вторник, 9 октября 2012 г.

PATERSON DOG BREEDER CHARGED IN THEFTS - The Record (Bergen County, NJ)

JENNIFER V. HUGHES, Staff Writer
The Record (Bergen County, NJ)
05-17-2000
PATERSON DOG BREEDER CHARGED IN THEFTS -- ALLEGEDLY CHEATED CLIENTS OF $91,000

By JENNIFER V. HUGHES, Staff Writer
Date: 05-17-2000, Wednesday
Section: NEWS
Edition: Two Star P

A Paterson dog breeder and trainer, already on probation for theft,
was indicted Tuesday for allegedly bilking customers nationwide out of
more than $91,000 -- promising purebred and highly trained dogs, but
instead delivering commonplace canines with health problems.

Derrick V. Chestnut, 34, sometimes took his customers' money -- up
to $8,500 per animal -- but never delivered the dogs, said Eileen Kane,
the Passaic County senior assistant prosecutor handling the case.

Those allegedly scammed include an Illinois woman who gave Chestnut
$3,250 for a dog that was never sent, and a California woman who paid
$13,500 for two dogs -- one had severe physical disabilities when
delivered, and the other never arrived.

'Most of the people were dog lovers so they kept the dogs anyway,'
Kane said. 'As one victim said, `I just bought myself one very expensive
house pet.' The point was that they were buying them for a special
purpose; they weren't buying them for house pets.'

Neither Chestnut nor his attorney could be reached for comment.

Chestnut Dog Command, his former Haledon business, no longer is
listed in Passaic County.

Chestnut, on probation for a 1997 theft, has two other arrests on
theft charges. In both cases, in 1989 and 1995, he was sentenced to
probation, according to court records. He also has been repeatedly named
a defendant in civil lawsuits filed in Passaic County and was fined $500
in Totowa Municipal Court in 1994 for neglecting one of his dogs.
Details on those civil and criminal cases could not be obtained Tuesday.

Kane said that from April 1994 to July 1999 Chestnut victimized
people in Totowa, Wayne, and Paterson, but also scammed people in
Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, and California. All told, nine people
lost $91,400, according to the 20-count indictment handed up Tuesday by
a grand jury in Passaic County.

Kane said Chestnut often found people through advertisements in Dog
World magazine. He allegedly claimed his dogs were purebred and trained
in the Schutzhund method -- a German regimen that teaches dogs obedience,
protection, and tracking. And people were willing to pay, Kane said.

In August 1996, a Paterson couple, Darryl and Gathlyn Smoot, paid
Chestnut $4,000 for one of the specially trained dogs for home
protection. Soon after, they received a German shepherd, but it wasn't
what they expected.

'They said that a contractor came over to their home one day and
was working on the gutters and the dog was just lying in the kennel,'
Kane said. 'Eventually, the guy just came up and gave the dog a
sandwich.'

Kane said the investigation into Chestnut started early in 1998
after some victims contacted her office. Other alleged victims came
forward after word spread through the dog breeding community, and still
more heard about Chestnut through the Internet after alleged victims
posted Web sites.

An Internet search revealed anonymous Web pages that mention
Chestnut. One asks other alleged victims to respond by e-mail, saying:
'With your help, we can rid the dog world of this criminal.' Another
says: 'This guy is a real slug and gives every honest dog breeder and
importer a black eye.'

Kane said another of Chestnut's victims was a former Passaic County
sheriff's officer, who in April and May 1994 paid almost $5,000 for part
ownership of two female dogs in order to get a share of the profits that
would come from their puppies. In the next two years, Sheriff's Officer
Herbert Dekorte of Wayne also purchased three dogs. But Dekorte never
saw profits from the puppies and he also never got his dogs -- losing
$18,650.

In Dekorte's case, as in others, Chestnut gave his customers checks
to repay their money, but when they tried to cash them, they were told
that the account had been closed, Kane said.

Other people were promised German shepherds that were free from hip
problems -- a common disability with the breed. Kane said that in several
cases, Chestnut forged pedigree papers to cover up the dogs' health
problems.

In addition to the dog cases, Chestnut allegedly scammed a
19-year-old clerk he met at a Totowa office supply store out of $18,000
the teenager won in a personal injury lawsuit. Kane said that in January
1998, Chestnut told the teen he could double his money in a week if he
lent him $10,000.

The clerk, Robert Kirby, agreed and gave Chestnut the money, which
he had been keeping in cash in a safe-deposit box. But after a week,
when the profits didn't show up, Chestnut told Kirby that he needed the
rest of the cash -- $8,000 -- which Kirby agreed to hand over.

Kane said Chestnut eventually gave Kirby a check to repay him, but
the account was closed.

Chestnut's wife, Carolyn, was charged in the indictment with two
counts of theft by deception. Another Paterson man, Terry Kelly, was
charged as an accomplice with counts of theft by deception and attempted
theft by deception because, on several occasions, money was sent to his
account, Kane said.

In total, Chestnut was charged with 14 counts of theft by
deception, two counts of attempted theft by deception, two counts
relating to bad checks, and two counts of forgery. One of the counts,
which represents the total dollar amount, carries a maximum 10-year
prison term.

Chestnut also was charged in a separate indictment, also handed up
Tuesday, with another theft. In June 1999, he allegedly agreed to sell a
car to a Totowa man and took $3,200, but never delivered the vehicle.

Keywords: PATERSON. ANIMAL. BUSINESS. THEFT. FRAUD

Copyright 2000 Bergen Record Corp. All rights reserved.

понедельник, 8 октября 2012 г.

CHECK YOUR DOG FOR THOSE EXTRA POUNDS.(LIFE & LEISURE) - Albany Times Union (Albany, NY)

Byline: Barbara Delaney

One extra pound can quickly blossom to five or 10 if we don't watch our food intake, and the problem is not limited to us.

The American Animal Hospital Association estimates that as many as three out of five adult dogs is overweight or likely to get that way because of age or activity level.

To educate dog owners nationwide about the health problems associated with corpulent canines, the association and the Ralston Purina Co. will hold free dog health-screening and fitness events today in such major cities as Boston, Chicago, Dallas, San Francisco and Miami.

Veterinarians and trained professionals will demonstrate the ``Fit & Trim Rib Check'' test to dog owners and speak on health problems associated with corpulent canines, among them, diabetes, heart disease and gastrointestinal disorders.

``One of the ways we like to show love for our dogs is by feeding them. However, unless we make sound decisions about how and what to feed them, we may be doing substantially more harm than good,'' said Char Bebiak, head animal trainer and behaviorist for Ralston Purina, which manufactures reduced-fat pet foods.

Experts at the pet food company say dog owners should always measure the amount of food they give their pets by following the recommended quantities listed on dog food packages; establishing a set mealtime, and sticking with one food that is nutritionally complete.

Feeding scraps and unlimited ``dog treats'' is discouraged.

Although rib check day will not officially be held in the Capital Region, there is no reason why you can't perform the test yourself.

This is the procedure:

Place both thumbs on your dog's backbone and run your fingers along the rib cage. If you can't easily feel the bony part of each rib, your dog may need to lose weight.

