Tuesday, February 14, 2006

Dear Dr. Fox:

Our dog Rex has a pedigree that includes Labrador, blue heeler and German shepherd. He is now about 6 years old. When he was about 3, my son noticed a cloudy-looking film developing over Rex's eyes. Our veterinarian, who has had extensive training and experience dealing with canine disease, diagnosed the problem as pannus (inflammation of the cornea). She prescribed a 1 percent prednisone acetate ophthalmic suspension and 0.2 percent Optimmune ointment for treatment. At the time, she indicated that there was no cure for the disease but that daily treatment might keep it under control.

Over the years, Rex's pannus appears to have worsened somewhat. I don't think his vision is as acute as it once was, even though we continue to treat his eyes daily.

Do you know of any recent developments (e.g., medications or treatment regimens) that can cure pannus? If not, are you aware of any other medications or treatments that may be more effective than the ones we are now using?

B.H., Eugene, Ore.

Your dog's condition will require lifelong therapy. It might flare up during the summer and winter, with increased ultraviolet radiation.

Pannus is thought to be an immune-system disorder and is prevalent in certain breeds such as German shepherds, Border collies, Australian shepherds, golden retrievers, rottweilers and greyhounds.

The prednisone may need to be injected into the subconjunctiva (the soft tissues around the eyeball). Supplementing your dog's diet with some powerful antioxidants like vitamins A, C and E, zinc and selenium might also help.

Dear Dr. Fox:

I am writing on behalf of my mother and her cat, Thud. Thud was a stray, so we do not know what his background is or where he came from. Thud has been in the family for about three years. The vet estimates that he is about 8 to 10 years old now. He is "fixed" and has been declawed in the front.

Overall, Thud is a very gentle and caring critter, but every month or so he becomes very aggressive. He will start to paw and comb my mother's leg. When she does not give him the needed attention or stops giving the attention too soon, he will jump up and bite her very hard in the leg. He breaks the skin, and since mother is on a blood thinner, she bleeds for long periods of time. Mother is getting very upset with Thud and scared that he may injure her badly.

Thud is a very wonderful cat but just gets out of hand every once in awhile. Mother does not want to get rid of Thud but will if this behavior continues.

Please help save Thud's life! I would take him in, but I have two cats myself.

R.M.L., Edina, Minn.

Episodes of wild attack behavior in cats seem to be on the rise. Besides putting people like your mother (who are on anti-coagulant medication) at risk, cat scratches and bites can transmit harmful bacterial infections.

First, you need to determine whether the attacks are aggressive, or playful fighting or prey-catching behaviors. If the behavior is not aggressive, quickly redirect the cat to distracting and entertaining toys. A cat-mobile or a strip of fake fur on a string attached to a short pole can provide an outlet for play-crazy cats. Another companion-cat playmate could also be very helpful.

If the behavior is aggressive and not play-motivated, the veterinarian should test the cat for hyperactive thyroid, a common problem. For aggressive cats with a clean bill of health, consistent, corrective conditioning with a water pistol or a course of treatment with Elavil or Valium can turn things around.

Some cats hate to be touched in certain areas, like the belly or base of the tail, or enjoy just a few strokes but can't take intense contact or being held for long. Cat bites and scratches can often be avoided by attuning yourself to the cat's likes and dislikes, and by setting boundaries -- like no "ambush" and rough play, especially in the evening, until the fishing pole and play-lure are taken out at a set time for crazy fun. But no petting or physical contact should be allowed at this time.

Michael Fox, author of many books on animal care, welfare and rights, is a veterinarian with doctoral degrees in medicine and animal behavior. Write to him in care of United Feature Syndicate, 200 Madison Ave., New York, N.Y. 10016. The volume of mail received prohibits personal replies, but questions and comments of general interest will be discussed in future columns.

2006United Feature Syndicate Inc.