By Steve Dale

Q: Less than a year ago, my fabulous husband of 51 years died. Now, my adored cat is having diarrhea and throwing up. Naturally, I’ve taken her to the vet. Each time, she gets better for a while, then the problems start all over again. She’s had a biopsy of her bowels and liver, ultrasounds and blood work. I have given her various antibiotics, amitriptyline and prednisone, and she’s on a prescription diet. I honestly can’t afford any more treatments. I’m so sad and depressed. I do trust my vet and like him. He finally told me my cat has irritable bowel syndrome. Now what? — P.R., Henderson, NV

A: I’m sorry about your situation and what you must be going through. "The good news is, it sounds like your veterinarian has done all the right things," says Dr. Kevin Guilikers, an internal medicine specialist in Mesa, AZ. "Still, it might be time to get a referral to a specialist in internal medicine. For example, there are some new medications. I certainly would explain your financial constraints up front, and be specific about how much you can afford. As veterinarians, it’s our job to keep your pet healthy, and keep you and your pet together. Balancing that job with financial realities can be a challenge at times.

"About your cat, there may or may not be an identifiable underlying condition causing these symptoms. And it would be up to the specialist and a discussion with you about what’s done next. But in all likelihood, something can be done, or at least tried. Having said that, this could be a problem which you’ll have to control to for the remainder of your cat’s life."

Q: Tell me about using brewer’s yeast to get rid of the fleas. Does it work? — S.M., Charlotte, NC

A: Dr. Michael Dryden, veterinary parisitologist at Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Manhattan, says, "This is totally illogical because brewer’s yeast is used in labs to grow fleas. Instead, ask your veterinarian to create a plan that will be safe and will effectively kill fleas."