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Sheena | 2 years ago
Hi, Where Are You Located? My Cat Has Something Wrong With Her Esophagus, I Was Told …

Hi, where are you located? My cat has something wrong with her esophagus, I was told by the vet after I did (X-rays, blood work, urine exam and it was like $1000.00) that I have to go to a specialist and they said they need to put a camera to see what it is and that alone cost $2200.(they said that would be just to look at what is going on and does not include treatment.) I cannot afford it because I live alone. I have two cats and I’m just doing my best, (I just moved as a single young woman by myself with my 2 cats to a new state and just trying my best) if I had the money I would’ve definitely done it right now.

The vet gave me some thing to coat her esophagus(SUCRALFATE) to try to help but I don’t see a difference(she licks her food and coughs & it discourages her from eating but I know she wants to eat) and I don’t know what else to do. I feel so very helpless, I was wondering where you are located, maybe I can get her help,she really needs help right now. Her name is Penelope and I love her.

My email is sheenar2265@gmail.com

1 Response

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    I do not have an endoscope. These are typically only found at a specialty office.
    Has your vet taken an X-ray? At my clinic we sue them and forward them to a radiologist. They are often able to give a diagnosis.

    We are in northern Maryland. Jarrettsville Veterinary Center

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Lisa | 2 years ago
Help Please I’m Stressing Out . Is This Going To Happen Again? He Has Been Peeing …

Help please I’m stressing out . Is this going to happen again? He has been peeing
Playing, eating but I noticed he’s only peeing 1 or twice
A day is that enough? He is drinking water I need to know how to palpatate his stomach ???? I’m not able to afford much more I cannot find a affordable vet in vero beach I’m running out of options ???? I’m going to take him back if I can’t get a solution before he blocks again. I have never dealt with this. I have had female cats .

1 Response

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    It sounds like he is doing well now. And while I realize that you are stressed I don’t think returning him while he is well is in his best interest. There are a lot of things you can do to prevent and prepare for any future episodes. You could find an online group to help educate and support you. Or ask to volunteer or work at a cat clinic to help understand how to monitor and care for your cat. Also reach out to your vet for advice.
    Stressing out and surrendering him don’t help you or his situation. Will a shelter take care of him if he blocks? Have you asked them for help?I have offered to help but surrendering him to me is not the answer either..
    Life is full of challenges. It is in these moments that we decide who we are and who we want to be remembered as. I was once a very poor very young and very desperate cat mom. When I had no one to help me when these kinds of situations happened. I decided I would never be in that position again as I loved my pets more than anything. so I worked for decades to get myself as much animal experience from as many people and places as possible. It took me almost 20 years to become a veterinarian. It was cases like this that made me who I am. I never give up and I never feel like I didn’t have options. I also help everyone I can.
    I wish you both luck and health.
    Sincerely
    Krista.

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Aiyana | 2 years ago
Good Morning My 15 Year Old Domestic Short Hair Cat (Oreo) Has Been Very Lethargic, Not Eating …

Good morning my 15 year old domestic short hair cat (Oreo) has been very lethargic, not eating or drinking for the past 3 days . I have taken him to the clinic and to the ER within these 3 days. Either place was able to give me some real insight as to what may be the problem. He does have mild azotemia. His creatine number is about 2.7! His red blood cells ate also a little in the low side. Both the clinic and ER have taken blood work. And then told me to just take him home and monitor him, but he is not showing any improvement. I’ve attached a video of him walking and his blood work for reference! What do you think could be causing this. What should be my next steps? I’ve had my cat since I was 15 I am now 30. I’m not ready for him to go. Please Help!

1 Response

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    I am not able to diagnose online. But I do think that it would be helpful to find a feline specialist. I would also talk about adding sq fluids to be done daily at home and an appetite stimulant while you try to figure out what is going on. In some cases I also recommend in clinic iv fluids to help diurese the kidneys.

    I hope this helps.

    Very best of luck.

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Sparkle | 2 years ago
We Have A 3 Year Old Husky That Has 2 Claws Located On Different Paws That Keep Bleeding …

We have a 3 year old Husky that has 2 claws located on different paws that keep bleeding at the tip of the claw multiple times per week when she is outside in our backyard. The cause of the bleeding is not from trimming her nails too short and she is not one to be racing around the yard, potentially injuring her claws. We finally were able to get a good look at the tip of her claw to see where the source of the blood was coming from. Please see photos. It looks like the 2 claws that are bleeding may have broken so far down that there is a bubble of tissue exposed on the tip. We are not sure how or why this could happen and are desperately seeking some information and guidance about what the problem is and how to prevent the bleeding from recurring in the future. Please help! Thank you!

