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Ed Schmitz | 5 years ago
My Dog Sampson Is A 15 Year Old Boxer/pittie Mix(50 Pounds). Has Had Diabetes For 7 Years. …

My dog Sampson is a 15 year old boxer/pittie mix(50 pounds). Has had diabetes for 7 years. Been on arthritis pain meds the last year.. Has become very sluggish the past 2-3 weeks. Vet diagnosed him with a early stage heart murmur and slight anemia. Changed his arthritis pain meds to Gabapentin. It made him so drowsy that he fell asleep while eating. Became unable to walk without assistance. We weaned him off the Gabapentin and back on the old pain meds. His walking has improved a little but still is wobbly. Yesterday he refused to eat, which is highly unusual for him. Still drinking, but not eating today. He sleeps a lot but also has 30-60 minute spells of restless/repetitive behavior. I’m thinking he may have dementia. Any suggestions on how to help him?

2 Responses

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    This is largely a diagnosis of exclusion. I would call your vet back. Go over everything and repeat the blood work, cheat radiographs and discuss a cardiologist. There are too many things going on with your pup for me to say with any kind of degree of confidence to add that diagnosis to the list. All of the conditions you speak of can cause mental depression. So I would start over and ask for a referral to both an internal medicine specialist and even a catdiologist. I have a lot of information on my blog about cognitive dysfunction and there are lots of things you can do at home to help. But don’t over look previous issues before jumping into a new condition. To find the information on cognitive dysfunction please go to kmdvm.blogspot.com and in the search bar type cognitive dysfunction. I hope this helps.

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Emily | 5 years ago
Diabetic Cat Losing Feeling In Back Legs

Hi! We are patient at a vet a closer to Parkville but I follow your facebook page and enjoy all of your tips, videos, etc. Our diabetic cat, Zepp, has been acting strange the past 24 hours. Extreme weakness in his back legs. We have an IV from a previous event when he had kidney stones. We have been giving him fluids and he has been eating/drinking water when we place him near it, but he is very wobbly and sometimes his back legs give out completely. We have an appointment with our vet first thing Tuesday morning but was curious as to if you had any tips or insights until then. At first, I honestly thought it was the kidney stones again, but he did not have the extreme, back leg weakness with the kidneys stones. Therefore, leading me to think, it may be more his sugar levels. We do have an at home testing kit but since we just gave him the IV, we want to wait a little bit before we poke and prod. I also left a message via Facebook, so no need to respond to both 🙂

3 Responses

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    Based on the history you provide I strongly suggest you go to a vet immediately. The blood sugar needs to be checked and a full assessment done. I think Tuesday is too far away for me to feel comfortable with any advice in the interim. If it helps my clinic is open at 1 for walk ins. Must arrive by 2 to get the work up started. And I need to add that we are not an Er so we cannot hospitalize. Also ask about buying and learning how to use an in home blood glucose monitor. Or even a freestyle Libre.

  2. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    It was very nice meeting you all today I’m so glad you brought him in. With all diabetics if there is anything abnormal it is imperative to get a blood sugar level. It is my hope that all diabetics will be given help In being able to check the blood sugar at home. For today Zepp was very low. So we are stopping the insulin for a few days and rechecking them after the holidays. We also sent out a full blood work panel

    Please email me if you need anything. Thank you for the question and coming to visit us today.

    Krista

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Christine | 5 years ago
Hi! Penny And Sampson Are Patients. They Are Currently Eating Raw Dog Food. I Want To …

Hi! Penny and Sampson are patients. They are currently eating raw dog food. I want to switch them to one like The Farmers Dog. I know how to handle it with kibble. Would it be the same from raw to cooked or is the transitioning different?

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello!
    I am happy to help as their veterinarian but I am not a nutritionist so these questions make me a little uneasy. First I have to admit that I am not a raw food fan. There are a lot of studies about how dangerous it can be and how high the contaminated samples are often found to be in these studies. I get so much flack for this opinion, but it is sincerely based on science. As far as switching to the new food I also have to admit that I am not familiar with them so I cannot advocate for that food either. If you are comfortable with the food change, it isn’t a raw food, and, it isn’t grain free (cardio concerns with them), then the advice about how to transition is often as follows;
    Do a very gradual transition. Ideally 1/4 new with 3/4 old for a few days (maybe 3-5), then 1/2 and 1/2 for the same period and then 3/4 new with 1/4 old for the last 3-5 days. This is done to help slowly transition the gi system and not overwhelm it with a sudden change that might cause vomiting, diarrhea or even pancreatitis.
    I hope this helps.

    Take care. Ty for the question.

