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Mary O | 5 years ago
Hi, I Only Noticed This Bump Under Beasley’s Nose Few Weeks Ago. It Is Steadily …

Hi,

I only noticed this bump under Beasley’s nose few weeks ago. It is steadily growing. Doctor thinks it is a skin granuloma, gave him antibiotics and steroids for the past week. Hasn’t helped I went back and looked at pictures, looks like it started mid August, after a trip to the beach. I can’t keep him from licking the spot, anything we put on it, he licks more to get it of.

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    The best way to diagnose and lump or bump is with surgical excision and biopsy. Until that is done it is just a guess and many lesions can look very similar. I would hope it’s a histocytoma but I would talk to your vet about treatment options including surgical excision or referral to a veterinary dermatologist. Let us know what happens. And good luck!

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Erin | 5 years ago
I Recently Adopted My Cat, Critter, As He Was On My Grandma’s Farm And Had …

I recently adopted my cat, Critter, as he was on my grandma’s farm and had a paw infection. We brought him inside and started him on antibiotics. Unfortunately, the infection did not respond as hoped and he had to have his leg amputated.

After this, he was back to a perky young cat – playing and eating well. A week after surgery I noticed a bump just below the incision. I asked my vet if I should be concerned, and she said not unless it’s hot and that it’s probably a seroma. This made sense to me as he was more active than he probably should have been post surgery.

The next day, that bump burst and started leaking fluid. It was pink and not super cloudy, not smelly or hot. I kept and eye on it all day, and found that it never stopped leaking, so today I took him to the vet. There appears to be a small hole and it’s infected. It’s not at the site of the incision and the incision looks perfect.

He’s on a higher dose of antibiotics now, and some more pain meds as it is tender. He had the wound flushed this morning, and goes again in two days for another flushing.

I guess my question is – is it possible this is the same infection as before? The vets who performed the amputation said they were positive they got any infection (even taking the lymph node), I’m hoping that this is secondary and that maybe the bump was caught on something, or he scratched it open?

ETA: 1st photo is Saturday night, 2nd photo is Sunday afternoon, 3rd photo is today after flushing and rest.

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    Well this is a lot of info to go through. First it is always hard for an outside person to assess a situation and the response to that situation. That being said I have never amputated due to infection. Cancer yes. Infection no. Damage to a limb yes. So perhaps that was the issue? If the limb wasn’t functional and it was infected then amputation was prob the best way to go. After that I would talk about culturing the infection to make sure the correct antibiotic is being used. Talk to your vet about this. See what they say. It’s not cheap but it helps to direct the treatment plan.

    1. Erin Post author

      Thank you for the insight!

      They did take a swab of the infection today so hopefully this provides us with some direction.

      The limb wasn’t broken, but the initial x-ray did show that there was an abnormality with the wrist. They weren’t sure what caused it, but they indicated it would probably not heal property on its own. He stopped walking on it on September 21st, and had it amputated October 18th.

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Ana Garcia | 5 years ago
Hello. I Have A 15 Year Old Dachshund, Brody, Who Is Currently Suffering From A Cervical IVDD …

Hello. I have a 15 year old Dachshund, Brody, who is currently suffering from a cervical IVDD injury. This is Brody’s third IVDD injury in his short life, however, it is the most severe. We are not sure what happened this time since Brody was injured when we got home from work. Today is day 7 since Brody went down. While Brody is able to right himself from the lateral position, he does spend most of his time on his side. Brody is able to lift his head and look around, he can scoot himself from one position to another, he has a fantastic appetite, he has feeling in his hind quarters and only deep pain in his front two. My poor boy is not able to consistently empty his bladder and has required cathing; as of today, with the help of lactulose, Brody has been able to empty his bowels, incontinent.

Brody is not a candidate for surgery due to his age and other health conditions, so we are managing him conservatively. Brody has been seen by his regular vet where he was started on prednisone, robaxin, & gabapentin; he also takes CBD and I just started him on tumeric paste. Brody has seen a holistic vet where he had acupuncture done with electro stimulation.

My question is, how long do I give him before we decide that enough is enough? Brody is not in extreme pain, but he does have occasional neck/shoulder spasms that make him scream. I just am afraid of putting him through more than what I should just because I am not ready to let him go. Brody has been my guy for 15 years and I cannot imagine life without him, but I don’t want him to suffer. I have watched Dr. Magnifico’s YouTube videos about giving IVDD dogs time, but what is a realistic timeframe?

