DR BRUCE CHARD

contact@northharbourvet.co.nz Our cat, Rupert, lately seems to always be hungry and keeps bothering us for food. He has not lost weight, in fact he seems to have gained. Do you think he might be diabetic? It is unlikely that Rupert is diabetic as the signs of this disease are ones of weight loss, despite eating more, plus having an increased thirst. A urine test by your vet will quickly rule out diabetes if there is no sugar in the urine. It may just be Rupert is manipulating the family to keep feeding him. Often cats will eat more during the winter months. If he checks out OK with your vet, either restrict his food, or try the new metabolic cat food which helps cats maintain a healthy weight. My bichon frise dog sometimes develops hot spots over her back legs. Although I try to treat them with ointment she often keeps on chewing at them, so I was wondering if it would be better to use the cone of shame to allow them to heal. It is a common problem with dogs licking excessively at wounds and skin irritation which may not be helpful for healing. Certainly vets will regularly use a cone or Elizabethan collar to prevent a dog chewing at stitches. Unfortunately they are difficult to manage, with some dogs becoming depressed and bumping into doors when they are used. There are some newer types available with a soft base which should make them more comfortable; despite this I don’t recommend their use for skin sores. It is better to focus on healing the hot spots by clipping and cleaning well and possibly have your vet help, as antibiotics are often needed.