Stand directly over your dog as he's standing and look down on him. You should see a clearly defined waist behind the ribs. If he doesn't have an ``hour-glass'' figure, he may be carrying extra pounds.

Check your dog's profile. If you don't see a clearly defined abdomen tucked up behind his rib cage, he is probably overweight.

Dr. Merry Crimi, president of the American Animal Hospital Association, adds that routine visits to the veterinarian and active in-home monitoring of your dog's overall health will go a long way in combating the severity of dog obesity. The Mohawk & Hudson River Humane Society will hold an adoption day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. today at the Price Chopper Center, New Loudon Road, Latham, and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, June 15, at the Price Chopper Center, 911 Central Ave., Albany.

The events will be held in conjunction with Homeless Pet Adoption month, celebrated nationally.

Pet owners may also buy pet food products by H.J. Heinz, which will offer cash rebates to the shelter.

The society recently elected officers. They are Jane Quellmalz Carey, president; Peter Mason, vice president; Susan Bailey, treasurer; and Dan Dustin, secretary. The Rensselaer County Department of Health will hold a Rabies Vaccination Clinic from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Monday for cats and dogs (the same times) on Tuesday in Schodack Town Hall, routes 9 and 20.

Cats must be in carriers and dogs must be on leashes. All animals must be controlled by their owners.

Cost is $10 per animal. Whiskers Animal Benevolent League is accepting soft and hardcover books for a book sale to be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 22 at the dwelling at 22 Quincy St. (off Osborne Road) in Colonie.

Paperbacks will be sold for 25 cents and hardcover books for $1. Proceeds will benefit the organization, which rescues animals and helps find them homes.

For information, call Sue Mahar at 448-9565. Greyhounds as Companions Inc. will hold an adoption clinic from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. today at Drumm Veterinary Hospital, Columbia Turnpike, East Greenbush. Volunteers and greyhound owners will be available to talk with families interested in adoption. Ten dogs are currently available.

For information, call 766-9173. Greyhound Rescue of New York Inc. will hold a greyhound awareness clinic during Glenville Days today and Sunday at Schenectady County Airport.

A variety of adoptable greyhounds will be present.

For information, call 785-0270. Homestretch Greyhound Adoptions Inc. will hold an adoption clinic at Nenmec's Feed & Grain, 79 Henry St., Saratoga Springs, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. today.

Group members and greyhound owners will be on hand to discuss the breed. Dogs will be available for pre-approved applicants.

For details, call 372-7024. The Adirondack Rottweiler Fanciers will meet at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Colonie Elks Club, Latham.

Area veterinarian Michael J. Casler will speak on dental health and flea control.

For information, call Tami at 882-9843 or Mary at 877-6034 Even if it does rain today, it will be bright for anyone who loves German shepherds: nearly 200 of them will be at the Howard Johnson's Motor Lodge, Route 9, Albany, for the Mohawk Hudson German Shepherd Club's 1996 Northeast Futurity from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will be judging in varying classes, an open house buffet at night and an opportunity to find out all you want to know about the breed.

Admission is free.

If anyone is aware of a local ferret rescue group, please call or drop a note at the number/address below. Canines and Felines appears Saturdays. If you have news that may be of interest to dog and cat lovers, send it to Canines and Felines, Times Union, Box 15000, Albany 12212, or call 454-5493.

CAPTION(S):

воскресенье, 7 октября 2012 г.

THE COCKATIEL WITH THE CHRONIC COUGH - The Record (Bergen County, NJ)

CATHY KRZECZKOWSKI
The Record (Bergen County, NJ)
01-02-1997
THE COCKATIEL WITH THE CHRONIC COUGH
By CATHY KRZECZKOWSKI
Date: 01-02-1997, Thursday
Section: LIFESTYLE
Edition: All Editions -- Two Star B, Two Star P, One Star
Column: PET Q & A

Q. We bought a young cockatiel about five weeks ago. Although she
had some medical problems (sneezing and coughing), the vet gave her
antibiotics and now she appears to be much better. The only problem,
however, is that she has no voice now! She tries to imitate our two
parakeets, but nothing comes out except for a quiet 'coughing' sound.
She's hardly audible. And when she tries to chirp it looks as if she's
hyperventilating. What's wrong with her? Also, can birds be allergic
to their seeds? Our cockatiel loves millet seed spray, but this makes
her sneeze more.

Karen and Joe Casaburro, Fair Lawn

A. Although the antibiotics cleared up her coughing and sneezing,
your bird may still have a lingering infection that's affecting her
ability to make sounds, says Dr. Scott Stekler, a veterinarian at the
Glen Rock Veterinary Hospital.

She may need further treatment, he says, but if the bird is active
and playful and seems to be fine in every other aspect, you may just
want to give it some more time: It may take a few more weeks for her
voice to come back.

On the other hand, your cockatiel may have an air sac infection or
a problem in the lower trachea, where a bird's voice box is located,
says Dr. Robert Groskin, a veterinarian at the Englewood Animal
Hospital.

'An X-ray might be a good diagnostic test to follow up with,' says
Groskin, who notes that the X-ray should show whether there's any sign
of infection in the air sac.

But whatever it is (or isn't), both avian vets agree that your
cockatiel should also be tested for other infectious diseases,
especially psittacosis, which not only can be transmitted from one bird
to another, but also from a bird to a person.

Birds can get it from inhaling or ingesting the droppings from an
infected bird, says Groskin, who notes that people can contract it by
inhaling the airborne bacteria. And since symptoms in people can range
from a severe headache and high fever to pneumonia-like signs, it may be
a good idea for you, as well as your bird, to get a checkup.

As for your question about birds being allergic to seeds: Both vets
say no, although Groskin points out that if the seed is a little dusty,
that might cause a bird to sneeze. Also, birds can have other
allergies, says Groskin, citing secondhand smoke as one of them.
Inhaling secondhand smoke can damage a bird's sensitive respiratory
tract. So if you smoke, try to stay as far from your bird as possible.

Q. After reading your column on the mother of the little boy with
Down's syndrome who is looking for a dog for him, why not a shepherd or
Labrador? Shepherds are notably used for working with the blind and
deaf and have proven themselves in police work as well. They have
excellent search and rescue records. Labs, who like golden retrievers
can be active and playful, are also excellent with children, are easily
trainable, and have a wonderful disposition. They also have a strong
sense to protect and possess search-and-rescue abilities.

Kate Leggiero, Oakland

A. Dr. Peter Borchelt of Animal Behavior Consultants in Brooklyn,
who is searching for a Newfoundland for the little boy, responds:

You are absolutely right. Labs and shepherds would both be good
choices.

But it's hard finding a good line of German shepherds in the United
States. In fact, a lot of military and search-and-rescue people have
had to go to Europe to find good lines.

Labs are great dogs and would make an excellent choice. But they
are bred for hunting and are a bit more active than what we are looking
for. Since the child is only 8 years old, we feel a quieter dog would
be a better choice.

Actually, there is a lot of Lab in the Newfoundland anyway, but
Newfs were bred basically for water rescue rather than for hunting. So
you get the basic protective instinct without the aggression.

Again, labs and shepherds ARE good choices. And if we could find
the right dog out of the right line in any one of these breeds, that
would be great.