    1. Christine Post author

      I don’t know what food is best. One site says, kibble is over processed and has very little nutritional value because of the high heat used. Then there is organic and non gmo but dehydrated or freeze dried keeps more nutrients but I can’t find a dehydrated food that is also organic. They (mainly Sampson) did not do well on any of the kibbles and both gained weight even on the prescription diet food. I would cook for them but I’m afraid I wouldn’t give them all the nutrients they need. I tried to find a nutritionist on line but no success. I welcome any suggestions you may have. Who knew finding good nutritional options for your pet would be this difficult. Just want them healthy and to live a long like.

      Thank you!!!

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mihai | 5 years ago
Pisoi Is An Indoor 18 Year Old Male Cat Who Is Also Allowed To Spend As Much …

Pisoi is an indoor 18 year old male cat who is also allowed to spend as much time as he wants outside. Last summer he started to get from his left nostril a discharge, first clear mucus which despite an antibiotic injection (good for two weeks) became later a thick puss. The doctor’s supposition was: A) sinus infection; B) a foreign body in the nostril; C) cancer. The Doctor’s opinion is that more precise investigations requires anesthesia but due to the cat’s advanced age the doctor felt that he might not wake up from the anesthesia. It was prescribed Tobramycin Dexamethasone Ophtalmic and the puss became again a pretty clear discharge. He was eating and behaving normal. Everything remained in this state until two months ago when Pisoi began to snore, a sign that his left nostril was beginning to be affected. There was no discharge from his “healthy” nostril. After six days of doxycycline, his snoring became a little softer, then loud again. Another six days doxycycline, another week of soft snoring. Now he received doxycycline for 20 days. Already after four tablets he seams to be better but still 1) he cannot rest well because of heavy breathing and 2) his appetite is gone. Only ¼ tablet mirtazapine will make him to eat (really well).
Dr. Magnifico, I would appreciate it if you could see Pisoi as soon as possible, especially after I read what on this page what happened to Tony’s cat, Destiny.
We live in New Castle Pa, five hours and a half from you
Thank you very much,
Mihai

1 Response

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    At this age a growth due to cancer is more likely. I do feel that taking a look with a quick acting anesthetic is in everyone’s best interest but you have to be prepared for the possibility of the oral cavity inspection not yielding anything. The best options for these cases are ct scan. They require anesthesia and are expensive. Most people decline for these reasons. If you want someone to look try to find someone closer to you. Lots of vets are comfortable looking and I find it hard to believe you would have to drive this far to have someone look. Also we are not an ER clinic so most procedures come with a pre op exam, bloodwork and then a later appointment to do the procedure. Call the local shelters, rescues and pet foundations to see if anyone local is willing to help. Also speak to your vet about a sweater exam for a polyp. If you cannot fine any help please email back. Best of luck.

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Andrew | 5 years ago
Hi. My Welsh Springer Was Drinking Alot But Not Eating For 4 Days And Following An Ultrasound …

Hi. My Welsh Springer was drinking alot but not eating for 4 days and following an ultrasound was diagnosed with pyometra. She underwent surgery ten days ago.
Since having the operation she still refuses to eat. She has had anti nausea treatment as well as mirtazapine. The vet has now also prescribed trazodone. We did book her in to stay at the vets for a couple of days and they said she did eat some chicken. They showed me a video as evidence. Physically they could find nothing wrong with her. On returning home she still refuses to eat but is drinking. She will not eat anything, even her favourite treats, her usual dog food, nothing. So far it has cost me nearly £2000 for her treatment and I have no funds left. It really feels as though she will starve herself to death, although I thought dogs would never do this. I have tried restoring her old pattern of eating and have removed uneaten food after an hour and offered her nothing until her next meal but she still will not eat. I am at a loss as what to do next. Thanks for your advice. Andrew.

4 Responses

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    I’m sorry to hear that your pup isn’t bouncing back as you had hoped. I would call the vet back and ask for help. I would also talk about placing a feeding tube to supplement food and give her some more time to return to normal. At this point it is too long to safely wait. She needs the nutrition and she needs help in getting it. A small nasal-gastric tube can be placed with minimal topical sedation and it will at least help with liquid meal delivery. I would also look at any medications you are giving and consider stopping them all. Also I would ask about adding cerenia. It has helped me with cases like this many times. I hope this helps. Keep offering any and every kind of food. Meat flavored baby food, canned cat food, macaroni and cheese, purreed food of any kind. Keep offering. Best of luck.

    1. Andrew Post author

      Thank you. I will keep trying and speak to the vet about the tube.

  2. Sarah

    Hello-
    I am sorry this is happening. I would definitely speak to the vet again and ask about help in feeding her. I would also try to entice her with boiled chicken or hot dog pieces or ham…. anything that is a super treat that might get her into eating again. I hope she is ok!!????????