4 Responses

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  1. Sarah

    Good morning. I am so sorry you are going through this. I am a firm believer of “you know” as in, when it is time you will just know it. I think it differs for each individual pet and person. I feel that if your guy is still in general good spirits all things considered, and has an appetite- then it probably isn’t time yet. If he is still trying then there is a chance that things could improve. When the time comes where you feel you have to make a judgement call, he will help you. Best wishes for you all.

  2. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    I have to say that based on my experience and my personal views I don’t know if there is an answer anymore. I used to say to wait 3 weeks before making a decision and now I am realizing that many pets can live happy lives as pets that aren’t quite perfect. It sounds like a few things might be helpful. Ask about Your dogs ideal body condition score and then work very hard to help your pup become a lean muscular athlete. I see this disease a lot in dachshunds, of course, but oversight dachs are especially troubling and to often reinjure and recur with issues. I also think it is time to learn how to palpate and empty the bladder. Over time this gets easier and it’s far better than repeat catheterization. I also think more physical therapy like propping him up so he’s sternal and keeping him in a crate at all times he is not with you. These are just a few of my thoughts. I have a ton of info on my blog and YouTube channel. I hope this helps. Very best of luck.

    1. Ana Garcia Post author

      Dr. Magnifico,

      I want to thank you so very much for your guidance in your response and through your blog and YouTube channel. Because of you, we continued to work with Brody during this IVDD injury and residual effects of this injury. Thank you for giving us hope.
      We helped my sweet Brody cross the Rainbow Bridge this past weekend due to kidney failure and other health issues…he was ready. I am so grateful to you for taking the time to provide education through your platforms. I will be forever grateful to you for the extra time that you gave me with my precious little man.
      Thank you!!

  3. Jasmine

    Hi Ana,

    How is Brody doing now? I have a 15 year old
    Chihuahua who just recently got diagnosed with ivdd and it’s only day 4 but I feel so bad for him. He’s
    Constantly crying or whimpering when he the meds
    start to wear off. I’m in the same boat as you . I don’t know when enough is enough. I’m constantly crying from seeing him in so much pain and discomfort.

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Vedrana Vilusic | 5 years ago
PLEASE HELP, IT COULD BE LIFE-THREATENING My 6 Months Old Dog Doesnt Take Any Food For 30hrs …

PLEASE HELP, IT COULD BE LIFE-THREATENING
My 6 months old dog doesnt take any food for 30hrs already. He got SQ fluids 15hrs ago from our local vet. At the begining of him rejecting food – he threw up some pieces of the bones with grass (I dont give them bones so I dont know from which animal those are or who gave them). This morning (few hours ago) he had diarrhea mixed with grass and mucus (not a big amount). The vet with an x ray is hours away and also doesnt work on the weekends.
WHAT SHOULD I DO?
COULD THIS BE AN OBSTRUCTION IN HIS DIGESTIVE SYSTEM? Could a grass pass if he has an obstruction?
Please if you know more let me know.
There was no blood in his vomit or his stool

His temperature yesterday checked by the vet – 38.9°, and today checked by me – 38.6°

1 Response

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    I’m sorry to her about your pup. Without more information it is impossible for us to guess what is going on and without that we can only advise that you see a veterinarian as quickly as possible. Certainly gastrointestinal obstruction isn’t a possibility but so are many other things. Your dog needs to be examined and from there treatment options can be recommended. Please get help. Someone over the internet without knowledge of your pet is not the place to be at this point. I wish you the best of luck.

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Lauren | 5 years ago
My 12 1/2 Year Old Miniature Schnauzer Has A Bump On Her Face I Discovered Two Days Ago. …

My 12 1/2 year old miniature schnauzer has a bump on her face I discovered two days ago. The bump was originally pink and matted over by hair. She got a full hair cut about a month ago so the bump wasn’t there before that. We’ve been putting Neosporin on it and a liquid band aid but after cutting more hair from the wound which had scabs over it with the hair, it is red and still fully exposed with a black edge. Not sure what this could be. Is it life threatening or do I need to take her to the vet?