Letters should be sent to Pet Q&A, The Record, 1350 Route 23, Wayne,
N.J. 07470. Send e-mail to Cathy Krzeczkowski at newsroom {AT}
bergen-record.com, or fax questions to 628-6197. Answers will appear
only in this column.

Keywords: ANIMAL. HEALTH. BIRD

Copyright 1997 Bergen Record Corp. All rights reserved.

суббота, 6 октября 2012 г.

Cornea inflammation needs therapy for life.(Life-Family) - Albany Times Union (Albany, NY)

Byline: Michael Fox

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.

DEAR B.H.: 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 have an orange and white, neutered male Tabby cat who is around 21/2 years old. I don't know his exact age, as I found him abandoned. I guessed his age at that time to be about 5 to 6 weeks old.

He makes terrible guttural sounds as though he is trying to bring up a hairball. My veterinarian prescribed Laxatone, but it doesn't seem to be helping at all. I'm afraid that hairballs might be collecting in his stomach and might cause internal problems. I'm desperate with worry, so can you please help me?

- P.A., Aventura, Fla.

DEAR P.A.: Even just a little fur in the esophagus or at the back of the cat's throat can trigger the gag reflex. Large fur balls in the stomach don't cause this problem; instead, the cat loses condition and regurgitates food that the stomach cannot accommodate. Cats also regurgitate when they have a hypersensitivity to certain foods and when they have other health problems.

An X-ray and manual palpitation of your cat's abdomen can allay your fears of a large accumulation of fur in his stomach, which might have to be removed surgically.

My guess is that your cat has simply swallowed a bit of fur, and a regular grooming and 1 teaspoon of olive oil daily in his food should help correct the problem. Adding some natural roughage to his diet, such as chopped wheat grass or alfalfa sprouts, will help him pass the fur balls through his digestive system. Stomach fur balls are common in cats that groom excessively, a behavior indicative of a variety of health problems rather than being purely psychological, especially in cases of hyperactive thyroid, so a full clinical checkup is in order.

Anti-arthritis drug warning Because of potentially harmful, even fatal, side effects, the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as DERAMAXX and Rimadyl on arthritic cats and dogs should be coupled with extreme caution and vigilance. Immediate veterinary consultation is called for if the animal becomes depressed, vomits frequently, seems weak and uncoordinated, or appears restless or anxious. As per my answer to the letter above, there are alternative, safer treatments for animals suffering from arthritis.

пятница, 5 октября 2012 г.

Pooch police take their duties in stride. - The Beaumont Enterprise (Beaumont, TX)

Byline: Ryan Myers

Oct. 9--Dingo has a dope problem. Almost everywhere he goes, this cop ends up with his nose in drugs. Lucky for Dingo, the Beaumont Police Department has made an exception for his drug obsession. Then there's that other problem. At 2 years old, he's also a little under the age requirement for being on the force. But Dingo is the latest recruit to a contingent of Belgian Malinois dogs the department employs for narcotics detection, fugitive tracking and a variety of other police pursuits. Born in Holland and trained in Louisiana, Dingo hit the streets of Beaumont last week with aplomb, sniffing out 175 pounds of marijuana during his first traffic stop. 'It was a cool way for him to start,' said Dingo's handler, Officer Jerry LaChance.

The Beaumont Police Department has been using dogs for more than 25 years, according to former Beaumont police officer Walter Billingsley, now a deputy chief with the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office. 'The Beaumont Police Department's first dog was a golden retriever named Tika we bought from U.S. Customs,' Billingsley said in an interview at his office in downtown Beaumont. A regular four-legged force has followed in her paw prints to aid Beaumont officers. The Beaumont Police Department K-9 unit formed in 1992 with five German Shepherds born and raised on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean, explained Al Johnson, a sergeant with the Beaumont Police Department and supervisor of the K-9 Unit. Today, the department's four canines are Belgian Malinois, a dog breed that looks like a smaller, sleeker, shorthaired German Shepherd. The Malinois, Johnson said, isn't prone to some health problems that plague the German Shepherd. While this breed is available in the United States, the department has acquired most dogs from overseas, thanks in part to a breeding tradition there favored by the companies that train the canines, LaChance said. 'It's quicker for the guys who sell the dogs to buy the dogs already conditioned. That way all they have to do is bring them over and finish training them,' LaChance said. All dogs on the Beaumont police force are what Johnson calls 'dual-purpose,' meaning they are trained for narcotics detection and for patrol. Patrol dogs are trained to protect their handlers and search for fugitives. 'Keeping a patrol dog trained is a lot more work than just a drug dog. A drug dog I can train just a few times a week, but to keep our patrol dogs trained, we train for five hours every Thursday,' LaChance said. At the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office, two other canine skill sets have been represented.

Now, in addition to drug and patrol dogs, the sheriff's office has a cadaver dog trained to locate dead bodies. 'We have had a bomb dog,' Billingsley said. Before the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, there wasn't much of a need for a bomb-sniffing dog, Billingsley said. When the occasion arose to check out a suspicious package, a dog from the Houston Police Department would be called out for the task. 'But since September 11th, we get a lot more calls for suspicious packages. People are just more on the lookout and so now we've got a bomb dog and another bomb dog in training,' Billingsley said. rcmyers@beaumontenterprise.com

(409) 880-0723

Copyright (c) 2006, The Beaumont Enterprise, Texas

Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Business

News.

четверг, 4 октября 2012 г.

DESIRE TO BE LEADER OF PACK CAN BE TROUBLESOME - Post-Tribune (IN)

THIS ELECTRONIC VERSION MAY DIFFER SLIGHTLY FROM THE PRINTED VERSION.PETSIf you have a question about your pet's health, send it to Dr. John Wise, 1503 E. Riverside Drive, Indianapolis, Ind., 46202-2097.

Q:We want to buy a dog that will be both a good pet and watch dog. My husband wants a German shepherd and knows of a litter that soon will be old enough to wean. I worry, however, about the breed's vicious reputation especially since we have children. Do you have any recommendations? A:You are worried about what we call dominance aggression. It can be a fairly common problem, but German shepherds can be excellent pets if you select a puppy carefully and put time and energy into its training.

Like other canines, dogs are pack animals. Their human families are their pack. Trouble develops in dogs with dominant personalities who challenge owners to be pack leader. The problem is most common in cocker spaniels, lhasa apsos, chow chows and occasionally in Labradors, Dobermans, Rottweilers - and German shepherds. Children and non-assertive owners are most likely to let dogs get the upper hand and behave aggressively.

Neutering males with dominance problems often helps. Problems also can be eased with obedience training that teaches the dog to be subordinate. Lessons can include such submissive tricks as shaking hands, rolling over and the like.

It now is possible for your veterinarian to evaluate how dominant a puppy's behavior will become. He will pin down the pup on its back. If the animal bites, struggles, vocalizes and fails to settle down, it probably will show signs of aggression as it matures.

среда, 3 октября 2012 г.

Young cat wasting away is a mystery - The Washington Post

Dear Dr. Fox:

Our 2-year-old Siamese cat has been losing weight. We got him andhis sister a year ago. Neither goes outside.

