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Valerie | 5 years ago
Hi There. My Dog Ruby Had Sudden Onset Mast Cell Tumors Present About 3 Weeks Ago. She…

Hi there. My dog Ruby had sudden onset Mast Cell Tumors present about 3 weeks ago. She’s an energetic 4 year old pit/great dane mix (I know because I spent a billion dollars on a DNA kit). I noticed about 7 subcutaneous lumps on her left side while she was outside playing. They felt like little oblong marbles under her skin. Our vet is an hour away. We had moved a few months back and kept our vet because we love him so much. We still see him for routine care. There is a vet very close to our home and I have read good reviews and have had email conversation previously when I was deciding whether or not to switch vets. I was concerned Ruby would have cancer, I just felt it, and didn’t want her to have to make several long trips to our vet if she were to require surgery, etc. So I decided to take her to the new close to home vet. As it is Covid-19 season, I did not get to go inside the vet’s office with her. They aspirated one of the lumps and were concerned. She was scheduled for surgery in the following week. I talked to my other vet about this, and he was not pleased to hear they aspirated her, because he was worried that the histamines from the tumor would cause it to spread. I was alarmed and researched Dr. Google for 2 days. It seemed to me after my research that the aspiration was standard course of care. Ruby had her surgery and had 2 large masses removed. They could not take all of them because there would have been too many incision sites. Directions for care included keeping her inactive for 10-14 days, not an easy dear with an anxious 65 lb lap dog. On day 7 of recovery, I noticed a fluid buildup around the incision site. Back to Dr. Google, I decided she had a seroma. I called the vet the next morning and we took her over and my suspicion was confirmed. They told us to call if it got worse. We still haven’t received the pathology back on the two masses that were removed. This morning I decided I needed to do more research, as two new masses have cropped up (the tumors, not seroma). Ruby is in good spirits and just wants to play and run with our other dogs. She’s mad at me, I’m sure of it, for making her lay around all day. Is it normal to have a seroma after surgery? Why do these tumors pop up all of a sudden?

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Sandy | 5 years ago
Hello. I Am Hoping Dr. Magnifico Sees This Message As She Treated Samantha Yesterday (Friday) For …

Hello. I am hoping Dr. Magnifico sees this message as she treated Samantha yesterday (Friday) for me.
She has found a quiet hiding place and I am able to pet her although she is not thrilled….turns her head. I have not seen her eat but I cannot rule it out because she may come out when we are asleep.
Do you think she could be in any pain? If not okay but if you do I have a syringe of 5 ml buprenorphine that was for Dexter but he did not need
It. I did not want to do anything without asking you. If you think it would help could I give her the med?

Another question. One if my other cats was diagnosed with probable lymphoma. I mentioned on Wednesday (I think it was Wednesday) that she had been sneezing from time to time but it was recommended that we hold off because we were already dealing with something major unless it got worse. She is doing it more frequently and seems to effect her purring. There is a good chance I may bring her in tomorrow to see you.

Thanks
Sandy

If you are reading this I want you to know that I truly appreciate you helping us out at the last minute yesterday because of my stupidity.

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    I don’t expect that she is painful. It was very superficial and as long as the staples stay in place it should heal up fine. If possible please put her in a small room or area to monitor her closely. She will need the staples removed in about 7-10 days. I am here if you need me. Be safe and call me at the clinic or email me anytime.

    We gave her an injectable antibiotic to help the sneezing.

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Caleb | 5 years ago
So, We Rescued A Dog About A Month Ago, And Since Then Me And Him Have …

So, we rescued a dog about a month ago, and since then me and him have had a really strong bond until recently. Nearly 2 weeks ago we found a baby kitten abandon and we took him home, so I’ve been busy taking care of him aswell. My dog seems to be more distant towards me and hanging out with other household members instead. I think he may be upset, will this go on forever or will he get over it? I miss my big boy by my side all the time

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  1. Laura

    Only a month before bringing another animal in? He might be unsettled. Get back to your daily training and he’ll come back to you as his primary person.