2 Responses

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  1. Sarah

    Good morning-
    It is so hard to tell from a picture. I think I would call and get an appointment with the vet- it could be something simple, but I would make sure. Best of luck.

  2. Laura

    To the vet, for sure. They’ll want to put hands on it to help in diagnosis and cure.

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Nick | 5 years ago
Our 2 Year Old Pitt Mix Recently Suffered From A Laceration To His Front Paw Pad. We …

Our 2 year old Pitt mix recently suffered from a laceration to his front paw pad. We ended up bringing him into the ER for stitches, which he received. However, neither the vets or ourselves were able to get him in his cone of shame. For about 4 days we were able to deter him from interfering with his wound through careful monitoring and a sock with cayenne pepper placed over the bandage. Day # 5, however, is when things went to pieces. Sometime between lunch and when I get off work, he was able to get his bandage off and proceeded to gnaw at his stitches… We took him back to the ER last night, but given how he is with strangers (not good), we opted to forgo getting him sedated and re-stitched, and try to take care of him from home. He lets us change his bandage, but when I tried changing it this morning, some of the gauze had adhered to the wound. I’m afraid if I pull more of it off, I will make the wound worse, but I can’t imagine that leaving it on there is a good idea either. If we can avoid even more costly medical bills without jeopardizing his health, that would be great. That being said, I’m reaching out to the canine community for any advice available! Thanks for taking the time to read my post 🙂

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  1. Laura

    Hi there! I’d be tempted to call and ask if you can soak the wound to release the gauze.

  2. Sarah

    Morning-
    I agree with Laura…. the other thought I had was maybe to try a soft cone? Our one dog is a bit with a plastic cone, but he will tolerate a soft cone.

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Julie | 5 years ago
Is It Normal For A Cat In Heat To Have Abdominal Swelling? My Cat Is 3 Yrs …

Is it normal for a cat in heat to have abdominal swelling? My cat is 3 yrs old and we have been meaning to spay her, but she goes into heat so often it’s hard to find time to do it. She is currently in heat and has been for over a week, and last week she had shown asymmetrical swelling on the left and right of her belly. The next day it went down so I figured it was nothing serious and probably swelling from being in heat. Now it has been a week she is still in heat and her abdomen seems just ever so slightly fuller on the right and left and firm. She is crazy in heat and doesn’t show any signs of being sick, acting normal, eating drinking, playing and jumping.

Is it possible for a cat in extreme heat to cause extreme swelling of the ovaries to where they would be palpable? I’m worried it could be early signs of pyometra, or if this is normal with heat. Her cycles have gotten more intense and extreme, as well as longer and more often, which makes me think it could be possible her reproductive system is simply engorged with blood causing it to be palpable.

If that (the swelling) is not normal with heat then I’ll take her to the vet ASAP, but again she is not grossly distended, she just appears “full”. Also there is no chance of pregnancy. Thanks.

3 Responses

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  1. Sarah

    Hello-
    I would get into the vet for an exam and probably an X-ray or ultrasound ASAP. I just would not want to chance it- and I would definitely spay her for her benefit and everyone’s peace of mind. Best of luck.

  2. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    I wouldn’t ever say that something is impossible, but, I get very concerned if anyone mentions abdominal swelling. Please see your vet ASAP for an examination. Certainly I would be worried about pregnancy but I am also worried about fluids and Organ enlargement which are both indicative of a problem and need to be addressed by your vet. I would recommend an exam ASAP. Your vet might also want todo an X-ray or ultrasound. If everything is Normal. I would spay her as soon as possible to avoid all of this from hopefully happening again. Please let us know what happens. If you are tight on funds ask for her to be spayed and while they are doing that take an internal exam of her to make sure everything looks grossly normal.

  3. Julie Post author

    Wanted to post an update. She had a lot of discharge suddenly so I took her to the vet. It indeed was pyometra and she had an emergency spay. Hoping for a smooth recovery.

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Diedra Cardamone | 5 years ago
I Recently Purchased A “furminator” Brush For My Cat With Medium Long Hair So That I …

I recently purchased a “furminator” brush for my cat with medium long hair so that I can brush her daily to help cut down on her hair balls. The brush works great! So, I am working on brushing daily and have purchased over the counter hair all control dry cat food to use with basic wet food. What is my next step if she is still vomiting Hair balls once in a while? Thanks!

