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Kelly | 3 years ago
My Plott Hound Had A Large Internal Lipoma Removed On Monday Directly Above His Penis In …

My Plott Hound had a large internal lipoma removed on Monday directly above his penis in his abdominal area. Almost immediately, he developed prominent swelling directly to, proximal, and distal to his operative site. In addition, he has swelling down his leg. Took him back to the vet where a needle aspirate was done. He was diagnosed with multiple seromas. There was no WBCs seen or anything else visualized under the scope to indicate infection INSIDE. However, externally, his skin is red and angry and there is a lot of swelling. He is on 2 broad spectrum antibiotics. He is having a hard time walking on his right leg. Took him back today (day 5 post op) because swelling is even worse. He has swelling all down his leg. Vet says it made sense to her because of gravity. My dog is in a lot of pain, can’t sit down. He put his paws down and his bottom stays up in the air. No one can even palpate his operate site without him going through the roof in pain. He is on Tramadol and an NSAID. I’m extremely worried. The vet isn’t a fan of the drain because she doesn’t want to create more room for infection. Ultra Sound showed no abscess. He is drinking a lot of water (more than usual) and urinating normally. His last BM was yesterday. Eating mostly fine. Low grade temp. Does this sound all right? I hate that he is suffering. The pics I have included were yesterday, not today. But you get the idea of the areas of seromas and erythema. Today, the swelling is worse and his entire leg down to his paw is fluid filled.

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    There are a few things that I am not completely clear about.
    The lipoma was not inside the abdomen it was between the skin and the abdomen. It is far more common to be here then inside rhe abdominal cavity. Also you wouldn’t get these seromas inside rhe abdomen.
    Next seromas shouldn’t be painful. Maybe get in the way of using there, but not painful.
    Lastly I only use a Darin of it is infected. And even then I am not an over ambitious drain user. It’s doctor preference.
    Last I think it would be better for you to get a second opinion. Everyone might feel better with it
    Good luck.

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Grace | 3 years ago
Does Anybody Know What This Could Be? It Happened The First Time When He Was Around 6 …

Does anybody know what this could be? It happened the first time when he was around 6 months old, he has been to the vet a few times and had multiple tests done but the vet can’t seem to figure out what it is. Usually it will first appear as a bald spot and then over the next few days turns into a moist sore, and then within a week or so it starts healing and the fur grows back. This is probably the 5th or 6th time it has happened but this time it was worse, the photo with the big bald spot is one that appeared a few weeks ago and is now in the healing stage but now the smaller one just appeared today. I will take him to the vet again but I’m getting frustrated not having an answer, has anyone seen something like this before?

3 Responses

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  1. Laura

    Hi Grace – do you know *what* tests were done? Did they do a skin scrape? It’s odd that it’s such a specific patch…does it recur in the same place?

    Honestly, after so many visits to your generalist with no answers, I’d be looking for a veterinary dermatologist – they can be found at vet schools, usually, but may be found at local Pet ERs. If you’re in Maryland, I know the vet school in Salisbury should have someone specializing in it. I know UPenn’s vet school also has someone. Search for veterinary dermatology near you.

  2. Grace Post author

    Thanks for the response. We took him to the vet again and they did a skin scrape (has been done in the past along with basic blood work, i think a CBC and CMP) and the only thing that was determined was it was some sort of bacterial infection, yeast, fungi and parasites have been ruled out but they did not know specific type of infection and just sent us home with some antibiotics as usual. The soonest we are able to get him to see a dermatologist is beginning of July, and with how frequently it has been happening I’m sure it is going to happen again by then. It’s always on the same spot too, we do not have fleas and have not been giving him and medications/treatments that could cause it, we also have been experimenting with limited ingredient foods to try to rule out food allergies but so far no luck.

    1. Laura

      That’s so frustrating! I hope the derm is able to give you better answers.

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Christopher | 3 years ago
I Have An 11-year Old Female Domestic Shorthair Cat (Nala) Who Has Been Very Healthy Until …

I have an 11-year old female domestic shorthair cat (Nala) who has been very healthy until around springtime last year when she started to develop a snorty sound when breathing and rapid sneezing fits. We figured it was maybe allergies at the time, as ours were really bad too. But it kept lingering and we finally asked our vet and he was reluctant to do a full exam on her because of the expense, and he also diagnosed her as having herpes, and prescribed Chlorpheniramine 4mg and Duralactin paste 2.5ml for her. I give her a 1/4 of the pill crushed in her canned food once a day, but the paste makes her sick. I have been giving her the pill for about 3 months now with zero improvement. I have been doing a lot of research, and the closest thing I could find that matches what she is dealing with is a video I found of Dr. Magnifico performing surgery on a cat for a nasal polyp. The description she gave completely matches what Nala sounds like with the snoring sounds when breathing and the constant sounds of trying to clear her throat. She has lost a lot of weight because I think it’s difficult for her to eat a lot but otherwise she acts like nothing is wrong, she is very playful, and also eats (best she can) and drinks normally, and litterbox habits are still great. My question is if this diagnosis sound like it could be correct, and if so, is this something that could possibly be fixed without breaking budget?