In the first few months at our home, he went from 9.2 to 10.6pounds. He was a big, happy and beautiful boy.

But within a few months, he started losing weight. A year later,he is 8.2 pounds. I have taken him to three veterinarians. He hashad every test suggested, and his blood work is always normal.

His appetite is good; he is loving and affectionate.

He was on a limited-ingredient diet for months, with no progress.He has been on a mild steroid for a week or so, and he dropped 4ounces. He is now on a stronger steroid that doesn't seem to beworking. He does not seem to be in any pain, but he looks like anolder cat. The last blood test showed all organ functions normal.

I was told the next step is for him to have invasive surgery toget multiple biopsies, and that it will be painful and might notidentify the real problem.

Is there anything we are not thinking about?

E.B., Alexandria

DF: A cat as young as yours with an as-yet-unidentified wastingdisease is a veterinary challenge. I would put off invasive surgeryand go back to square one.

This means a thorough fecal examination for internal parasitesand a careful examination of the mouth and teeth to rule outdebilitating stomatitis.

Then consider the possibility of an enzyme deficiency diseaseassociated with chronic pancreatitis. Discuss with your veterinariana course of treatment with digestive enzymes, probiotics and suchsupplements as taurine, fish oil and Platinum Performance FelineWellness supplement.

Wean your cat off the steroid medication and don't give himvaccinations or anti-flea medications.

suffering Persians

Dear Dr. Fox:

We have two white Persian cats. Ki Ki, 12, stopped eating anddrinking. He also had a urinary tract infection.

I gave him antibiotics for 15 days, after which the vet foundthat his white blood cell count was low. Another 15 days ofantibiotics produced still-low white blood cells.

Tumbalina, 14, also had a low white blood cell count. She alsosuffered from a loss of appetite, lack of fluids and weight loss.

I feed them Fancy Feast moist food and Evo dry food. I am nowgoing to a doctor of internal medicine who took an ultrasound andfound Ki Ki has cystitis. But we still have no plan.

M.L., Lanham

DF: You have certainly been through the mill with your poor cat.

Ki Ki is not a young cat and, coupling his age with his breed, hecould have other underlying health problems that brought on thecystitis.

A holistic approach is called for. You might have to force him todrink plenty of water, using a 10- or 20-cc syringe four to fivetimes a day. Get him used to a few drops of fish oil in his food,working up to a teaspoon daily. Fish oil, a natural anti-inflammatory, and probiotics will help boost his immune system andhelp fight infection.

Discuss with your veterinarian giving him glucosamine, and besure he is on a corn- and grain-free diet. Corn is often associatedwith cystitis in cats. Diabetes mellitus, for example, is oftenassociated with bladder infections in cats and humans.

The low white blood cell counts in both cats call for yet moredeductive work, and I don't have a simple solution. Don't use anyanti-flea chemicals on or around your cats and avoid allvaccinations.

sick shepherd

Dear Dr. Fox:

My German shepherd is about 6. I have fed him Purina Dog Chow dryfood for most of his life. I have spent thousands trying to figureout why he continues to scratch and bite his rear end and tail.

His fur is coming off his skin. The skin underneath the fur isdark, and he has bad body odor. I have recently started feeding himpasta, sweet potatoes, carrots, ground beef and ground-up apples.

E.J, Kettering

DF: German shepherds are prone to a variety of health issues,including allergies associated with skin problems and colitis orirritable bowel syndrome.

Emotional stress in this sensitive breed's environment can alsoplay a role. But first you should have your dog checked for mangeand fleabite hypersensitivity.

Give him veterinarian-rated dog foods; what you have been feedinghim is probably the root cause of his condition. He is most likelysuffering from a nutritional deficiency and might improve on aquality diet that includes omega-3 fatty acids from fish andflaxseed oils. Chronic fatty acid deficiency, common in dry dogfoods, could impair the immune system and bring on infections andsusceptibility to allergies.

Consider an elimination diet under veterinary supervision to ruleout or identify one or more ingredients that he might have becomeallergic to. A lamb, rice and sweet potato-based commercial dietmight do wonders, coupled with a daily dose of probiotics or plainorganic yogurt or kefir.

Michael W. Fox, author of a newsletter and books on animal care,welfare and rights, is a veterinarian with doctoral degrees inmedicine and animal behavior. Write to him at United FeatureSyndicate, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, Mo. 64106.

2011 United Feature Syndicate

Dear Dr. Fox:

Our 2-year-old Siamese cat has been losing weight. We got him andhis sister a year ago. Neither goes outside. In the first few monthsat our home, he went from 9.2 to 10.6 pounds. He was a big, happyand beautiful boy.

But within a few months, he started losing weight. A year later,he is 8.2 pounds. I have taken him to three veterinarians. He hashad every test suggested, and his blood work is always normal.

His appetite is good; he is loving and affectionate. He was on alimited-ingredient diet for months, with no progress. He has been ona mild steroid for a week or so, and he dropped 4 ounces. He is nowon a stronger steroid that doesn't seem to be working. He does notseem to be in any pain, but he looks like an older cat. The lastblood test showed all organ functions normal.

I was told the next step is for him to have invasive surgery toget multiple biopsies, and that it will be painful and might notidentify the real problem. Is there anything we are not thinkingabout?

E.B., Alexandria

DF: A cat as young as yours with an as-yet-unidentified wastingdisease is a veterinary challenge. I would put off invasive surgeryand go back to square one.

This means a thorough fecal examination for internal parasitesand a careful examination of the mouth and teeth to rule outdebilitating stomatitis.

Then consider the possibility of an enzyme deficiency diseaseassociated with chronic pancreatitis. Discuss with your veterinariana course of treatment with digestive enzymes, probiotics and suchsupplements as taurine, fish oil and Platinum Performance FelineWellness supplement.

Wean your cat off the steroid medication and don't give himvaccinations or anti-flea medications.

suffering Persians

Dear Dr. Fox:

We have two white Persian cats. Ki Ki, 12, stopped eating anddrinking. He also had a urinary tract infection. I gave himantibiotics for 15 days, after which the vet found that his whiteblood cell count was low. Another 15 days of antibiotics producedstill-low white blood cells.

Tumbalina, 14, also had a low white blood cell count. She alsosuffered from a loss of appetite, lack of fluids and weight loss.

I feed them Fancy Feast moist food and Evo dry food. I am nowgoing to a doctor of internal medicine who took an ultrasound andfound Ki Ki has cystitis. But we still have no plan.

M.L., Lanham

DF: You have been through the mill with your poor cat. Ki Ki isnot a young cat and, coupling his age with his breed, he could haveother underlying health problems that brought on the cystitis.

A holistic approach is called for. You might have to force him todrink plenty of water, using a 10- or 20-cc syringe four to fivetimes a day. Get him used to a few drops of fish oil in his food,working up to a teaspoon daily. Fish oil, a natural anti-inflammatory, and probiotics will help boost his immune system andhelp fight infection.

Discuss with your veterinarian giving him glucosamine, and besure he is on a corn- and grain-free diet. Corn is often associatedwith cystitis in cats. Diabetes mellitus, for example, is oftenassociated with bladder infections in cats and humans.

