Ask The Vet: Five Common Animal Myths Busted by Your Veterinarian

The Newsy Neighbour Magazine

March Issue 113

www.thenewsyneighbour.com

Article Provided By: Animal Care Centre of Strathmore

Myth 1: If your dog gets struck by a porcupine, cut the quill ends to allow them to deflate, making them easier to pull out.

FALSE. Cutting the quill ends do not “deflate” them. In fact, it only makes it more difficult for your vet to pull them out, as the ends become shorter and harder to grab onto. The reverse barbs at the tips of the quills are the reason that they are so difficult and painful to pull out.

Myth 2: Cows sleep standing up.

FALSE. The common myth of cow tipping (pushing a cow over while she sleeps standing up) is simply not true. Horses can sleep standing up, but cows cannot.

Myth 3:  Cats always land on their feet.

FALSE. Cats have a very flexible backbone that allows them to twist their bodies in mid air during a fall. While it seems that cats always land on their feet, it is impossible to assume that they can do this perfectly every time, especially short distances.

Myth 4: Allowing a dog or cat to lick its wound helps to keep it clean.

FALSE. Dogs and cats have vast amounts of bacteria in their mouths. When they lick at a wound or incision site from a surgical procedure, it can create an infection. This is why the e-collar (cone) was invented.

Myth 5: Cats can eat dog food.

FALSE. While it’s ok for kitty to sneak a kibble or two from the dogs bowl, it’s essential that she receive a balanced, feline-specific diet. This is because cats are normally deficient in taurine and need to acquire it through their daily diet. Cat foods are supplemented with this amino acid, while dog foods often do not contain enough to meet the normal requirements for cats. A cat that has a taurine deficiency can develop central retinal degeneration, and dilated cardiomyopathy. Symptoms are often very slow to develop and if not caught early enough, can lead to blindness, severe heart disease, and even death. Finding a balanced diet catered to our felines will keep them healthy and happy for years to come!