  2. Sarah

    Hi there-
    Thanks for opening your home to animals in need. I agree with Laura- he is unsettled. I have to stress ROUTINE. He will thrive on routine and it will help reinforce the bond between you. Just think- you’re life is completely changed and as soon as you start to understand it, another big change is happening. Even if it is a positive change, he doesn’t understand that. I also have to say- WALKS. Nice ones of quality time for the two of you. Try to make them part of your routine that he can count on. The more consistent you are, the more trust you will build. He will come around. Don’t give up.????????

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Jennifer Taylor | 5 years ago
A Year And A Half Ago We Rescued A 4 Week Old Kitten Who Presented Unresponsive With …

A year and a half ago we rescued a 4 week old kitten who presented unresponsive with a body temp so low it did not register. She was revived. As the caretaker was going to put her back out that evening I stepped in and offered to take her with the plan to rehome her. I have rehomed dozens of kittens over the years, all who came from feral colonies. From the get go Annabelle was incredibly sick and had behaviors that weren’t what we were used to. When held she would attack faces, when stimulated she would attack, we continued to work with her and a year and a half later she lays with us at night and as long as we don’t touch her does not attack people. Instead she attacks items. This occurs whenever there is any stimulation in our home, folding laundry, cleaning out a closet, dogs playing, children laughing, the list goes on and on. She has destroyed a sofa, armchair, curtains, tablecloths, comforters, sheets, duvet covers, etc, etc. We can not trim her nails….because we can’t handle her and truly even with her nails trimmed I am sure she would rip things apart with her teeth. We are no stranger to ferals, I am happy to allow them to hide until they feel comfortable, there is no hiding with Annabelle instead she literally runs into the chaos. When we let our dogs out and at feeding time out she runs into the chaos, when I vacuum she runs around the room, when we have company she runs around as I warn our guests not to touch her. We are no stranger to keeping cats happy, we have cat towers, scratching posts, scratching boards, elevated areas, areas to hide. Our other 4 cats are incredibly happy members of our family. I am at my whits end, I honestly feel like we attempted to tame a raccoon and are living with it in our house. I do wonder if Annabelle would be happier outside, but with no sense of danger and a habit of running into the chaos I can’t help but worry she would get killed….and I didn’t save her to have that happen.
I am open to suggestions and curious if anyone has ever had a similar experience.

6 Responses

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  1. Sarah

    Hi Jenn- I don’t know if this advice will help, but Dori is crazy like that too. While she has free roam of the house, we have things set up where she also has areas that are just hers, and that seems to have helped a little bit. She still “kills” furniture and pillows, but it isn’t as bad as it was.

    1. Jennifer Taylor Post author

      Thank you, I am comforted in knowing we aren’t the only ones with a different cat. We are finishing our basement. The cats will have the laundry room completely to themselves with a kitty door. We are also making our screen porch a cat haven. I am hoping that helps.

  2. Laura

    Some cats truly are happier outside – usually far fewer than people think, but she sounds like one of them. Do you happen to have a catio or a large dog crate you can put her in outside, just to see how she does?

    Would you consider rehoming her to a farm?

    The fact that she doesn’t seem capable of integrating is frustrating, and I can only imagine how you feel.

    1. Jennifer Taylor Post author

      We do have a large screened porch, she does enjoy spending time out there. We are in the process of making a cat “jungle gym”, an area where the cats can climb and be up high while on the screened porch. We also actually do live on a little farm. If she wanted she could be an outdoor or indoor/outdoor cat. Her tiny stature and inability to assess danger make me nervous, we have fox and coyote….I guess I am afraid she would be killed. On the other hand I really don’t know if she is “happy” being kept as a house cat.

      1. Laura

        I completely understand that fear. I’m of the opinion that the vast majority of domesticated felines should be kept safely behind walls and screens, so I get your reluctance. I also know some cats really just cannot be housed indoors. Good luck.

