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Pawbly | 7 years ago
My Puppy Got A Bloat As He Ate Today But Is Sleeping And Shows No…

My puppy got a bloat as he ate today but is sleeping and shows no sign of pain ! What to do ? Is it major or will go on its own ?

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  1. Anonymous

    I would never treat bloat as a normal issue – if this is true bloat, the dog would be pacing and obviously uncomfortable.

    I would plan to get your puppy to the vet today, to be sure nothing’s wrong.

  2. Sandra Sellers

    I’d have to know exactly why you think they were bloated as that would come with a lot of signs and distress. Sometimes when puppies lay down on their sides, especially on a full stomach, their belly can look bigger but that doesn’t mean they are bloated. If you are truly concerned a trip to the vet is always the best response.

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Pawbly | 8 years ago
My 11 Years Old Cat Died Yesterday After 12 Hours In Pain. She Has Been…

My 11 years old cat died yesterday after 12 hours in pain. She has been lethargic for about 1 month now, but I really thought that was a result of her aging. She was occasionally puking, mostly unprocessed food. Yesterday she started puking but just liquids, greenish and with some foam. She was really in pain and she started breathing with her mouth open and tongue out. We took her to the vet which told us that was probably a kidney failure and run some blood test on her. Then he sent us home with the cat telling us to come back the other day, he didn’t realize it was an emergency. We took her back home but the situation got worse. She puked more, the pain got worse she didn’t have any energy at all. So we rushed to the clinic again at 1 am. The vet did some x rays on her, and told us she had something near her stomach but he couldn’t tell what it was. It could have been anything from a tumor to a hairball. He thought it was best for her to stay overnight. She was in very bad conditions, he just injected some pain killers to her. She died three hours later. I feel so bad for letting her there. I just can’t believe she is gone like this. Another vet that saw the blood test and the x rays thinks it neither kidney failure nor tumor or hairball. I’m devastated. What could it possibly be that killed my cat?

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Pawbly | 8 years ago
Hello, My 18 And 1/2 Year Old Lab Mix Just Suddenly Lost About 50-70% Use Of…

Hello,

My 18 and 1/2 year old lab mix just suddenly lost about 50-70% use of his hind legs few days ago. The vet recommended MRI which was financially not feasible nor did I think giving him anesthesia given his age was a good idea. He sent us home with prednisone and to call back with updates. I took him to a vet acupuncturist but she said that probably won’t be very helpful. I’m going back tomorrow to see if I can convince her to do acupuncture. Boston has otherwise been a super happy and healthy dog (sans nerve sheath tumor surgery 7 months ago from which he has made 100% recovery).

It’s been 5 days and since I wasn’t told about crate rest, I allowed him to wonder/wobble short distances around the house to go potty and to/from bedroom and living room and he has fallen few times when his back legs gave out. Given his age, I just don’t think surgery is an option. If he doesn’t get better in a couple of weeks, is euthanasia pretty much the only option? How much time should I give him? I just hate seeing him in pain but my husband is on deployment and I really want him to hang on until he comes back as it was my husband who rescued our dog 16 years ago. He is currently on prednisone and tramadol. Please advise. I just cannot make any drastic decisions on my own right now but I also want to do the right thing by our loyal and loving baby. Thank you.

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  1. Jana

    Did the vet provide some preliminary diagnosis? Do they think it’s a disc injury or something else? For example, Jasmine had neck problems resulting in pain and mobility issues,while JD had similar symptoms from what was likely a brain/spine infection or cancer. I know of a number of cases where acupuncture help with spinal or disc problems a great deal. Might be effective to address pain regardless of what is happening. Which makes me wonder why your vet is hesitant to try.

  2. Linda Squales

    The preliminary diagnosis was disc issue, moderately advanced. But without mri I guess they couldn’t say for sure. I don’t know why the holistic vet didn’t want to give him acupuncture but I’m going back tomorrow and going to demand one. We did do cold laser but not sure if that’s doing anything. Given his advanced age I just want to know what the “right” thing to do is by a dog who has been so loyal through so many of our lives’ difficult moments. The regular vet (and I agree) that surgery is not really an option for a lab his age. But not sure if I want to give up on him yet especially before my husband’s return. Thank you.

  3. Krista Magnifico

    Yes. Jana. There are many questions I have about this case? That’s why I listed everything I could think of to look at.