    1. Andrew Post author

      Thank you. I have tried her with chicken, ham etc. No joy.

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Samantha | 5 years ago
Hi I’m Messaging In Regards To My Aunt’s Dog Who Has Alot Of Blood …

Hi I’m messaging in regards to my aunt’s dog who has alot of blood and swelling coming from her vagina (I will also add a picture below) the problem is my aunt has covid-19 and isn’t allowed to leave her house the dog is still eating but BARELY and she is drinking TONS of WATER, my question is does this look like a regular heat cycle? I forgot to mention this dog is almost 9 years old and is a frenchie do you think this is something that is a emergency the problem is my aunt doesn’t want to expose anyone to the virus but if this is urgent I will go pick up and transport to vet myself

6 Responses

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  1. Sarah

    Good morning. Given that the dog is 9 and there is so much blood and swelling, and that the eating and drinking habits have drastically changed- I would call the vet and get her in right away. Best of luck ????

    1. Samantha Post author

      The problem is my aunt has covid-19 and she doesn’t wanna expose anyone to the virus we live in maryland (harfor county) and it’s really bad here in MD

      1. Sarah

        Please get this dog to a vet somehow. Perhaps someone can safely pick the dog up and bring her? I know our vet has protocol in place for bringing pets to to office.

  2. Krista Magnifico

    This pup needs a vet help!. Covid or not. Please seek vet help ASAP. An exam, blood work and xrays are needed. My fear is cancer, a hormone related issue. She needs help ASAP.

    1. Samantha Post author

      Dr magnifco question can I bring her to your office today I found out your clinic is only 20 minutes from me and also how much would it cost to get blood work and xrays my aunt said she has around 400 to get her emergency care do you think that’s enough or can you work with payments if it isn’t enough we need to get her help

      1. Krista Magnifico

        Hello I am not working today. Please call the clinic and ask if you could be fit in 419-692-6171. Tell then that you spoke to me on Pawbly and when you get there (we are doing curbside service so you won’t t be able to come in. Also tell then that you are on a budget. If they can’t fit you in today we have tomorrow available also. Walk ions 1-3. Keep me posted. I hope we can help.

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Pat | 5 years ago
I Need Help Getting My Kitty Off A Feeding Tube Now That His Cancer Surgery And …

I need help getting my kitty off a feeding tube now that his cancer surgery and radiation are complete. The doctor has suggested going from 3 feedings a day to 4 smaller meals, since he has always been a grazer. Prior to surgery he was fed 2 times a day. Each feeding he is offered food by mouth, then supplemented with tube feeding to complete his meal.
He is hungry in the morning, and eats well by mouth, but eats very little by mouth for the other 3 feedings. He is only taking in about 1/4 of his food by mouth daily, the rest being tube fed. I’m looking for suggestions on how to increase his interest in eating by mouth so I can decrease the tube feedings. Thank you.

1 Response

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    I have found that with these guys you need a lot of patience. A lot! Some cats will do well with small offerings of all kinds of food and lots of options. I also try an appetite stimulant. Ask your vet about mirtazipine, Valium or even cyproheptadine. I also try things like warmed meat flavored baby food (beef chicken or turkey) and pouches of tuna, salmon or chicken. You have to try lots and lots of options and be super patient. Cats always decide. Also spend time talking to her and petting her around the food. That helps. I wish you the best of luck. Let us know what happens. Or reply back if you need more help.

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Kathryn | 5 years ago
Hi, This Is Our 11 Month Old Kitten! I Snapped This Photo Of Her Yawning And It …

Hi,

This is our 11 month old kitten! I snapped this photo of her yawning and it appears she has an extra tooth on the left side?

We have had her for almost 6 weeks now, she chews on almost everything so were growing concerned. She is eating, sleeping, and playing all the same.

Please let us know what you think is going on in this little mouth

5 Responses

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  1. Kathryn Post author

    i’m just wondering if a vet would have to extract or if these usually fall out on their own?

  2. Sarah

    Hi there ???? Seeing as she is almost a year old kitten, I am assuming that you have a vet visit lined up for her in the near future for vaccinations/booster shots. I would make a note of it and mention it to the vet. If it doesn’t seem to be bothering her or effecting her appetite, it is probably ok to wait until your appointment. If there is a change in eating habits or behavior- you may want to call your vet sooner.

  3. Laura

    I know vets will extract retained baby teeth in dogs. I would imagine they do the same for cats.

  4. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    Is she spayed? We would remove any extra baby teeth while doing th at under general anesthesia. Although I cannot get a really great look at the mouth I don’t see an obvious extra tooth on the photo. But please have your vet look. Leaving extra teeth behind predisposes them to accelerated dental disease. So go when you can. It’s not an emergency. Even if your cat is spayed we recheck them at about 18 months old for their next vaccines and rabies booster. Hope this helps. Be safe.