1 Response

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    Please see a veterinarian as soon as possible. In cases like this I always want to make sure that there is not a clotting problem and there are a few diseases that huskies get where rhe nails do not grow properly. These are things to talk about with your vet.

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Peggy | 2 years ago
?Emergency? Dog Had Scrotal Ablation And Attempted Removal Of Inguinal Lymph Node. Within 1 Hr Of Surgery …

?Emergency? Dog had scrotal ablation and attempted removal of inguinal lymph node. Within 1 hr of surgery Vet called said there was a problem with bleeding and massive swelling, he had to go back in to tie off some vessels.

At pick up, the dog’s prepuce looks like an eggplant! He is still oozing blood from 2 tiny puncture sites. There is obviously swelling in the perineum and inguinal regions but the most dramatic is the prepuce.

Vet said one of the pudendal vessels needed ligature when he went back in. Also said he should be able to pee just fine. I only noticed a trickle of pee last night, not a full stream.

Should I take my dog elsewhere for evaluation? Is this hematoma/swelling so dramatic that he will have necrosis to the preputial skin or even the penis? any concern for the urethra ?

1 Response

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    I’m so sorry to hear about your dog. I think that anytime your gut tells you to get a second opinion that you should listen. I hope things turn out ok and I apologize for the delay in answering.

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Mikayla | 2 years ago
I Have A 4 Year Old Male Cat(Lucifer, After The Show) That I’ve Had Since …

I have a 4 year old male cat(Lucifer, after the show) that I’ve had since he was maybe 6-7 weeks old. For the first 2 years, he was living with my Fiancé, whom lived in 3 different households throughout those 2 years. And then Lucifer lived with my aunt while I searched for an apartment. Each household had dogs and other cats (both male and female) he got along well with the male cats, but not so much the females. and he loves the dogs. he’s lived with us in our apartment for 2 years now and hasn’t stayed anywhere else. On July 23rd, we decided to take in a 9 week old male kitten. Had I known then what I know now, I certainly wouldn’t have rushed the introduction as, Lucifer was my very first cat and I never got the chance to slowly introduce him to other animals. but unfortunately I was a bit hesitant to leave the kitten in my daughter’s room as she likes to play in there every morning and I was worried she would get into the litter box or the food and water. (she’s 3 and, she still sleeps with me here and there) it’s now July 31st and Lucifer hadn’t eaten in two days, so in an attempt to get him to eat, I set up a litter box in my daughter’s room, placed food and water in there as well as Salem’s (the kitten) toys and little nap basket. and I go up there often to play with him and make sure he’s eating and using the litter box. Lucifer began to eat after about an hour of not seeing Salem. Now that he seems to be doing better, my question is how long should I keep them apart before reintroducing them? Lucifer was my first pet, at 19. Growing up, we never lived in a home that allowed pets of any sort. So having 2 cats was really exciting for me. But now I’m starting to wonder if because I screwed up and rushed the introduction, they’ll ever actually get along or if I’ll have to permanently keep them apart..? Any advice helps!

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    Is everyone spayed and neutered? That might help settle down of the stress?
    After that make sure everyone is healthy. At my clinic this would include an exam on all of the cats and perhaps even blood work.
    Then we talk about a more gradual acclimation period. I’ve seen this be between two weeks to years. Cats are their own bosses. So they decide on their own terms

    Good luck.

    1. Mikayla Post author

      Hi! Lucifer is neutered but Salem is not, they won’t perform the procedure on him until he’s 6 months old! Salem also has a vet appointment today for his first vaccine, deworming, and a stool test as well as anything else he may need. And I will definitely bring up the behavior of my adult cat as well to see if they want me to bring him in too! I have noticed when Lucifer sniffs his food, he begins to drool and makes a chattering type movement with his mouth but no sound comes out and I’m not sure if this is something I should be worrying about as he’s adjusted perfectly fine to other cats!

