Mar. 10—Q: I have a 15-year-old male cat that is about 7 kilograms (15 pounds). For the last eight months his fur has been falling out in small clumps. He does not lick or scratch himself. He has a very good appetite. He drinks more water than usual and urinates. His breath stinks. The vet checked his mouth and teeth. They ran some tests and said he was fine. I don’t know if the thyroid test was done.
Dr. Nichol: Your cat is not OK; honestly he should be licking himself at least once in a while. The rows of barbs on the surface of his tongue are good at pulling loose dead hair and flakes of skin. Hunks of fur that fall out indicate no grooming. He is well-coiffed. Why is he neglecting his appearance now?
Halitosis is more than a mild form on a first date. Buzzard breath in cats and dogs is often a strong (rebellious?) sign that a smoldering oral infection is pulling down the entire physical system. Constant pain in your cat’s mouth can cause him to groom himself poorly. But if his mouth hurts, why is he eating like a pig?
Up to 11.4% of older cats develop benign thyroid tumors. Most lose weight while eating, drinking and urinating. Increased blood pressure damages their kidneys, which often causes its own brand of gum disease, along with drinking and urinating more. It’s time for a diagnosis. At 15 this old gentleman may be a geezer but he shouldn’t look like one.
All older kittens, even those still at the top of their game, need an annual blood and urine panel that includes a T4 (thyroid test). Ask for a copy of your child’s lab report so you know what’s missing. Get a thorough examination of his mouth and skin including a Doppler blood pressure measurement. If he is like most cats he may be nervous at the doctor’s office. Visit FearFreePets.com to find a nearby veterinarian skilled in low-stress handling.
For help with behavioral problems, you can sign up for a Zoom group conference on my website, drjeffnichol.com
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