Q.
My three-year-old Shih Tzu has been drooling excessively since the loss of my seven-year-old golden retriever. The dogs were brought up together and were very close. The Shih Tzu seems to be eating, drinking and acting fairly normally apart from the drooling.

A.
Drooling could be caused by an actual medical problem, like gingivitis, tartar accumulation, or other oral maladies. You should at least look into the mouth and, if in any doubt, have an examination done by a veterinarian. If the drooling is caused by stress related to the loss, try Rescue Remedy.

Q.
What can you tell me about feline AIDS? Are there any new ways to manage it? Diet? Medication?

A.
This is a common feline viral disease, and compared to others such as feline leukemia virus and FIP, it is the probably the least deadly. I have seen cats with AIDS (or FIV), live long and relatively healthy lives. They are basically more immune compromised than normal cats. Like all cats, the more the diet leans toward what they would eat in nature, with the ultimate being raw, the better. The primary supplements I choose are those that support thymus function (and contain thymus derivatives), one or two of the many on the market for general immune system support, and antioxidants. I usually don’t use meds unless a severe infection, especially of the gingivitis nature, exists secondary to the suppressed immune system. In that case, I would strongly consider an antibiotic.

Q.
My 11-year-old golden retriever has a slight discharge from his penis. I lost his brother recently to cancer of the pancreas and it all started with like symptoms. I had a complete blood profile done. Everything is within normal ranges, except he has high cholesterol which I am being told is related to his having hypothyroidism. The reading on the cholesterol was 435, and 1.0 on the thyroid. It was suggested we put him on Levothyroxine. I mentioned a more holistic approach but my vet (who seems very open to suggestions) said he hadn’t experienced anything that works better than this medication. He told me there are no side effects. What are your thoughts? My dog doesn’t really have any thyroid symptoms other than the occasional hot spot; lethargy is only an issue after a five-mile run!

A.
I agree that the thyroid does need support. I am not adverse to the use of synthetic thyroid medication; compared to most drugs, it does have few side effects. But it is still synthetic, and the rule of thumb we’ve been following for years is that if more naturally based treatments accomplish the same effect (which we have seen routinely in our practice), then we go that route first. Also, we have been using metabolic analysis of glandular/organ systems therapy for almost three decades and find that high cholesterol has significance with regards to the pituitary. This is also is the gland that regulates the thyroid. The ideal recommendation would be full metabolic balancing. I would suggest that you consult a veterinarian experienced in this field.

Q.
My question concerns “lawn spotting prevention” supplements for dogs. I’m concerned that these tablets may harm our dogs’ health. We have recently landscaped quite a lush yard and are noticing more yellow spots with each day. We have two mixed breed female dogs and wonder if there is a specific ingredient that may help alter the chemical composition of their urine to prevent lawn spotting.


Q.
I have a 14-year-old male cat who I suspect is developing inflammatory bowel disease. I have used alternative approaches for him in the past, and took him to an alternative vet. However, an alternative vet is not as readily accessible where I am currently living. I would like some general information about the condition and possibly some ideas on how to best handle it in an older cat.


Q.
My 12-year-old Lab/retriever mix, Boomer, is getting some fatty lipomas on his sides and stomach. He’s been on a natural diet, with no heartworm or flea medication, since he was seven. The only vaccine he gets is the required rabies. My vet says he’s just going to be a “lumpy old guy” and there is nothing I can do. Do you have any suggestions? He weighs 90 pounds.