Q. I have a four-year-old British bulldog and she has got a blue cast over her right eye and a slight one over her left eye. It doesn’t seem to bother her but I am concerned about this.

A Macalister, Sunnymead.

A. You are right to be concerned and you should have this checked by a vet. Most conditions which cause discolouration of both eyes are inflammatory in nature and so could result in permanent damage. The key is to find out what is behind the inflammation. The bulldog is prone to ‘dry eye’ which is a condition which reduces tear production by the tear glands. This results in a progressive inflammation of the cornea which could give the blue cast you describe. A few simple tests should get to the root of the problem.

Q. I’ve been reading pet sites looking for information on pain management for cats. My cat had a very large abscess by her ear drained and cleaned yesterday. She has drainage tubes inserted. What can I give her to make her more comfortable? The pain combined with the collar are preventing her from sleeping. She isn’t eating yet but also isn’t interested in water. What does one give a cat that is in great pain?

Petra Smith, Oxford.

A. Please do not be tempted to give home medicines to your cat – paracetamol and aspirin are both toxic. There is a very good painkiller for cats which is available in liquid form for home dosing, and is safe and effective. The collar you mention is designed to stop her getting at her wounds with her claws, but they often stress cats out as well. The drain is in place to encourage the last of the infection from the abscess to leak out. It may be worth trying to take it off for a few minutes to allow her to eat and drink but be careful to keep an eye on her and replace it when she is done. I am not totally convinced your cat is in great pain; usually when an abscess is drained the pain is dramatically reduced. It would be worth having a vet check up to ensure all is well.

Q. My Ball Python has not eaten for four weeks and his eyes have turned silver grey. He recently had a skin moult. Should I be worried?

S Kidmore, Cowley.

A. It is not unusual for pythons to lose their appetite around the time of a skin moult and this can go on for six to eight weeks. There are many other factors which can affect their appetite. It is worth a visit to your vet to have him checked out. Take him to your vet to confirm the incomplete moult and advise you how to help the snake shed the remnants of the cornea.