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Nicholas P. Woodward | 6 years ago
So Stella, Our Almost 3 Year Old Morkie Has Some Possession Aggression Issues. Particularly With…

So Stella, our almost 3 year old Morkie has some possession aggression issues. Particularly with things like socks or things that don’t have a firm middle when she bites in (like soft stuffed animals). We have tried bribing her with treats and bones, distracting her with play and love, forcefully taking these items from her (that didn’t work well), and finally today we did something that worked! We asked her if she wanted to go “out” to take a “walk” and though he ears perked up she still didn’t drop this stuffed Aflac duck she found in my office. However, once she had her leash on and saw the great outside at the bottom of the stairs she dropped it and never looked back. Do you think this trick will continue to work? Is there anything else we can do when she’s decided something she has a bite on is something she’ll get aggressive about? Thank you all for your insight and help!

1 Response

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    I think that the “exchange” option, i.e. “I’ll give you something of higher value to surrender the item you have” will work for a little while. But it leaves you constantly set up for being her servant. Life is all about compromise, but, not fear based “I’ll bite the hand that feeds me to get my way” compromise. Respect is earned, not traded. I would strongly recommend a basic puppy and obedience class. All should be based on positive reinforcement methods. If you try to reason with her by intimidation or reprimand she will up the ante and retaliate with excessive force (is my guess). good luck

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Pawbly | 6 years ago
When Should You Switch From Puppy To Adult Food?

When should you switch from puppy to adult food?

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    I usually say the one year old birthday is the time to start transitioning. Transition over a few weeks.

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Debra Brenner | 6 years ago
Stella (the Morkie)’s Other Owner Here. Today We Took Her To The Vet For Her…

Stella (the morkie)’s other owner here. Today we took her to the vet for her first lyme disease vaccine. She was doing pretty good for a while, and even went on her walk when we got home. I left her alone for an appointment for about an hour and when I got home all she wanted to do was cuddle. She sat on top of me and was shaking. I thought that maybe she was cold, but she ended up throwing up. Could a lyme disease vaccine make a dog vomit and if so, do we need to tell our local vet about it? She got all sleepy after and curled up on me again. My poor girl 🙁

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    Yes it sounds like it might have been related to her vet visit / trip. Often it is hard for me to tell whether the vomiting was the vaccine (probable) or the anxiety/car sickness associated with it. Taking her temperature and listening to her heart and lungs may help push me one way or the other. But YES! You absolutely need to tell your vet. I would recommend splitting up her vaccines in the future and maybe even pre medication like diphenhydramine.

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Jen Behler | 6 years ago
My Dog Has A Drain In His Ear For An Aural Hematoma. It Has Been…

My dog has a drain in his ear for an aural hematoma. It has been in for a week and is supposed to be in for 2 more but it appears as though it may be coming out. What happens if it comes out before we get to the vet?

4 Responses

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Call the vet ASAP and see if they can adjustbit so it doesn’t come out prematurely. I don’t know what kind of drain they used but often I can resecure it in place quickly and easily. Let me know what happens

  2. Jen Behler Post author

    Hi Dr. Magnifico,

    We actually go to JVC and have an appointment Monday (10 days from puttin it in)for the drain to be checked. I will call today but I know you have limited hours. Thanks for responding!

  3. Krista Magnifico

    Hello!
    Thanks for letting me know. If you are worried Dr. Ahrens is working today. She can help. Weather permitting I am there tomorrow. Who put the drain in for you?
    And send a photo I might be able to help via that.
    Thanks for using Pawbly. And Jvc.

  4. Jen Behler Post author

    Dr. Graf put it in last Friday. I called this morning and she actually has an appointment this afternoon so we are going in at 1. We are new to JVC but love it so far! Thanks so much for your help!

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Vedrana Vilusic | 6 years ago
My Dog Had A Patella Surgery 8 Days Ago. I Read Somewhere Its Ok To…

My dog had a patella surgery 8 days ago. I read somewhere its ok to let him lie down on the side where his incision is, so I let him. But today I noticed a fluid buildup around his incision site. Its not warm to the touch and the incision isnt reddish. The orthopedic surgeon that did the surgery is far away, we have an appointment with him in a week for my dog’s suture removal.
Has anyone had experience similar to this? I read its a seroma and its better to leave the body absorb it naturally. I called my local vet and she recommended needle aspiration, Im not sure its the best idea. Advices, please.. IM AFRAID HIS SUTURES WILL BURST.
P.S. my dog develops bumps every time he gets vaccinated or when he’s given a shot subcutaneously

3 Responses

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    It is always best to contact your vet and/or surgeon to discuss any and all post op questions. I can add that in general I don’t worry if my patents are lying on their incisions. If they are comfortable enough to do that I actually feel better about them post op. But please call your vet. Infection is always a worry and assessing it ASAP is very important.

