Ask A Pet Pro(tm) at VetLocator.com

I just found a manx cat and I'm worried he has Manx Syndrome

2010-02-15T18:50:00.000-08:00

Hello
I just took in what I believe is a manx cat. He has been neutered and I assume was someone's pet, but we cannot locate his owner. I took him to the vet and she says he is healthy but I am afraid he may have manx syndrome. He is between 1 to 2 yrs old and has no problems walking, he's s little bowlegged, but he does have issues with his bowels. He seems happy and is playful but I am still concerned with his condition. I read that they don't live long if they have manx syndrome. He is so sweet and loving and I just wondered if anyone can give me some insight on what to expect. Thanks for any help with my little Bob (short for Bobtail :) )

I also added this to http://www.vetlocator.com's Ask A Pet Pro

Jessica

The VetLocator.com Search Widget

2010-02-12T14:36:00.000-08:00

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Should Doxepin be given to dogs on thyroid meds?

2009-07-23T09:11:00.001-07:00

I've read that Doxepin should not be given to dogs who are taking thyroid medications. Is there any additional information on this?

Can cortizone cause a dog to lose hair?

2009-03-23T12:29:00.000-07:00

My 3 year old Coton de Tulear has been losing his hair.

He has had 3 cortizone shots in the past year to treat itching/scratching. I feel the cortizone shots may be causing the hair loss.

What else can be done for the itching/scratching?

13 y/o cat losing fur on one side. Why?

2009-03-18T12:22:00.000-07:00

My cat- about 13 yrs old and a neutered male is losing his fur especially on one side.

It is continues to grow to be a larger area.

He also seems to be scratching more than usual although otherwise he's seems to be ok.

Nothing has changed like his diet etc.

What would cause this alapicia and is it a symptom of something else?

7 mo. Shih Tzu with high liver enzyme count and copper in system

2009-03-18T12:17:00.000-07:00

We have a 7 month old female Shih Tzu.

She was spayed on February 13.

She was supposed to get spayed on January 30, but her liver enzyme count came back really high. It was 864 and they told us that it was not supposed to be any higher than 118. So, we brought her back on February 13, to get spayed. When they spayed her, they did a liver biopsy.

The results they got back, it was either Microvascular Dysplasia or Liver Shunt. They also found a lot of copper in her system.

What would give her a lot of copper in her system?

We were feeding her Purina Pro Plan for Small Breeds, but after we found out that her liver enzyme count was that high, we thought it might have been the protein, so we switched her to Nutro.

After the vet got some of the results back, they suggested to switch her to Nutro which we already had done.

Can you give me an idea of how she got so much copper in her system? What can we do from here?

Please let us know.

My cat has been diagnosed with FIP

2009-03-16T12:07:00.000-07:00

My cat has been diagnosed with FIP, (Feline infectious peritonitis).

Is there any alternative medicine. Like DMSO, or hydrogen peroxide treatments, of which both are known to treat viruses?

Is there anything you can do to prolong my cat's life.

He is a 5 year old male. He hasn't lost weight from this disease.

Do you have any prior experience with treating this fatal disease? I'm heartbroken and feel there must be SOMETHING that can be done to make him well again.

15 y/o cat with constipation

2009-03-14T12:03:00.000-07:00

I have a 15 year old cat who is constipated frequently.

She has early kidney disease, a heart murmur and a hyperthyroidism.

She is on 3 different medicines.

My biggest concern is the constipation.

Any ideas?

Information on heating pad burns to pets after an operation recovery

2009-03-13T11:59:00.000-07:00

I came to VetLocator looking for some information on the incidence of heating pad burns to cats during operations/during recovery.

Perhaps one of your pros can help by stating what the physical result of such a burn could be, what the site would look like, the healing process, what if the skin does not reform properly over a joint - anything on this really.

My cat is long furred so we didn't notice until 2 weeks after the op for bowel cancer that he was losing patches of fur and skin around his shoulder and leg joint. The very thin layer of skin which was left shriveled-up resembling a bit of burnt bacon, it was a quite large area, the scab has now come off but skin has not formed properly around the leg joint, he has a largish area which looks like flesh rather than skin.

I was a bit dismayed when the vet said it was difficult to say whether it was a heating pad burn or whether the area which hasn't healed has some relation to the cancer.

I'm just looking for information.
Thank you
Annette

Sheltie won't stop scratching

2009-03-12T11:51:00.000-07:00

My Sheltie is on frontline plus and still scratching losing her fur in back area.

The vets used predisone, antibiotics and still nothing has helped. 250.00 dollars down the road for nothing.

Her fur will grow in then she starts scratching again. I ordered an omega based vitamin and want to see if that helps her. She even has a special shampoo.

Any other suggestions??? I'm going crazy trying to help my baby.

Picture of my dog's paw with something weird on it

2009-03-10T11:38:00.000-07:00

What do you think this is?

7 y/o Shitzu with coughing problem. Help!

2009-03-06T11:20:00.000-08:00

Hello, I have a small Shitzu dog, 7 years old. He has an
occasional, off and on coughing problem.

I had him to vets twice.

The first gave him an antibiotic and a cough suppressant that did not work on it - or it seemed to for a while but he still has coughing bouts - more like little grunting coughs that may continue for 1/2 a minute or so. The first vet thought it was kennel cough (but didn't really get to hear it) and my dog was never in a kennel or really exposed to dogs who have been kenneled. The second vet said my description did not fit kennel cough.

These attacks happen regularly, but not daily. The dog also seems to be eating correctly and playing as usual.

Do you know what this might be?

Is there really a new strain of parvo??????

2009-03-05T11:17:00.000-08:00

Is there really a new strain of Parov that can cause your pet to die in 2 to 6 hrs?

According to a website I saw online there is, and they have a combination of products that can save the pet.

For 149 dollars.

Please write a newsletter about it!!!!!!!

6 y/o poodle with chronic skin problems. holistic help for it?

2009-03-04T11:13:00.000-08:00

I have a 6 yr old poodle mix that has had chronic skin problems since age 3 yr. I have had him tested for diabetes, hypothyroidism, autoimmune diseases.

This dog has been on antibiotics off and on for four years.

I now live in the Caribbean and of course with the humidity it just hangs around. I have cut his hair down very short. I keep him dry when he gets wet, I give him cod liver oil, turmeric root, I have bathed him in the sea and with coconut water (which the islanders swear by) and nothing is helping him. I even put triple antibiotic powder on his skin.

He had the same problem back in the States but it would only come twice a year.

These bouts also required cortisone shots and I am NOT crazy about cortisone therapy.
Please don't suggest changing his food. There is only Pedigree on the Island (for now). Next week it might be Purina only on the shelf.

Any holistic or traditional suggestions would be appreciated!

How easy is it for a puppy to get parvo? Have a situation to handle

2009-03-03T10:57:00.000-08:00

I recently got a Rat Terrier puppy, Chomper, who we believe to be about 14 weeks old. He is in perfect health but has had no shots yet. We got him from a relative who had a litter and was giving them away.

