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Laura Tomaschefsky | 5 years ago
What Are Your Recommendations To Comfort Dogs During Thunderstorms And Fireworks? My Mother-in-laws Dog Is Petrified …

What are your recommendations to comfort dogs during thunderstorms and fireworks?
My mother-in-laws Dog is petrified over loud noises and hides, shakes, growls, gets very very panicked… etc. You can’t even hold him and try to comfort him when he gets this way. She has tried the thunder blanket and that didn’t work. He’s actually starting to freak out as soon as it gets dark.
Is there any over the counter meds available that would relax him? If so what and how much for a 19lb dog? Can dogs have Xanax or Valium?

1 Response

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    I actually offer a lot of advice to clients. First I try a thunder shirt and recommend putting a cage or crate in the darkest quietest part of the house with heavy blankets on top to dampen the noise. I also recommend that you talk to your vet about medications that might help. There is a huge assortment of things you can try. They can discuss lots and lots of options from things like antihistamines to prescription medications like sileo or even diazepam etc. try to use background noise like a tv or radio and keep calm even if your pet isn’t. There are other options like DAP (a pheromone) or over the counter homeopathic options. It’s best to talk to your vet as there are a huge number of options and a huge range of patient needs.

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Pam Brooks | 5 years ago
Had CT Done Of My Cat Lucas Due To No Resolution Of Respiratory Problems With Antibiotics. …

Had CT done of my cat Lucas due to no resolution of respiratory problems with antibiotics. Here are the results.

Moderate to marked thickening of the roof of the nasopharynx
• Otitis media bilaterally
• Lymphadenopathy left medial retropharyngeal lymph node

The marked thickening of the mucosal lining of the roof of the nasopharynx in conjunction withthe enlarged left medial retropharyngeal lymph node are highly suggestive for neoplastic
, and round cell neoplasia is the top differential diagnosis. Differentials include mast-
cell tumor, squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, other. The mucosal thickening of the roof
of the nasopharynx can explain the bilateral otitis media due to mechanical obstruction of the
openings of the auditory tubes into the nasopharynx. A differential to neoplastic infiltration is
marked non-infectious inflammation (e.g. lymphocytic plasmacytic, eosinophilic) or
granulomatous inflammation (e.g. Cryptococcosis) but the later one is considered far less likely
here. The findings are not typical for inflammatory polyps.The bilateral otitis media is explains the history of head tilt and Horner’s syndrome.
Rhinoscopy/retrograde pharyngoscopy is recommended for further evaluation including FNA
sampling and biopsy. FNA sampling of the left medial retropharyngeal lymph node is warranted
as well. The prednisolone treatment may influence results of the samples.

I think all the tests and surgeries that may follow will be out of my budget. Already spent over $1000 to date with no resolution.
Wondering if there are veterinarians who would go in and remove the polyp – appears to be a poly under soft palate – just to give the cat some relief and time.

Opinions and suggestions are welcome.

2 Responses

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  1. Sarah

    Good morning- I’m sorry you’ve been through so much already, and still are having issues. Did you speak candidly with your primary vet already about all of these findings and your wishes? (Meaning the removal of the polyp or at least some relief) That is probably where I would start. I would also make a few phone calls… local rescue organizations that may be willing to help fund your surgery. Or possibly your vet may let you pay a little at a time as you have already paid so much? I hope things get better soon!????????

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Lydia Schlitzkus | 5 years ago
Routine Spay On An 11 Month Old Cane Corso Puppy
Treatment Cost (USD): $558.00
Delilah received all of her puppy vaccines. She was then old enough to be routinely spayed. The veterinarian chose to wait a little longer to spay her because she is a large breed dog. She came in for an exam and pre-op blood work was completed (a 6 panel chemistry and CBC).
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Barbara | 5 years ago
I Have A Cat 10 Years Of Age, Flash. He Had A Tumor That Was Detected After …

I have a cat 10 years of age, Flash. He had a tumor that was detected after he chewed on his privates and was unable to pee. I took him to the vet and was told they had to remove tumor and his male parts. So after spending about 1500.00, a discount because I also had my other cat that cost 500 for shots and fixing and chipped. After about two months my cat once again had issue peeing. I am now told it will cost another $2000 to do another surgery where they will make a knew opening. I am at ends wit because I can’t do another $2000 when thinking the first surgery was to fix the issue. Was something not done correctly the first time? All I am told is that he heals too fast and the tissue is weak and can’t maintian an opening to pee needing a new one.

