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Tim | 4 years ago
I Just Came Across Your Video Of Hank The Beagle From Dec. 2016 And It Gives Me …

I just came across your video of Hank the beagle from Dec. 2016 and it gives me hope.

Our beagle Katy just had surgery for a ruptured disc between the T12-13 and T13-L1 vertebrae that was causing compression on the spinal cord. She had no use of her back legs.
She had a hemilaminectomy on the 13th after waking up with no use of her back legs.

We brought her home today the 18th, still no use of her back legs and we have to express her bladder for her.

Also It’s my first day but I can’t seem to get her bladder to express. She has leaked pretty consistently on the pad overnight.
One last thing. She tends to sit up and not want to lay down. Can she not do this on her own. When I guided her down she went right to sleep but I dont want to force anything that may cause damage.

Dr. said we should give it until the end of the month to see if overall improvement happens.

Any advice. Signs of hope to look for?
We are doing passive range of motion therapy with her.

Thank you so much,
Tim Perry

1 Response

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    There is a lot of missing information that makes this a little difficult to give advice on. Like how long she was down? What that looked like? How severe it was/ how long she waited for surgery, what her physical condition before was, etc Etc.
    Also who did the surgery. What did that look like? I don’t expect that you will know all of this but your vet should. And they should be a constant part of her recovery. I have a huge amount of information available on my blog and YouTube channel. Here tou will see how much work and effort these patients need in the first few days and weeks. How imperative it is to know how to palpate and empty a bladder. How much effort needs to be placed in pain a management and safe physical therapy. How many obstacles that can come up post op without even knowing that they are looming. See if there is anyone locally who can help. Use Facebook groups. And books to help guide you and insist that your vets help too. A month is too long to not have assistance. Prognosis is incredibly hard to prognosticate but the best cases have early and aggressive intervention and loads of assistance from the vet team.
    I really hope this helps. Best of luck!

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Kristen Duracka | 4 years ago
Hi! I Am Interested In Doing Longer Day Hikes With Our Dog. He’s A 3 Year …

Hi! I am interested in doing longer day hikes with our dog. He’s a 3 year old Hound mix and easily does 4-5 miles. I want to get him up to about 10 miles for trips every once in a while. What supplies should we take for him? What snacks would be best? How should I increase his mileage? Should I get him used to booties (I think that might be tough though)? Thanks for any suggestions and advice you have.

1 Response

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  1. Sarah

    Hi there- I think it’s great to hike with your dog- although I have never done 10 miles. I would first and foremost make sure his obedience is up to snuff. Trails can suddenly have multiple dogs on them when a moment ago there were none around, or wildlife can be very tempting… etc. you might want to get a dog backpack to carry water in, which you’ll probably have to introduce to your dog and get him comfortable with. And a collapsible water dish too. And probably a check in with your vet if you haven’t been recently- just to be sure. Have fun out there!!!

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Barri | 4 years ago
Hello, I Was Wondering If You Have Had Experience With Dr. Jeff’s Daily Canine Care? …

Hello,
I was wondering if you have had experience with Dr. Jeff’s Daily Canine Care? My 13+ year old Beagle has some health problems and bad teeth. He currently is on proviable-DC and also takes 1/2 tablet of pepcid AC with each meal. Because of his age and health problems he is not a good candidate for teeth cleaning. Dr. Jeff’s Daily Canine Care advertised that it includes a probiotic, will help with teeth care including bad breath and other additional benefits. Wondering if this is worth a try? It costs about the same as the proviable-DC.
Thank you

This is what they advertise
l-carnatine rendering
L-carnitine
Weight control and energy

sea kelp rendering
Sea Kelp
Supports teeth and breath

probiotics rendering
Probiotics
Digestive/immune health, anti-allergy

fiber rendering
Fiber
Bowel and colon support

omega-3s rendering
Omega-3s
Reduce inflammation, condition skin/coat

1 Response

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    In my opinion bad teeth only have one good option. Dental cleaning and extractions. Everything else over the counter is false hope and wasted time. Sorry. Brutally honest. I have done loads and loads of bad dentals on older dogs. Every single time I really fretted the anesthesia and every time I have seen these guys flourish after it’s done. The longer you wait the worse it gets and the more afraid you get about doing it. There is no other good option. Sorry and good luck.

