PDSA vet answers your questions on gerbils, arthritis and more

Dear PDSA,

My four-year-old gerbil, Flash, has very long teeth that are preventing him from eating properly. What can I do to keep them under control? Louise

Dear Louise, pets like gerbils and rabbits have teeth that grow continuously throughout their life, so they need to chew and gnaw things constantly to wear them down.

Because Flash’s teeth are so long that he can’t chew properly anymore, you need to take him to see your vet.

They will be able to file the teeth down to the correct length, and make sure there isn’t an underlying health issue causing the overgrown teeth.

Once that happens, make sure Flash has constant access to things like gerbil-safe gnawing blocks, which you can buy from a good pet shop.

His diet should include hard foods like gerbil pellets. Other things to keep those gnashers under control include branches of natural, soft wood such as apple or pear branches.

These things will help Flash to keep his teeth worn down to a suitable length in future. For more information on your gerbil visit www.pdsa.org.uk/gerbils

 

Dear PDSA,

My dog Jay is eight now and his joints seem to be quite stiff in the morning. He also can’t manage the long walks he used to enjoy, and I’m worried he has arthritis.  Are there any supplements that could help him? Bill

Dear Bill, it does sound like Jay may be suffering from arthritis. But for any suspected medical condition, a consultation with your vet is needed for a proper diagnosis.

Arthritis can’t be cured, but there are lots of things that can be done to reduce the pain and discomfort. With arthritis, prompt intervention gives us the best chance of managing pain.  

First, if Jay is overweight, it is important that you help him slim down so there is less pressure on the inflamed joints.

Low-impact exercise, such as swimming, hydrotherapy or short, gentle, walks can really help to keep joints active.

If he is in pain, your vet will prescribe anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving medicines, and in addition can recommend some joint supplements which will also help keep him comfortable. Read more here: www.pdsa.org.uk/arthritis-in-dogs

 

Dear PDSA,

My 15 year old cat Penny has started acting a bit oddly, she spent ages staring at a corner in the room the other day, and doesn’t like spending time with us any more. She doesn’t seem in pain, but just doesn’t seem to be herself recently. Should I get her seen by our vet? Georgie

Dear Georgie, yes I’d definitely advise getting Penny checked by your vet.  Older pets benefit from more regular checks anyway – ideally every six months to pick up any problems early.

Changes in behaviour, especially in older cats like Penny, can sometimes be a sign of an underlying health issue.

While she may not seem in pain, cats are very good at hiding discomfort, so subtle changes—like staring at walls or avoiding company—can still indicate something is wrong.

From what you describe, it’s possible Penny may be suffering from something similar to dementia in humans, known as Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CDS), but conditions like high blood pressure, arthritis, hyperthyroidism, or even vision and hearing loss can also cause behavioural changes in cats.

CDS can cause changes in their brain function and behaviour, causing them to ‘get lost’ in familiar rooms or stare into space.

It can also cause changes in their sleeping, eating and toileting habits, as well as causing them to become more withdrawn or vocal.

As with any condition, it’s important to get a proper veterinary diagnosis first. If it is CDS then this sadly can’t be cured, but your vet may prescribe medication to reduce or slow the symptoms.

There are also plenty of things you can do to help Penny at home – visit pdsa.org.uk/dementia-in-pets for more tips

 

Dear PDSA

Recently, my cat’s third eyelid has become very visible, covering part of her eye.  What could be causing this?  Marji

Dear Marji, as well as an upper and lower eyelid, cats also have a ‘third eyelid’ which provides protection and helps to keep the eye moist.

Usually it’s only visible in the corner of the eye, but sometimes it stays partly across the eye, as you describe.

If a cat loses weight, this can cause the fat pad behind the eye to reduce in size, which makes the eye and third eyelid move from their usual position.

There may be a problem with the nerves that control the third eyelid, or infection and inflammation in or around the eye can also cause the third eyelid to become more visible.

It may be nothing serious, but as there are several different possible causes you should contact your vet to arrange a check up.