The mascot of Sugar Hill Animal Hospital answers questions about your pet’s health.
Q: My 10-year-old cat, Kevin, has just been diagnosed with feline diabetes. Do I have to give him insulin shots for the rest of his life? -Margaret E. (Suwanee)
A: I am sorry to hear that Kevin has been diagnosed with this disease, common in overweight cats. However, if he had to have diabetes, now is the best time to have it. There are now two new oral medications, Bexacat (tablets) and Senvelgo (liquid) that are once daily alternatives for treating feline diabetes. They both lower blood sugar by increasing the urine excretion of glucose, similar to the human medication Jardiance. Ask your vet about a prescription diet and one of these new medications, so that both you and Kevin can avoid the discomfort of insulin injections.
Q: Our 12-year-old Golden Retriever, Lucy, has really bad arthritis and refuses to take her pain medication. Are there any other options? -Caitlin W. (Buford)
A: I know how you feel. Fanny can pick medications out of her food every time! Fortunately for Lucy, there is a new once monthly injectable pain medication that has been both safe and effective in my experience. Librela is an anti-nerve growth factor antibody injection for dogs with arthritis. The first injection can take up to two weeks to decrease discomfort, but subsequent injections work very fast. Please see your veterinarian to see if Lucy would be a good candidate for Librela.
Q: When should I spay my chocolate lab, Cocoa? -Richard P. (Sugar Hill)
A: The American Veterinary Medical Association still views pet overpopulation as a major issue and recommends early spays and neuters. However, a large study performed by the Morris Foundation has suggested that spaying (or neutering) prior to a dog’s sexual maturity may increase the risk of hip dysplasia, torn cruciate (knee) ligaments, and certain cancers. Spaying Cocoa after 6 or 8 months of age, and possibly after her first heat cycle, might help her live a longer, healthier life. Please note that not responsibly spaying Cocoa as recommended could lead to many other serious health issues and unwanted pregnancies.
Fanny’s helper this month is West Hamryka, DVM from Sugar Hill Animal Hospital. Dr. Hamryka is past president of the Georgia and Gwinnett Veterinary Medical Associations and is a guest lecturer at various veterinary colleges.
Have pet-related questions? Ask Fanny at sugarhillanimalhospital.com.