The low white blood cell counts in both cats call for yet moredeductive work, and I don't have a simple solution. Don't use anyanti-flea chemicals on or around your cats and avoid allvaccinations.

sick shepherd

Dear Dr. Fox:

My German shepherd is about 6. I have fed him Purina Dog Chow dryfood for most of his life. I have spent thousands trying to figureout why he continues to scratch and bite his rear end and tail. Hisfur is coming off. The skin underneath the fur is dark, and he hasbad body odor. I have recently started feeding him pasta, sweetpotatoes, carrots, ground beef and ground-up apples.

E.J, Kettering

DF: German shepherds are prone to a variety of health issues,including allergies associated with skin problems and colitis orirritable bowel syndrome.

Emotional stress in this sensitive breed's environment can alsoplay a role. But first you should have your dog checked for mangeand fleabite hypersensitivity.

Give him veterinarian-rated dog foods; what you have been feedinghim is probably the root cause of his condition. He is most likelysuffering from a nutritional deficiency and might improve on aquality diet that includes omega-3 fatty acids from fish andflaxseed oils. Chronic fatty acid deficiency, common in dry dogfoods, could impair the immune system and bring on infections andsusceptibility to allergies.

Consider an elimination diet under veterinary supervision to ruleout or identify one or more ingredients that he might have becomeallergic to. A lamb, rice and sweet potato-based commercial dietmight do wonders, coupled with a daily dose of probiotics or plainorganic yogurt or kefir.

2011 United Feature Syndicate

Dear Dr. Fox:

Our 2-year-old Siamese cat has been losing weight. We got him andhis sister a year ago. Neither goes outside.

In the first few months at our home, he went from 9.2 to 10.6pounds. He was a big, happy and beautiful boy.

But within a few months, he started losing weight. A year later,he is 8.2 pounds. I have taken him to three veterinarians. He hashad every test suggested, and his blood work is always normal.

His appetite is good; he is loving and affectionate.

He was on a limited-ingredient diet for months, with no progress.He has been on a mild steroid for a week or so, and he dropped 4ounces. He is now on a stronger steroid that doesn't seem to beworking. He does not seem to be in any pain, but he looks like anolder cat. The last blood test showed all organ functions normal.

I was told the next step is for him to have invasive surgery toget multiple biopsies, and that it will be painful and might notidentify the real problem.

Is there anything we are not thinking about?

E.B., Alexandria

DF: A cat as young as yours with an as-yet-unidentified wastingdisease is a veterinary challenge. I would put off invasive surgeryand go back to square one.

This means a thorough fecal examination for internal parasitesand a careful examination of the mouth and teeth to rule outdebilitating stomatitis.

Then consider the possibility of an enzyme deficiency diseaseassociated with chronic pancreatitis. Discuss with your veterinariana course of treatment with digestive enzymes, probiotics and suchsupplements as taurine, fish oil and Platinum Performance FelineWellness supplement.

Wean your cat off the steroid medication and don't give himvaccinations or anti-flea medications.

suffering Persians

Dear Dr. Fox:

We have two white Persian cats. Ki Ki, 12, stopped eating anddrinking. He also had a urinary tract infection.

I gave him antibiotics for 15 days, after which the vet foundthat his white blood cell count was low. Another 15 days ofantibiotics produced still-low white blood cells.

Tumbalina, 14, also had a low white blood cell count. She alsosuffered from a loss of appetite, lack of fluids and weight loss.

I feed them Fancy Feast moist food and Evo dry food. I am nowgoing to a doctor of internal medicine who took an ultrasound andfound Ki Ki has cystitis. But we still have no plan.

M.L., Lanham

DF: You have certainly been through the mill with your poor cat.

Ki Ki is not a young cat and, coupling his age with his breed, hecould have other underlying health problems that brought on thecystitis.

A holistic approach is called for. You might have to force him todrink plenty of water, using a 10- or 20-cc syringe four to fivetimes a day. Get him used to a few drops of fish oil in his food,working up to a teaspoon daily. Fish oil, a natural anti-inflammatory, and probiotics will help boost his immune system andhelp fight infection.

Discuss with your veterinarian giving him glucosamine, and besure he is on a corn- and grain-free diet. Corn is often associatedwith cystitis in cats. Diabetes mellitus, for example, is oftenassociated with bladder infections in cats and humans.

The low white blood cell counts in both cats call for yet moredeductive work, and I don't have a simple solution. Don't use anyanti-flea chemicals on or around your cats and avoid allvaccinations.

sick shepherd

Dear Dr. Fox:

My German shepherd is about 6. I have fed him Purina Dog Chow dryfood for most of his life. I have spent thousands trying to figureout why he continues to scratch and bite his rear end and tail.

His fur is coming off his skin. The skin underneath the fur isdark, and he has bad body odor. I have recently started feeding himpasta, sweet potatoes, carrots, ground beef and ground-up apples.

E.J, Kettering

DF: German shepherds are prone to a variety of health issues,including allergies associated with skin problems and colitis orirritable bowel syndrome.

Emotional stress in this sensitive breed's environment can alsoplay a role. But first you should have your dog checked for mangeand fleabite hypersensitivity.

Give him veterinarian-rated dog foods; what you have been feedinghim is probably the root cause of his condition. He is most likelysuffering from a nutritional deficiency and might improve on aquality diet that includes omega-3 fatty acids from fish andflaxseed oils. Chronic fatty acid deficiency, common in dry dogfoods, could impair the immune system and bring on infections andsusceptibility to allergies.

Consider an elimination diet under veterinary supervision to ruleout or identify one or more ingredients that he might have becomeallergic to. A lamb, rice and sweet potato-based commercial dietmight do wonders, coupled with a daily dose of probiotics or plainorganic yogurt or kefir.

Michael W. Fox, author of a newsletter and books on animal care,welfare and rights, is a veterinarian with doctoral degrees inmedicine and animal behavior. Write to him at United FeatureSyndicate, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, Mo. 64106.

2011 United Feature Syndicate

Dear Dr. Fox:

Our 2-year-old Siamese cat has been losing weight. We got him andhis sister a year ago. Neither goes outside. In the first few monthsat our home, he went from 9.2 to 10.6 pounds. He was a big, happyand beautiful boy.

But within a few months, he started losing weight. A year later,he is 8.2 pounds. I have taken him to three veterinarians. He hashad every test suggested, and his blood work is always normal.

His appetite is good; he is loving and affectionate.

He was on a limited-ingredient diet for months, with no progress.He has been on a mild steroid for a week or so, and he dropped 4ounces. He is now on a stronger steroid that doesn't seem to beworking. He does not seem to be in any pain, but he looks like anolder cat. The last blood test showed all organ functions normal.

I was told the next step is for him to have invasive surgery toget multiple biopsies, and that it will be painful and might notidentify the real problem.

Is there anything we are not thinking about?

E.B., Alexandria

DF: A cat as young as yours with an as-yet-unidentified wastingdisease is a veterinary challenge. I would put off invasive surgeryand go back to square one.

This means a thorough fecal examination for internal parasitesand a careful examination of the mouth and teeth to rule outdebilitating stomatitis.

