Q Can you help? My cat is around 18 years old and the last year or so has taken to howling at night. It is not a normal meow but rather a deep howling noise. If I get up she stops, but then starts up again if I go back to bed. I have tried to get her upstairs with me but she will not stay. Any ideas why she does this? Janine French, Oxford

A It is possible she is showing early signs of dementia. Our cats are living longer these days and so we see more diseases associated with brain ageing like Alzheimer’s disease in humans. The changes seen are behavioural and are often put down to ‘just getting old’. Possible signs are changes in the sleep pattern and unusual vocalisation like you mention and also there could be a loss of house training, disorientation, and a lack of interaction with you and other people she knows. It’s worth a trip to your vet to ensure there are no other problems and to discuss her ongoing management. There are no licenced treatments for dementia in the cat but there is a diet produced by Purina called Pro Plan Cat Longevis which is designed to slow the signs of ageing in the senior cat.

Q Hi. I have a pet rabbit called Benji, he lives outside in the garden in a hutch. About two days ago, I noticed his neck is at an angle, and when I pick him up, he rests his head, right on its side. He also eats very slowly. Whenever I put him down, he curls his head and body round, so he sort of lands on his back. I’m really worried about him. We’re taking him to the vet soon, but I just wanted to know if you could tell what is wrong? Amy Smith, Wootton A You do need to get Benji to your vet as soon as possible because this could be serious. It sounds like vestibular disease – inflammation of that part of the brain which controls balance. It can result from infection in the middle/inner ear and more commonly is associated with a parasite (e. cunniculi) which can damage the eyes and the brain. These conditions are treatable, but the earlier the better. Many rabbits who recover are left with a permanent head tilt and a problem with their balance, but they usually cope very well with this disability.

Q I have a Labrador who is 11 years old and just lately he drinks and passes a lot of water. I have had urine test which has came back clear. The vet has said that the dog has not got any kidney problems or is diabetic. Can you please help? J Partridge, Headington A There are many other conditions which can cause these symptoms in dogs, in particular hormonal disorders, but it would take more than a urine sample to diagnose them. Urine samples provide valuable information about the kidney function and all but eliminate diabetes (mellitus-sugar diabetes) from the inquiry. However, various other tests, some involving blood tests, would be essential to get to a proper diagnosis. It is best you have these other tests done sooner rather than later as early diagnosis and treatment is always best.