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Pam Brooks | 5 years ago
My Cat Was Taken In To The Vet In May To Treat Allergies, Difficulty Breathing…

My cat was taken in to the vet in May to treat allergies, difficulty breathing (snoring sounds) and a head tilt. Was given an anti inflammatory, antibiotic (convenia), vitamin b-12, ear drops, and an X-ray. Diagnosed with asthma brought on by allergies. Lungs ok. Three weeks later breathing and itching had improved, but third eyelid started showing.
Vet would not see him and said to go to a specialist.
Took the cat for a second opinion. That vet said we should check for nasal polyps. Was sedated and had an exam of ears and throat. No polyps were visible. Vet felt a small enlarged area under the soft palate, but could not confirm this was a polyp. Head tilting stopped after first visit. Recurred a few days ago. Not present now. Second vet recommended going to a specialist for ct scan. It is cost prohibitive and I’m not sure it is necessary. Third opinion from an online site recommended we try antibiotics for the respiratory issues. Started on one antibiotic today for ten days. And started on purina fortiflora.
Looking for any other advice or experience with issues like this. I’ve never had a cat with these problems.
Thanks.
#cats #nasal #headtilt #respiratory #polyps

9 Responses

Comments

  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    This is a tough one. The problem really lies in the inability to localize and identify the lesion causing all of the clinical signs. I would look into Horners Syndrome and see a cat specialist. I also would consider a long discussion with a trusted vet on what is treatable and what isn’t based on most likely diagnosis. That’s really what you need. Help from someone who will talk about your case within your budget and comfort zone. I have to add one more thing. It really bugs the heck out of me to have a vet who won’t talk to you further after you discuss and confide in your inability to see a specialist (who will likely want a ct that you also can’t afford). Sorry. Soapbox moment.
    Keep me posted on your cats status please.

  2. Pam Brooks Post author

    Thank you. I just found your videos on removing nasal polyps on you tube. Was so hopeful yesterday that the second opinion vet who did the exam with Lucas under anesthesia would find a polyp in his throat and remove it. But instead she said she felt something kidney bean size under his soft palate. She wasn’t real confident of what it was. I went for the second opinion and told them I could not do the specialist route due to cost. Then I ended up being told I need to go see a specialist and spend 1-2 thousand for a CT. After that I could not pay for anymore treatment. So I searched around and had a vet online recommend the antibiotics. No one yet has given me options. Although the second vet said well he could live with polyps. I said but he is getting worse. The head tilt went away and came back. She said nothing else. I feel like I’m in an airport being moved through the system in the midst of storms that no on wants to discuss. And when I ask questions like can we give him steroids for inflammation – she says oh no I wouldn’t do that.
    I am scheduled for a consult with a vet from Cornell on Sunday. Maybe that will help.
    The other option I’m considering is just paying for a consult with a specialist – internal medicine I guess. When you call they won’t tell you what anything costs until you beg them. So I am leary of spending more money twith a specialist who may tell me they can’t do anything until I spend even more money on a ct.
    Sorry, frustrating week.

  3. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    I completely understand your frustration. For al of the reasons you mention we added a storyline section to this site. If you can please add a story of your experience at each vet you went to and include the prices of each visit. I hope it is a way for others to see what the cost of care is and even which bets are affordable and helpful. Stories are entered by service provider. So each visit is entered separately but reference that you added one for each. It is a new feature so let me know if you have any questions or problems. We really are working hard to help people like you. Keep us posted. Good luck. Ps I think Cornell is a great option.

  4. Pam Brooks Post author

    For more information on this subject please see these credible resource pages; ACVS Nasopharyngeal Polyps; https://www.acvs.org/small-animal/nasopharyngeal-polyps

    Dr Magnifico, this is the link you posted. Figure 5 sounds like what Lucas has – a small polyp under his soft palate. Is this a surgery that a general practice cat vet could perform. Or only a surgeon. Cost is an issue for me. But I want to help Lucas before things get worse. Thanks.

  5. Pam Brooks Post author

    It says the mass will regrow with the simple removal shown. But it would be some relief and I’m not sure how fast they grow. Thanks.