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  1. Autumn

    Hi!
    Polyps in our kitty friends are quite common. I am a surgery technician that assists Dr.Magnifico and we have seen and removed more than a handful!

    We have noticed not many vet offices check for polyps and typically it’s what we end up finding. (Not always the case as some cats are chronic upper respiratory forever)
    This surgery is typically not a budget breaker. Please reach out and never be afraid to ask many questions to your veterinarian!, That’s what they are here for ,

  2. Autumn

    Hi!
    We always recommend reaching out to your vet or local shelters and asking about polyps. It is possible to have them removed, however we do see then reoccur in some cases(not all!!) With your cat being 11, your vet may want to dig a little further and see if there is anymore going on.

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Tammy | 3 years ago
Elderly Kitty Sprained Her Foot And Exhibiting Strange Behavior

My daughter’s elderly cat Astra seems to have sprained her left front paw tonight and is acting strange. Her leg/paw isn’t swollen, but she can’t put any weight on it without falling down. She’s meowing a lot and walking in circles. At one point, she was hiding by my daughter’s desk which is unusual, she seems to be confused, and has no appetite. We’ve read how cats don’t metabolize aspirin or nsaids very well, so we don’t want to give her any. What can we give her and what can we do to comfort her? Is there anything we should look for? Is her behavior typical of a feline in pain? Thank you for your help!
Edit: Now she’s pressing her head up against things.

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  1. Laura

    This sounds like more than just the foot. She sounds quite distressed. Please get her to the vet TODAY.

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Maggie | 3 years ago
I Have 2 Cats Which Eat The Exact Food, Fancy Feast Wet Food. However, About Once A …

I have 2 cats which eat the exact food, Fancy Feast wet food. However, about once a week, Kirby throws up his breakfast about 10 minutes after he eats. He gets frightened when he’s about to throw up, so he starts running around the house, which leads to projectile vomiting everywhere. I can’t seem to figure out why. It’s not a certain flavor of food. And then, within about an hour, he’s meowing at me and complaining that he’s hungry. Is there something I can give him to keep his stomach settled down? Maybe sprinkle something on his food?

3 Responses

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  1. Laura

    Hi there.

    It’s very possible, even likely, that this brand makes him ill – my senior cat couldn’t have Hill’s Science Diet when he was younger, as it gave him diarrhea and projectile vomiting. I had to change the brand to something higher quality for the majority of his life. Have you tried any other brands of food for him?

    1. Maggie Post author

      Not sure what else to try. He also does this occasionally after just eating treats, no matter what brand.

      1. Laura

        I don’t know where you’re located to give food suggestions but I would absolutely ask your regular vet this question.

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Jennifer Taylor | 3 years ago
Last Summer My Beloved Cat, Summer Escaped My Home And Was Missing For Two Months. When …

Last summer my beloved cat, Summer escaped my home and was missing for two months. When she was found she had lost about 1/3 of her body weight and her personality had changed. While she was previously very much the “alpha” cat and could be a bit of a diva she is now timid and very loving. During the time when she was missing I was under an incredible amount of stress; having a pet pass away is heartbreaking but having a pet go missing is agonizing, I would not wish the experience on my worst enemy. I couldn’t sleep for much of the two months. Our cat Gracie was by my side the entire time. She did take over as the leader of our little cat pack (pride??). When Summer returned Gracie and her initially got along okay, however within about two weeks Gracie started going after Summer causing a significant amount of stress on Summer. She would chase her off the litter box and food bowls. We created a safe space for Summer and over the past year she has very much chosen to stay isolated away from Gracie, our other cats come “visit” without an issue. Several months ago Gracie started urinating outside of her box. We first had to go through the process of elimination to determine which cat was urinating outside the box. All cats have had urine and bloodwork done to rule out any medical issues. Gracie is now isolated and Summer has free reign of the house. Inappropriate urination has stopped. Our other cats can come “visit” Gracie without incident, however as soon as Summer enters the room Gracie attacks her. We have tried medication and we have tried putting a drop of vanilla on each cat so they smell the same. I would prefer to not spend the rest of my cats lives isolating one or the other to create peace in our home. I will note that Gracie has limited or no sight in one of her eyes, she has always been a bit of a “scrapper” with the other pets when they approach her on that side, that being said this isn’t a case of Summer startling her, she is seeking out Summer to attack her.
I would love advice from anyone who has had a similar experience; what worked, what didn’t?

1 Response

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  1. Laura

    Hi there. I’m sorry it took us a while to respond…I’ve been pondering over this since you initially posted. I think you may have to consider permanent separation. This is doable in a cat household, as you’ve seen, though it can be annoying, but it might be safest for the clowder.

    I assume you’ve tried Feliway?

