DR BRUCE CHARD

contact@northharbourvet.co.nz REX, our 18-month-old labrador, has a button-like growth below his left shoulder. It has no hair and is bright red. Rex does not seem bothered by it. Should I be worried?

With any unexplained skin growth it is always best to have your vet check it. From your description it may be a histiocytoma, but your vet will do tests to diagnose this. Histiocytomas are benign or noncancerous growths that grow rapidly on the head or limbs of young dogs. They are a type of skin tumour that develops from inflammatory cells. Your vet can diagnose it from its appearance and the fact it is on a young dog. Cells will be taken from the growth for your vet to diagnose or a sample will be sent to a pathologist at a laboratory. Often they go away after 2-3 months but if there is any doubt surgical removal gives a complete resolution.

I own a 2-year-old female ragdoll cat called Minx. I live in an apartment so Minx does not go outside. She does have a cat tower but I am worried that she gets bored when I am at work. What should I do keep her active?

More cat owners are now keeping their cats inside and it is a good option as long as you make provisions to keep them from just sleeping and eating. Make sure you have as large a cat tower as you can keep in your apartment with lots of cubby holes. Ensure Minx can enjoy the view from your windows by placing boxes and pads on furniture for better access. Have a large sturdy scratching post with hessian rope on, for her to keep her claws in order. When you are home put aside time to play with her using a wand for her to chase or jump at so she remains active. Feed small meals to keep her trim.