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Richard | 5 years ago
Any Assistance Would Be Greatly Appreciated. Sophie Is An Extremely Active 12 Year Old Tibetan Terrier Who …

Any assistance would be greatly appreciated. Sophie is an extremely active 12 year old Tibetan Terrier who appears to have cervical disc disease. This diagnosis is not definitive, though signs and symptoms point this way. All tests have come back negative, antibiotics were not successful, so we started her on Prednisone 5 days ago. Day 1 and 2 she was a new dog. Happy and running. Unfortunately we weren’t aware of the necessity for bed rest. Day 3 she went downhill and now she is in significant pain when she attempts to get up. We addenda Gabapentin 2 days ago and this seems to give some relief. I carry her outside and she can support her weight and limp to do her business. Front right paw is most involved. Her feet will splay and she goes to her stomach in pain if she tries to get up without me helping. I have attempted manual traction which she tolerates. My question is what other medications or conservative treatments can we add (surgical intervention is not an option for us for a number of reasons). At what point can we hope to see changes. Should we limit her from trying to get up on her own, as this is the most painful for her? If so, any suggestions on how to do that?

4 Responses

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    I’m sorry to hear about your dog. It sounds like it might be IVDD. I wish your vet had impressed upon you how imperative it is to cage rest these patients. I insist on cage rest. I know everyone wants to convince me that this is cruel and they can adequately watch their pets, BUT, these guys all do the same thing. They start to feel better and start to do too much, and then they end up worse then they started out.

    I have tons of information on IVDD, Please visit my blog and YouTube channel for all the advice I have.

    you can also go to YouTube and search “ivdd krista magnifico” and all of my videos on this will come up.

    https://kmdvm.blogspot.com/2017/01/hank-cervical-disc-disease-management.html

    https://kmdvm.blogspot.com/2016/08/ivdd-days-immediately-following.html

    https://kmdvm.blogspot.com/2016/05/ivdd-dr-kelcourses-advice.html

    I am sure that all of the answers to your questions are there. please let me know if you cannot find what you are looking for.

    good luck

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Morgan Duff | 5 years ago
I Have A Chocolate Lab Chewing Her Fur Raw All Over Her Body

I have a chocolate lab chewing her fur raw all over her body

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    It is time to call your vet and ask for help. Itching can have a huge multitude of causes and there is not one answer to every cause. I would start at the vets office and look for the easy things like fleas. But it could be allergies, infections, disease, mange, etc etc. it is a long list. The sooner you get to the vet the cheaper, quicker and easier your dog will be feeling better. I would strongly recommend you start at the vets. It’s much cheaper in the long run

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Katharina | 5 years ago
Very Large Seroma Two Weeks Post Surgery On A Six Month Old Aussie. Baldy Had A …

Very large seroma two weeks post surgery on a six month old Aussie.
Baldy had a large number of hamartomas on his scalp that kept breaking open and getting infected. He was on antibiotics for 5 out of his 6 months. He had a big surgery March 10th, where they removed his scalp and pulled skin from his neck to his eyebrows. All was going well until 10 days ago when a huge seroma formed all around his neck, like a big bladder. They put two drains in for five day. Drains came out last Friday. The seroma is back. Surgeons say it’s best to just compress it unless health wise something changes, since more drains won’t help much and are risky for infection. But how big can this get and will it cause delamination in the scalp that was healing really well ( hair growing and no necrosis) . Just wait it out even if really big? Picture shows just one side of neck before it got even bigger. My estimate is a good 1/2 cup of fluid.
Also that “dog ear” is from the flap they pulled up. It was stitched again. It looks odd but that is not the problem. It’s all the fluid …

3 Responses

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    It sounds like your vets have done what they could and I agree with the plan that they gave you. As far as how big it might get I can’t answer that. And probably no one else can either. As far as long low it will last that probably is just as speculative. I would do what you are doing and monitor closely for any changes. It’s the best we can do in most of these cases. Good luck.

