Funny Felines4 Strange Cat Behaviors Explained

Cat owners are often both amused and perplexed by their pet’s strange behaviors. Read on to see if any of these funny feline practices sound familiar.

Head-butting. Does your cat “head-butt” you? You can probably guess that this isn’t an aggressive action; instead, it means they’re comfortable with you. It’s a feline version of a hug, and a way of sharing their pheromones. In the same way cats rub against furniture and other objects to mark their territory, they sometimes do this to show their pride for you. Kneading the Dough. When cats sit with their owners and feel particularly comfortable, they may start “kneading” your legs like dough. Your cat is following an instinct from its early kitten days. By pressing on their mother’s belly, they stimulate milk production, and the whole process is very soothing in a cat’s mind. Like purring, they’re doing it to show you they’re happy. Rolling on their Backs. Cats rarely let their guard down. By rolling on their backs, they are purposefully leaving themselves open and vulnerable, which is a way of showing trust and sometimes expressing playfulness. If they do this near you, you should be honored. Squeezing into Tiny Spaces. Does your cat seem to prefer to sleep anywhere except the plush bed you bought for him? Boxes, drawers and even sinks seem to be favorite spots to snooze. In the wild, cats look for sheltered hiding spots to rest in safely. A tight space that covers their backs and lets them look out at the world makes them feel the most secure.

PetTalk Winter 2016/2017

Call (713) 682-6351 today to make your appointment!

Hip Dysplasia: Helping Your Dog Cope

Hip dysplasia has been recognized by veterinarians for over 40 years, and is one of the most common

diseases seen in dogs. Dysplasia occurs when the hip joints don’t develop normally, causing a gradual loss of function. The ball and socket joint begins to rub and grind instead of sliding smoothly, which makes these joints more prone to arthritis.

Hip dysplasia is more common in larger breeds such as the Great Dane, Saint Bernard, Newfoundland, German Shepherd and Rottweiler, as well as pointers, retrievers, setters and mastiffs.

Symptoms may include:

D Limping

D Leg or joint pain

D Lack of coordination and decreased activity

D Difficulty getting up

D Not wanting to run, jump or climb stairs

D Hind-limb lameness (intermittent or persistent)

D Narrow back leg stance or “bunny-hopping”

D Loose joints or grating

D Decreased range of motion

D Loss of muscle mass in thighs

D Enlargement of shoulder muscles (from using front legs more than rear legs)

With any of these recurring symptoms, it’s important to have your dog evaluated by your veterinarian. Any information you can give us regrading the onset of symptoms and any incidents or injuries your dog may have sustained will be helpful. Once the severity of the dysplasia is determined, we will recommend the best course of treatment for your dog.

There are also steps you can take at home to keep your dog comfortable and help them cope:

D Weight control to lessen the pressure on the hips

D Controlled exercise

D Keeping them warm in cold or damp weather

D Giving prescribed medications consistently

D Keeping follow-up appointments

Contact us if you have noticed any of the above symptoms. The earlier the diagnosis, the better chance we have of managing symptoms and helping your dog continue to lead a happy, healthy life.

Oak FOrestVeterinary HOspital

Did You Know?What Your Cat’s Bad Breath Could Be Hiding

No cat’s breath smells like roses, but really bad breath is a sign of disease and should be taken seriously. You can probably guess

that the most likely cause of foul feline breath is dental disease, but did you know that it can indicate other serious illnesses?

Gingivitis and gum disease are the most common causes of offensive feline breath. Another common cause is Stomatitis, which is inflammation and ulceration of the mucous membranes in the mouth. Plaque buildup, abscesses, polyps in the nasal passages, and rotting food stuck between teeth or under gums are other possible culprits.

Bad breath, however, can also be a symptom of gastrointestinal problems. Foul mouth odor can also indicate sinus or lung infections, diabetes, kidney disease, liver disease and oral cancer. The lesson is that persistent bad breath means your kitty has an underlying condition that should be addressed. As always, we’re happy to answer any questions you have about your cat’s health.

Staff SpotlightStephanie Brooks - Veterinary Technician

Stephanie has been part of the Oak Forest Veterinary Hospital family since May 2012.

She earned her Veterinary Technician license through the Texas Veterinary Medical Association. She loves working with senior patients as well our most difficult cases.

When she’s not at work, you can usually find Steph reading or spending time with her family. She shares her home with many fur babies including Bubba, a naked Chinese Crested she rescued while studying at Vet Tech Institute.

Season’s Greetings

from Oak Forest Veterinary Hospital

2120 W. 34th StreetHouston, TX 77018

www.oakforestvet.com

Give your pets the gift of good health this holiday season!

Call (713) 682-6351 today to make your appointment!

Goose HonksWhy We Love the Sophie Fund

Hi, again! It’s me, Goose! I love it when my mom—Dr. Moore—brings me to work with her. The best thing about going to work with my mom is seeing all the healthy, happy dogs and cats. I like to

say “Hello” to all of them. My favorite chair is the brown one right across from where Erica usually sits. It’s really soft.

I get to see the coolest things when I visit. But sometimes, it’s sad. This one time a nice man brought in a little kitten he found that was hurt. It wasn’t even his cat, but he knew it needed my mom’s help. But he didn’t have any money. Luckily, my mom could use the money people have donated to the Sophie Fund to take care of the poor kitten.

I’m sure glad we have the Sophie Fund. It’s named after a Border Collie who was hit by a car after Hurricane Ike. She was adopted eventually by some really cool humans. People donate to the Sophie Fund when they come into the vet hospital and have some extra money. Then, the vets can help take care of animals when times are tough or we need to take care of a stray dog in an emergency. It sure is wonderful that people care so much!

Please let Erica know if you want to donate to the Sophie Fund next time you call or visit. I suggest sitting in the brown chair across for her desk.

Until I honk again . . .

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