A pressing problem

A pressing problem


Our pets keep us chuckling with their guileless antics and goofy carryings on. But if you ever see your furry friend exhibiting this behavior, it’s no laughing matter.

I’m talking about head pressing, which is usually a sign of a serious medical problem. This isn’t just the playful head butting you might be used to. Affected pets persistently hold their head against a firm surface or pace from object to object, pressing against each one.

Head pressing generally signals a neurological problem — for example a brain tumor, toxicity, stroke or something else. Animals that head press might also walk in circles, exhibit odd postures and eye movements or even have seizures. Any such behavior calls for a veterinary visit as soon as possible.

You and your four-legged friend can keep yucking it up; just keep an eye out for stranger-than-usual behavior.

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