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Renee | 5 years ago
I Need Help Finding Services For My Dog I Feel It’s An Emergency To Give …

I need help finding services for my dog I feel it’s an emergency to give you a little bit of background I’ve had our dog for about 2 years now I hadn’t looked at by a family friend a year ago cuz I noticed a bump on her lower back they said it would be fine as long as it doesn’t rupture well today’s the day it did I don’t have the finances to get her help I’m scared that it can take her from us or make her very sick as selfish as I want to be in this moment not to surrender my pet I would if I had to so I’m asking is there any resources out there that can help me please help her

2 Responses

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    Im sorry to hear about your dog. Can you tell us where you are? Also, have you reached out to any local rescues, shelters or animal centered foundations. I always tel people to call, and keep calling to find help. I think that if you are super persistent you will find someone to help. Also reach out to family and friends on social media.
    I should also add that in almost all cases an old bump that ruptures is not an immediate emergency. Keep it covered and dont let your dog lick at it and call around asking for help. I wish you both the best of luck!

    1. Renee Post author

      Yes i did how i found out about this site. The only thing they can do is take her and if her behavior is bad then theyll put her down smh she is a great dog but if she doesnt know you im sure shell act out idk im scared i cleaned it with warm water for a while and put stuff on it covered it and made a cone to keep her from licking it butnshe was for a few hours already ill keep trying

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Chen | 5 years ago
Hi, Last April, My 16-year-old Long Haired Cat, Geisha, Began Experiencing Frequent Sneezing And Congestion. Her …

Hi,

Last April, my 16-year-old long haired cat, Geisha, began experiencing frequent sneezing and congestion. Her symptoms worsened gradually. Her nasal breathing sounded wheezy and her purring sounded like duck quacking. We took her to the vet who treated her with antibiotics (Amoxicillin) and anti-histamine (Chlorpheniramine). When her symptoms did not improve, the vet then gave her a different antibiotic (Convenia) and a steroid (Dexamethasone). When her symptoms still did not improve, we took her to a specialist. The specialist ruled out rhinitis because Geisha’s bloody nasal discharge only occurred from her right nostril and concluded that Geisha possibly had a polyp or nasal tumor. They recommended performing a CT scan, rhinoscopy, and biopsy. They prescribed Geisha a steroid (Prednisolone) while we thought over their recommendations. Within a day, Geisha’s symptoms began to dissipate and after a couple of days, all her symptoms disappeared and she was fully recovered.

Unfortunately, in January of this year, Geisha had another relapse of the same symptoms. We brought her to the vet on 1/9/2020, who after hearing her previous history, prescribed both Clavamox and Prednisolone. They also administered a blood test, the result of which we were told was unremarkable.

Geisha’s recovery last year came after she was put on 1 tablet of 5mg Prednisolone per day. Unfortunately, the same medication regimen this time did not improve her condition. After weeks on medication with no signs of improvement, on 3/6/2020, we brought Geisha to a specialist referred by the vet. There she was given another blood test, the results of which was once again deemed unremarkable. During the same visit, we were told that only a CT scan along with a biopsy would conclusively identify the root cause of her symptoms. We agreed to the CT scan on this basis alone.

After spending close to $2,500 on the scan, we were told that the CT scan did indicate a mass but that the nature and identity of the mass could not be determined. The specialist informed us that the biopsy results did not indicate that the mass was cancerous. However, he stated that it is his opinion that the mass was cancerous, without any supporting evidence and despite the contradictory biopsy results. It is his opinion that the biopsy results are incorrect due to poor sampling. His conclusion is that we should consider pursuing radiation treatment since that would be the only resolution. So, basically, after a $2,500 expense, the vet is just as clueless about the nature of Geisha’s issue as he was before.

Geisha was returned to us after the CT scan with Prednisolone medication. We were instructed to increase her dosage to 1.5 5mg Prednisolone per day. With this increased dosage, Geisha’s condition has improved. In the month that has passed, while her condition has improved, she is still mildly symptomatic and not fully recovered and thus is still on the same medication regimen.