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Patty | 4 years ago
Hello.. My Little Chihuahua Was Just Diagnosed With IVDD. This Came On So Suddenly And Out …

Hello..
My little chihuahua was just diagnosed with IVDD. This came on so suddenly and out of nowhere. Because of her age (11) and an enlarged heart she’s not a good candidate for surgery. I’m doing all I can caring for her at home as far as crate rest and such and I started a raw diet on her. My vet currently has her on Prednisone and Methocarbamol.
She is having trouble pooping and I’d like to know if anyone has any suggestions that may help. Also since she can’t move I keep her on a potty pad so that she can urinate when she needs to. I keep her very clean but I have noticed a small skin infection coming up on her tail. Is there anything that I can use to help treat that? Thank you for any and all suggestions.

Patty and Gracie

1 Response

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    I’m sorry to hear about your pup. I have a ton of information that goes over all of this on my blog and YouTube channel. I would ask about pain meds and feed a watery canned food or even add a stool softener like miralax or lactulose to help get things moving. Also antibirocs might be needed for the wound/lesion. It is imperative to watch urination and dedication closely. Retained urine from incompletely emptying the bladder can lead to infection too. And ask about physical therapy, laser and acupuncture they might also help. Best of luck

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suerena schaefer | 4 years ago
I Need Help. My Cats Are Spraying! I Am A Client At Jarrettsville Vet. I Have 5 Indoor/outdoor Make Cats …

I need help. My cats are spraying! I am a client at Jarrettsville vet. I have 5 indoor/outdoor male cats and 2 dogs and they are all rescues. The cats were dropped off on our road at different times and I brought them in and kept them indoors for a year but they screamed for an entire year and darted for the doors and I finally gave up and let them go out. They have all been neutered and the one female dog was spayed. The cats have a litter box but only use it when it’s raining outside or snowing and even then it’s usually only 1 cat. Otherwise they prefer to come and go through their pet door and relieve themselves outside. I have noticed a few of them over the years spray once or twice but I’ve cleaned up the areas and never had a real problem with it or at least I thought. I recently fostered 2 kittens for 5 weeks. They were confined to a bedroom for the most part but were allowed to roam when my cats were outside. The kittens went to their forever home on Saturday. I have noticed in the last week that 4 of my cats are spraying everywhere!! Repeatedly. One of them sprayed 3 times today within 30 minutes. Twice on 2 different spots on the couch I was sitting on. I cleaned each spot right away as I noticed. I moved to lie on the floor to let my babies and he followed me and sprayed on the built in behind my head. I picked him up immediately and put him outside and told him no in a firm voice. I imagine that the kittens probably have something to do with this since cats are very territorial but I don’t know what to do to get them to stop. I’m not sure if I’m using the right cleaning products. I’m using “no more spray” by nature’s miracle. I don’t know if maybe they have a physical issue going on so I don’t want to rule that out. I’m now wondering if they’ve always sprayed a lot and I just didn’t notice it. But I have a very keen since of smell and I think I would have noticed it. I am NOT giving up my cats!! I love my babies ! I need help to end this! PLEASE HELP!

2 Responses

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    This is often a multi factorial issue. And therefore it is a harder fix to resolve. It always should start with making sure everyone is healthy and there are no urinary issues present. That requires and exam bloodwork and urine check on all cats. Which can be costly I know. Next we make sure there are enough litter boxes. One for each cat and then one extra. All let’s must be spayed and neutered. After that we address behavior issues. Like stress markings and territorial marking. If all else levies to not help we talk about feliway pheromones, separating cats and medications to reduce stress and marking. I find rhat there is just a fine line between how many cats will cohabitate together peacefully. I am happy to help but I have to reiterate it can take a while to figure this out and rectify it satisfactorily. Lastly don’t yell or punish. They have no idea they are acting inappropriately and it will only worsen the stress for everyone.

    1. suerena schaefer Post author

      They have all been neutered. I have only 1 litter box in the house that is rarely used since they go outside. They have a cat pet door that is up higher that they all use. They prefer to go outside in my flower beds. They actually all get along well. Three of them are brothers and the other 2 were introduced slowly to the crew. I will make appts for the ones I know for sure are spraying to get the blood work done. I ordered a feliway plug in and bought odaban to clean all surfaces that I know they have marked on. Thank you so much for your time and advice. I know it will take some tumor but their my babies and worth it.

