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Kate Stafford | 6 years ago
My 1 Year Old Neutered Male Cat Has Been Singing The Song Of His People…

My 1 year old neutered male cat has been singing the song of his people nightly, starting around 0200. It’s actually more a chirp than a meow, but he doesn’t stop until the sun comes up. He isn’t locked out of the bedroom, food and water needs are met, litter is clean, etc. He doesn’t do this during the day. He seems to keep these shenanigans confined to the hallway or the bedroom. He just walks around chirping with the occasional half meow.

The only thing that seems to stop him is if I kick his brother (littermate and best friend) out of my bed and lock them both out of the bedroom, which makes HIM sad. Choir boy is happy to sleep in our bed any other time of day, with or without human or feline companions, so it’s not like he wants his brother out of the room because he himself is uncomfortable in there.

I should add that there have not been any food, litter, family dynamic, or even furniture changes. Nothing new in his world. What gives?!

1 Response

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    What an interesting question.
    My first thought is to wear my veterinarian hat. To look for any signs of illness. An exam and blood work (with urine and fecal) are where I start. From there we talk about behavior. Cats are nocturnal critters and many just like to party after dark. Many also get too much slee due to boredom during the day. So I encourage clients to try to mix up the routine and find a mutually acceptable way to get the entertained and tired during the day so they can sleep with us at night. Things like catnip and taking out toys for the daytime (putting them away at night to discourage playing after dark). A really rigorous play session between 8-11 ( or a few hours before bed time) and a late night (right before bedtime) snack can help. In general finding a way to meet all his needs before bed so he will sleep through the night. Also leaving a tv on during the day. Or programming toys to turn on during the day to break up excessively long nap times during the day when you are at work might also help. If all else fails we use crate training at night at the clinic. The cats know it’s bedtime at 8 pm and they are crated all night. It keeps our in clinic motion sensors happy and the clinic quiet at night. This takes time and patience and they are never crates during the day so they get lots of exercise during the day. Hope this helps. Let us know what happens.
    Xox
    Krista

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Maria Chiaia | 6 years ago
IVDD – Beagle. Hi, I Reached Out A Few Weeks Ago Because My Dog Was…

IVDD – Beagle.

Hi, I reached out a few weeks ago because my dog was diagnosed with IVDD but could not use the bathroom on his own and it was next to impossible to express him. After a couple of weeks of manually catheterizing him, he started to use the bathroom on his own regularly. He also started to regain a lot of strength back, especially in his back legs. The problem area is in his neck but he is able to wag his tail and turn his neck all around. He still cannot walk, he can hold his backend up but his front two paws continue to knuckle and go under him when he tries to walk. I watched the videos on Hank and I know he had a similar issue but you did not go into depth as one video his front paws didn’t work and then the next video all of a sudden he was walking. Is there anything I can do to speed up this process or help him? I’m so proud of how hard he’s come and I don’t want to give up now.

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    I’m so glad to hear that your dog is still with us and improving. I also think that your question is wonderful! Here’s what I did with Hank. I did lots and lots and more lots of massage and passive range of motion. I also placed him with support and encouraged him to just stand. I would hold his sternum and place his back legs (a little wider than normal) and just try to hold him there. Like teaching a baby to walk. I did this all the time. I know people are afraid of hurting them but the problem with paralysis is muscle atrophy. Which happens really really quick. Like in days. So I pushed him hard to keep trying and to wake his brain up to talk to his muscles. I hope this helps. Good luck. Keep us posted.

    1. Maria Chiaia Post author

      Great news! So happy and thankful to report that after three long, tough months, my dog is walking again!! The only thing that really helped was putting him in a pool and doing water therapy with him every day.

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Sharon Kim | 6 years ago
My Male Cat Has Trouble Passing Urine Today, Went To The Vet And Was Diagnosed…

My male cat has trouble passing urine today, went to the vet and was diagnosed with idiopathic cystitis. He’s not completely blocked only passing tiny dribbles of urine. Was prescribed an anti inflammatory, pain meds and new wet food. He’s been drinking lots of water and not eating since we got back from the vet. I’m worried about him. Was told to wait and see and then come back if no change or symptoms worsen. He’s been hiding under the bed no improvement. Won’t eat. We have some calming spray and topical drops coming in the mail soon just to see if that helps with any stress. Would love to hear anything you can contribute.

1 Response

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    For cases like this when I have a very worried and devoted parent I ask them if they would like to learn how to palpate their pets bladder to be better able to monitor at home and also to give sq fluids to keep the bladder as flushed as possible. If you can afford it hospitalize your cat for iv fluids and have them monitor. Then I recommend you switch to a urinary formula canned food and maybe even add water. Also products like cranmate or dasaquin might help. Ask about what you can do at home. Ask about pain management and follow up urinalysis. Ask your vet to be as personally invested in your cats health as you are. If they aren’t find a different vet. Try a cat specialist. Good luck.

