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Our Houston vet confirmed this dog as already neutered. He as a slight greenish discharge coming from his penis. He was seen by his adopted family’s vet who said he has most likely Cryptorchid, that his testicles have failed to descend into his scrotum. This vet recommended a special procedure for neuter.
How could that be missed by the first vet? What do you think is going on with this little fella who only weighs 11 pounds and is 3 years old?
My sisters dog has been sick. She wanted to bring him here to play with my dogs and I told her I’d rather not until he saw the vet, he had an apt. Can dogs spread germs like people do. Now that I know they can get corona I was concerned.
Hello,
All infectious diseases have the potential to affect and infect others. But this might not be caused by an infection so it is hard to know if he is infectious. I think it is best to play it safe and keep them apart. Start with a vet visit. All sick beings (people and pets) should always be kept away from each other when they are sick.
My rats (2 months old) are sneezing. Sometimes it’s one, sometimes its like three in a row, but it is not consistent. I have read that this could be linked to respiratory issues, but they have no other symptoms. They ping, brux, boggle, play fight with their siblings, eat, socialize with me and other members of my family. They are not secreting porphyrin either. They do sleep a lot during the day, which I thought may be a symptom, but they are also still babies and are EXTREMELY active during the night. Should I be worried about the sneezing?
Hello,
Sneezing is a very broad clinical sign. In general it indicates that there is inflammation or irritation to the nose and nasal passages. This can come from infection, allergies, allergens, foreign bodies and even masses. If it is happening to both of them I would worry about allergens or infection. Infection usually causes other clinical signs like lethargy and deceased appetite. For allergens or inflammation things like removing all household irritants (no spays, powders, diffusers, etc) and minimizing dust and particles with a household filtration unit all help. Also fresh air if you can provide it safely. If the sneezing persists please call your vet and ask for an examination. For now scrutinize their environment. And keep it very clean and allergen free
If this is environmental: add an air cleaner (one that just blows dust into a filter) near their enclosure. I really like the system made by Swiffer – it’s literally a fan in a base, blowing dust into a filter sock. It looks nice and does a great job at reducing dust. Furthermore, make sure you aren’t using harsh cleaners, or anything with airborne scents. This means no candles, no aerosols, no oil diffusers.
Make sure you vacuum in their area frequently, and make sure you keep the room free of dust. The aforementioned air cleaner helps but it doesn’t completely remove the need to dust.
Also consider their bedding. Do you clean it on a schedule which is correct for their needs? Is it dust-free? Some bedding types are NOT recommended for small mammals.
My 4 year old cat peed out of her litter box and it was pink tinged. The vets nearby are all closed due to this COVID19 and won’t see us. Is there anything I can do to help her at home?
Hello,
I would worry that the pink color indicates it is blood. The key to knowing if it is or not is by starting with an exam and a urinalysis. This can help identify the cause and direct a treatment plan. The issue I am most concerned about would be a possible urinary blockage which is an emergency. Vet offices are open for emergencies and this classifies as such. Please call your vet and go ASAP. Also if your cat is acting lethargic, making reappeared visits to the box or having trouble producing urine go immediately. A urinary blockage can be fatal.
This is an emergency. I would get her to the vet. It could be a UTI, blockage, kidneys…… pink tinged means blood and she needs a vet. Sooner you can get her in, the better. I hope everything is ok. Best of luck????
Hello,
I called Jarrettsville Veterinary Center this evening and they told me I should reach out on Pawbly with my question. Around the beginning of the year, I noticed my cat’s eye started to look a little different. I was seeing some discharge and it looked like it could be slightly infected. I wasn’t really worried about it and thought some type of drop would clear it right up. It did not get better and actually got a lot worse. It’s been months of appointments, different treatments and multiple drops to try and fix it. Where we are now is that she’s been going to an ophthalmologist for the past month who has diagnosed it as a corneal ulcer with entropion on her lower eye lid. The ophthalmologist is recommending surgery to correct the entropion and to do a debridement on the ulcer at the same time. I immediately started researching because the price I was quoted for the surgery is something that would be incredibly outside of what my husband and I can afford. I came across Jarrettsville and saw the prices are posted online which was incredibly helpful. I completely understand those are estimates and there are other factors that would contribute to the final bill, but Jarrettsville would be way more on par with what we can afford. I was so unbelievably excited when I found this place!
Also, I would be coming from Philadelphia (about 1.5 hours away) but would have no problem driving all that way if this surgery can be done by you. My question is though, since she’s been seeing an ophthalmologist already here and I’ve been told what needs to be done, if I were to send all of those medical records and also get pre-operation bloodwork done at our primary vet here, and sent that all to you, would that be sufficient in place of a pre-operation consult visit? Since we are so far away? If not, that is TOTALLY okay and I’d be willing to make the drive as many times as necessary for my cat. I just thought I’d ask.
