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Laurie Nichols-Letra | 4 years ago
My Cats Have Been Patients At Your Clinic For Some Time. It’s A Bit If …

My cats have been patients at your clinic for some time. It’s a bit of a drive, which is fine for everyone but Flynn. He usually will poop in his carrier which in turn gets all over him. The poor staff and vet have to deal with his unfortunate messy, smelly “accident”. My question is if there is something we can give him to help this situation. Or if you have any recommendations to calm his obviously nervous digestive system. Thanks!

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    Thank you for the question and for being so loyal you would drive such a distance and put Flynn through this.
    The great news is that there is a whole lot you can do and try. First I would say start with making the carrier less scary and anxiety filled. This is accomplished by acclimating him to ir as a normal part of his day. Leave it out for at least a week before the visit. Or, try to incorporate it s part of his daily life. Put toys, catnip and food in it. Make it a part of his life and have it always be associated with enjoyable things.
    Two, use feliway pheromones in the home and car and carrier.
    Next when he is in the carrier in the car keep it dark and quiet by insulating with shredded newspaper inside and towels covering it on the outside. The less noise and motion from the car the safer he feels.
    Lastly try anti anxiety medications like Solliquin (available at JVC) with catnip, to Benadryl to gabapentin, or even a longer term medication like fluoxetine. Each work a little different and all have advantages and disadvantages but we can help you find which is best in his case.
    Hope that helps. Keep me posted and thank you again.

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Susan Poage | 4 years ago
My 6 Year Old Female Pit Was Diagnosed With Chylothorax Yesterday, 7/5. My Vest Was Only Able To …

My 6 year old female pit was diagnosed with Chylothorax yesterday, 7/5. My vest was only able to pull a little of the gel type liquid from her lungs. She referred us to a specialist, but they cannot see her until Aug 4. Do you know if there is another specialist in the Baltimore, Maryland area that could see her? She is currently taking 50mg of Lasix. I don’t want to wait four weeks. She has barely eaten anything over the last two weeks as it is. She’s lost about 7-10 pounds.

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    Without knowing exactly where you are located I would go to UPenn through the ER service and that way you can be seen immediately. You should not wait until August. In fact I would be incredibly worried that you don’t have that much time to safely wait. My preference is UPenn above all other referral centers as I have found them to be the most efficient and affordable of all the specialty centers. There are other specialty centers like the PetER and Chesapeake Vet Referral in Towson but I have had many clients find them cost prohibitive for care. If you in the through ER at a specialty hospital you can be transferred to the internal medicine department from there same or next day at the latest. Good luck. Go very soon especially if your pet is acting unwell.

    1. Susan Poage Post author

      I ended up taking her to Pet ER in Towson and they said she has Pyothorax . The thick fluid includes bacteria and maybe cancerous cells.

      They said the only thing they could do was all in or nothing. Is surgery the only option? I did ask them to send the liquid from her chest to the Pathologist. I want to know for a fact that there are cancerous cells. What if it’s only bacteria, would antibiotics resolve the infection? Do they have to do open chest surgery to remove the liquid?

      1. Susan Poage Post author

        I have decided to wait for the pathology report to be certain it is cancer. I’m also looking into autoimmune disease. I’ve been told by several people that their dogs were going through the same as my Ginger. They were told it was cancer, but they fought and advocated for their dogs. They were both found to have autoimmune disease and have been treated with steroids and have been alive and well for over four years.

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Mackenzie | 4 years ago
My 16 Week Old Australian Shepherds Front Right Leg Will Randomly Shake… Is This Something I Should …

My 16 week old australian shepherds front right leg will randomly shake… is this something I should be concerned about?

1 Response

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  1. Sarah

    Hi there-
    Sorry, but I believe more information is needed to even consider any reasons. There could be so many- possible injury, joint issues, neurological…. the list could go on. Best advice would be to speak to your vet about it. Possibly get some xrays for starters…. best of luck.

