Maneka Gandhi responds to queries raised by animal lovers across the city.
My dog has had red eyes for a while. Could it be conjunctivitis ?
Sounds like it. Conjunctivitis is an inflammation or infection of the conjunctiva, which is the tissue lining the eyelids and attaching to the eyeball near the cornea. This is a common ailment affecting dogs, and can be caused by allergies or infections. Both allergies and infections cause a severe red appearance of the conjunctiva. This is caused by fluid build-up and an increase in the size and number of blood vessels within the tissue. Either allergies or infections cause the eye to discharge. The consistency of this discharge often reveals the cause. Infections caused by bacteria or fungus typically create a thick yellow or greenish discharge, and the eyelids may actually stick together when held shut. Allergies will generally cause a clear discharge. The condition is usually treated with eye drops or ointments, and possibly anti-inflammatory drugs in the case of extreme allergy.
Why does my cat like to rip up paper?
Your cat may be shredding paper to relieve boredom or anxiety. Has anything changed in the household recently? Any other animals added to the household? Don’t let him eat it — it will probably make him sick. If it’s a habit, consider spraying a few pieces of blank paper with a repellent spray to discourage him from shredding paper and get him a scratch post and other toys. It’s important for your cat to display normal cat behaviour such as ambushing, pawing, pouncing, scooping, scratching, shaking, and tossing.
My dog is diabetic and requires daily insulin injections. I am anxious to learn more...
Diabetes in dogs is almost identical to humans. The only difference is dogs do not respond to tablets that induce insulin production by the patient’s own pancreas. Sometimes the disease is so mild it can be treated by dietary modifications alone. Insulin’s task is to control the glucose level in the blood. If insulin is absent, glucose increases, and it leaks into the urine, damaging the kidneys.
My pomeranian has some red spots around the ribs. What is this?
Sounds like ringworm, characterised by red-brown raised or bumpy patches of skin that are lighter in the centre, giving the appearance of a ring. This is a fungal infection which thrives on skin that is moist, hot and hidden from the light. It is normally found on the underside of dogs. The vet should take a sample of skin cells from around the infected area and create a cell culture to identify the infection and then recommend a topical anti-fungal treatment, shampoo or an oral course.