I really appreciate any help you can provide. We are in a bit of a desperate situation. I don’t want my cat to suffer but we really just cannot afford the price we were quoted. I hope to hear from you soon and thank you so much in advance!
Becky
Hello,
We are a small animal general practice. We are not a specialist and we do not have the degree of training or equipment that a specialist would have. What we do here is the same as many other vets do therefore I would ask both your primary vet and the specialist for assistance in providing the care your car needs at a price you can afford. We are happy to see anyone and always offer an honest transparent service. The only way we could tell you if we might be able to help your cat is with an examination. We are not able to authorize or recommend any kind of treatment without an exam first. Surgery is discussed from there and would have to be arranged at a later time (in almost all cases). I’m sorry I cannot be of more help now.
Take care and best of luck
Krista.
Hi Dr. Magnifico,
Thank you so much for getting back to me. I completely understand. I thought I saw entropion surgery on your website, is that correct? I understand I would have to bring her in for an examination first and am willing to do that. Is that the next step you think I should take?
Thank you so much!
Becky
Hi Dr. Magnifico. We took Boogie to VRA in Gaithersburg, MD, a couple weeks ago, hoping to have the Radioactive Iodine Therapy done for his hyperthyroidism, but Dr. Conway said she did not think he was a good candidate for it and was very concerned with his constipation.
She did bloodwork, an ultrasound, chest x-rays and more. We took him there on 4/16 and again on 4/27. I asked her to send all results to you and I hope you have received them by now.
Dr. Conway said he has a tumor or mass on his kidney but no abnormalities found from the chest x-ray.
She quoted me $5,000-$6,000 (gulp) to do the surgery, but I can not remember if she said that was to remove the tumor from the kidney, or remove the entire kidney.
She also mentioned something about his blood being thicker? I really can not remember exactly what she said about that, but it didn’t sound good. It may have something to do with his red blood cell level being high due to the tumor on his kidney.
She said to cut back his methimazole to 1/2 pill every 12 hours. *Dr. Conway told me that his hyperthyroidism is very mild.
She also said raise his dose of cisapride 5 mg/ml from 1 ml every 12 hours to 1 ml every 8 hours (three times a day), and she said to raise his dose of lactulose to 3 ml every 8 hours.
I started all of the above on 4/17.
He has since sprained his leg and is limping. He’s been hiding under the bed more, but not completely. He will still come up on the bed to visit me once or twice a day, but just not as often as he used to, and is still coming up on the bed to sleep with me. I’m not sure if he’s not feeling well because of Dr. Conways findings, because of his sprained leg, or both, the reason he is under the bed more.
Here is the last email I received from Dr. Conways office on 4/29, after his ultrasound on 4/27:
1) His calcium results was fine and within normal limits. Dr. Conway suspects the prior calcium elevated was due to lab error.
2) His thyroid level is good on the lower dose of Methimazole – please continue as directed with this medication.
3) His blood cell count shows his red blood cell level is HIGHER – this is due to the tumor of his kidney. If you are not interested in pursuing surgery for Boogie, Dr. Conway’s recommendation would be an oncology consult to discuss any palliative care options.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Julia Conny, RVT
Internal Medicine Lead Technician
Veterinary Referral Associates
301-926-3300
Dr. Mag, We have been clients of yours for several years, as four of our cats are all seen by you and your wonderful staff. We are begging you on hands and knees to please help our Boogie boy. He is only 12 years old and we are not ready for him to go. Can you please do the removal of the tumor or kidney? We realize it is a very risky surgery, but we would feel better knowing we did something, than not. We know you are a big advocate of doing everything you can to help bring pets back to health, instead of just giving up.
I’m in tears as I write this. Can you please look at all his records you have at your office asap, and also what Dr. Conways office sent you. Please, can you help our baby?
Terri and Steve
Hello,
I know how much you want to help your kitty. I will do my best to call you tomorrow to go over some options. Please understand that this is not a routine surgery and it comes with a significant amount of risk and many adverse possible side effects. It is something to discuss further. I am also on personal leave as my mom is very ill and in hospice so it is very hard for me to schedule surgeries at this time. I will do my best to call as soon as I am able. Hoping you are all safe and well.
Hi Dr. Magnifico,
I am so sorry to hear about your mom ????
I’ve not been on facebook much the past few weeks, so did not know.
Your mom should be your only thought at this time, so I will call Dr. Ahrens tomorrow to speak to her about options, since she has also seen Boogie.
Please know I will say a prayer for your mom, and you.
Thinking of you both!
Terri Xo
Thank you.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Thank you.