  6. Pam Brooks Post author

    Went to a new vet today. What a difference from the others! Quiet, calm environment. Cats only patients. The vet was so thorough. Spent a long time with Lucas. When Lucas got anxious, he allowed him to go back into his carrier and calm down. Then he continued the exam by removing the top of the carrier. Lucas stayed in the corner and was much calmer. Going to try a new antibiotic – to hit what might be a middle ear infection. Onward!

  7. Pam Brooks Post author

    Thanks Dr Magnifico,
    The consulting vet from Cornell recommended I find a good vet interested in pursuing what is going on with Lucas, and listening to me regarding my budget. That was the same advice you gave! By the way the Cornell consult was excellent. The vet was very familiar with nasal polyps – and did not feel like this is the problem.

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Maria Chiaia | 5 years ago
IVDD – Beagle. Hi, I Reached Out A Few Weeks Ago Because My Dog Was…

IVDD – Beagle.

Hi, I reached out a few weeks ago because my dog was diagnosed with IVDD but could not use the bathroom on his own and it was next to impossible to express him. After a couple of weeks of manually catheterizing him, he started to use the bathroom on his own regularly. He also started to regain a lot of strength back, especially in his back legs. The problem area is in his neck but he is able to wag his tail and turn his neck all around. He still cannot walk, he can hold his backend up but his front two paws continue to knuckle and go under him when he tries to walk. I watched the videos on Hank and I know he had a similar issue but you did not go into depth as one video his front paws didn’t work and then the next video all of a sudden he was walking. Is there anything I can do to speed up this process or help him? I’m so proud of how hard he’s come and I don’t want to give up now.

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    I’m so glad to hear that your dog is still with us and improving. I also think that your question is wonderful! Here’s what I did with Hank. I did lots and lots and more lots of massage and passive range of motion. I also placed him with support and encouraged him to just stand. I would hold his sternum and place his back legs (a little wider than normal) and just try to hold him there. Like teaching a baby to walk. I did this all the time. I know people are afraid of hurting them but the problem with paralysis is muscle atrophy. Which happens really really quick. Like in days. So I pushed him hard to keep trying and to wake his brain up to talk to his muscles. I hope this helps. Good luck. Keep us posted.

    1. Maria Chiaia Post author

      Great news! So happy and thankful to report that after three long, tough months, my dog is walking again!! The only thing that really helped was putting him in a pool and doing water therapy with him every day.

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Judy Kuehn | 5 years ago
I Have An 9 Year Old Spayed Female Pit/terrier Mix With A History Of Liver…

I have an 9 year old spayed female pit/terrier mix with a history of liver disease. She has recently been getting hairless black spots showing up on her sides and legs, especially in the rear. Her biopsy came back as possibly ischemic dermatomyosits. The antibiotic that her vet put her on seems to have made no difference, and the fish oil and vit E are A) difficult to give her and B) she hasn’t been on them long enough to know if they are helping. She has no apparent muscle involvement. Would doing blood studies for autoimmune diseases help me get a better plan for treatment? What specialist would be best to manage her care? Any information or help in this problem would really be appreciated!

2 Responses

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    I think that asking for a referral to a specialist is always a wonderful idea. The more help you can get to care for your pet the better your pets care options are. I am not sure if the spurs are related to the condition or not but if you are contemplating auto immune issues you should see an internal medicine or dermatologist. I hope this helps. Please keep us posted.

  2. Judy Kuehn Post author

    Could the liver disease be associated? She had no localized lesions 3 years ago on U/S. But her labs have been improving while she has been on Royal Canin Hepatic and Denamarin.

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Carey Henning | 5 years ago
Can Interceptor Cause Bowel Problems. Our 1 Year Old Golden Seems To Have Tummy Issues…

Can Interceptor cause bowel problems. Our 1 year old Golden seems to have tummy issues a few days after her heartworm

1 Response

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    Yes. It can cause gi upset. Please call the vet who prescribed it and speak to them about any possible adverse effect.

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Jennifer Farrell | 6 years ago
Hi Dr. Magnifico. I Realized The Geriatric Diet Is Chicken Based, Which Gives Dottie Hives…

Hi Dr. Magnifico. I realized the geriatric diet is chicken based, which gives Dottie hives. Would the liver diet work with some kind of supplement we could add to it? Maybe some pumpkin or something? I have been trying to find low protein, fish based geriatric foods for dogs with liver and kidney problems. Thank you!

