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Hello! I have been a follower for a couple of years and you helped me to not give up hope when my 15 year old dachshund suffered from cervical IVDD in October….he was completely paralyzed for 1 month and is mostly back to his rambunctious self. Thank you!!
I do have a question. I am currently fostering an old lady chihuahua who has red eyes. I was wondering if you had come across it or have any resources I could use? She does not have conjunctivitis. She sees well, but does appear to startle if we move too quickly. It appears that the cornea and iris are red…like that of a hamster or rat. There is not really any pupil distinction, however, it does not seem as though she suffers from light sensitivity. Thank you for any information that you can provide.
A year and a half ago we rescued a 4 week old kitten who presented unresponsive with a body temp so low it did not register. She was revived. As the caretaker was going to put her back out that evening I stepped in and offered to take her with the plan to rehome her. I have rehomed dozens of kittens over the years, all who came from feral colonies. From the get go Annabelle was incredibly sick and had behaviors that weren’t what we were used to. When held she would attack faces, when stimulated she would attack, we continued to work with her and a year and a half later she lays with us at night and as long as we don’t touch her does not attack people. Instead she attacks items. This occurs whenever there is any stimulation in our home, folding laundry, cleaning out a closet, dogs playing, children laughing, the list goes on and on. She has destroyed a sofa, armchair, curtains, tablecloths, comforters, sheets, duvet covers, etc, etc. We can not trim her nails….because we can’t handle her and truly even with her nails trimmed I am sure she would rip things apart with her teeth. We are no stranger to ferals, I am happy to allow them to hide until they feel comfortable, there is no hiding with Annabelle instead she literally runs into the chaos. When we let our dogs out and at feeding time out she runs into the chaos, when I vacuum she runs around the room, when we have company she runs around as I warn our guests not to touch her. We are no stranger to keeping cats happy, we have cat towers, scratching posts, scratching boards, elevated areas, areas to hide. Our other 4 cats are incredibly happy members of our family. I am at my whits end, I honestly feel like we attempted to tame a raccoon and are living with it in our house. I do wonder if Annabelle would be happier outside, but with no sense of danger and a habit of running into the chaos I can’t help but worry she would get killed….and I didn’t save her to have that happen.
I am open to suggestions and curious if anyone has ever had a similar experience.
Hi Jenn- I don’t know if this advice will help, but Dori is crazy like that too. While she has free roam of the house, we have things set up where she also has areas that are just hers, and that seems to have helped a little bit. She still “kills” furniture and pillows, but it isn’t as bad as it was.
Thank you, I am comforted in knowing we aren’t the only ones with a different cat. We are finishing our basement. The cats will have the laundry room completely to themselves with a kitty door. We are also making our screen porch a cat haven. I am hoping that helps.
Some cats truly are happier outside – usually far fewer than people think, but she sounds like one of them. Do you happen to have a catio or a large dog crate you can put her in outside, just to see how she does?
Would you consider rehoming her to a farm?
The fact that she doesn’t seem capable of integrating is frustrating, and I can only imagine how you feel.
We do have a large screened porch, she does enjoy spending time out there. We are in the process of making a cat “jungle gym”, an area where the cats can climb and be up high while on the screened porch. We also actually do live on a little farm. If she wanted she could be an outdoor or indoor/outdoor cat. Her tiny stature and inability to assess danger make me nervous, we have fox and coyote….I guess I am afraid she would be killed. On the other hand I really don’t know if she is “happy” being kept as a house cat.
I completely understand that fear. I’m of the opinion that the vast majority of domesticated felines should be kept safely behind walls and screens, so I get your reluctance. I also know some cats really just cannot be housed indoors. Good luck.
Hello,
I think it comes down to a few key points to consider.
One is she just a wild child at heart. And if so could we break her free form that with time, containment (to which I mean she would have to be caged for a long time. Think Diedra’s cat Tulio)… and then still be prepared to just having an angry hostile cat. I don’t think this is my favorite option because she isn’t afraid of people she just plain old doesn’t want to be around people.
2. Try to medicate her into being happier. May take a few months and may cost you value finger sensation for the rest of your life.
3. Let her be who she is and be happy. Maybe she is just the free wild spirit and maybe she won’t live as long as possible but maybe that’s how she wants it.
I think it really comes down to a spring her as who she is. Allowing her to live her life in her terms and loving her inspire of not being able to advise her.
