Pet World
Q: I’ve begun to notice that our 10-yearold Shih Tzu’s leg quivers when she lifts
it to go to the bathroom. Is this a warning
that something is wrong? - R.M.
A: “Your observation is astute,” cheers
Dr. Kate Knutson, AAHA President.
“Anytime, there is a change in your pet’s
behavior, contacting your veterinarian
is the right thing to do. In this case, the
leg quivering could be an indication of
pain.”
Since your dog isn’t likely to replicate
this particular behavior at the veterinary
clinic, try to capture it on video, suggests
Knutson, of Bloomington, MN
If indeed your dog is in pain, the next
step, of course, is to determine why,
which can only be done with a thorough
examination.
Q: We took home a sweet kitten and
nursed her back to health. She didn’t
even have a tail. However, when my
grandson brought another kitten home
a month later, the “sweet” kitten began
attacking people. She became so mean
that all the pets in the neighborhood are
afraid of her. Could her meanness come
from being spayed, or is this just her
nature? - C S.
A: “It’s wonderful you took in these
kittens, and spaying is the right thing to
do,” says feline veterinarian Dr. Ilona
Rodan, of Madison, WI, past president
of the American Association of Feline
Practitioners. “Spaying doesn’t cause
a cat to become mean. However, pain
related or unrelated to the procedure
might cause aggression. Some cats just
don’t like to be held and restrained. And
most cats don’t like to