Question
Profile Image
Pawbly | 6 years ago
Hi, My 8mo Old Long Haired German Shepherd Was Spayed 5d Ago And Developed What Her…

Hi,
My 8mo old long haired German Shepherd was spayed 5d ago and developed what her regular Vets tell me is a seroma. Nobody has examined her post op, all phone consults.
I am an Rn. They knew she was hyper & I requested postop sedation- they opted for Trazodone 100mg 2x/day & Rimadyl for pain. This did nothing, she continued to jump up/romp a bit inside as she did when i picked her up. So they doubled the dose to 200mg bid, 3rd day adding Benadryl 50mg 2x/day which helps a little. Said short walks ok Saturday (3d post op)
I kept her as confined as possible in crate or pen. It’s about the size of a plum? I hope it’s not intestinal bleeding. She had laser surgery with internal sutures & skin glue closure. They advised heat. Today she started to have serosanguanous leaking from the incision so now it’s riskier for infection. She’s not had great appetite but otherwise acting normally- pooping less also. Should I insist on an exam or just keep monitoring for signs infection, etc?
She’s not licking area as wearing cone/collar. Is this common post spay? Vet is very experienced IF she’s the one who actually performed it…i presume she did. It’s not a teaching hospital. Very $$ 800!!
Thanks! Deb

2 Responses

Comments

  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    I am sorry to hear about your pup. YES! you should insist upon an exam. I consider it unethical that you have to ask, they should have offered on the first call of your concern. Ask as many questions as you feel necessary. Ask for your bill, the doctor who performed the surgery should be listed on that. You can even request her medical records. It is our practice to not charge for exams post op follow ups. It conveys an air of confidence on both sides and helps reassure everyone that we have our pets care at the forefront and hope to be building and maintaining long standing relationships built around confidence. Be the advocate your dog needs you to be, You are their only voice. Let us know what happens. Good luck!

  2. Debbie Hagerty

    Hello Dr Magnifico
    I think I will book an exam as suggested since it’s more firm than what I’ve read it should be this early on-
    folks say should feel more like a water balloon & hers doesn’t. I don’t understand why it’s so hard to get a strong sedative when you know you have an enthusiastic puppy…i emphasized si didn’t want her like a zombie- but one can’t anticipate her initial “inside jumps”…
    Thanks!

Question
Profile Image
Lauren Hall | 6 years ago
I Need Help Finding A Surgeon For Luxation Of Both Scapula In A Cat. I’ve…

I need help finding a surgeon for luxation of both scapula in a cat. I’ve been to two vets, called countless surgeons in multiple states, and even emailed a professor who wrote one of the articles I have found on the issue. All of them say something different (with the exception of the email that has yet to be returned). My vet said they couldn’t do anything but take x-rays, a second opinion (regular vet practice) offered injections of Adequan (which won’t fix the problem). When I asked my vet about the effectiveness of injections they turned around and said they’d sell me Ichon injections (which seem even more questionable) which is interesting they didn’t suggest it sooner if they could.
Of the surgeons I’ve called, I’ve asked all of them if they have experience in this rare condition. Surgery isn’t the only option; I’ve done my research. Surgery isn’t always the best treatment depending on severity and individual factors of the cat. But all of them seem to be selling the surgery. They won’t consider anything else.
Everyone wants me to bring him in so they can take their own x-rays and do their own exam, which I understand to a point but I’m a student with only so much money. While I’m willing to put what it takes if my cat needs surgery, I don’t want to spend thousands just on consults before we even do a potential surgery. And what am I supposed to do but get another opinion when everyone gives me a different diagnosis that fits their practice? One hospital even said bring the cat to their ER now which I know is wrong because I know while he may be uncomfortable, he is not in pain. I would not let him be in severe pain. I don’t want him uncomfortable either, but I need to know that I’m making the best decision not just being sold a service *especially* if it’s one he doesn’t need.
Please, please, please let me know if you know of anyone with experience in this area. Private practice to university professor wanting to use it as educational- I just need someone with experience beyond “knowing how to do it in theory.” Any help is beyond appreciated!!

2 Responses

Comments

  1. Lauren Hall Post author

    I’m currently finishing up my BA in GA and my cat is in TN (Nashville area) with my parents till then. Once I graduate in Dec. I plan to go to TN for a spell before moving to VA for a year to save up for grad school. I may wait to move to VA depending on my cat’s treatment. I’d like to limit stress on him so would like to avoid coupling moving and potential surgery if possible, but will move first if there is a better specialist closer to where I might move to in central VA or, if his condition is deemed stable, then perhaps there could be a specialist worth waiting for closer to where I end up for grad school, but that’s probably a year out. I know that’s not a super helpful answer, sorry.

