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Kenneth | 4 years ago
Could Repeated Flinching/seizure-like Behavior Be Associated With Eyesight? Here Is A Compilation Video: Https://vimeo….

Could repeated flinching/seizure-like behavior be associated with eyesight?

Here is a compilation video: https://vimeo.com/434151259

Our 10-year-old toy poodle has begun flinching (for lack of a better word) repeatedly on walks. We’ve been to the vet, but due to an enlarged heart with a leaky valve he wants her to see her cardiologist to ensure it isn’t heart-related. We are trying to get an appointment but the pandemic is making wait times in the weeks and we’re concerned in the meantime about how dangerous waiting could be.

Based on our experience, the flinches rarely happen at home, happen much more frequently in bright sunlight on walks, especially facing the sun. They also occur much more frequently when leaving a shadow into the sun or leaving the sun into a shadow. Her vet has noticed early signs of cataracts and we’ve noticed her eyes getting cloudy. She’s also begun walking into things occasionally.

We’re hoping these are eye-sight related rather than seizures or neurological issues, but are unsure of next steps while waiting appointments with specialists.

Thanks.

1 Response

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    This is a tough question to answer based on the information given. The optic nerve which services the eyes is connected to the brain so yes they can influence each other. But I am also worried about pain. I think it’s imperative to see a neurologist. Or try to get a second opinion from another vet. I also think that bloodwork and xrays are a good place to start. You can also ask to see an ophthalmologist. Please keep calling and please seek help from a vet locally. I hope this helps. Let me know what happens. Good luck.

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Cathy Smith | 4 years ago
Is There Such A Thing As A Puppy Drinking Too Much Water?

Is there such a thing as a puppy drinking too much water?

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    There are medical conditions that cause puppies to drink too much water. Conditions like kidney disease, or liver malfunction or even poor diets, or diabetes. So, if you think that your puppy is drinking too much water please discuss it with your veterinarian. It is important to say that fresh water should always be left out and available for your pets. In most cases they’re drinking what they need to and withholding or rationing water can adversely affect them.

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Michelle | 4 years ago
My Dog Is Paralyzed From The Waist Down. My Dog Is A 4 Year Old, 10 Pound Shi-poo …

My dog is paralyzed from the waist down. My dog is a 4 year old, 10 pound Shi-poo mix. He suffered from some trauma yesterday (Friday) after getting his paws stuck in some metal grating he seemed ok but then his symptoms exacerbated after running around the park and playing with another dog. At around 5pm on Friday, he was able to poop and urinate and ran around at the dog park but by the evening he couldn’t put any weight on his hind legs. At 8pm, my dog was still able to wag his tail. We went to a doctor this morning and that doctor says he still has sensation in his hind legs (even though they he cannot move them). We have been given the option of MRI followed immediately by surgery but we are not sure if we want to put his body through that much trauma with the risk that he could die on the operating table. We have taken him to a “holistic” vet who has treated him with acupuncture, Chinese herbs, and cortisone. The acupuncturist Vet said he would need 4 weeks with 1 session a week to see if that method could help but also told us we could very well have “missed” his critical cure time if it doesn’t. Nevertheless the acupuncturist said he is very confident as his method has seen much success in IVDD in older dogs. My dog is in a lot of pain and has not urinated or passed stool since yesterday I do not believe he has control over his bowel movements And he is constantly holding his head back and he is constantly propping himself up on his two front legs. I would love a second opinion and an honest opinion of what his chances of regaining full motor function and bowel control are with OR without surgery.

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  1. Sarah

    Hello- I am so sorry you are going through this. I am hoping that Dr. Magnifico sees your past, as she has a lot of experience with ivdd. I can however direct you to her YouTube webpage where she has helpful videos dealing with ivdd that may be useful to you. Very best to you and your pup. I hope things work out well????????

  2. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    I’m sorry to hear about your dog. I’m also not a neurologist and it doesn’t appear that you have done the diagnostics to acurately and definitively diagnose him. I think the best advice I can give is to go to a neurologist and see if they can help do this. They typically need an mri to diagnose. This is usually over $1,000 and I don’t encourage clients to do it unless they are ready and able to do surgery after. This is usually about $7,000. If you chose to or cannot afford these then I think full body xrays with a concentration on the spine is the next best option. From here if it is spinal trauma I advise strict cage rest without being outside to do anything except go to the bathroom. Also the pain has to be addressed. Someone need to provide this immediately. I have a lot of information available on this (search IVDD) on my blog and YouTube channel. I think it addresses all possible scenarios and outcomes. Please go there. Read and review all of it. It will help. Good luck.

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Maggie | 4 years ago
Hi, Kirby,my 11 Year Old Cat, Has Taken A Liking To Spending The Whole Day Laying …

Hi,
Kirby,my 11 year old cat, has taken a liking to spending the whole day laying outside on the covered deck. He complains if I make him come in! He and my other cat Cricket have always been indoor only cats, so I have never been concerned about fleas. But now, I’m starting to be worried that he may contract them, even though he isn’t down on the ground. I’m assuming that fleas, as well as ticks, can fly, and I don’t want either cat to be exposed to them. What protection do you recommend? I don’t want to just buy something OTC without asking. Thanks, Maggie

1 Response

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  1. Sarah

    I would talk to your vet about preventatives for fleas and ticks. And I would treat both cats since one can bring hem them inside to the other.

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megan | 4 years ago
Does My Dogs Neuter Incision Look Normal? I’m Trying To Keep Him Blocked Off Into …

does my dogs neuter incision look normal? I’m trying to keep him blocked off into a small room in my basement and it’s been storming a lot recently and he’s terrified of storms so he knocks down or jumps over everything i use as a dog gate to keep him confined and makes him way to sit up on the stairs. One night he also some how got his cone off while i was sleeping. I can’t control him and keep him confined and nothing i do is working. He just got neutered friday morning.

