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Ana Garcia | 5 years ago
Hello! I Have Been A Follower For A Couple Of Years And You Helped Me To …

Hello! I have been a follower for a couple of years and you helped me to not give up hope when my 15 year old dachshund suffered from cervical IVDD in October….he was completely paralyzed for 1 month and is mostly back to his rambunctious self. Thank you!!
I do have a question. I am currently fostering an old lady chihuahua who has red eyes. I was wondering if you had come across it or have any resources I could use? She does not have conjunctivitis. She sees well, but does appear to startle if we move too quickly. It appears that the cornea and iris are red…like that of a hamster or rat. There is not really any pupil distinction, however, it does not seem as though she suffers from light sensitivity. Thank you for any information that you can provide.

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    If she wasnt born like this ( a condition where there arent any of the normal pigments present in the eyes, as in forms of albinism) then I would see a vet asap. I would be afraid of neoplasia (can happen in the iris), high blood pressure, and even bleeding disorders. Your vet can do a cursory ophthalmic exam to help identify a problem versus a congenital, or acquired condition. In many cases your vet might want to refer you to a boarded ophthalmologist for confirmation and treatment assistance.

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deehoeck1 | 5 years ago
I Have A 10-1/2 That You (Dr. Morgan) Has Seen Over The Years. Lilly Started Sneezing …

I have a 10-1/2 black lab that you (Dr. Morgan) has seen over the years. Lilly started sneezing yesterday and last nite and today she has had a nose bleed. What could be causing this? Thank you!

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    There are lots of reasons pets sneeze. Allergies, foreign material inhaled (Like a piece of grass) into the nostrils, infection and even cancer are all possible. In general sneezing or longer than a few days duration causes rupturing of the delicate covering of the nasal turbinates (the internal tissue of the nose). When you over stress this tissue it starts to breakdown and causes bleeding. I use the analogy of blowing your nose for days when you have a head cold and then notice blood in your tissue/Kleenex. If the sneezing persists please call for an exam so we can help identify what the cause might be. Then we can help with treatment options. For right now try to increase the humidity on your home with a humidifier or running a hot shower and coding your pup Inside the bathroom With you. I have also seen some dogs have nose bleeds due to tick disease but usually not precipitated with sneezing. De Morgan is here tomorrow if you would like to call the clinic to set up an exam.

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Dana | 5 years ago
Blocked Cat 3.5 Years Old Left Er At 2pm About 3 Hours Ago They Drained Bladder..asked If …

Blocked cat 3.5 years old
Left er at 2pm about 3 hours ago they drained bladder..asked if they had payment plan and don’t have
.cost is over 2000 dollars
I can’t afford. Trying to find a place that will accept payments in Dayton Ohio

4 Responses

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    Call everyone and ask for help. Friends, family, vets, shelters, rescues and any animal foundations. Also see if you can at least try a medical treatment option to help reduce the chance of reblocking. It is also important to change the diet and start an exercise program. Please add your story to the storylines. I would like to hear about how they drained the bladder and what they charged you. It will help others in your situation and I can add my thoughts on what they did and why and how we might be able to offer more help to you now. I hope this helps

    1. Dana Post author

      The first vet hospital drained his bladder and said he had a blockage and so they wouldnt do anything else bc I didnt have 2000$. The second hospital gave him pain meds and said he likely had a blockage also and may not make it through the night
      They also wanted 2000$ and wouldn’t accept payment plan.
      He is very weak now and I’m just watching him breathe
      Don’t think hes gonna make it

      1. Krista Magnifico

        I’m so sorry. Is there anyone you can surrender him to so that at least he can be helped? I would rather have him alive and with another person than dying in front of you. I know it’s terrible but he needs help. Wherever possible. Call the shelters and rescues. Often they have a vet on duty who can intervene. He may go to another family. But be alive

  2. Sarah

    Good morning-
    I am sooo sorry. Is there any chance that your regular vet is available? They know you, have all of your contact information and might be willing to work something out with you????

