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Hi! My 14-year-old shiba, Cody, has a slipped disc. This happened on Thursday (today is Saturday) and he seems to be doing much better. The vet that saw my pup on Thursday said this was a mild case since he was still able to walk. He’s on prednisone, a muscle relaxant and a nerve relaxant and his disc is in his lower back. He’s been on rest and I’ve been icing the area. My question is if there is anything else I should be doing? Any other at home treatments? I read online that strict confinement is key but my dog has anxiety issues with cages/crates but he has been laying down most the day, just walks to go to the bathroom really. Also, ive been noticing his energy is back up and wants to walk longer distances but haven’t let him to make him rest.
My 9 month old puppy keeps on chewing his tail relentlessly and chewing his feet. He also sticks both his tail and feet down his throat as far as they will go. When he is playing with toys he keeps squashing them and trying to swallow them whole. He seems frustrated when doing this but he will be playing and then will break away to chew tail or feet. He won’t stop trying to eat EVERYTHING. Three trips previously to the vet to remove large things he has swallowed. He has so much energy and not just normal pup energy.. he does not nap at all through the day. He can go on hours of massive runs through the day and does not even lie down once through the day. Constantly on the go, no off button at all. Becoming quite dominant with other dogs and has started barking at me for attention when he’s not getting any. He has started mouthing people when he meets them, not aggressively but more for attention. He isn’t neutered but people have told me that may be a good start. The behavioural issues are a new thing, he’s been perfect up until the past couple of weeks. Chewing his tail and feet has been going on months. Have been to the vets about it but they don’t seem interested and basically said to think about having his tail docked, he will still attempt to chew what is left so it would never heal!
Hello,
Wow. This is a lot of worrisome issues. At this point I think that I would say to: Please seek a second opinion from a different vet who will actually help you both. I also strongly advocate a trainer and loads of exercise to help keep him from developing other abnormal behaviors. Training, exercise and an understanding of what is going on in your pups head and environment are all crucial to long term success and safety.
I have 2 Pit mixes that itch and chew their paws like crazy. Penny was on Apoquel and can no longer take it because she developed a non cancerous growth on her leg. Sampson was also on it but the only difference it made was his paws weren’t red but still chewed just as much. I was reading and found that his may have something to do with yeast since he has that musty, Frito Corn Chips smell. Penny does not smell. My current Vet put him on a prescription diet (Royal Canin moderate calorie potato and white fish). He has been on it awhile now with no other foods or treats. I also switched Penny more recently. It has not helped them at all. I read that carbohydrates feed yeast but I can not find any foods that don’t have some type of starch. I also clean their paws often with a mix of iodine, apple cider vinegar and water. Nothing helps and I feel horrible for how uncomfortable they must be. I am currently giving them Zyrtec also. I was thinking of having them tested at a veterinarian dermatologist but wanted that as a last resort. Does anyone have any thoughts on this? I just want to give my pups some relief!
Hello,
It sounds like it might be time to see a veterinary dermatologist. I would also ask about cytopoint and a medicated shampoo. Also make sure your pets are on a flea preventative ansibquire about a culture for yeast. Lots still to do and ask about.
I have what may be a ridiculous question but I’m going to ask any way… I just order leather collars for my dogs. I did a lot of research to make sure there were no toxic chemicals used during the process. However, I couldn’t find info on the hardware (buckle). It is made of brass. I just want to make sure that this won’t be toxic on my dogs skin?
Hi everyone! One of my pups is acting very strange. We took him on a car ride today and on the way home he started acting weird. It’s almost like he’s dizzy and can’t keep his balance. He had a tiny (not even half) of piece of bacon this morning and later hit his head off of the coffee table. I’m not sure if it’s something to be concerned about but I’m just worried!
I would get to the vet….
Head trauma would lead to dizziness. Please get that pup to the vet today.
I’d definitely get to a vet ASAP.
Does the breeder seem concerned?
8yr old rottweiler in labor. 1st pup @ 8am & 2nd pup (stillborn unable to save) @ 9am. How can i check if shes to have more? Didny realize she was pregnant. How do i help her & what do i do
I really think that you need to call your vet. please do. Best of luck.
We use an X-ray to make sure all of the babies have been delivered.
8yr old rottweiler in labor. 1st pup @ 8am & 2nd pup (stillborn unable to save) @ 9am. How can i check if shes to have more? Didny realize she was pregnant. How do i help her & what do i do
All things relating to preganancy and puppies need to be directed to a vet for the most favorable prognosis.
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.
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!!
My husband and I are planned to pick up our new pup from the breeder this weekend. The breeder just emailed us that our puppy was found to have juvenile cellulitis or “puppy strangles”. Researching online, it looks like most dogs have full recovery and no long-term effects with this diagnosis. The breeder said they caught it early and they went to the vet this morning and medications were initiated. Does anyone have any success stories of their pups having puppy strangles? Did it cause scarring or any long-term complications or side effects? Thanks so much for any feedback! (The pup is a goldendoodle and is 8 weeks old).
I have treated a few cases and I agree with your breeder. ALTHOUGH I strongly recommend you see your vet BEFORE purchasing. These cases typically require many many vet rechecks and these can be costly. I think these puppies have an excellent recovery rate, few (if any, (usually not any)) long term consequences or side effects, BUT they need multiple visits a week initially to help monitor response to treatment and progression of disease. I sincerely hope your breeder will pay for this, and most sincerely I hope that no breeder ever euthanizes for this disease. it is treatable.
My Amish friend down the street has a working dog that tends to her other animals (herding sheep, horses, etc.) so he is an outdoor farm dog. (a sheltie/aussie mix). The dog is well loved and cared for but even after giving him a bath today, the poor animal still has little bugs (like fruit flies but a little bigger) swarming and flying all over him, especially his face area. I mean, like about 50-75 or so of them! It’s crazy. She just thought he needed a bath and that’s why they were there, but even after the bath they were there. I have never encountered anything like that before. Anyone help explain and give some ideas on how to get rid of them for this poor pup 🙁
This is normal in PA to a degree. The dog’s diet contributes to its attractiveness to flies more than any thing. I would check for ear infection(s) or bad teeth. Other than that all that can be done is to apply a repellant to the dog – and I would use a natural one that can be found at an Agway or other farm store. These repellents contain a mix of essential oils like cedar or peppermint, etc.
Thank you. I agree – unfortunately with their culture it will fall on deaf ears, I am just trying to do my best to help the pup. I was the one that gave him the bath, etc. Perhaps I can have her make a mask and meanwhile I will play around with some of my essential oils to create a repellant blend that will work and that the dog would be tolerant with. Thanks so much Krista and PK
PK….I normally use water in my essential oil blends for animals but seeing as the bugs are attracted to water, do you think I should use a carrier oil instead?
Sorry for the late response. It sounds like you are doing everything recommended. It is difficult to keep them resting when they begin to feel better, but try to get him to rest as recommended. You could call your vet and let them know how he is doing and they may be able to advise you as to the next steps and what more you can do to help him.