We have another dog, Tahti, who is currently living at my mother's due to our moving and not having a house for her. She is a little over a year old and has had her shots, and we are ready to bring her to our home.

Now, the issue is that my mom has rescued many dogs over the years and some of those were pregnant females whose puppies sadly died of what we now know to be Parvo.

The last time she lost a puppy to Parvo was almost a year ago and she has had one more litter since then and none contracted the disease.

If we bring Tahti home is it possible that she could be carrying the disease?

I know that we should not allow the puppy to be exposed to the her feces, but is there anything else we should do (aside from getting his shots, which we plan to do as soon as we can afford it) to ensure that he will not be exposed?

I apologize for the lengthy explanation, I just miss my big girl and want to do everything I can to get her home without sacrificing the health of my beautiful little boy!

Any help at all would be very much appreciated.

12 y/o lab with possible mast cell tumor and seizures

2009-03-01T10:54:00.000-08:00

My dog, a 12 year old Yellow Lab, has what appears to be a mast cell tumor on her left rear leg, has had 5 seizures in the last week and her liver enzymes are elevated.

She will have a biopsy next week.

She has no loss of appetite or change in behavior.

I am worried sick and want to know what our options are?

Cat with so many opinions from specialists, I'm at a loss.

2009-02-26T09:13:00.000-08:00

After spending several thousand dollars on MRIs, biopsy, etc and many hours of uncomfortable driving for my cat, none of the specialists have arrived at a diagnosis to explain her symptoms.

The possible treatments for the possible conditions are so different, that picking one would be life threatening to my cat if it is the wrong treatment for her condition.

So, I am actually looking for a psychic that works with pets to see what impression he or she has of my cat's difficulty.

Do you have any experience with working with a communicator or other suggestions?

12 y/o ShiTzu with a variety of conditions. Need advice.

2009-02-26T09:10:00.000-08:00

My 12 yo ShiTzu has chronic seb dermatitis, chronic cough (collapsing trachea) and daily diarrhea. My vet gives here Oxycodone and Prednisolone.

Not getting any better.

Any better suggestion holistically - maybe herbal?

Thank you.

Cat healthy one day and sick and limping the next

2009-02-20T09:41:00.000-08:00

Hello. I am trying to get more information from someone who posted on August 8, 2008, regarding a 15-year-old cat who was healthy one day and terribly sick with a limp the next. The EXACT thing has happened to my cat. He has been successfully being treated for megacolon for 2 1/2 years, went to the vet for a check up and the next day was LIMPING. He hasn't been the same since. Blood tests and x-rays show everything to be normal. The vet seems to think it may be nerve related. Please help.

9 y/o Chihuahua with breast mass tumor. 2nd opinion?

2009-02-18T09:09:00.001-08:00

My 9 yr. old chihuahua has a breast mass tumor and I am just wondering if a second opinion would be okay Due to the fact that i can't feel a lump on any part of her body.

She is active and is eating well.

Canine Leptospirosis

2009-02-16T09:06:00.000-08:00

Is it necessary to vaccinate for canine leptospirosis?

13 y/o Golden with lesions

2009-02-13T09:38:00.000-08:00

My 13 year old Golden Retriever has lesions on varying locations of his body (2 on abdominal cavity, 1 between his right eye and ear, etc.). The growths continue to grow with the largest being about 1cm above the skin.

I saw the first lesion about 5 years ago on his left front leg. It initially looked like an engorged tick, but when I tugged on it, I realized it was a growth. The surrounding area had redness radiating from the growth. The vet opted to remove it and much of the surrounding area. He said the growth was very vascular but that he didn't know what it was. The pathology came back negative for malignancy. Could these be hemangiomas? Or the rarer angiokeratoma? I can take a photo and attach it if you'd like further information.

My Golden now has many more of these growths and because my guy is elderly, I've opted not to put him through any more surgeries to excise these growths. In your opinion, is this a bad decision on my part? Thank you for any advice you can give me.

2 y/o Shih Tzu withhigh triglycerides. Diet advice please

2009-02-12T09:05:00.000-08:00

My 2 yr. old shih tzu was just diagnosed with high triglycerides and needs a diet change. I want to know if I should take him to a specialist (and if so, what kind), or if you could recommend a good animal nutritionist.

Thank you for the help.

8 month French Bulldog that limps. Vets can't figure out.

2009-02-10T09:04:00.000-08:00

I have a 8 month old French Bulldog that has been limping for a few weeks now. I took him to the vet and they took x-rays on both sides and could not see anything wrong. He holds up his rear left foot especially in the morning after he wakes up. He does not seem to be in pain and will even run holding it up. The anti-inflammatory that was given to him seemed like it might have helped but then he started limping aging after the finished his course.

SOS

Litterbox problems. Any advice for me????

2009-02-04T08:44:00.000-08:00

I had a 4 cat household up until my sister moved out 1.5 weeks ago, and she took her 6-year-old spayed female cat (Artie) with her who has been living with us for 5 years. One of my other cats, a 13-year-old neutered male named Boo, has urinated outside of his box several times since the day Artie left. This is not new behavior and he frequently urinates or defecates inappropriately to show his distaste for situations outside the norm such as when I leave on vacation, when I rearrange furniture, or to show distaste for different food I put out for him. He is an extremely routine-focused cat.

I think Boo might be affected because he did like Artie while she was here; he played with her and was very protective of her if she was upset. How attached can pets become to other pets in the household? What can I do to lessen the possible anxiety felt by Boo? I can have my sister bring Artie back for visits if that will help, but I want to do the correct thing to help him past this so he can stop the inappropriate urination.

Additionally, I already regularly have several Feliway pheromone plug-ins going all the time for him.

Thanks for any advice you can offer.

-Gina

Alternative Treatments for Pancreatic Cancer in Dog?

2009-02-02T08:42:00.000-08:00

My 12-year-old collie mix has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and the vet says there is nothing he can do for this, is there anything I can do maybe something holistic?

Thank you

Care and medical needs for senior cats

2009-02-01T16:37:00.000-08:00

We believe my once-"baby" stray cat is now about 17 years old. He's had digestive problems for several years but no cause found. Treatment with usual hair ball remedies.

Then in 2008, we see he's lost weight. Sept 2008 blood tests showed he might be going into kidney failure and he had lost 2 pounds. Regarding the vomiting, Vet stated older cats often poorly digest dry food. Recommended wet food, which we have done; 1 can a day.

Cat is eating much better and rarely throws up now; he drinks a normal amount of water. But he has almost no fat now on his haunches; I can feel and see every bone down his spine. Also, he is itching severely x1 week; even just to touch his neck triggers his rear leg to start scratching. No fleas; a strictly indoor cat. It is winter and we have dry heat, but I also know itching could be a sign of kidney issues. How can I help him itch less?

I don't want him miserable or expending energy and fat reserves unnecessarily. And I'm not ready yet for "my baby" to die (from old age or illness). How can I support his health and promote weight gain in my elderly cat, while also supporting his aged & ailing kidneys?

Can you also discuss care and medical needs of senior/elderly cats, please?

Thank you.