Then consider the possibility of an enzyme deficiency diseaseassociated with chronic pancreatitis. Discuss with your veterinariana course of treatment with digestive enzymes, probiotics and suchsupplements as taurine, fish oil and Platinum Performance FelineWellness supplement.

Wean your cat off the steroid medication and don't give himvaccinations or anti-flea medications.

suffering Persians

Dear Dr. Fox:

We have two white Persian cats. Ki Ki, 12, stopped eating anddrinking. He also had a urinary tract infection.

I gave him antibiotics for 15 days, after which the vet foundthat his white blood cell count was low. Another 15 days ofantibiotics produced still-low white blood cells.

Tumbalina, 14, also had a low white blood cell count. She alsosuffered from a loss of appetite, lack of fluids and weight loss.

I feed them Fancy Feast moist food and Evo dry food. I am nowgoing to a doctor of internal medicine who took an ultrasound andfound Ki Ki has cystitis. But we still have no plan.

M.L., Lanham

DF: You have been through the mill with your poor cat. Ki Ki isnot a young cat and, coupling his age with his breed, he could haveother underlying health problems that brought on the cystitis.

A holistic approach is called for. You might have to force him todrink plenty of water, using a 10- or 20-cc syringe four to fivetimes a day. Get him used to a few drops of fish oil in his food,working up to a teaspoon daily. Fish oil, a natural anti-inflammatory, and probiotics will help boost his immune system andhelp fight infection.

Discuss with your veterinarian giving him glucosamine, and besure he is on a corn- and grain-free diet. Corn is often associatedwith cystitis in cats. Diabetes mellitus, for example, is oftenassociated with bladder infections in cats and humans.

The low white blood cell counts in both cats call for yet moredeductive work, and I don't have a simple solution. Don't use anyanti-flea chemicals on or around your cats and avoid allvaccinations.

2011 United Feature Syndicate

Dear Dr. Fox:

Our 2-year-old Siamese cat has been losing weight. We got him andhis sister a year ago. Neither goes outside.

In the first few months at our home, he went from 9.2 to 10.6pounds. He was a big, happy and beautiful boy.

But within a few months, he started losing weight. A year later,he is 8.2 pounds. I have taken him to three veterinarians. He hashad every test suggested, and his blood work is always normal.

His appetite is good; he is loving and affectionate.

He was on a limited-ingredient diet for months, with no progress.He has been on a mild steroid for a week or so, and he dropped 4ounces. He is now on a stronger steroid that doesn't seem to beworking. He does not seem to be in any pain, but he looks like anolder cat. The last blood test showed all organ functions normal.

I was told the next step is for him to have invasive surgery toget multiple biopsies, and that it will be painful and might notidentify the real problem.

Is there anything we are not thinking about?

E.B., Alexandria

DF: A cat as young as yours with an as-yet-unidentified wastingdisease is a veterinary challenge. I would put off invasive surgeryand go back to square one.

This means a thorough fecal examination for internal parasitesand a careful examination of the mouth and teeth to rule outdebilitating stomatitis.

Then consider the possibility of an enzyme deficiency diseaseassociated with chronic pancreatitis. Discuss with your veterinariana course of treatment with digestive enzymes, probiotics and suchsupplements as taurine, fish oil and Platinum Performance FelineWellness supplement.

Wean your cat off the steroid medication and don't give himvaccinations or anti-flea medications.

suffering Persians

Dear Dr. Fox:

We have two white Persian cats. Ki Ki, 12, stopped eating anddrinking. He also had a urinary tract infection.

I gave him antibiotics for 15 days, after which the vet foundthat his white blood cell count was low. Another 15 days ofantibiotics produced still-low white blood cells.

Tumbalina, 14, also had a low white blood cell count. She alsosuffered from a loss of appetite, lack of fluids and weight loss.

I feed them Fancy Feast moist food and Evo dry food. I am nowgoing to a doctor of internal medicine who took an ultrasound andfound Ki Ki has cystitis. But we still have no plan.

M.L., Lanham

DF: You have certainly been through the mill with your poor cat.

Ki Ki is not a young cat and, coupling his age with his breed, hecould have other underlying health problems that brought on thecystitis.

A holistic approach is called for. You might have to force him todrink plenty of water, using a 10- or 20-cc syringe four to fivetimes a day. Get him used to a few drops of fish oil in his food,working up to a teaspoon daily. Fish oil, a natural anti-inflammatory, and probiotics will help boost his immune system andhelp fight infection.

Discuss with your veterinarian giving him glucosamine, and besure he is on a corn- and grain-free diet. Corn is often associatedwith cystitis in cats. Diabetes mellitus, for example, is oftenassociated with bladder infections in cats and humans.

The low white blood cell counts in both cats call for yet moredeductive work, and I don't have a simple solution. Don't use anyanti-flea chemicals on or around your cats and avoid allvaccinations.

sick shepherd

Dear Dr. Fox:

My German shepherd is about 6. I have fed him Purina Dog Chow dryfood for most of his life. I have spent thousands trying to figureout why he continues to scratch and bite his rear end and tail.

His fur is coming off his skin. The skin underneath the fur isdark, and he has bad body odor. I have recently started feeding himpasta, sweet potatoes, carrots, ground beef and ground-up apples.

E.J, Kettering

DF: German shepherds are prone to a variety of health issues,including allergies associated with skin problems and colitis orirritable bowel syndrome.

Emotional stress in this sensitive breed's environment can alsoplay a role. But first you should have your dog checked for mangeand fleabite hypersensitivity.

Give him veterinarian-rated dog foods; what you have been feedinghim is probably the root cause of his condition. He is most likelysuffering from a nutritional deficiency and might improve on aquality diet that includes omega-3 fatty acids from fish andflaxseed oils. Chronic fatty acid deficiency, common in dry dogfoods, could impair the immune system and bring on infections andsusceptibility to allergies.

Consider an elimination diet under veterinary supervision to ruleout or identify one or more ingredients that he might have becomeallergic to. A lamb, rice and sweet potato-based commercial dietmight do wonders, coupled with a daily dose of probiotics or plainorganic yogurt or kefir.

Michael W. Fox, author of a newsletter and books on animal care,welfare and rights, is a veterinarian with doctoral degrees inmedicine and animal behavior. Write to him at United FeatureSyndicate, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, Mo. 64106.

2011 United Feature Syndicate

Dear Dr. Fox:

Our 2-year-old Siamese cat has been losing weight. We got him andhis sister a year ago. Neither goes outside.

In the first few months at our home, he went from 9.2 to 10.6pounds. He was a big, happy and beautiful boy.

But within a few months, he started losing weight. A year later,he is 8.2 pounds. I have taken him to three veterinarians. He hashad every test suggested, and his blood work is always normal.

His appetite is good; he is loving and affectionate.

He was on a limited-ingredient diet for months, with no progress.He has been on a mild steroid for a week or so, and he dropped 4ounces. He is now on a stronger steroid that doesn't seem to beworking. He does not seem to be in any pain, but he looks like anolder cat. The last blood test showed all organ functions normal.

I was told the next step is for him to have invasive surgery toget multiple biopsies, and that it will be painful and might notidentify the real problem.

Is there anything we are not thinking about?

