One of the most common issues we see in our pets is allergy issues, and the month of May is dedicated to allergy and asthma awareness. In our pets, 90% of allergies are environmental, versus only about 10% which are due to food. If your pet is experiencing symptoms such as eye discharge, sneezing, chewing on feet, anal gland issues (scooting or licking anal area), thickened skin, recurrent ear infections, skin infections, or overall itching, it may be allergies. An examination by your veterinarian should be performed to determine if it is indeed allergies and then appropriate treatment can be implemented. Cats with allergies can develop wheezing and respiratory issues (allergic bronchitis and asthma). However, breathing issues can also be due to many other illnesses and can be an emergency. Please seek immediate medical attention for your pet if it is having difficulty breathing. Allergies are the immune system over-reacting to things it does not or should not need to. The goal of treatment is to try to decrease the immune response, either by suppressing the immune system and it’s activity, or to decrease the body’s response to the items it is over-reacting to. There are a number of ways we can try to do this. Decrease exposure: Most allergens are through contact […]
Dr. Silverstein was recently interviewed in The Senior Scene, a publication put out quarterly for Maple Grove senior citizens. In it he answered many commonly asked questions regarding cats and their health. Please check out the current newsletter (pdf link for The Senior Scene quarterly newsletter is located about half way down page). After September 2012, a copy of the old newsletter can be found here Dr. Silverstein’s article is located on pages 5-6. For more information regarding common feline diseases, please see our website. We would be happy to discuss your cat’s health with you whether it be prevention, diagnosing, or treating, so give us a call today!
Providing the best possible veterinary care for your pet.
Heritage Animal Hospital is a full-service veterinarian clinic that provides examinations, diagnostic services, dental care, surgical services, medicine, grooming and boarding services in Maple Grove, Minnesota. We are dedicated to providing the highest level of pet care possible and facilitating an environment where client communication and education are at the forefront of our practice.