2 Responses

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    I can call the nutritionist and ask. But I won’t be able to do it until Monday. Can you call me on Monday and remind me to talk to Sami about it. Anytime between 9-4. Hugs to you all.

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Holly Hood | 6 years ago
I Have 3 Cats And Have Some Litter Box Issues. I Used To Have The…

I have 3 cats and have some litter box issues. I used to have the covered boxes, but noticed that one of the cats was peeing outside the box. So I removed all of the lids. The problem seemed to stop, but then started again on occasion. I bought larger boxes, (I have three of them) and the issue still occurs. I finally discovered it was my cat with colitis. She does pee in the box, but gets so close to the edge or stands instead of squats that it goes outside the box. Is she doing this because of the colitis or a behavior issue? perhaps higher sided boxes would help? I keep the areas lined with pee pads, but they are no match for cat urine. Suggestions?

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  1. Sarah

    Hi?
    I would try a box with higher sides. I would also discuss this with my vet to make use it isn’t related to the medical issue.

  2. Laura

    I agree with Sarah – get a box with higher sides. You should have 4 for that number of cats, anyway, so it’s a good time to pick that up.

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Sarah | 6 years ago
Hi Pawbly Friends- 2 Questions. First, Is There A Number To Report Dead Bald Eagles…

Hi pawbly friends- 2 questions. First, is there a number to report dead bald eagles to? We have 2 (pretty sure it’s 2) carcasses in the feed field behind our house which I find quite strange. Second, our 2 younger GSDs got ahold of part of one and got into a scuffle over it. One got the other in the forepaw with a canine and punctured it. I have antibiotics (cephalexin) and have cleaned it with the blue solution we have from the vet for such unfortunate events. I’ve put antibiotic ointment on it and have it bandaged up. Vet office is closed at the moment….will make a phone call tomorrow to them. Thinking we are ok or the time being. He is running around on it no problems at th moment.

1 Response

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello!
    Call Pheonix Wildlife about the eagles. They can help.
    Second about the pups. Keep doing what you’re doing. Start the antibiotics and soak the foot in the nolvasan. I’m at the clinic tomorrow. Let me know how they are doing. You can send me a photo and call me I’m at the clinic.

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Vedrana Vilusic | 6 years ago
My Vet Says My Dog Has A Severe Loss Of Bone Density And That Its…

My vet says my dog has a severe loss of bone density and that its genetic. Apparently he tried giving vitamin d, calcium and phospor to some other dog with the same problem but it didnt help at all. Apparently it was even worse.
DOES ANYONE KNOW HOW CAN I HELP MY DOG? He already had 2 surgeries (fho, patella). He is only 2 years old. 🙁

4 Responses

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  1. Sarah

    Good morning? I’m sorry about your pup. If it were me, I would talk to my vet about a specialist, and if they were at a loss then I would start calling around for second opinions. I would also call local shelters and ask them if they have ever had a similar issue and ask them who they dealt with and what was done. I hope this helps. Best of luck!

  2. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    I don’t know where you are or if you have access to a second opinion from a specialist? I also typically only hear of these kinds of cases if they haven’t been fed the correct diet so I would discuss that. Next it is important to understand what your dog is presenting with ( the reason you sought veterinary help to begin with) to understand the severity of the condition. I’m aorry but we need more information for me to offer any real help or direction. Therefore I would get a second opinion from a specialist as the best next step.