Naturally, my wife and I are very disappointed that we still have an inconclusive diagnosis despite having been assured that the costly procedures would be justified by the precise root cause that they would deliver. We also don’t understand why we spent money for procedures such as the biopsy only for the vet to completely disregard the results and formulate his opinion purely on conjecture. This all seems to fly in the face of the scientific method that all science is based on.

I would love to get your opinion on what you think is the issue with Geisha and what you believe the best course of action for her is based on her past year of symptoms and treatment history and also taking her age into account.

Thank you so much for your time.

1 Response

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello!
    Thank you for posting! I am working on a long list of options and recommendations for cats like Geisha. I will add it as it is written. I am always here for you. Wishing you both health and happiness. Be safe.

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Sharon Kim | 5 years ago
My Male Cat Is 2 Yrs Old And He Has A Small History Of Urinary Issues. He …

My male cat is 2 yrs old and he has a small history of urinary issues. He went in for not being able to pass urine in May 2019. Vet #1 suggested prescription wet food(hills c/d multicare) and perineal urethrostomy. While he was hospitalized with a catheter and IV fluid therapy I did my research and the surgery seemed risky and I wanted a second opinion. After my boy was discharged I went to vet #2. Vet #2 reviewed urinalysis and bloodwork and didn’t see reason for surgery at the moment as cat was passing urine okay. Vet #2 said to continue with the food and gave dasuquin supplements.
Fast forward to present day April 2020 almost 1 year later he’s still on the c/d wet food, hasn’t had any blockages since. I want to change his diet to Open Farm which is a higher quality food and I am a bit nervous. Should I get another urinalysis or bloodwork done before making the transition? Is it necessary to make an appointment and ask my vet? The c/d is ranked below average for nutrition and ingredients from what I have read and I don’t want to be paying for food that’s not the best but it has a high price tag! I currently feed him 1 can/day and add salmon oil.

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  1. Sarah

    Good morning????What does your vet say about the food change? Is this food a recommendation from them? If your cat is doing well with their current diet, I personally would stay, unless of course the vet feels change is necessary. Just coming from the mindset that it is working so I wouldn’t mess with anything. I know that lately there are a lot of pet food brands vying for our attention- some of them are valid, but a lot of designer pet foods are just flash. The fda does have a list of information on pet food and regulations as well as a listing of pet foods that consumers might want to be wary of (ones that have been linked to cancers, heart disease, etc.) that might interest you. Very best of luck to you both ????????

  2. Laura

    I’d LOVE to be able to switch my cat back to his normal food, but the veterinary diet he’s on is keeping him as healthy as possible. I pay more to keep him healthier.

    Yes, you need to ask your vet about this. Don’t change foods without their involvement.

  3. Krista Magnifico

    I agree with Sarah and laura. You are sooo lucky that your cat has done so well and soo tempting fate and a 2500 PU surgery if you change food. Stick with what works. I have seen this happen too many times to ever recommend changing diets.

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Kristen | 5 years ago
Hi! My Pup Was Spayed Last Monday. They Kept Her Overnight And The Next Day Until 3…

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.

2 Responses

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  1. Sarah

    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.

  2. Krista Magnifico

    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!

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Marygrace | 5 years ago
I Am In Obx And I Have Been Looking For Help With My Dog . I Have …

I am in obx and I have been looking for help with my dog . I have saw your blog and your videos on you tube and wanted to reach out to you. My dog might have disc disease . She is in a hospital on another island down here . Actually it is my grandsons dog, he lives with me alone and this has been his best friend for 4 years . He is 11 and we adopted her . She woke up Monday and her back legs were shaky and then we took her to hospital and she has been there ever since . They have treated her with meds incase it was a bacteria or tick disease but she still can’t use her back legs. She still can’t stand . She is still in vets resting and getting great care. We don’t have much money so we can’t get her an mri but I grew up near jarretsville(went to John Carroll high) and when I saw your blog and video I thought maybe you could give us some advice. Can we email you? My email is Marygrace58@aol.com . I thank you so much! The vet here is so awesome and still gives us hope! but they are saying I might want to consider putting her down. Which I understand but I saw your videos and thought I might reach out. My grandson wants to bring her home but she can’t walk and use bathroom. Was hoping you could give us some help or advice. I just called up to your office because I was hoping to talk to you. The lady that answered the phone said this was the best way to contact you. My phone is 804 814 5068. I do not want to put the dog down. I would like to try and would like some ideas from you. Thank you for your time. Marygrace and AJ

8 Responses

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    I am happy to help you here. I have a lot of information on my blog KMDVM.blogspot.com and my YouTube channel. If you go to them there is a lot (I hope all that you could need) there.

