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Jennifer | 3 days ago
My Dog Nick Is Going Through Heart Worm Treatment And I Have A Few Questions… He …

My dog Nick is going through heart worm treatment and I have a few questions…

he is 12 days post 1st injection as of today. He is on Prednisone once daily, and has Gabapentin 300mg which I give as needed.

he seems to shiver quite a bit – is he cold or feeling uncomfortable? I understand that the worms are dying and disintegrating. Is that painful for him? Does it cause pressure in his lungs? That is where this process takes place – is that correct?

I keep him a small room with me and in a crate when unsupervised. If I am in the kitchen he is leashed and laying on the floor. Only goes upstairs at night. I am giving him enrichment toys however he did eat (literally) half of one and had to go to vet to vomit the toy-my fault, I know he eats things. He is on a short leash for potty breaks. The heart worm society recommends having the dog sit at each stage for going outside, this little man will do anything for a treat and this works great for him. Does this seem like a good approach?

Thoughts or suggestions are appreciated.
Thank you!

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  1. Jennifer Taylor

    I have been in the rescue world for many years and have gone through heartworm treatment with more dogs than I can count at this juncture sadly. I am not familiar with having them sit when outside? I just checked the American Heartworm Society’s website to see if maybe there was an update I wasn’t familiar with but couldn’t find anything. I have always kept my foster confined to a crate or small area (sounds like what you describe in your kitchen). Outside time is for potty purposes only and on a 6′ lead. Yes, enrichment is important and depending on the dog’s personality we do use meds as needed to keep them calm. It’s a long process for them and us and the day they can come off restrictions is cause for celebration! I would relay the shivering/shaking that you describe to your vet so they can determine how to best proceed or if this would be of concern to them. Good luck! And start planning the “pawty” for when life can resume as normal!

    1. Jennifer Post author

      Thanks so much for your ireply! I think the video is on the heart worm society page where the vet talks about taking the dog out for potty breaks and asking the dog to sit at the door, sit when they get outside, let them do their thing, have them sit again, sit before they come in etc. as a way to keep the heart rate down. That was my interpretation of the video. This is my first time going through this and I just want to be sure I am doing the best I can for my boy.

      Oh, you can sure we are planning a ‘pawty’. I’m gonna tell my vet to hold the phone away from her ear when she gives me the good news, or if I am in the clinic there WILL be a happy dance/!

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Melinda | 1 week ago
About 2 Months Ago My 11-Year-Old English Chocolate Lab Started Developing A Cough. It Started Off Mild …

About 2 months ago my 11-Year-Old English chocolate Lab started developing a cough. It started off mild at first with a couple coughing fits here and there. I got her to the vet as soon as I could get an appointment. She was ruled out for kennel cough because she’s up to date on shots, she never is boarded and she never goes to dog parks. They started a round of antibiotics, and cough suppressants. It didn’t seem to work so we went back. They did a lot of tests which of course was a lot of money. She’s diabetic so congestive heart failure was a concern but through testing and an X-ray they said they don’t believe it has to do with her heart & there didn’t seem to be fluid around her lungs either.. She was then put on steroids because they thought it might be inflammation. It didn’t seem to help any & her cough has only gotten progressively worse. We went back again and now they put her on a different round of antibiotics & another script that I have to fill at a human pharmacy for Codeine I believe. She has coughing fits almost every 20 to 30 minutes and sometimes with rubbing of her neck it helps calm them down. Her coughing spasms generally produce a lot of phlegmy spit up. I’ve spent more money than I have to try to get her help but we haven’t been able to get any answers. I was told it could possibly be Laryngeal Paralysis but the only way to truly confirm was to take her to a specialist and spend a lot more money to put my 11-year-old senior diabetic dog under sedation for an invasive procedure to diagnose. I’m not even sure what the fix for that would be if there is one and I’m sure it’s thousands more $$$ for a girl who may not make it through all that. It’s heartbreaking watching her struggle., I don’t really know what to think or do, just at a devastating loss watching my poor girl suffer. Within the last week, my once always hungry Labrador who never turned down any type of food down has stopped eating her normal food and treats that she used to love. She now only accepts wet food and soft meaty treats. I’m not really sure where to go. I don’t think the ER is the best answer here and again I’ve spent way more money than I even have to try to find an answer. Just trying to find any guidance/advice/assistance/suggestions and/or answers that I possibly can. Thank you in advance.

