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Chelsey | 5 years ago
My Cat Is A Domestic Long Hair. She Gets Occasional Hairballs Every Couple Of Months But …

My cat is a domestic long hair. She gets occasional hairballs every couple of months but tonight yacked up an almost 6 inch hairball. She has been eating, drinking, and defecating fine. Should I be concerned about a bowel obstruction? I have never seen anything like this before. At first I thought there may be a long worm inside of it but threw on some gloves and discovered its just matted hair. I have called multiple vets and can’t get her in for nearly a week. Is this worth an emergency vet visit?

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    It’s very hard for anyone remotely to know whether a pets condition is truly an emergency or not. In general we go by the rule that “if they are acting completely normal it probably isn’t an immediate emergency”
    If you have a regular vet I would call them first thing tomorrow and ask to be seen ASAP after explaining what happened. I would also keep the vomit sample and collect a fecal sample to bring in. If you don’t have a regular bet or can’t be seen soon I would go to the ER for peace of mind. I hope this helps. Let us know what happens

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Paul Markwell | 5 years ago
We Are Getting Ready To Have Our Son’s Dog Brought Here To MD From AZ. …

We are getting ready to have our son’s dog brought here to MD from AZ. She was just spayed a few weeks ago and her blood work shows low phosphorus. We plan on taking her for a checkup when she arrives but we want to make sure she should be okay for the long trip. She hasn’t had any medical issues that we are aware of.

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  1. Sarah

    Hi there-
    I would start with a phone call to her current vet- they know her best so far. So long as the vet says she is good to travel, I think you’re fine. I would also make sure to plan the trip out beforehand- it is a long ride and you will have to plan stills along the way and find pet friendly hotels, etc. to utilize. If you go online, you can find a list of places that allow pets- not just hotels, but restaurants as well. Best of luck!

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Heather | 5 years ago
Hi! My 14-year-old Shiba, Cody, Has A Slipped Disc. This Happened On Thursday (today Is Saturday) …

Hi! My 14-year-old shiba, Cody, has a slipped disc. This happened on Thursday (today is Saturday) and he seems to be doing much better. The vet that saw my pup on Thursday said this was a mild case since he was still able to walk. He’s on prednisone, a muscle relaxant and a nerve relaxant and his disc is in his lower back. He’s been on rest and I’ve been icing the area. My question is if there is anything else I should be doing? Any other at home treatments? I read online that strict confinement is key but my dog has anxiety issues with cages/crates but he has been laying down most the day, just walks to go to the bathroom really. Also, ive been noticing his energy is back up and wants to walk longer distances but haven’t let him to make him rest.

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  1. Sarah

    Sorry for the late response. It sounds like you are doing everything recommended. It is difficult to keep them resting when they begin to feel better, but try to get him to rest as recommended. You could call your vet and let them know how he is doing and they may be able to advise you as to the next steps and what more you can do to help him.

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Susan | 5 years ago
My Chesapeake Bay Retriever Has Developed Pink Spots On Her Nose That Have Now Turned White. …

My Chesapeake Bay Retriever has developed pink spots on her nose that have now turned white. I am told that it is Vitiligo. Are there any known cures for this??

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    It is not possible to diagnose accurately (or ethically responsibly) via a photo. All abnormal lumps, bumps, and skin changes should be seen by your vet and if your vet recommends a veterinary dermatologist. Certainly vitiligo is a possible diagnosis but I wouldn’t want to misinterpret the photo because it is only one dimensional and we don’t know anything else about your dog. If your vet thinks it is vitiligo I have not heard of a cure or treatment. You have to be careful with sun exposure as the non pigmented skin is much more susceptible to burning and carcinoma (skin cancer just like in people) can occur. Please see your vet. The best way to diagnose any lesion is with an in person exam and biopsy/histopath. Please let us know what happens. I hope everything ends up being benign.

  2. Susan Post author

    The vitiligo (the white spots on Chassie’s nose) are not raised ,inflamed,or open. Is there a sunscreen that could be suggested to put on Chassie’s nose that will not be harmful due to licking?