5 y/o Corgi with trembling episodes

2009-01-30T15:58:00.000-08:00

I have a 5 year old welsh corgi. ?He seems healthy but lately has had a few episodes where his entire body seems to be trembling. ?This lasts for 10 to 15 minutes and then he seems fine. ?Do you have any idea what the cause of this could be?

Maybe i should mention that the trembling seems like involuntary muscle spasms .

Thank you.
Kate

German Shepard might have heartworms. I'm unemployed. Please help.

2009-01-29T15:57:00.000-08:00

I have a 6 year old german shepard that was very active until what I noticed 2 days ago that he started to become less active and started to vomit. as I done alittle research I found the systems relate to heartworm. what can I do and what is the cost. I am unemployed. please help

4 y/o American Eskimo with high liver values

2009-01-28T15:52:00.000-08:00

My 4 year old American Eskimo had a seizure on Friday morn...I took him to the vet and blood was drawn.. and his liver values were double the values they were 6 months ago, when they thought he had Kushins disease..

he is scheduled for a ultra sound of his abdomen on Wedns..

I am devastated..this dog is truly a member of the family.. and am in the process of losing my home..so money is more than tight.

I will have the test done..anything else you could suggest..he was also diagnose for lymes disease also and they have him on Doxycycline.

Thank you for any and all help.

12 y/o Lab mix with old parvo problems. Holistic advice needed

2009-01-21T15:48:00.000-08:00

12 yr old lab mix had parvo as pup. since then digestive problems & reoccurring pancreaitis.

3 months ago she started vomiting every other day. took her to vet. He treated her with homeopathy & chinese herbs for the pancreas & vomiting. 2 weeks later took her back. he did blood work-liver levels high. everything else ok(sugar and blood counts).said liver disease possible cancer. suggested milk thistle & take her for sonogram & biopsy. I did research & started her on the herbs (liver health blend including milk thistle) & diet of canned Nutro foods - sensitive stomachs- very small servings 3-4x's a day with a powdered greens mix, lecithin,C, Pancreatic glandulars & more herbs with Prozyme digestive powder. improved and keeping more down.I give her homeopathic blend by Heel to detox & Ipec.

Is there more I can do?-throws up much less-went 1 week but has spells of vomiting still. eats it & it stays down. energy good. Seems pancreas more than liver?

How long should I expect?

What do you think?

12 y/o Pom withTCC. What are our options????

2009-01-20T13:13:00.000-08:00

We have a 12.5 year old Pomeranian with TCC. He's been on Piroxicam for about 13 months and has responded very well with it. Just this week, he became lethargic and lost his appetite... and he has just been diagnosed with Addison's dx as well. Now here's the dilemma... Continue the piroxicam knowing full well of the possibility of GI bleed with the prednisone for the treatment of addison's or just stop it? Are we running low on options?

Thanks!

Collie scheduled for surgery to remove growth from spleen. I'm worried

2009-01-19T15:55:00.000-08:00

My bearded Collie is to have a growth removed from her spleen tomorrow.
Should I be over concerned about this operation and how common is this type of problem. My dog is ten years old and the Vet seems to think there should be no problems, however I still can't help but worry.
Regards

2 cats with chronic herpes. Can I use elderberry juice?

2009-01-18T19:25:00.000-08:00

I have a couple of cats who have chronic herpes according to my vet. I treat it periodically with antibiotics but it's effectiveness is short lived. My question is: since this is a virus could it be helped by taking elderberry juice/syrup since it is a natural anti-viral. I have plenty of elderberries. I certainly would not give it to my cats unless I was certain it would not poison them.

Litttle dog mated with huge dog. Help!

2009-01-18T08:49:00.000-08:00

Long story short, I was left with a non-spayed female jack russel/mini pincher.
She mated with a germanshepard/rotweiller.about 4wks ago.

Definetly preg.

I'm concerned,& on. a fixed income,but I think she is uncomfortable & don't want it to get worse.

What are the possibilities &where do I go from here?

8 y/o Bichon Frise with pinkish brown paws. What is it????

2009-01-17T19:22:00.000-08:00

I have an 8 year old Bichon Frise and recently noticed that the hair on top of all four paws has turned a pinkish brown. Any idea as to what might be causing this. Aloha, Bob

Dog frequently throws up. What could be the cause?

2009-01-17T08:44:00.000-08:00

My dog keeps throwing up. She doesn't do this everyday but when she does it, it's a few times a day. It looks like foam and spit.

What's going on?

Stress in 13 y/o dog that just moved to new house

2009-01-16T08:36:00.000-08:00

We just moved to a new house and my dog has not been the same.

She seemed a bit restless the 1st couple of nights, and now she has not been eating much and follows me around everywhere. She is panting a bit and just does not seem herself.

She was absolutely fine before we moved, and it is not like she has not moved before. We have moved a lot, granted she is 13yrs old so I am sure that it is more difficult on her, as it is on me:)

She seems to be doing better today, but how long should this last, if it is in fact stress.

thanks,

2009-01-15T08:35:00.000-08:00

My name is Brie and I resentally got a new dog. We got her from another family who were sort of abusive to her. She is about 6 months old and she is a pitbull and an american bull dog mixed.

When we got her she had some little sores on her neck and we thought they were from the last owners because they had a spiked choke collar on her but she keeps itching at it and now the little sores have spread to her stomach and we think it is now a rash but we have no clue.

We need to know if it can be spread because we have a few other pets and I would really like to know what it is so we can fix it.

Thank you so much!

Nux Vomica ok for diabetic cat?

2009-01-14T08:34:00.000-08:00

Is it okay to give Nux Vomica 30 C to an 8lb diabetic cat for constipation?

How much mineral oil would you give for constipation?

Stumped on what condition cat has. Suggestions?

2009-01-13T08:28:00.000-08:00

My 8 year old female spayed beagle has an abnormally enlarged belly constantly. It's very firm and not blubbery like with fat. It doesn't come and go. According to the scales, she is overweight, but in looking at her only her belly is large. Her head, legs, arms, shoulders all look normal.

The reason I took her to the vet was because all of the sudden she stopped wanting to play with her frisbee, meaning I throw it, she runs and gets it, and brings it back. She literally would not do it and that's been at least 8-10 months ago. This was something we did every single day for years. I took her to the vet and they did routine blood work. They found that her neutrophil were very abnormally high and her lymphocytes were low. I don't remember what the numbers were exactly, but it was like if normal neutrophil counts are 5, then her's was like 10,000. That huge of a difference, anyway. The vet thought possibly Cushing's Disease. They did the test and it came back negative. Now we're stumped.

We started her on a special diet of MD dog food (sorry can't remember the name), made especially for her liver, if I remember right. She has been on this now for over a month and I can't tell any difference at all. We walk 2 miles every day and she is pretty much just as energetic as usual, although a little slower. She doesn't seem to be in pain, short of breath or otherwise uncomfortable.

My question is do you have any ideas of what else could be wrong with her? Or what other tests can be done?

