Should pup’s baby teeth fall out?
QMY MINIATURE poodle is six months old. I have noticed that she has two canine teeth side by side in the upper jaw. One is larger and I assume the smaller one is the baby tooth. When should these baby teeth fall out and is it a problem if they don’t?
APUPPIES are born without teeth and by one month of age, baby teeth will have erupted.These teeth are also called deciduous or milk teeth and puppies will have these until the permanent teeth replace them.
Teething begins between three and a half months and four months, a time when pups will chew anything for relief from the irritation caused by the arrival of the permanent teeth. Deciduous teeth are not destined to be permanent and should have all been pushed out by seven months. Persistent deciduous teeth are most commonly seen in the upper canine teeth, as with your dog.You could wait for another month or so to see if the teeth will come out by themselves. Otherwise I would check with your vet to see when it will be possible to examine the dog and arrange removal of the teeth.
Food is often trapped between the two teeth and this can cause infection. As deciduous teeth fall out adult teeth occupy their correct position. If this fails, teeth may end up misaligned, causing an abnormal bite.
Early removal is advisable, and can often be done at the same time as neutering, around six to seven months, to avoid two general anaesthetics.
QMY NINE-YEAR-OLD tabby cat has lost all fur from her lower tummy area and the insides of her hind legs. It doesn’t worry her and she is very well otherwise. Do you know the cause of this?
ATHIS IS a common problem that you describe very well. Years ago it was thought to be caused by a hormonal imbalance called feline endocrine alopecia. Further studies demonstrated that in the majority of cases alopecia is caused by the cat overgrooming. It is now called feline symmetrical alopecia or “bald belly syndrome”.
There are various causes, which can be divided into two main areas. The first comprises allergic reactions causing inflammation in the skin, with the cat licking to alleviate the itch sensation. Over time this causes the hair to be removed, resulting in baldness.
Allergies can develop to pollens or house dust mites for example. Allergic reactions can also be due to parasites such as fleas (most commonly) or to various mites. The second area results from some form of stress. Cats will often groom themselves to alleviate stress and the baldness that results is called psychogenic alopecia. If your cat’s routine has been upset by the lockdown, with lots of children suddenly about for example, this may be a possible cause.
If your cat is not currently on anti-parasite treatment I would suggest contacting your vet for advice. Further investigation and anti-inflammatory treatment may be necessary later, especially if the cat’s licking causes skin lesions.
David Grant MBE was a vet at the RSPCA Harmsworth Hospital for Animals. Email questions to him at pamperedpets@express. co.uk. He is unable to enter into individual correspondence.
Compiled by DEBBI MARCO