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Megan | 4 years ago
Kittens And Coccidiosis – Race Against Time

Hello. A few days ago, I found a litter of five abandoned kittens. They have been determined to be between four- and five-weeks old. There are three females and two males, and they are all very social. They are eating and drinking well, and we are currently in the process of weening them from formula and kitten pate to moistened kitten kibble.

Unfortunately, on Sunday afternoon, one of the female kittens (who is named Princess Butterscotch) started to show signs of Coccidiosis. Being in the country like I am, I am very familiar with the signs of the parasite. I rushed her to the emergency vet on Sunday evening, where she was diagnosed with Coccidiosis. She was put on a starter dose of both Panacur and Albon for all parasites. I was also given enough treatment to treat the other four kittens at home, because common sense dictated that they were also infected, even if not showing signs. The four whom were healthy before are still doing well. They all get .25ML of both the Panacur and Albon every evening. The last dose of Panacur will be this evening, whereas the Albon was given in an eight-day dosage.

Princess Butterscotch still has diarrhea. It is to the point where she was “poopy butt” (as we so elegantly call it), and she does not always know she is going to the bathroom. She is still eating, drinking, playing, purring, and doing all things that kittens do; however, I am distraught, because as I said, I have seen Coccidiosis in kittens before and know how quickly it can take a turn for the worst.

In all my experiences and my family’s experiences, Albon DOES NOT WORK on Coccidiosis. And even if it temporarily stops the symptoms of Coccidiosis, they reappear within 24 hours of the last dose of Albon. However, it was all the emergency vet carried. I called my regular vet this afternoon for an appointment and to discuss Ponazuril as a possible treatment, as it is the only medication we have ever found to definitely treat a kitten with Coccidia. My vet could not see me due to having no appointments. I called another vet in the area, and they also cannot see me due to having no appointments. The emergency vet I took Princess Butterscotch to on Sunday evening is not open today.

My fear is that I am going to lose this kitten. I know Albon generally takes one to two days in order to really start showing signs of improvement; however, it seems she’s getting worse and not better. I am wiping up all of her little spots on the bathroom floor with bleach cleaner, and I am making sure their litter box stays clean. However, this will all be for naught if she does not make it. I am currently treating her with some Pedialyte in order to ensure she stays hydrated until someone can see her and possibly provide her and her littermates with more effective treatments against Coccidiosis.

Any advice in the meantime would be greatly appreciated. I have not had this litter of kittens long, but it is difficult not to get attached to such wonderful, loving creatures, and I would hate to lose one because I did not do all that I could to save her life.

Because I know this will be brought forth in mind, none of the kittens are showing ANY signs of Fading Kitten Syndrome. They are all very loving, active, and social. All of them, save for Princess Buttercup, are using the litter box regularly, and they are all eating very well.

Thank you for any and all advice,
One very worried pseudo-foster mother

4 Responses

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  1. Sarah

    Hi there- thanks for rescuing these kittens!!!!???????? Is there no way that your regular vet can squeeze you in? Or at least get you on a list in case of cancellation? And can they recommend anything else to do in The meantime while you wait for your appointment?

    1. Megan Post author

      I wish. I even talked to the veterinarian this morning and she told me she couldn’t get me in; that I need to feed her some Pedialyte and hope for the best. This afternoon it’s clear that she now weighs a lot less than her littermates. However, the seeping diarrhea seems to have cleared up a bit. I haven’t found any on the bathroom floor, only small droplets on the their blanket, which of course I’ve gotten into the washer immediately. Unfortunately, it looks like I can do nothing until Thursday when either of my vets in the area have an appointment. Either that or the animal hospital again, but they don’t open until 8PM tonight. It’s a really tough spot to be in. No vet availability and no vet around here, despite Coccidiosis being a real issue in these parts, willing to do anything but Albon. I hate to sound like an “internet vet”, but experience and vet articles published online tell me that Albon simply does not work on Coccidiosis.

    2. Gloria

      Thank you for caring for these babies. According to VCAHospitals.com, the most common treatment for coccidiosis is sulfadimethoxine, and that is what Albon is.

      <>

      Good luck! Keep her going on the pedialyte in any case.

      1. Gloria

        I tried to copy the paragraph from VCAHospitals.com, but it dropped it. Anyway, that’s what it says to use.

