Dear Daisy Dog: Sandy, our 4-year-old mixed breed dog, has been overly fearful since we adopted her two years ago. We suspect she was abused before she joined our family. Is there any hope for her?
Daisy responds: While abuse probably plays a role in some dogs fear, most of us with unwarranted fear are victims of inadequate early socialization.
Shyness and a fearful attitude also can be inherited in dogs.
I am fearful by nature for both reasons: inheritance and lack of early socialization.
Its essential that dogs with inherited shyness or fear receive extra socialization from birth through at least 3 years of age. But even when that doesnt occur, theres still hope.
Mom adopted me when I was 5, and over the past six years, she has provided ample socialization. I am much more self confident now, though sometimes I still feel anxious in new situations.
You should socialize Sandy with the help of a qualified dog trainer or veterinary behaviorist. I joined a small training group that offered individual attention and the opportunity to get to know other dogs and their people, and its helped a great deal.
Speak with your veterinarian too. Sometimes medication can help ease the anxiety that accompanies stressful events.
With these measures, Sandys confidence should grow, as mine has.
Dear Christopher Cat: Stormy, my 5-year-old cat, blocked twice, unable to pass urine. Both times, the veterinarian admitted him to the hospital, anesthetized him, removed the urinary obstruction and placed IV and urinary catheters to flush him out.
To prevent another episode, we feed Stormy a canned prescription diet, give him supplements and make sure he drinks plenty of water.
If these measures are unsuccessful and he blocks again, the vet recommends surgery to transform Stormy into a female. How is this possible? Is it effective?
Christopher responds: Perineal urethrostomy (PU) surgery is very effective at preventing reobstruction. A recent study followed 59 male cats for four years after PU surgery, and not one reblocked.
A male cat like Stormy has a relatively long, narrow urethra that drains urine from the bladder. When his urethra clogs with gritty, proteinaceous waste material, urine cant pass, causing him great pain. Worse yet, urinary obstructions are life-threatening.
To prevent recurrences, your veterinarian will do a PU, shortening and widening Stormys urethra, making it almost like a females urethra. But Stormy will remain a male in all other respects.
You should notice no difference in his litter box habits ? except that hes able to go easily. Best of all, he shouldnt suffer any more episodes of urinary blockage.
Ask the Vets Pets appears Friday. The animal authors of the column live with veterinarian Lee Pickett, VMD. Write to them at PO Box 302, Bernville, PA 19506-0302, or visit www.askthevetspets.com.
Source: http://www.e-flyersite.com/?p=1640
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