Limping can have many causes in dogs and cats

By Kim Campbell Thornton

According to the Roman calendar, it's 2016. The Chinese calendar proclaims this the year of the red fire monkey. At our house, it appears to be the year of the lame dog.

Keeper started limping during a walk last month. A veterinary exam found some slight muscle atrophy, but X-rays didn't show any degenerative changes that might indicate arthritis. His limping may have been due to an unusually long walk after a holiday layoff -- the well-known weekend warrior syndrome.

Then Gemma took a tumble down the stairs. She immediately got up and shook herself off. We counted ourselves lucky that she didn't seem to have any damage, but about 10 days later we noticed a reluctance to climb the stairs (she gets carried going down) and some slight difficulty scratching her ear with a hind leg. Off to the veterinarian she went. The diagnosis was arthritis, not unusual in a 16-year-old dog.

In both cases, the remedy was rest and pain relief. Both dogs were back to normal within a few days. But lameness can be more serious in both dogs and cats. Here's what you should know if your pet starts having trouble walking.

-- Arthritis. This painful degenerative joint disease affects most dogs and cats as they age. Large breeds or overweight animals are at highest risk, but pets of any size can become arthritic. Animals with arthritis may be reluctant to go up or down stairs, unwilling to jump on or off furniture, move slowly and stiffly as they rise from the floor, or wince when you pet them. If you notice any of these signs in your pet, ask your veterinarian about medication or other therapies that can help, such as acupuncture, massage and weight loss.

-- Heart disease. In cats with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, sudden lameness may result from a blood clot that lodges in the blood vessels that supply the rear legs. This can cause a sudden onset of paralysis. Take your cat to the veterinarian right away.

-- Cruciate ligament tear. This is the most common orthopedic problem veterinarians see in dogs. The cranial cruciate ligament connects the thighbone to the shinbone and keeps the knee, or stifle, joint stable. When this ligament tears -- usually because a dog is overweight; out of condition; jumps, twists, turns or lands wrong on a slick surface; gets body slammed by another dog during rough play; or has had a previous CCL injury on the opposite leg -- it's instantly painful and can lead to painful degenerative joint disease if it goes unrepaired.

-- Bone cancer. Lameness or reluctance to put weight on a limb can signal osteosarcoma, the most frequently diagnosed bone tumor in dogs and cats. Depending on the location of the tumor, you may be able to feel a hard lump or swelling on the bone. Diagnosis requires an X-ray and biopsy. Osteosarcoma can be treated with amputation and chemotherapy, and the majority of pets get around well on three legs.

Any time your dog appears to be lame, he needs to be seen by the veterinarian. To diagnose the problem, your veterinarian may manipulate the legs to check range of motion or perform a neurological exam to check gait, reflexes and other reactions. Depending on the history and severity of lameness, X-rays or an MRI may be necessary.

Whatever the cause, your dog can likely be helped. Treatment can relieve pain, improve function and slow the advancement of osteoarthritis. Rest, medication, physical rehab and, if necessary, surgery are among the options that can help him recover and continue the walks, hikes, runs or dog sports that are part of your lives together.

Q&A

Caring for

aging ferrets

Q: My ferret is 3 years old. How long do ferrets live, and do older ferrets need any special care? -- via email

A: Great question! And good timing. Your ferret is just beginning what can be considered his geriatric years. American ferrets typically live five to seven years. That doesn't seem like a very long lifespan, but when you think about how adventurous these slinky little critters are, we may be lucky that we get to spend that much time with them.

Ferrets definitely benefit from some special care as they start to get older. You may notice that your ferret starts to nap more often or for longer periods. The additional rest is important for his well-being, so don't disturb him if he's napping. Report any sudden or unusual changes in sleep habits to your veterinarian. It may signal an underlying health problem.

You may notice that your ferret's coat seems to be more dry and coarse than in the past. This can be due to aging or disease. Take your ferret to the veterinarian if you notice hair loss, severe itchiness or raised, round lesions on the skin that resemble buttons. Older ferrets are prone to skin tumors and other diseases that can manifest themselves in skin and coat problems.

Check your ferret's paws. If they seem hard and dry or have small growths, soften and moisturize the pads by rubbing them with oil, Vaseline or cream containing vitamin E.