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Cathy Testerman | 6 years ago
My Sister Has Several Female Barn Cats Who Have Had Multiple Litters Of Kittens. …

My sister has several female barn cats who have had multiple litters of kittens. I am willing to pay to have them spayed and vaccinated. Low cost spay/neuter places have a 6-8 week waiting list. I am willing to pay full price for the spay. I am looking for a clinic where I can bring them one at a time. Have them vaccinated and spayed. My vet is requiring a preop visit and then I would have to schedule spay. This would basically be impossible for me to do. Why can’t this all be done at one time? Trap/neuter/release programs do this all the time. Do you have any suggestions or know of any vet clinics that can accommodate me?

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    If you are a client of Jarrettsville Vet please call and ask for me or Jen. We can help you make this happen. And I often give discounts for getting a colony of cats spayed and neutered. I’m happy to help. Thank you for helping her. The clinic is 410-692-6171

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Patrice Heisse | 6 years ago
Back In December My Dog Beagle/Bulldog Who Is Very Persistent Started Not Being Able To…

Back in December my dog Beagle/Bulldog who is very persistent started not being able to jump on our bed from the floor. I thought he was just getting old. Then he really couldn’t so we would lift him but he would jump off and he has done this his whole life. Then it got worse where his legs were giving out on him in the back. I took him to the vet who sent us to the neurologist who told us he needed an MRI and possible surgery. No x-rays or bloodwork was done. I cried and was so stressed out I wanted to move forward but it could be 8-10 thousand dollars. My husband said no we cannot afford that. So I then asked the neurologist are there other options she said steroids and gave me a bottle and sent me on my way. In three days he was like a new dog. He was walking almost perfectly, and acting normally. This went on for about 2 months. He then started to have a little trouble with the back leg. It’s impossible to keep him off the bed. He follows me everywhere. I did get stairs for the couch and bed. I called the regular vet and she gave me another RX for the steroid after I told her it worked so well. She said she cannot give him anymore he would need the surgery. He just had another episode of the leg going out and this time it seems to effect his front leg. I gave him 3 steroid pills I had left and he is a million times better. I also put a gait in front of the stairs but he still goes on the couch. I want him to have a great quality of life. He seems ok other than the leg going out. We feel it’s almost like my back. I have a herniated disc and here and there it will go out. How do they make a proper diagnosis without doing a 2300 MRI? Please help with any advice. Is this IVDD

3 Responses

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  1. Sarah

    Good morning ?? Dr. Magnifico has a lot of videos posted on IVDD, and I believe that she has written a few blogs on the subject as well. Look into those. Also, If I were you I would call my vet again, and have a serious conversation about what you want, what you can afford and come up with a plan together. Hope this helps.

  2. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    Tell your vet hat you would like another opinion and that you cannot afford surgery. If they still refuse to help find a vet who is willing to help you. Or call the neurologist again. There has to be some help for your dog that you can afford or else your veterinarians care is useless. There are always options. Even on a budget. Don’t take no for an answer.

  3. Patrice Heisse Post author

    Hi I have been watching your videos. I love them. You are a true champion for dogs and thier families. Thank you. I wish there were more like you. Do you do video consults? Or can I speak on the phone. I would pay you for a visit. Thank you so very much!

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Pawbly | 6 years ago
My One And A Half Year Old Cat Seems To Have A Sore At The…

My one and a half year old cat seems to have a sore at the corner of her mouth. It might just be a small scab, she is eating normally/drinking water and going in the liter box like normal. I’m not sure if we should take her to the vet if it could be something really bad or if it’s nothing. Please let me know, thank you

2 Responses

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,

    It looks like it might just be a wound? Or scratch, something minor.. I have seen it happen to my cat when they are playing with each other. I would monitor it and call your vet if it worsens or persists longer than a day or two. Also, things like this are a great opportunity to reach out to your vet to make sure everything else is current (vaccines, preventatives, even a quick check to make sure the microchip is where we left it), and tell them you are a little concerned about it. They can help if you need them.
    best of luck.,
    Happy Easter to you both
    krista

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Shelley DeVeau | 6 years ago
I Had Our Doberman To The Vet A Week Ago Thursday. We Are Not Sure…

I had our Doberman to the vet a week ago Thursday. We are not sure what is going on with her. She shakes, cries out, and paces all the time. The vet said maybe it is a pinched nerve and we could try pain meds first. I noticed today she is now dragging her two front paws and is still pacing. I don’t know if we should go to the ER?

5 Responses

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    If your dog is eating and drinking and eliminating normally then it can probably wait until tomorrow. I would worry about wobblers. There is lots of info online about it. Please call the vet tomorrow to be seen ASAP. If your dog is panting or unable to rest then the Er is best. Please let us know what happens.

  2. Laura

    I agree with Dr. M – wobblers or a disc issue would be my immediate concerns.

  3. Shelley DeVeau Post author

    So I called the vet this morning and they told me to take her to the ER. We just got the info that she has a ruptured disc. Now I need to figure out what is the best decision to make. Are MRI’s cheaper different places? The cost of that would be $2000 and the surgery would be 7 to 8000.