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    I’m sorry that you are having so much difficulty finding the cause to this.
    There is no way around the fact that some patients come to us with more difficult conditions than others. When we struggle for the answer the best way to get to the bottom of the problem is to get a second opinion and a new set of eyes. I don’t think there is anyway around seeing a new vet and probably spending more money to rerun some of the tests.
    The other option is to see if your vet can send the X-rays to a radiologist for review and ask for a vet consult via the lab work provider they use. For cases like this I can lean on a specialist to help me with the difficult cases I see. I use ANTECH and Idexx for my lab services and they both offer online consults for vets. They also both offer radiologists to review my X-rays The phone consult is free and the radiologist review is often about $150. It might help.
    Otherwise you are stuck with just trying additional medication to see if they help.
    X-rays also have limitations and a CT scab might be needed to see the area of the throat or chest causing the issue. I’m sorry I wish I could help more.

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Jessica | 3 weeks ago
Hello Vets I Hope I Can Get Some Help Please. Looking For Funding Options Or A …

Hello vets

I hope I can get some help please.

Looking for funding options or a vet that works with people on financial aid (location Ontario toronto). My dog dewclaw came off exposing the inside. I am doing my best to keep it clean from infection. Do I need to take him to see a vet?

I attached a photo also I got some Betadine but want to ensure the proper use. I was told to dilute as it’s strong it’s 10% advice would be great

My dog is not bleeding, no signs of serious discomfort. Able to run and walk still. Keeping an eye for infection

Happend on January 30th I live in Toronto west end

Any advice for the mean time would be super appreciated. I have been using dog bandage, gauze, cleaning with mild soap and water. I used peroxide the day it broke then after a walk because dirt got in the wound. I have now discontinued using it. I used ointment photo attached below. But I needed somthing to prevent infection. So I got Betadine and was told to dilute my dog is about 20 pounds. I also let it air out in between bangade changed he wear cone so can’t lick the wound. Theb 1 hour in morning morning before bed I let air out.

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,

    I typically don’t see these appointments ending up as an emergency issue. I have had one dog who needed intensive care for tetanus after a nail was trimmed too short and the nail bed was bleeding. This is however very rare.
    In almost all cases these heal with minimal veterinary treatment but it is important to not let the pet lick the area and keep it clean and dry.
    I cannot tell you whether it needs veterinary attention. I always have to err on the side of caution and recommend a veterinary visit.

    Best of luck.
    Krista.

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Francis | 2 months ago
My Dog Has Hind Legs Due To IVDD. I’m So Saddened To See Him Like …

Levi has hind legs due to IVDD. I’m so saddened to see him like this. He is only 4.5 years old and otherwise very active and happy. Dr. Magnífico your videos of Hank’s progress has given me hope. My question is why is he trembling despite being resting and under pain and anti-inflammatory medication? He can move his front legs, but he is not eating and just drinks water with a syringe. His symptoms began on Saturday, December 28. The Vet saw him Sunday morning and said we should keep him strictly rested for about 30 days. He is urinating and defecating on his diapers. My wife keeps him clean and changes his position every three hours. Day six no progress. Is there hope and is the trembling part of the recovery process? Also he can’t lift his head and is there a way to know if he is suffering from Myelomalacia? I appreciate you Dr. Magnífico for your passion in caring for our beloved furry family!

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello
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ansbert | 2 months ago
Hey So A Couple Of Months Ago,my Dog Had A Sort Of A Film That …

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
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