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Shiria | 2 years ago
Hello, I Have A Few Questions Regarding A Paralyzed Kitten. Background: I Work In A Shelter …

Hello, I have a few questions regarding a paralyzed kitten.
Background: i work in a shelter in Germany and the kitten was brought to us 2 weeks ago with paralyzed hindlegs & tail. No obvious injuries and no bones are broken. What caused this is unknown. He already had atrophied muscles and slight missing fur where the joints craped on the ground, so we guessed whatever caused it was a while ago.
He doesn’t react if you pinch the hindlegs or tail, and he can’t urinate (he will loose urine whent he bladder is full) on its own and looses it’s faeces unvoluntarely. When at rest the legs will be bent backwards at the knees and a bit rotated, sometimes they spontaneously shiver and he extends/pulls in. I have started to move and massage his legs and place them “correct” position while he sits/eats. There is movement in there – but not conscious. If I touch between the toes they will spread, if I touch the inside ot the thighs he will stretch the legs and if I touch the underside of the foot he will pull them in and curl the toes. But it’s not controlled, more like reflex.
Is it a good sign that the nerves react to soemthing, even if not conscious? I wonder it braces could help him to keep his hindlegs from overbending/bending inwards when he runs/plays, so his joints/tendons don’t take damage from the constant “wrong” placement.
Our vet has not much experience with paralyzed cats, so i thought asking around doesn’t hurt. She is very sceptical that we can help him and is mostly concerned if he can’t urinate on his own. He currently gets medication to help his bladder to better contract – which seems to help somewhat. There is more tension in there and he reacts more when we express his bladder. He has a muscle tonus in his sphincter, too. But also no concious control.

I can add photos tomorrow, currently I only have a video that’s too big.

I’m open for any ideas. Thanks so much!

2 Responses

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    hello,
    I am so sorry to hear about this kitten. I think that there are some answers that I jut cannot give without an in person exam, but, I also think that the recovery is very very unlikely if you have muscle atrophy. I also think that there is no other species on the planet that can adapt and overcome anything better than a kitten.
    As long as you can manage the ability to urinate and defecate and keep him safe and happy (he needs toys and attention and to still feel like a fierce predator and playful kitten) then it is perfectly fine to have a pet with a disability.
    I would not use a splint or any kind of bandage, they cause more problems than they are worth.

    See if you can find this kitten a home and make sure that the the new parents are able to palpate the bladder and colon and make sure they are passing feces easily and emptying the bladder completely (urine retention can lead to urinary tract infections) and make sure they are spayed/neutered before 6 months old.
    Also make sure the home is handicapped safe.

    I hope this helps.

    thank you for caring about the ones other people overlook. You are an amazing human!
    krista

  2. Autumn

    Hi! Paralyzed cat mom here????
    Your story sounds a lot like mine when Hamilton arrived. He came to us around 5-6 weeks old with no obvious wounds or breaks. We weren’t sure what to do but give him a chance..
    He is unable to urinate and defecate on his own so therefore this is something I do every day multiple times.
    This friends are hard to care for but easy if you have the patience and willingness to do so.
    As my kitty got a little bigger, we looked into a wheel chair for him(he hates it). I learned he was better on his own scooting around. Some days he wears a diaper, but you have to be careful with this as they need cleaned every time they pee.
    As far as expressing the bladder, you have to find what you’re most comfortable with and what the cat is comfortable with. My kitty doesn’t really like anyone expressing his bladder but myself because because we have our “routine”.
    Hoping this kitty excels in life and gets all the love he deserves! We are here to help and I’m happy to share tips/tricks that I have learned myself along the way!!!
    -Autumn

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Tiffeny | 2 years ago
I Have A 5 Week Old Kitten I’m Fostering That Broke It’s Leg Last Night …

I have a 5 week old kitten I’m fostering that broke it’s leg last night at the elbow. We saw a neighborhood vet that said we could take it to a surgeon, which would be very costly. Or just let it heal on its own. He said if we let it heal then we shouldn’t put it in a splint or anything because of where it’s broken. I feel it should have a splint. Thoughts?

2 Responses

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  1. Laura

    I mean, I’d listen to the vet. I’d also see if the organization you’re fostering through would be willing to pay for the surgery.

  2. Autumn

    Kitties are rebellious to injuries, but most HATE being wrapped in anything…
    Surgery may or may not be needed, but with kittens constantly growing, it would not jump straight to it!
    Confining them to a smaller space and keeping them “confined” is a good place to start.