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Christina McMillan | 4 years ago
My Daughter’s Beautiful 5 Year Old Pitbull Died Suddenly Last Night. He Was Current With Shots …

My daughter’s beautiful 5 year old pitbull died suddenly last night. He was current with shots and vet visits, bloodwork, etc. and had no known health issues. My son in law had played frisbee with him. He did not exhibit any signs of heat exhaustion. Drank a lot of water when he came inside and was fine while my son in law took a shower. He fed him after his shower and he cried out while eating, seized a bit, collapsed and died. Son in law checked for airway obstruction and did several compressions on his chest, but he did not recover. They are heartbroken. How does this happen?

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    I’m so sorry about your dog. All of the same issues that can happen with people can happen with dogs. Heart attack, aneurysm, blood clot, hypoglycemia, heat stroke or hyperthermia, etc etc. It is possibly o do a necropsy (animal version of autopsy to try to ie the cause of death). Please call your local ER or vet for more information on where this might be available. I’m sorry for your loss.

  2. Sarah

    I am so sorry for you all. Heartbreaking. I would see about a necropsy to possibly find out what happens. I truly am so sorry.

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Worried | 4 years ago
Hi! My Cat’s Catheter Has Just Been Removed, And Since Then He Can Urinate, But …

Hi! my cat’s catheter has just been removed, and since then he can urinate, but his urine was blood (Not literal blood), but compared to the last 2 days he can eat now,and drink water, he can urinate sometimes large amounts and sometimes small ones, i just want to ask is this part or sign that he’s recovering?

1 Response

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    Please call the vet who placed and removed the catheter for assistance. My preference is to be seen again and have the pet assessed immediately. If this is a case of urinary blockage I would like to hear the rest of your cats story. And I would plea for you to add it as a case based story to our storylines section. So that it might helps others like you.

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Jay | 4 years ago
I Have Two Male Guinea Pigs. Brothers, 8 Months Old. My Friend Would Like To Breed Her …

I have two male guinea pigs. Brothers, 8 months old. My friend would like to breed her female pig with one of my males. If I let one of my males breed with her can he then return to continue living with his brother again? Or will they fight because of the female scent?

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    I’m sorry but we don’t have any pocket pet people here. This is out of my arena. Have you tried any of the Facebook groups for this question.

  2. Leah

    I personally wouldnt as before I got my guinea pig was separated from his 2 brothers when the cage was getting cleaned and since then he was picked on and that’s why I have him now as he was going to get seriously injured. Or you could get one of your guinea pigs neutered and use the other for breeding but there’s still always that chance of them not being okay.

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Kenneth | 4 years ago
Could Repeated Flinching/seizure-like Behavior Be Associated With Eyesight? Here Is A Compilation Video: Https://vimeo….

Could repeated flinching/seizure-like behavior be associated with eyesight?

Here is a compilation video: https://vimeo.com/434151259

Our 10-year-old toy poodle has begun flinching (for lack of a better word) repeatedly on walks. We’ve been to the vet, but due to an enlarged heart with a leaky valve he wants her to see her cardiologist to ensure it isn’t heart-related. We are trying to get an appointment but the pandemic is making wait times in the weeks and we’re concerned in the meantime about how dangerous waiting could be.

Based on our experience, the flinches rarely happen at home, happen much more frequently in bright sunlight on walks, especially facing the sun. They also occur much more frequently when leaving a shadow into the sun or leaving the sun into a shadow. Her vet has noticed early signs of cataracts and we’ve noticed her eyes getting cloudy. She’s also begun walking into things occasionally.

We’re hoping these are eye-sight related rather than seizures or neurological issues, but are unsure of next steps while waiting appointments with specialists.

Thanks.

1 Response

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    This is a tough question to answer based on the information given. The optic nerve which services the eyes is connected to the brain so yes they can influence each other. But I am also worried about pain. I think it’s imperative to see a neurologist. Or try to get a second opinion from another vet. I also think that bloodwork and xrays are a good place to start. You can also ask to see an ophthalmologist. Please keep calling and please seek help from a vet locally. I hope this helps. Let me know what happens. Good luck.

