VETS Q&A

MY dog Buster has a growth on his gum. It’s got bigger in recent weeks. It doesn’t seem to irritate him but I’m concerned. What could it be? LUMPS and bumps can be a bit of a worry so it’s always a good idea to get them checked out, especially if they suddenly start growing or changing shape.

Your vet will be able to take samples and either look at them under the microscope or send them off to a laboratory so they can determine what kind of lump it is. Once they know what you are dealing with, your vet can advise if it needs to be removed. MY cat recently had an unexpected litter of kittens. I’ve found them all good homes but how soon can they leave their mum? Also, how soon can I get my cat spayed? WE would usually recommend that kittens stay with their mum for at least eight weeks, and after that it will depend on their health and them being fully weaned.

It’s best to get them checked by a vet before they go to their new homes, and you can also ask about getting the first part of their primary vaccination course.

I’m glad to hear that you’ll be getting their mum spayed, too – this has important health benefits as well as preventing unplanned litters.

This can usually be done as soon as the kittens are weaned. MY rabbit has started sneezing. He lives indoors but gets plenty of fresh air. Can rabbits get colds? RABBITS can get a type of respiratory disease that is similar to a cold.

The most common cause is infection with a bacterium called pasteurella multocida.

This often causes a runny nose, sneezing and/or an eye discharge. You should make an appointment to see a vet as soon as possible.

www.pdsa.org.uk.