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My dog licked a small frog and was excessively drooling for about 10 seconds and pawed at his face once but was fine after that. I took a warm rag and wiped his gums and the roof of his mouth and his paws really well and he’s acting normally. Should I still be concerned?
Should my 15yo cant perform nasal polyps removal operation?
Good Afternoon Doctor.
I came across your Youtube video that you are performing Nasal Polyps removal operation to young cat.
My question is should my 15yo cat young enough to receive this operation.
Currently he is on Steroid and Yuan Bio medication but it is starting to wear-out.
Those medication worked great for the first month but now he is having discomfort in respiratory again.
My cat is not young but I would like to maintain the QOL of the cat and wanted to know if this helps.
If so, what will be the rough estimate and how long does she might have.
I know this is hard to speculate without actually seen the cat but just a ballpark will be appreciated
Thank you
T
Hello,
In my experience I have never seen a polyp in a cat this old. It is far more likely that this is a neoplastic mass (cancer) than a polyp. If you are concerned about your cats quality of life than I would do and consider doing anything and everything to alleviate her discomfort and try to improve her life.
Thank you for your quick response doctor,
Yes I was told he has a cancer, so I guess I misunderstood that tumor and polyps are different.
I guess too old for Chemo and radiation and surgery, what will be the appropriate to maintain the QOL ?
My vet told there aren’t much they can do.
I just feel helpless seeing cat in such a discomfort.
He is eating well, and very active as for now, but just breathing seem difficult sometimes.
Thank you
T
Hi Krista
My almost 11 year old MC Potcake (who has too many beings lipomas to count) recently had his senior blood work and urinalysis – everything was normal except an elevated ALP.
The urine was a free catch sample at 4 pm and it was very dilute. This prompted me to remember that he has been drinking a little more (summer) as well as eating a lot of watermelon – and to remind me that he has also had an increased appetite over the last year. I did a specific gravity on a morning urine sample after he had no access to water overnight and he was able to concentrate his urine at 1.025
He has chronic seasonal allergies so his inner thighs have a dark pigment change – this has been present for years – there are no other derm changes and I don’t see a pot bellied appearance but the vet is considering Cushing’s. They suggested an abdominal ultrasound first followed by a low dose suppression test. I would rather do the dex test first before an ultrasound. I’m not sure that I’m convinced that Cushing’s is likely but something may be going on.
Of more concern is that this previously healthy dog coincidentally, a few days after the blood work, had an episode of vertical nystagmus and ataxia – very brief – less than 30 seconds. He’s been fine ever since but its only been a few days – I have been told that vertical nystagmus is less common with Senior Vestibular disease and possibly more likely a central lesion.
any thoughts that you have would be appreciated !
Pam
Hello,
For cases like this I usually recommend the following.
Ask about diet. See if anything could be influencing water intake. I do a very thorough exam. This includes anal glands. Then I repeat the blood work a few months later (if not drinking or peeing excessively). If the pet is believed to be drinking and urinating more then I think that X-rays, abdominal ultrasound (by a proficient vet) and LDDT are warranted. I don’t have too much preference on order because they usually all need to be done. The biggest thing to talk about before starting all of these diagnostics is that the client must be willing and able to treat for cushings before we start the expensive procedure of diagnostics.
Good luck
thank you so much
My dog had been having issues with diarrhea, regurgitation, and vomiting. I need help please.
Hello,
I would need a whole lot more information about your pet to provide any help. We would need a detailed history of your dog, your environment, diet, activity, previous health history, vet care, a thorough examination and its findings and diagnostic results. Please see a veterinarian in person for help.
Update: German Shepherd Diesel.
I would like to receive your advice regarding my German Shepherd, Diesel, who has developed a limp. His limp has gotten a little bit better, but sometimes he will limp very badly. I have limited his activity and made sure he isn’t putting any unnecessary stress on the foot. I’ve located the source of his discomfort, which is on his right rear ankle, and it is swollen. There’s no apparent injury to his paw, and I’m concerned it could be a sprain or even a fracture. He was running around in the house on porcelain tiles playing ball, and I noticed him limping on one of his runs. I’m unsure whether to proceed with an x-ray or to monitor his condition for a few more days. Your professional opinion on this matter would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you for your time and attention to Diesel’s situation.
Hello,
If the limping doesn’t resolve with rest and there is swelling then I think that you need an Xray.
A question for Krista Magnifico:
Hello! Hoping to get some advice on recommended next steps for my cat, Sammie, who is being evaluated for IBD vs. small cell lymphoma.
Sammie is 17 years old and is overall quite healthy! Throughout the time I’ve had her, she’s had a history of vomiting a ~once per week or two (sometimes more frequently). Vomit is usually clear, foamy. No other GI issues or health issues otherwise. She is active and energetic, and has not had any health issues until ~1 month ago when I noticed she stopped eating as much as she previously did. She stopped eating her dry food altogether, and seemed to become quite picky with her wet food. I initially thought her teeth may be bothering her because of the avoidance of dry food, so I brought her to the vet.
