Head-Pressing In Cats

Does your kitty frequently press his head against objects or against the wall without any obvious reason? Head-pressing in cats is thought to be caused by an abnormality in the nervous system. It can affect cats of any sex, breed, or age. Early detection and veterinary intervention is very important to improve the chances of a better prognosis. Some conditions affecting the nervous system in which head-pressing may be a prominent sign include:

l  Primary or secondary tumor

l  Lead poisoning and other types of toxic reactions

l  Trauma to the head

l  Nervous system infections

l  Prosencephalon disease

l  Metabolic disorders, such as too much sodium (hypernatremia) or too little sodium (hyponatremia) in the blood plasma

Other symptoms that are exhibited by affected cats include seizures, erratic behavior, vision problems, and poor reflexes. Sores may also form on the cats’ paw pads brought about by their constant pacing and circling.

The line of treatment that your veterinary clinic Des Moines, IA will undertake will depend largely on the underlying cause and severity of the problem. 

Fostering a Dog

Before a shelter dog can be adopted he needs to learn to live outside the shelter environment. Thus fostering a dog in your home helps him prepare to go to his forever home. Work with a local animal shelter or rescue group to choose the dog that you can foster the best. Find out about your financial responsibilities and other obligations to your foster dog and the animal shelter.Even though fostering is a temporary situation, consider how this dog will fit into your household. Consider the size, temperament and breed of the foster dog you want to bring home. Consider the needs of your resident pets too. Find out about the foster dog’s behavior issues, fears or special needs. Establish a routine for your foster dog. Spend time on obedience training, exercise and play. Most importantly, be patient and kind to your foster dog. Learn more from your vet clinic Des Moines, IA.