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    I’m sorry but I am not quite sure what is going on here. I think that I would recommend that you get a second opinion from a feline specialist or a vet your friends or family recommend. Or go back to your vet and ask for assistance in exposing what’s going on and why?
    I think you need some clarification before making any big decisions. In the meantime you can ask about intermediate palliative care. Please keep me posted on progress and good luck!

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Jaymi | 5 years ago
Hi, I Just Had A Scare With My Mini 10yo Pomeranian, Diagnosed With CHF Heart Murmur 5/6, …

Hi, I just had a scare with my mini 10yo Pomeranian, diagnosed with CHF heart murmur 5/6, but went to the cardiologist and said she has grade 2 murmur, no CHF, but mitral valve disease… During this whole thing, I noticed a bump on her nipple, and mentioned it to the vets, but wasn’t worried enough cus there was so much going on w her heart. Now that we got that cleared up w Cardio, I’ve caught my breath but am even more anxious to think she has Pyometra. I’ve been noticing sticky, red discharge from her vagina for a while now, mentioned it to cardio vet, had no comment. I had mentioned it to her regular ver before, and butt scooching, and they cleaned her anal glands. I am beyond anxious and so scared to lose my baby girl. I have an appointment for her to be spayed, which I was already anxious about due to her age and enlarged heart, but now I feel so hopeless and I’m sorry but I’m having trouble trusting vets… i know I shouldn’t say this but how has no one caught anything… Its a much longer story, I’m sorry. I noticed today a lot more discharge, it used to just accumulate a bit in her vag, but noticed it across her bum today… It was hard to tell at first cus she’s black, but I just don’t know what to do. Should I reschedule spay appointment earlier? Anyone, please help me… Not even sure how this site works… found it online researching Pyo…

photos are kinda graphic, sorry..

2 Responses

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    I’m very glad to hear that your cardio appointment went so well. Consider that a HUGE win! It gives everyone a huge sigh of relief in everything you do moving forward. As far as the possible pyo goes I would strongly recommend you call your vet ASAP and be seen by them. Schedule her spay based on this exam and your vets concern about whether it meds to be done immediately or whether it can wait for your scheduled surgery date. Abnormal discharge is abnormal. A sick (lethargic, inappetant, or depressed) dog should be seen immediately. We have an old saying in vet med “never let the sun set on a pyo”. Or another words you don’t wait a day to treat! Good luck. Keep us posted.

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Krista Magnifico | 5 years ago
Routine Dog Spay, OHE Canine
Treatment Cost (USD): $533.80
Luna is a normal, healthy dog.
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  1. Krista Magnifico Post author

    here is her invoice;
    pre op blood work; $60
    anesthesia $120
    spay 50-100 pounds $175
    suture pack (extra) $30
    NSAID injectable pre op $0 not charged for because our clinic will not let this be declined
    take home NSAID $13.80
    i.v. fluids $50
    fluid pump $25
    e-collar for post op care $15

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Lydia Schlitzkus | 5 years ago
A Routine Dental Cleaning And Tooth Extraction On An 8 Year Old Dog
Treatment Cost (USD): $756.74
Molly had a routine dental cleaning along with a tooth extraction. The tooth was extracted due to a fracture in one of her teeth. Prior to the dental cleaning an examination was completed. Pre-op blood work was also completed prior to the procedure.
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Regular Vet Visit
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Pam Brooks | 5 years ago
Cat With Allergies
Treatment Cost (USD): $335.50
Took my cat was taken in to the vet in May to treat allergies, difficulty breathing (snoring sounds) and a head tilt. Eyes don't look the same. One eye's pupil is smaller. Was given an exam, anti inflammatory, antibiotic (convenia), vitamin b-12, ear drops, and an X-ray of lungs. Vet did not communicate with me about any of the issues. I've been a client for 5-6 years. Vet tech said she hoped cat didn't have Horner's syndrome. I didn't know what it was or what to say. She said the "next step" would be seeing a specialist. I did not know what that meant either, as they had never said this to me. They were busy I had dropped off the cat between appts and came back to pick him up.
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  1. Pam Brooks Post author

    New vet today. Practice is for cats only. Vet spent a LOT of time checking Lucas. Going to try an antibiotic for possible middle ear infection.