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Lou | 4 years ago
Please Could You Give Me Some Advise. I Got My Dog (1year Old) Castration Due To …

Please could you give me some advise. I got my dog (1year old) castration due to cryptorchidism. Day1 – After the surgery he was very bruised. Day2 – He was happy, eating, drinking but very sore. Day3- Abdomen started to swell. Day4- Abdomen was very swollen, bruised and slight clear weeping from incision. Visited the vet who said it was fine. Day5- Extreme swelling (see pic) so I took him to the vet again who give more pain/inflammation meds. Day6 -Swelling has ruptured leaving a whole in his abdomen (see pic) Visited the vet again who give 6 day supply off antibiotics and advised to clean twice daily. The vet didn’t clean the wound and advised it didn’t need stitched closed. Day7 – My dogs eaten and drank but has spent most of the day sleeping. I’m so worried that he has a large whole in his abdomen, how’s it ever going to close! Also why would this happen! Thanks for taking the time to read.

3 Responses

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  1. Sarah

    Poor baby!! Definitely keep the area clean- flush with saline? Did your vet provide you with novasol? (The blue antiseptic) We use that to keep cuts clean often. Truly, I think I would call my vet back and voice my concerns to them and see what they say. I think I would ask to be seen again as well. If still not happy with things, I might call around for references to someone who I feel more comfortable with.

    1. Lou Post author

      Thanks for replying Sarah. Iv cleaned the outer area of the wound with antiseptic but don’t want to put anything inside! So stressful X

  2. Lou Post author

    Glad to say he’s much better. I took him back to the vet (again) and a honey dressing was applied. Few days later it was removed and the vet was able to staple the wound closed. Thank goodness X

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Edie | 4 years ago
4-5 Month Old Puppy Recently Adopted. She Started Peeing Quite A Lot And Within 12 Hours There …

4-5 month old puppy recently adopted. She started peeing quite a lot and within 12 hours there was blood in it. It was Saturday and my vet was closed. I was able to get her into a vet I use to go to previously. They said a lot of white blood cells so could not even tell what bacteria. Would let it grow over weekend. The bill was 269.00 visit, antibiotic injection , urine sample, growth plate .. today they called saying lots of bacteria grew but need to send out for another 260.00$ .. is that normal, the going rate?? I said I could not afford so they said to keep on meds clindamycin which cost 62.00 and see what happens. Just wondering because that seems really high to send urine out.

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  1. Sarah

    Good morning-
    are you planning on staying with this vet? I think if that is the case then you should discuss with them your budget and your concerns. (You had mentioned that your regular vet was closed.) You certainly can call your new vet and request pricing from them as well. I know that Jarrettsville vet has much of their pricing listed on their website upfront. My guess would be that some sort of infection has taken hold and antibiotics are necessary to clear it up. Perhaps they want a second analysis to make sure they are treating properly? I hope your new pup is healthy soon????????

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Jackie | 4 years ago
HELP!! I Have A 3yo Female Pom, Nomi, Who Is Bullying Our Newly Adopted Female Puppy, …

HELP!!
I have a 3yo female Pom, Nomi, who is bullying our newly adopted female puppy, Ali.
Backstory: We had a senior Beagle (who recently passed away) and our current 3yo Pom. They got along very well tho the beagle was not in to playing with toys, he would play “wrestle” with Nomi. Nomi never had any aggression toward him (other than don’t go after my food) but she did like to boss him around….stay out of the garbage, don’t lick the dishes when the dishwasher is open sort of stuff. As said, our Beagle recently passed and we just (like yesterday) adopted a puppy, wanting to give Nomi another companion. Nomi is bullying the new pup; will not allow her to play with the toys…(.and we did buy new toys as we knew not to just give Nomi’s toys up for grabs)….will not allow her play freely, nips at pup if she makes sudden movements around her. Normally, Nomi is a very social dog with humans but has never been around dogs other than her beagle brother who was already here when Nomi came to us at 12 weeks old.

I need to know how to calm Nomi down and teach her it is ok for the new pup to play both with toys and in general. I need to know how to effectively “discipline” Nomi when she is mean to the pup without using tactics such as striking her or yelling. I have been giving her lots of praise in the moments when she doesn’t nip or growl at the pup, even treats. We’ve been very cautious to make sure we show Nomi affection right along with the new girl and we do not leave them alone together, and do not feed them together.

ANY help/advice would be so welcome as we want these two girls to get along and be pals for their sake and ours!

2 Responses

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  1. Laura

    How did you introduce them? Have you talked to Nomi’s obedience trainer for ideas? This sounds like it COULD be generalized resource guarding, and it might mean she needs more confidence.