Her only other symptoms of anything I can notice are a noticeably thinning of her hair around her highquarters, multiple lipomas all over her body, and the fact that she looks like she is aging quickly.

I really appreciate your help!

13 y/o Lab with soft feet condition that's getting worse

2009-01-12T08:30:00.001-08:00

I have a 13 year old lab in good health...clean labs, good weight, mild arthritis. She developed soft feet(pasterns) about a year ago in one foot, did not seem to bother her at that time. She has recently developed it in the other. It seems to really be bothering her. She receives Glucosamine daily and is on a regimen of adequan. Is this a typical occurence with age.
No known trauma. Is there anything that can be done. I have seen braces or splints..could these be helpful?

Recommendations for overweight male cat prone to UT infections

2009-01-11T08:25:00.000-08:00

I'm desperately trying to find out which prescription or non-prescription dry food is the best for a 7.5 year old male cat that is overweight. The C/D I've never liked and it hasn't helped. I tried the W/D to help get some weight off and it didn't work either.

I read and read all over the internet but can't get a real feel for which one would be best. I've been told that Royal Canin SO for cats is good because it helps prevent both types of crystals. But it too has a bunch of fillers that should be avoided and it's really expensive.

I used to feed all of them EVO but he got another UT infection after being on it for about a year or so.

Thanks in advance for your help.

Question about acupuncture sessions

2009-01-10T08:24:00.000-08:00

Can you tell me how long an average acupuncture session for a dog lasts?

Thank you

Bengal cat with allergies. Natural help please

2009-01-09T08:23:00.000-08:00

My cat (Bengal) battles with allergies, monthly. I have not been going to our vet (his drugs were killing her).

I have her on Immune Balance, Aller free 7, and Calming solution (4 drops of each) 2 times per day. She is doing better, but not gaining weight.

Should I be doing more?

Thank you for your time.

7 y/o Vizsla with strange symptoms

2009-01-08T08:10:00.000-08:00

Hi, I have a 7-yr. old vizsla female whose "ankle joint", left back leg got swollen suddenly. A thumb-sized lump appeared on the joint, sometimes very hard, sometimes soft. She holds the leg in the air except when distracted on walks. This began 4 weeks agfo. We waited a week, in case it was caused by an injury and would heal itself. We saw a vet who had no idea what it was, suggested an antibiotic (in case it´s lyme disease) and an anti-inflammatory. neitehr had an efffect. Days after finishing the meds, she began to show hives, especially on the head and hind legs, now on the belly and not getting better. In addition she´s losing alot of hair. I suspect it was a reaction to the doxycycline or antiinflammatory. Anyway, it´s been over 4 weeks, the lump isn´t going away, the hives are not going away and I`m all out of ideas. She gets the same food as always, no other changes in her life, she´s still protecting the leg but acts otherwise normally and eats normally, stool is normal. I`d be grateful if you have any ideas. PS: This dogs lives in a dog pack of 4 big dogs, is chronically stressed and is living on cramped space, but this isn´t new.

Thanks, Elizabeth Sinnott (Germany)

Doy with kidney disease and hypertension won't eat her food

2009-01-08T07:42:00.000-08:00

Need HELP please!

My 11 yr old female American Eskimo has kidney disease and hypertension. She is doing much better on Norvasc and Enalapril medication (her protein levels are a bit better and blood pressure is much better) BUT she does not want her food(prescription K/D, which the Dr. said to give her low protein diet)

She is not interested in her new diet. She is on a low protein diet and not really thrilled with the new choices like rice, potatoes - I have tried all sorts of combinations and adding little bits of chicken and tuna. That is really all she wants to eat but can't have too much of it (only a cup of protein a day).

She must eat and I am running out of ideas... anyone have any suggestions??? I have tried warming up the food, rice, potatoes, carrots and peas she like but too much is gassy, cottage cheese she did not like at all- please help, whatever I put down she just walks away from the bowl, i know she is hungry because she eats the tuna, chicken...

please help!!!

Recommendation for natural shampoo for itchy cat?

2009-01-08T07:40:00.000-08:00

My 12 year-old, silver tabby lives inside and has itchy skin.

I am only interested in holistic suggestions.

She weighs about 7 lbs.

Please suggest a shampoo (without toxins) as she will tolerate a bathing. She is as finicky about food as I am.

West Highland Puppy with problems

2009-01-07T14:35:00.000-08:00

hi i have a 4 mth old west highland puppy and i just noticed that she is limping and some times she would also vomit her appetite seems to have lessened but she is still as playful. she just started losing her teeth but they are dropping fast is that normal for puppies? her breath is also quite bad but we normally give her bones and chew toys. she also eats soil though we would scold her if we caught her is there a reason whyu is is limping and vomiting? she also scratches herself alot.

7 y/o pug with mast cell tumor question

2009-01-01T08:09:00.000-08:00

I have a Pug who is almost 7 years old. He has had a Mast Cell Tumor for approximately 5 years. It was never diagnosed until last Fall. It was not explained to me the severity of the tumor and it was cost prohibitive to have it removed at the time. I have recently talked with another vet and done research myself to learn more about this type of tumor. My dog has never experienced any adverse symptoms like those I read about and acts like any happy healthy Pug.

My new vet strongly recommends removing the tumor. My concern is that by doing so it will disturb the tumor causing problems that may not have existed in the past. He's lived with it this long without problems, should I mess with it or leave it alone?

Thank you in advance for your response.

12 y/o greyhound experiencing difficulty after eating.

2009-01-01T07:45:00.000-08:00

I have a 12 year old greyhound who is experiencing difficulty after eating--coughing harshly and gagging. He eats a wetted-down kibble mixed with canned food with glucosamine, chondroitin, and fish oil mixed in. I have also noticed that more and more frequently when he barks no sound comes out, and when he does manage to make a sound, it either sounds like he has laryngitis (very hoarse) or is very high-pitched. He has always had a relatively high-pitched "voice" for a greyhound, but recently he sounds more and more like a tenor.

I am concerned that I am seeing the beginnings of laryngeal paralysis, and wanted to know if I should take him to his vet now, or if it would be acceptable to wait until his annual, which is mid-January.

He is otherwise healthy, excepting some hind-end weakness which seems to be progressing.

Thank you,

Laurie

Steroids and Vaccines together? Concerned

2008-12-16T08:12:00.000-08:00

Just had my 4 yrear old golden vaccinated with yearlys-bordatella,rabies,parvo and distemper. At the same time vet prescribed temperil-p for a skin rash she has. I was wondering if the steroid in the medication will negatively interact with the vaccinations . Decrease the immune response that is the desired response of the vaccinations?? a concerned pet owner.

cognitive reflex analysis

2008-12-08T08:14:00.000-08:00

I'm interested in any vet who understands cognitive reflex analysis or uses kinesiology to discover the real reason behind my Maltese' s health problems.

Any suggestions?
Yvonne

Canine oral sarcoma

2008-12-02T08:21:00.000-08:00

My dog was diagnosed with a sarcoma in her mouth.

The vet said my next course would be to take her WSU for evaluation.

Are there other treatments without surgery or radiation?

