as the tooth roots may also be involved. Unfortunately the cause is still unknown and the only practical treatment is to have the tooth removed. The condition is often painful but Misty may not show obvious signs. Look for Misty not chewing on hard food and dribbling saliva.