Vet found that she had lost a couple of pounds, unintentionally. Based on presenting symptoms, vet thought she might have a GI pathology so ordered an abdominal U/S:
Ultrasound, Abdominal Study Outcome:
Kidneys: overall normal size but mild reduction in detail and small mineral foci. Trace pylectasia noted w/out ureteral disension.
GI: Avg SI thickness normal. Mild corrugation is noted in some regions and some ileus (luminal fluid distension up to 4 mm w/ reduced
peristalsis) noted w/out obstruction. No discrete abnormalities appreciated throughout the small intestines.
Caudal abdominal nodes are prominent to mildly enlarged and rounded w/ smooth texture. One irregular cystic structure noted near right
kidney. The mesentery around the ileus segments is mildly hyperechoic.
A:
Intestines most consistent w/ enteritis
Nodes: r/o reactive vs other
Cystic strucure: r/o benign mesenteric vs inflamed node
Kidneys have evidence of chronic disease.
Here are her prior labs:
PRIOR LABS:
7/15/24: Wt loss 0.28 lb; PCV: 40/7.6; Chem18: BUN 41, creat 1.7, K+ 4.3, phos 4.2
U/A: USG 1.019, pH 6.0, rare wbc/rbc; no bact/cryst; cobalamin: 437; folate: 11.2
2/13/24: Wt loss 0.8 lb; CBCcomp: hct 44, diff wnl (clots in sample; rec. resubmit)
Chem25: BUN 40, creat 1.3; T4: 2.8; SDMA <10
U/A: USG 1.025, pH 6.0, rare wbc, no rbc/bact/cryst, rare fine gran casts.
1/19/23: Wt loss 0.4 lb; CBC: (hct 40, diff wnl); Chem25: (BUN 32, creat 1.3)
T4: 1.8; U/A: USG 1.051, pH 6.5, 1+ prot, rare wbc, no rbc/bact/cryst
11/19/21: CBC: (hct 46, diff wnl); Chem: (BUN 34, creat 1.5); T4. 1.9; DGGR lipase 9
U/A: USG 1.053, pH 7.5, rare amorph. crystals, no wbc, no rbc
6/17/22 Wt loss 0.16 (as desired); USG 1.040; SDMA: 11
Most recent A&P:
A:
1) Intestines most consistent w/ enteritis (IBD vs SCLSA); ileus likely cause of decreased appetite.
2) Nodes: r/o reactive vs other
3) Cystic strucure: r/o benign mesenteric vs inflamed node
4) Kidneys have evidence of chronic disease ; in keeping w/ previous lab findings.
P:
1) Rx: metoclopramide 5 mg: 1/4 tab po every 8-12 hrs.
2) Continue vit B12 as Rxed.
3) picked up Mirataz but hasn't started it yet. Rec. give. metoclopramide for 2-3 days and then if not improved appt, start Mirataz.
4) to consider presumptive pred tx vs ex-lap for biopsies.
Sammie is seeming to eat better with the metoclopramide.
My question:
Is pusuing an ex-lap for biopsy recommended vs. empiric tx for IBD with steroids vs. empiric tx for SCL with steroids + chlorambucil.
Thank you!!!
Hello,
Well let’s all take a collective moment to applaud the work up!! I say this because that’s a breath of fresh air!! I think that a couple things warrant a little further discussion.
First it sounds like your GP has done a very thorough job,,, but,, done it all in house. Which in some cases is the best we can do. But. Have you been offered a referral to an internal medicine feline practitioner? If you can find someone who is BOTH great. If not go to whoever you can get in with.
Next have rads been done? And assessed by a radiologist? At least for thorax?
I know it might sound crazy but also check anal glands. Some of these older cats are so uncomfortable they stop eating
Add an appetite stimulant. There are numerous options.
Ask for an internal medicine consult via your lab services. It’s a phone call and It’s free. It has been helpful in some cases. Ask them about budesonide vs. prednisolone if you are going to start treating for INS. Which to be honest I would do over a biopsy for a cat this age with these potential differential diagnoses.
I also add vitamin B12 and cobalaquin and immuquin to these guys. The other medication I like is cerenia and learning how to give SQ fluids at home for the kidneys. You also need a phosphate binder ( I think?, please inquire), we use naraquin. Maybe ask about azodyl too.
… and I know it sounds like I am spouting out a lot of meds… but I gave my older cat solensia when she was a nightmare of unhappiness and it really helped.
And let’s not forget pain meds. Every (EVERY!!! ) single patient deserves them. I like gabapentin 50-80 mg as needed.
Please keep m posted. Very best of luck.
Krista.
Dear Krista,
Thank you very much for your response!
Sammie is eating much better since starting metoclopramide. She is finishing all the wet food we give her, and chases after me when I am preparing it for her! She’s also having bigger sized BMs. We also have her on a weekly injection of B12 for her borderline low levels.
One point to clarify – we are lucky that Sammie’s vet is a feline-only practitioner. Based on discussions with her, she seems to recommend proceeding with the ex-lap for the biopsy and that cats “bounce back” quite quickly after the procedure. We are hesitant, however, given it seems quite invasive.
