There’s an interesting story about a uniquely talented kitty in
Rhode Island. Oscar the cat lives in a Providence nursing home and
somehow detects when a patient has just a few hours to live. He’s
accurately predicted up to 50 deaths by curling up next to a dying
patient or by scratching at their closed door if he is removed from
the room.
There’s an interesting story about a uniquely talented kitty in Rhode Island. Oscar the cat lives in a Providence nursing home and somehow detects when a patient has just a few hours to live. He’s accurately predicted up to 50 deaths by curling up next to a dying patient or by scratching at their closed door if he is removed from the room.
Oscar was adopted as a kitten and is now about 5 years old. The owners say he’s generally unsociable and spends his days pacing from room to room at the nursing home. He usually refuses to spend any time with the elderly residents. But when someone is near death and in their last hours, he shows this peculiar behavior and they say he’s been amazingly accurate.
A book telling this incredible story has just been released. “Making Rounds With Oscar: The Extraordinary Gift of an Ordinary Cat” is written by Dr. David Rosa. I hope to arrange an interview with this author so stay tuned.
Q:
Our golden retriever, Robby, is only 2 years old. Recently he started having trouble eating, and now his jaw and mouth are really painful. The vet looked at him and says he has an immune disease in his muscle. I tried to look up the name of this disease and can’t find it anywhere. Robby is taking prednisone and seems to be getting better, but I wonder if this is going to be problem later on when he’s older.
A:
After talking with you, we determined that Robby’s vet had diagnosed masticatory myositis, an inflammation of the muscles of the jaw. The resulting soreness makes it difficult and painful for Robby to move his jaw. Typically, dogs with this disease stop eating. Many also develop atrophy of the muscles around their head. This type of myositis is usually caused by an unusual autoimmune condition where antibodies inappropriately attack and destroy proteins found in these muscles.
You should talk to Robby’s vet again and make sure that the diagnosis has been confirmed. Other problems, including Lyme disease can cause similar symptoms. So a definitive diagnosis and perhaps some tests to rule out any other problems might be a good idea.
Treatment of masticatory myositis with steroids is usually successful. Prednisone is given over a prolonged period, but gradually reduced over time to very low levels. Most cases heal and don’t recur. But should Robby show any signs of pain in the future, a prompt recheck exam will be very important.
Q:
My roommate sometimes gives his dog beer when we party. Sometimes his dog will drink a lot, then go to bed. He says his vet told him that this is safe and not to worry. Is this true?
A:
I doubt any vet would have told your roommate that beer is safe for his dog. Alcohol consumption is a bad idea and downright dangerous. Dogs don’t metabolize alcohol in their liver the same as people, so even a small amount of beer could be toxic. Tell your roomie that he needs to get another veterinarian and to stop giving beer to his pooch.
Q:
How can I tell if my dog, Tommy, has a stomach ache? He eats normally, but vomits at least once a day, usually after he gets his morning snack treats. Sometimes it has food in it, but sometimes it’s just yellow fluid. He’s a little overweight and feels good otherwise.
A:
Tommy certainly has some sort of a problem; vomiting once a day is not healthy. He might just be sensitive or allergic to those daily treats. So first, stop giving him anything but his regular dog food. No more treats for at least two weeks: just plain kibble and nothing else. If he still vomits after two weeks on this simple diet, he should go to his vet for a complete physical examination. There are many other possible reasons for his indigestion. And he certainly can’t feel healthy if his stomach is continually upset.