Bichon with a cyst on tail

2008-12-01T08:15:00.000-08:00

My bichon has either a cyst or growth which is on his tail.

He is quite healthy but I am concerned about this. My vet indicates surgery is not a good option on the tail as their is not enough skin and the result could be infection and end result possibly his losing a portion of the tail.

Is there something I could do as putting semi-hot soaks on this to open this?

Was this death from shots?

2008-10-12T05:26:00.000-07:00

How common is it for a healthy cat of 10 years to have a reaction to the normal yearly shots that she has gotten every year and die?

Please explain this to me.

5yo Vizsla with pemphigus foliaceus. Want to avoid steroids

2008-10-10T05:30:00.000-07:00

My 5-yr old Vizsla was diagnosed w/ pemphigus foliaceus in July. I suspect it was drug-induced from multiple antibiotic dosages for a foxtail. I am desperate to avoid the dreaded steroid treatment. Can you recommend an alternative treatment for him? I've switched him to a raw food diet (Stella & Chewy) and have been giving him vitamins (Animal Essentials), fish oil pills, flax seed oil and sterols (Moducare). Also gave him probiotics (Pet Dophilus) for the first month. I just ordered some Sterol 117.

He's not getting worse, but isn't getting better either. Can you help me??

Thank you so much.

Borderline Cushings being treated. Want help with side effects on dog

2008-10-09T05:32:00.000-07:00

My dog Lucy has become very bloated and lethargic. She seems to have lost almost all of ver vision and her coat has black spots on it. The vets have said she has borderline cushings disease, and sards for her eyes and she is currently on antibiotics. We have changed her diet to raw foods, but we are wondering if this is the correct path to take or if there is an alternative treatment that may bring back her sight and heal her back to the normal vibrant, energetic dog we know and love.

Please help!!

Thanks

Unidentified liver problem and a seizure. Related?

2008-10-06T05:28:00.000-07:00

My girlfriend's dog has been battling an unidentified liver problem for at least nine months now. The vet has said that he has elevated enzyme levels. He cannot get his kennel cough or distemper boosters. He is on vitamin E, milk thistle, and one other over the counter med. His liver levels have not improved, and yesterday he had a seizure and had to be taken to the vet. We are waiting for a diagnosis. Could they be related?

Do you know potential help for the liver or seizure problem?

Thank you.

Mystified on why vet prescribed this medicine. Help!

2008-10-04T10:24:00.000-07:00

On August 1 I took my 12 lb miniature poodle mix to my vet to get his shots and to get a new prescription of heartworm preventative. They took 2 fecals and they said it came back with something wrong . The vet prescribed CHPC 250 mg tablets 3 times a day for 21 days. I looked up the pills online and found was shocked by what I saw they were used to treat: hypertrophic osteodystrophy. I talked to my dog's foster mother and she also said that they were used to treat for worms, one problem they didn't say one thing about worms and no they didn't deworm him...because why?...oh yeah he didn't have any worms. I was told by the vet tech that answered the phone the Monday after I took him a long name instead of worms and that it was very contagious to humans, but I haven't seen worms in his poo and I haven't seen worms on my furniture and I sure don't have any unexplained sores on me. The vet tech also told me that they did not put the "diagnosis" on the receipt. When I told my dogs foster mother she said that because it was not a real diagnosis. Please explain to me why they would prescribe CHPC 250 mg pills to a dog that is not even close to the size to have HOD which is only found in large breed dogs (yes I know that it is a bone disease in only large breed dogs) and why they said that they found something wrong with his fecal. BTW I was in the room the whole time with them and my dog and didn't leave for any reason.

Thanks

Need swelling relief for cat w/feline leukemia and heartworm positive

2008-10-02T10:51:00.000-07:00

I have a 3-4 year old neutered male cat who has been diagnosed both feline leukemia and heartworm positive. He is currently on enalapril, prednisone, and lasix daily, and also takes Interferon 4 days on, 3 days off each week, as well as taking transdermal aspirin at a 5mg 2 times per week dosing (1/16th of an 81mg aspirin b.I.d.). The lasix and enalapril and prednisone was started about a month ago when the cat was showing signs of edema in his extremities. He has a good appetite and is in relatively good spirits, but the swelling shifts daily, sometimes his elbows his hind legs, his chin, he has a 'pouch' under his belly at times, his back feet are probably the most consistently swollen, looking so big they seem about to pop. It was determined that based on his weight loss that he has glomural (sp?) nephritis, in addition to everything else, which is what apparently is causing the swelling.

just yesterday I noticed an open sore on his front leg, which then happened to be the only limb NOT swollen, and everywhere he lay he left a wet spot behind. My vet confirmed it was due to his skin literally just having 'split', and added orbax to his daily regimen for a week to ward off infection (which, being leukemia positive puts him more at risk for infection)

is there ANYTHING else possible to do to relieve the swelling? especially since he is NOT building up fluids in his lungs affecting his breathing, just the edema...I can't help but wonder if a needle prick here and there would have an effect like popping a water balloon. I realize that it is a symptom of a 'condition', but would massage help? I'm open to anything at this point!

while he DOES have periodic bouts of lethargy, when his appetite is nil, but a round of antibiotics usually corrects this and then he is back to his usual self, with a pretty hefty appetite. Currently he is eating Hills Prescription g/d both dry and canned and seem to like it pretty well.

please advise!

Thank You

13 y/o cat with sphincter problems

2008-10-01T10:36:00.000-07:00

I have a Persian female, Tasha, 13 years of age. We have battled a "lazy sphincter" muscle in the bladder for the past 10 years. The drip is well contained with an herbal product called "Leaks No More" but we have still had quite a few serious bladder infections. These seem to come on quickly and really get her down. Also there is an esophageal spincter problem that has been treated somewhat successfully with Prednisone (intermittent vomiting) and she does have Arthritis badly in one shoulder. These have also responded well to herbal remedies (Digestive Upsets and Joint Relief, all 3 made by Homeopets). Otherwise she has been healthy. She has always been on premium food, either Innova or Natural Balance and has regular well checks. This past few months has included a divorce and move and has been stressful on her. She has mostly been lethargic, appetite good, and urine fecal output seemed normal. I have attributed it mostly to stress... She has had an increase in vomiting and lethargy the past few days so I took her in for a check up with blood panel. The panel shows the following out of range items:

BUN .... 35 mg/dL (16. - 36)
slightly elevated but not yet out of normal range
Creatinine .... 2.9 mg/dL (.08 - 2.4)
just slightly elevated out of normal range
PHOS .... 2.9 mg/dL (3.1 - 7.5)
slightly low
MCHC .... 39.2 g/dL (29.0 - 37.5)
elevated
WBC .... 2.82 K/uL (5.5 - 19.50)
very low
NEU .... 1.44 K/uL (2.50 - 12.50)
low

the following are almost out of range:

LYM .... 0.45 K/uL (0.40 - 6.80)
MCV .... 42.0 fL (41.0 - 58.0)

Her Dr. seems concerned over the WBC but offered no explanation. Her diagnosis is "kidney problems", not CRF. She sent us home with Lasix 12.5 mg x 2 day (to increase her urine output) but the first day Tasha staggered as if coming out of anesthesia. I called the following morning and told the Dr. that I believe she may be having a reaction of sorts to the dosage of the Lasix, and possibly might have another bladder infection due to the quick fade/lethargy and loss of appetite. She has lowered the Lasix dose by 1/2 per day and given her Orbax just in case...