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Sarah Weber | 5 years ago
9 Year Old Female Healthy And Happy Lab Seen For A Full Physical And Check Up A …

9 year old female healthy and happy lab seen for a full physical and check up a week ago. Hip/knee mild pain not really improved on Dasuquin. Also new onset of itchy feet (pet is chewing and this happens yearly) from season allergies.
Recommended and started on Gallaprant for a week trial in conjunction with Fish oil 2000mgs daily. Started on gabapentin 3 days ago 300mg bid……Haven’t see any improvement yet.
For the feet, Benadryl 75mg po bid for the past 5 days, which is somewhat effective but wears off quickly. Neo predef foot powder, which helped in the past, unavailable, therefore started on prescription foot bath solution bid. Unfortunately, Foot bath is clearly not decreasing the chewing.
My main concern is that as of this morning, she is now in discomfort with what appears to be an upset stomach. Refused to eat breakfast which has NEVER happened before (even with previous GI illnesses). Not sure which medication might be causing this?

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    I think that you are talking about Molly? If so I will talk to dr Rossi tomorrow morning and have her call you to discuss what’s going on. For today I would stop both the galliprant and the gabapentin. You can give the Benadryl every 8 hours for now. Also try to get her in the bath tub and soak her feet in cool water. I will have the clinic call you now. We are open until 3 today.

    1. Sarah Weber Post author

      Hi! Yes this Molly. I just spoke to Dr. Aaron and we came up with a plan. I appreciate that you asked her to call me! Thanks so much!

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Willow | 5 years ago
Very Ill Senior Cat. I Don’t Know If It’s Time To Say Goodbye. Can I Help Her????

My elderly cat, age 17, recently took a downward spiral with her health. It started with her not eating, then the next day she started becoming more unbalanced, along with sleeping more, and still, eating very little (she also did seem to use the bathroom a tiny bit more than usual, but it wasn’t anything like when my male cat had a urinary tract block, she peed a little each time, but she could be dehydrated) , and today it’s only gotten worse, along with her barely using the litter box, she peed today but no sign of pooing. She ate all of maybe once today, with a few treats here and there. She also has been wandering aimlessly to stare into the bathroom (a place I used to give her water) and to stare at her litter box.
She seems really interested in drinking when she’s up, but doesn’t actually seem to be doing it much. (I’ve debated syringe feeding her some water, but I worry it might hurt her)

She is a cat with a history of feline kidney disease, diagnosed stage 2 by the vet that I’d seen a year ago. Although I have been managing it with daily feedings of wet food and water.

I took her to see the vet today, but all he really did was palpate her kidneys and then tell me he felt something there. I was unable to afford the suggested blood work and x-rays, but the vet was saying things like “everything is hospice care at this point, she’s so old, there not much worth putting the money into her at her age.” Wich was a bit callous sounding. But maybe it’s because she’s my baby.
So they suggested I consider euthanasia right then and there. I couldn’t go through with it right that moment and just took her home to decide.
She has eaten a little, and drank a little since. I’ve been putting her in her bed near me as she’s super tired.

Would putting her down be the right decision? Is there something else I can do???? She’s my only family, and pretty much my child. I can’t just give up on her. Please help.

5 Responses

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  1. Sarah

    Hi- I am so sorry that you are going through this difficult time. Only you can decide when is right for you….I like to think that our pets let us know when it is time. If I were you, I would see how the rest of this evening goes and see if she peeks up any tomorrow. Try getting her to eat better and drink some. Very best to you

    1. Willow Post author

      Thank you for your quick reply. This is so hard to watch.
      I’ll definitely be making the decision quickly, and with her in mind, I already feel terrible at her stage, but the sudden euthanasia option was just too much to handle at that time.
      I’ll try getting more food and water into her now.

  2. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    I’m so sorrry to hear about your cat. I think it would be really helpful to run some blood work. I always worry about kidney disease and they round disease in these cats. At my clinic this costs about $175. I say this because thyroid disease is treatable. It is best treated early than late. Kidney disease in Advanced stage is not. But I do think that knowing what is going on with her will help make a hard decision a little clearer Also your cat deserves fluid therapy. That is $25 at my clinic for a Sq fluid kit to go home which lasts abo it a week. It can really help some cats feel better. Let me know what happens I hope this helps. Never stop advocating for your cat! Best wishes.

    1. Willow Post author

      I so appreciate your help. Thank you for taking the time to respond. I’ll do my best to see if I can find a way to get a kit like that, he mildly suggested fluids at the clinic, but made it sound like it was pointless. I wish he had advocated a little bit more about giving us fluids to at least put her on. Because I would of happily agreed.

      Would syringe feeding her some water help at all?