I’m sure this is of no help. Sorry. I can help with the caging and meds if needed. Xox
Hi Dr. magnifico! Curious on your thoughts on gabapentin for pain? I’ve read mixed reviews. My pup has a painful back leg. Originally she saw a vet at our practice who thought is was due to Lyme because she had tested strong positive and did not feel a drawer sign when checked. We did antibiotic treatment and the lameness got better for the most part. She would have some days where you could see it was bothering her. Then a few months later she was back to not bearing weight on it. Saw a different vet this time at our practice and this vet said he felt the drawer sign and said he felt it was injured CCL and reccomened a surgeon. Surgeon said would need to have x-rays to confirm which I haven’t had the money for. So we did pain meds (gabapentin and tramodyl) and rest for about a month and lameness went away again. She’s been good for about a year up until the past month or two and the vet gave gaba again. When she’s on it, she looks sleepy and scared. I’ve never had an issue giving pills with her in cheese on lunch meat or something but now she tries to spit it out. It’s like she knows what it’s going to do to her. I’ve read mixed reviews. I’ve also read it’s more for nerve pain? So I’m not sure if it’s actually relieving her pain or not. I’ve also read the reciptors that tramodyl targets, dogs don’t have? Curious on your opinion on all of this. I would like to see if she’s still a candidate for surgery even though it’s been some time but I need to come up with the funds for that so I’m trying to help her in the mean time. I give her vitamin supplements for her joints. I don’t want her on pain meds all the time but want something that gives her some relief on those bad days without making her feel drugged up.
Hello,
I actually use gabapentin a lot. I have discontinued using tramadol for many reasons. I also think that if you aren’t seeing benefits and/or seeing adverse side effects that there are other options to discuss. I think the first problem is that you lack a definitive diagnosis. I would try to start there. Then ask about other treatment options to see if they have less adverse side effects? I would also make sure your pets weight is ideal. You are on a good reputable food and a joint supplement. Also moderate impact free exercise. Please talk to your vet about all of these. Good luck .
Thank you! Appreciate your feedback 🙂
Boston terrier was having neck pain. Vet gave muscle relaxer, gabapentin and prednisone.. she suspected IVDD. My baby wasn’t doing that great with meds every 12 hours. So recently we went to 8 hours. He seemed to be doing a lot better. Well today, he started to walk towards me and he froze in mid step. And fell down. Rushed to vet. She said he is in a lot of pain- major spasm- not seizure. Gave him a pain shot that pretty much not him out. She said he needed surgery – only can do it in Dallas. If I couldn’t afford surgery then he needs to be put down. I’m trying to get donations for the surgery. Trying to give him a chance. He still walks on his own, poops etc. I saw videos of dogs recovering from IVDD without surgery and they were worse off than my baby. What should I do??? Any advice? I’d like to know what meds Dr. Magnifico used on Hank in her YouTube videos. Please help!
Hello,
I think I would go to another vet for a second opinion. I have lots of information on IVDD at my blog and YouTube channel. Please go to both and search “IVDD” you will get it all. Of search pawbly for IVDD and read the other questions by people in similar situations. I wouldn’t give up unless you feel it is the right things to do
Hello, I was trying to cut the hairs around my dogs ear and he shook causing the tip of his ear to get cut off. Very small port around a 1/4” or even less it looks like. It is not bleeding. Do I need to do anything? He doesn’t look to be in pain but I know animals don’t always look to be in pain even if they are.
Hello,
Without being able to see this in person I will say that I usually prescribe these patients an antibiotics for just a few days and discuss wrapping the ear flap to the head (see “no flap ear wrap” online) to keep it from bleeding and allow it to heal faster. Please see your vet about this.
Hi! My pup was spayed last Monday. They kept her overnight and the next day until 3pm. They called asking if we wanted to bring sedatives home because she was going crazy there in her crate and dashing everywhere. I said sure and brought them home. They didn’t use sedatives there… she was fine when she came home. She wasn’t too active just random bursts of energy. I tried the sedative one night and it just made her even worse and irritated and couldn’t settle down. From then I’ve been crating her a lot. Anyways Wednesday I noticed a swelling puffy bump on the left side of her incision. Hasn’t gone down yet. Took her to the vet on Friday and she said probably being too active caused it. Which I don’t think she’s been too crazy at home. Idk what happened the day after surgery at the vet but I don’t know. If it’s a seroma, what do you do for that? I’m not sure what to do. She doesn’t lick or bite at that area. And everything else looks good.
Good morning-
Since surgery was so recent, and you’ve had your vet look at it and they seem to not be too concerned, I would just keep an eye on it. Make sure it doesn’t become painful or warm to the touch, and keep tabs on her activity level. If anything changes, please call the vet and get her in to see them. I’m assuming you have another follow up scheduled soon- any concerns that you might still have, you can address then. But again- if you notice any changes in temperature, behavior or the incision please call your vet and get her in.
I agree with Sarah. This needs to be seen by the vet who did the surgery. Hopefully it is something simple and normal. But. Just in case, and because we always need to err on the side of caution call your vet to check. Hope things are all ok. Thank you for spaying her!
Hey everyone! I was hoping I can get some insight on how to battle for ringworm in my household? we adopted a cat from the humane society and they were not aware that he had ringworm and it has passed to the 2 humans in the house and the other cats.
I’ve been doing the daily cleaning, washing the sheets, vacuuming, spraying Lysol, wiping surfaces down, etc. I got topical medicine for both humans and cats.. I have lime sulphur on order. I also have deep played my couch covered with plastic and tarp and sheets. Cat towers are outside to be cleaned and stored away until it’s over.
