SmokinDVM

**mauied1101** · 04-27-2006, 04:08 PM

I have a question also if I could Doc.

I have three cats, all of whom like to play/fight, etc. I noticed that one of them (Simon) had more eye crusties than usual in the corner of one of his eyes. Eye itself looks ok (doesn't appear to have any scratches on the cornea) - but the duct area is more red than the other one. Can't tell if it got scratched, and I don't know if it warrants a visit to the vet, if it will go away on its own, or if I can give it something from the home med cabinet.

Thanks in advance!

**WOXOF** · 04-27-2006, 11:43 PM

SmokinDVM, I think you need a thread similar to BPP's "how can I help". I have a question. We have a cat who is beginning to loose some of her hair on her back. We just moved into a new house and have been entertaining a lot, so we thought it may have something to do with that. We've recently noticed that she isn't eating very much. She's about 14 years old. So now we're curious if something could be seriuosly wrong with her.

**mauied1101** · 04-27-2006, 11:56 PM

Originally Posted by WOXOF

SmokinDVM, I think you need a thread similar to BPP's "how can I help". I have a question. We have a cat who is beginning to loose some of her hair on her back. We just moved into a new house and have been entertaining a lot, so we thought it may have something to do with that. We've recently noticed that she isn't eating very much. She's about 14 years old. So now we're curious if something could be seriuosly wrong with her.

Agree with WOXOF on the Vet thread - seems like a lot of us have pets and would appreciate the advice if you have the time.

As for WOXOF - just from my cats - sounds like she's stressed - new environment, perhaps not as much attention/added commotion. Just curious - have you tried wet food? (When one of my cats got sick and wasn't eating, I would feed her wet food (her fav) - the kind that is in chunky pieces, and I'd count the pieces out to figure out her appetite). And make sure you give her LOTS of attention. Hope she's ok - but definitely would like to hear the doc's advice.

also - my cats love this stuff as a treat, esp after trauma when they don't want anything else:

**WOXOF** · 04-28-2006, 12:01 AM

Well, we've been in our house now for about 3 months. It's only getting worse. She's a very picky eater. I don't think she'll eat any other food, but we may have to try it out.

**SmokinDVM** · 04-28-2006, 09:11 AM

Originally Posted by WOXOF

SmokinDVM, I think you need a thread similar to BPP's "how can I help". I have a question. We have a cat who is beginning to loose some of her hair on her back. We just moved into a new house and have been entertaining a lot, so we thought it may have something to do with that. We've recently noticed that she isn't eating very much. She's about 14 years old. So now we're curious if something could be seriuosly wrong with her.

Hair loss, or alopecia, can be from several different causes. Stress is definitely one of the possibilities, especially if she's done this before. However, when stressed, they more commonly pull the hair out on their abdomen, not their back. If you use a good flea prevention, like Frontline or Advantage, then I would have the Vet check it. Even if it's just stress, they may be able to stop the problem with an injection of Depomedrol, or they may see evidence of some other cause.

**WOXOF** · 04-29-2006, 10:30 PM

Originally Posted by SmokinDVM

Hair loss, or alopecia, can be from several different causes. Stress is definitely one of the possibilities, especially if she's done this before. However, when stressed, they more commonly pull the hair out on their abdomen, not their back. If you use a good flea prevention, like Frontline or Advantage, then I would have the Vet check it. Even if it's just stress, they may be able to stop the problem with an injection of Depomedrol, or they may see evidence of some other cause.

She's never had any problems with hair loss. It appears to be falling out. She's due for a checkup in May, so we'll hope for good news. Thanks for the response.

**SmokinDVM** · 04-29-2006, 11:05 PM

Originally Posted by WOXOF

She's never had any problems with hair loss. It appears to be falling out. She's due for a checkup in May, so we'll hope for good news. Thanks for the response.

A couple of questions...
Does it seem to itch, does she lick/chew at the area alot?
Are the hairs in the area in question appear to be broken in different lengths, or is it all the same, or close to the same length?

**slcraiders** · 04-29-2006, 11:52 PM

DVM,

We have a Cockatiel. She appeared on my shoulders about 5 years ago out of nowhere while I was bbq’ing on my deck one summer evening. She is a beautiful and loyal bird. A couple of questions: How long does this species of bird live on average? –and- We are about to move next week. Is there anything we can do to reduce any stress brought on to the bird during this transition?

**SmokinDVM** · 04-30-2006, 12:41 AM

Originally Posted by slcraiders

DVM,

We have a Cockatiel. She appeared on my shoulders about 5 years ago out of nowhere while I was bbq’ing on my deck one summer evening. She is a beautiful and loyal bird. A couple of questions: How long does this species of bird live on average? –and- We are about to move next week. Is there anything we can do to reduce any stress brought on to the bird during this transition?

