Q: We have two very cute kittens that are about two-months-old.
We found them in our garage last night. They seem okay, but one has
a large red blister on its tummy. I cleaned it with some peroxide
and it drained a lot of white fluid. What is it that causes
this?
Q: We have two very cute kittens that are about two-months-old. We found them in our garage last night. They seem okay, but one has a large red blister on its tummy. I cleaned it with some peroxide and it drained a lot of white fluid. What is it that causes this?
A: It sounds like this kitty has a skin abscess, and this could be a serious problem. Cats and dogs, like their human counterparts, have bacteria called Staphylococcus aureus on their skin. Superficially, this bacteria can cause minor problems like acne, with small pimples on the chin and tummy. Acne in cats usually isn’t serious, and it’s easily treated with medicated shampoos and antibiotics if necessary.
But when Staph bacteria overgrow and penetrate deeper into the skin, the danger to the young patient becomes more real. The white fluid you see is probably pus, a sign of a nasty abscess or boil. The large amounts of bacteria in this pus can sometimes be absorbed into the bloodstream and become toxic.
Abscess lesions are far less common than simple acne, but they require careful attention and treatment. Kittens raised in unsanitary conditions, or those that are heavily stressed are more prone to these types of infections.
Take your new-found kittens to the vet right away. The vet will be able to determine how serious this infection really is, and prescribe the right treatment if needed. After that, you’ll have a new job … thinking up names for these two new additions to your family.
Q: My young dog, Becky, recently swallowed a plastic sewing thimble. I was hoping that it would have “processed” through her by now, but it hasn’t. She doesn’t seem to be in pain – she isn’t acting any differently than normal. But just to be on the safe side, should I take her into the vet for a check-up?
A: Ah, the worries our puppies can give us! I do think you should take her to the vet and here’s why.
Even if Becky is a very large girl, that sewing thimble represents a serious threat to cause an intestinal blockage. There’s a chance she can pass it through. But if it becomes lodged and causes an impaction, she could become seriously ill.
Take her in right away for an evaluation, including an X-ray. If the thimble is large enough to cause trouble, the X-ray will detect it long before she starts to have serious discomfort and intestinal damage.
Hopefully, the exam will show that her little ‘dietary indiscretion’ is small enough to move along just fine. Then you won’t have to worry anymore.
But if the thimble is going to cause problems, and if you wait too long, you may put her in serious jeopardy.
With any luck, everything will be all right and, as the saying goes, “This, too, shall pass.” Let’s hope it does.
Q: Our boss has decided to allow us to bring our dogs to work once a month, if we wish to do so. He asked us to be considerate to others and be sure our dogs won’t be disruptive as we work. How can I tell if my dog is all right for the workplace?
A: Here’s a big “woof” to your boss. He sounds like quite a guy!
And I’m glad you’re so conscientious and you want to make this a good experience for everyone. Here’s a short list of things to consider before you decide to take your pooch to work.
First, evaluate your dog’s ability to deal with strangers. If he’s easy-going and enjoys contact with people and other dogs, he passes the first test.
But if he acts overly protective of you, or if he seems intimidated by others when they approach, you should think twice before you decide to bring him along.
Try taking him to the park and see how he reacts to other people and their dogs. At your workplace, he’s sure to come nose-to-nose with other dogs. So he’ll need to be a sociable type that can get along with everyone, even other nosey canines.
You might want to see if there’s a dog park in your neighborhood where he can run free with other dogs. If he gets along well with everyone there, chances are he’ll be a good companion in the workplace.
Remember, too, that a day at work may be boring for him. No doubt it’ll consist of a lot of laying around (for him, not you!). And if he’s a high-energy dog that constantly wants to run and play, his day at the office will probably be frustrating for both of you. There won’t be a lot of play time … remember this is your workplace!
So if he can take long naps, he’ll do just fine. But if he’s restless and demands lots of attention, a day at the office may not be a good idea.
Finally, be sure to take along a bowl and plenty of fresh water from your home.
Some dogs have a sensitive stomach and if the water at work is significantly different from what comes out of your tap, it could give him an upset tummy.
Veterinarians always emphasize the need for consistency in the food and water you give your pet. So bring water from home.
Snacks for rewards are also a good idea. Pack a few doggy treats (no human food for him!) and you’ll be set.
Here’s hoping the two of you have a great day at work!