Senior ferrets may also need to urinate and defecate more often. Make sure you clean the litter box more often to remove the extra deposits so it will be attractive for him to use. If he has the run of the house, it might be a good idea to set out an additional litter box or two so that he always has one nearby. -- Dr. Marty Becker

Do you have a pet question? Send it to askpetconnection@gmail.com or visit Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker.

THE BUZZ

Pets vulnerable

to lead poisoning

-- Two dogs in Flint, Michigan, recently tested positive for lead toxicity, a reminder that pets are vulnerable to tainted tap water, reports Rebecca Kruth for Michigan Radio. Michigan's state veterinarian, James Averill, says dogs, cats and other pets in Flint and other areas with poor water quality should drink the same filtered or bottled water as their owners. If they are bathed in tap water, it's important to keep the shampooing session brief and dry them as quickly as possible. Signs of lead exposure in pets vary and may include vomiting, diarrhea and behavior changes.

-- Check with your veterinarian if your dog is taking medication for hypothyroidism. The Food and Drug Administration has issued warning letters to six manufacturers of unapproved medications for hypothyroidism in dogs. The FDA has not reviewed the products for safety and effectiveness. Currently, only one thyroid medication -- Thyro-Tabs Canine -- is approved for use in dogs to help them maintain healthy levels of thyroid hormones.

-- Do cats dream? Well, we know they remember things -- think of the cat who avoids plastic bags after getting one stuck on his head while playing -- so it makes sense that they may share our ability to dream as well. Dreaming is a normal part of organizing or reorganizing memories -- sort of a subconscious filing system. Like humans, cats have two kinds of sleep. The deeper kind -- characterized by rapid eye movements -- is known as REM sleep, and that's when dreams occur in humans. When cats twitch their limbs and whiskers during sleep, they are in the REM stage. We'll never know what they're dreaming about, but it's probably safe to say that it involves a never-ending supply of food; fat, slow mice; and humans who obey their every command. Oh, wait -- the latter isn't a dream. They experience that every day! -- Dr. Marty Becker, Kim Campbell Thornton and Mikkel Becker

ABOUT PET CONNECTION

Pet Connection is produced by a team of pet-care experts headed by "The Dr. Oz Show" veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker and award-winning journalist Kim Campbell Thornton. They are affiliated with Vetstreet.com and are the authors of many best-selling pet-care books. Joining them is dog trainer and behavior consultant Mikkel Becker. Dr. Becker can be found at Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker or on Twitter at DrMartyBecker. Kim Campbell Thornton is at Facebook.com/KimCampbellThornton and on Twitter at kkcthornton. Mikkel Becker is at Facebook.com/MikkelBecker and on Twitter at MikkelBecker.

Sharing our beds with pets is a measure of how fully they are a part of our lives

By Kim Campbell Thornton

I'm always amazed at how much space two small dogs can take up on a queen-size bed. And it's surprising how immoveable a 12-pound and a 6-pound dog can be. Once Gemma is latched onto my left side and Harper is snuggled into the crook of my knees, it's almost impossible for me to move for the rest of the night. And when they aren't snugged right up against me, they are sprawling in a way that also makes it impossible to move.

So why let them on the bed? A survey of 150 people by the Center for Sleep Medicine at the Mayo Clinic in Arizona found that 56 percent of those surveyed who were pet owners allow their animals to snooze in the bedroom. More than half of the pets slept on the bed with their people. The presence of their pets made them feel safe and comfortable and helped them get a better night's rest, the respondents reported. Only 20 percent described their pets as disruptive to sleep.

Of course, that's a small sample size -- only 74 pet owners. But I'm willing to bet that many other pet owners feel the same way. I'm one of them, and I know other people who share bedrooms and beds with their pets, despite allergies, snoring (by the pet) and early-morning head butts from a hungry cat or dog.

Should you allow your pet to sleep on the bed? That's been a bone of contention for years. Some people argue that allowing a pet to share the bed can make a pooch pushy or a cat cheeky. Allergists recommend a pet-free bedroom for people who suffer the coughing, wheezing, itchy eyes and sneezing associated with allergies to pets. Researchers at University of California, Davis warned of zoonotic diseases -- those that can be passed between animals and people. And, as with my own dogs, pets can make a bed downright uncomfortable when there's little freedom of movement.

