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.
Write Dr. Michael Fox at United Feature Syndicate, 200 Madison Ave., New York, NY 10016.
