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Samantha | 5 years ago
Hi I Was Wondering What A Good Dog Food Is For Liver Problems My Dog Was …

Hi i was wondering what a good dog food is for liver problems my dog was diagnosed with a high liver enzyme and she cant digest regular dog food due to severe diarrhea so ive been making her food myself everyday i boil chicken, rice, parsley, carrots, cauliflower and mash it up and she loves it and we dont have any problems with diarrhea however it gets exhausting and becomes alot of work im looking for a new food that would be good for her even if its a perscription diet im sure i can get approval i love my dog and want whats best for her shes old shes around 12 years old, but yes we dont know whats caused her liver problems i think its old age i use to have her on casars wet dog food and she kept diarrhea and i tried a few other foods for her as well and had no luck i even tried grain free and that didnt help either its frustrating cause at one point she had diareah for a few weeks and i didnt know why i took her to our local hospital a few minutes away and they ran tests and gave her metronidazole finally when i took her off the food she stopped sorry for this long post i just wanted to give all the information to figure out the best food for my baby so i can orser it for her or if you know a brand i can buy over the counter thats good please let me know

3 Responses

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  1. Sarah

    Good morning- your vet should be able to provide you with a list of foods that will be a good choice.

    1. Samantha Post author

      Our vet didnt provide a list i was told to give chicken and rice

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George | 5 years ago
My 15 Year Old Lemon Hound Pees Four To Five Times More Than Normal And Has Been …

My 15 year old lemon hound pees four to five times more than normal and has been for over a year. Been tested many times for bladder infections, kidney issues, and other normal things. The pee is as clear as water and can have strong ammonia smell at times. She drinks a lot but vets have told us to make sure she has water available at all times. Other that aches and pains from arthritis, she seems not to have any other issues. Any ideas of rare conditions that may be causing to peeing trouble?

Thanks,
Bubba

1 Response

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    There is a reason for the behavior. You have to exhaust every possibility until you find the cause. This might include repeating bloodwork, urine, taking xrays and doing ultrasounds. It is time to find the answer. If your vet can’t help you with all of these ask to be referred to a specialist.

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Jennie | 5 years ago
I Have A Question About Dog Food. Years Ago, We Had A German Shepherd Who Was …

I have a question about dog food. Years ago, we had a german shepherd who was allergic to chicken. We switched him (and our other 2 dogs) to grain free and they all did amazing on it. We mixed proteins and had no issues. Now, years later, we have a german shepherd pup (9 months old now). When he came to us at 8 weeks he was eating Victor grain free active dog and puppy. Our vet is anti-grain free and recommended Purina Pro Plan large breed puppy (chicken). We transitioned over a couple of weeks, but he had soft stools or diarrhea all the time and was itchy. He ended up having anal gland issues. We added pumpkin, bananas, yogurt and nothing helped.
We switched to the sslmon/sensitive skin and stomach puppy formula but it didn’t get better. We ended up adding Victor back in, and he got better. Now he is back on the Victor puppy grain free, mixed with the Victor grain included formula. No issues. But our Vet has us worried about heart issues, and I’m worried that we’re going to get a lecture because she only recommends Purina Pro Plan, Science Diet, RC, Ian’s – big companies with a vet on staff. Should we keep trying these, or stick with what’s working? (Our previous vet retired 🙁 ) We want to do the best thing for our puppy.

5 Responses

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    I am anti grain free too. I have seen perfectly healthy dogs die, in some cases even multiple dogs in the same house die from grain free diets and heart disease. It has changed me and I won’t recommend grain free until we know exactly what is happening and why. Along with what we can do about it. For now I don’t feed or recomend grain free. I also do not believe the anal glands are associated with the diet. I’ve seen thousands of dogs over decades and they don’t correlate to diet and anal sac issues. Please don’t think that we lecture because we are influenced by anything other then our training, our individual experiences and our deep fondness for the animals we have dedicated our lives too. To say we are paid or influenced by the pet food companies Is both untrue and unkind. You should find a diet that works for all of you and is safe to feed. My best to you all. Be kind to your vet. They want what’s best for your dog.

    1. Jennie Post author

      Thank you! I definitely don’t think that our vet is influenced by anything. I just feel sort of lost – we’ve had many dogs but never one with a sensitive tummy. We want to do what’s best for him. We’ll keep trying!

  2. Sarah

    Hi- we have a household of german shepherds. We feed Purina One large breed with glucosamine. There is a sensitive stomach option as well as a senior option. At the moment our GSDs are loving the venison option. Our youngest did have an adjustment period of about 2 weeks from when we got him until his stools got back on track with our food. Other than that one instance, we have always been very happy with this food. I should add that their health and lifespan has been great on this diet as well. ..14 years and very healthy up until the end. I would say chat more with your vet and see what comes of it. They may be able to provide you with more information that you will find useful.????????

  3. Laura

    I feed the food the dog does best on. If that means Victor, or some other grain free brand, then that’s what it means. (Though I’m really not a fan of Victor.)

