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Ed Schmitz | 7 years ago
We Are Treating Out 12 Yr Old Beagle For IVDD With Crate Rest, Prednosine, And…

We are treating out 12 yr old beagle for IVDD with crate rest, prednosine, and tramadol. His back legs have been paralyzed for 14 days. For the past several days, when I hold him to urinate or massage his legs, I feel jerky movements and trembling. Is this a positive sign or simply his reflexes?

2 Responses

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  1. Ed Schmitz Post author

    Thank you. I will talk to the vet tomorrow. I watched your youtube videos with Hank. Looks a lot like my Buddy. It was encouraging to see Hank’s recovery.

  2. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    Please check with your vet. But in general I try to posture them to stand at every instance I can to help them regain muscle mass and strength. I hope it is trembling to regain the nerve function that feeds the muscles to tell them to work. But please confirm with your vet.

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Pawbly | 7 years ago
Hi, I Brought My Cat To The Vet On Thursday. She Has Been Straining To…

Hi, I brought my cat to the vet on Thursday. She has been straining to urinate since Wednesday night. She had also been throwing up her food and had had diarrhoea on the Thursday morning. The vet prescribed antibiotics for cystitis and I am brining her back after a week for a recheck. She had quite a lot of blood in her urine before she started the antibiotics but this has stopped since. She is still frequently going to the litter tray and is still straining and doesn’t seem to be able to get much out. She has stopped getting sick and is eating and drinking as normal. Apart from a little bit of diarrhoea on the Thursday morning she has not defecated at all and prior to that it had been at least 4 days. Could you give me some advice on when I should begin to see improvements?

4 Responses

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  1. E

    Thank you for your responses. I rang the emergency vet today and she told me that it would take a few days until she is urinating normal again and as long as she is eating and drinking she should be ok. She no longer has blood in her urine, however I am still quite worried as there doesn’t seem to be much improvement in the volume of her urine output and she seems to be straining a lot with only a a little dribble of urine each time. She is also licking the area after every time she tries to urinate. Other than this her temperment seems normal and she is lively.

  2. Julie Brader

    Hi …if you are in any way concerned please take your cat back to the Vet before her check up is due. If she is still straining to urinate and has not defacated for 4 days it could be something other than cystitis.
    Take a urine sample to the Vet with you and perhaps ask for blood tests to check kidney function etc. I hope she recovers soon.

  3. Shiria

    If she still has blood in her urine and is straining to get somethign out I would visit the vet again. Maybe she has bladderstones or something else partly blocks the way.
    Same if she can’t defecate. Sometimes it takes a while after diarrhoea until the colon starts working again normally, but if shes eating normal since 4 days and wasn’t able to use the toilet since then I would get that checked, too.

  4. Krista Magnifico

    I am very very worried that the cat is unable to urinate which is an emergency. Please go immediately to the vet now!

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Pawbly | 7 years ago
We Just Adopted A Rescue Cat And He Is Very Timid. Hides Under Furniture…

We just adopted a rescue cat and he is very timid. Hides under furniture, won’t come out. Is this normal? He has barely eaten and has not urinated or had a bowel movement. It’s been about 24 hrs since we got him.

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  1. Anonymous

    Yes, this is normal. The rescue didn’t explain a proper introduction to your home? I would keep him in one room, with the door shut, for at least a week, but ideally longer, especially if you have any other pets in the house. Keep a litterbox, his food, and his water in there. Go in for chunks of time each day, and totally ignore him – take a book and read, or do some other quiet activity. This gives him a little time to acclimate to the new home and new people in his life. Rehomed animals, particularly adults, NEED a significant period of time to adjust.

  2. Sarah

    It’s all an adjustment for the cat. And just like people, different pets have different personalities. Some adjust more quickly than others. You’ll have to take cues from them about certain things. For instance, when we brought our most recent cat home, she preferred to remain in our finished basement for about three days. It seemed odd to us since the dogs were usually down there with her and not upstairs with us. So I would go and sit on the sofa, watch the news, have my tea etc. then, on that last morning, she decided that yes, this house was hers and that was that. So it just has to go it’s own course. Be patient. If he gets hungry enough, he will eat. But if you are still concerned, I would call my vet. Congratulations on your new furry family member!!

