Ask questions and share about your pet's health to help others.
It has been about 3 weeks since my stray cat Snow had her stomatitis flare up again, she will eat periodically if I cut up deli meat very small or mash Max cat venison canned food for her, the randomness of her eating isn’t likely enough to sustain her but as I mentioned before she won’t let me trap her for a vet visit. Is there something over the counter I can add to the food that I manage to get in her to reduce inflammation and is there a normal time frame that inflammation will subside on it’s own?
My 16-1/2 year old calico has been on prednolisone since August. Even though she was still eating normally she went from about 9 pounds to 7.2 pounds in a year. Tests showed everything was good with the exception of inflamed intestines. Being on the prednolisone has helped her gain weight again, she now weighs about 8.4 pounds. Within the past month on occasion she has started howling very loudly for no apparent reason. She doesn’t seem to be in any pain, sometimes it actually seems as though she’s confused. Any ideas on what could be causing her howls? What can I do to help her? Dr Graff has been her vet since she was a tiny kitten, I would bring Pumpkin in if necessary but hate the idea of stressing her out in doing so. Thanks for any suggestions.
Hello,
I think it would be best to bring her in. In cases like these I get worried about kidney and liver issues and these are best diagnosed with bloodwork and/or an ultrasound. Certainly dementia can happen to any and all mammals but we rule out medical issues first. Dr graf is at the clinic on mon-weds through Saturday. I hope this helps. Best of luck.
I have a question directly for Dr. Magnifico. I reached out through Jarrettsville Vet, and they directed me to Pawbly to reach Dr. Magnifico more directly:
I am reaching out after watching your YouTube videos on nasopharyngeal polyp removal. My cat Fitzgerald has all of the symptoms of this (and has for multiple years). A couple of years ago, he had a full-mouth tooth extraction due to stomatitis at University of Georgia. (I live in Atlanta.) They suspected his wheezing, occasional sneezing, snoring, and other symptoms could be due to a polyp, but, as a vet school, they refuse to check without putting him under and doing $3500 in scans. They would then have him come back in to be put under again, taken to the pet hospital, and then would extract the polyp as a costly surgery. They are not alone in the high costs of treatment in the Atlanta area.
I have seen your expertise and candidness regarding this simple diagnosis, actual procedure, and the lower cost and would like to bring my cat to your clinic. Fitzgerald has been on longer car rides in the past, so I’m sure it would be okay. I am a graduate student living on a small stipend in the city. $3500+ is not possible for me, which is why I am willing to drive 10 hours. It’s the only way I can afford to take care of Fitz’s polyp.
Please let me know how I may proceed with scheduling this. I am eager to do so as early as this month. I appreciate your time.
Best,
Christy Kinney
(and Fitzgerald)
Hello,
I think that in older cats an oronasal-pharyngeal polyp is less likely than in younger cats. I also think that it is hard for me to fathom why so many vets are afraid or reluctant to look for them. If you would like me to look we have to arrange the trip as you are so far away. This can be done by calling the clinic and asking for the office manager to arrange this.
I always tell people to call every rescue and shelter around you and see if someone local has experience with this.
In almost all cases of older cats with suspected polyps it has turned out to be a nasal cavity mass or chronic rhinitis. So I am worried you will make a long trip for an inconclusive exam. I hope this helps.
Our 4 year old Sheltie who frequently suffers from skin allergies has very sore front paw pads from licking them frequently. He takes prescribed apoquel and we supplement with benadryl as needed. I have not seen him licking his paws for a while but he has a visible limp on one paw when walking. I have looked at his paw pad and while it looks very rough and chapped I don’t see any visible cuts or wounds. In addition to the medications mentioned we have purchased dog booties for him when walking him and are applying an all natural paw butter. I’m just wondering what else we can do to help his paws heal short of putting a cone on him, as I don’t think he’s licking them currently? Thanks for any suggestions.