    I have been a fan of Merrick for a long time. Try them, or Castor + Pollux, their other brand. If you think your dog is allergic to chicken, make sure you read labels carefully – LOTS of brands use chicken fat in formulations which do not list chicken as a main ingredient, and even a little of it will make our girl break out in hives and have loose stool. I can feed grain-inclusive foods as long as they’re limited ingredient.

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Sandy | 5 years ago
Scooter, My Cat For Over 21 Years Slept By My Chest Every Night. He Became Sick Earlier …

Scooter, my cat for over 21 years slept by my chest every night. He became sick earlier this year and had to be euthanized. Within days of losing him one of my other cats has decided to do everything in her power to keep me up at night. She will knock things over, turn off my cpap machine, etc. until I finally give in and get up and go downstairs with her. I usually will do stuff on the computer or straighten up. She usually just sits by me and after about 2 hours I can go back up to bed followed by her for about 5 or 6 hours. She is healthy, playful, friendly. Lately she has gotten worse and wants to be up more often. Tried locking her out of our room but she has clawed the carpet and the door. I cannot lock her in another room because she will do the same thing. I have been so exhausted that on a few occasions I have put her in the carrier for a few hours so I can get some sleep. She goes in willingly and makes bo noise while she is in there. I have tried to keep her up several hours before going to bed but nothing works.

Any suggestions. Oh she is about 10 years old. One odd thing is that if one of my other cats is sleeping with me which is rare, she will not bother me.

Thank you

3 Responses

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    I’m sorry for the loss of your kitty. The veterinarian in me wants to say that you should start at the vets office. Assuming your cat is healthy isn’t enough of an assurance that they are. A thorough exam, full bloodwork and a urine with thyroid are all indicated in my opinion. Start there. If all of that is normal ask about trying a medication or pheromone like feliway. If all else fails consider (and consider anyway) getting a companion for your kitty to play with at whatever time of day or night they want to. If you cannot it will not get another cat you can either create train overnight or put her in a place she can’t bother you. But make sure you make up for the time apart by spending lots of time together during the day. No one wants to feel like they lost their two best friends.

    1. Sandy Post author

      Thanks so much for the quick response. I will be calling to set up an appointment with you. For some reason last night continuing into this morning was the worse.

      1. Sandy Post author

        Dr. Magnifico
        I made an appointment for Princess to see you on September 8th. Thursday night into Friday morning she was the most “awake” that she has ever been. Last night though and into this morning she has been sleeping a lot. I was petting her to give her extra attention and I felt a lump on her belly. It is located more to one side and depending on her position close to her back leg. I spoke to someone at the clinic to see if anyone would have time just to feel it since there are no openings today. I don’t know if it is a fatty tumor, hernia, etc. but I am more concerned because she went from super awake to complete opposite in 24 hours. She is eating and using the litter box. If i cannot get someone to see her today I will bring her in tomorrow unless you think I should go to ER if no one can check her out today.

        As always I appreciate and value your advice.

        Thanks
        Sandy

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Gloria | 5 years ago
Xyzal Safety For Cats

Anyone know whether half a Xyzal tablet would be okay to give a kitty? (My spouse says “It’s the same as Zyrtec minus one stereo isomer,” whatever that means.) We currently give him half a Zyrtec when he gets super itchy, and it helps. Reason we are wondering is we have a huge bottle of Xyzal but no more Zyrtec.

He is treated monthly for fleas, does not go outside, and we’ve tried every way we can think of to help him other than meds. But sometimes he still scratches so much he makes his ears bleed, poor guy. The meds help him a lot.

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    I’m sorry but we cannot advise on medications. That needs to be done with your vet. Also I think they can help treat this if you call them and ask for assistance. Best of luck. I hope the ears are better soon.

    1. Gloria Post author

      Understood. Thank you. We’ll take him to the vet. I hope your pets are okay!

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Christine | 5 years ago
Hi Christine Remines Here. Sampson’s Ears Were Bothering Him So We Cleaned Them. They Were …

Hi Christine Remines here. Sampson’s ears were bothering him so we cleaned them. They were dry and itchy so I put some dog nose moisturizer on them. Now they are swollen like they may have hematoma. Emergency vets on your answering machine … one has an 8-9 hour wait and the other isn’t seeing patients what should I do?

2 Responses

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  1. Gloria

    I don’t know the answer but wanted to know how his ears are today. Better, I hope?

  2. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    I’m sorry I just got this. I am happy to call tomorrow and assist with this. I hope things are ok. I am at rhe clinic tomorrow and I am happy to fit you in. I sorry I was having my own pet emergencies last night.

