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We found some of the best pet experts in metro Atlanta. Today’s advice comes from Dr. Will Draper of the Village Veterinary Centers. Click here to see all the AJCpets experts. And feel free to submit questions in the form of a comment today.
Q: I have an 8-month-old yellow lab who has developed a reddish line from his right eye. I have seen it before on light-colored dogs and I believe it’s a discoloration from their tears. Is there any way to treat it?
A: The discoloration (or “reddish line”) noted from dogs’ eyes are caused by porphyrin, a compound secreted by a gland just under the third eyelid (porphyrin is also present in saliva, which explains the discoloration noted on the paws of light-colored dogs who lick their feet a lot). It is not abnormal and really can’t “go away,” but there are many commercial products available that can help to clear it up.

If your dog is having a more prominent discharge from one particular eye, this can indicate either eye irritation, injury, or even a clogged tear duct. A visit to your veterinarian to rule this out.

Q: After 13 years, my keeshound mix has decided it’s OK — even preferable — to urinate inside the house. He doesn’t respond to scolding. In the last few months, he’s lost his mind. His personality has changed, and he often will stare into a corner blankly. He never barks anymore. He will only lay down on his bed (never on the porch or in another room). He has a hard time walking on our hardwood floors. It’s become very sad and extremely frustrating. Can he be retrained to pee outside? What’s happened to him so suddenly?
A: The symptoms you are describing are much more significant than a dog who is no longer house broken. Senior dogs can have lots of issues that cause such behavioral changes, including urinary or kidney infections, kidney disease, endocrine (glandular) diseases, joint (or other) pain, or uroliths (urinary bladder stones) to name a few. Older dogs also can suffer from cognitive disorders (similar to Alzheimer’s), or senility. This will cause abrupt changes in attitude.

A complete diagnostic work up from your veterinarian is in order to determine the cause, and to help find any possible solutions.

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Today’s expert pet advice comes from Dr. Will Draper of the Village Veterinary Centers. Click here to see all the AJCpets experts. And feel free to submit questions in the form of a comment today. Answers appear every Monday.

Q: My Mom inherited 2 mini poodles from her late sister. One of them constantly chews his feet and legs, we finally started putting anti-itch cream on these spots and he has relief (short). He gets bathed in warm water (with anti itch shampoo/condtioner). My Mom is on a fixed income, is there anything else we can do to allievate this problem for him? We believe that he is about 4 to 5 yrs old.
A: It sounds like one of your mom’s new addition is suffering from atopic dermatitis, also called allergic inhalant dermatitis (allergies to pollens, dust, molds, etc). Dogs who experience this tend to lick at their feet and legs a lot. While the anti-itch shampoos and conditioner help, antihistamines and fatty acids may also offer relief. However, a visit to your veterinarian is necessary to determine the best options and dosages.

Q: I have a 12-year-old Akita female who is having a hard time getting up when lying down. Also hair on the top of her body is thinning, leaving that area coarse and scabby. What are some alternatives I could use to aid her with her hips? And what could be done about her skin?
A: An exam by your veterinarian is recommended to evaluate your girl’s hips and skin. Older, large-breed dogs can suffer from orthopedic and arthritic issues, such as hip dysplasia or degenerative joint disease. An X-ray of the hips and knees will help determine this.

A complete skin exam is in order as well, since the symptoms you are describing can be due to allergies such as food, inhalants (such as pollen), or flea allergies (the most common). The latter will cause some baldness and scabbing, typically along the lower back and tail base in dogs. There are also endocrine (glandular) conditions that can cause not only skin changes, but also weakness that can exacerbate underlying arthritic problems. This also can cause difficulty rising and sitting.

A complete physical exam with routine senior blood work, urinalysis and X-rays would be a great place to start. There are medications that can help with both, but it is not recommended that any be started without your veterinarian’s approval.

Q: My dog constantly licks his front paw around “the first joint” (if he were to turn down his paw). If he’s not licking one paw or the other, it’s the carpet or the furniture. What gives?
A: This is typically seen in dogs who suffer from atopic dermatitis (also called “atopy” or “allergic inhalant dermatitis”). These dogs are affected by environmental allergens such as pollen, grasses, or molds, and a classic sign is licking at the feet and toes- as well as sneezing and runny eyes.