    If the kitty does not seem to be improving with the break, some vets may talk about amputation as well. Radiographs may be helpful to see where exactly the break is to further choose the best decision for the kitty.

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Matt | 2 years ago
We Just Added Another Dog To Our Household (we Previously Had One Dog Who Is Now …

We just added another dog to our household (we previously had one dog who is now three and is well adjusted and behaved). The new dog is a rescue who is 2 years old and was neutered a few weeks ago. On the whole, he is a very sweet dog, but there is some resource aggression and some damage being done to her house in terms of chewing that we want to nip in the bud.
We also realized that, as much as we love our first dog the way he is, he could probably use a bit of training and structure now that there are two dogs in the house. Is there a trainer or training approach you would recommend?

2 Responses

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Thanks for reaching out.

    I think a few things might help and they include lots of exercise for both dogs. A tired dog has less energy to put into the household stressors and it can help avoid possession issues as outside is neutral territory. It also might help them realize they can play together and develop a stronger relationship.

    Next feed separated. And monitored. Food is always a resource that dogs worry about so try to minimize this.

    If they are resource guarding toys then I would say to relive them until the dogs are more relaxed and comfortable around each other.

    Trainers are available through places like the shelter and humane society and polite pooches. I would avoid any and all trainers who use any kind of negative reinforcement training. No shock collars or drop off care. I always feel the most important part of a pet parent’s responsibility is to hike trust. Having someone else do it or using painful punishment isn’t the way to build trust.

    Lastly don’t hesitate to ask about anxiety meds as you embark on all of this. It is a tool that can help the transition and crate adjustment.

    I am off this week but I am happy to help anytime.

    Also if you wouldn’t mind would you please go to pawbly.Com and register as a user and post this there as a question. It’s a great one that I know many others have.

    Take care.

  2. Laura

    Crate the newcomer when you cannot 100% supervise. When you can supervise his behavior, treat the dog like a puppy and tether train for a while – this means leashing him to an adult. Additionally, as Dr. M said, feed separately – I would STRONGLY suggest feeding dogs in crates. I would also meal feed, if you aren’t already doing this.

    Look into the 2 week shutdown. This was beneficial in our situation, and something shelters recommend to help the new dog adjust. This means not letting the dogs interact much, at least until those 2 weeks are up, then all interactions should be fully supervised.

    My Doberman was a bit resource guardy around my MIL’s senior mutt, so they were only allowed toys when fully supervised, and my dog was NOT permitted to go anywhere near hers when there were toys about. No high value treats/chews should be available freely, either. Those should only be given in their crates.

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Deborah | 2 years ago
Hello, Our Cat Bruce Is Over Grooming His Leg Until It Bleeds. I’ve Tried Cortisone …

Hello,
Our cat Bruce is over grooming his leg until it bleeds. I’ve tried cortisone shot, Valium, (both which I didn’t want to do but was desperate)
I have tried no chicken in his diet, and various hotspot sprays. He is extremely active and healthy in every other way. Loves to go outside and play with all the neighborhood cats. He showed up as a stray on our doorstep. His skin was fine. He got his tests and shots and was neutered in November. Skin issues started in January. He is little over a year old. I have him on a homeopathic drop for skin allergies and itching. Hopefully it will help. Any ideas??

1 Response

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello my friend!
    As with all skin cases the following is super important.
    1. Get a good history of the patient and their clinical signs.
    2. Do a thorough examination
    3. Treat for parasites.
    4. Start your diagnostics based on most likely rule outs.
    5. Offer treatment plans that work for the patient the pet parent and your list of most likely diagnosis.

    Here’s where I think your cat needs more help; it doesn’t sound like a list of most “likely conditions” work up and diagnose has been formulated to start a treatment plan that is best directed at the source of the itching.

    For your cat I would ask your vet (or come see me and I am happy to help). I would use revolution monthly and place an ecollar while starting gabapentin. I might also suggest a shampoo if you think he will let you bathe him.
    After that I would talk about the next tests that might need to be done to start to treat and rule out possible causes to the itch.

    The most common thing that causes itching in pets is fleas. In some cases one flea with one bite can cause a pet to become extremely itchy . And the more they scratch the more it itches until the skin is so inflamed secondary infections happen. Which just perpetuates more itching.

    So for me I start with a plan. And go through the list of control. And treatment until we get it figured out.

    The old days of “give a steroid and hope it works” are over. We can do better.

    Keep me posted.