My two year old rescued cat has just had her first course of vaccinations.

She was ill for 48 hours after the injection on both occasions, she was miserable and refused to eat. Is it normal for cats to do this?

Helen Lazarus, Oxford

It is actually amazingly rare for young animals to react to their vaccinations.

The symptoms are usually a mild fever with pain at the site of the injection, lethargy and being off their food.

They normally improve within 12-24 hours.

Reaction to the second injection is very unusual and the 48-hour recovery period is a bit worrying. Has your cat been tested for viruses such as leukaemia or aids?

It is possible the unusual reaction and prolonged recovery are because she is carrying one of these viruses.

Your vet can screen for these viruses and any other disease which may be behind the problem.

If she is all clear then your vet may decide to use a different vaccine brand next time.

The vet can also split the vaccine into fractions given separately a few days apart.

We have a rabbit called Thumper, who always seems to have a dirty behind.

We have tried everything, including cutting out greens completely, and trimming his fur away in this area. Is there anything we can spray him with which will deter flies but not harm him in anyway?

Lucy Burns, Witney

The things you have been doing to keep Thumper clean are very worthwhile and you should continue.

If cutting out fresh greens helps you should continue this but it is important that his diet is adequate and contains sufficient fibre; feed good quality hay and a kibble from the Burgess Excel rabbit range.

It is worthwhile having a vet check as he may have a tummy infection or a problem with his teeth.

You need to avoid fly strike (maggots which hatch from eggs laid by flies on dirty rabbits) and I find a couple of products useful to help prevent this: Xenex Spot On, which has to be applied every two weeks, or Rear Guard which is claimed to be effective for up to eight weeks.

Even if you do use one of these products you must check him twice daily during the warm summer months, for the possible presence of maggots.

I have a dog who has been diagnosed with having a stroke. He seems to lose his balance but does not seem paralysed. I have had difficulty locating information. G Meyer, Banbury I have a dog who has been diagnosed with having a stroke. He seems to lose his balance but does not seem paralysed. I have had difficulty locating information. G Meyer, Banbury

Strokes in dogs are rare and I suspect this is a dog with vestibular syndrome rather than a true stroke.

Dogs with vestibular syndrome have a problem in the part of the brain which helps to control balance, they appear very disorientated, they may have a head tilt, their eyes may flick from side to side, they sometimes vomit, fall to one side, and have trouble walking.

The majority of cases improve over a period of one to two weeks, and nursing is important, they may need help with eating/drinking in the early stages and help to get around and go to the toilet.