Q: I am very worried about my cat, Felix. He is a three-year-old indoor cat. We recently moved from the east coast to California. Felix was a little upset with the car ride, but did fine and adjusted to the new place quickly.

About three weeks ago, he was scratching his neck a lot and had several hairballs. After a visit to a vet, he was diagnosed with seasonal allergies and given a cortisone shot, after which he did great.

Two days ago, I came home from work to find several vomit piles, none of which were hairballs, and a very unhappy cat. Yesterday, he did not eat or drink anything and I took him to the vet who ran blood work (nothing abnormal), x-rays (nothing found), and he was given subcutaneous fluid and anti-vomiting meds.

He did fine last night; then today has vomited several more times. Could this be a simple “stomach bug?” What other tests would you recommend?

A: Sorry to hear Felix is under the weather. It is uncommon for cats to get a “stomach bug.” Vomiting and lack of interest in food can be several things…from minor to more serious.

Allergies can cause cats to vomit, and although their scratching may be under control, vomiting can persist. Other frequent causes of vomiting in cats of Felix’s age include the ingestion of foreign objects. Frequently these objects are string or rope material or parts of their favorite toys. It is not always possible to see these foreign objects on plain x-rays, and special dye studies may be required.

A more serious condition that could cause these symptoms is pancreatitis. Again, it is not uncommon that x-rays and routine bloodwork will be completely normal. Ultrasound and specialized bloodwork are often required to make the diagnosis of pancreatitis.

If Felix’s symptoms are persistent, I would recommend a re-check with your veterinarian for additional testing, likely to include a barium (dye) study or an abdominal ultrasound examination.

Good luck with Felix and keep us updated!

Dr. Donna Spector, DVM, DACVIM

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Slippery elm is a strange name for a very useful tree. This elm tree is native to eastern North America, and its bark has been used for years to help soothe the digestive tract.

It can lubricate and reduce inflammation in the intestine and is a very good natural remedy for minor bouts of diarrhea or stomach upset.

Slippery elm is available at most health food stores in powder form and often helps speed recovery from mild stomach irritation. If your pet’s intestinal symptoms are severe or they persist for more than one day, contact your veterinarian for advice.

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Q: My 6-year-old cat Emma has been scratching her head behind the ears, on her neck quite often, and she also has been shaking her head. When I pet her on the head/ears, she shakes her head or moves away. Any ideas as to the causes? Also, how can this be treated?

A: Cats don’t exhibit the same classic allergy symptoms that people do. The same grass pollen that might make you sneeze and have watery eyes, is likely to cause severe skin itching that causes your cat to scratch and rub excessively.

Cats also commonly develop allergies to food and flea bites, and each type of allergy has unique symptoms. Click here to read more about allergies in cats and help your cat become itch-free!

Dr. Donna Spector, DVM, DACVIM

Do you need vet advice? Post a comment with your veterinary questions and we will send them to Dr. Donna Spector to be answered in a future column.

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World Rabies Day was developed to raise awareness about human and animal rabies, how easy it is to prevent it, and how preventing rabies in dogs is critical to saving human lives.

Rabies in humans is 100% preventable through prompt appropriate medical care, yet rabies is still a killer. 55,000 people around the world die from rabies every year — one person dies from rabies every 10 minutes, according to the Alliance for Rabies Control.

In recognition of World Rabies Day, many events are scheduled worldwide including vaccination clinics, lectures and educational seminars, festivals and dog walks.

Visit Worldrabiesday.org to see the schedule of events and get more information about how individuals are getting involved in Working Together to Make Rabies History!

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Q: I’m at a total loss with my long-haired dachshund. I follow the Spot’s Stew recipe. She doesn’t get any processed/store-bought food of any sort.

However, she licks her front paws constantly. We had an allergy test done on her and were told she was basically allergic to almost every type of grass/pollen there is. Besides using vetwrap on her front paws, is there anything I can do?

A: The most common dog allergy symptom is itching. Dogs with allergies will lick their bodies or feet, rub their faces on the floor or furniture, scratch their ears, bite around their tail or scratch under their arms. Their hair may turn reddish in areas and they lose large amounts of hair. The first step, which you’ve already done, is to talk to your veterinarian, who can provide a diagnosis and treatment plan that will give your best friend relief.

For some additional things you can do at home to minimize your dog’s allergy symptoms, as well as information on different types of allergies, please click here to read more.

Dr. Donna Spector, DVM, DACVIM

Do you need vet advice? Post a comment with your veterinary questions and we will send them to Dr. Donna Spector to be answered in a future column.

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