DEAR DR. FOX: Recently, you wrote about humans' love for their animals. It reminded me of an article I'd once read that described the "broken-heart syndrome" we feel after losing a pet. I was wondering if you have any insights on this topic. -- M.M.B., Palm Beach, Florida

DEAR M.M.B.: Your query arrives at a fateful time. Last month, my wife and I had to euthanize one of our beloved cats, Pinto Bean, whom we rescued in June 2010.

He was first seen in the snow in January of that year. Possibly because of food-deprivation anxiety, he loved to eat. His palpable post-traumatic stress disorder quickly dissipated when he was with us and our other rescued cat, Mark Twain, but we could never control his food addiction. The dye of self-survival and semi-starvation had been cast with serious metabolic and other health consequences.

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, more commonly known as broken-heart syndrome, is a sudden heart condition typically brought on by intense stress, such as grief, and can even cause death. With Pinto Bean's passing, I feel close to that condition right now and can empathize with all who have suffered the loss of a loved one, human or nonhuman.

Intense grief can also kill dogs, elephants and other animals, as the effects of broken-heart syndrome are not exclusive to humans. This condition does need to be more widely recognized; and whatever emotional support can be given to those who are grieving, the better.

I recall vividly Pinto Bean's deep affection and his absolute trust, which I feel I somehow betrayed in having to end his life. But I celebrate the memories of the good life he had in our home and all he gave to us.

DEAR DR. FOX: I had a problem with my 7-year-old cat often vomiting after meals. My vet suggested that I raise his food bowl a few inches. It seemed to work; now he gets sick only about once every two to three months. Just wanted to pass it on to you and your readers. -- C.D., Washington, D.C.

DEAR C.D.: Your veterinarian's advice is a good example of what one can do when dealing with a cat that vomits soon after eating.

A raised food bowl is often the approach taken with dogs that have various difficulties swallowing and engage in frequent food-regurgitation. In cats, food-regurgitation can be the result of eating too fast, a problem with always-hungry cats with metabolic syndrome and related health issues. Recurrent vomiting can also be caused by intolerance or allergy to one or more food ingredients, or fur balls in the stomach.

CBD OIL MAY EASE OSTEOARTHRITIS PAIN IN DOGS

Scientists at Cornell University have found that not only does pollen from hemp attract honeybees, but also that cannabinoid (CBD) extracts from hemp can alleviate pain in dogs with osteoarthritis.

A research team at the university's College of Veterinary Medicine reported in Frontiers in Veterinary Science that pain significantly improved in more than 80 percent of dogs taking CBD oil, and side effects were minimal in the intervention arm of the double-blind placebo-controlled trial. (From Frontiers in Veterinary Science via Forbes.com, Dec. 13.)

(Send all mail to animaldocfox@gmail.com or to Dr. Michael Fox in care of Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106. The volume of mail received prohibits personal replies, but questions and comments of general interest will be discussed in future columns.

Visit Dr. Fox's website at DrFoxVet.net.)

DEAR DR. FOX: My old cat is suffering from hyperesthesia syndrome. Are there any home remedies that I can try for him? -- M.K., St. Louis

DEAR M.K.: Hyperesthesia syndrome is as yet a condition of unknown cause and is not uncommon in cats. It is associated with agitation and anxiety, with the skin rippling and the cat becoming hypersensitive to touch during an episode.

In all cases, I would advise the veterinarian to check first for hyperactive thyroid, which can bring on somewhat similar symptoms -- especially when the cat pulls on its fur and engages in self-mutilation.

Wrapping the cat in a towel while comforting and cradling it can help during an episode. Some people have found that giving the cat dried catnip herb can also have a calming effect. An approximate dose of 1/4 teaspoon of dried catnip in the morning and early evening may help, although some cats don't respond to catnip.

At bedtime, I would also give 1 to 3 mg of melatonin. If you have difficulty pilling your cat, crush the tablet in a little canned sardine.

Your veterinarian may wish to prescribe Prozac, which can help alleviate anxiety, or low-dose Gabapentin. Also discuss a nutraceutical supplement to increase brain serotonin, such as tryptophan or L-theanine.

I would also strongly advise feeding your cat a good-quality canned, frozen or freeze-dried cat food that's free of corn and other cereals and of additives, especially coloring agents and preservatives. Or try my home-prepared cat food recipe, found on my website, which has helped improve the health of countless cats over the years. (For more information, go to drfoxvet.net.)

DEAR DR. FOX: I have adopted a cat that's neutered and is said to be about 10 months old. I love him, and he likes to be petted, but at night he goes wild. He races through my apartment, and I have to take all breakable items out of his reach -- even those on high shelves and on my dresser. He will even hide somewhere and then rush out and attack my ankles when I walk by.

Will he grow out of it? Should I spray water on him when he gets wild? I am thinking of taking him back to the shelter if this continues. -- A.M., Fort Myers, Florida

DEAR A.M.: Your young cat will become more sedate and less playful with age and possibly obese with insufficient indoor activity. That is one reason why I advise people to keep two cats so they can play with each other and, like ours, race through the house at night during their "evening crazies."