But for many with pets, their comforting presence on the bed or in the room outweighs the disadvantages. A survey participant reported feeling more content when her small dog slept at her feet, and another described her cat sleeping on her chest as "soothing." One person I know falls asleep hand in paw with her cat. Spending a long stretch of time with a pet -- even if you're both asleep -- strengthens the human-animal bond.

If you'd like to have a more pleasant sleeping experience while still keeping your pet on or near the bed, the following tips may help.

-- Place a heating pad on the spot where you want your pet to sleep. The warmth may draw him there and make it his favorite area.

-- Lay a blanket or pet bed at the foot of the bed. Pets often like to have their own extra-soft sleeping spot and will adopt the place with the blanket or bed.

-- Put a tall cat tree in your room. Cats love heights and may find this to be a safe and secure sleeping area. (Of course, then you have to worry that they will dive-bomb you in the morning.)

-- Keep pets clean. Nobody wants a stinky bedmate. Brush and bathe frequently, keep them on parasite preventive and wash the sheets in hot water two to three times a week.

-- Set boundaries. If you don't want your pet on your pillow or under the covers, establish that rule right from the beginning -- and don't yield.

-- If all else fails, do what I'm doing -- anxiously awaiting delivery of a king-size bed.

Q&A

Cat bites

at bedtime

Q: I have a lovely Maine coon cat, Tiger, I got when he was about 4 weeks old. He is now 2 1/2 years old and a great companion. He sleeps most of the day, and when I go to bed, he gives me a "body check," using his teeth in the process. Because of it, I've had three infections that required IV and oral antibiotics. I've had to lock him out of my bedroom to control his behavior. It's like he wants to play, which we do during the day, and doesn't want me to go to bed. I've tried spraying him with water, but he thinks it's a game. Any suggestions? -- via email

A: Unfortunately, Tiger is living up to his wild name, along with the tendency for his breed to be a bit more rambunctious than the average feline. Without knowing the specifics, it's impossible to give direct advice. As you mentioned, his behavior may be in play. Additionally, it probably gets a reaction from you, and this may reinforce his actions. For instance, many cats will claw or mouth on hands during play, especially if the person continues to move the hand or squeals. Talk about simulating live prey!

It's important to ensure that Tiger never gets a chance to play with human skin. Direct his attention to a toy, such as a feather wand. When he plays with it, give extravagant praise. Avoid petting him if he becomes excited while playing; this could prompt him to scratch you.

Tiger may also need more and longer play sessions or a greater variety of toys, especially interactive toys such as food puzzles that can engage his interest and help him expend energy when you aren't home. Expand his territory by adding vertical spaces where he can climb and perch. Place treats, catnip and toys in these areas to encourage him to investigate them. Other ways to challenge him mentally and physically are to teach him tricks, teach him to walk on a leash or provide access to an outdoor enclosure.

Finally, I recommend a veterinary exam to make sure his biting behavior isn't health-related. Certain medical conditions and medications can make cats more prone to aggressive behavior. -- Mikkel Becker

Do you have a pet question? Send it to askpetconnection@gmail.com or visit Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker.

THE BUZZ

Dogs help speed

new cancer treatments

-- Grayson, a 6-year-old beagle, is helping researchers at the University of California, Davis School of Medicine find a new treatment for lymphoma after being diagnosed with the disease and given a life expectancy of just weeks. His owner, Evan Jost, learned about a trial of a new formulation of a cancer drug at UC Davis and enrolled Grayson last year. After four treatments so far, Grayson's disease has gone into remission, but not disappeared. Jost is grateful for the extra time with his dog, and researchers hope the eventual findings will benefit humans and pets. "We're trying to create a formulation that will work better against cancer and be safer to give to our dogs, cats and people as well," said Jenna Burton, assistant professor of clinical medical oncology at UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, who is leading the trial.

-- Do you know the "RagaMuffin"? He's not a character from a nursery rhyme, but a large and beautiful cat with a soft, medium-length coat that comes in all colors and patterns. That's one of the ways he differs from his cousin, the ragdoll, from which he was developed, along with crosses to Persians and domestic longhairs. The sturdy cats have a sweet, easygoing personality; love sitting in a lap; and enjoy playing and learning tricks.