  4. Jana

    Krista, wouldn’t acute onset make DM much less likely? Surely there would be some gradual signs? Jasmine was 9 when her neck issues started; one day she was fine and the next day she wasn’t. Though same thing happened with JD. He was perfectly fine, then started having problems with hind legs in the morning and by evening was pretty much unable to use any legs successfully.

    The upside of DM is that it is non-painful, isn’t it? So unless further issues crop up, either secondary or it ascends, the dog should be able to hold up until the master returns?

    http://dawgbusiness.blogspot.ca/2011/08/what-acupuncture-did-for-intervertebral.html

  5. Krista Magnifico

    Hello Linda,
    I think a few things should be discussed;
    First, I agree with Jana that it is really helpful to have a preliminary diagnosis to start the treatment options from. I hope that the vet did some basic diagnostics like full blood work (CBC, full Chem panel, thyroid (T4), urinalysis AND radiographs of the chest (3 view) and spine if they suspect IVDD. I also think a rectal exam is in order. I worry about the following.. many of which can be quickly and easily ruled out with the exam and diagnostics.. I am also very worried about DM, degenerative myelopathy as it is common in older labs and presents as ascending paralysis of the back legs. I also worry if it is one of the neuromuscular or muscular diseases that the prednisone might exacerbate or worsen or accelerate the peripheral (back leg) muscle loss. Also if a practitioner tells you that they are concerned a treatment option wont help my inclination is to believe them and ask for guidance to something that might.
    Try to get the vet to give you something for pain, especially if it appears there is any signs of joint disease on the radiographs. Labs are also very commonly struggling with old bad hips.
    Lastly, IVDD is unlikely in older dogs simply because the spine tends to bridge with spondylosis which makes disc disease less likely. A radiograph of the spine may help with identifying these.
    Please let me know.
    My advice is to speak to your vet about all of this and then get a second opinion.
    Good luck
    Krista

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Judy Kuehn | 8 years ago
We Use An Invisable Fence As My Dog Is A Jumper. She Hurt…

We use an invisable fence as my dog is a jumper. She hurt her foot leaving the house yesterday and is now terrified to leave the house. We think she associated the pain with the fence even though she was no where near the fence
Any suggestions?

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    As with any fear associated behavior it is best to start slow and gentle and begin to gradually reassure them that things are ok. In some cases I use treats, a short lead or even a dog bed to place a good reward with conditioning out a fearful reaction. Things like placing her in a crate she is comfortable in to relax her near the threshold and then walking slowly outside and giving her treats as you go or as she approaches you. Often you will find there is a specific point that they won’t advance past. This is the time to sit, be calm and gentle and reassure her that things are ok. Never do anything too fast, and don’t force her. You have to be calm and gentle so she learns trust. Don’t yell and never hit even if you are frustrated. I also think that electronic fences are not ideal for the reasons you have learned. Try leash walking and building trust and then start conditioning her out of her fears. Try also looking at Victoria Stilwells stuff. She’s great! Google search her name for lots more training info.

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Pawbly | 8 years ago
Large Lumps Under Bottom 4 Nipples. Female 1 Y.o Only Had 1 Cycle. They Have…

Large lumps under bottom 4 nipples. Female 1 y.o only had 1 cycle. They have only just become lumpy , we first though hormonal changes or her second cycle but they haven’t gone down after 2 weeks. No discharge, no pain on palpating and my dog is completely normal, eating and drinking well. Going to go to the vet but can’t sleep because I have read some nasty stuff. What do you think?

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    I would suggest going to the vet for an exam. I would also expect that they can’t tell you exactly what’s going on without a biopsy of the masses. But it might help to reduce the chances of some of them being mammary tumors by spaying her. Good luck. Don’t lose sleep just head to the vet. I don’t think this is an emergency but try to go in the next few days. Let us know what they say.

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Pawbly | 8 years ago
Brett Is 4 Years Old And Has A Fever Throwing Up And Pain In His…

brett is 4 years old and has a fever throwing up and pain in his right upper side of back. Its tender to the touch when I try to move him he crawls away me. he is throwing clear liquid only my hubby said he has ben doing this all day long

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    I’m sorry but this needs to be treated as an emergency. Please go immediately to the vets office, or closest emergency clinic.

