Question
Profile Image
Pawbly | 6 years ago
Sushi Is My 12-year Old Cat With An Inoperable Cancerous Tumor. Last Weekend She Stopped…

Sushi is my 12-year old cat with an inoperable cancerous tumor. Last weekend she stopped eating and was vomiting bile. At the vet’s, her bloodwork showed high kidney and creatinine levels. After three days on an IV, her kidney levels returned to normal, but the creatinine remained high, confirming her cancer diagnosis. While the vet said she had been eating well in the office, since she came home three days ago, she has not eaten at all. We’ve tried everything: k/d wet and hard food, chicken and rice, her regular food, baby food, tuna, and Fresh Pet, but she hasn’t eaten anything, although she is drinking water. Sushi is very lethargic and stays in her hiding place most of the time. We go back to the vet in the morning, but I hate to put her through another stay at the vet’s if the results may be the same. Can anyone give me advice as to what I should do? I cannot stand the fact that she may be suffering.

2 Responses

Comments

  1. Sarah

    Good morning. I’m so sorry about your cat. I am sure you must be struggling with “what should I do? Can I do more? Can I do anything?” I think a truthful conversation with your vet this morning is important. We had to put one of our dogs down this past June because of cancer. He was a trooper and we made him comfortable as long as we could, but finally in June, he just told us it was time. He stopped eating, even when I tried to hand feed, he wouldn’t come off his bed unless he absolutely had to… I guess what I’m sharing is that our pets communicate with us. You know your pet best. Your vet knows the situation. I think a visit and a conversation about Sushi today will help you figure out the next step.

  2. Yetta Adams

    The vet gave us an anti-nausea/appetite stimulator and pain pills. I just pray that these medicines will make Sushi feel like eating agan. Thank you so much for your response.

Question
Profile Image
Lauren Hall | 6 years ago
My Cat Is An Approximately 7 Years Old, 13lbs, Tuxedo Male Who Has Always Been…

My cat is an approximately 7 years old, 13lbs, tuxedo male who has always been an indoor cat. He was popping a lot this summer but every time I called the vet they brushed me off till I brought him in. Then they were shocked and said they’ve never seen this in a cat before, and only in one dog besides. They said he’s subluxating in both of his shoulders and there was nothing they could do. I took him to another vet who also practiced animal chiropractic care hoping they would help, but now one shoulder is fully luxated and they could only suggest a type of glucosamine injection. I did what research I could on feline subluxation and know surgery is the only real fix, so I’d really like advice on a) if injections would be helpful or if I should go ahead with the surgery ASAP before he gets any older and b) if ANYONE knows a feline orthopedic surgeon who has experience with this. I’ve inquired around my state but no luck and I want someone knowledgeable since this is such a rare condition.

1 Response

Comments

  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    The best advice I can give is to seek a boarded veterinary surgeon, or, ask for an appointment with a veterinary teaching hospital. Without knowing the degree of your cats condition, impact on daily life and an exam that’s about all I can say. I can add that this is very uncommon. I would also stress the importance of keeping your cat at an ideal body condition score (weight). If the condition is severe and it is affecting your cats ability to ambulated suegery is probably your best option. Although very likely the most expensive. Good luck. Please let us know what happens.

Question
Profile Image
Debbie Molnar | 6 years ago
If It Helps A Puppy To Grow Up With Another Puppy Does The Same Hold…

If it helps a puppy to grow up with another puppy does the same hold true for kittens? Will cats be happier and better adjusted if they have a sibling? Does it help to get 2 from the same litter or should they be unrelated?

2 Responses

Comments

  1. Sarah

    We had a few “pairs” in our lifetime- meaning they were from the same litter. Never had an issue- all three times, they were really nice, affectionate and all around good pets. I have heard of littermate syndrome in dogs, which can prove to be a challenge, but I do not think the same holds true for cats. I will say that a kitten is a lot of work- box training, house rules, scratching, etc. so keep in mind that is all double duty when bringing two in at the same time. Best of luck!!

  2. Laura

    I’ve never had kittens, so I cannot speak to this part of your question. I do know quite a bit about dogs, however, and I would NEVER suggest getting two littermates in dogs. Ever. This causes some serious developmental issues – littermate syndrome and dog aggression are but two of them.

Question
Profile Image
Kristen Duracka | 6 years ago
We Have An Almost 8 Month Old Hound Mix. We Were Thinking About Getting…

We have an almost 8 month old hound mix. We were thinking about getting an invisible fence. I’m curious about any opinions you have of invisible fences and also if you think it’s a good idea for a hound. Thank you.

1 Response

Comments

  1. Laura

    Invisible fences should never be used unattended…and every person I know with one ends up with a real fence eventually. THAT SAID I know a number of hound people who hunt train their dogs and use e-collars for distance training. I would encourage you to look into field/hunt training.

Question
Profile Image
Vivienne Barnes | 6 years ago
My 9 Year Old Cocker Spaniel Has Had Quite A Few Issues. Pancreas Probems To…

My 9 year old Cocker Spaniel has had quite a few issues. Pancreas probems to name one. This past few days she has not been herself at all. Limping slightly and having great difficulty in getting up on to the chair, also difficulty in moving along the settee or the bed, more or less shuffling along and wimpering looking at me as if to say “mum I`m hurting” any ideas please.