Question
Profile Image
Pawbly | 6 years ago
My 5 Year Old Basset Hound And Lab Mix Has A Herniated Disc. The Vet…

My 5 year old basset hound and lab mix has a herniated disc. The vet gave her muscle relaxer and pain meds, but now she can’t move her back legs. We have restricted her to a crate so she can rest, we can’t afford surgery. Is there hope that she will get better with meds and crate rest or should I start preparing for the worst?

1 Response

Comments

  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    I don’t know enough about your dog or the time frame to offer much advice. I do have a lot of helpful tips and advice on this disease via my blog. Kmdvm.blogspot.com and YouTube channel. Search IVDD and hank. I think that every piece of any kind of question is all there. In general I tell people to keep in close contact with their vet. Seek an exam with a neurologist and give these dogs at least three weeks to see if they improve. Good luck.

Regular Vet Visit
Profile Image
Krista Magnifico | 6 years ago
Bridget Is A 9 Yr Old Havenese With A History Of Glaucoma. Her Is Non-functional…
Treatment Cost (USD): $859.00
Squinting, painful left eye. Cornea was blue and the eye was enlarged. She was seen multiple times at an ophthalmologists office to resolve the condition. The eye was poorly responsive to medical therapies
0 Responses
Regular Vet Visit
Profile Image
Krista Magnifico | 6 years ago
Bridget Is A 9 Yr Old Havenese With A History Of Glaucoma. Her Is Non-functional…
Treatment Cost (USD): $859.00
Squinting, painful left eye. Cornea was blue and the eye was enlarged. She was seen multiple times at an ophthalmologists office to resolve the condition. The eye was poorly responsive to medical therapies
1 Response

Comments

  1. Krista Magnifico Post author

    Here is her invoice (note she also had 3 teeth removed during this procedure. That charge was removed from the posted enucleation charge above. Invoice Number XXX Date 6/11/2018 Total $934.09 Paid in Transaction $934.09 Paid to Date $934.09 Amount Remaining $0.00 Patient Provider Description Date Quantity Subtotal Tax Total Bridget Krista Magnifico, D.V.M. ENUCLEATION CANINE 6/11/2018 1 $350.00 0 $350.00 Bridget Krista Magnifico, D.V.M. ANESTHESIA 6/11/2018 1 $125.00 0 $125.00 Bridget Krista Magnifico, D.V.M. ANESTHESIA (ADDITIONAL/MINUTE) 6/11/2018 25 $37.50 0 $37.50 Bridget Krista Magnifico, D.V.M. I V CATHETER PLACEMENT 6/11/2018 1 $40.00 0 $40.00 Bridget Krista Magnifico, D.V.M. FLUIDS INTRAVENOUS 6/11/2018 1 $50.00 0 $50.00 Bridget Krista Magnifico, D.V.M. Fluid Pump 6/11/2018 1 $25.00 0 $25.00 Bridget Krista Magnifico, D.V.M. Propoflo Induction, per use 6/11/2018 1 $60.00 0 $60.00 Bridget Krista Magnifico, D.V.M. Ampicillin injectable 100mg/ml 6/11/2018 0.8 $21.64 0 $21.64 Bridget Krista Magnifico, D.V.M. RIMADYL INJ. 50mg/mL 6/11/2018 0.6 $21.59 0 $21.59 Bridget Krista Magnifico, D.V.M. Fentanyl Patch 25mcg/h 6/11/2018 1 $48.00 0 $48.00 Bridget Krista Magnifico, D.V.M. Additional Suture Pack 6/11/2018 1 $15.00 0 $15.00 Bridget Krista Magnifico, D.V.M. Clavamox 62.5 mg. 6/11/2018 20 $34.00 0 $34.00 Bridget Krista Magnifico, D.V.M. Rimadyl 25 mg Chewable 6/11/2018 8 $21.36 0 $21.36 Bridget Krista Magnifico, D.V.M. Collar, Plastic Small 6/11/2018 1 $10.00 0 $10.00 Bridget Krista Magnifico, D.V.M. Tooth Extraction, single root 6/11/2018 3 $75.00 0 $75.00 Invoice Total $934.09 $934.09 Paid in Transaction $934.09 Paid to Date $934.09 Amount Remaining $0.00

Question
Profile Image
Pawbly | 6 years ago
Is The Red Puffiness Allergies? Both Her Eyes Look Like This, I Can’t Tell…

Is the red puffiness allergies? Both her eyes look like this, I can’t tell if she’s in pain, she’s acting completely normal. It just concerns me, because they look painful

2 Responses

Comments

  1. Sarah

    Good morning? Sorry about your pup. I don’t wait on the eyes… I always think of them as an emergency for obvious reasons. I would call my vet right away, and have them checked. Even if it ends up being allergies, they can give your dog something to help. And if it something more, you’ll be very happy you didn’t wait.