      1. Laura

        Hi Willow – the subcutaneous fluids really are a better option, as they do a better job than just ingested fluids.

        If you aren’t feeding a veterinary diet including kidney specific wet food, I’d start. My cat is also in renal failure and simply switching diets and doing subq fluids (when he lets me) have likely bought me more time with him.

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Jennifer Taylor | 5 years ago
A Year And A Half Ago We Rescued A 4 Week Old Kitten Who Presented Unresponsive With …

A year and a half ago we rescued a 4 week old kitten who presented unresponsive with a body temp so low it did not register. She was revived. As the caretaker was going to put her back out that evening I stepped in and offered to take her with the plan to rehome her. I have rehomed dozens of kittens over the years, all who came from feral colonies. From the get go Annabelle was incredibly sick and had behaviors that weren’t what we were used to. When held she would attack faces, when stimulated she would attack, we continued to work with her and a year and a half later she lays with us at night and as long as we don’t touch her does not attack people. Instead she attacks items. This occurs whenever there is any stimulation in our home, folding laundry, cleaning out a closet, dogs playing, children laughing, the list goes on and on. She has destroyed a sofa, armchair, curtains, tablecloths, comforters, sheets, duvet covers, etc, etc. We can not trim her nails….because we can’t handle her and truly even with her nails trimmed I am sure she would rip things apart with her teeth. We are no stranger to ferals, I am happy to allow them to hide until they feel comfortable, there is no hiding with Annabelle instead she literally runs into the chaos. When we let our dogs out and at feeding time out she runs into the chaos, when I vacuum she runs around the room, when we have company she runs around as I warn our guests not to touch her. We are no stranger to keeping cats happy, we have cat towers, scratching posts, scratching boards, elevated areas, areas to hide. Our other 4 cats are incredibly happy members of our family. I am at my whits end, I honestly feel like we attempted to tame a raccoon and are living with it in our house. I do wonder if Annabelle would be happier outside, but with no sense of danger and a habit of running into the chaos I can’t help but worry she would get killed….and I didn’t save her to have that happen.
I am open to suggestions and curious if anyone has ever had a similar experience.

6 Responses

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  1. Sarah

    Hi Jenn- I don’t know if this advice will help, but Dori is crazy like that too. While she has free roam of the house, we have things set up where she also has areas that are just hers, and that seems to have helped a little bit. She still “kills” furniture and pillows, but it isn’t as bad as it was.

    1. Jennifer Taylor Post author

      Thank you, I am comforted in knowing we aren’t the only ones with a different cat. We are finishing our basement. The cats will have the laundry room completely to themselves with a kitty door. We are also making our screen porch a cat haven. I am hoping that helps.

  2. Laura

    Some cats truly are happier outside – usually far fewer than people think, but she sounds like one of them. Do you happen to have a catio or a large dog crate you can put her in outside, just to see how she does?

    Would you consider rehoming her to a farm?

    The fact that she doesn’t seem capable of integrating is frustrating, and I can only imagine how you feel.

    1. Jennifer Taylor Post author

      We do have a large screened porch, she does enjoy spending time out there. We are in the process of making a cat “jungle gym”, an area where the cats can climb and be up high while on the screened porch. We also actually do live on a little farm. If she wanted she could be an outdoor or indoor/outdoor cat. Her tiny stature and inability to assess danger make me nervous, we have fox and coyote….I guess I am afraid she would be killed. On the other hand I really don’t know if she is “happy” being kept as a house cat.

      1. Laura

        I completely understand that fear. I’m of the opinion that the vast majority of domesticated felines should be kept safely behind walls and screens, so I get your reluctance. I also know some cats really just cannot be housed indoors. Good luck.

  3. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    I think it comes down to a few key points to consider.
    One is she just a wild child at heart. And if so could we break her free form that with time, containment (to which I mean she would have to be caged for a long time. Think Diedra’s cat Tulio)… and then still be prepared to just having an angry hostile cat. I don’t think this is my favorite option because she isn’t afraid of people she just plain old doesn’t want to be around people.
    2. Try to medicate her into being happier. May take a few months and may cost you value finger sensation for the rest of your life.
    3. Let her be who she is and be happy. Maybe she is just the free wild spirit and maybe she won’t live as long as possible but maybe that’s how she wants it.