E.B., Alexandria

DF: A cat as young as yours with an as-yet-unidentified wastingdisease is a veterinary challenge. I would put off invasive surgeryand go back to square one.

This means a thorough fecal examination for internal parasitesand a careful examination of the mouth and teeth to rule outdebilitating stomatitis.

Then consider the possibility of an enzyme deficiency diseaseassociated with chronic pancreatitis. Discuss with your veterinariana course of treatment with digestive enzymes, probiotics and suchsupplements as taurine, fish oil and Platinum Performance FelineWellness supplement.

Wean your cat off the steroid medication and don't give himvaccinations or anti-flea medications.

suffering Persians

Dear Dr. Fox:

We have two white Persian cats. Ki Ki, 12, stopped eating anddrinking. He also had a urinary tract infection.

I gave him antibiotics for 15 days, after which the vet foundthat his white blood cell count was low. Another 15 days ofantibiotics produced still-low white blood cells.

Tumbalina, 14, also had a low white blood cell count. She alsosuffered from a loss of appetite, lack of fluids and weight loss.

I feed them Fancy Feast moist food and Evo dry food. I am nowgoing to a doctor of internal medicine who took an ultrasound andfound Ki Ki has cystitis. But we still have no plan.

M.L., Lanham

DF: You have certainly been through the mill with your poor cat.

Ki Ki is not a young cat and, coupling his age with his breed, hecould have other underlying health problems that brought on thecystitis.

A holistic approach is called for. You might have to force him todrink plenty of water, using a 10- or 20-cc syringe four to fivetimes a day. Get him used to a few drops of fish oil in his food,working up to a teaspoon daily. Fish oil, a natural anti-inflammatory, and probiotics will help boost his immune system andhelp fight infection.

Discuss with your veterinarian giving him glucosamine, and besure he is on a corn- and grain-free diet. Corn is often associatedwith cystitis in cats. Diabetes mellitus, for example, is oftenassociated with bladder infections in cats and humans.

The low white blood cell counts in both cats call for yet moredeductive work, and I don't have a simple solution. Don't use anyanti-flea chemicals on or around your cats and avoid allvaccinations.

sick shepherd

Dear Dr. Fox:

My German shepherd is about 6. I have fed him Purina Dog Chow dryfood for most of his life. I have spent thousands trying to figureout why he continues to scratch and bite his rear end and tail.

His fur is coming off his skin. The skin underneath the fur isdark, and he has bad body odor. I have recently started feeding himpasta, sweet potatoes, carrots, ground beef and ground-up apples.

E.J, Kettering

DF: German shepherds are prone to a variety of health issues,including allergies associated with skin problems and colitis orirritable bowel syndrome.

Emotional stress in this sensitive breed's environment can alsoplay a role. But first you should have your dog checked for mangeand fleabite hypersensitivity.

Give him veterinarian-rated dog foods; what you have been feedinghim is probably the root cause of his condition. He is most likelysuffering from a nutritional deficiency and might improve on aquality diet that includes omega-3 fatty acids from fish andflaxseed oils. Chronic fatty acid deficiency, common in dry dogfoods, could impair the immune system and bring on infections andsusceptibility to allergies.

Consider an elimination diet under veterinary supervision to ruleout or identify one or more ingredients that he might have becomeallergic to. A lamb, rice and sweet potato-based commercial dietmight do wonders, coupled with a daily dose of probiotics or plainorganic yogurt or kefir.

Michael W. Fox, author of a newsletter and books on animal care,welfare and rights, is a veterinarian with doctoral degrees inmedicine and animal behavior. Write to him at United FeatureSyndicate, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, Mo. 64106.

2011 United Feature Syndicate

Dear Dr. Fox:

Our 2-year-old Siamese cat has been losing weight. We got him andhis sister a year ago. Neither goes outside.

In the first few months at our home, he went from 9.2 to 10.6pounds. He was a big, happy and beautiful boy.

But within a few months, he started losing weight. A year later,he is 8.2 pounds. I have taken him to three veterinarians. He hashad every test suggested, and his blood work is always normal.

His appetite is good; he is loving and affectionate.

He was on a limited-ingredient diet for months, with no progress.He has been on a mild steroid for a week or so, and he dropped 4ounces. He is now on a stronger steroid that doesn't seem to beworking. He does not seem to be in any pain, but he looks like anolder cat. The last blood test showed all organ functions normal.

I was told the next step is for him to have invasive surgery toget multiple biopsies, and that it will be painful and might notidentify the real problem.

Is there anything we are not thinking about?

E.B., Alexandria

DF: A cat as young as yours with an as-yet-unidentified wastingdisease is a veterinary challenge. I would put off invasive surgeryand go back to square one.

This means a thorough fecal examination for internal parasitesand a careful examination of the mouth and teeth to rule outdebilitating stomatitis.

Then consider the possibility of an enzyme deficiency diseaseassociated with chronic pancreatitis. Discuss with your veterinariana course of treatment with digestive enzymes, probiotics and suchsupplements as taurine, fish oil and Platinum Performance FelineWellness supplement.

Wean your cat off the steroid medication and don't give himvaccinations or anti-flea medications.

suffering Persians

Dear Dr. Fox:

We have two white Persian cats. Ki Ki, 12, stopped eating anddrinking. He also had a urinary tract infection.

I gave him antibiotics for 15 days, after which the vet foundthat his white blood cell count was low. Another 15 days ofantibiotics produced still-low white blood cells.

Tumbalina, 14, also had a low white blood cell count. She alsosuffered from a loss of appetite, lack of fluids and weight loss.

I feed them Fancy Feast moist food and Evo dry food. I am nowgoing to a doctor of internal medicine who took an ultrasound andfound Ki Ki has cystitis. But we still have no plan.

M.L., Lanham

DF: You have certainly been through the mill with your poor cat.

Ki Ki is not a young cat and, coupling his age with his breed, hecould have other underlying health problems that brought on thecystitis.

A holistic approach is called for. You might have to force him todrink plenty of water, using a 10- or 20-cc syringe four to fivetimes a day. Get him used to a few drops of fish oil in his food,working up to a teaspoon daily. Fish oil, a natural anti-inflammatory, and probiotics will help boost his immune system andhelp fight infection.

Discuss with your veterinarian giving him glucosamine, and besure he is on a corn- and grain-free diet. Corn is often associatedwith cystitis in cats. Diabetes mellitus, for example, is oftenassociated with bladder infections in cats and humans.

The low white blood cell counts in both cats call for yet moredeductive work, and I don't have a simple solution. Don't use anyanti-flea chemicals on or around your cats and avoid allvaccinations.

sick shepherd

Dear Dr. Fox:

My German shepherd is about 6. I have fed him Purina Dog Chow dryfood for most of his life. I have spent thousands trying to figureout why he continues to scratch and bite his rear end and tail.

His fur is coming off his skin. The skin underneath the fur isdark, and he has bad body odor. I have recently started feeding himpasta, sweet potatoes, carrots, ground beef and ground-up apples.

E.J, Kettering

DF: German shepherds are prone to a variety of health issues,including allergies associated with skin problems and colitis orirritable bowel syndrome.