  4. Krista Magnifico

    Hello.
    That’s about the cost of it. Where are you? I have lots and lots of info on my blog and YouTube channel on this disease. I with you the very best.

  5. Shelley DeVeau Post author

    Dr Magnifico this is Shelley Reese (Doberman)and Twister’s (Frenchie) owner. You took care of Reese’s leg back in Sept when she had that growth on it. They said you were not in today and said they would leave you a message because I asked if you did those surgeries?

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Sandra Sellers | 6 years ago
My 8 Year Old Dog Started Limping This Evening. She Ran Outside To Chase A…

My 8 year old dog started limping this evening. She ran outside to chase a squirrel and was limping when she came back in. I can rub, hold, look all over and she shows no sign of distress. She isn’t helping or whining. Acting normal except she seems confused as to what’s wrong and she’s eyeing up the sofa and thinking about jumping up before she does. Not sure if I should just give it a day to two…maybe she pulled or tweaked something or make an appt with vet right away. Currently she’s being nosey about what’s going on in the back yard and acting fine.

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Kristen Masters | 6 years ago
My Two Year Old Jackabee Has Started Expressing His Anal Glands All Over My Furniture…

My two year old jackabee has started expressing his anal glands all over my furniture! This has become a new thing over the past year for him (maybe once every three months) but this week he has done it four times and my husband even emptied them for him once this week! There have been no changes to his diet. He eats a spoon full of pumpkin every day.
Please give me some advice!!!

1 Response

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    I have loads and loads of patients with this problem. I wrote a whole blog on it. In general many pets have this issue. I think a few things are important to discuss. One of you are emptying them make sure it is with a recital approach. Lots of people are not willing to insert a finger into the rectum and therefore they aren’t emptied completely or fully. Second I don’t think diet or pumpkin does much good. Third if it is a constant chronic problem ask your vet about anal sacculectomy. Or surgical removal of the anal sacs. This should be done by an experienced surgeon. Lastly try not to get upset. Your pup can’t hwlp it. I hope this helps.

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Jillian Fouts | 6 years ago
I Have A Senior Cat Who Goes Into Labored Open Mouth Breathing When He Is…

I have a senior cat who goes into labored open mouth breathing when he is in a hard purr and also has wheezing and snoring but otherwise acts normal – eats, drinks, and is active for his age. The snoring is even when he’s not in a deep slumber and it can be an airy rattle if that makes sense and he has a little squeak when he swallows. I saw your video on the cat with a polyp and thought maybe this could be what he has except that he’s almost 17 so the vet suggested it probably isn’t since that’s more of a young cat thing but did suggest a scope and CT which will cost me 2500-3500 and he will have to be put under. In reading about breathing, heart disease can also cause breathing problems and since he has heart disease I would hate to spend all the money and put him through that to be told the scope didn’t show anything. I’ve also been reading about asthma, but my regular vet nor the specialist even mentioned that it could be that and from what I’ve read, it’s hard to diagnose. He’s a flame point Siamese and he has early ckd and some heart disease (stage 3/4 systolic murmur and hypertension), so I’m nervous about putting him under. Aside from these “old man” things, the specialist and my regular vet say his labs are spectacular. The specialist said when she is presented with a cat that has these conditions, they bloodwork and labs never look this good. So I certainly don’t want to put him down if he looks good but I also feel like he can’t be comfortable with these breathing episodes. One thing to note, when they did bloodwork a couple of weeks ago, his eosinophils were elevated which I have read can be linked to upper respiratory and asthma. Im putting the link to videos of the wheezing and purring to see if you’ve ever seen such a thing in a cat. I sure wish I had you closer by. Thank you so much!
Jill

Wheezing https://youtu.be/gaf7WCRzu80

Purr/breathing https://youtu.be/kqnd4YORenY

1 Response

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    hello,

    i reviewed your videos, i think that it is appears as if the wheezing is in the oropharynx area. It also appears to be primarily it the inspiratory phase of the purring/breathing.
    There are internal medicine specialists who focus on this kind of clinical sign. I am not sure if there are any in your area though? I think the best place to start is at a feline specialists office. They tend to be more affordable and accessible. See if they can help start to rule out things before you jump into a scope.
    In my practice for cases like these a typical work up looks like this;
    1. exam,,, use your brain,, its your best diagnostic tool.
    2. radigraphs,, to look at the lungs.. lots of older cats have chronic lower resp disease,,, and unfortunately, we are also looking for signs of cancer.
    3. blood work,, a full cbc, chem, urine and t4.
    4. oral exam under anesthesia,, i look at the whole oral cavity, remove a polyp if i find one, flush the nares if the patient has had chronic nasal discharge, and then I also take skull rads, esp of the nose/nasal passages.
    if all of this fails to produce any helpful info endoscopy is the next step.. or CT, but endoscopy allows helpful info and you can do something (biopsy, etc) if you find something.
    I hope this helps..
    PS i agree about your theory and feelings about the corp practices..
    good luck,
    please keep me posted,, i would love to hear about how things turn out.
    PSS i do think that your kitty is a little old for a polyp.