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Jessica Terzigni | 7 years ago
Hi Dr. Mag, My 12 Week Old Puppy Had Vaccines DA2PPV & Lepto 1 Of…

Hi Dr. Mag,

My 12 week old puppy had vaccines DA2PPV & lepto 1 of 2; bordetella booster and strongid this evening at the clinic. He is now excessively urinating which is new behavior tonight. Is this normal or cause for concern?

Thank you,
Jessica

1 Response

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello!
    Sorry. I was at the clinic until after 9. My advice is to always call the vet as soon as you can if you think that there has been an allergic reaction. Even if you aren’t sure you should check with them ASAP.
    As far as tonight’s episode Imis concened I would say that as long as he is otherwise normal I think you are ok to wait through the night until the clinic is open in the morning. If anything else changes like attitude, behavior, or anything out of the ordinary please head to the closest ER. Just to be safe. If you need me you can call.
    PS please notify us in the morning as to how he is doing.
    Xoxo
    Merry Christmas to you all!

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Laura | 7 years ago
Dr. Magnifico (and Anyone Else), A Friend Has A Difficult Situation He’s Trying To Rectify…

Dr. Magnifico (and anyone else), a friend has a difficult situation he’s trying to rectify with his cat.

He has a male cat who was treated for a UTI very recently – 2 weeks ago, to be exact. In the past two days, the cat has taken to urinating on a specific spot on the carpet on the same floor as the litterboxes (they have 3 boxes for 2 cats). He is not actively AVOIDING the boxes, he’s just preferring the carpet for urine. He isn’t marking, either – he’s emptying his full bladder in this one particular spot. I’ve suggested cleaning the heck out of the spot with an industrial shampooer with Nature’s Miracle added to the mix, to get the urine out of the pad. What other suggestions can I give him? I have zero experience with a cat with a UTI, and I’m at a loss at the moment.

6 Responses

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  1. Anonymous

    Just to update, friend rented a Rug Doctor and thoroughly cleaned the spot. Once it’s dry, he’s going to do another round of cleaning on the spot.

  2. Sarah

    I’m wondering if he out the box there, would the cat use it? I know it’s not a permanent solution, but it may help short term. Then perhaps move the box back little by little, IF the cat starts using it again. Just a thought….

  3. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    Here’s my gold standard recommendation. Serial urinalyses (three to be exact) to look for any evidence of a urinary issue. This might include a culture and sensitivity. I also like an X-ray and ultrasound. Point being work out a medical issue to the ninth degree!! At the same time start to address behavior issues. I have a few blogs on “inappropriate urination”. I think (hope) that I have added all my secrets and tips to them. If things get bad (like to the point of considering giving up use the drugs!!!). Try fluoxetine.

  4. Anonymous

    Sarah – Thanks! I suggested the box move. Even if it’s just plopping ONE box in that spot, it can’t hurt, right? I don’t think they’ve furnished the basement yet, so it’s a great idea. 🙂

    Dr. M – THANK YOU! I’ll recommend another urinalysis. My gut feeling is it’s not quite gone, especially when this started a day or so ago, and he was seen by their vet 2 weeks ago. I’ll recommend another visit today. I’ll also dig through the blog. 🙂

  5. Anonymous

    Update! He will cover the spot with plastic and put a litterbox on top of it, and he’s trying to get his cat in today to get a urine sample captured today or tomorrow. He also washed the spot again before returning the Rug Doctor this afternoon.

    Thanks a ton, ladies! I’ll keep updating as things progress.

  6. Julia Morrell

    are they declawed? some cats dont like the feel of the litter. have several types of litter boxes high, low, covered, open, etc. to encourage proper elimination

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zeta rose id | 7 years ago
My Cat Was Hit By A Car And Broke Her Pelvis. The Vet Suggested Surgery…

My cat was hit by a car and broke her pelvis. The vet suggested surgery which is very expensive. Is surgery the only way to treat her? or is there any other alternative? So far she can urinate on her own but having problem pooping. I think she’s in pain. The vet prescribed Tramadol and lactulose for her. Any advice is greatly appreciated. Thank you.

3 Responses

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    Well this is a somewhat difficult question to answer. Here has been my experience. If you do not have the ability to see a surgeon and have this corrected by them (in my area it would be anywhere from $2000 to $5000. Then I always suggest strict cage rest. No leaving the cage for two weeks. No exceptions. The crate should have a very low bed, low sided litter box and food and water. They should be fed a watered down wet food to keep the stool soft and easy to pass. After two weeks see your vet for a recheck X-ray to see how the pelvis is healing.
    Have the cat spayed asap.
    If the cat presents with anal tone and deep pain in all four feet I recommend cage rest

    The best option is surgery. If you cannot afford it try cage rest. They will be painful for a few day. A fentanyl patch might help or try buprinex. Ask your vet about these.
    Let me know how she does

  2. Anonymous

    Her pelvis is broken. It needs to be stabilized, surgically, for proper healing. If you DON’T get the surgery, she will be in pain, most likely for the rest of her life.