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Monica | 5 years ago
Hi Last Saturday Sept 14 My Dog Maltipoo 5 Years Old Woke Up In Pain And Was Hunching …

Hi last Saturday Sept 14 my dog maltipoo 5 years old woke up in pain and was hunching back. Took her to the Vet, they did x rays and bloodwork that came out fine but vet said probably she had bulging disk. I guess they dx: IVDD ( I didn’t really know then) They told me to not have her jump and sent home with gabapetin, rimadyl methocarbamol for 14 days. She seem back to her old self but on Wed she let out a yelp and her back leg gave out. I called they said to resume all meds again. As I was only doing Rimadyl in Tuesday. She seemed to walk again but back leg still weak. Brought her to the vet again today and this doctor said Daizie has decline in on left left no neurological respond when bended. The right leg has slow response. They tell me to now have her limited in movement. So I got her a dog pen as she never like to be in a crate. The vet is referring for MRI/ct scan and surgery. I asked about conservative care and she did rx supplement but said at this point no guarantee. I did purchase phycox max vet recommended. Vet makes it seem like only option is to proceed with surgery. Which MRI alone is costly. Can I still do conservative care and if so what recommendations.

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    I’m sorry to hear about your pup. No one online can diagnose or prescribe a treatment plan for your dog. If you are asking if you “can” well, sure. You can do whichever plan you chose for your dog. Is it going to be as effective as surgery? No one really knows. We think that surgery offers a faster recovery and a better long term prognosis overall. But which is best for you is a decision to be made after a long talk with a vet you trust. In almost all cases my clients choose conservative care because they simply can not afford the mri and surgery. I also strongly (strongly!!) recommend strict cage rest for 8 weeks. If your pup isn’t on your lap or outside going potty they are in a cage. Period. No excuses or exceptions. I say this so the scenario that your describe is less likely to happen. I hope this helps. I have tons of info on my blog and YouTube channel. Also the book below is super helpful.

    1. Monica Post author

      I wish the vet would have been that specific with me, even when I call her on Monday that she was doing better she okay to stop meds, wish she would have tell me to stay the course and keep her in strict confinement. I will do that now, the hope is she able to walk and is not in pain. I found you through YouTube. I didn’t see the book…. Also Do you know if there is any vet like you in Houston area?

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kathy welsh | 5 years ago
My Niece Had Her Dog Neutered. Is It Normal For Them Not To Give Out Pain …

My niece had Her dog neutered. Is it normal for them not to give out pain meds for that?

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    I prescribe them. But not everyone does. This is something to discuss with your vet. Preferably in advance of the neuter.

  2. Krista Magnifico

    I should also add that I give an injectable NSAID to each patient in the morning before their surgery. It lasts 24 hours. Not all pets are painful longer than this. I have found. Cats especially bounce back very quickly.

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Michelle | 5 years ago
Blocked Cat Cannot Urinate After Catheter Treatment. Brought Our Boy (age 6) To The Vet Friday 9/13/19 He …

Blocked Cat Cannot Urinate after catheter treatment. Brought our boy (age 6) to the vet Friday 9/13/19 He was totally blocked. Vet did catheter and IV overnight. Showed great improvement. Still a bit slow to urinate but peed beautifully (on the toilet bowl–yes he often does this). Vet wanted to keep him for observation while we were at work, but again his urination was only dribbles. He’s back at the vet for 2nd night of overnight catheter again. Any insight?? Vet is saying the slow urine stream/lack of urine is due to inflammation. Then how did he pee so beautifully on Wednesday? Very confused, frustrated, and want our baby back home! Any help or insight would be greatly appreciated Thanks.

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  1. Sarah

    Good morning-
    The one time that we had this with one of our cats was many years ago. I wish that the vet we saw them (not who we now see) had kept him for observation and sent us home with better instruction. We ended up having an extremely costly surgery and luckily no recurrence after that. I also researched and changed our litter and we did a diet change. I feel that if our vet at the time had given us better instruction after the first occurrence, as well as had kept him overnight to make sure he was ready to go home, we may possibly have been able to avoid the second visit. I would talk to the vet you are seeing. Ask about diet and litter recommendations. There is a good Rx catfood. Ask for advice on early warning signs to look for. Best of luck.