  2. Sarah

    Good morning-
    I think starting over from scratch might be helpful. Complete re-introduction for both dogs. A trainer will be helpful as well- even if your dogs already have obedience training. It just helps establish some routine as well as pack order. I am a firm believer in walks. They are another fantastic tool that help keep things in order. And personal space vs. supervised play will be helpful also. Setting up a place for your 3 yo dog to go for a break (crate, bed, etc.) that they know is for them only can also be very helpful. When our senior dog was still with us, if he went to his bed- everyone dogs and humans alike- knew to let him be, he needed a break. Our younger dogs do the same thing, and it really helps keep things calm. I hope you find this helpful. Again, a trainer who can see things firsthand will probably be money well spent and prove very helpful. These are just some things that help in our house. Best of luck!!!

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Sandra | 4 years ago
Four Years Ago This Week, My Dog Connor Was Released From A Baltimore-area Veterinary Orthopedic And …

Four years ago this week, my dog Connor was released from a Baltimore-area veterinary orthopedic and sports medicine hospital after THREE failed TLPO surgeries and multiple significant infections, which created the beginning of Connor’s end. The reminders of this are coming up daily in my Facebook “Memories” feed, which is why I’m currently wrestling with taking action four years after the fact. Connor completely tore his CCL and the ortho surgeon sold me–HARD–on TPLO for him. This same practice and surgeon had successfully repaired a torn CCL for another of my dogs, Tessa, when she was five and a half years old. Connor was 13, and the surgeon was all but guaranteeing success, citing examples of 12-year-old Great Dane patients who regained great quality of life and movement. Connor fell off a ramp getting out of our car and three of the six screws broke after the first TPLO surgery. The surgeon did a second TPLO surgery, after which Connor went NOWHERE and did NOTHING, and the screws failed again. Plus, the second time, he developed an infection so bad I mistook the stench for a sewer problem I was having in my house. When the vet intern cut off his splint and dressing, what was inside was bright green and smelled horrendous. I’d been mistaking Connor’s crying and balking as stubborness, not recognizing he was in PAIN. The staff whisked Connor away to the back and kept him for more than a week. MONTHS later, one of the vet techs told me they weren’t sure he was going to make it that first weekend (our appointment was Saturday; while they were typically closed on Sunday, they had this staffer with him around-the-clock, doing regular debriding they didn’t tell me about). The third surgery involved an external fixator I was cleaning multiple times a day. When they found out I was doing this, I was yelled at and told to only clean it once a day. I followed the directions–and another significant infection developed. There were multiple instances of their applying splints in ways that hurt my dog, and I ultimately had to move him to another veterinary ortho practice because the surgeon who performed the surgery, the vet who owned the practice and finally the office manager (who had been the final person who would even respond to my calls and letters) stopped responding. Second and third opinions were that Connor developed a bone infection so severe he might not recover–because a fragment of screw had been left behind from one of the first two surgeries. He ruptured a disk in his back trying to manage the awkward splints the first ortho vet used. The second ortho vet did an MRI–discovering the TWO ruptured disks (one was several years old and had been misdiagnosed by the original vet ortho and sports medicine practice as a “congenital defect”). I went ahead with the spine surgery–within three hours in recovery, Connor pushed the baby-gated pen he was in around a corner. The second surgeon was amazed, and said to me, “Younger dogs who recover perfectly well from this surgery can’t even stand at this point–Connor is rearranging the furniture. I can’t imagine how much better he must feel right now to be doing that.” But the leg wasn’t healing due to the infection, and I finally conceded that, despite my best intentions to give him back his mobility and his life, the decision for TPLO actually made his last year of life miserable and then forced me to put him down. (And I can’t even tell you about the in-home “euthanasia” service–it was so horrible I still weep thinking about what happened there, more than three years later.) With this brief (really!) background, would it be unreasonable of me to file a complaint with the state veterinary licensing board? It’s only now that I realize THEY made mistake after mistake, didn’t fully advise me of the situation and options, and caused me to put my dog through pain and misery that wasn’t going to help him improve. I’ve been really fired up about this complaint this week, but then I read your blog about euthanasia and how clients can be unreasonably cruel, and I need to know if you think there would be anything gained from the practice having to answer for their decisions (which include blaming me and refusing to talk to me or treat my dog until I fully paid them ongoing bills that were supposed to have been covered under the “guarantee” they provided in writing.) I really appreciate your taking the time to read this long post and offer your advice.

2 Responses

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    I am so sorry for you and your dog. I’m sorry that you both had to go through this and I’m also sorry that they made a terrible situation worse. My blog wasn’t intended to be about cruelty, although yes I do mention it happens, but tether my difficultly in knowing what’s best and how to serve my patients first and foremost. I don’t know what kind of advice to give you. I will tell you that we created the storylines section (the tab for it is above) so that anyone and everyone can share their pets experiences so other may benefit. There are also multiple facebook groups dedicated to pursuing malpractice in vet med. maybe they can help.
    Again I’m so sorry. It’s not fair and it’s not right. I’m not saying that medical complications don’t and can’t happen b. I am saying that no one should be bullied, yelled at or made to feel anything other than valued and appreciated when they seek help for their pets.