My first cat, Igor, would ambush me when I bent down and then jump on my back to playfully "kill" me. Your cat needs a cat like Igor!

In the interim, engage in some interactive games with your cat such as chasing a laser light or a feather on a string. Some cats will even chase and retrieve small balls of aluminum foil or string, but be sure all such toys are safe and loose threads or other materials are not swallowed. You can even try playing hide-and-go-seek with your cat.

CURIOUS MECHANIAL ENGINEERS DISCOVER HOW CATS' TONGUES TICK

Cats' tongues have tiny, hollow, hook-shaped papillae that wick saliva into fur, according to a study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. The findings, reported by a team of mechanical engineers, could lead to new cleaning methods or ways to apply medicines, says lead researcher Alexis Noel. (From the Associated Press via NBC News, Nov. 19.)

AVMA BOARD CONTINUES TO OPPOSE DEVOCALIZATION, EXCEPT AS LAST RESORT

The AVMA board of directors decided not to update the organization's stance on canine devocalization, which should be performed only "by qualified, licensed veterinarians as a final alternative to euthanasia after behavioral modification to correct excessive vocalization has failed and after discussion of potential complications from the procedure with the owner." The AVMA's Animal Welfare Committee recommended reaffirming the policy and developing educational resources for veterinarians and owners of dogs that exhibit undesirable barking. (From JAVMA News, Dec. 12.)

(Send all mail to animaldocfox@gmail.com or to Dr. Michael Fox in care of Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106. The volume of mail received prohibits personal replies, but questions and comments of general interest will be discussed in future columns.

Visit Dr. Fox’s website at DrFoxVet.net.)

The Food and Drug Administration is reportedly giving food manufacturers two years to rid their products of several artificial flavors, often labeled as "natural." These chemicals include methyl eugenol, benzophenone, ethyl acrylate and pyridine.

Consumer advocacy groups had filed suit under the 1958 Delaney Clause, a rule found in the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act that prohibits additives in human food and beverages shown to cause cancer in laboratory animal tests.

While no such clause has been applied to pet foods, Petco announced an ambitious initiative last November "to not sell dog or cat food and treats with artificial colors, flavors or preservatives," according to CEO Ron Coughlin. The company hopes to have all artificially enhanced foods removed from its stores by May.

This puts many pet food manufacturers on notice, especially considering the high incidence of cancer in companion animals and the staggering list of chemical additives in many manufactured pet foods.

Using the guidelines provided by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) and the FDA, Petco defines artificial colors, flavors and preservatives as:

-- "Color from artificial sources: any dye, pigment or other substance that can impart color to a food that is not derived from a natural source.

-- "Artificial flavor: any substance, the function of which is to impart flavor, which is not derived from a spice, fruit or fruit juice, vegetable or vegetable juice, edible yeast, herb, bark, bud, root, leaf or similar plant material, meat, fish, poultry, eggs, dairy products or fermentation products.

-- "Artificial preservative: chemical substances added to or sprayed on the outside of food to retard spoilage, deterioration, discoloration or contamination by bacteria and other disease organisms. Does not include preservatives that are derivatives of natural compounds."

For more information on Petco's new nutritional standards, as well as a complete list of all banned ingredients, go to petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/c/betternutrition-ingredients.

DEAR DR. FOX: I just saw a blurb in USA Today about a woman who is making cat collars that help stop the cats from catching and killing birds. I know this subject is a big deal to you. -- G.C., West Palm Beach, Florida

DEAR G.C.: Nancy Brennan of Duxbury, Vermont, started making her multicolored Birdsbesafe cat collars after witnessing firsthand how many birds her cat killed on his daily outdoor hunts. The collars reduce cats' predation on birds by giving birds an early warning with the bright colors.

But I have concerns: The cats are still outdoors and at risk. Can these collars break away if they get hooked on a fence wire or a branch?

Endorsing the collars indirectly endorses letting cats outdoors, but if the cats are confined on owners' property, then I guess this would be acceptable. And by all accounts, the Birdsbesafe collars do work to catch bids' attention and alert them to the predator, so they have time to escape. They would also give cats some extra protection from attacks by cats and other animals.

RECALLED 9 LIVES CANNED CAT FOODS MAY HAVE INADEQUATE THIAMINE

J.M. Smucker Co. is recalling specific lots of 9Lives Protein Plus wet canned cat food due to the potential for low levels of thiamine, or vitamin B1. Symptoms of thiamine deficiency include lack of appetite, salivation, vomiting, weight loss, imbalance and seizures. (From MarketWatch.com, Dec. 7.)

(Send all mail to animaldocfox@gmail.com or to Dr. Michael Fox in care of Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106. The volume of mail received prohibits personal replies, but questions and comments of general interest will be discussed in future columns.

Visit Dr. Fox’s website at DrFoxVet.net.)