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    Great questions. If you are still having issues talk to your vet about having your cat shaved down. You can also try otc catlax. But if you have excessive vomiiting don’t forget to ask about a possible medical issue. I worry some of these guys have an underlying medical condition that causes them to be chronically nauseous so they over groom and Chronically vomit. Chronic vomiting can have a huge range of causes but for these cases I start with a thorough history, exam, bloodwork, X-ray and ultrasound. Then I talk about an anti nausea medication trial highly digest able food and managing stress. But like I said this can be a long rule out list. Start at the easy and most likely and go from there. Monitor weight closely and document the vomiting with time, amount and vomitus description. It call help to identify the location of the primary issue. Let us know what happens. And ps I love the Furminator. It works great!

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Tyler | 5 years ago
I Apologize I’m Advanced If This Is Confusing To Read Its Kind Of Difficult To …

i apologize i’m advanced if this is confusing to read its kind of difficult to explain what im trying to say. i have an 11 year old rottweiler named Roxy. she’s been more amazing than you could ever ask for. as she has gotten older she has obviously gotten slower and it got to the point recently where when she would sit down she would sit on the side of her leg, she needs assistance getting up, and when walking you have to support her back half for a minute then she can walk on her own for a while till she needs a break. She can’t really bend one of her hind legs anymore. i’ve took her to the vet but am currently looking for a new vet because this one kept her 5 days, he called on day 2 and told me she was responding to some medication good. then called me on day 3 and told me she seemed paralyzed in the back half, then called me on day 4 and told me she didn’t seemed paralyzed and was walking better and i could come pick her up the next morning. i get there and he is very short about Roxy’s problems, doesn’t tell me much of anything wrong with her just gives me $300 in medication to give her at home. i’m working with her everyday helping her walk anytime she wants to move and she does seem to be slowly getting better. She never whines or acts like she’s in pain when moving or if you touch the back legs. She’s still full of life, her back legs are just holding her back. I’m going to do anything it takes to make sure she’s living as happy as she can and was just looking for any suggestions on what her problems could be and any thing i could do to help her
Thank you for any help i’m advance!!

2 Responses

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    I think a second opinion is in order. I also think you should send your vet a letter asking to explain why your dog needed to be kept and if there is a more affordable pain medication you can try. All vets have a license and all care can be inquired upon and challenged if deemed inappropriate. Also ask your friends for help in finding a reputable vet and then be completely honest about your financial abilities and treatment concerns for her. I’m sure there are affordable medications you can try And options like acupuncture or physical therapy and even cold laser therapy might help. I also think it’s time to discuss an X-ray or the joints and bloodwork.

    1. Tyler Post author

      i currently found out she has arthritis pretty bad in her hip and a ruptured disk in her spine…. she still doesn’t show any signs of pain. she has now began to rub the skin off of her foot where she’s dragged it around when nobody is around so i’m thinking it’s time to try crate rest for a little while

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Jonathan | 5 years ago
Hey! Just Found Your Page From YouTube, Was Wondering If It’d Be Possible To Chat …

Hey! Just found your page from YouTube, was wondering if it’d be possible to chat about my cat? Almost certain he has a nasopharyngeal polyp but I am having trouble convincing any vets in the Dallas area to sedate him and take a look without him first getting scans and tests that cost thousands of dollars. Is there anything I should be asking them for differently? He’s been fighting a URI for about 5 months now and we have done six rounds of antibiotics with steroids and antihistamines to help and nothing has stopped his symptoms from returning and we have only now made the connection as to why that is. He has the distinct snore noise while breathing and every other listed symptom associated, I just can’t afford the tests the vets are saying they require, it’s very heart breaking. Any help or wisdom is appreciated, we just don’t have the money to do much else and he is degrading quickly since his last round of antibiotics ended this week. I wish I didn’t sound so sure, we just are panicking that we have wasted so much time and money and may have missed our chance to best this this while we could and now may be unable to. Just heart breaking all around.

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    My advise in these cases is to call and keep calling until you find someone who you trust and can afford. It’s honestly why I see so many of these. Call the shelters. Call the local rescues and call the foundations that support pet care and ask for a person they know and recommend. They are out there but sadly they need to be searched for. If you find someone please let me know so I can pass it along. Like I said the local rescues know who is fair and affordable. Start there. Keep me posted. Very best of luck.