    1. Michelle Post author

      Thank you. Yes, we are now aware of early warning signs and diet has been changed to Rx cd wet food only. The problem now is that Sebastian can’t seem to urinate more than tiny amounts at a time. Vet keeps saying the cause is inflammation, but he’s had catheters on/off for a week now and is getting meds… Why can’t he urinate??? Vet says cath goes in with no problem and urine at that point is clear. He’s stressed at the clinic and that can’t be helping matters. Thanks again.

  2. Michelle Post author

    Thank you. Yes, we are now aware of early warning signs and diet has been changed to Rx cd wet food only. The problem now is that Sebastian can’t seem to urinate more than tiny amounts at a time. Vet keeps saying the cause is inflammation, but he’s had catheters on/off for a week now and is getting meds… He’s stressed at the clinic and that can’t be helping matters. Thanks again.

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Madison | 5 years ago
My Dog Had A Grape In His Mouth And I Managed To Take It Out I …

My dog had a grape in his mouth and I managed to take it out I don’t know if he ate more but what else can I do he is playing right eating right will he be okay

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    I do t know what size your dog is or if there are any underlying medical issues but one grape isn’t enough to hurt the average dog. My dogs steal them from the wild grapevines and I have never had an issue. We don’t want to feed them but an accidental ingestion of a few isn’t enough to cause damage. Raisins are a bigger concern. I hope this helps. Talk to your vet when you can about this. They know your dog best.

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Kayce | 5 years ago
My Kitten Had A Nasopharyngeal Polyp Removed A Month Ago, What Can I Expect In The Future?

After many attempts to resolve one of my foster kitten’s URI, I learned about nasopharyngeal polyps and low and behold that was the problem with Lindy. My vet’s team removed the bulk of the polyp behind Lindy’s soft palate with a CO2 laser rather than with traction using forceps, the doctor estimated she removed 90%. I see you have had much experience with these nasty growths. Lindy is a foster and I am getting ready to turn her over to the adoption center to find her forever home. I’m not exactly sure what to write about Lindy’s polyp and what might happen in the future. I hear they can recur. Do you have any advice to give me. Thanks so much.

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    If your kitten begins to have loud breathing or making snoring sounds, or if you notice open mouth breathing or any kind of discharge from the nose then I would go back to the vet. In my experience these recur about 10% of the time. Good luck. If you don’t mind I would love to have you share her story on our storylines page. It helps other people learn from the members experience and also helps understand prices in vet med. if you have any questions just let me know.

    Good luck.
    Krista.

    1. Kayce Post author

      Join the discussion…Hi Krista – thanks so much for your response. Yes please share my story. The vet removed the polyp at the same time Lindy was being spayed. I think the polyp removal added about $200.00 to the bill. I normally use a low cost spay/neuter clinic for my foster cats but because of Lindy’s unique situation I paid the my vet’s cost for spay so her total bill for the day’s surgery, spay and polyp removal, was $700.00. My vet was wonderful working through this problem with me but it was the first time she and her colleagues had encountered and removed this type of polyp. I bet they find a lot more of them now that they know they are out there. Thanks again.

    2. Kayce Post author

      Join the discussion…Thanks again and I just made a donation. This gives me great peace of mind.

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Christie | 5 years ago
Went To Jarrettsville Vet Today Had Examine . And Larry Puts Up A Fight So We Have …

Went to Jarrettsville vet today had examine . And Larry puts up a fight so we have to muzzle and hold him tight . He has a skin infection , got antibiotic. No he has this bruise like thing on his neck ??? Help .

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  1. Sarah

    Hi good morning-
    I’m not sure I’m reading your question properly- are you wondering if this bruise is from the muzzle? I’ve not had that happen. It could be from struggling at the vet- depending on how hard he was fighting everyone. Are you certain it wasn’t there earlier? Probably- we know our pets. I would call Jarrettsville- they may say bring him in and take a peak since it’s really hard to tell from a pic. They’re very good there and I’m sure they will be able to advise you. I would call them- hope things are ok!????

  2. Krista Magnifico

    Hello.
    I expected it was from a blood draw. I have confirmed with the doctor you saw. I’m sorry I didn’t get this last night. If you need us we are here. I work all day today if you have any concerns. Sincerely krista