Atopic dermatitis can sometimes also causes oral irritation (think about how you feel when your hard palate is itching), which can make dogs try to relieve themselves by licking at things in the household. On another note, this licking can also be a sign of or anxiety or boredom. Your veterinarian can help you determine the actual cause, and provide recommendations and/or medication for relief.

Photo by iStockphoto.com

We found some of the best pet experts in metro Atlanta. Look for your answers every Monday. Today’s advice comes from Dr. Will Draper of the Village Veterinary Centers for some general veterinary questions on dogs. Click here to see all the AJCpets experts. And feel free to submit questions in the form of a comment today.

Q: I’m allergic to pet hair and dander. Is it true that hypoallergenic dogs have “hair” rather than “fur?” Also, a friend was telling me that her daughter had TERRIBLE allergies and someone suggested she get a Chihuahua to actually get rid of her allergies. Is there any way that this dog could cure her?

A: There is really no difference between “hair” and “fur.” Some schools of thought say that hair continues to grow, while fur stops at a particular length. However, if you apply this to humans, it would mean that our eyebrows and eyelashes are fur!

There are difference types and growth patterns (curly vs. straight), and curly haired dogs (like poodles) do shed much less — and produce less dander — than other straight-coated dogs (like Retrievers), so they are usually considered better for people who suffer from allergies. There is no evidence that Chihuahuas can help get rid of or cure an individual’s allergies.

Q: My black lab freaks out when it storms. As soon as he hears thunder or loud rain he shakes real bad and tries to get under my legs to hide. The problem is when no one is home he tears up the rug in front of my bedroom door if the door is closed. If it is open he goes in our bathroom and goes on the floor. Is there any way to calm him down?
A: Lots of dogs suffer from “thunderstorm anxiety” (also called “storm phobia”), which causes the type of behavior you are experiencing with your lab. In an effort to “get away from” the storm, many dogs will damage doors, carpets, window sills- I’ve even had a patient of mine break through a glass window! My own dog, Gypsy (a Jack Russell Terrier,) suffers from the condition. There are medications that your veterinarian can prescribe to tranquilize your pet and help them get through it- Gypsy responds very well to this, and I usually give her a dose about 1-2 hours before the storm gets bad (I can always tell when a storm is heading our way by her behavior- she is a great barometer). Other dogs will need some behavioral modification and/or training.

Q: My dog continues licking a spot on his leg. He seems to lick the carpet when he gets nervous or anxious. I am currently bandaging the spot on his leg because he’s licked it so much that it’s raw there. The vet has prescribed medication, one of which is for depression. I do not want to begin giving him any medication for depression.
A: What you are describing sounds like an acral granuloma (commonly called “lick granulomas,” and “granuloma” is a fancy name for a mass of thickened tissue). This is an area of the skin that becomes raw and irritated after chronic licking. Acral granulomas can be secondary to an insect bite, allergies, anxiety, or even boredom, however, an underlying cause is often not determined.

Certain breeds (Australian Shepherds, German Shepherds, Border Collies, Rottweilers) will obsessively lick their legs or toes, many times because they are restless and need more entertainment or exercise. Sometimes anti-anxiety medications are helpful; other times, a topical ointment may do the job. A second opinion — or even a referral to a veterinary dermatologist — may be in order.

Photo by Andy Sharp / AJC

About our AJCpets Expert: Dr. Will Draper

Dr. Will Draper, a 1991 graduate of Tuskegee University’s School of Veterinary Medicine, is the owner and medical director of The Village Vets, with offices in Decatur and Stone Mountain, as well as Animal Emergency Center of Decatur. He has practiced in the metro Atlanta area for over 16 years, and was recently chosen as one of the area’s Best Vets by Atlanta magazine. Learn more at www.thevillagevets.com.

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About our AJCpets Expert: Dr. Charla Moore

Dr. Moore, a 1994 graduate of Tuskegee University’s School of Veterinary Medicine, is the senior veterinarian at Animal Emergency Center of Decatur and a member of the Veterinary and Emergency Critical Care Society (VECCS). She has been in practice for over 15 years. Learn more at decaturanimalER.com.

Submit a question today!