I have been through hyperthyroid/renal failure with one of my boys in 2002 and know that approximately 75% of the kidney function is gone by the time anything shows up in blood work-ups. I am hopeful because Tasha's seems to be in earlier stages but am confused about the other out of range values. I was told to keep her on the Lasix and bring her back in 2 weeks for another check. My gut feeling is that there is more going on than is first apparent. My boy's kidneys were going fast and my (other) vet would not address that because of the Thyroid issue. By the time I got him to listen the counts were through the roof and fluid collecting on his lungs. He lived 11 days past finding the kidney trouble. I should have been more adamant that the kidneys be addressed but sadly wasn't.

What tests, etc., can you suggest I have done? Is there anything I should be watching for? I feel the WBC and other values are a real issue but don't know where to go next. I am not comfortable with a "wait and see" approach. From past experience I know how quickly these things can deteriorate and if there are other issues I wish to address them as soon as possible.

Today, Tasha is eating well but seems really depressed and lethargic. I can tell she doesn't feel well and don't know what to do for her. Any help/advice will be most appreciated.

Thank you so much!

Fearful hound needs help

2008-09-30T10:44:00.000-07:00

I rescued a hound mix on April 1. She is very intelligent and very cute. We have bonded but she is afraid of most people and loud noises. She avoids my friends and only lets people touch her if I am right there also petting her. How can I get her used to people? I am afraid she will bite them out of fear. During storms she shakes even if I hold her. She hides under my bed. Should I give her a pill to relax her?

I had a trainer comer and work with the dog and with the person who was going to pet sit for a weekend. The dog was eating cheese out of his had and letting him per her but she did not respond to him when he came to feed her and to let her out when I was not there. She hid behind the flowers and would not leave the kitchen until he left and then came back later to shut the door. On the second day she showed her teeth and he felt she was going to go after him. I came home immediately.

Thanks so much!

Aren't vets required to give pet x-rays to pet owners?

2008-09-04T06:39:00.000-07:00

Aren't vets required to give pet x-rays to pet owners, as doctors are for humans?

My cat got x-rays a few months back and even though the vets explained the results, they never even showed me the x-rays, nor did they give them to me.

Thanks

Cat being treated for hyperthyroidism having problems

2008-09-01T06:26:00.000-07:00

My cat who was being treated for hyperthyroidism with methimazole suddenly became quite ill last week. His white cell count was down to 1000 and according to one blood test his platelets were (seems radically low so I suspect it might have been an error) 13,000. BUN, Creatnine, and Bilirubin were all elevated but his ALT was normal. Upon release from the hospital (after IV treatment) there was much improvement but his ALT which was normal was now elevated.

My concern is this. How to proceed. I love this cat very much and do not want to cause him undo suffering. I am concerned about possible side effects of alternative meds and we have ruled out radio active iodine treatments. My goal for him is optimum health, comfort, and humane treatment over simple longevity. One vet recommended against surgery because he was high risk, and another said that if his next blood tests were normal that surgery was an option. I am happy to proceed with surgery if there is some likelihood of a positive outcome. Unfortunately with a different cat of ours he ended up having to be put down 2 months after surgery making the end of his life a misery. I do not want that to be this cat's fate. Any thoughts are appreciated.

Thank You

Anesthesia OK w/elevated liver values?

2008-08-27T12:15:00.000-07:00

Should a dog of 8 years of age receive anesthesia for a dental cleaning if the liver values are elevated -( possible cushings, not yet ruled out)

Thank You

Lab w/bloody diarrhea & normal blood panels

2008-08-26T06:26:00.000-07:00

My 11 year old Black Lab has had two bouts of bloody diarrhea in the last six months. The first bout was not as bad as the most recent, and cleared up in a couple days with antibiotics and a bland diet.

This last bout was more serious, requiring two days of IV fluids, antibiotic shots, and shots to relieve her vomiting, as she could not even hold down water.

The vet did a blood panel, which came back normal. No other tests were done. She is home now, still a little lethargic, but is eating well, holding it down, and so far, no diarrhea.

But...we still don't have any answers. I am concerned about why this is happening to her, and feel the need to know the cause. I feel more tests are necessary, and am planning to get a second opinion.

I would appreciate any advice as to what to look for, or what tests to ask for.

Thanks so much!

6 y/o Golden w/severe allergies

2008-08-20T13:59:00.000-07:00

My 6 year old male Golden Retriever has severe environment and food allergies, hypothyroidism, and has now been diagnosed with epilepsy. He has several seizures a month that only occur while he is sleeping. This has gone on for at least 3 years. , some weeks there are several and some none. We were always told that dogs dream. He has been on so much medication (for allergies, bacterial and yeast infections, and most recently for a sleep disorder that the neurologist thought he might have ) these last couple years and has been miserable and not his happy golden self. Most recently,the clomipromine for the "sleep disorder" made him a total zombie and he stopped eating, playing, taking walks, etc. The neurologist is now suggesting meds for epilepsy. Are there alternatives to this that you could tell me about? We would like to help our dog but want him to have a chance to be a dog and not experience side effects of yet more medication. Note: we did give him 5 doses of gabapentin and saw side effects after just this (aggressive chewing, clumsiness, excessive thirst) he is currently on allergy vaccines, soloxine, primor and fluconazole (for skin/yeast infections. Any help or guidance would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you

5 y/o English Bulldog with itchy spots

2008-08-15T14:25:00.000-07:00

I have a 5 y/o English Bulldog. I have taken him off steroids (about a year now) I cook for him.....ground beef, ground turkey, chicken, livers....veggies - green beans, peas and carrots, squash, broccoli...barley and brown rice. He keeps getting these pink spots on his back that itch him like crazy and they are kinda scabby. I also give him powdered vitamins for skin and coat. I put on his spots real aloe, pet salve, all natural itch spray but they take a really really long time to heal and then he gets them again. Do you have any suggestions?

Thank you in advance for any help you can offer.

15 y/o cat healthy one day, terribly sick the next

2008-08-08T14:21:00.000-07:00

My 15 year old cat, Toby, went from seeming to be fine one day to looking terrible the next. I hadn’t seen him look quite so dehydrated, hollow-eyed, lethargic, and sickly since he nearly died about 10 years ago from bladder stones. He’s been on prescription cat food since that time with no stone recurrence. We’d just had him to the vet 2 weeks earlier for a well checkup, and all was good. So, yesterday, we took him to the vet and they determined that he was constipated and had a full bladder that needed to be emptied. They took an x-ray and didn’t see any suspicious masses, did blood work which revealed everything at normal levels, did a urinalysis, which was fine. He had a slight temp and possibly a slight infection, which we’re treating with antibiotics. He was interested in drinking water and eating his dry food when we got home, and he’s urinated in his box, though no defecation yet. He appears much improved and his hydration is better, however, he’s developed a LIMP! Since last night! When I called the vet today to get his lab results, I asked whether he might have been difficult to x-ray or if there were any other situation whereby he was injured while at the vet, but the doctor said he was very cooperative. I don’t know what to make of this limping and whether or not it could be related to these other issues or if it’s a fluke injury. We’re continuing to observe him and we will definitely take him back to the vet, but I wanted to get an idea about whether limping might be associated with these other symptoms and what kind of problem might manifest itself so quickly with so many symptoms and no blood or urinary levels to support a problem.