Emotional stress in this sensitive breed's environment can alsoplay a role. But first you should have your dog checked for mangeand fleabite hypersensitivity.

Give him veterinarian-rated dog foods; what you have been feedinghim is probably the root cause of his condition. He is most likelysuffering from a nutritional deficiency and might improve on aquality diet that includes omega-3 fatty acids from fish andflaxseed oils. Chronic fatty acid deficiency, common in dry dogfoods, could impair the immune system and bring on infections andsusceptibility to allergies.

Consider an elimination diet under veterinary supervision to ruleout or identify one or more ingredients that he might have becomeallergic to. A lamb, rice and sweet potato-based commercial dietmight do wonders, coupled with a daily dose of probiotics or plainorganic yogurt or kefir.

Michael W. Fox, author of a newsletter and books on animal care,welfare and rights, is a veterinarian with doctoral degrees inmedicine and animal behavior. Write to him at United FeatureSyndicate, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, Mo. 64106.

2011 United Feature Syndicate

Dear Dr. Fox:

Our 2-year-old Siamese cat has been losing weight. We got him andhis sister a year ago. Neither goes outside.

In the first few months at our home, he went from 9.2 to 10.6pounds. He was a big, happy and beautiful boy.

But within a few months, he started losing weight. A year later,he is 8.2 pounds. I have taken him to three veterinarians. He hashad every test suggested, and his blood work is always normal.

His appetite is good; he is loving and affectionate.

He was on a limited-ingredient diet for months, with no progress.He has been on a mild steroid for a week or so, and he dropped 4ounces. He is now on a stronger steroid that doesn't seem to beworking. He does not seem to be in any pain, but he looks like anolder cat. The last blood test showed all organ functions normal.

I was told the next step is for him to have invasive surgery toget multiple biopsies, and that it will be painful and might notidentify the real problem.

Is there anything we are not thinking about?

E.B., Alexandria

DF: A cat as young as yours with an as-yet-unidentified wastingdisease is a veterinary challenge. I would put off invasive surgeryand go back to square one.

This means a thorough fecal examination for internal parasitesand a careful examination of the mouth and teeth to rule outdebilitating stomatitis.

Then consider the possibility of an enzyme deficiency diseaseassociated with chronic pancreatitis. Discuss with your veterinariana course of treatment with digestive enzymes, probiotics and suchsupplements as taurine, fish oil and Platinum Performance FelineWellness supplement.

Wean your cat off the steroid medication and don't give himvaccinations or anti-flea medications.

Michael W. Fox, author of a newsletter and books on animal care,welfare and rights, is a veterinarian with doctoral degrees inmedicine and animal behavior. Write to him at United FeatureSyndicate, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, Mo. 64106.

2011 United Feature Syndicate

Dear Dr. Fox:

Our 2-year-old Siamese cat has been losing weight. We got him andhis sister a year ago. Neither goes outside.

In the first few months at our home, he went from 9.2 to 10.6pounds. He was a big, happy and beautiful boy.

But within a few months, he started losing weight. A year later,he is 8.2 pounds. I have taken him to three veterinarians. He hashad every test suggested, and his blood work is always normal.

His appetite is good; he is loving and affectionate.

He was on a limited-ingredient diet for months, with no progress.He has been on a mild steroid for a week or so, and he dropped 4ounces. He is now on a stronger steroid that doesn't seem to beworking. He does not seem to be in any pain, but he looks like anolder cat. The last blood test showed all organ functions normal.

I was told the next step is for him to have invasive surgery toget multiple biopsies, and that it will be painful and might notidentify the real problem.

Is there anything we are not thinking about?

E.B., Alexandria

DF: A cat as young as yours with an as-yet-unidentified wastingdisease is a veterinary challenge. I would put off invasive surgeryand go back to square one.

This means a thorough fecal examination for internal parasitesand a careful examination of the mouth and teeth to rule outdebilitating stomatitis.

Then consider the possibility of an enzyme deficiency diseaseassociated with chronic pancreatitis. Discuss with your veterinariana course of treatment with digestive enzymes, probiotics and suchsupplements as taurine, fish oil and Platinum Performance FelineWellness supplement.

Wean your cat off the steroid medication and don't give himvaccinations or anti-flea medications.

suffering Persians

Dear Dr. Fox:

We have two white Persian cats. Ki Ki, 12, stopped eating anddrinking. He also had a urinary tract infection.

I gave him antibiotics for 15 days, after which the vet foundthat his white blood cell count was low. Another 15 days ofantibiotics produced still-low white blood cells.

Tumbalina, 14, also had a low white blood cell count. She alsosuffered from a loss of appetite, lack of fluids and weight loss.

I feed them Fancy Feast moist food and Evo dry food. I am nowgoing to a doctor of internal medicine who took an ultrasound andfound Ki Ki has cystitis. But we still have no plan.

M.L., Lanham

DF: You have certainly been through the mill with your poor cat.

Ki Ki is not a young cat and, coupling his age with his breed, hecould have other underlying health problems that brought on thecystitis.

A holistic approach is called for. You might have to force him todrink plenty of water, using a 10- or 20-cc syringe four to fivetimes a day. Get him used to a few drops of fish oil in his food,working up to a teaspoon daily. Fish oil, a natural anti-inflammatory, and probiotics will help boost his immune system andhelp fight infection.

Discuss with your veterinarian giving him glucosamine, and besure he is on a corn- and grain-free diet. Corn is often associatedwith cystitis in cats. Diabetes mellitus, for example, is oftenassociated with bladder infections in cats and humans.

The low white blood cell counts in both cats call for yet moredeductive work, and I don't have a simple solution. Don't use anyanti-flea chemicals on or around your cats and avoid allvaccinations.

sick shepherd

Dear Dr. Fox:

My German shepherd is about 6. I have fed him Purina Dog Chow dryfood for most of his life. I have spent thousands trying to figureout why he continues to scratch and bite his rear end and tail.

His fur is coming off his skin. The skin underneath the fur isdark, and he has bad body odor. I have recently started feeding himpasta, sweet potatoes, carrots, ground beef and ground-up apples.

E.J, Kettering

DF: German shepherds are prone to a variety of health issues,including allergies associated with skin problems and colitis orirritable bowel syndrome.

Emotional stress in this sensitive breed's environment can alsoplay a role. But first you should have your dog checked for mangeand fleabite hypersensitivity.

Give him veterinarian-rated dog foods; what you have been feedinghim is probably the root cause of his condition. He is most likelysuffering from a nutritional deficiency and might improve on aquality diet that includes omega-3 fatty acids from fish andflaxseed oils. Chronic fatty acid deficiency, common in dry dogfoods, could impair the immune system and bring on infections andsusceptibility to allergies.

Consider an elimination diet under veterinary supervision to ruleout or identify one or more ingredients that he might have becomeallergic to. A lamb, rice and sweet potato-based commercial dietmight do wonders, coupled with a daily dose of probiotics or plainorganic yogurt or kefir.

Michael W. Fox, author of a newsletter and books on animal care,welfare and rights, is a veterinarian with doctoral degrees inmedicine and animal behavior. Write to him at United FeatureSyndicate, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, Mo. 64106.