My 2-year-old cat suddenly has been hiding and crouching in the corner underneath a bed in one of our spare bedrooms. She is crouching but isn’t “aggressive” until we tried to coax her out and gently push her bottom. By aggressive, I mean that she would just give us warning signs that she might bat/smack one of us if we kept it up. This is extremely abnormal behavior for her, unless there are several people/strangers over. I am worried if something may have scared her or if she is possibly not feeling well? I can’t get her into the vet tonight so I am very concerned. If you have any thoughts, ideas, or suggestions please let me know!! Thank you!
Hello,
I’m sorry to hear about your cat. I’m also sorry to say that I cannot offer much advice without an exam and some better observations. I always have to say that abnormal behaviors need to be treated as a possible emergency. I worry about pain, urinary issues and infection. I’m sorry I cannot help more.
Good morning-
Have you checked her litter box behavior? Has it been normal the last few days? And has her eating habit changed? Are you usually gone during the day and as of late because of the current situation, been home? Or vice versa- have you been gone more if you are essential? These changes may be effecting things too. I definitely would start with a checkup at the vet just to get a better idea of what might be going on. Hope things are ok????????
Hello guys, I have a strange question. I have two degus, one of them (a couple months older) is a male, the other one was not really identified as the people in pet shop were not sure, but we are pretty sure it’s a girl. They didn’t get along when we first put them together in one cage and would start fighting, but after some time of exchanging them from one cage to another, they became friends and now we keep them together recently. My question is: in last couple of days, the smaller one (a female?) is humping our older degu, which is a male 100%. Is this normal, or is this only possible if both of them are males? Even if it’s asserting dominance, the smaller one should not be a dominant one, right? I am really hoping you can help. Thank you very much, Nem
Hello,
Sex is determined by anatomy not behavior
Based on the following link, it sounds like dominance behavior: http://www.degutopia.co.uk/degubhvrfaq.htm#FIGHT
Dr Krista – I am a YouTube watcher with a 22yo cat that may have nasal or ear polyps. We have spent 8 weeks trying every antibiotic, nasal steroid drop, antibac nasal drop and still fighting the snorking sound and her inability to breathe. Did nasal swab wk of 4/20 – found 2 bacteria, getting compounded anti bacs at this point since both bacs are super resistant apparently – Citrobacter freundii and pseudeomonas species. Antibacs will arrive to me in California by Thur 4/30 . She has a grade 3 heart murmur and hyper thyroid (on 5mg Methimazole daily). Just as your YouTube vid about Stripes with polyps (2/23/2018), I think I may be in the same situation – I have a vet telling me to go to a specialist for $$$ because everything we are throwing at this isn’t working. How in the world do I find someone like you who is willing to help me for a reasonable cost? I am calling all over for vets and everyone is ‘specialist focused’. Do you have tips on what to ask, experience, and honestly, I need someone with your confidence to do this. Or I need you 🙂 I have been in cat rescue over 30 yrs and ‘get; the lingo but have never had such difficulty finding a vet who could assist. Thank you in advance!
Hello,
I’m sorry to hear about your cat. I think that based on age alone it is less likely that it is a polyp and more likely that it is cancer. I say this based solely on experience. I think that I would call all the rescues and shelters around and ask for a trusted vet who would be willing to do a sedated exam to look for a polyp. After that it gets expensive to do the rhiniscopy and ct scan and honestly there is little to gain if it is cancer as it is not treatable. I would try the antibiotics, inquire about a steroid (difficult based on the thyroid and heart murmur but might be worth a trial) and even ask about intranasal cerenia drops. Also look for a feline medicine specialist and be honest about your budget.
I hope this helps.
Thank you Dr Magnifico. I have now been/talked to 11 vets since this message to you 2 weeks ago, been to specialists, had nothing but the run around. This process has been agonizing, thousands of dollars, vets more interested in ensuring I know risk and that their liability is removed than caring for my kitty. I have labs, xrays, eco results, UA’s, spent thousands of $$ – and no one will do what you do – do a quick sedation and see if there are any polyps. Maybe she does have cancer but we DONT KNOW THAT FOR SURE. Is there anyway to pay you to review her records and advise me? I am up at nights, crying to figure this out and meanwhile losing valuable precious time and money where I could be helping my baby have a few more quality months/years. Thank you for considering.
Hello,
As with all things it is hard to diagnose via a photo. But. Here are my thoughts.
1. In almost all cases of preputial discharge it is normal. I don’t go too crazy about it. It is usually a small amount, thick green-yellow and the patient is acting normally.
2. Although rare, bilateral crytochordism can happen. But typically we have a good history to go by. I start palpating for testes at the first visit and check every subsequent one. I know if they haven’t descended and we go looking for them at age 9-11 months. I will add a blog I have written on it.
3. I would be very careful based on that photo that these are the bulbourethral glands.
Please ask for a second opinion before going under anesthesia to remove these.
Let us know what happens.
Thank you for rescuing
Krista