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Melinda | 2 months ago
About 2 Months Ago My 11-Year-Old English Chocolate Lab Started Developing A Cough. It Started Off Mild …

About 2 months ago my 11-Year-Old English chocolate Lab started developing a cough. It started off mild at first with a couple coughing fits here and there. I got her to the vet as soon as I could get an appointment. She was ruled out for kennel cough because she’s up to date on shots, she never is boarded and she never goes to dog parks. They started a round of antibiotics, and cough suppressants. It didn’t seem to work so we went back. They did a lot of tests which of course was a lot of money. She’s diabetic so congestive heart failure was a concern but through testing and an X-ray they said they don’t believe it has to do with her heart & there didn’t seem to be fluid around her lungs either.. She was then put on steroids because they thought it might be inflammation. It didn’t seem to help any & her cough has only gotten progressively worse. We went back again and now they put her on a different round of antibiotics & another script that I have to fill at a human pharmacy for Codeine I believe. She has coughing fits almost every 20 to 30 minutes and sometimes with rubbing of her neck it helps calm them down. Her coughing spasms generally produce a lot of phlegmy spit up. I’ve spent more money than I have to try to get her help but we haven’t been able to get any answers. I was told it could possibly be Laryngeal Paralysis but the only way to truly confirm was to take her to a specialist and spend a lot more money to put my 11-year-old senior diabetic dog under sedation for an invasive procedure to diagnose. I’m not even sure what the fix for that would be if there is one and I’m sure it’s thousands more $$$ for a girl who may not make it through all that. It’s heartbreaking watching her struggle., I don’t really know what to think or do, just at a devastating loss watching my poor girl suffer. Within the last week, my once always hungry Labrador who never turned down any type of food down has stopped eating her normal food and treats that she used to love. She now only accepts wet food and soft meaty treats. I’m not really sure where to go. I don’t think the ER is the best answer here and again I’ve spent way more money than I even have to try to find an answer. Just trying to find any guidance/advice/assistance/suggestions and/or answers that I possibly can. Thank you in advance.

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    I’m sorry that you are having so much difficulty finding the cause to this.
    There is no way around the fact that some patients come to us with more difficult conditions than others. When we struggle for the answer the best way to get to the bottom of the problem is to get a second opinion and a new set of eyes. I don’t think there is anyway around seeing a new vet and probably spending more money to rerun some of the tests.
    The other option is to see if your vet can send the X-rays to a radiologist for review and ask for a vet consult via the lab work provider they use. For cases like this I can lean on a specialist to help me with the difficult cases I see. I use ANTECH and Idexx for my lab services and they both offer online consults for vets. They also both offer radiologists to review my X-rays The phone consult is free and the radiologist review is often about $150. It might help.
    Otherwise you are stuck with just trying additional medication to see if they help.
    X-rays also have limitations and a CT scab might be needed to see the area of the throat or chest causing the issue. I’m sorry I wish I could help more.

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Theresa | 2 months ago
Spiral Fracture Of The Humerus-JVC Dr Magnifico

I’m have a 7month old female tortie who broke her left humerus last night. The ER vet at falls road animal hospital who was the only ER able to take her, and delayed a surgery to do so, said it was a spiral fracture and they were worried it could puncture through the skin. I was quoted $1400 for everything needed before surgery. They say they can do surgery Thursday which they estimated to be 4-5k but has always been higher in my experience with them so I am anticipating 6k. I do not have those funds. I made a gofundme, waggle, and posted to fb groups. I’ve reached out to other vets like JVC, timonium, padonia, spaynow for second opinions. Hoping to hear back. Especially from Dr Magnifico at JVC as she has come the mostly highly recommended on every post I’ve made.
Any help would be beneficial.

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,

    I’m sorry to hear about your cat. I understand how expensive and difficult it is to manage an injury like this. This is a difficult bone and fracture to treat. In all cases of broken bones it is ideal to see an orthopedic surgeon and be at a facility that specializes in this. There are board certified veterinary surgeons in our area. You can google them for a facility near you. If you are staying at this hospital please inquire who is doing the surgery and what their credentials are.
    This fracture is beyond the scope of what our hospital can do. For cases like this we would offer a referral to a specialist or cage rest and pain management. This is a young cat and it will likely heal with strict cage rest. In my opinion this should always be offered before discussion of an amputation. Your cat must stay in a small cage with a low bed, low sided litter box and rest for 4-8 weeks. Even if you have the leg surgically repaired these cats need strict cage rest for 4-8 weeks. Re-Xray every 2 weeks.
    In 20 years of practicing veterinary medicine almost all of these cases were managed with crate test alone due to clients not being able to afford the $6-10,000 estimate for surgery. They have ALL done well with cage rest. I also recommend that she is spayed after healing. Best of luck.

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Summer | 2 months ago
My Perfectly Healthy 13 Yo Boxer Just Out Of Nowhere His Back Legs Fall Out From Under …

My perfectly healthy 13 yo boxer just out of nowhere his back legs fall out from under him and he can’t stand or walk. He doesn’t seem bothered when you touch his back or legs and then stared vomiting

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    The answer to why this might be happening lies in an examination with your veterinarian. I worry about heart disease in boxers. I also worry about hemoabdomen. Gum color, abdominal palpitation, heart and lungs need to listened to and an orthopedic and neurological examination are needed. This has the potential of being an emergency.

  2. Summer Post author

    Thank you I am at the emergency vet now as he started seizing as well.

