Hi guys,
I have four main questions, but first let me tell how they came about.
Today was time for Mai Sai's vet visit (most just his vacs, being a kitten, but also a check up) and the vet found a ulcer at the back of the right side of his mouth. She also said she thought it meant he had the herpes virus though there aren't many good ways to check for it. Either then that he was happy and healthy guy, aside from some mild tartar.
so the questions are
1. What are ulcers and the herpes virus? This might seem like a weird question and I know what they are with humans, but I'm guessing they are alittle different with cats? What do they mean and is there any way to find out how he got them and how to keep him from getting them again? (I should point out at this point I got him from a shelter about 3 months ago and he is 7 months old)
2. They gave me both pills and drops (antibotics and steroids). What is the best way to give these to him? so far I've only given him the drops and well, he didn't like it to much. it took two tries to get 1 ml down, and I had to hold him down and open his mouth. Right now he is very happy and friendly, but I don't want him to start running in fear everytime I come over to hold him. If it's the only way I do understand, but I thought maybe someone would have some ideas. With the pills I'm planning on putting them in with his food (he eats both wet and dry, though the wet is a "treat" he gets about every other day, so he'll be happy to be getting more) I'm told that they do eat around it...but I'm hoping it will work...any other ideas?
3. Are there any side affects I need to worry about with these type of meds? I know humans can start acting differently when they have steroids, is the same true with cats?
4. Is there a way to cut down on his tartar before it gets out of hand without having to brush his teeth by hand? I doubt he would like that any more then I would...
thanks for any help.
I have four main questions, but first let me tell how they came about.
Today was time for Mai Sai's vet visit (most just his vacs, being a kitten, but also a check up) and the vet found a ulcer at the back of the right side of his mouth. She also said she thought it meant he had the herpes virus though there aren't many good ways to check for it. Either then that he was happy and healthy guy, aside from some mild tartar.
so the questions are
1. What are ulcers and the herpes virus? This might seem like a weird question and I know what they are with humans, but I'm guessing they are alittle different with cats? What do they mean and is there any way to find out how he got them and how to keep him from getting them again? (I should point out at this point I got him from a shelter about 3 months ago and he is 7 months old)
2. They gave me both pills and drops (antibotics and steroids). What is the best way to give these to him? so far I've only given him the drops and well, he didn't like it to much. it took two tries to get 1 ml down, and I had to hold him down and open his mouth. Right now he is very happy and friendly, but I don't want him to start running in fear everytime I come over to hold him. If it's the only way I do understand, but I thought maybe someone would have some ideas. With the pills I'm planning on putting them in with his food (he eats both wet and dry, though the wet is a "treat" he gets about every other day, so he'll be happy to be getting more) I'm told that they do eat around it...but I'm hoping it will work...any other ideas?
3. Are there any side affects I need to worry about with these type of meds? I know humans can start acting differently when they have steroids, is the same true with cats?
4. Is there a way to cut down on his tartar before it gets out of hand without having to brush his teeth by hand? I doubt he would like that any more then I would...
thanks for any help.