    I have to say that I rarely advise giving up on these cases until a few weeks has gone by and they are not making any progress. It usually takes these patients a few days (at least 5-7) to get to a stable place where assessment can even begun to be made. In that time it is very important to keep them eating, cage rested and clean. In some cases I water down the food to make it easier to pass and less painful for posturing to defecate.
    These patients need time, dedication and a devoted family and vet to help get through the first few (often hard and painful) days. Please see these blogs for help;
    https://kmdvm.blogspot.com/2016/05/ivdd-dr-kelcourses-advice.html
    https://kmdvm.blogspot.com/2016/08/ivdd-days-immediately-following.html
    https://kmdvm.blogspot.com/2017/01/hank-cervical-disc-disease-management.html

    and my youtube channel here; krista magnifico and search IVDD
    https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCq7z_qtov_Al1dEEfjZt8iQ/search?view_as=subscriber&query=ivdd

    i hope this helps.. if you can get your pup to me in Jarrettsville I am happy to help,, it is very difficult to help someone without seeing the patient.

    i hope this helps, i wish you both the best, safe safe and be well

  2. Marygrace Post author

    Thank you for responding . Lucy’s vet says she cannot feel much in her back legs. but when they do the test on her and pinch her legs or paws she moves a bit. She also had rectal feeling. but they say she is not in any pain. SHE HAD ABSOLUTELY NO SYMPTONS BEFORE I FOUND HER. SHE WAS RUNNING AROUND LIKE NORMAL AND SHE WOKE UP LIKE THIS . She has never cried out in pain, even when I first found her and she could walk much on back legs. Even when we visit her she does not cry out in pain. She just wines cause she wants us to tak her home. but now she seems content at vets and they are so good to her.
    She can use her front legs but not her back legs. We want to
    bring her home but don’t know how we would get her to go to bathroom. She is alert and eating and drinking. She looks very normal
    except she can’t move her back legs. Her paws are turned back under she does not lay them flat so I can’t stand her up. She has been in the vets since this past monday. she is still on antiobotics and steroids. they are keeping her there still. Because I can’t take
    her to bathroom. they think i should consider putting her down if she doesn’t change. I can not afford much since I am unemployed from virus and raising a grandson alone. My grandson does not want to put her down.

    I know it is hard for you to help me without seeing her but any suggestions would be great. I was also thinking if I knew someone that could help me with her to recover we could bring her there. If you have any suggestions please let me know.

    Lucy is a lab/border collie, 4 years old, 55 lbs and in great shape . she loves running after squirels and is very very active here in
    OBX.

    Thank you

    Marygrace and AJ

  3. Marygrace Post author

    We would like to bring Lucy home and see what we can do . I am wondering if you knew anyone that can help me? Work with her if I brought her to them?

    1. Marygrace Post author

      I received an email saying someone responded for my help questions? but did not see a new post. If you can
      please respond if you can help us. thank you

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Jagoda | 5 years ago
Hi, My 2 Years Old Cat Doesn’t Want To Eat Wet Food (I Have Tried Every …

Hi,

my 2 years old cat doesn’t want to eat wet food (I have tried every kind and brand ). He only eats small amounts of dry food (urinary).
In the result he is skinny (weights only about 3,5kg) and has ongoing problems with urinary tract and struvite crystals.
We’ve been dealing with these problems since he was a child and I am afraid the situation won’t change unless he starts eating properly.
I can’t afford such frequent visits to the Vet clinic, especially since he recently had a blockage and the treatment costs a lot ( vet care in Poland is really expensive too).
He is such an active cat and despite the poor diet, he still has the energy to play.
I’ve examinated his blood and everything seems fine. His teeth are also fine..I honestly tried every internet trick to encourage him to eat.
I don’t know If he is picky or sick. Is the urinary porblems affected by diet or he doesn’t want to eat becouse of the urinary tract issues..
What should I do?