3 Responses

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  1. Sarah

    Hi there-
    When is your follow up visit? I think I would try to get in to see the vet. And perhaps they can give you something to help keep him calmer? I would also have a conversation about what to look for at the incision site. Right now, it looks like it is more red than your last photo (it is so hard to tell from a picture) and it looks as if it might be oozing? So I would make a phone call to the vet. Best of luck- keep us posted.????????????

  2. Laura

    Have you tried:
    crating
    melatonin for storms
    sleeping in the same room until he heals

  3. Gloria

    Also, consider trying a Thundershirt. They’re supposed to keep dogs calmer during storms. Good luck!

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Tom | 4 years ago
Does My Dog Need A 4DX Test Before Taking A Heartworm Preventive? My Dog Is 71/2 Yrs …

Does my dog need a 4DX test before taking a heartworm preventive? My dog is 71/2 yrs old and has been taking Sentinel monthly since he was a pup, and his Lyme vaccination is up to date. I realize the 4DX test is worthwhile and will get it done at the next annual exam. But the vet is refusing to renew the sentinel prescription without a 4DX test, and that doesn’t make sense to me.

3 Responses

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  1. Laura

    The 4DX test is the heartworm test, and every vet I’ve used has required it prior to filling heartworm prescription.

    1. Tom Post author

      Yep, I’m aware that’s what the test is for. I pose the question because the vet has been supplying Sentinel for my dog for the past seven years without a 4dx test, so it’s a belated change in protocol. Plus, if Sentinel works as intended, why test for heartworm? I’ve never missed a monthly dose.

      1. Laura

        That’s interesting, and best addressed with the vet. It’s possible they simply changed protocol, or maybe they’ve mixed up your normal schedule.

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Madison | 4 years ago
My Pug Was Throwing Up Today In The Morning He Has Thrown Up Last Week Which …

My pug was throwing up today in the morning he has thrown up last week which was when I took him to the vet they told me to change his food because that will help. I changed his food to royal canin for pugs and he seemed to be doing much better but he would only eat at night so I went out and bought him pedigree canned food he does perfectly fine with the beef but his breeder told us to buy him the pedigree puppy food so we started giving him the puppy food yesterday then he woke up today and threw up twice it’s like some sort of white foam with mucus we also just noticed that his private part is really stiff he is peeing okay and he’s not neutered he’s two years old should I start to worry

2 Responses

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    I’m sorry but I don’t quite understand your question. It sounds like you should call your vet and ask for help with the concerns you have. I’m not sure if any of the information you list is related to the problems you are concerned about. But I think your vet can direct you. Ask about intestinal parasites, food, anti nausea medications and anything else you have questions about.

    1. Madison Post author

      Well they told us the results from his exams and they said he has no parasites and that it was an allergy of the food but I have done what they told us to do and nothing works

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Karen Hesch | 4 years ago
Hello… I Was Hoping For Some Advice… So I Have A 7 Y/o Lab/rotti Mix …

Hello… i was hoping for some advice… so i have a 7 y/o lab/rotti mix whom ive had since he was 4 weeks old… he’s very good EXCEPT for when i try to mess with his ears or go passed his chest area… he has chronic ear infections and now has growths popping up in a few spots… he’s miserable n he won’t let me help him… Im out of work n can’t afford much. Just had 3 disc replaced in my neck n the covid situations had everything messed up so i don’t know what to do to help him n it’s breaking my heart… I’ve tried to muzzle him n sedated him a little with benadryl but he gets very aggressive when i try… he’s 100lbs n I’m only 140 and have been injured so i can’t really do much. When my husband left in 2018 he left me with all these fur babies n being out of work since dec 2019 im desperate at this point ???? but i refuse to give up on him ever… can someone give me some advice/ help

1 Response

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  1. Sarah

    Hi there- I’m not 100% sure of your question. are you looking for advice on ear cleaning? Or growths? Or behavior?

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Brenna | 4 years ago
Is It Common For Puppies To Wet Themselves Napping?

Is it common for puppies to wet themselves napping (or could it be a UTI or something else)? I have a 10 week old female chocolate lab. We take her outside to pee very frequently, but she sometimes wakes up from a short nap during the day and one side of her body is soaked.

1 Response

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  1. Laura

    The only time we found a mess in the crate, it was a UTI. Head to the vet.

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Mike | 4 years ago
Is Our Jack Russell Addicted To Something?

We have a 2 year old Jack Russell named Toby. Papers from the breeder say he is registered, but my guess is if we spent the money on a DNA test we would find a stranger in the midst. We love him and wouldn’t trade him for the world but we think he has an addiction! He was not handled by the breeder and probably didn’t know human touch other than when his tail was docked and dew claws removed as a pup until we bought him.

He seems as though he is now addicted to our touch. Any kind of touch. He loves scratches from anyone, anywhere, at any time, and if you stop scratching him, he whines non stop. Could this behavioral issue be due to the lack of early touch? As much as we love this lug, having our hands on him every waking moment isn’t feasible.

I would love to know what we can do to keep him occupied that doesn’t include belly rubs, butt scratches, and tickling his ribs non stop. He has toys he.plays with as well as two other Jack Russell’s to terrorize squirrels in the back yard with, so it’s not a lack of stimulation. Open to suggestions! Oh, and the breeder was breeding pit bulls in the same place with Russell’s and at 30+/- lbs, we are pretty sure dad, well you understand!
Thank you

1 Response

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  1. Laura

    So, by feeding in to the whining, you’re reinforcing the behavior. At his age it will be difficult to stop. I’d reach out to your obedience trainer for ideas for this one.