2 Responses

Comments

  1. Julie Brader

    Hi sorry to hear about your Cocker Spaniel…I too have the same breed. Cockers are prone to spinal problems, IVDD (premature ageing of the spine). It sounds like your dog could have a problem with one of his discs. He needs to see a Vet urgently. If this condition is left he could be paralysed, so please don’t leave him, Vet now. Don’t let him attempt to jump on sofas, go up stairs ect…keep him on the same level. Hope all goes well, please let us know.

  2. Vivienne Barnes Post author

    Hi Julie, Took Holly to vet last night and he thinks it is arthritis and is doing tests. She had been on steroids for some time and was weaned off them lately so probably they were keeping the pain at bay. had a jag last night and I have tablets to try so here`s hoping. She seems a bit brighter this morning and had a good nights sleep. Thank you for taking the time to respond.

Question
Profile Image
Mary Fischer | 6 years ago
Torn ACL- My 8 Year Old Siberian Husky Has Been Diagnosed W/ A Torn ACL…

Torn ACL- My 8 year old Siberian Husky has been diagnosed w/ a torn ACL, although a MRI wasn’t done. Dr said it was a lot of manipulation in the knee which is not normal, indicating a tear. Question is should I do surgery or considering using a leg brace? Besides the high cost, I’ve read mixed reviews that after surgery “their dog was never the same.” My dog is a very active Siberian Husky. X-ray showed great hips and blood was that of a healthy dog. I don’t want him to be miserable. Advise??

2 Responses

Comments

  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    I don’t know enough about your dog to offer a specific course. But, in general I feel the dogs who have surgery with a surgeon so far better than those who don’t. I never advise a brave unless the patient cannnot safely tolerate anesthesia.

  2. Mary Fischer Post author

    Dr. Magnifico,
    Thank you so much for your response! I was looking for your advise. They suggested the place in Towson, CVSS and I found a place VOSM. Do you recommend anyone?

Question
Profile Image
Vivienne Barnes | 6 years ago
My 9 Year Old Cocker Spaniel Was Left On Her Own For A Couple Of…

My 9 year old Cocker Spaniel was left on her own for a couple of hours on Sat (she is used to time alone when necessary) When we got back she had poopd all over the downstairs. Never happened before she is spotless usually. 5 poo bags needed. What is going on?

4 Responses

Comments

  1. Sarah

    Morning-
    Is it possible she got into something she shouldn’t have? That seems like an awful lot of mess formamshort period of time. I’d take a look around to make sure- anything bad that she may have gotten into, I would give a call to the vet and see what they recommend. Hope it’s ok!

  2. Vivienne Barnes Post author

    Many thanks. As far as I can tell everything was normal when we left. No cupboards left open etc. very strange. She was ok yesterday though not left alone, should I still give the vet a call?

  3. Sarah

    I probably would. They may want you to bring in a stool sample to test. I would definitely keep an eye on her today, and if it happens again or she seems to be straining I would get to the vet.

Question
Profile Image
Christie | 6 years ago
I Have 2 Shihtzus They Both Have Started With Dark Spots On Their Belly’s …

I have 2 shihtzus they both have started with dark spots on their belly’s . I have a white one and a gray/white/ Black one . I am worried it is something wrong .

1 Response

Comments

  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello, If you are worried you should talk to your vet about them. The only way any kind of lesion can be diagnosed is via an examination and in most cases a biopsy. Just like with people. Things like melanomas are possible in both dogs and humans. They are diagnosed via in person exam and histopathology.

Question
Profile Image
Cathy Testerman | 6 years ago
I Have A 6 Week Old Kitten That Developed Severe Diarrhea 5 Days Ago. I…

I have a 6 week old kitten that developed severe diarrhea 5 days ago. I took her to the vets 3 days ago. Stool culture positive for coccidia. She has been on treatment for 3 days with no improvement. Her rectal area is raw. She is eating and drinking but obviously does not feel well. I have been bathing her and putting Desitin on her rectal area per my vets recommendation. Shouldn’t she be getting better by now?

3 Responses

Comments

  1. Sarah

    I would call the vet in the morning and let them know your concerns. Ask if there is anything else that you could be doing and you might want to ask if there is some supplement that you could give to her food-wise too. Good luck

  2. Krista Magnifico

    Yes. If I would expext rhat if the cias wit the diarrhea was singularly the parasites that she would be better. In cases like these I usually recommend “playing” with the formula. Powder versus liquid replacer and trying to add more water vs less formula. I would also talk to the vet about checking another fecal sample for parasites and even switching to a kitten food. Even a different kind of food can help. If it’s not parasites it’s the diet. That’s my usual treatment plan for theee guys. Good luck. Please let us know what happens

  3. Cathy Testerman Post author

    Took kitten back to vets yesterday. Was given Flagyl. Seems to be working plus Royal Canin GI food. Rectal swelling appears a little better.

Question
Profile Image
Pawbly | 6 years ago
My Dog Zeus Has A Reddish Pink Pea Sized Bump On His Snout. I’ve Looked…

My dog Zeus has a reddish pink pea sized bump on his snout. I’ve
looked up all kinds of things. I think it’s a histiocytoma. It let’s out blood and oozes once in awhile and then fills up fast and big again. If someone can help I want to make sure what it is. The pic is not showing how it really looks. It’s very puffy. Thank you Debbie

2 Responses

Comments

  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    The only way to make sure what it is is by removing it for a biopsy. After that it is educated guesses by the vet. It is not possible to diagnose via a description or picture. Please see your vet. Based on breed, age and an examination they can help guide you to a plan to help resolve it. Good luck.

  2. Debbie Fanta

    I do have an appt. thought maybe a vet would know.
    Thanx Deb