Health Chats
Alternative and holistic medicines - what’s new, what works, what doesn't
Tuesday Jul 27, 2010, 12:00PM - 01:00PM (EST)
Join us on Tuesday, July 27th from noon to 1pm (EDT), as veterinary expert Carol Osborne, DVM, from the Veterinary News Network answers your personal pet health questions during a live Pet Health Chat. Dr. Osborne will be online to provide you with the most accurate and up-to-date pet health information. Topics might range from alternative and holistic medicines, what’s new, what works, what does not work, acupuncture, chiropractic adjustments or, guests are welcome to ask specific questions about their pet’s serious medical conditions such as cancer, aging related illness, or other pet related issues.
CarolOsborne,DVM:
A home remedy would be to take a small cotton cloth and rub your cats cheeks and then take that cloth and dab it everywhere in your home - especially if you have something new in your home.
CarolOsborne,DVM:
This adds your cats own pheromes to your home, naturally.
CarolOsborne,DVM:
Think of it like a man putting on cologne...the cologne generally makes the individual feel better about himself and more confident.
CarolOsborne,DVM:
Because cats are tiny animals, their aggression is often fear based.
CarolOsborne,DVM:
Therefore adding more cat scent to your home and to new items in your home helps to relieve the fear,
CarolOsborne,DVM:
When your cat enters the room he just smells more of himself
CarolOsborne,DVM:
which makes him feel confident and less afraid of what he may encounter.
CarolOsborne,DVM:
Fear-based aggression is very common cats.
CarolOsborne,DVM:
Yet it is also easily remedied.
ginger899:
I'm quite interested in acupressure for dogs (no needles) This is a general interest, not related to any health issues my dog has.I wondered if you have any experience of this? Or is there a website or book you could recommend?
CarolOsborne,DVM:
Accupressure may be effective in pets for certain situations in general. Accupressure & Accupunture focus on certain points in your pets body which may be activated or stimulated with digital pressure - the theory behind accupressure - or injections of Vitamin B12 - accupuncture.
CarolOsborne,DVM:
Both techniques effectively stimulate your pets body to release their own natural endorphans.
CarolOsborne,DVM:
Endorphans are "the body's natural morphine" or natural pain killer.
CarolOsborne,DVM:
With either procedure the effects are temporary lasting anywhere from several days to a few weeks, depending upon the particular medical issue in question.
CarolOsborne,DVM:
They do no harm.
CarolOsborne,DVM:
For certain situations such as arthritis, may be quite helpful when combined with other natural therapies.
CarolOsborne,DVM:
There are many sources available for you to educate yourself - online, at your local bookstore or through the American Veterinary Holistic Association.
ChitChatNine:
Can I tell if my pet rabbits have fleas the same way as a cat and if so, what can I use in their crate that's safe for them.
CarolOsborne,DVM:
Yes you can tell if your pet rabbits have fleas
CarolOsborne,DVM:
You can use the exact same techniques as described above - put on white socks and shuffle, etc. If you want to wash your rabbit please use Ivory soap ....BE SURE TO TRIM YOUR RABBIT's TOENAILS BEFORE ATTEMPTING THE SHAMPOO.
CarolOsborne,DVM:
DO NOT USE Advantage or any other flea preparationis labelled for dogs or cats, on rabbits!
Sarajmt:
I just got a kitten from the pound. The vet to whom he's been taken called and he is 4 weeks! I've got experience with raising 3 and 4 week old kittens. I've also got a 8 month old kitten. What can you tell me to help with this baby?? Food, care, etc.
MedHelp:
We have just accepted our last question of the chat.
CarolOsborne,DVM:
I would take the kitten to my Veterinarian and be sure that the kitten is blood tested negative for feline leukemia and FIV (feline immunodeficiency virus) - also called Feline AIDS.
CarolOsborne,DVM:
In general your kitten should receive 2 booster shots for the common kitty viruses (FVRCP and Rabies) in addition, your kitten should be vaccinated for Feline Leukemia Virus.
CarolOsborne,DVM:
Feline Leukemia Virus vaccine requires a booster shot 3 to 4 weeks after initial injection.
CarolOsborne,DVM:
After that vaccines are only necssary every three years.
CarolOsborne,DVM:
If necessary have your Veterinarian check antibody titers in between to validate effectiveness of your cat's vaccines.
MedHelp:
Thank you Dr. Carol Osborne for answering our questions and all the members who participated today!
CarolOsborne,DVM:
I have enjoyed chatting with all of you pet lovers today and am available toll free at 1-866-372-2765 or visit me online at http://www.carolonpets.com
