Vet Q&A-Fish

My cat is very finicky eater that I've ever seen. I've tried everything and I've already tried what vets advice to me but it just didn't work. There is nothing wrong with him. He's very active. But he's very finicky eater and there is nothing I can do for him. Since he taste the fish guts, fish bones or chicken bones, he don't want to eat cat food anymore. My money is wasting to him. Should I adopt him? Does the fish guts or chicken bones the reason why he don't want to eat cat food?

Hi there! Yes this is very likely. Wilkie has tasted something he likes much better (but is not as good for him) and now is holding out for what he likes to eat. When he is hungry enough, he will eat the food that is better for him, just don't feed him the bones and guts anymore so it doesn't happen again.

So my cat got out so I'm give her a bath, and lots of water. If I bath her with coconut oil, will that help (I am vegan so fish oil is out) will the oil help? Like. Get kill bugs? Or make her fur softer or something? Also tea tree. My family uses tea tree on dogs all the time, when they have something we need them to stay away from, (like a cut paw, that they keep licking) will that kill the bugs, while still being safe?

I would not recommend coconut oil. This will close the pores of the skin and cause a skin infection. I recommend an over the counter aloe and oatmeal shame. This is going to cause a nice shinny coat. I do understand your diet preference but cats do eat protein in the wild and is needed for there proper growth. However if you have Holly on a proper diet she does not need any type of supplements the normal food is enough. For any type of bug- maybe fleas - I would recommend a topical flea prevention every 30 days. Typically the baths only wash off the fleas but does not prevent them from coming back.

I have a 6 +/- old cat gotten from our local humane society 3 years ago. Came with feline herpes which has been maintained well. Last fall began getting small bumps on hips, belly, neck and back. Vet has confirmed not fleas or fungal. Tried steroids and dermatitis meds without success. Changed diet in Feb. to fish and no grain. Continues to "grow" bumps. Some disappear, others turn into large raw and hairless spots from itching. He also has long hair but gets cut by groomers every 6 months.

Hi there. If your vet has tested appropriately and Jacks already has a history of Herpes, I would be concerned about an immune mediated disease. If you have also done a food trial as well as steroids, etc the best thing would be to do a biopsy and send off a piece of affected tissues for histopathology. I hope this helps and I wish you the best.

I found really small fish in a freshwater pond and dont know what to fees them . What should i do ?

You can try feeding them commercial fish food or meal works from your local pet store. If you would like a consult, you can provide pictures and we can give you a better idea of what kinds of fish they are and if they have special requirements for their diet. Hope this helps!

What exactly is in chicken by product meal, and fish meal and is it ok? These are the treats I have right now and it lists chicken by product meal as well as fish meal. Please explain, thanks!

By product meal contains the clean parts of the animal that are not rendered, meaning the tissues that people don't eat. This can include scraps of muscle as well as organ meats and bones. It is a nutritious source of protein and vitamins/minerals. It is also a good way to use all parts of the slaughtered animal so there is less waste.

I've had a few fish die but one very recently and I'm curious to know what caused his death so I can prevent it I the future.

It is hard to tell from the picture if your fish has fungal plaques on the scales or if this is normal pigment. I would recommend taking your fish to a vet for a necropsy. That will allow for biopsies and cultures to be sent to the lab to determine the cause of death. IF it is fungal disease I would recommend treating the tank and cleaning the environment well.

Hi for almost a month our goldfish is barely moving but alive. He is in a U shape kinked with his mouth on the bottom and tail touching the gravel and his mid section arched up wards in the air. We have feed him peas 3-4 times a week but no change. He can swim semi normally once in awhile when frightened. I have pictures if they would help you. He is a sweet little gut and we hate to think he is in pain. Gary

It is possible it may be swim bladder disease which is commonly caused by poor water quality, overfeeding or bacterial infection. Check water quality and temperature. You can use a home test kit or you can submit a water sample for testing. Most pet stores or aquarists will do this for free or for a nominal fee. Correct any imbalances as indicated. Confirm adequate filtration. Goldfish need more powerful filtration because they can be quite "messy". Do a 3/4 water change and change the filter media. Fast Nemo for 2 days then resume feeding fresh, shelled green peas. Mash them and feed bits by hand. The peas can help if he is constipated which in turn can affect the swim bladder. A broad spectrum antibiotic can be added to the tank if the previous steps do not work. Discuss options and dosing with an experienced aquarist before treating the tank.

My cat began acting strange a week ago. Didn't play and slept all day, followed by drooling and a strong odor (fish smell) Took him to the vet and he had ulcers on his tongue. We are in day 10 and Doctor added another anti biotic. He is vaccinated, and seems better but he is still drilling and clicking his teeth. Is he going to be ok?Doctor didn't give us an actual cause of the problem. Calcivirius ? I just want my little buddy to be ok and pain free. He's a year old. Thanks

Calicivirus is one of the options but it could also be an autoimmune disease. In some cases the pain killers and antibiotics are not enough and affected cats will need to undergo partial or total teeth extraction, which is kind of a last resort option but your cat will have a much better quality of life after it is done.

Its 3 days since I buyed 3 goldfish and today I see white spots all over there body . I even checked there body but the white spots are nt coming out. What to do and what has happened to them?

This is due to a parasite (protozoan) infection. It can only be attacked by medications at a very specific point in their life cycle. Medication can work during what is called the "free phase," when the parasite is multiplying. Anti-parasitics medicine should be of the antibiotic type, specifically for anaerobes. Ask your local veterinarian or pet store for a prescription. Please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.