I need help finding a surgeon for luxation of both scapula in a cat. I’ve been to two vets, called countless surgeons in multiple states, and even emailed a professor who wrote one of the articles I have found on the issue. All of them say something different (with the exception of the email that has yet to be returned). My vet said they couldn’t do anything but take x-rays, a second opinion (regular vet practice) offered injections of Adequan (which won’t fix the problem). When I asked my vet about the effectiveness of injections they turned around and said they’d sell me Ichon injections (which seem even more questionable) which is interesting they didn’t suggest it sooner if they could.
Of the surgeons I’ve called, I’ve asked all of them if they have experience in this rare condition. Surgery isn’t the only option; I’ve done my research. Surgery isn’t always the best treatment depending on severity and individual factors of the cat. But all of them seem to be selling the surgery. They won’t consider anything else.
Everyone wants me to bring him in so they can take their own x-rays and do their own exam, which I understand to a point but I’m a student with only so much money. While I’m willing to put what it takes if my cat needs surgery, I don’t want to spend thousands just on consults before we even do a potential surgery. And what am I supposed to do but get another opinion when everyone gives me a different diagnosis that fits their practice? One hospital even said bring the cat to their ER now which I know is wrong because I know while he may be uncomfortable, he is not in pain. I would not let him be in severe pain. I don’t want him uncomfortable either, but I need to know that I’m making the best decision not just being sold a service *especially* if it’s one he doesn’t need.
Please, please, please let me know if you know of anyone with experience in this area. Private practice to university professor wanting to use it as educational- I just need someone with experience beyond “knowing how to do it in theory.” Any help is beyond appreciated!!

Sushi is my 12-year old cat with an inoperable cancerous tumor. Last weekend she stopped eating and was vomiting bile. At the vet’s, her bloodwork showed high kidney and creatinine levels. After three days on an IV, her kidney levels returned to normal, but the creatinine remained high, confirming her cancer diagnosis. While the vet said she had been eating well in the office, since she came home three days ago, she has not eaten at all. We’ve tried everything: k/d wet and hard food, chicken and rice, her regular food, baby food, tuna, and Fresh Pet, but she hasn’t eaten anything, although she is drinking water. Sushi is very lethargic and stays in her hiding place most of the time. We go back to the vet in the morning, but I hate to put her through another stay at the vet’s if the results may be the same. Can anyone give me advice as to what I should do? I cannot stand the fact that she may be suffering.

My cat is an approximately 7 years old, 13lbs, tuxedo male who has always been an indoor cat. He was popping a lot this summer but every time I called the vet they brushed me off till I brought him in. Then they were shocked and said they’ve never seen this in a cat before, and only in one dog besides. They said he’s subluxating in both of his shoulders and there was nothing they could do. I took him to another vet who also practiced animal chiropractic care hoping they would help, but now one shoulder is fully luxated and they could only suggest a type of glucosamine injection. I did what research I could on feline subluxation and know surgery is the only real fix, so I’d really like advice on a) if injections would be helpful or if I should go ahead with the surgery ASAP before he gets any older and b) if ANYONE knows a feline orthopedic surgeon who has experience with this. I’ve inquired around my state but no luck and I want someone knowledgeable since this is such a rare condition.

My 9 year old Cocker Spaniel has had quite a few issues. Pancreas probems to name one. This past few days she has not been herself at all. Limping slightly and having great difficulty in getting up on to the chair, also difficulty in moving along the settee or the bed, more or less shuffling along and wimpering looking at me as if to say “mum I`m hurting” any ideas please.

I have a 6 week old kitten that developed severe diarrhea 5 days ago. I took her to the vets 3 days ago. Stool culture positive for coccidia. She has been on treatment for 3 days with no improvement. Her rectal area is raw. She is eating and drinking but obviously does not feel well. I have been bathing her and putting Desitin on her rectal area per my vets recommendation. Shouldn’t she be getting better by now?

My bunny has been acting very strangely lately. We put her harness and leash on her and took her to the park. We spent a lot of time with her. Then, people were watching her (family) and I wasn’t there so I don’t know what happened. When we brought her back, she looked really scared. My family said that when I left, she just sat there staring at everyone. At home, she hasn’t been eating as much as she used to. She would practically snatch the food from my hand. Now, she sniffed, took a bite and walked away. We tried again with her favorite food, but she didn’t eat it. She’s been laying and sleeping way more than usual (practically all the time). During training sessions with me, she used to care and loved it. Now, she just sat there staring me for a while. She’s also been super scared. Every time I walked in the room, she’d jump up to me, now she runs away at the slightest noise. She’s also been pretty aggressive. She was laying and I reached over to pet her. She let me pet her for two seconds before she reared back on her hind legs and tried to scratch me. Hard. She’s also pretty stressed (her breathing is really fast). What is going on with her?

Hi pawbly-
If a dog had pneumonia as a puppy, are there residual effects when they are older? I’m curious because one of our dogs, Riva, apparently had pneumonia when they first got her to the rescue. She is 2 now and seems to tire easily. Loves to play and run, but not for too long. Curious if there is a correlation or if she really is just a diva?

My cat has squamous cell carcinoma under and behind her tongue. She’s on a feeding tube, and can’t use her tongue for lapping milk or grooming. I’ve been to the cancer vet, and I know she only has 4-6 months. (I’m trying to accept it, but it’s so hard). She sometimes ‘works’ her mouth, opening & closing it, moving her tongue as best she can – I think she knows things don’t feel right and she’s trying to rearrange them. Would it make her more comfortable to have some of the tumor & part of her tongue removed? Or would that just make distress her? Would it just re-grow anyway?

I have 2 Pit mixes that itch and chew their paws like crazy. Penny was on Apoquel and can no longer take it because she developed a non cancerous growth on her leg. Sampson was also on it but the only difference it made was his paws weren’t red but still chewed just as much. I was reading and found that his may have something to do with yeast since he has that musty, Frito Corn Chips smell. Penny does not smell. My current Vet put him on a prescription diet (Royal Canin moderate calorie potato and white fish). He has been on it awhile now with no other foods or treats. I also switched Penny more recently. It has not helped them at all. I read that carbohydrates feed yeast but I can not find any foods that don’t have some type of starch. I also clean their paws often with a mix of iodine, apple cider vinegar and water. Nothing helps and I feel horrible for how uncomfortable they must be. I am currently giving them Zyrtec also. I was thinking of having them tested at a veterinarian dermatologist but wanted that as a last resort. Does anyone have any thoughts on this? I just want to give my pups some relief!

I have an 8 week old Beagle/Labrador mix puppy (Sonny). He is currently on ID because he had diarrhea when I brought him home last weekend. He is “solid” and ready for regular puppy food to be introduced, and I’m at a loss on what to choose. So confused about grain-free debate and ensuring no by products. Please can you give some guidance? Favorites?