Cockatiels average 10-14 years although they have been known to live into their 20's. IIRC, the oldest known was in it's early 30's.

I don't work with Avians much anymore, but I believe that most of these guys travel pretty well. I would suggest you use their cage, or a travel carrier can be purchased from a pet store. Remove any toys or swings, and secure the cage/carrier in with a seatbelt or other strap.

**WOXOF** · 05-01-2006, 12:14 AM

Originally Posted by SmokinDVM

A couple of questions...
Does it seem to itch, does she lick/chew at the area alot?
Are the hairs in the area in question appear to be broken in different lengths, or is it all the same, or close to the same length?

She doesn't seem to be licking the area. It's in the middle of her back just in front of her hind legs. The area is getting larger and it is the whole hair. She seems to feel ok and isn't acting strange other than her decrease in appetite. It's starting to look like a reverse mohawk. We'll be taking her to the vet on Wednesday if we can.

**mauied1101** · 05-01-2006, 12:51 AM

Hey Doc,

I gotta say - thank you for answering all of our questions and concerns on pets. I realize you don't have to, so I really appreciate it - especially since I (and I'm sure lots of folks on the board) treat them more like family than pets. That and the dialog that you have and are developing on this (your) vet thread. Speaks a lot to your bedside/petside manner. Means a lot to me personally, and I thought I'd air it publicly.

**SmokinDVM** · 05-01-2006, 08:58 AM

Originally Posted by WOXOF

She doesn't seem to be licking the area. It's in the middle of her back just in front of her hind legs. The area is getting larger and it is the whole hair. She seems to feel ok and isn't acting strange other than her decrease in appetite. It's starting to look like a reverse mohawk. We'll be taking her to the vet on Wednesday if we can.

Hair loss, in the area you're describing, is most often caused by fleas. But, get her checked just in case.
Let me know what they find.

**WOXOF** · 05-06-2006, 01:14 PM

Originally Posted by WOXOF

She doesn't seem to be licking the area. It's in the middle of her back just in front of her hind legs. The area is getting larger and it is the whole hair. She seems to feel ok and isn't acting strange other than her decrease in appetite. It's starting to look like a reverse mohawk. We'll be taking her to the vet on Wednesday if we can.

Well we got the results from her blood test and everything is ok. The vet said it was most likely stress. Thanks for the help DVM. Any ideas on how to reduce stress or get her hair to start growing back. She has the whole upstairs to herself so she isn't contantly being bothered by the dogs or my 2 year old son.

**SmokinDVM** · 04-28-2006, 09:00 AM

Originally Posted by mauied1101

I have a question also if I could Doc.

I have three cats, all of whom like to play/fight, etc. I noticed that one of them (Simon) had more eye crusties than usual in the corner of one of his eyes. Eye itself looks ok (doesn't appear to have any scratches on the cornea) - but the duct area is more red than the other one. Can't tell if it got scratched, and I don't know if it warrants a visit to the vet, if it will go away on its own, or if I can give it something from the home med cabinet.

Thanks in advance!

If your cat is squinting (blepharospasm) then take it to a Vet.
If everything else is OK, keep it clean using a cotton ball that's been dampened with warm water, just damp not dripping wet. You should clean it 3 times a day or more if the crust builds up that fast. The crust can continue to irritate if left in place.
If it doesn't start to improve within a couple of days, see your Vet, or if it gets worse at any time, see your Vet.

Good luck

**mauied1101** · 04-28-2006, 09:03 AM

THANKS DOC! Appreciate the fast response!

PM sent.

**Drake** · 04-28-2006, 09:07 AM

my chiuahua has a hole is the top of its skull, which i read is pretty common. sometimes it swells there for no reason, should i be worried?

**SmokinDVM** · 04-28-2006, 09:18 AM

Originally Posted by Drake

my chiuahua has a hole is the top of its skull, which i read is pretty common. sometimes it swells there for no reason, should i be worried?

How old?
Any signs of neurological deficits?

I've got to leave for work, I'll get back here and answer more later, but it's probably not a huge concern especially if it's young and has no other signs of problems. Very common problem in chihuahuas. Most of them I see have some degree of open fontanels.

**Drake** · 04-28-2006, 09:32 AM

Originally Posted by SmokinDVM

How old?
Any signs of neurological deficits?

I've got to leave for work, I'll get back here and answer more later, but it's probably not a huge concern especially if it's young and has no other signs of problems. Very common problem in chihuahuas. Most of them I see have some degree of open fontanels.

he's only a year old and probably the smartest dog i've owned.

bigpoppapuff · 04-28-2006, 09:55 AM

barry...thanks for all the info......my 12 year old cocker spaniel (the one we spoke about last summer) has cherry eye.......can anything be done (short of surgery) to clear this??....