  3. Vedrana Vilusic Post author

    Ok I ll tell you the story from the beginning. I found Lucky when he was an older puppy – on the street, he was a stray dog. He was lying injured who knows how long, obviously hit by a car. I took him to myself and brought him to a vet (to a vet in bosnia who does all the ortho surgeries). He told me his hip is misplaced and that he has to do an fho surgery (Lucky was around 4-5 months old at the time). Surgery went ok and Lucky uses his leg (not perfectly, but acceptable). He has grown in the meantime from 35-40cm of height to 60cm of height, the shortnes in the leg with operated hip was obvious, and he was somehow rotating it while walking. I knew he will need an fho surgery on his other hip very soon as well. In the meantime he jumped awkwardly and injured his crucial ligament and he developed an obvious patella luxation (I had to put it back by myself every time his patella popped because he just froze and got very frightened), I brought him to the same vet again. He examined him by hands (he hasnt done an x ray) and told me that Lucky needs a patella surgery immediately, so I agreed. He is now 5 weeks from patella surgery,. We went to the same vet the other day for control checkup, even though he limps on his patella-fixed leg, the vet says its ok, it will be better after some time, and the vet has done his “healthy” hip x ray. Thats when he told me that Lucky definitely needs an fho surgery on his “healthy” hip as well, that he has very low density bones and that I have to take extra care of him because they might break easily. I asked are there some solutions to it, can I improve it with calcium supplements or something (I already give him glucosamine and omega 3) and thats when the vet said he had the same situation before with some other dog and he tried with supplements -vit D, calc and phosphor but it didnt help, it only made it worse (weird). The same vet told me Lucky has patella luxation grad 1 on his other knee as well, but no ruptured ligament and that I have to take him to that surgery as soon as possible, that I shouldnt wait until it ruptures.. So Lucky apparently needs another 2 surgeries and he has that weird issues with his bones. At the moment I have nowhere else to go (except maybe outside the country, but Im afraid it would be all much more expensive, even this here I can hardly afford. Lucky mostly eats liver and rice, sometimes canned red meat or fish very very rare kibble (he is not a fan). I also give him yogurt and cottage cheese. I wouldnt say its a bad diet.. I dont give him bread and other carbs except rice. Im sorry for the long message, but I could really use every advice possible Thank you both for responding, Im afraid I dont have much options, here in Bosnia when dogs have a lot of health issues, poeple mostly euthanise the dog 🙁 but that is not an option, Lucky is my whole heart.
    Thank you both so much!

  4. Sarah

    Ok- here is what I think I would do. I would have a heart to heart with my vet. Explain to him that you want to do what is best for Lucky and that right now euthanasia is not an option. Be upfront about your budget and whether or not you have any flexibility in it. Ask if there is a way to space things out and manage Lucky’s condition so that you can build up your money saved in between possible surgeries. Ask if you could pay in installments, like $50 a week for a certain amount of time to repay for the surgery or surgeries. If you have a relationship with this vet already, I am sure that they can appreciate that you have Lucky’s best interest at heart and will do whatever they can to help you. Good luck.

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Lauren Hall | 6 years ago
I Need Help Finding A Surgeon For Luxation Of Both Scapula In A Cat. I’ve…

I need help finding a surgeon for luxation of both scapula in a cat. I’ve been to two vets, called countless surgeons in multiple states, and even emailed a professor who wrote one of the articles I have found on the issue. All of them say something different (with the exception of the email that has yet to be returned). My vet said they couldn’t do anything but take x-rays, a second opinion (regular vet practice) offered injections of Adequan (which won’t fix the problem). When I asked my vet about the effectiveness of injections they turned around and said they’d sell me Ichon injections (which seem even more questionable) which is interesting they didn’t suggest it sooner if they could.
Of the surgeons I’ve called, I’ve asked all of them if they have experience in this rare condition. Surgery isn’t the only option; I’ve done my research. Surgery isn’t always the best treatment depending on severity and individual factors of the cat. But all of them seem to be selling the surgery. They won’t consider anything else.
Everyone wants me to bring him in so they can take their own x-rays and do their own exam, which I understand to a point but I’m a student with only so much money. While I’m willing to put what it takes if my cat needs surgery, I don’t want to spend thousands just on consults before we even do a potential surgery. And what am I supposed to do but get another opinion when everyone gives me a different diagnosis that fits their practice? One hospital even said bring the cat to their ER now which I know is wrong because I know while he may be uncomfortable, he is not in pain. I would not let him be in severe pain. I don’t want him uncomfortable either, but I need to know that I’m making the best decision not just being sold a service *especially* if it’s one he doesn’t need.
Please, please, please let me know if you know of anyone with experience in this area. Private practice to university professor wanting to use it as educational- I just need someone with experience beyond “knowing how to do it in theory.” Any help is beyond appreciated!!

2 Responses

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  1. Lauren Hall Post author

    I’m currently finishing up my BA in GA and my cat is in TN (Nashville area) with my parents till then. Once I graduate in Dec. I plan to go to TN for a spell before moving to VA for a year to save up for grad school. I may wait to move to VA depending on my cat’s treatment. I’d like to limit stress on him so would like to avoid coupling moving and potential surgery if possible, but will move first if there is a better specialist closer to where I might move to in central VA or, if his condition is deemed stable, then perhaps there could be a specialist worth waiting for closer to where I end up for grad school, but that’s probably a year out. I know that’s not a super helpful answer, sorry.