Hello,
I see lots of limping in dogs with red and painful feet. Typically they are licking pretty feverishly. The best advice I can give is to talk to your vet and ask them all of the things you mention here. I also want to highlight how important routine year around flea and tick prevention is. Also ask about Cytopoint use. Also it might be time for a medicated shampoo and even supplements like omega 3 fatty acid.
My point is that dermatology is an active and evolving condition. It takes lots of time and assistance from your vet often this is a life long challenge. Please let us know what happens. Good luck.
Hello!
I could use some guidance on a new foster puppy. Puppy is 10 weeks female CH puppy and is coming from Mexico from a rescue. She has a shot record and will be flying with a companion on February 11. I need to put my furry family first. Can you help guide me on precautions that I need to take other than shots? Do I quarantine her in my house or another? I’ve received several videos. She looks healthy. I’m probably taking on more than I should right??. I guess I can google this but thought I’d ask someone who knows the real risks.
Thanks
Heidi
Hello,
I’m going to answer this two fold. First you are my fiend and I know. And second as a person who wants to provide info to others in your situation.
Ok. I know you are the kindest most generous person I know. I also know that you cannot turn away from an animal in need it makes you the exceptional one in a million person that you are. So. For this case. Since I think you are already committed to taking this pup I would make very sure that you undetand and meet all of the government restrictions and requirements placed on you and the dog. I honestly don’t know what these are. The state vet, the transport carrier and the local animal agencies can help. Or talking to a rescue who does this more commonly. My point is to call multiple agencies to make sure that your paperwork and requirements are covered. Next see your vet in the first few days or arrival. Next quarantine for at least two weeks. Double barricade are and clothing change in between visits. Or find a vet facility with quarantine abilities.
Next. For everyone else. I would never recommend taking a pet from a foreign country. The risk of bringing in a disease like the paranoia and death associated with corona virus in China is a good example why. All medical professionals are afraid we will introduce a disease the native population hasn’t seen before and will not be able to manage. It is a very low risk but no one wants to be that patient zero. No one. Also I feel strongly that There are Soo many pets in need here. So why would we risk disease when our own Here are being euthanized. That is my personal opinion.
Please have your vet run a bloodwork and fecal at the first visit. And watch closely for any signs of infection or disease. Vomiting diarrhea, lethargy. Etc.
I hope this helps. I know your heart is always in the right place.
Sending best wishes. Krista
Dr. Magnifico’s your best bet for medical stuff, but I’d be very, very careful with any dog imported from outside our borders. Even a dog coming in from Hawaii would have me concerned.
Why?
In the last year I’ve trained two puppies from outside the continental US, and both died of distemper due to misrepresented shot records. PLEASE follow quarantine protocols to the letter, for the safety of your existing pets.
My 15 month old pitbull golden retriever is currently on Purina Pro Plan & always has been. Recently I have heard many people & Facebook groups compare Pro Plan to “feeding them McDonald’s”. I do everything in my power to make sure my little guy eats the best & stays in the best shape but this scares me.. is this really something that he should not be eating? This food brand was recommended by his vet but recently I’ve heard more bad than good. I would never forgive myself if this food led to future health issues. Is there another brand that we could switch to? Is Purina actually that bad? Should a homemade raw diet be an option? I could use some help
I would trust your vet. Your vet is the person with the degree and the one who actually went to school that possesses a good education on this subject, not a Facebook group. If you’re concerned and want more information, start at your vet’s office. I can tell you that we have always used Purina with all of our dogs and they have always been quite healthy. In fact one of our German shepherds is almost 15 and that is rare for this breed. Again, I would talk to your vet since they are the one who would know best. Good luck!!????????
Pro Plan isn’t Beneful (which actually is trash), and is the most common food fed to show and sport dogs. If your dog does well on it, don’t change it.
Hello,
I haven’t had much luck with anything long term over the counter. In most cases the only way to get long term relief is with a full mouth extraction of all of the teeth. This should be done by a veterinarian who is proficient and comfortable with this. And unfortunately that can be expensive. I have tried steroids, antibiotics, cold laser therapy and even 1-TDC (available on line). Please ask your vet if any of these might help. I wish you the best. This disease is such a terrible one.