PDSA: Stuart McMorrow answers your questions

Q My neighbours' cat has been diagnosed with cat pox. What is it and can it pass to humans?

A Cat pox is a disease caused by a virus called feline pox virus (also called feline cowpox virus). The virus is present in some small rodents and it can be transmitted to cats if they get bitten when hunting (eg by a mouse or rat).

The main effects of the virus are on the skin – it can cause circular areas of ulceration which then become scabbed. Some cats may also develop conjunctivitis whilst others can get a high temperature and become depressed and go off their food. The disease normally clears without treatment, with most scabs having disappeared after six weeks. However, if cat owners see signs of skin disease they must get their cat checked by their vet for a diagnosis to be made.

Sometimes antibiotics are prescribed to prevent or control a secondary bacterial infection. It is possible for feline pox virus to pass to humans, so precautions need to be taken when handling the cat, such as wearing disposable plastic gloves.

The virus can remain infectious for several months so any areas of the home that a cat(s) comes into contact with needs to be disinfected. Your neighbour's vet can give you and your neighbour further information.

QMy dog has warts all over her face and she keeps scratching them. Are they harmful and is there any treatment I can use on them?

AYou need to take your dog to your vet to check that the masses on your dog's face are actually warts, so that the correct advice and treatment can be given.

Dogs can get warts on their face, and these are usually caused by a virus called "papillomavirus". This usually affects younger dogs under two years of age. The warts usually appear on the lips and muzzle, but can also come up on the eyelids or between the toes.

The growths usually go away by themselves in one to five months, but sometimes they do have to be removed if, for example, they are causing a problem with eating. They can also become infected, so sometimes antibiotics are needed. Your vet will be able to advise on the best course of action for your dog.