  2. Vedrana Vilusic Post author

    Thank you Krista very much for your reply, but could it be infection if he is still on his post op antibiotics (amoxicillin+clavulanic acid)?

  3. Vedrana Vilusic Post author

    There is also a big possibility he lies on his “fixed” side because he had an fho surgery 2 years ago on his other hip which he still saves, for example – while walking downstairs..I mean before surgery

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Gwen Kvech | 6 years ago
My Dog Got His Duclaw Caught On A Piece Of String And Is Whining A…

My dog got his duclaw caught on a piece of string and is whining a lot. Is there anything we can give him to help with the pain? He won’t let me near it to see how bad the damage is but if I can give him something, maybe he’ll settle enough to take a look.

2 Responses

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  1. Megan Tholin

    Best to bring your dog to your veterinarian who can administer sedation/pain meds and get a thorough exam of the foot/toe. If he has rear dewclaws, they may recommend surgical removal to avoid a reoccurrence.

  2. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    I’m sorry but there isn’t anything safe to give him to sedate him enough for you to both look and and treat. Also start working with your dog so that you can keep the nails trimmed which makes ripping or traumatizing the nails less likely.

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Nicholas P. Woodward | 6 years ago
So, We Just Adopted A 3 Year Old Morkie, And Were Warned That Sometimes She’ll…

So, we just adopted a 3 year old Morkie, and were warned that sometimes she’ll steal an article of clothing, hide under a table with it, and possibly bite if you try to get it back from her. Well, I just doctored my girlfriend’s fingers after a little fight they had over a sock. Other than yelling at her (the dog) and saying “no” we’re now ignoring her. What’s the best way to handle this and train her to behave better?

5 Responses

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello!
    The fact that you just adopted her and don’t know much about her previous training, behavior and attitude makes advice for this a little difficult. In general I start with a very minimal access approach. She has to earn everything and you aren’t setting her up to be “bad or disappointing”. You are going to have a very difficult time teaching her much other than to be afraid/untrusting of you when you get in between her “stuff” or try to reprimand. In my opinion anything this early that is negative, I know even when you are being beaten, (sorry) teaches her to be untrusting and afraid of you. Too often people want to start at “well trained” when they really have a new pet who doesn’t know you, your expectations, or their new world. I suggest crate training all the time. She is kept there, where she can slowly acclimate to you and her new home, and she earns toys after some basic training is implemented. I strongly suggest a puppy class to start. Take her for lots of walks. Spend time together doing stuff together on neutral territory, like outside. As she starts to understand you you can start progressing toward other activities.
    I will add that she needs to feel safe and loved. So always put her in her crate with an affectionate word and give her a toy to keep her company (if she doesn’t guard that).
    Overall she has a lot of adjusting to do and you need to be patient and understanding that this is a process. A process dependent on patience, love and dedication. Never get angry. Never yell. You both need to adjust to each other.
    No toys, no decisions, no options except love and start really slow. Letting her have a safe space that is her own and building on this is where I would start.
    Let me know how things go. Sending ♥️ And best wishes.
    Krista.

  2. Nicholas P. Woodward Post author

    Thank you for the sound advice! We appreciate the sentiments on positive reinforcement and building trust. She spent the next hour following my girlfriend around and apologizing trying to lick her wounds away.

  3. Sarah

    Congrats on your new dog? I’m just adding to the good advice you’ve already gotten. I am a firm believer in walks… no matter what size of dog. It’s a fantastic way to share quality time and bond, while getting the exercise needed. A tired dog is usually a better behaved dog. Even a ten minute walk has the potential to change behavior for the rest of the day, for the better. And I agree strongly with everything shared above, especially getting involved in a basic obedience class. Even if your new girl already has basic obedience, she needs to learn you and what you expect. It is another great way to bond and earn trust. Another plus to the walks is practicing your homework from obedience class? best of luck and again, Congrats!!??

  4. Nicholas P. Woodward Post author

    Thank you, Sarah! I do see that she has a LOT of energy to play. The more we do that and walk her it seems the better she is for sure.

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Cathy Owensby | 6 years ago
My 10 Year Old Cat Was Diagnosed With Mammary Cancer. Her Tumors Are Too Large…

My 10 year old cat was diagnosed with mammary cancer. Her tumors are too large to go through surgery. I recently, had dog pass from cancer. I chose to treat with prednisone. Can I do the same for my cat?