  3. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    I think it comes down to a few key points to consider.
    One is she just a wild child at heart. And if so could we break her free form that with time, containment (to which I mean she would have to be caged for a long time. Think Diedra’s cat Tulio)… and then still be prepared to just having an angry hostile cat. I don’t think this is my favorite option because she isn’t afraid of people she just plain old doesn’t want to be around people.
    2. Try to medicate her into being happier. May take a few months and may cost you value finger sensation for the rest of your life.
    3. Let her be who she is and be happy. Maybe she is just the free wild spirit and maybe she won’t live as long as possible but maybe that’s how she wants it.

    I think it really comes down to a spring her as who she is. Allowing her to live her life in her terms and loving her inspire of not being able to advise her.

    I’m sure this is of no help. Sorry. I can help with the caging and meds if needed. Xox

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Holly | 5 years ago
Hey Everyone! I Was Hoping I Can Get Some Insight On How To Battle For Ringworm …

Hey everyone! I was hoping I can get some insight on how to battle for ringworm in my household? we adopted a cat from the humane society and they were not aware that he had ringworm and it has passed to the 2 humans in the house and the other cats.

I’ve been doing the daily cleaning, washing the sheets, vacuuming, spraying Lysol, wiping surfaces down, etc. I got topical medicine for both humans and cats.. I have lime sulphur on order. I also have deep played my couch covered with plastic and tarp and sheets. Cat towers are outside to be cleaned and stored away until it’s over.

Is there any of suggestions? If I would lock my cat’s in the basement and keep them away from the living quarters could that possibly help keep it contained and help eliminate the issue?

Thanks in advance! I appreciate any opinions!/advice I may get! ????

5 Responses

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  1. Sarah

    Good morning- ringworm is usually medicated with an anti fungal treatment from a prescription. I am not sure if anything over the counter is safe for your cats- you should call your vet about that. Meantime, quarantining your cats will help. Be sure to wash your hands after you handle them. It sounds like you are definitely on top of things as far as laundering and cleaning. I would recommend li trolling your furniture and then throwing the tape out- just to help get all the fur the vacuum may miss in case there are spores on it. Best of luck!!!!

  2. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    Have you spoken to your vet about this? There are OTC medications that can be tried and oral medications, and like the lyme sulfur topical shampoos. In some cases I shave the cats down (if they are long haired) and make sure they are otherwise healthy. I have seen it happen many times in newly rescued cats. It will run its course and it is a big nuisance I know but it passes. Please call your vet and ask for help.. There is a lot you can do.
    although I am not a VCA hosptial fan this is a good article
    https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/ringworm-in-cats
    now Maddies Fund I love;; this is helpful too
    https://www.maddiesfund.org/kb-ringworm-in-cats.htm

    I guess i would just say to please stay calm, be patient and practice safe handling.. your kitties will be well soon..

    be safe and best of luck!

    If it is any consolation I once had 10 of my clinic cats all get it.. We had to move them to our adjacent house for two months,, but they all got better!

    1. Holly Post author

      Thanks so much for the info! I appreciate it! I have talked to a vet who suggested lime dip and OTC cream. She said I can to oral, but since I caught it at the beginning I may not need it. So I ordered so lime dip, pet collars and going that route. The ringworm spots have almost disappeared with just the topical cream and only 1 more spot has popped up. However, I am still going to treat them all with the lime dip and keep up with the excessive cleaning for a couple more weeks.

      Thanks again, I really do appreciate the info!! 🙂

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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?

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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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Jessica Terzigni | 5 years ago
Hi Dr. Mag, I Noticed One Of Our Dogs Shaking And Scratching At Their Ear Tonight. …

Hi Dr. Mag, I noticed one of our dogs shaking and scratching at their ear tonight. I looked in the ear and it is red and has dark brown ear wax on the outer ear and smells a little musty and sour. The other ear is normal, no smell and no redness. I removed the wax with cotton but do not have ear cleaner. Would I be able to purchase some cleaner from the vet? Or could you recommend one for purchase? This is for Zoey. Thank you!

