Fears over guinea pig Toby’s swelling
My guinea pig, Toby, has recently developed some swellings on his body and appears to be uncomfortable when handled. What could this be?
There are many possible causes of Toby’s swellings, such as cysts, abscesses or tumours; you will need to take Toby to a vet to get a diagnosis. Damaged food and water containers or rough cage sides can cause grazes and cuts which may become infected and form an abscess so it is worthwhile checking this out as a possible cause. If Toby is prescribed any medication make sure he is given every dose and finishes the course. Getting treatment quickly for him is important to relieve his discomfort.
Are flea treatments the same for different species? Can I use my dog’s flea treatment on my cat?
Flea treatments intended for dogs can be extremely poisonous to cats and should never be used on another species. This is a common cause of cat poisoning seen by vets – it can result in severe convulsions and, sadly, can be fatal. Flea control is important in cats and dogs, but it is vital to use appropriate products and read the application guidelines carefully to ensure they are safe and effective. Ask your vet for advice about which products are suitable for your pets.
My dog suffered head injuries in a road accident recently. He’s recovered physically, but his behaviour is now unpredictable – he’s started growling at our other dog when we feed him. What do you advise?
It is important when any
pets show a change in behaviour that they’re checked over by their vet to make sure there isn’t an underlying medical cause. In your dog’s case, it might be that his behaviour change is linked to his recent accident. It’s also possible for two dogs that have lived together happily to start behaving aggressively towards one another, perhaps when one reaches adolescence or if one becomes older and weaker. Food can also cause problems if one dog wants to stop another one getting too close, so it might be worthwhile thinking about feeding your dogs in separate rooms. Your vet will be able to help you with your dog as they will
be aware of all of the different factors involved and may suggest referring your dog to an accredited pet behaviour counsellor (e.g. a member of the Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors www.apbc.org.uk).
We have a neutered two year old cat called Simba and I want to get him a friend. How could we introduce them?
I would strongly encourage you to think twice before getting a friend for Simba. Cats are naturally solitary animals, which means that they usually like to live alone. In fact, being forced to live with other cats can be very stressful for some. Often this stress can even cause illness, such as bladder problems. If cats have grown up together as littermates they may get on ok, but bringing older, unrelated cats together can cause problems.
Send your questions to askthevet@pdsa.org.uk. To find out if your pet is eligible for free PDSA treatment, call 0800 7312502. Glasgow PDSA PetAid Hospitals: 1 Shamrock Street (0141 332 6944), Muiryfauld Drive, Tollcross(0141 763 0800).