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Kay | 4 years ago
Hello, I Have A 1 Year Old French Mastiff Female, She Like To Flop Down On The …

Hello,

I have a 1 year old French Mastiff female, she like to flop down on the floors or outside a lot. She has gotten a Hygroma on her right from leg now and it’s not hurting her but I will like to know what is the best way to get it gone?

4 Responses

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  1. Laura

    DON’T have the vet drain it. It should reduce on its own. You can try making a leg covering for her, or encourage her to lay on soft surfaces like beds, mats, etc. If you crate her, have something soft in the crate.

    (We went through this with our Doberman. It did reduce on its own, though it took awhile and we had to back out of two shows while it resolved.)

    1. Kay Post author

      Ok thank you, I brought her some legs straps but they are not working because today I noticed her other leg is getting a Hygroma on it also. Do you think I can cut a sock and put on her?

  2. Krista Magnifico

    I agree with Laura! It comes from trauma and it will only recur if you don’t resolve the stress on the joint. I use Doggleggs coverings and an orthopedic bed.

    1. Kay Post author

      This is what I got her and it’s not working, do you suggest anything else I could use?

      NATURE PET Dog Callus Bandage/Dog Elbow Support Wrap/Dog Elbow Bandage/Elbow Protectors for Dogs/Dog Elbow Splint (L)

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Katie Katie | 4 years ago
4 Year Old Lab, Who LOVES To Eat, Refused Breakfast, Had Yellow Vomit In His Bedding And …

4 year old lab, who LOVES to eat, refused breakfast, had yellow vomit in his bedding and is acting a little subdued. His bowel sounds are so loud. I can’t think of anything he ate that he shouldn’t have. Do dogs sometimes just get a stomach bug? His bm was normal this morning

2 Responses

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  1. Laura

    Yellow vomit is bile, and is something we see in Dobermans when they have an empty stomach for too long. When was his last meal? What happens if you give something small, like a little plain yogurt?

  2. Sarah

    Agree with Laura-
    I would definitely watch him closely. If hole gets any worse, probably call the vet. Meantime, if he is getting an appetite, I would keep it bland. Boiled rice and chicken…. hopefully he is fine????????

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Karen Guckert | 4 years ago
I Have A 3 1/2 Yr Old Male Cavalier King Charles Spaniel And Are Getting Another Cav Puppy. …

I have a 3 1/2 yr old male Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and are getting another Cav puppy. Is it better to get a female this time? I want to create the best opportunity for them to get along. Is another male ok?

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Kate | 4 years ago
I Live In A Studio Apartment With Two Female Cats (ages 1.5 & 5) And When I’m …

I live in a studio apartment with two female cats (ages 1.5 & 5) and when I’m not in the apartment, they get along fine. During the day if I’m home, they only compete when they are hungry. But all of a sudden between 12am and 1am if I’m home, they start to chase each other to the point of some scary yowels. I can only assume it’s jealousy-triggered. My question is, how do I mitigate the fighting if i can only separate them between a cold bathroom and the huge main room (that has me in it)? Would separating them like that only make things worse? Any herbal remedies to calm newly competitive kitties?

1 Response

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  1. Sarah

    Hi there- there may be an underlying issue that is unknown or unrealized to you that is causing this change in behavior. So that might be worth investigating. As far as keeping them separated in your studio- have you tried to make places where they can “escape” to? For instance, we used to have a cat that was very sociable, but when she needed her alone time she would go up on the window sill of our basement window (high up) where no one else could bother her. When the cat we currently have needs a break from the dogs, she goes on the shelf in our closet where she can be alone. Maybe a cat tree or a high shelf might be helpful? ????????

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Jessica | 4 years ago
My 3 Y/o Lab Has Chronically Had Bad Breath Since He Was About 1 Y/o, No …

My 3 y/o lab has chronically had bad breath since he was about 1 y/o, no matter what food he is on (currently Purino Pro Plan Lamb & Rice). When he licks you, his saliva residue smells really bad, and can actually feel stinging, leading me to worry about the possibility of acid reflux for him that we’ve missed all along. Is there anything we can try with him either OTC or natural supplements for him to address this? Or does this warrant a trip to the vet to address?

1 Response

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  1. Laura

    If it’s gone on for 2 years and you haven’t gotten it addressed in that time, it’s most likely something that REALLY needs a vet’s involvement. Could be medical, could be dental, but you should call the vet about it.