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Cathy Smith | 4 years ago
Is There Such A Thing As A Puppy Drinking Too Much Water?

Is there such a thing as a puppy drinking too much water?

1 Response

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    There are medical conditions that cause puppies to drink too much water. Conditions like kidney disease, or liver malfunction or even poor diets, or diabetes. So, if you think that your puppy is drinking too much water please discuss it with your veterinarian. It is important to say that fresh water should always be left out and available for your pets. In most cases they’re drinking what they need to and withholding or rationing water can adversely affect them.

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deehoeck1 | 4 years ago
I Have A American Staffordshire Terrier. She Has Had Anxiety Since We Got Her At A …

I have a American Staffordshire Terrier. She has had anxiety since we got her at a very young age of 6 weeks from a kill shelter in WV. She is now 7. I think all the vets at Jarrettsville Vet have seen Lucy at one time or another. We just moved 2 weeks ago. From the beginning of May when we started packing up the old house and continuing after we moved, she is having anxiety about going outside to use the potty. She has a covered crate, which she loves, that she stays in while I’m at work. But she has terrible anxiety about going outside, even if Lilly comes with us. I might get her to pee then she runs back into the house and poops. I don’t get it. I’ve never had an issue with her messing in the house before this. Does a calming medication help in this type of situation? I don’t want to drug her but we somehow have to work thru this so she feels comfortable about going outside and doing her business. She is on a leash so i’m always with her. I just don’t know what else to do. Any suggestions? Thank you for any help you can provide!

2 Responses

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  1. Sarah

    Hi there- so sorry this is going on. I think you might have to go “back to basics” just for a bit… meaning that rewarding for going outside like when first potty training. Being on a leash will help her from bolting back inside. You may have to wait outside until she goes, but rewarding right after will help cement the deal. As she was house trained before, it may not take long at all to get her back on track. Hope this is helpful!????????

  2. Laura

    I wouldn’t be afraid of medication. Sometimes it’s necessary to bring the dog back down from an anxious state to work with them to get through an issue.

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Leah | 4 years ago
Hiya, My Dog Has Pancreatitis And I Have Tried Different Food, Medications And Probiotics. Nothing Seems …

Hiya, my dog has pancreatitis and I have tried different food, medications and probiotics. Nothing seems to work for long and hasn’t went for longer the 3 weeks without a bad spell. Does anyone have any recommendations on how to help him as he is only just 3 and I am fed up of him not being able to be a young dog.

7 Responses

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  1. Laura

    Have you tried low fat prescription food for this? I know Hill’s, RC, and Pro Plan all have a gastroenteric diet option.

    1. Leah Post author

      Yeah we have went through all of the vet recommended diets and I am waiting on an order for one that is specifically for pancreatic problems but that was through a lot of research as the vets don’t sell that one, so wasn’t told about it.

  2. Sarah

    Morning-
    I’m sure you have already discussed this with your vet, but maybe keeping a diary would help narrow things down and help you and your vet come up with a plan that lasts a little longer? Best of luck????

    1. Leah Post author

      He is kept consistent with food and only gets vegan treats as they don’t upset him. But with everything else he’s kept the exact same.

  3. carrie Urquhart

    I know you tried diets, but I wanted to add one maybe you hadn’t tried. Royal Canin makes amazing foods for sensitive stomachs. Have you had a full work up at the vet to rule out everything? I’ve seen nervous dogs who have constant pancreatitis. There was a medicine for nervous dogs that didn’t sedate them, cant remember the name of it right off but I could figure it out.

    1. Leah Post author

      Well he is currently on royal canin. But it doesn’t work, he’s still consistently having bad spells. We have had Lots of tests done but hes not nervous or anything. He is a very confident dog.