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Cathy | 2 months ago
My Cat Has Been Waking Me Up Very Early And I End Up Sleeping In My …

My cat has been waking me up very early and I end up sleeping in my recliner. I believe when my husband gets up to use the bathroom, Leo is waking up and I guess thinks it’s time for me to get up. I would love to sleep in my bed again but I don’t want to close the door to the cat or my husband. I have asked my husband to cut back on liquids after dinner but he won’t. I could use suggestions.
I don’t give him treats when he wakes me up. I bring him downstairs with me and he’s fine. If I sleep all night in the recliner or another room, he sleeps all night.

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An Qi | 2 months ago
Dou, My Female Mixed-breed Dog, Was Spayed A While Ago. She Weighs Around 38 Kg, Which Is …

Dou, my female mixed-breed dog, was spayed a while ago. She weighs around 38 kg, which is too heavy for her, making it hard for her to walk because her joints struggle to support her weight. She’s been on joint supplements (as attached below) for a year, and that’s helped her move better. Recently, though, she’s been vomiting a lot, especially after eating or drinking, and the vomit is yellow. She’s also lost her appetite. I took her to a local vet and followed their treatment, but she’s not getting better. I’d like some online advice to help her feel better.

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Cynthia | 2 months ago
I Just Had My 3 Year Old Goldens Eyes Checked By An Opthalmologist. She Has GA In …

I just had my 3 year old Goldens eyes checked by an opthalmologist. She has GA in her right eye. I tried researching GA but PRA keeps coming up. What kind of care do I need to do for my dog?

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Jessica | 2 months ago
Hello Vets I Hope I Can Get Some Help Please. Looking For Funding Options Or A …

Hello vets

I hope I can get some help please.

Looking for funding options or a vet that works with people on financial aid (location Ontario toronto). My dog dewclaw came off exposing the inside. I am doing my best to keep it clean from infection. Do I need to take him to see a vet?

I attached a photo also I got some Betadine but want to ensure the proper use. I was told to dilute as it’s strong it’s 10% advice would be great

My dog is not bleeding, no signs of serious discomfort. Able to run and walk still. Keeping an eye for infection

Happend on January 30th I live in Toronto west end

Any advice for the mean time would be super appreciated. I have been using dog bandage, gauze, cleaning with mild soap and water. I used peroxide the day it broke then after a walk because dirt got in the wound. I have now discontinued using it. I used ointment photo attached below. But I needed somthing to prevent infection. So I got Betadine and was told to dilute my dog is about 20 pounds. I also let it air out in between bangade changed he wear cone so can’t lick the wound. Theb 1 hour in morning morning before bed I let air out.

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,

    I typically don’t see these appointments ending up as an emergency issue. I have had one dog who needed intensive care for tetanus after a nail was trimmed too short and the nail bed was bleeding. This is however very rare.
    In almost all cases these heal with minimal veterinary treatment but it is important to not let the pet lick the area and keep it clean and dry.
    I cannot tell you whether it needs veterinary attention. I always have to err on the side of caution and recommend a veterinary visit.

    Best of luck.
    Krista.

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J | 2 months ago
I Have A Poor Feral Cat Out Back Who Got An Abscess. I Did Not Know …

I have a poor feral cat out back who got an abscess. I did not know what was going on about 8 days ago when I noticed her face or side of its head swelling. The cat seemed to be disoriented. In retrospect, I think the cat was febrile and suffering.

The next day the abscess popped. It was a big open sore for 2-3 days. Now it is healing, and the cat seems more comfortable. The cat is moving, and eating food & water in a couple of different locations. It has also slept in two different shelter spaces. (I replace the bedding in those.)

The wound on the side of its face appears to be healing. Given that the cat is feral, I did not want to try to administer antibiotics topically or orally. I considered putting the cat in a cage, and taking it to the vet. However, given its bad physical health, I almost sure the vet would rightfully put the cat down. Also, the trauma and stress of trapping the animal would be counterproductive.

The sore is very large – but as I said healing. I am afraid of secondary infections or chronic, growing infections. Are there any signs I can look for to determine whether or not the cat has a good chance of recovery, or is going downhill?

Joe

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  1. J Post author

    Cat seems old and enervated, but is stronger. I have now twice applied a topical antibiotic to the abscessed area – which appears to be healing some. (I am surprised I could touch the animal with a finger – and that is a function of weakness.) It ate pretty well this evening.

    I am on the fence on whether to euthanize the cat. I am afraid it will pass away over the fence in the neighbor’s yard.

    Right now, I am good with letting it live out its remaining days in this yard, and her shelter.

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Cindy | 2 months ago
Is Skout’s Honor Probiotic Lavender Dog Deodorizer Or Any Commercial Dog Deodorizing Spray Safe For …

Is Skout’s Honor Probiotic Lavender Dog Deodorizer or any commercial dog deodorizing spray safe for dog with skin allergies?

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Vivienne Barnes | 2 months ago
Hi, My 3 Yr. Old Springer Sleeps With Me Very Happily. Lately Though She Is On The …

Hi, my 3 yr. old Springer sleeps with me very happily. Lately though she is on the bed, off the bed etc which is disturbing my sleep. Any ideas please. Her bed is at the side of the bed but she is not really interested.

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    If I read this correctly you are asking me to try to discern this being a medical problem versus a behavioral preference?
    I don’t know which, or if it is a combination of both. You would need and examination for the medical and a long discussion with your vet or a behaviorist for the other.