Is there any of suggestions? If I would lock my cat’s in the basement and keep them away from the living quarters could that possibly help keep it contained and help eliminate the issue?
Thanks in advance! I appreciate any opinions!/advice I may get! ????
Good morning- ringworm is usually medicated with an anti fungal treatment from a prescription. I am not sure if anything over the counter is safe for your cats- you should call your vet about that. Meantime, quarantining your cats will help. Be sure to wash your hands after you handle them. It sounds like you are definitely on top of things as far as laundering and cleaning. I would recommend li trolling your furniture and then throwing the tape out- just to help get all the fur the vacuum may miss in case there are spores on it. Best of luck!!!!
Thank you! I got some lint rollers! 🙂
Hello,
Have you spoken to your vet about this? There are OTC medications that can be tried and oral medications, and like the lyme sulfur topical shampoos. In some cases I shave the cats down (if they are long haired) and make sure they are otherwise healthy. I have seen it happen many times in newly rescued cats. It will run its course and it is a big nuisance I know but it passes. Please call your vet and ask for help.. There is a lot you can do.
although I am not a VCA hosptial fan this is a good article
https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/ringworm-in-cats
now Maddies Fund I love;; this is helpful too
https://www.maddiesfund.org/kb-ringworm-in-cats.htm
I guess i would just say to please stay calm, be patient and practice safe handling.. your kitties will be well soon..
be safe and best of luck!
If it is any consolation I once had 10 of my clinic cats all get it.. We had to move them to our adjacent house for two months,, but they all got better!
Thanks so much for the info! I appreciate it! I have talked to a vet who suggested lime dip and OTC cream. She said I can to oral, but since I caught it at the beginning I may not need it. So I ordered so lime dip, pet collars and going that route. The ringworm spots have almost disappeared with just the topical cream and only 1 more spot has popped up. However, I am still going to treat them all with the lime dip and keep up with the excessive cleaning for a couple more weeks.
Thanks again, I really do appreciate the info!! 🙂
My dogs legs have been really sore after exercising. This started happening randomly a few months ago. She is a 4 year old American pit bull terrier. Her legs are sore for a day or two (sometimes longer depending on how intense the exercise was) and then the soreness goes away. I am wondering how I could help her with this problem.
Have you been going for regular checkups at the vet? Have you spoken to your vet about this, or had an appointment to get it checked out? That is where I would start. Meantime, I would let her set the pace for exercise/walks to be in the safe side. Best to you both!!
Hello,
I’m sorry to hear about your dog. I agree with Sarah. This is something that needs some investigating. I would worry about diet, disease and immune mediated conditions. In worst case scenarios muscle biopsy is done. But start with an exam and bloodwork. I really think there is an answer. Let us know what happens.
Any assistance would be greatly appreciated. My 14 weeks old Golden Retriever have eye infection. I don’t know what is this, could you please advice?
Hi there- eyes are serious. And using a photo is difficult to diagnose. It could be an injury (scratch or worse), it could be a conjunctivitis (infection), or it could be allergies…. a vet would have to inspect it closely to give a proper diagnosis and then get you the medicine you need.
yesterday he played with the dog with conjunctivitis so I believe is just this. Thank you for youe respond.
Your puppy needs to see the vet. If I were your vet I would probably stain the eye for any signs of injury and add an ophthalmic antibiotic and an ecollar. Please go to the vet. Mucous discharge is possibly a sign of a serious eye issue. And all eye issues in my opinion should be addressed to cover worst case scenario which is blindness. I have seen it happen in puppies. I hope that is not the case. But I never mess around with puppies OR eyes. Be well and stay safe.
Our 9 y.o. English Bulldog, Max, is experiencing a very itchy face only on the right side. He will scratch daily and it sometimes becomes raw. We have moved to Colorado, but have not established a veterinarian here yet. With COVID-19, I do not want to take him out to the vet unless it is the only way to treat this. Is there something I can get online? I have seen great reviews for Coat Defense which, according to reviews, is used successfully for itchy skin on horses, dogs, and cats. Do you have any experience with that product or is there something else that could address both the itchiness and the root of the problem that you might suggest?
Hello!
So. Here is the problem. Your pups itch is probably too severe and deep to allow an otc to work well. Also and this is a big one, it is on the face. So you have to be crazy careful about what you use.
I actually have used this product and it works well. But it cannot be near the eyes or mouth.
The source is the genetics. Aka the plague of being a bulldog. The answer lies at the vets office. Start there. His history and breed make it important to go earlier than waiting for it to become a deep and difficult infection to treat and resolve.
Be safe! Hugs to you all!
Krista
Thank you so much Krista! We miss you!
Hello,
If she wasnt born like this ( a condition where there arent any of the normal pigments present in the eyes, as in forms of albinism) then I would see a vet asap. I would be afraid of neoplasia (can happen in the iris), high blood pressure, and even bleeding disorders. Your vet can do a cursory ophthalmic exam to help identify a problem versus a congenital, or acquired condition. In many cases your vet might want to refer you to a boarded ophthalmologist for confirmation and treatment assistance.