  2. Laura

    I agree, that’s concerning. Please get her to the vet today.

Question
Profile Image
Delaney Donelson | 6 years ago
2 Days Ago I Noticed A Big Black Scab On My Cats Chin, I Am…

2 days ago i noticed a big black scab on my cats chin, i am familiar with cat-ne (feline acne) and i have not noticed it on him previously. The scab was pretty large and when i looked at it today, he allowed me to touch it so im assuming it isnt causing him pain and it kinda just fell right off. However, now there is a big raw spot where the scab was. Its rather pink and i think i saw some clear and possibly some yellow fluid coming out of a couple spots. But at this point, he was uncomfortable and ran away so i couldnt get a better look. Anyone have any ideas? It just seemed like too big a scab to be acne..

2 Responses

Comments

  1. Sarah

    Good morning? Years ago we had a very similar situation. We were advised to switch feeding bowls to ceramic or stainless steel instead of plastic, and that solved the issue. Hope this helps!

  2. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    I see lots of these. usually it is acne or allergic reaction to bowls/water dishes. Keep the area clean, ask your vet for a topical antibiotic scrub that can be used around the face a mouth and follow up with them for antibiotics or allergy meds if it doesnt resolve.

Question
Profile Image
Krista Magnifico | 6 years ago
Bridget Is A 9 Yo Havenese With A History Of Glaucoma. The Eye Was Non-functional…

Bridget is a 9 yo Havenese with a history of glaucoma. The eye was non-functional and painful. Her best option was enucleation. Her story is here.
Note; Briget was my patient. This is her story at my clinic.

3 Responses

Comments

  1. Krista Magnifico Post author

    Here is her invoice (note she also had 3 teeth removed during this procedure. That charge was removed from the posted enucleation charge above.

    Invoice Number XXX
    Date 6/11/2018

    Total $934.09
    Paid in Transaction $934.09
    Paid to Date $934.09
    Amount Remaining $0.00
    Patient Provider Description Date Quantity Subtotal Tax Total
    Bridget Krista Magnifico, D.V.M. ENUCLEATION CANINE 6/11/2018 1 $350.00 0 $350.00
    Bridget Krista Magnifico, D.V.M. ANESTHESIA 6/11/2018 1 $125.00 0 $125.00
    Bridget Krista Magnifico, D.V.M. ANESTHESIA (ADDITIONAL/MINUTE) 6/11/2018 25 $37.50 0 $37.50
    Bridget Krista Magnifico, D.V.M. I V CATHETER PLACEMENT 6/11/2018 1 $40.00 0 $40.00
    Bridget Krista Magnifico, D.V.M. FLUIDS INTRAVENOUS 6/11/2018 1 $50.00 0 $50.00
    Bridget Krista Magnifico, D.V.M. Fluid Pump 6/11/2018 1 $25.00 0 $25.00
    Bridget Krista Magnifico, D.V.M. Propoflo Induction, per use 6/11/2018 1 $60.00 0 $60.00
    Bridget Krista Magnifico, D.V.M. Ampicillin injectable 100mg/ml 6/11/2018 0.8 $21.64 0 $21.64
    Bridget Krista Magnifico, D.V.M. RIMADYL INJ. 50mg/mL 6/11/2018 0.6 $21.59 0 $21.59
    Bridget Krista Magnifico, D.V.M. Fentanyl Patch 25mcg/h 6/11/2018 1 $48.00 0 $48.00
    Bridget Krista Magnifico, D.V.M. Additional Suture Pack 6/11/2018 1 $15.00 0 $15.00
    Bridget Krista Magnifico, D.V.M. Clavamox 62.5 mg. 6/11/2018 20 $34.00 0 $34.00
    Bridget Krista Magnifico, D.V.M. Rimadyl 25 mg Chewable 6/11/2018 8 $21.36 0 $21.36
    Bridget Krista Magnifico, D.V.M. Collar, Plastic Small 6/11/2018 1 $10.00 0 $10.00
    Bridget Krista Magnifico, D.V.M. Tooth Extraction, single root 6/11/2018 3 $75.00 0 $75.00
    Invoice Total $934.09 $934.09
    Paid in Transaction $934.09
    Paid to Date $934.09
    Amount Remaining $0.00

  2. Mary Turos

    Hi, Dr. Mag,
    Dean and I have been feeding Riley and Coco the Verus brand of dog food. Recently, we were told to switch to a different dogfood because of the FDA warning (even though Verus was not one of the brands listed by the FDA). Then I came across this article that basically says the warnings are a scam and would like your thoughts. Thanks!!!

    https://www.crossfit.com/health/bad-science-and-financial-conflicts-of-interest-plague-the-fdas-investigation-into-grain-free-pet-foods-and-dilated-cardiomyopathy

    1. Krista Magnifico Post author

      Hello,
      I don’t know who told you to switch or why, but if it was one of our vets I would say to start there. Second I do not find this site credible (just because you invented a dog food doesn’t make you an expert) and I take great offense at the two underlying arguments about why he believes the claim should be discredited “vets financial gain with the food companies is utter malarkey. The second unqualified and ambiguous reason is equally bogus. So I wouldn’t give this any credit and ask the vet who recommended you switch to clarify their position. If I can help I’m happy to. And no I’m not paid by the vet food companies to offer you or anyone any help. Hope you are all well and staying safe at home!