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Pam Brooks | 5 years ago
My Cat Was Taken In To The Vet In May To Treat Allergies, Difficulty Breathing…

My cat was taken in to the vet in May to treat allergies, difficulty breathing (snoring sounds) and a head tilt. Was given an anti inflammatory, antibiotic (convenia), vitamin b-12, ear drops, and an X-ray. Diagnosed with asthma brought on by allergies. Lungs ok. Three weeks later breathing and itching had improved, but third eyelid started showing.
Vet would not see him and said to go to a specialist.
Took the cat for a second opinion. That vet said we should check for nasal polyps. Was sedated and had an exam of ears and throat. No polyps were visible. Vet felt a small enlarged area under the soft palate, but could not confirm this was a polyp. Head tilting stopped after first visit. Recurred a few days ago. Not present now. Second vet recommended going to a specialist for ct scan. It is cost prohibitive and I’m not sure it is necessary. Third opinion from an online site recommended we try antibiotics for the respiratory issues. Started on one antibiotic today for ten days. And started on purina fortiflora.
Looking for any other advice or experience with issues like this. I’ve never had a cat with these problems.
Thanks.
#cats #nasal #headtilt #respiratory #polyps

9 Responses

Comments

  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    This is a tough one. The problem really lies in the inability to localize and identify the lesion causing all of the clinical signs. I would look into Horners Syndrome and see a cat specialist. I also would consider a long discussion with a trusted vet on what is treatable and what isn’t based on most likely diagnosis. That’s really what you need. Help from someone who will talk about your case within your budget and comfort zone. I have to add one more thing. It really bugs the heck out of me to have a vet who won’t talk to you further after you discuss and confide in your inability to see a specialist (who will likely want a ct that you also can’t afford). Sorry. Soapbox moment.
    Keep me posted on your cats status please.

  2. Pam Brooks Post author

    Thank you. I just found your videos on removing nasal polyps on you tube. Was so hopeful yesterday that the second opinion vet who did the exam with Lucas under anesthesia would find a polyp in his throat and remove it. But instead she said she felt something kidney bean size under his soft palate. She wasn’t real confident of what it was. I went for the second opinion and told them I could not do the specialist route due to cost. Then I ended up being told I need to go see a specialist and spend 1-2 thousand for a CT. After that I could not pay for anymore treatment. So I searched around and had a vet online recommend the antibiotics. No one yet has given me options. Although the second vet said well he could live with polyps. I said but he is getting worse. The head tilt went away and came back. She said nothing else. I feel like I’m in an airport being moved through the system in the midst of storms that no on wants to discuss. And when I ask questions like can we give him steroids for inflammation – she says oh no I wouldn’t do that.
    I am scheduled for a consult with a vet from Cornell on Sunday. Maybe that will help.
    The other option I’m considering is just paying for a consult with a specialist – internal medicine I guess. When you call they won’t tell you what anything costs until you beg them. So I am leary of spending more money twith a specialist who may tell me they can’t do anything until I spend even more money on a ct.
    Sorry, frustrating week.

  3. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    I completely understand your frustration. For al of the reasons you mention we added a storyline section to this site. If you can please add a story of your experience at each vet you went to and include the prices of each visit. I hope it is a way for others to see what the cost of care is and even which bets are affordable and helpful. Stories are entered by service provider. So each visit is entered separately but reference that you added one for each. It is a new feature so let me know if you have any questions or problems. We really are working hard to help people like you. Keep us posted. Good luck. Ps I think Cornell is a great option.

  4. Pam Brooks Post author

    For more information on this subject please see these credible resource pages; ACVS Nasopharyngeal Polyps; https://www.acvs.org/small-animal/nasopharyngeal-polyps

    Dr Magnifico, this is the link you posted. Figure 5 sounds like what Lucas has – a small polyp under his soft palate. Is this a surgery that a general practice cat vet could perform. Or only a surgeon. Cost is an issue for me. But I want to help Lucas before things get worse. Thanks.

  5. Pam Brooks Post author

    It says the mass will regrow with the simple removal shown. But it would be some relief and I’m not sure how fast they grow. Thanks.

  6. Pam Brooks Post author

    Went to a new vet today. What a difference from the others! Quiet, calm environment. Cats only patients. The vet was so thorough. Spent a long time with Lucas. When Lucas got anxious, he allowed him to go back into his carrier and calm down. Then he continued the exam by removing the top of the carrier. Lucas stayed in the corner and was much calmer. Going to try a new antibiotic – to hit what might be a middle ear infection. Onward!

  7. Pam Brooks Post author

    Thanks Dr Magnifico,
    The consulting vet from Cornell recommended I find a good vet interested in pursuing what is going on with Lucas, and listening to me regarding my budget. That was the same advice you gave! By the way the Cornell consult was excellent. The vet was very familiar with nasal polyps – and did not feel like this is the problem.

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Lydia Schlitzkus | 5 years ago
Routine Dog Spay On A 9 Month Old Mixed Breed Dog
Treatment Cost (USD): $410.00
Paisley has received all of her puppy vaccines. She was then old enough to be routinely spayed. She came in for an exam and pre-op blood work was completed (a 6 panel chemistry and CBC).
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