3 Responses

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    Is there anyway you could have her seen? The reason I ask is that we always want to differentiate between inflammation (red ears can be a sign) and infection as they take different treatments. I am at the clinic tomorrow. For now you can give Benadryl (50 mg) by mouth to see if it helps the redness. If you prefer to not leave your home we can start with an ear cleaner you can pick up here and see if this helps. If there is pain or a foul odor coming from the ears you really should have her seen ASAP. Be safe. Krista.

    1. Jessica Terzigni Post author

      Hi. Thank you. I can bring her for an exam tomorrow. I will call the clinic in the morning to see what time is best. Thanks again!

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Pawbly | 5 years ago
I Have A 14 Year Old Female Shitzu That Has Recently Been Licking Her Butt A Ton. …

I have a 14 year old female shitzu that has recently been licking her butt a ton. When I try to get close to her rear, she will either turn away from me or run and hide. When i was giving her a bath the other day, when I was trying wash her rear, she yelled. I was able to get a quick look when I was drying her off before she ran from me and there looks to be a white sore on the side of her anus. Would an antibiotic ointment or an antifungal ointment help?

1 Response

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    Your dog needs to be seen by a vet. I can’t tell you if the bump is even relevant to the clinical signs she is showing. She needs to be examined and a rectal exam done too. It might be allergies. Parasites. Anal sacs. Or even am impacted anal sac. These require oral antibiotics, pain meds and maybe even a drain. Please see a vet ASAP.

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Pawbly | 5 years ago
Hello, I Am Wondering If Any Of The Vets Or Anyone Who Has Encountered This Could Give Me An Idea What …

Hello,
I am wondering if any of the vets or anyone who has encountered this could give me an idea what might be going on with my 10 yr old Corgi. He was coughing and spitting up water sometime after drinking water but he started coughing worse a couple days ago and sometimes phlem (white,yellow or water) comes up. He isn’t in contact with other dogs but our family had the flu and pnemonia a couple weeks ago.

4 Responses

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    I’m sorry but this is so vague to offer much assistance. It is best that you see your vet. I think a thorough physical examination to include ausculting the heart and lungs and a very good overall whole body exam is in order. It might also be helpful to take a chest X-ray for things like pneumonia and megaesophagus and maybe even blood work to include low thyroid. My point is that there are numerous possible causes and until you start ruling some in or out it is a guess at best. I hope this helps.

  2. Sarah

    Hi there-
    To be safe, I would call the vet and have it checked out.

  3. Laura

    Run, do not walk, to the nearest vet who can do an echocardiogram and 24 hour holter.

  4. Sharon Gainer

    I have a 13 year old (best estimate because he was a rescue) Chi that needs a dental, but he has CHF. He takes 2.5 mg of Enalapril daily, and 12.5 mg of Lasix daily. Would it be safe for him to have a dental?

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William | 5 years ago
Lucy Is A Rescue, She Is Female Chihuahua Mix. We Notices She Has Not Been Bearing …

Lucy is a rescue, she is female Chihuahua Mix. We notices she has not been bearing weight on the back leg. More like she was limping, bearing weight more days than other. I was thinking old age, sore muscle. We watch her closely, it seem to be getting better. Then last night on her walked something spooked her and she darted for the house. Since then she does not even extend that leg, she hobbles and wobbles on the three. I am waiting for the vet to call back for an appointment. What should I expect has for as cost for x-rays, I only ask because I assume this will be needed and when I ask an approximate cost, I was told that information is not available to give. What is the best case scenario for Lucy given her age, What is the wort I can expect? I check her leg for mobility and she is moving in all directions and does not appear to bother her. ( the leg in question) Thank you for your time and consideration in this.

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  1. Sarah

    Good morning- so sorry Lucy is in pain. It think that when you get into the vet, you should discuss cost up front. They should most definitely be able to give you an approximate cost of at least the exam and an X-ray. If not, ask them why. At my vet, the pricing is listed upfront- it is $100 for 1 image, $150 for 2 – 3 images… Just be honest and let them know you need to know how much to set aside to be able to pay them. Depending on her exam, and how long ago her last check up was, they may also want to do blood work. Hopefully after an X-ray and exam, you will have a better idea of what you are dealing with. Very best of luck. Please keep us posted on Lucy.