    1. Sandra Post author

      I talked to a lawyer about “malpractice.” The law basically says the value of the dog is the most you could recover in a “malpractice” suit. Because Connor had been through the shelter system a year prior to my finding him there, he was already chipped and neutered. I paid $35 to adopt him. The lawyer told me it wasn’t worth my time to pursue it. Thanks for your kind response.

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Melissa | 4 years ago
My 7 Year Old Dog, We Aren’t Sure Of Breed, But We Think A Lab/beagle …

my 7 year old dog, we aren’t sure of breed, but we think a lab/beagle mix of some sort experienced extreme pain and loss of the use of his back legs 2 days ago. I immediately took him to the emergency vet. They told us med management and cage rest. They brought him to the car with the use of a sling for his hind legs stating he still had some movement of his hind limbs intact. 2 hours later I believed he had declined and had no use. I called back to the vet who made me feel guilty for asking for further evaluation stating she would not put a dog through an MRI and surgery that still exhibited neurological function. He cried all night long and every time I moved him to potty was in excruciating pain. he wouldn’t eat and no longer could void. I took him back to the vet the next morning where he received an MRI and underwent surgery for a ruptured disc. at that point he no longer had deep pain sensation. My question is did that delay diminish his chances of recovery? and what are the odds now? I’m just heartbroken for him and do not want him to suffer. I am a nurse practitioner and very willing to provide the care he needs however I don’t want him to be in long term pain or have a poor quality of life.

2 Responses

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    Please dont beat yourself up over doing the best you could in a very difficult time. I really hope things work out. Stay in touch with your veterinary team and I’m sending hugs to you both. You are doing the best you can. Give your dog some time. It’s always really hard the first few days. Hang in there.

    1. Melissa Post author

      thank you for your encouragement. I’m going to remain hopeful that he can make a full recovery.

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Amanda | 4 years ago
I Have A Cat Who Needs A Nodule Removed From His Liver As Well As A …

I have a cat who needs a nodule removed from his liver as well as a bladder stone. Can anyone pleasee help find me a surgeon for this procedure? I can have all his recent test results and ultrasound sent from this vet to one who can do this.

1 Response

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  1. Laura

    Hi Amanda – it looks like you’re in Glen Arm? Did your vet have any suggestions? Are you willing to drive up to Philly, and would your vet be willing to consult with UPenn? UPenn treated us very well when we had a puppy who needed specific care we couldn’t get locally.

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rat | 4 years ago
So I Have A Kitten, He Is Presumably 3-4 Weeks Old Found In A Walmart Parking …

So i have a kitten, he is presumably 3-4 weeks old found in a walmart parking lot, and he has lice, taking him to the vet as soon as possible, but im wondering what the best way to get rid of them at his age is? we are currently trying diatomaceous earth and coconut oil?

1 Response

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  1. Sarah

    Thank you for rescuing this kitten. I think your best bet is a visit to the vet. At this young an age, I would t want to assume anything- so a through exam and advice from them will get you going in the right direction. Thank you for loving this kitty????????

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Sandra | 4 years ago
What Is Your Opinion On Tne “No Flap Ear Wrap” Rather Than A Cone After An …

What is your opinion on tne “No Flap Ear Wrap” rather than a cone after an ear hematoma ?

1 Response

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    I think they are helpful in not allowing the head shaking to worsen the pinna trauma but they don’t treat the underlying cause of the hematomas nor do they resolve the hematomas themselves. They are essentially just a pressure wrap. It used you still have to relieve the bleeding within the ear flap, prevent it from reoccurring and treat whatever caused it. If you don’t do this the wrap may actually worsen the ears. I don’t advise them as I think they can close in moisture and infection which might actually worsen the condition in some cases. Ear hematomas need a vet for treatment of the underlying cause first and foremost. The hematoma also needs to be treated. The wrap doesn’t do either.

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Devika | 4 years ago
My Cat Went Missing For Two Day And We Found Her Today Morning.she Didn’t …

My cat went missing for two day and we found her today morning.she didn’t had anything for the past two days so she was in a bad state.she has injuries behind both her ears which look like something bit her probably our male cat.Now she has developed a swelling under her chin.How should I treat her and feed her?

1 Response

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  1. Sarah

    If there is swelling and evidence of a bite, you probably need to shave and clean out the cuts and antibiotics from your vet. Bites are easily infected and that swelling very well may be one forming already, or something worse. I would get to the vet ASAP.