What damage could tape worms have done to my dog?
Q: I have a mixed breed dog that is almost two. there is a park right behind our house, and it is full of rabbits, squirrels, ground squirrels, and birds. she keeps getting tape worms and i think it is from finding and playing with the bodies of these other animals. we treat her with tablets and it goes away, but they keep coming back. we've been trying to keep her out of the park and away from the animals, but i'm worried about the long term effects the reocurring tapeworms will have on her. what should i look for and what can i do?
A: Most of time tapeworms do not cause any significant clinical illness in dogs or cats. most common sign are anal itching or irritation in that area. rarely any other reactions.
Prednisolone
Q: My 17 yr old cat was diagnosed with a type of inflamatory bowel disease after i got her at age 1.shes been on prednisone for years, and the last 3 yrs on prednisolone 2.5mg gel caps,1 cap per week. she's easily stressed,last vet visit she didnt eat for 4 days,lost 3 of her 9 lb.! had to force feed. now my vet wants to work her up before giving any more pills for her! i dont agree at her age to put her thru that, and to find out only that she aging,with signs of kidney disease again. can i stop this medication, or try something else thru petmeds? i am at my wits end about this. thank you
A: I cannot recommend you just blanketly stop medicine unless cat has no signs of inflammatory bowel disease i.e. vomit diarrhea or weight loss. explain to vet your concern about visits and ask him for prescriptions to address ibd, and other alternatives like flagyl as well. you could also try slippery elm from health food store for bowel flareups(see book dr. pitcairns guide to natural health for dogs and cats by richard pitcairn, or book the new natural cat by anitra frazier for dosings of this and diet suggestions) also add prozyme from 1800petmeds to his diet as well. if vet not willing you could look up holistic vet on www.theavh.org many who work by phone with clients
Shop for: prednisone, prozyme, 1800petmeds
Crusted matter around eyes
Q: My dog's eyes have a thick buildup of crusted matter after a few days. i have asked the vet about it, but he seems to dismiss it. it is very unsightly and i have tried over the counter products to no avail. i am worried that he may develop an infection around his eyes because of this. he was a severly abused dog when i got him, he also had demodec mange. he's been an expensive proposition but i love him dearly. any suggestions on what else i can try.
A: If you are that concerned with eyes and your vet is dismissing your concerns, then see a veterinary opthomologist for peace of mind. your vet may be right to leave alone, but you sound like you want to be certain
Bumps between toes
Q: My jake russell as gotten 2 red bumps between her toe. it goes down then it seens to fill up again with fluid. we have gone to the vet 2 times. we got a med. called tritop. i soak her foot when i think about it in epsom salt. it helps. it seems as if something sets it off, outside or inside.the vet does not seem to know other then sometimes this happens and its nonthing to worrie about. it does not seen to upset the dog as it does me! any ideas louann
A: Could be simple allergic reaction. i would not worry if not enlarging or bothering dog. only way to defintiively diagnose is with biopsy
Calcified disk in neck of shihtzu
Q: I have a 8 year old shih tzu who has calcium build up in his right side of neck. he was on (early june) methocarbinol and prednisone initially. now he is down to 1/4 tab of (5mg) prednisone twice a day. the nuero also gave us a prescription for oxicodone liquid form which which i have given him twice in the last week. they have told us the surgery with mri will be around 4k , we already have about 1200 in to maxx this year and don't feel we can take on any additional expenses however also dont want a dog on steriods long term. what are my options? is there a pain killer that would help him so we can take him off prednisone all together? i have also seen these harnesses that are supposed to help on alternative websites what are your thoughts on them? thanks in advance! leah
A: I think harnesses are an excellent idea as well as considering holistic vet med options such as acupuncture or chiropractic from qualified vet www.altvetmed.com or vet homeopath www.theavh.org as not many other types of drugs other than limited ones you mention above. we dont do a good job with these dogs medically and surgery is no guarantee either
Shop for: prednisone, homeo
| |