1 Response

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    It is ideal that your cat eats the right (prescription) urinary food, but, it is even more important that he eats. For these cases I talk to my clients about trying high quality urinary friendly over the counter diets. I also talk to them about adding little bots of the urinary prescription food into the OTC food they will eat. If all else fails I try watered down over the counter wet food. Also ask your vet about giving subcutaneous fluids at home daily to help keep the urinary system diuresing. I also think it might help to add an appetite stimulant. Also think about toys, playtime and lots of things to keep him active, engaged and feeling good. I also take a long hard look at the litter boxes, the type of litter and where the boxes are placed, along with making them impeccably clean. Please talk to your vet about all of these. Also an antiinflammatory might help?

    Very best of luck!

    keep me posted.

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Amanda | 5 years ago
My Two Cats Got Into A Tussle, And One Of Them Has A Scratch Right Down …

My two cats got into a tussle, and one of them has a scratch right down the center of his nose. He doesn’t seem to be bothered, but I don’t want it to get infected. What should I do?

1 Response

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    In almost all cases I assume that a fight causes an infection. Please watch the area very closely. Any sign of swelling, pain or purulent discharge (like puss) are all signs of infection. If you see any of these, or inappetence or changes in s attitude or Behavior please call your vet. Hope this helps. Be well and stay safe.

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Lukasz | 5 years ago
Any Assistance Would Be Greatly Appreciated. My 14 Weeks Old Golden Retriever Have Eye Infection. I Don…

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?

3 Responses

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  1. Sarah

    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.

    1. Lukasz Post author

      yesterday he played with the dog with conjunctivitis so I believe is just this. Thank you for youe respond.

      1. Krista Magnifico

        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.

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Ashley | 5 years ago
My Pet Was Spayed Nearly 2 Weeks Ago Tomorrow. She Was Fine For The First Few Days. …

My pet was spayed nearly 2 weeks ago tomorrow. She was fine for the first few days. But after a few days, a round “lump” was present under the scar. It does hurt and she lets us touch and look at it. The vet has said they don’t think it’s a hernia and it is just inflammation after a reaction to the sutures. Can anyone help? Could is be a seroma? Thanks!

1 Response

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    It is not uncommon to have some post op swelling of the tissue after a spay. BUT and I have to strongly emphasize this it is IMPOSSIBLE to diagnose or even speculate things like this over the Internet. Your best indication of whether to worry is to follow the advice of your vet.

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Myiesha | 5 years ago
Hi Dr Mag I Noticed Alittle Over A Month Ago My Cat (Zedicus Aka Boo Boo) …

Hi Dr Mag

I noticed alittle over a month ago my cat (Zedicus aka Boo Boo) was sneezing alot and sound like he was snoring when he was up. I took him to his VET where he was diagnosed with polyps. My vet referred me to a specialist for a rhinoscopy. In the process of searching for a reasonable priced specialist. I discovered your youtube page while doing research so I could be better prepared and I had to rush Zed to the ER b/c one night he woke up vomiting up foam. Once we got to the ER he was fine. I had the ER vet take xrays and told them what my Vet said. The Dr vet didnt think it was polyps but perhaps allergies or asthma. She prescribe Clavamox for 2 wks and to revisit the Vet and take another x-ray. The medicine helped the runny nose but nothing else. I’m getting frustrated because I don’t want my cat to suffocate and seems no one really knows what’s wrong with him.

2 Responses

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    I’m so sorry that this has been so frustrating. I think the best advice I can give is to call all of your local rescues and shelters and ask them who they use for cases like this. They know the local affordable and reputable places where you might get better direction. Also ask about a feline specialist. They too are more direct and often helpful. You need a vet willing to work within your budget and concerns who is able to give you meaningful assistance. It is the best place to start I think. Best of luck. Let us know what happens.

    1. Myiesha Post author

      Thank you so much for your quick response. I will followup with an update. Stay safe, healthy, and blessed.