Thank You

11 y/o Domestic Short Hair cat w/megacolon

2008-08-01T14:11:00.000-07:00

My 11-year-old female DSH cat has been diagnosed with megacolon. Treatment (over a year) has consisted of frequent enemas and a daily oral injection of casapride and a stool softener, which I don't think works any more. Is there something else that can be done, not involving surgery, which I think is too dangerous for her age.

Thank You

16 y/o Beagle with Addison's and Arthritis

2008-07-25T17:09:00.000-07:00

Our 16 year old Beagle has Addison's and Arthritis. The vet has him getting Percorten injection nearly monthly and Prednisone orally every other day. The Arthritis is pretty bad and he has a very hard time getting comfortable. The vet has now prescribed Previcox for the days he isn't taking a prednisone. Is this safe for him?

Thank You

Cat being treated with tapazole

2008-07-18T17:07:00.000-07:00

My cat has been on low dose tapazole (.1 per day) transdermal. It did not help her thyroid much. So they increased the dose to .15 per day. After rechecking, her thyroid was wonderful!!!!! BUT her ALT level shot up to 489!!!!!!!!!!!! It had been high since on the low dose tapazole (190), but not as high as it is now. They want me to increase her tapazole, but if her thyroid level is fine, should I really increase the meds? Could her ALT level be high due to reaction to tapazole?

Thank You

10 y/o fat Llasa Apso

2008-07-12T17:04:00.000-07:00

I have a 10 year old fat Llasa Apso who has just had surgery for bladder stones, (oxalate urolithiasis) and my vets wants him to go on a complete diet Hills r/d to loose the weight and then another diet to maintain the effect, and also to keep the bladder stones at bay.

What I would like to know is if I feed him a natural diet of fresh veg, fruit and meats etc will he be more prone to bladder stones? I have been feeding him this way now for 3 weeks, and he is much more alive and interested in his surroundings! He has also stopped itching and smelling! He has also lost weight, and is a much better shape, without a distended tummy. I do hope you can give me a little reassurance as I don't have anyone else to ask about this sort of subject. I forgot to say that he is a rescue and that I have had him for 7 years and all that time he has eaten a complete food as directer by my vets. It is obviously not doing him any good .

I look forward to hearing from you

6 y/o basset with mast cell tumor:

2008-07-01T15:38:00.000-07:00

My 6-year old basset hound had a Mast Cell tumor (grade 3) tumor on her hind leg. Due to its location, it could not be completely removed. The vet has determined from lymph node biopsy that it has at least regionally spread. Further lymph node tests and a marrow biopsy are scheduled. If they should show no sign of the cancer, one option is amputation. My concern is that I will only buy her a few more months due to the aggressive nature of the tumor. Is it possible/probably for a dog to survive grade 3 mast cell beyond a year or so?

Thank you in advance for any help you can offer.

Natural product to help cut heal?:

2008-06-23T19:37:00.000-07:00

My English Setter has a small cut on her leg and it has been there for over a month and it doesn't seem to be going away. We do everything all natural for her. Is there something we can put on it that won't hurt her to lick it.

Thank You

10 yr old Dane with loud panting. Need advice:

2008-06-17T13:36:00.000-07:00

I have a healthy 10 yr old Dane who still walks about a mile and a half each day. During a routine vet visit, the Dr heard her breathing & said she may have laryngeal paralysis. When she is excited, her panting is louder, but she has not been intolerant of exercise & often returns from her walk to run around the yard like a puppy. Is there any other explanation for the loud panting when she is excited? Hate to have her anesthetized if unnecessary. Any other clinical signs I should be looking for?

10 y/o Boxer with vestibular symptoms:

2008-06-11T15:34:00.000-07:00

Our, boxer dog ,10 years old, has been with symptoms of vestibular disease for almost 3 months. Xrays revealed problems in the bullas. Stugeron did not work. He was given a shot of prednisone and recovered 90% for 8 days, then another shot of prednisone and recovered for another week, but the third shot did not work. Now he will start oral prednisone. He walks in very tight circles to the right, breaths very fast, and is disoriented, and sad, also had nystagmus twice. Is it possible that a vestibular disease lasts all this time? Is there any possibility that our beloved dog recovers? Two vets have seen him and have not prescribed antibiotics. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your advise.

Castrated Jack Russell with a sore back

2008-05-23T12:43:00.000-07:00

6 Month Jack Russell puppy went in for castration on Friday. The following day I noticed his back was incredibly sore to the touch, even a feather on his back would have him wincing. I took him back to the Vets on Monday and explained that the wound from the operation was fine but the main concern was his painful back. The Vet prescribed painkillers and suggested he may need x rays. The following day I called the Vets again and asked for him to see a Vet as I was sure it was more of a skin problem. The Vet shaved his back (he was in agony) and a red, inflamed rash was present. The Vet isn't sure what it is but gave him a jab of antibiotics, steroid & antihistomines. The rash is definatly not itchy, the puppy does not interfere with it at all, far more painful than anything else. Could this be Contact Dermititis

Thank you in advance for any help you can offer.

Submissive wetter

2008-05-23T12:41:00.000-07:00

I have a 8 month old purebred standard poodle puppy. she has been very hard to housebreak with urination. i have found out that she is a submissive wetter, sometimes she just pees while she is walking. do you think she may have a physical problem and if so what kind of tests and expense am I looking at?

Knee Surgery is stressing my dog

2008-05-23T12:05:00.000-07:00

I have a 9 year old Golden Retriever who had knee surgery - the knee is coming along fine- but the added stress on her front has made her sore on her right front leg. She doesn't like to use it much.

It seems sore - I have had it x-rayed and found nothing. They checked her for lyme disease- which I keep her vaccinated for- and found nothing. I give her Rimadyl for discomfort but wondered if acupunture or chiropractic treatment might give her some relief. The weather has not been condusive to getting her out on walks- too much ice and snow and then she slips.

Any suggestions?

13 y/o dog with bladder tumor. Need advice

2008-05-19T12:38:00.000-07:00

My dog has been diagnosed with a large tumor in her bladder. Surgery will not help and the alternative is chemo. Without the chemo she could last 3-6 months. I'm frightened that the medicine will have many terrible side-effects. I love her and don't want to see her suffer and I'd like to have her with me as long as I can, but I'm not convinced that chemo will be worth it to her quality of life. What would you do if you were me?