-- Calvin Coolidge, who became president in 1923 and served until 1929, was nicknamed "Silent Cal" for his taciturn ways, but he was outspoken on his love of dogs. "Any man who does not like dogs and want them about does not deserve to be in the White House," he once said. His own White House menagerie included a pair of white collies named Rob Roy and Prudence Prim. Rob Roy attended Coolidge's weekly press conferences and was a vocal participant. -- Dr. Marty Becker, Kim Campbell Thornton and Mikkel Becker

ABOUT PET CONNECTION

Pet Connection is produced by a team of pet-care experts headed by "The Dr. Oz Show" veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker and award-winning journalist Kim Campbell Thornton. They are affiliated with Vetstreet.com and are the authors of many best-selling pet-care books. Joining them is dog trainer and behavior consultant Mikkel Becker. Dr. Becker can be found at Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker or on Twitter at DrMartyBecker. Kim Campbell Thornton is at Facebook.com/KimCampbellThornton and on Twitter at kkcthornton. Mikkel Becker is at Facebook.com/MikkelBecker and on Twitter at MikkelBecker.

CAPTIONS AND CREDITS

Caption 01: A pet's presence on the bed or in the bedroom can affect a person's sleep positively or negatively. Position: Main Story

Caption 02: The RagaMuffin's coat requires a weekly brushing to prevent tangles. Position: Pet Buzz/Item 2

11 things you might not know about the Westminster Kennel Club dog show

By Kim Campbell Thornton

Like millions of people throughout the country, you may be planning to settle down in front of the television Monday and Tuesday night to view the 140th Westminster Kennel Club dog show, the Super Bowl of dog shows, as longtime announcer David Frei (who will be stepping down after this year) likes to call it.

The glittering spectacle has its roots in Gilded Age New York. It's easy to imagine the friendly arguments over whose dog was best as robber barons gathered for cocktails in the bar of the Westminster Hotel after a good day's hunting. From there, it was only a short step to forming a club and putting on a dog show in response to the claim "My dog is better than your dog."

Today, in terms of longevity, the Westminster Kennel Club dog show is second only to the Kentucky Derby. Here are 11 tidbits you might not have known about Westminster and the dogs who make it must-see viewing.

1. In 1877, members of what became known as the Westminster Kennel Club staged the First Annual New York Bench Show of Dogs, held at Gilmore's Garden (which became Madison Square Garden) in New York City.

2. The three-day show drew an entry of 1,201 dogs and garnered such great public interest that a fourth day was added. In a philanthropic bow to the nascent humane movement, the proceeds from the fourth day were donated to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals to open a home for stray and disabled dogs.

3. Only the top five dogs in each breed, plus all national specialty winners, get invitations to Westminster. It's the luck of the draw for everyone else.

4. The winningest dogs at Westminster are the terriers. They've taken the top spot 46 times.

5. Smooth fox terrier Ch. Warren Remedy started the trend in 1907 -- the first year the title Best in Show was awarded -- and became the first and only dog to win Best in Show for three consecutive years. The most recent terrier to win was wire fox terrier GCH (Grand Champion) Afterall Painting The Sky in 2014.

6. Other top-winning terriers include Lakeland terrier Ch. Stingray of Derryabah, the first dog to win Best in Show at Westminster (1968) after winning the same award at Crufts (Great Britain's famous dog show), and Kerry blue terrier Ch. Torums Scarf Michael, who won Crufts in 2000 and Westminster in 2003.

7. Boxer Ch. Bang Away of Sirrah Crest was the first dog from west of the Mississippi to win Best in Show at Westminster, in 1951.

8. English springer spaniel Ch. Chinoe's Adamant James won his second consecutive Best in Show at Westminster in 1972. No dog has done it since.

9. Ch. Royal Tudor's Wild as the Wind, a red Doberman pinscher, was the first Best in Show winner (1989) to also hold an obedience title (Companion Dog).

10. Sussex spaniel Ch. Clussexx Three D Grinchy Glee has the distinction of being not only the oldest dog to win Best in Show, in 2009 when he was 10 years old, but also the first of his breed to do so. The next-oldest dog to take top honors was papillon Ch. Loteki Supernatural Being (Kirby) in 1999, when he was 8 years, 1 month and 10 days old. Kirby was also the first dog ever to win both the World Dog Show (1998) and Westminster.

11. Some breeds have never been top dog at Westminster. They include Labrador retrievers, golden retrievers, Chihuahuas, Dalmatians, Brittanys, bloodhounds, cavalier King Charles spaniels and Pembroke Welsh corgis.