    1. Katharina Post author

      Thank you for answering. Barring an infection, could a seroma undermine the success of a large graft ( single pedicle advancement) like that? So far hair is growing and nothing looked infected or necrotic

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C | 5 years ago
I Have A Year Old English Springer Spaniel. She’s Around 48lbs But Is A Good …

i have a year old English springer spaniel. She’s around 48lbs but is a good weight, you can see her ribs and the curve that is looked for, my vet told me this. Thus, I believe the weight is muscle. For awhile now I’ve noticed that when she turns her head you hear her neck pop. I took her to the vet, two different people, and of course they didn’t hear it happen when I was in but luckily the second time I brought a video. They said they didn’t know what it was but to not play tug games or use a leash. Well it’s still happening. I did a genetics test for her with embark to see if she is 100% springer and was surprised to find that she is and that she is a carrier for IVDD type 1. Should I be worried about the popping and her ivdd gene that she carries? At this point I’m not sure what to do. I feel like I’m treating her like glass so nothing goes wrong and she doesn’t hurt herself.

1 Response

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    I have a few patients who have this sound produced when they move a certain way and cause the Surfaces of the joints to rub together. It’s like cracking your knuckles of your hands. I would guess this is what might be going on with your dog? People and dogs can have knees that crack or vertebra or any other joint area. If it is this than it usually is not treatable other than trying to reduce the times it happens by not repeating the motion that causes it. Which can be hard if not impossible in a dog. I would ask about a joint supplement and even chiropractic vets to see if they can help. At this point you need to figure out where the noise occurs and what it might possibly mean to your dog. But I would say this. If your dog is happy and acting like they are feeling perfectly fine and normal let her be a dog. She needs exercise and activity (especially this breed!!) or you are likely to cause more problems than you can solve. Let her be happy. Don’t treat her like glass. She’s probably going to be fine even if you do or don’t figure out the noise.

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Sarah | 5 years ago
Hi Pawbly Friends- With This Shelter In Place Issued By The Governor- I’m Concerned About …

Hi Pawbly friends-
With this shelter in place issued by the Governor- I’m concerned about one of our dogs who is due Thursday for his 3 year rabies vaccination. Do I still take him in, or will it be breaking the law? And will his license be void and we get in trouble for breaking g the rules?

3 Responses

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    If your dog has had the vaccine at least twice before (I.e this isn’t a one year old pet or younger) AND if you think that your pet is considered “low risk” (ie not a field dog, nor likely to get into fights with wildlife), then you are probably safe to wait until this blows over. We take rabies very seriously so it is always a case by case basis. Young dogs need the vaccine at 12-16 weeks and then a year later. Then the duration of immunity lasts at least 3 years.

    Call me or text if you have specific questions. I am here for you. Be safe!

  2. Laura

    Hi Sarah, have you seen the order from the Governor’s office? I threw it on my Dropbox for you…can you shoot a note to the Pawbly Facebook page? I’ll send you the link privately.

    1. Sarah Post author

      Hi Laura-
      I am not on the Facebook. I did talk to the vet office though, and we are squared away for the time being. Thanks!!! 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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Lacy | 5 years ago
My Puppy Is Almost 9 Weeks Old. He Was Seen At The Vet, On Tuesday (initial Puppy …

My puppy is almost 9 weeks old. He was seen at the vet, on Tuesday (initial puppy checkup). They called on Weds. to tell us that he had a parasite in his stool. We picked up treatment and gave his 1st dose Wednesday afternoon. He has been acting totally fine. Except, tonight. He has been crying to go out, often. He has had diarrhea and blood in his stool (just started, tonight). I am so worried!

1 Response

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    Please call your vet ASAP and ask to be seen. This is a very young puppy and diarrhea can cause dehydration faster in young pups then adults. If your vet is not available go to the ER. Good luck. I hope he’s ok

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Sophia | 5 years ago
Hi Dr. Mag, I Came Across Some Of Your Videos On YouTube And That Brought Me …

