Is My Old Moggie Losing Her Mind?

May 4 2008 Scott Miller

Pets Corner

Q My 12-year-old female cat has started waking me up each night by meowing and is going to the toilet on the path around my house. This is not normal - is she ill?

A She could be suffering from the first signs of senile dementia, with a change in sleep patterns and toileting habits common in older cats.

Or she may just have hyperthyroidism, which can be easily treated. Ask your vet to give her a blood test.

If she gets the all-clear and is just suffering from old age, place some of her old stools in a covered litter tray outside your door with the flap removed, which may tempt her to go there.

Ask your vet about medications to reverse signs of senility.

Q I can never get my four-year-old Westie back on the lead after a walk, even by offering him treats. Would training classes help?

A It's a great idea to seek the help of specialist local dog trainers to learn how to recapture your wayward Westie. Ask your vet for their contact details.

Also, try a long lead for a few weeks. While on the lead, give him treats but don't hold him.

Then let him free and treat him without trying to put the lead on so he will forget you trying to catch him and enjoy coming near.

Q Our nine-year-old Alsatian is showing signs of arthritis in one of her back legs. Are any of the dog chews claiming to help this condition beneficial?

A They can be, especially if they contain substances beneficial to joint health.

Chondroitin sulphate and glucosamine - found in many pet foods - help re-grow the protective surfaces of joints or cartilage.

Q Do Border terriers need to have their coats clipped?

A They can be left as they are but your dog will look very different to the standard welltrimmed Border.

The breed has fur that needs to be stripped as it does not moult naturally like other dogs. This can lead to dead fur accumulating in the coat when left and results in the dog looking a bit bedraggled.

My border terrier Betty has regular stripping every six months at the local groomer's and seems happier for it.

As a vet, I can monitor her skin more easily when her coat is shorter and less dense so I would recommend regular grooming trips for your Border.

Q My one-year-old gerbil has a bald patch taking up most of the top half of her tail.

What could have caused this?

A Gerbils can over-groom themselves and lose hair if they're bored so ensure she has lots to do and there is untreated wood to chew in her cage.

It could also be ringworm, a fungus which grows in a circular pattern causing hair loss.

This is very infectious so, if the lesion is a little inflamed and scabby, it may be worth taking her to the vet for a check-up.