Q: Tony, our 3-year-old cockapoo, has had a cloudy eye for about
a week. At first it bothered him. He rubbed it a lot. Now he seems
OK, but it still looks very cloudy and a little red on the edges.
Is there something we can do for him?
Q: Tony, our 3-year-old cockapoo, has had a cloudy eye for about a week. At first it bothered him. He rubbed it a lot. Now he seems OK, but it still looks very cloudy and a little red on the edges. Is there something we can do for him?
A: A cloudy eye like this can mean a lot of different things. And unfortunately, some cloudy conditions can be extremely serious. Tony’s eye needs to be thoroughly evaluated by a veterinarian, and the sooner he is examined, the better his chances for a full recovery.
Cloudiness of the cornea can be a result of trauma such as a scratch. This, in itself, is serious. But when an eye loses its clarity, it also can be a symptom of anything from diabetes to glaucoma. Occasionally, there can be problems with internal structures within the eye. For example, the lens can break loose causing an increase in eye pressure that leads to corneal edema.
The cloudiness here would literally be the tip of the iceberg as far as symptoms. If early treatment were not started, vision could quickly be lost. Hopefully, Tony’s problem will be a small one. But he needs
to be seen by his veterinarian. Call for an appointment right away.
Q: My 12-year-old dog periodically gets a growling stomach that usually lasts about a day. When her stomach growls it appears she wants to eat, but she won’t. I think she’s uncomfortable. She never vomits, and she seems to drink water all right. What could be some reasons to explain why her stomach does this every once in awhile?
A: Some dogs have a sensitive intestinal tract, and any little diet change can cause indigestion and gas similar to what you describe. If you are supplementing her diet with goodies such as table scraps, you may be causing the problem.
You should feed her the same dog food every day. Gassy episodes like these could turn into a more serious problem such as bloat.If these gassy moments persist even when you feed a steady bland diet, have her evaluated by a veterinarian to see if there is some underlying cause for this condition. Intestinal upset can also be an early symptom of other problems, including liver and pancreatic disorders.
As an aside, let’s remind dog owners that they should have a first-aid kit for their pet. It should have in it, among other items, a product that can be given for stomach and intestinal gas. Bloat is a killer and can occur very quickly. Administering one of these “anti-gas” medications can sometimes save a dog’s life while you rush to the hospital. Ask your vet what he or she recommends.
Q: I have a guinea pig whose claws are starting to curl. Should I bring him in to the vet, or can I cut these nails myself? What precautions should I take?
A: Long nails can be both uncomfortable and unhealthy for any pet. They can force an animal to walk unevenly on their feet causing tendinitis and even arthritis as the pet ages. In extreme cases, where the nail grows completely around into the bottom of the foot, infection becomes a real problem.
Most pets keep their nails short and trim just by running around and doing their daily activities. But some need assistance. For these, routine nail trimming is a must.Â
If your guinea pig will let you hold him, you can clip those nails by yourself at home. All it takes is a pair of sharp nail clippers just like those you personally use. Have some special blood-stop powder ready (available at almost any pet store) in case you cut a nail too short.Â
If you aren’t sure how to do all this the first time, ask your veterinarian or one of the staff to show you how to clip the nails. But most of all, remember to be patient and always nip off just a little at a time. Your little piggy will look and feel better because of your effort.
By the way, many dogs and cats also need regular attention to their feet. Older pets, in particular, tend to have more problems with their feet, mostly because they become less active as they get into their “senior years”.
Nails that are too long push the toes to the side as the pet stands and walks. This abnormal pressure can cause chronic discomfort and reduced activity. Heavier dogs and cats are really at risk for serious problems with this condition.
Check your pet’s feet at least once every week. If his or her nails are long, trim them on a regular basis. And if your furry friend resists, have a professional groomer do it for you. A good pedicure is important to the health of your pet.