2 Responses

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  1. Sarah

    This is a discussion t9 have with your vet. I’m sorry… I know you probably want a more direct answer. Your vet knows your cat and your situation. They are the best person to sit down with and have this conversation. They can prescribe a routine suited for your cat including treatment and pain management. Best of luck to you.

  2. Krista Magnifico

    I age never seem a case that was too big for surgery. I’m not saying it isn’t possible. I just haven’t seen it. Ask for a second opinion or see a surgeon. I doubt this will be responsive to pred. Surgery is the best option. In my opinion. Good luck. Ps. Also have her spayed if she isn’t already

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Pawbly | 6 years ago
Hello, I Have A 12 Week Old Kitten Who Was Spayed 11 Days Ago. I Noticed…

Hello,
I have a 12 week old kitten who was spayed 11 days ago. I noticed after the 4th day that she had some swelling under her incision. I took her to the ER vet who did an US and said the internal stitches were still intact and there was no hernia. She aspirated some sanguious fluild and looked at it under the microscope and said she was infection free. The kitten had been confined to the bathroom since the spaying but I found out on the third day she was jumping in and out of the bathtub. Hard to keep a 12 week old kitten still and quiet! So after the vet visit we confined even more so- in a free standing shower for 5 days. I then noticed it was firmer- maybe 10% smaller- but definitely firmer looking- more defined. So back to the Er vet who did a second US and said all looked good- no hernia. She then said to let her out of the shower and resume normal activity- the serima should resolve. I was like what! That’s the opposite of what the other vet said. The kitten has been eating and acting normal all through this recovery period. I check the serima daily and it’s the same size. Do I let her tossel with her sibling? How long will it take for the body to reabsorb it? And why did it get firmer after she drained it? I’m so conflicted what to do. Some sites says it takes weeks- I might be impatient. The incision has almost completely healed and looks good. I’m so confused as to how I should be treating this!
Thanks so much!!

2 Responses

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    These are all questions for the vet who did the surgery. In general kittens heal very very fast. I would guess she is fine at this point but you should ask your vet for their opinion. I hope you have a regular vet. The ER is for emergencies. Your vet is for the day to Day questions.

  2. Sarah

    Good morning.? I would start to make regular appointments at the vet you will be using… fo check ups, inoculations, etc. that way you will be able to establish a good relationship and they will get to know your kitten well making future visits easier and more relaxed. As far as your kitten’s spay- I agree, the vet that did the surgery is the best person to speak with. Best of luck and congrats on your kitten!

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Pawbly | 6 years ago
Hi, My 8mo Old Long Haired German Shepherd Was Spayed 5d Ago And Developed What Her…

Hi,
My 8mo old long haired German Shepherd was spayed 5d ago and developed what her regular Vets tell me is a seroma. Nobody has examined her post op, all phone consults.
I am an Rn. They knew she was hyper & I requested postop sedation- they opted for Trazodone 100mg 2x/day & Rimadyl for pain. This did nothing, she continued to jump up/romp a bit inside as she did when i picked her up. So they doubled the dose to 200mg bid, 3rd day adding Benadryl 50mg 2x/day which helps a little. Said short walks ok Saturday (3d post op)
I kept her as confined as possible in crate or pen. It’s about the size of a plum? I hope it’s not intestinal bleeding. She had laser surgery with internal sutures & skin glue closure. They advised heat. Today she started to have serosanguanous leaking from the incision so now it’s riskier for infection. She’s not had great appetite but otherwise acting normally- pooping less also. Should I insist on an exam or just keep monitoring for signs infection, etc?
She’s not licking area as wearing cone/collar. Is this common post spay? Vet is very experienced IF she’s the one who actually performed it…i presume she did. It’s not a teaching hospital. Very $$ 800!!
Thanks! Deb

2 Responses

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    I am sorry to hear about your pup. YES! you should insist upon an exam. I consider it unethical that you have to ask, they should have offered on the first call of your concern. Ask as many questions as you feel necessary. Ask for your bill, the doctor who performed the surgery should be listed on that. You can even request her medical records. It is our practice to not charge for exams post op follow ups. It conveys an air of confidence on both sides and helps reassure everyone that we have our pets care at the forefront and hope to be building and maintaining long standing relationships built around confidence. Be the advocate your dog needs you to be, You are their only voice. Let us know what happens. Good luck!

  2. Debbie Hagerty

    Hello Dr Magnifico
    I think I will book an exam as suggested since it’s more firm than what I’ve read it should be this early on-
    folks say should feel more like a water balloon & hers doesn’t. I don’t understand why it’s so hard to get a strong sedative when you know you have an enthusiastic puppy…i emphasized si didn’t want her like a zombie- but one can’t anticipate her initial “inside jumps”…
    Thanks!