    I think it really comes down to a spring her as who she is. Allowing her to live her life in her terms and loving her inspire of not being able to advise her.

    I’m sure this is of no help. Sorry. I can help with the caging and meds if needed. Xox

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Jodi | 5 years ago
Hi Dr. Magnifico! Curious On Your Thoughts On Gabapentin For Pain? I’ve Read Mixed Reviews. …

Hi Dr. magnifico! Curious on your thoughts on gabapentin for pain? I’ve read mixed reviews. My pup has a painful back leg. Originally she saw a vet at our practice who thought is was due to Lyme because she had tested strong positive and did not feel a drawer sign when checked. We did antibiotic treatment and the lameness got better for the most part. She would have some days where you could see it was bothering her. Then a few months later she was back to not bearing weight on it. Saw a different vet this time at our practice and this vet said he felt the drawer sign and said he felt it was injured CCL and reccomened a surgeon. Surgeon said would need to have x-rays to confirm which I haven’t had the money for. So we did pain meds (gabapentin and tramodyl) and rest for about a month and lameness went away again. She’s been good for about a year up until the past month or two and the vet gave gaba again. When she’s on it, she looks sleepy and scared. I’ve never had an issue giving pills with her in cheese on lunch meat or something but now she tries to spit it out. It’s like she knows what it’s going to do to her. I’ve read mixed reviews. I’ve also read it’s more for nerve pain? So I’m not sure if it’s actually relieving her pain or not. I’ve also read the reciptors that tramodyl targets, dogs don’t have? Curious on your opinion on all of this. I would like to see if she’s still a candidate for surgery even though it’s been some time but I need to come up with the funds for that so I’m trying to help her in the mean time. I give her vitamin supplements for her joints. I don’t want her on pain meds all the time but want something that gives her some relief on those bad days without making her feel drugged up.

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    I actually use gabapentin a lot. I have discontinued using tramadol for many reasons. I also think that if you aren’t seeing benefits and/or seeing adverse side effects that there are other options to discuss. I think the first problem is that you lack a definitive diagnosis. I would try to start there. Then ask about other treatment options to see if they have less adverse side effects? I would also make sure your pets weight is ideal. You are on a good reputable food and a joint supplement. Also moderate impact free exercise. Please talk to your vet about all of these. Good luck .

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Stacey | 5 years ago
My Cat Has Had Diarrhea For 3 Days. What Should I Do For Him? Should I Take …

My cat has had diarrhea for 3 days. What should I do for him? Should I take him to the vet?

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JaLynn | 5 years ago
Boston Terrier Was Having Neck Pain. Vet Gave Muscle Relaxer, Gabapentin And Prednisone.. She Suspected IVDD. …

Boston terrier was having neck pain. Vet gave muscle relaxer, gabapentin and prednisone.. she suspected IVDD. My baby wasn’t doing that great with meds every 12 hours. So recently we went to 8 hours. He seemed to be doing a lot better. Well today, he started to walk towards me and he froze in mid step. And fell down. Rushed to vet. She said he is in a lot of pain- major spasm- not seizure. Gave him a pain shot that pretty much not him out. She said he needed surgery – only can do it in Dallas. If I couldn’t afford surgery then he needs to be put down. I’m trying to get donations for the surgery. Trying to give him a chance. He still walks on his own, poops etc. I saw videos of dogs recovering from IVDD without surgery and they were worse off than my baby. What should I do??? Any advice? I’d like to know what meds Dr. Magnifico used on Hank in her YouTube videos. Please help!

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    I think I would go to another vet for a second opinion. I have lots of information on IVDD at my blog and YouTube channel. Please go to both and search “IVDD” you will get it all. Of search pawbly for IVDD and read the other questions by people in similar situations. I wouldn’t give up unless you feel it is the right things to do

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Michele | 5 years ago
My Cat Is Having “spasms” In His Stomach That Are Similar To Hiccups. I’ve Taken …

My cat is having “spasms” in his stomach that are similar to hiccups. I’ve taken him to the vets twice, we’ve done bloodwork and tried pain meds but nothing has worked. His appetite is good and no vomiting. He just looks uncomfortable. I’m getting ready to make another vet appt, but wanted to see if anyone has any thoughts

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello
    It might be helpful to try to catch what you are seeing and concerned about in video and also to look for a veterinarian who specializes in Felines only. I hope this helps.