Hi Dr. Mag, Gatsby and I need your help.
I came across some of your videos on YouTube and that brought me to your blogs and finally here to Pawbly.com I feel so fortunate to have found your videos you seem so knowledgeable and more importantly empathetic. The care you have for animals truly shines through. I feel so helpless When it comes to my little guy Gatsby. He is 8 years old and has been very healthy all his life, But within the last six weeks we have been experiencing some urinary issues. I did think he had a blockage because he was unable to urinate for close to 24 hours, he seemed lethargic and did not want to eat. I took him to the vet first thing in the morning and he was given an x-ray which did not show any signs of kidney stones. He was given fluids under the skin, an antibiotic shot and sent home with 5 days dosage of Prozasin. The vet diagnosed him with feline lower urinary tract disease, yet he did not take any urine samples because he said that Gatsby’s bladder was very small and he was unable to collect a sample. He did not take any blood either. Within a couple days Gatsby was again exhibiting the same symptoms so I asked around for personal referrals and took him to a different vet. This vet said the same thing, Gatsby’s bladder was very small, but he kept him for a few hours to collect urine and did perform blood analysis and lab work. This was a Saturday and the vet suggested I switched him to a prescription urinary diet and informed me I would receive lab results that Monday. When the vet called all of his lab work came back clear, no infection, no signs of crystals, no signs of cystitis, kidneys functioning properly and he does not have diabetes. The vet suggested I keep him on a prescription diet and suggested that he lose weight because he is a big boy at 15 pounds. This was about a month ago and Gatsby has had two more episodes since. He is licking himself a lot. He travels to his box many times and is only producing small dots of urine, he has on a handful of occasions exhibited inappropriate urination, but only during these flareups which tend to last 2 to 3 days. I’ve called the vet to discuss Gatsby’s condition and his solution is to have the surgery performed. I have read a lot of literature, watched a lot of videos and have taken him to two different vets to try and find answers and help for him. It hurts me to see him struggling. He is on a wet food only diet, I do not feed him any dry food or dry treats. I have tried a urinary health chew which he receives once a day. I have noticed that he has not been drinking water as he used to prior to these episodes. I have a water fountain for him I’ve tried fresh water in different types of bowls, I’ve tried water with ice, he’s just very resistant to drinking water now. Any advice or guidance you can provide would be greatly appreciated.

2 Responses

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    I think part of the problem is that no one is really sure of his diagnosis. Straining can look like a lot of other things too. I always check the gi system and the urinary system for a cat displaying litter box issues. What that means is that I do a rectal exam. I check the colon the feces (send to the lab) and anal sacs. I also check a urine sample. I even do a urine culture and sensitivity of I can’t find the source of the problem. I think your diet plan is good but I would also encourage play and exercise. It helps the gi system and the weight loss which always helps the urinary system. Think of it like a “whole cat” approach to finding out what is wrong. The other piece of advice I have is to find a feline only practice. I just think they do a better job with cat issues when people feel they haven’t gotten the answers they need at a general vets office. Don’t give up! Your cat is trying to tell you there is a problem. Keep digging! Good luck. Let me know what happens.

    1. Sophia Post author

      Thank you Dr. Mag for your response! I forgot to mention that the first vet did do a rectal exam and he said that he cleaned out the buildup from his anal sac. I know there is a better term for it but I don’t have his paperwork in front of me. But he did show me What was cleaned out and he said the color and look of it was fine. I really like that suggestion of an all feline facility. Yes you’re right I have to do better with play and exercise he does have a harness and leash but will just plop on the floor lol, We did live in a different home and for the six years of his life he was able to go outside and play. He is now strictly an indoor cat. I am always so fearful of a blockage because I know how fatal it can be. Can you give me some peace of mind and let me know what signs I should look for to signal that it is a true emergency because like you said the symptoms tend to overlap and I don’t want to overexaggerate yet miss critical signs because there is a thin line.

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Madison | 5 years ago
My Dog Has These Spots All Over His Body What Can I Do About Them And …

My dog has these spots all over his body what can I do about them and does anybody know what they are?

1 Response

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  1. Sarah

    Good morning-
    It is so hard to tell anything from a photo. This could be an allergic reaction possibly. You will have to have your vet look at them in person though to be sure. If it is, they can give you some medications (oral/topical) that will help clear it up and offer some comfort to your pup. It could also be a side effect caused by something else- I wouldn’t do anything until you get to see your vet. Best of luck!!!!

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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.