HE is on a mission to help our pets . . . and is here to answer YOUR questions.
Sean McCormack, who is the head vet at tailored pet food firm tails.com, has helped with owners’ queries for ten years. He says: “If your pet is acting funny or is under the weather, or you want to know about nutrition or exercise, just ask. I can help keep pets happy and healthy.”
Q) MY Jack Russell, Millie, has had scans, biopsies and steroids due to tummy troubles.
Recently she has decided she likes to go to the toilet at 4am so I have to get up to let her out.
We have tried changing eating times and taking her out for her last pee later, but nothing works. We have spent over £6,000.
Maybe it is just a case of getting her out of a habit? Can you help?
Jan Redmond, 33, health carer, Retford, Lincs
A) Sorry to hear this. You do not say if Millie has had accidents in the house if left, or has just decided 4am is a good time to start the day.
If she is in urgent need and goes immediately when she gets outside, I worry her intestine may be inflamed — and you should see a vet.
If you think she is not desperate, try holding out till 4.15am, then 4.30am, then 4.45am over the course of a few weeks until you finally get her to wait until a less ridiculous time of the morning.
Q) I HAVE been to the vet three times and they have given me antibiotics and shampoo for my cocker spaniel’s thinning hair under her neck and on her chest.
Meg also has crusty scabs in the same area and nothing seems to work. Can you help?
Michael Humphries, 59, retired PE teacher, South Wales
A) Has your vet suggested what they think the cause might be? With skin issues, there are dozens of possibilities and it can take a while to get a diagnosis.
I would first want to rule out fleas, so make sure she is on a regular, prescription-strength treatment.
Environmental allergens like pollen may also be an issue, especially if the problem has a seasonal pattern.
Or a food allergy could play a role, so a hypo-allergenic diet for eight to 12 weeks may be useful to see if it has any effect.
Q) MY son’s seven-year-old bearded collie, Summer, has been growling at his eight-year-old daughter over the past few weeks.
My lad has tried telling Summer off and praising her if she does not do it — which is only if my granddaughter, Holly, gives her a treat.
Summer is fine with everyone else, even strangers. Can you advise?
Mary Fleming, 29, midwife, Loughborough
A) It is difficult to diagnose a behavioural problem without seeing exactly what is happening between the dog and family members.
But this is serious — growling is the dog’s way of telling somebody to back off when they are not comfortable, before they resort to a nip or bite.
I strongly recommend seeking help from a qualified animal behaviourist. Look up accredited ones in your area, on the APBC website.
Q) PLEASE could you advise if a dog can get over a slipped disc with painkillers and neuro-tablets.
Our dog Vinnie needs an operation to have a disc removed but we have been told it is dangerous and can leave your dog paralysed.
What is the success rate of this procedure?
Margaret Moggs, 43, support worker, Essex
A) Unlike doctors, us vets unfortunately cannot tell our animal patients to stick to bed rest, prescribe just some painkilling medication and expect the slipped disc to heal.
I am going to level with you, Margaret. Yes, there is a risk with any operation, and anaesthetic.
But a slipped disc is common, as is the operation. Find a specialist vet who does this procedure all the time.
The risk of complications will be as low as possible and the likelihood of Vinnie getting back to normal life and enjoying being a dog again will be high.