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Kristen Duracka | 4 years ago
Hello! We Were Hiking With Our Dog This Morning When He Got A Thorn In His …

Hello! We were hiking with our dog this morning when he got a thorn in his paw. Luckily we were able to remove it but it required two of us since he doesn’t like having his feet touched especially when he’s in pain. I have two questions. I realize now we need to carry a soft muzzle or something in case this happens when he is with only one of us, do you have a kind you prefer? Also how can we work with him, so he is more comfortable with us touching his feet?

Thank you so much,
Kristen

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  1. Sarah

    Hi there- we are currently working with one of our dogs and his feet. He does not like them being handles or touched either. What we are doing at the moment: after a good long walk, and while he is calm and resting, I have been sitting with him and just “playing” with each of his toes individually, and rewArding his patience with a treat. He is getting much more tolerant with this. So much so, that the other morning I was able to cut almost all of his nails in one sitting. Is has been a process/ still is, but I feel that the repetition is helping to make him less sensitive… and the treats always help????????

      1. Laura

        It’s definitely a good reason to carry a spare nylon leash. 🙂 I always have a few around since they can be so very handy.

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Breauna | 4 years ago
Hello I Recently Watched A Lot Of Your Videos On Youtube About Ivdd And The Beagle …

Hello I recently watched a lot of your videos on youtube about ivdd and the beagle you were taking care of. My Gracie was diagnosed with ivdd yesterday and my vet gave her a steroid shot and she is now on steroid medication prednisone, pain killers and muscle relaxers. She is not able to walk or stand on her own, her right leg drags, her left leg seems normal. I have been using a makeshift sling to help her use the restroom, she is able to pee and poop on her own as long as I am helping her stand outside with a sling. She sometimes sits up in bed but mainly only using her upper body. Is this a good sign? My vet said I need to put her on a diet and give her strict rest but my vet also said if she is not better in two days I should take her to get surgery. I am relucatant to get surgery not just because of the cost but because my Gracie is 11 years old and I am afraid that it could worsen the paralysis in her other legs or it might be only a temporary fix. Me and my parents want to try naturally helping her, and I am not sure how to start or what to do. Should I just try making her get strict cage rest and see what happens or should I start physical therapy right away? I am planning on calling my vet to see what she thinks but from what she told me yesterday she seems pretty set on surgery only. Gracie has only been laying on one side when laying down. Her left side. Her right side is the side with the bad dragging leg. She is eating well and drinking well, I just want her to get better soon. Any advice or suggestions you can give me would be great. Thank you Krista.
Sincerely,
Gracie’s mom.

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  1. Sarah

    Good morning-
    So sorry about Gracie. Dr. Magnifico has a lot of videos on YouTube regarding ivdd AND she has information on her blog- diary of a real life veterinarian- that you may find helpful. Very best of luck to you and Gracie!!????????

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Samantha | 4 years ago
Hi! For A Couple Weeks I Have Noticed My Dog Chewing On His Back Paw… He …

Hi!
For a couple weeks I have noticed my dog chewing on his back paw… he normally has pretty strong allergies this time of year and he is a licker anyway.. however tonight when I got home from work I took another close look at his paw (it was looking very pink) and noticed that he is missing a nail.. it’s completely gone ! He is in no pain as it seems.. hes walking, running, playing and eating as normal.. the only thing is he is obviously licking the area where his nail was.. it’s not bleeding and doesn’t look infected…
what advice do you have for this type of situation? I have been reading and watching videos about this but it’s half and half of I should take him to the vet or if I can take care of this at home.. Thank you

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  1. Sarah

    I have never had a situation where the entire nail has been gone- a few times we have had a partial rip and then we did have to make a trip to see the vet or vet tech to have it looked at and snipped. I’m guessing, if there is no pain, swelling, soreness- that it may have happened a bit ago? If there is still a “wound” opening, I would keep it clean and keep an eye on it. If it feels swollen, or sore then definitely call your vet. And honestly, I’m a nervous nelly, so I would probably call my vet anyway and double check with them to see if I should bring them in to be seen…

  2. Laura

    My suggestion? Get all the nails much shorter and keep them shorter to prevent this in the future. Torn nails, broken nails usually happen due to excessively LONG nails. Keeping them short keeps them safer from this sort of accident.

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Nabia | 4 years ago
My Baby Brownie Was Diagnosed With IVDD 6 Days Ago. I Didn’t Go For The Surgery …

My baby Brownie was diagnosed with IVDD 6 days ago. I didn’t go for the surgery due to the cost. I’m giving him crate treatment at home he’s on two pain meds and a steroid at the moment. I hate seeing my baby in pain but I’m trying to stay positive. I saw your video on YouTube and it was very positive and hopefully. I’m hoping you can share any advice on our I can bring my baby back to good health. Currently his back legs aren’t working and he has no control over his bladder so I’m helping him go potty and cleaning his pee pad. His back and neck are in pain. I’m hoping he can make a great recovery.

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Wishing you the very best of luck. I have quite a few videos on this and you can also search Ivdd at kmdvm.blogspot.com. There’s lots of info there too