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Pawbly | 6 years ago
6-month Old Golden Retriever/Labrador Mix Bites Me Most Of The Time. She’s Usually Nice When…

6-month old Golden Retriever/Labrador mix bites me most of the time. She’s usually nice when it’s playtime or feeding time (if she’s overstimulated accidents may or may not happen). But in downtimes she just comes at me. I could be sitting quietly not bothering her and she could be lying down 1 second and the next she’s suddenly biting my arm. It doesn’t often happen to other family members. Is it because she wasn’t taught bite inhibition properly because family members don’t want to leave the room or do it nicely? Is it because they react aggressively when she bites them (i.e. they used to pinch her and step on her paw. now it’s mostly just pinning her down to the floor)?

I’m honestly tired. They think they’re doing it right, but I don’t think it’s working. But since she’s not biting them as much they think of it as working.

I’m literally the only one playing and exercising her and I think that factors in a lot. They just leave her and aside from feeding her in the morning, they really don’t do anything else.

I got a response from another site a few months back and they said I had a people problem, not a puppy problem. Is there anything I can do though? Is it something that’s wrong with me?? I don’t know anymore please help :(((((((((((

1 Response

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  1. Natisha Mullis-Brooks

    You do have a “people problem”, but that “people problem” has now caused a dog problem. It sounds like the pup is bored and wanting to play, but hasn’t been taught the social niceties of the “human world”. Retrievers are very mouthy in general because that’s what they’re bred for; picking up and carrying things. But there are actually several things you can do to help.

    First things first: If she comes at you and bites down on your arm, yell out, “Ow!”, in a loud and high pitched voice. As hard as it might be to do, try not to pull your arm back as this may trigger the tugging instinct. Even at six months old, she can be taught bite inhibition. It’s not too late!! Yelling out in a high pitched, loud voice may startle her into letting go. After all, her goal is not to hurt you, but to play and get some attention. Think of puppies when they play. When one yells in pain, the other usually lets go. That’s our goal here. If she does let go, offer her a toy that the two of you can interact with: a rope for tug, a squeaker for catching, a ball for chasing. Make sure, when you are with her, you have a toy that she likes with you at all times. Because once she lets go, you want to say, “Good girl!” and give her the toy immediately and then a bit of affection for doing the right thing. Most retrievers have high drives and love a game of fetch.

    If the yelling doesn’t work, you can yell “Aaaanntt” and push your arm firmly into her mouth. This losens her grib by widening her jaws and most dogs don’t like how it feels. As soon as she releases you, say “Good girl” and offer the toy and your time.

    If neither of the above works, you may have to try a bit of nose pressure. When she bites down yell “Ow!” and then place your hand (thumb on one side and index finger on the other) over her nose so that the meaty part between your thumb and finger are applying pressure to the top of her nose. You want to place it about a quarter of the way down her nose. Then squeeze your index finger and thumb together as if you’re trying to make them touch through her nose. You’ll have to supply a decent amount of pressure for this to work, but you don’t r ally want to harm her. The top of a dog’s nose is VERY sensitive and a. Other dog will bite a pup here with some force, when the pup has gotten out of hand. You want to mimick a mother’s technique, sans the teeth. Once she releases you,give her the toy and affection. She may yell when you do this, but I promise you are only causing a bit of discomfort and no large amount of pain.

    Lastly, if all else fails you’ll have to become a bit more aggressive in your tactics. -sigh- Ehen she bites you, place your thumb behind her upper canine by the same means as applying pressure to the top of the nose, but apply no pressure. Instead, run your thumb down to her upper lip and push it into her mouth a bit. This will cause her to bite down on her own lip (we all nonhow horrible this feels!) and in most cases, she’ll let go of you almost immediately. Give you, “Good girl” and affection immediately. And bonus, she’ll get to experience her own bite strength, which promotes bite inhibition.

    I wish you two a lot of luck. If you have any questions about technique, I’d be happy to send you videos. I’m a Canine Behaviorist and have worked with dogs for over 30 years. Just email me at: tishtish1975@yahoo.com