ANIMAL DOCTOR

Dear Dr. Fox:

My 7-year-old male Maine coon cat has a condition that results in puffy and inflamed pads. This foot problem will improve for a period of time and then become more troublesome.

We have been told it could be an immune-deficiency problem and treatment would be prednisone. We are very concerned about this steroid being a long-term situation. We do soak the pads in warm water, trying to relieve the inflammation. Please advise.

J.L., Golden Valley, Minn.

I believe that your veterinarian's diagnosis is correct and that your poor cat probably has an immune-system disorder, most likely eosinophilic granulomatosis. A short course of prednisone treatment is in order. British veterinarians have reported some success also using doxycycline.

Avoid exposing your cat to biting insects, like mosquitoes, and to any stress, including vaccinations that may further compromise his immune system.

Treatment with essential oils (ideally under veterinarian supervision) might be helpful. Apply a few drops of myrrh, frankincense and lavender (diluted in olive or almond oil) between the cat's paws two to three times a day for 10 to 14 days. Do not soak your cat's paws in water. These and other essential oils have remarkable antibiotic, antiviral, anti-inflammatory and immune system-supporting properties, and I hope more research in this area of veterinary aromatherapy will be conducted in the future. There are several nutraceutical supplements that you can put in your cat's food to help boost his immune system. (Go to my Web site at http://tedeboy.tripod.com/drmichaelwfox and read the article on Endocrine Disruption Syndrome.) A few drops of oil of primrose or fish oil would be a good start.

Dear Dr. Fox:

We have an 8-year-old female cat named Lucky. She is an indoor cat that seems to be healthy and happy except for one problem that started about six months ago.

Whenever we leave the house and Lucky is left alone, she will bite the wood molding around the frame of the door that we use to leave the house.

Lucky has been declawed, so I don't believe she is scratching the wood. She bites so deeply that she leaves marks that are down to the bare wood. She will do this when we leave for an overnight trip or even if we just take a walk around the block.

My husband is threatening to take Lucky to the Humane Society if he has to sand and paint the door frame one more time. What can I do to make her stop this behavior?

C.J.D., Greensboro, Md.

Your poor cat is most likely suffering from separation anxiety, and that is the reason why she chews at the door -- to get out to be with you. And that is no reason to get rid of her.

She may be cured if you adopt a younger, easygoing, neutered male cat. The myth that cats are basically solitary creatures and prefer to live alone needs to be dispelled. A feline companion for Lucky will make a world of a difference because Lucky will then have a playmate, a grooming partner, a sleeping buddy and a feline friend to enrich her life and allay her fears of abandonment. Alternatively, put a radio or television on before you leave the house, and give her a warm, comfortable spot that can be her den for security. Even a cardboard box over a pillow, with a small opening, may suffice.

Treatment with psychotropic drugs like Xanax and Prozac have helped many cats and dogs suffering from this condition. Recent studies with pheromone scents, like Feliway, have also proved effective. Consulting with a veterinarian and exploring these treatment options, rather than throwing in the towel and sending Lucky to most likely be euthanized, is your best choice.

Dear Dr. Fox:

We have a 2-year-old husky/Labrador dog named Cleo. We take her to dog parks all the time and she is generally active, playful and wrestles with the other dogs.

However, when she gets to a "community" water bowl (there are several scattered all over the park), she growls if other dogs get near her. She also puts her paws in the water and starts to play in it. I have never seen any other dog do this before.

How should I handle the growling at the water bowl? She really is a friendly dog -- just "growly" in this area. Any ideas? We love her like a daughter.

L.S., Golden Valley, Minn.

Your dog is simply telling the other dogs to keep away from "her" water bowl. The other dogs will understand that it's important to her and respect her growls (though some dog owners in the park may mistakenly think your dog is aggressive and dangerous). Many dogs love to play in water, and what your dog needs is quality time by a lake or stream where dogs are allowed off their leash.

Many dogs also like to play with the water bowl, digging and scooping out all the contents. Just make sure you clean and fill the water bowl for other dogs, and don't let your dog hog the bowls for too long. Distract and remotivate her with a Frisbee or ball to chase and retrieve.

2006United Feature Syndicate Inc.