VETS Q&A

Dear Vicki, I’ve got a four-monthold Golden Retriever cross Poodle who has extremely dry skin. She’s been treated for mites but it’s made no difference. She’s back at the vets soon for a skin scrape but just wondering what else it might be? The skin scrapes will be able to identify any parasite but you could try making sure her diet has enough essential fatty acids. You can do this by feeding her a high quality puppy food which will help her skin health. Once the vet identifies if there is a parasite causing the problem, you should be able to get to the bottom of the dry skin issue if it isn’t dietrelated. I’ve just been told my cat may have a condition starting with a ‘C’ but I can’t remember what it is. It’s related to his gums being very sore. This sounds like Feline Calicivirus (FCV). If it is this condition, there are ways of treating it so don’t panic too much. Monitor his eating for now and if you think he’s sore or in pain, take him back to your vet. FCV is very contagious and spread through contact with an infected cat’s saliva, for example sharing food and water bowls. My dog has trouble breathing after he exercises and he coughs and wheezes. Can dogs suffer from asthma? It is possible for dogs to suffer from asthma, which causes them to cough and wheeze. However, there are other possible causes for your dog’s problems, such as bronchitis, heart disease, worms, allergies or even something stuck in his throat. You need to take your dog to see your vet who may need to do some tests, such as chest x-rays, and can then advise you on suitable treatment. www.pdsa.org.uk