Hi Dr. B,

My one-year-old cat Lucky gets sick every time we take him in the car. He starts by drooling a great deal, then yowls and throws up. Why does this happen, and can anything be done about it?

Ron, Seattle

Carsickness is a common issue for both cats and dogs. A couple of factors may contribute to the problem.

Just like some people, pets can be prone to motion sickness. The sensation of moving in a car acts on the inner ear, which may trigger nausea. In my experience, younger pets are more likely to have this problem, so there is a chance that Lucky will grow out of it.

As well, anxiety contributes to motion sickness in many pets. If every car ride ends at an unpleasant destination, your pet will associate car travel with the destination and become nervous. Nervousness can lead to nausea. In dogs, travel-related anxiety may be curbed by taking frequent, short trips to fun destinations such as the park or a friend’s house. Unfortunately, this tactic is not appropriate for most cats.

Some medications prevent motion sickness, anxiety, or both. However, I recommend medication only in severe cases. If carsickness is compromising your pet’s quality of life, your veterinarian may be able to suggest an appropriate medicine. Never give human medications to your pet without first consulting your vet.

Many cats hypersalivate (drool) and vocalize before vomiting, so it is not unusual that Lucky does this during his episodes of carsickness.

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UPDATE ON HEARTWORM DISEASE IN THE AFTERMATH OF HURRICANE KATRINA

This week I am taking a break from my usual question and answer format to address a potentially serious issue for pets.

In a previous column, I discussed Heartworm disease. Heartworm is a dangerous blood parasite of dogs and, less often, cats. The worms, as their name suggests, are parasites that live in the heart and arteries of pets. They can cause very serious illness, including heart failure and death. The disease is spread by mosquitoes.

Hurricane Katrina left thousands of dogs and cats homeless in New Orleans and other areas of the United States Gulf Coast. Many of them were rescued by volunteers and emergency personnel, sometimes after several weeks of fending for themselves on the streets. Large numbers of these animals have been adopted by kind people throughout the United States.

Heartworm disease is endemic (very common) along the Gulf Coast. The flooding caused by the storm created an ideal breeding ground for mosquitoes. Homeless pets stranded in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina could not receive medications to prevent infestation with heartworm. Therefore, the pets (especially the dogs) rescued from the Gulf Coast are expected to have a very high rate of Heartworm disease.

In fact, every dog I have examined that was rescued from the Gulf Coast has tested positive for Heartworm disease. I have spoken to colleagues, and they have noticed similar results.

It is not certain that the importation of rescued animals will increase the incidence of Heartworm disease in any area. However, if you live in a region, such as the San Francisco Bay Area, where large numbers of rescued animals are now living, I strongly recommend you discuss Heartworm prevention for your pet with your veterinarian.

Medications that prevent Heartworm disease are reliable and convenient to administer, usually on a once monthly basis. Side effects are extremely uncommon, and the medications will help ensure that your pet is protected against this serious disease.

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Hi Dr. Barchas,

I took my 18-month-old Labrador, Charlie, to the vet for coughing the other day. He told me that Charlie probably had kennel cough, but that it could be dog flu. Could you tell me what the difference is between these diseases?

John, Indianapolis, Indiana

Kennel cough and canine influenza (also known as dog flu) are very different diseases that cause similar symptoms.

Kennel cough, sometimes called Bordetella, is a common problem among dogs. It especially affects dogs under two years of age. It is highly contagious, and causes a dry cough that lasts one to three weeks. Most dogs feel well during this time, although they act like they have a tickle in the throat. Kennel cough almost never causes severe illness or death.

Canine influenza is a new and growing problem in dogs, and it is more serious than kennel cough. Canine influenza is related to the human flu virus. The virus started in horses, and started to affect dogs within the last few years. It is spreading throughout the United States. All dogs are thought to be at risk from this highly contagious disease. Canine influenza is spread by direct contact, or by sharing food and water bowls or toys.

Canine influenza can cause a cough similar to what is seen in kennel cough. However, many dogs also suffer worse symptoms, such as lethargy or nasal discharge. Fatal cases have occurred, but they are rare.

If your dog is coughing, contact your veterinarian immediately. Veterinary care can prevent most flu fatalities.

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My nine-month-old Pomeranian was neutered the other day. Is it
normal for him to just want to lay around the house afterwards? Also, the area right under where they worked is rather
dark in color. Is this normal?

Phuong, Vancouver, BC, Canada

During neutering, spaying, and periodontal (dental) procedures, pets must be anesthetized. Anesthesia also is used for other surgeries and procedures that would be painful if the pet were awake.

Great advances have made in the field of anesthesiology during the last 20 years. Most vets now use the most advanced classes of anesthetic agents, and the rate of complications with these protocols is extremely low. I anesthetize animals just about every day, and I almost never encounter any problems.

However, following anesthesia, it is not unusual for a pet to be lethargic or slightly disoriented. This should not last more than a day. If it does, you should contact the veterinarian who performed the procedure.

Also, after surgery, most pets receive painkillers. Some of these can cause grogginess. If painkillers make your pet profoundly lethargic, or if you are at all worried about the situation, do not hesitate to call your vet to talk about it.

If hair gets into a surgical site, it can cause infection. Therefore, a wide margin of fur must be clipped prior to surgery. Some pets will develop a rash from the clipping. Sensitive areas, such as those that are clipped prior to neutering a male dog or cat, are especially prone to this. You should monitor the area closely. If your pet tries to lick the it, or if swelling, oozing, or tenderness is present, contact your veterinarian. In most cases, the redness resolves within a few days.

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