  5. Kathryn Post author

    hi guys!
    it was a baby tooth, the vet was able to pull it out without sedation because our good girl just laid down for a belly rub,
    he isnt sure if this will stop her from chewing everything in sight, he thinks that must just be how she is.

    but i am thankful there was no infection or anything!

    thank you all for the advice!!!

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Maggie | 5 years ago
Dr. Magnifico, Hi, I Was In To See You In February With My 18 Yr Old Cat …

Dr. Magnifico,
Hi, I was in to see you in February with my 18 yr old cat Sophie. The morning throw- ups and lack of appetite got better for awhile. The appetite stimulator ointment really helped. But, we’re on a downward swing now. Sophie eats VERY little, yet still manages to throw it up. Yesterday, (Saturday) she ate hardly anything. Today she will not eat at all and has slept all day. So, I’m concerned about what to do. Best case scenario, she would die in her sleep. If she’s not eating, I would think this would happen. But, I don’t want her suffering. If I have her put to sleep at the vet’s, what’s the procedure since i can’t go in? I can’t imagine just handing her off to a stranger. I’m really struggling with this, so would appreciate any advice. Thanks.

5 Responses

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    I’m so sorry to hear about your cat. If you feel its time to say goodbye we have a special protocol for this. One person can be with her in another building as you say goodbye. I know how hard it is to say goodbye and we are trying very hard to do this safely and compassionately. You don’t have to leave her alone and she will be with you. Everyone wears masks and only two staff members are present, the vet and a technician. . If you would like to discuss this, or anything else about your cat please call the clinic and we will happily explain it. We are also happy to set up an examination and maybe we can help assess her to see if there is anything we can do to help her feel better. I’m sorry but I am away for a few days with a family emergency. I wish you all the best. I hope this helps.

    1. Maggie Post author

      I am calling the office this morning. I’m so relieved to know the procedures will allow me to be there. She’s really bad this morning. I was praying she would go on her own, but that didn’t happen overnight. Thank you for responding. You should be able to spend this needed time with your family. All the best to you and your Mom at this very difficult time.

    2. Maggie Post author

      Just wanted you to know how wonderful your staff was this morning. When I called, they explained the procedures and told me to come down when I was ready. While on my way, Sophie crawled off her blanket, into my lap, cried once and died while I was holding her. When i got to the office, they just verified she was gone. I was so relieved that she went on her own. Prayers answered.

  2. Laura

    Maggie, my heart is with you. My old man cat is doing well right now but I fear the downward swing during this quarantine period.

    I’m so sorry.

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Sarah | 5 years ago
Good Morning Pawbly Friends- I Have A Corn Cob Question… Thursday (a Week Ago) Rontu Threw …

Good Morning Pawbly friends-
I have a corn cob question… Thursday (a week ago) Rontu threw up a bunch of grass and a white blob. We could not figure out what the heck it was, or where he got it from. He was fine- running, playing, pooping. I always check their poo schedule and make sure it looks normal- sorry I’m weird. Anyway, Friday evening on our walk he pooped and I swear it had a chunk (pretty sizeable) of corn cob in it. We do not eat corn, so I have no idea when or how he got into corn. Especially this time of year when none of the fields around us are growing yet. Then again on Saturday morning on our long walk around 11, he passed another, much smaller chunk of cob. He had already done a normal poo at our early morning walk. He has been acting normal ever since. My original “plan” with all of this covid going on was to watch him closely and see if he passed it, which he seems to have. He is having normal bathroom and has been eating and drinking normally- so I thought we dodged that bullet. But every so often, he is slow to get up- and his back legs quiver. After he has a poo, it stops and he is running and playing and having a ball. It happened this morning and Monday morning. So my question is, does this warrant a trip to the vet? I hate to bother everyone during this hard time. And could it be related to the corn cob somehow? Sorry for the long post.

2 Responses

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello!
    i have to start at the most concerning part of your question: who doesnt eat corn? its not the checking the poo that makes you weird.. its the corn, 😉
    I think that your plan,, even amongst the COVID stuff is perfect! Just watch closely. Corn cobs are most concerning with respect to obstruction. Obstruction causes anorexia, vomiting, lethargy. I am not sure if the leg issues are related. Based on breed and age I would recommend an x-ray of the hips when we are back up and running normally..
    Watch for normal eating, normal activity and normal fecal output. call me anytime if you are worried,, as far as to where the corn cob came from.. who knows,, it might have been pieces left over from last season. thats where my dogs get theirs.