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Shells | 5 years ago
Hello!! I Found Dr Krista’s YT Vid (Stripes The Cat Re Nasal Polyps) While Researching …

Hello!! I found Dr Krista’s YT vid (Stripes the cat re nasal polyps) while researching my kitty’s condition. I have had Percy out to Pet ER w. initial thick mucus that became tinged w. a bit of blood. He was prescribed Doxy to treat the infection… it wasn’t until during the course of treatment that he began the “snoring” at which point I rushed him back to Pet ER. Having limited funds and no experience w. these issues ever before, I opted for Labs (figuring that would be a start). Unfortunately, the results did not “tell me anything unusual” and I am not a vet. It was then that I learned about these polyps … and I feel confident that this could be what Percy is suffering from (unless there may be a foreign object obstructing his airway). At this point I have no dx!! I’ve been on the veterinary roller-coaster ride trying to determine the best course of action between my local vet (Dundalk Animal Hosp), Pet ER or another vet altogether… at this point not knowing the cause of his breathing issue or how much the costs may be… I guess I can understand why “estimates” can’t be given … I am just trying to determine the LESS COSTLY route and there seems to be no clear answer. My head is spinning and I want the best for Percy and to NOT have to lose him, that’s the bottom line… my heart is hurting as this was so unexpected!! Would it be possible to fit Percy into the clinic’s busy schedule ASAP?? I called this morning and was told that Monday is already full. Emily advised to reach out on Pawbly … I also sent a pm on FB.
I really need help, I cared for 2 cats last year both former strays, one Main Coon mix w. Hypercardiomyopathy and the other cancer of his paw which was eating away. Both these babies tore my heart in 2 but I did what I had to until it was time to journey on RIP… we had a family of 6 at that time along w. my deceased uncle’s dog. My Care Credit card was easily almost maxed out… my boys and I are pitching in together as many ways as possible for Percy. He is the last of our most recent feline family and I do NOT EVER want to stop caring for animals!! Thank you for my restored faith in humanity!! ~Love~ Shelley & Percy

2 Responses

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    I am happy to meet you and your cat at my clinic. If that would help. We work very hard to provide affordable options to help people with their pet care needs. I am at the clinic Sunday thorough Thursday.

    1. Shells Post author

      Thank You so much, you are a blessing to ALL pets and their humans!!

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Pramod | 5 years ago
My Cat Died Outside The House With Blood In Her Mouth. And I Touched And Look …

My cat died outside the house with blood in her mouth. And I touched and look for any marks or injuries. There’s no mark she was hit by a car, or someone hit her. And she is not going to any other house. Please, someone, say it’s a natural cause. I was thinking about this whole day. I’m stressed because of this. I worried that someone did something to her. She lived with us for 13 years.

A few days ago she couldn’t eat and vomited time by time. So we took her to the vet, and they gave saline and a few injections. She was fine after that.
The only thing that happened is before she died, she sneezed continuously at night and morning when she is sleeping with me.

I can try to make up my mind if this is due to natural causes.

3 Responses

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  1. Laura

    First, and most importantly, I’m very sorry for your loss. It’s hard when we don’t know the cause of our pets’ death.

    Unless you’re watching her at all times – literally 24 hours a day – or you keep her inside, where she should be, there’s no way to say she isn’t going away from your home.

    That said…due to the blood from the mouth, I would wonder if this is the result of rat poisoning. Is there ANY chance of rat poison around your home?

    1. Pramod Post author

      Thank you so much for your kind reply. No dear. There’s no poison around home…

      1. Laura

        Then I would look at the neighbors’ homes. Because unless she’s contained in a cage of some sort, she can and will get away from the house for a while. It happens with every outdoor cat.

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Angela | 5 years ago
I Have Two Puppies 7 And 8 Months Old I Want To Apply Revolution To One Of Them …

I have two puppies 7 and 8 months old I want to apply Revolution to one of them and I am afraid the other one while playing will lick it off and get poisoned what do I have to do separate them for how long or may be do something else

1 Response

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello.
    I tell my clients to apply it right before bed. So this won’t, or is significantly less likely, to happen.

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Sofia | 5 years ago
My Foster Cat, Who I Am Now Considering Adopting, Has Been Struggling To Breathe Properly For …

My foster cat, who I am now considering adopting, has been struggling to breathe properly for about 3 months now. He came into the shelter with a suspected URI. However, after months of treatment with antibiotics and a whole swath of other anti viral medications, the vet determined that he wasn’t getting any better and euthanasia is on the table. I want to get a second opinion before we make any drastic decisions. I am doing online research and suspect that perhaps he has a polyp, a tumor, or foreign object in his throat/nose.

While I am dying to explore these other solutions, the shelter told me if I adopt him and take him to a specialist costs could go up to $5,000. I don’t have that kind of money. I am in Olympia, Washington State. Does anyone recommend any veterinary hospital that is more affordable and can explore other resolutions at a more reasonable price? I don’t want to give up on him, but can’t afford to spend that kind of money.

Thank you so much.

1 Response

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    I always advise that you ask your vet for affordable options. If they can’t provide that ask the local rescues, shelters and pet centered foundations. Post online on all social media sites. There are affordable and accessible vets around but often it takes a lot of asking. If you do find someone please post your story on our storlylines section. It will help someone like you down the road. Good luck.