Thank You

11 y/o lab with severe arthritis & elevated liver enzymes

2008-05-14T17:44:00.000-07:00

11 yr. old chocolate lab, severe arthritis in back legs. Right leg worst.

Tramadol & Garbapentin not helping much. Can't have rimadyl due to elevated liver enzymes.

Help!

Dog with liver problems. Vet stumped

2008-05-13T17:33:00.000-07:00

Hi--my dog has elevated liver levels and is acting very tired, lethargic and not herself. So far, vets have been unable to pinpoint the problem. I would like help in a naturopathic treatment plan to bolster her liver.

Thank you in advance for any help you can offer.

American Eskimo with seizures

2008-05-11T17:05:00.000-07:00

My American Eskimo started experiencing seizures approx one month ago. They come in clusters approx 30 sec in duration. Looking for natural remedies. Started with phenobarbital two weeks ago. Appreciate any advice you can offer. We do not want to see our pet suffer and want to explore everything before considering the alternative.

Thank You

What drug is suggested for dog with CDS?

2008-05-09T17:00:00.000-07:00

Thank you for the article on CDS last week, but it was too short. It sounds like my dog might have this. What is the drug that can help?

Thank You

Puppy with Parvo after 3 shots. Why?

2008-05-08T16:53:00.000-07:00

A friend of mine has a puppy & after getting it's third Parvo vaccine the Puppy ended up with Parvo. The puppy lived but it was just awful & the expense was tremendous so I just wanted to see if there was any recalls or issues with Parvo vaccines.

Thank you for getting back to me.

Cat with bad flea allergy. Help!!

2008-04-30T08:55:00.000-07:00

my 7 yr old male indoor cat is alergic to fleas. We can't use the over the counter flea control on him because he looses his hair at that site and then gets a sore. The one spot isn't working. Please advise what we can to do assist him. He's pulling out his hair!!!

Suggestions for excellent hospital for cancer surgery for dog in Jupiter FL

2008-04-26T08:48:00.000-07:00

Chelsea (10 lb Sheltie)-- 12.5 years old has a .45 X .5 tumor in her bladder in the front (where they say it can be operated on). I was thinking of laser surgery but have spoken to a Dr. who said perhaps regular surgery is best to get clear margins. Any excellent hospitals or names of Dr's would be appreciated. Thank you. Carol

How can you reverse kidney failure in 14 y/o dog?

2008-04-23T09:00:00.001-07:00

I have a boston terrior 14 yrs. old with kidney failure. creatinine 3.3.What can you do to reverse this?

Bischon prone to crystals in urine. What is causing them?

2008-04-22T08:57:00.000-07:00

I have a 7 year old Bischon. She is prone to crystals in her urine. She has been on Hills CD and SD and got rid of those crystals and now has UD crystals. I wonder if you have any clue what is causing them or what I can give her to keep her free of them. These crystals now are serious and if they form stones, only surgery will remove them.

Thank you in advance for any help you can offer.

Cat won't stop licking and is losing all her hair. Help!:

2008-04-15T09:20:00.000-07:00

I have a 3 year old female cat that will not stop licking herself. She has pulled a lot of her hair out that she can reach. What can I do for her.

Thank You

11 month old French Bulldog that has had Chronic Diarrhea, & specialist is stumped:

2008-04-14T09:19:00.000-07:00

We have a 11 month old French Bulldog that has had Chronic Diarrhea since we got him. We just spent a ton of money testing fecal, urine, blood, allergies, etc. at a specialist and they couldn't find anything. What could this be and what can we do to help the little guy? Could this maybe IBS? What can you do in that case?

2 y/o German Shep with extreme IBD. Nothing helps!!!

2008-04-14T08:52:00.000-07:00

I am in a very bad situation with my dog. He is a two year old German shep with extreme severe IBD I have tried so many things, he is on steriods and antibiotics, I hate giving them to him and they are NOT HELPING! He is loosing weight and it getting sicker. Can you help us?

Cat with skin condition that won't clear up. Help!

2008-04-13T09:02:00.000-07:00

How do I treat a cat with a skin condition that doesn't respond to oral antibiotics and isn't mange or scabies? Crusty sores on ears and head clear up temporarily with application of topical meds like neosporin.

Dog with liver problems, distended belly. Other treatments?:

2008-04-12T09:21:00.000-07:00

My 13 year old mixed breed dog has been diagnosed with liver problems. His belly was distended and the vet removed quite a bit of liquid. She has 2 Lipoform chew tablets daily, Amoxicillin 500 mg cap 1 twice daily for 10 days, Benazepril 10 mg once daily, Furosemide 50 mg, 1/2 tablet twice daily to control fluid in abdomen. Is there any other treatment available to help with the fluid problem, to keep him comfortable, and hopefully extend his life? Any help you can give will be greatly appreciated.

Thank You

Pom-Poo has been diagnosed with a collasping trachea

2008-04-12T09:17:00.000-07:00

My Pom-Poo has been diagnosed with a collasping trachea, he coughs constantly and is taking Predisone....which doesn't seem to do much except make him eat more and gain weight, which in turn will put more pressure on his windpipe....Is there anything else I can do. I would like to get him off this perscripton.

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9yo lab with bloody stool

2008-04-11T09:04:00.000-07:00

We have a sweet male labrador, approximately 9 years old. A few months ago he started excreting loose bloody stool. It wasn't consistent but became more frequent over time and in addition to blood, mucus was present in the loose stool. We noticed his anal glands terribly swollen.

The vet checked and stated he had developed an infection most likely from the blood and irritation. The blood and mucus was excessive at this point. He was put on antibiotics and they also performed a biopsy which came back inconclusive- blood counts were fine. The swelling eventually went down.

The vet was unsure what to make of the situation. Would an x-ray be able to help shed light on what might be ailing him?

He exhibits no discomfort and his appetite and demeanor are normal. He continues to squat frequently with visible strain but little comes out, just drops of loose stool with blood.

Our vet urges us to go to a specialist for further testing but our plan does not cover these costs. We are struggling to figure out what our next step should be.

HELP!!!!!!

Thank You!

Puppy with strangles. Along with traditional, is there some holistic treatments available?

2008-04-10T07:02:00.000-07:00

I am the director of a small non profit animal shelter. Today I had a 7# , 7 week old puppy looks like, a lab x turned into me with a severe case of strangles.. Her lymph nodes are enlarged and her glands are swollen The puppy is going on her sixth day of prednisone. My vet added an antibiotic also. The thing is I would also like to add some sort of holistic treatment to help her along but I am looking for guidance as to what would be best for her. This is our first case of strangles and from what I have read so far I believe I should give her a supplement of Glucosamine chondroitin and apply aloe vera or chlorhexadine. Any advice that you can give me to help this poor little girl would be greatly appreciated.

Chihuahua with tumor removed. What can I do to prevent its recurrence?

2008-04-09T06:59:00.000-07:00

My 2 year old chihuahua had a mammary tumor removed the pathologist report said it was low grade and completely removed but I would like to find a holistic vet to get help to make sure it doesn't come back

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