  3. Sarah

    I would get ahold of my vet and try to have this very discussion with them perhaps there is something they can do that fits for both of you.

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jen Hohman | 7 years ago
My 18 Year Old Cat Has Eaten Very Little Today. She Is Still Drinking…

My 18 year old cat has eaten very little today. She is still drinking and urinating normally. She is very thin. I am taking her in tomorrow. What can I expect during the visit?I’m scared that I will have to put her to sleep.

5 Responses

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  1. Sarah

    I may glad you already have an appointment. I’m sure if you tell the vet your concerns upfront they will work with you.

  2. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    I expect that after an exam, some questions about how much she drinks and pees that they will recommend some blood work. I also expect it to include thyroid and a urinalysis. From here most of the needed information can be gathered. As long as her heart and lungs sound ok bloodwork usually holds the answer. At my clinic this is about $200 total.
    And for the record only you decide it is time for your cat to pass on. No one else has the right to decide. Except a judge if they deem it to be cruelty. If your cat is struggling to the point that you questioning she still has a quality of life acceptable to you then your vets job is to help both of you come to a peaceful end of life journey. It’s your decision. Never feel coerced or intimidated. Find a vet who cares and wants to help. Also hospice is available if you ask. Please let me know what happens tomorrow. I wish you both the best. Krista

  3. jen Hohman Post author

    Thank you both for answering my question. I’m still very worried that I may lose her.

  4. jen Hohman Post author

    Hello,
    I just wanted to let you know that Rugrat has passed away. She died before her vet appointment. Thank you so much for all of your help.

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Karen Guckert | 7 years ago
I Have A 13 Week Old Puppy. He’s Been Fine But He Just Threw Up…

I have a 13 week old puppy. He’s been fine but he just threw up his food and now he’s quivering. He’s urinating fine and he had a good bowel movement not too long ago. I’m concerned. What should I do?

3 Responses

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  1. Anonymous

    If he’s only vomited once, I think I’d wait and see. If he vomits more, I’d be on the horn with the vet.

  2. Jennifer Taylor

    I would keep an eye on him for now. If his mood changes (i.e. lethargic, depressed, etc.) vomiting continues or if he starts having diarrhea I would take him to see a vet.

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Denise Reitan | 7 years ago
We Have An ~ 4mos Old Puppy Who Testicles Became Inflamed And/or Infected Recently. …

We have an ~ 4mos old puppy who testicles became inflamed and/or infected recently. He has had some diarrhea as well (was diagnosed with roundworm and treated), but otherwise has been acting fine. Blood work showed his was slightly anemic and his WBC was slightly high. Thyroid test was normal. UA was normal. Urine culture showed two different types of bacteria, but they decided it was contamination and didn’t treat one of them since it was only susceptible to an antibiotic that isn’t good for puppies. He was already on Doxy which would treat the second bacteria. Brucella screen was negative. He was neutered the other day and the testes were filled with blood. They were sent to the pathologist and a culture was also submitted (results pending). They also ran a distemper test as well as a different type of Brucella test (results also pending). Torsion was ruled out. Has anyone seen anything like this? Are there other tests we should ask about running to figure out what is causing this?

2 Responses

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    I have not seen anything like this. I suppose neoplasia, trauma and toxin are also on the list. The pathologist can hopefully provide the answer. Let us know please. Best of luck to your puppy.

  2. Denise Reitan Post author

    They did X-rays and ultrasound and it didn’t show any masses. Trauma is still being considered, but in a week’s time things got worse, not better which seems a little unusual for trauma. No one has mentioned toxins yet – I’ll ask about that. Thanks! I will let you know what the pathology report says (probably be a few more days still).

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Heidi Becker HeidiB | 7 years ago
My Cat Is Having Trouble Urinating And I Don’t Think He Has Eaten For About…

My cat is having trouble urinating and I don’t think he has eaten for about a day. What should I do?

1 Response

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    I would be very worried that your cat might have a urinary blockage. This should be considered an emergency and you should go to the vet immediately. I hope your cat is ok.