At this point, we are deciding if the is worth it, or just to empirically treat her with steroids for presumed IBS (vs. SCL). Based on your input, it seems you would err on the side of not doing a biopsy in a cat of her age?
Thanks,
Carla
I took my German Shepherd Diesel to a small airport near my house that is all desert (southern Nevada) on 8/17/2024.
He was running and chasing rabbits and was just fine. He is a very healthy dog, 8 years old, and has never had any health issues, not even hip dysplasia. He doesn’t have the common sloping back/angulation in GSDs, but a straight back, which is probably why he doesn’t have hip dysplasia. Anyway, today and yesterday, he started showing signs of limping on his rear right leg, which was much more visible today. He is hardly putting any pressure on the foot, often lifting it up. I gave him some carprofen for pain and inflammation. I trimmed his nails, because they were a little long and it looked like they were pushing up his toes and could have been the source of discomfort. It didn’t seem to help. Since we were in the desert, I checked for any injuries from the rough terrain and for cactus needles. No sign of any, but I am still very concerned. What should I do?
Hello
My name is Parham Parsa, I found your page on youtube and have read your blog, and for once I saw someone that is actually talking about blocked cats and is raising awareness to this issue and I wanted to thank you for it.
My cat Mercury (4.5 years old, 18lbs) is currently in the hospital for another urinary blockage and I genuinely don’t know what to do, this is his third visit, first time he got blocked was about a year and half ago and he was on the death’s door, his blood work was extremely elevated, he was lethargic and in visible pain. His regular vet unblocked him and transferred him to a vet hospital for further care, this visit cost me about $5K, and after that he was put on a strict urinary diet. Second time was 3 months ago where we noticed him being in pain and struggling once again and we took him to an ER vet and he was unblocked again, despite my persistence of leaving the his urinary catheter in, they took everything out, and send him home that very night, thankfully he remained unblocked until last night. His vet told me that since he is keep getting blocked he should just get the PU surgery and all but refuse to see him, so I took him to the Metropolitan vet hospital and their estimate for getting him unblocked and doing the PU surgery was 7-8 thousand dollars which is wildly out of reach for me at the moment. After reading your blog I have decided that if I find a second job I can afford to have him unblocked and kept in the hospital for observation for a night or two but I don’t know what I can do after that. If you have any suggestion regarding an affordable PU surgery or any other suggestion I am all ears. I’m really sorry for the long email, and looking forward to hearing back from you.
I just got off the phone with his vet at Metropolitan and after they took some X-Rays they saw some large stones in his bladder which they suspect could be the reason for his repeated blockages, and recommended a cystotomy and they said that the balance would stay at 7-8 thousand dollars. As of now my plan still remains to have him unblocked and watched for couple of days but I don’t know what I should do next.
PS.. I have attached a couple of pictures of him to this post. He is genuinely the sweetest and the friendliest cat I have ever met and the idea of me having to say goodbye to him just because I can’t pay for his treatment is is something I cannot imagine.
Hello,
I’m so sorry to hear about your cat. So many of these cats have a similar situation and it leaves their families with such a huge dilemma about what to do and how to afford all that might lie ahead.
My advice at this point would also be to do the PU surgery and to remove the stones. If you are close to us I would be happy to see him and see if there is anyway we can help. Please call the clinic and leave your number. I will call you back.
Dr Magnifico
Thank you, Dr Magnifico, I will definitely call the office first thing in the morning. And again I want to thank you for bringing awareness to this problem. Your articles about the blocked cat were such a huge help for me in dealing with this issue.
My Dog cannot walk .Her left leg has not been working properly.It’s too week.I search everywhere the symptoms I might feel like its IVDD.She was trying to wake up but she can’t.Her weight is too heavy like 35-40kg. german shepherd. please help
Hello,
This is one of those conditions that need a vet immediately. They can prescribe medications to help. I sorry. I wish I could do more. You need a vet to help identify what this is, or might be, and provide medication.
Intermitent Limp
Hello, one of my dog has a limp on her hind right leg that only occurs minutes after she gets up after lying down for a long period of time.
When she gets up her leg won’t touch the ground while standing up or walking.
In just a few minutes, she’ll touch the ground again, run, and jump with no sign of pain, but every time she gets up it’s the same thing, several times a day.
I’ve squeezed her leg all the way, and moved it around and she shows no pain or injuries,
Hello,
Any degree of limping that lasts for more than a few days should be seen by a veterinarian. The only exceptions to this is a dislocated hip which should be seen immediately to try to put it “back in the socket”. Infection is the other thing I worry about. There is usually wound and most often pets are quiet and not eating well.
The most common knee injury we see that causes limping is a cruciate rupture. You will need a vets help to diagnose this.
This happened to my dog many times with the same result. They have always been fine. Of course I don’t know what kind of frog this was, or your pet’s medical history or condition, so please keep an eye on your pup and call your vet with any questions or concerns