Question
Profile Image
Pawbly | 7 years ago
Hello Dr. Krista, My 3,5 Year Old Shiz-poo, Male Got Paralyzed On March 29, Just…

Hello Dr. Krista, my 3,5 year old shiz-poo, male got paralyzed on March 29, just playing at home with another dog. Next day we went to EI and we were told that his injury is (slipped disc) at T13-L3, based on xray. Surgery would have been 10.000 $, with 50/50 chance of recovery according to doctor, no chance with steroids. We couldn’t afford the surgery. Our home doctor gave us little hope and Shadow has been on steroids since March 31. After 7 days there was no improvement,doctor recommended euthanasia but with minimum chance we asked for 7 more days of meds. He has very weak deep pain sensation. His back legs are paralyzed, he poops and pees without control, has good appetite and when let out of cage he wants to run on his front legs dragging the back. I just ran across your videos on youtube, not to give up on those dogs, but i am not sure if a miracle can really happen. Is it really possible that he would walk again? I dont want him to suffer but not sure what to do. Could you please let me know your opinion about it, thank you so much! We are desperate…Anita

2 Responses

Comments

  1. Indiana Carroll

    do what you can to help your pup and i hope you the best
    if you believe that your pup will be able to live through the pain then he will so never give up
    hope the best

  2. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    I would never tell anyone that miracles can’t happen. They do. Although they are far and few between. Is it possible to care for him as a parapalegic? Can you manage him as he is? Can you keep him clean and dry and manage the bathroom difficulties? If so why not continue to do so?

Question
Profile Image
Pawbly | 7 years ago
8 Year Old Shih-tzu Maltese Diagnosed With A Bulging Disc :( Hi, Thank You For Making…

8 year old Shih-tzu Maltese diagnosed with a bulging disc 🙁

Hi, thank you for making all of the videos on youtube. I have found them very helpful with my little guy Benson…it’s nice to see a vet that goes the extra mile for their patients. Our vet clinic is also caring and affordable as well, which is hard to find these days.

Benson is a miracle dog. He has already survived a grade 2 mast cell inguinal tumor so Cornell and our local vet love him and call him their miracle dog (this was 2.5 years ago)

Now for his most recent issue which is why I’m writing; For a week, he was dragging his front left paw. We took him to our vet (on Monday, March 19th) and she diagnosed him with arthritis….things got worse throughout the week to the point where he would knuckle his front left paw. Our vet had only told us to limit his activity and no jumping so we didn’t restrict him to a crate. By Sunday morning (March 25th) (and he was on 5mg of prednisone since Monday) his back left paw was now knuckling and he was getting worse to the point where he could barely stand up.
We took him back to the vet and they did x-rays and found a bulging disc right around his shoulder blades. He has been on 10mg of prednisone, Methocarbamol, gabapentin and in a crate 24/7 ever since Sunday the 25th. Luckily, he is really only affected on his left side of his body.

We are seeing a little bit of improvement at times and at other times, he is still just as bad as he was on Sunday.

He has never lost the ability to pee or defecate (thankfully) annnnd Benny loves to eat (or drink) so that will never be an issue haha…

However what worries me is the fact that he is ALWAYS as stiff as a board in the morning when we get up or when he gets stressed/excited. It’s as if he re-injures himself because he can’t walk and can barely stand. It takes him at least an hour to recover, stop panting and then relax again until it seems like he is not in pain anymore….

Is there anything we can do to prevent the “morning/excited episodes” or is it all just part of the process? I thought the muscle relaxer would help but it isn’t. I have even gone so far as to put signs on our front door asking visitors to not knock or ring the doorbell.

Last question-do you have an opinion about a dog chiropractor?

Any advice you could give, we would appreciate! We love our little guy-he has such a personality and adds so much fun to our lives.

Thanks so much,
Megan and Missy

1 Response

Comments

  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    Thanks for being such a kind parent and for all of the nice things you commented on. I think that some of the morning stuff is normal and that the pain has been unmedicated overnight sonit often takes a little while after the morning meds to see them relax and feel better. I think asking about acupuncture is a better place to start than chiropractic help. By massage is also beneficial. Also aquatherapy when she feels stronger might also help her recovery. You can also ask about laser therapy. I hope this helps. Very best of luck.