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Pawbly | 8 years ago
Yorker Poo, 2.5lbs. She Is Whining/crying As Tho She’s In Pain When She Gets Up…

Yorker poo, 2.5lbs. She is whining/crying as tho she’s in pain when she gets up to adjust herself as she sleeps, she spent most of the day outside with the family, laying out by the pool. She had plenty of shade, water and food. She is eating drinking and going to the bathroom normally, the whining did not occur until later in the night after dinner. No one has any idea what could be causing her pain. Any ideas?

2 Responses

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  1. Jana

    Of course, it’s impossible to estimate what might be wrong over the internet. Dogs generally don’t advertise pain so if she vocalizing there would be a lot of it. The only way to find out what’s happening and fix it is a hands-on veterinary examination.

  2. Anonymous

    I sure hope you’re getting her to the vet first thing this morning.

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Pawbly | 8 years ago
My Dog, A Schnoodle 7yrs Is Lethargic, Seems To Have Pain In His Hind…

My dog, a schnoodle 7yrs is lethargic, seems to have pain in his hind quarters (like arthritis type pain) and is sensitive around the anal area and slightly runny stool. Any thoughts or advice please.

2 Responses

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  1. Jana

    Where there is pain and lethargy combined, there is an emergency.

  2. Anonymous

    I agree, treat this like an emergency and get him to the vet ASAP.

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Pawbly | 8 years ago
My Six Month Old Pitbull Has A Large Hematoma After A Routine Neuter. He Was…

My six month old pitbull has a large hematoma after a routine neuter. He was fine with no swelling for two days after the surgery, but day three his scrotum started swelling. We took him into the vet who explained it was normal for some dogs and sent us home with some sedatives to stop his moving around and told us to monitor. Later that day, the scrotum swelled to the size of a medium to large orange. We returned, and we’re given antibiotics just in case, as there was no evidence of fever to indicate infection. The next day, he the wound started draining, a pink substance likely blood mixed with some other bodily fluid. The suture area looks fairly normal, just a small amount of redness and swelling, and the fluid smells of iron, not infected. We were advised to place a warm compress on for a few minutes a couple of times a day, but our pup won’t let us near the area. He is a sweet dog, but the sedatives combined with the pain are causing him to snap at us when we go near the back legs. He refuses to even sit down for hours at a time. Do you have any advice for how to help him through this? My wife and I work 8-9 hours during the day, though we have family that stops by for a few hours at a time to watch him. I’m just worried that he is in so much pain he won’t let us help him heal.

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    These cases do happen. They usually resolve on their own in about a week. If you cannot treat him at home see if you can drop him off at your vets to stay for the day while you are at work. Good luck. It will go down. It will just be an awful 5 days of waiting. And ps I have seen them cantaloupe size. Ouchie!!

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Pawbly | 8 years ago
My Beagle Is 4 Days Out From IVDD Cervical Decompression Via Ventral Slot And Is…

My beagle is 4 days out from IVDD Cervical Decompression via ventral slot and is still in horrible pain with all the same symptoms. Neck spasms, rigid stance, head lowered and will NOT lay down. He stands for hours on his bed then finally he lays down. He is on a very very strict medication schedule using Gabapentin, Tylenol 4, Diazepam, famotidine and Prednisone. He is taken out 3-5 times daily using a ramp to get to grass for potty breaks. How long should this take for even a small amount of pain relief?

3 Responses

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    I know it is hard to watch andveey frustrating. Every dog is different but I can say that this is not uncommon. It took Hankrhe dog I wrote about in my blog 10 days before he showed much improvement or relief. I would ask about tramadol buprenorphine and/or a fentanyl patch. Or increasing one of the medications you have. You would have to ask your vet about these. Also I have to admit beagles are not the bravest souls.
    Don’t give up. But do call your vet. Add more pain management.

  2. Krista Magnifico

    Oh and ask about methocarbamol (robaxin). That was the most helpful medication in the early days f recovery.

  3. Cheryl Harrison

    Thank you. Yes, I did contact my primary care vet this morning and they added 50mg Tramadol 3x daily. I will be contacting the surgeon in the am.
    I appreciate your response so much. I have researched and researched this online with no luck. Yes, he is a bit of a drama boy but his eyes show it all. So much pain. As of right now after 1/2 of a 50mg Tramadol his lying in his bed somewhat sleeping. Neck isn’t showing any spasms right now but the minute he gets up it starts again. This is what made me see the vet in the first place. Does this every go away? And why is it happening?