Q&A

Dig deep to

ditch dog's itch

Q: My 8-year-old chocolate Lab suffers from allergies. I've had tests done, but they come back with only high yeast content. I thought giving him yogurt with his food might help, but he's not fond of it. I've purchased special shampoos from the vet and I give him Benadryl, but his sides usually end up with no fur; right now he's working on his chest. He eats a salmon and sweet potato food. -- via email

A: Allergies are a common problem in Labs. It's not unusual for them to suffer from allergies to fleas, certain food ingredients, cleaning agents used in the home, pollens and more.

Determining the cause of an allergy can be time-consuming and frustrating. And solving it is rarely as simple as adding yogurt to a pet's food.

Your best bet is probably to consult a veterinary dermatologist who can take you through the steps to figure out whether your dog has a contact allergy from, say, a carpet deodorizer, laundry detergent or fabric softener; air fresheners or disinfectants used in the home; or fabric or leather cleaning products. He may have an allergy to one or more ingredients in the food or treats you give or to pollens, molds, dust mites and yeasts in the environment.

An accurate diagnosis requires a thorough history, including the types of products you use in your home and everything you give your dog to eat; a physical exam, looking at such things as the pattern of hair loss and whether hairs are shed or broken off; and skin scrapings or skin biopsies to check for bacterial, fungal or yeast infections. Blood work and urinalysis may be necessary if a hormonal problem is suspected. An elimination diet, containing ingredients your dog has never eaten before, can help to determine if he has a food allergy.

Until the problem is diagnosed, medication can help to relieve the itch, whatever its cause. -- Dr. Marty Becker

Do you have a pet question? Send it to askpetconnection@gmail.com or visit Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker.

THE BUZZ

Experts seek info

about your dog

-- A project called Darwin's Dogs is collecting anecdotal and genetic information from up to 5,000 dogs in the hope of learning more about genetic links to conditions such as cognitive dysfunction -- similar to dementia or Alzheimer's disease in humans -- and canine compulsive disorder, which causes dogs to lick, chew, spin, chase or perform other behaviors in an exaggerated manner. The dogs enrolled in the study -- 3,000 so far -- include purebreds and mixed breeds. Owners provide DNA samples and answer questions about their dogs' behaviors, environment, physical traits and more. Researchers will begin analyzing DNA samples next month.

-- Looking to adopt a cat? Shelter volunteers can help you make the best choice by asking about your lifestyle and home. Are you and family members active or quiet? Do you have young children or other dogs or cats? The answers can help determine which cat will be the best fit for your family, says Elaine Mata, who volunteers at the San Clemente-Dana Point Animal Shelter in San Clemente, California. "We try to match to the type of household in terms of the people there and the activity level," she says.

-- Cold weather can be tough on senior dogs, especially if they suffer from arthritis. A heated bed can help to soothe achy joints. Your golden oldie will appreciate it if you place the bed in his favorite spot, where he can see what's going on in the house or watch for squirrels outdoors. Choose a bed that regulates heat to no more than 102 degrees Fahrenheit (close to canine body temperature) and comes on only when the dog is on it. If your dog still likes to spend time outdoors, purchase a weatherproof heated dog bed to place on your deck or other sheltered area. -- Kim Campbell Thornton

ABOUT PET CONNECTION

Pet Connection is produced by a team of pet-care experts headed by "The Dr. Oz Show" veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker and award-winning journalist Kim Campbell Thornton. They are affiliated with Vetstreet.com and are the authors of many best-selling pet-care books. Joining them is dog trainer and behavior consultant Mikkel Becker. Dr. Becker can be found at Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker or on Twitter at DrMartyBecker. Kim Campbell Thornton is at Facebook.com/KimCampbellThornton and on Twitter at kkcthornton. Mikkel Becker is at Facebook.com/MikkelBecker and on Twitter at MikkelBecker.

CAPTIONS AND CREDITS

Caption 01: In 2011, Grand Champion Foxcliffe Hickory Wind (Hickory) became the first and so far only Scottish deerhound to win Best in Show at Westminster. Position: Main Story

Caption 02: Shelter volunteers can help you look past a cat's appearance to find the treasured personality beneath. Position: Pet Buzz/Item 2