AMERICAN VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION
Reply: Cat with Diaherra??Trying to decide when a pet needs to be seen by a professional can sometimes be...
Trying to decide when a pet needs to be seen by a professional can sometimes be difficult. Thankfully your cat is still feeling good. I am always concerned when there is blood in the stool. It may be an indication of internal parasites, it could be a condition such as inflammation of the last part of the GI tract, colitis. Some cats eat items that they shouldn't...string, rubber bands, pennies...you get the idea...and this can also result in GI upset. Knowing whether it is a totally indoor cat, up to date on vaccines, on monthly heartworm and internal parasite preventives, has there been any change in diet or treats and any history of dietary indiscretion would be helpful. You can see there are so many questions to consider. Please take your cat and a sample of the stool to your veterinarian...this is the safest.
Dr. Bernadine CruzView Thread
Thanks for your Reply!
AMERICAN VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION
Reply: Dog CoughingA cough can be due to many reasons. Yes, it may be irritation from the straw,...
A cough can be due to many reasons. Yes, it may be irritation from the straw, dirt and other debris in the barn. It could also be something more serious such as heartworm disease, bacterial or fungal lung disease, heart disease or even cancer. It would be safest to have your pet examined by your veterinarian and follow his or her recommendations on working up the problem.
Best of luck...
Dr. Bernadine CruzView Thread
Thanks for your Reply!
AMERICAN VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION
Reply: Consant Licking at lower legsThere are myriad reasons why a pet may lick its legs. Yes, allergies would be...
There are myriad reasons why a pet may lick its legs. Yes, allergies would be one of the most common. If antihistamines and steroids are not of assistance, skin scrapes are negative for mites, I might suggest having radiographs taken of the area. It is possible that the pet has some form of pain that it causing it to worry the area. Being on both legs makes this a bit uncommon but not impossible. If the radiographs are negative, you may need to be referred to a board certified veterinary dermatologist for a second opinion. To answer your question on demodex, the mite can live under the skin without causing any problem for many dogs. Changes in the immune system, can make this previously innocuous parasite now problematic. Pups can be born with the organism.
Best of luck...
Dr. Bernadine CruzView Thread
Thanks for your Reply!
AMERICAN VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION
Reply: Older cat OCD?It sounds like you have a very special loving relationship with your cat....
It sounds like you have a very special loving relationship with your cat. Having a cat that is confident enough to be on its own for periods of time is marvelous. When a pet MUST be with a person at all times AND becomes stressed when they can't be, this is typically referred to as sparation anxiety rather than OCD. Pets can literally have panic attacks when their owners leave them, injuring themselves and damaging items in their environment.
You might try having your housemate observe your cat when you leave to go to the market or doctor's appointment. How does it react? If it does show signs of being stressed, you should start separating yourself from it for very brief periods of time (go to the bathroom without it) and slowly extend these periods of time.
I hope this helps...
Dr. Bernadine CruzView Thread
Thanks for your Reply!
AMERICAN VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION
Reply: HELP - broken arm & blistersHopefully by the time you see this note, your pup's swollen toes have returned...
Hopefully by the time you see this note, your pup's swollen toes have returned to their normal size. Trauma severe enough to break a bone can cause a tremendous amount of skin and muscle damage that can result in swelling. Yes, it is also possible that the splint become too snug with time and the cutting of slits was needed to relieve some of the pressure. If the toes are still swollen, please be sure to bring this to your veterinarian's attention. If your pup is too active, this can also exacerbate the situation. It may need mild sedative to help calm it.
Best of luck...
Dr. Bernadine CruzView Thread
Thanks for your Reply!
AMERICAN VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION
Reply: SteriodsLong term steroid useage is always a tricky subject. There are times that this...
Long term steroid useage is always a tricky subject. There are times that this is the only medication that will work for financial and/or medical reasons. Not knowing what the pet was treated for, what other treatment modalities were attempted, response to therapy, doseage used and type of monitoring that went on during the two years makes determining whether or not the steroids had an adverse effect on the pet difficult. Yes, steroids can have undesireable side effects such as weakening of the immune system, stomach ulcers, liver inflammation and more. Steroids if used judiciously have saved many lives.
Best of luck for the return of health to your sister's dog.
Dr. Bernadine CruzView Thread
Thanks for your Reply!
AMERICAN VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION
Reply: Older Cat Needs Medical Check...Suggest Financial ...From your description, it sounds as though you may be correct, that your cat is...
From your description, it sounds as though you may be correct, that your cat is experiencing a seizure. I am so glad that you want to have it looked in to and a trip to your veterinarian is best. Hopefully you have a relationship with your veterinarian and can call him/her and explain your financial situation. The practice may also be able to direct you to an animal assistance group in your area. You might Googling animal assistance groups in your area or you might want to contact your local animal services for other suggestions.
Best of luck...
Dr. Bernadine CruzView Thread
Thanks for your Reply!
AMERICAN VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION
Reply: My dog won't eat his dry foodIt is not unusual for all of us (our pets included) to have changes in our...
It is not unusual for all of us (our pets included) to have changes in our appetites but one that lasts for an extended period of time may be a reason to take your pet to your veterinarian for an examination. Dental disease, internal organ illnesses and more can be reasons why a pet may be off feed. Depending on whether there are other signs of 'being off' can assist you in deciding how soon you should make an appointment. From your posting, it sounds as though you are worried...never second guess yourself...have your pet seen.
Dr. Bernadine CruzView Thread
Thanks for your Reply!
AMERICAN VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION
Reply: Feline renal failureRenal disease is all too common in older cats. I am sorry to learn that your...
Renal disease is all too common in older cats. I am sorry to learn that your cat is also affected. What we want our cats to eat and what they will eat are often not one in the same. Several pet food manufacturers make diets that are considered renal (kidney) diets. These are usually increased in the quality of the protein and decreased in its quantity. Iams, Royal Canin and Purina all make these specialized diets. You might try going to their websites, searching for the particular formulas and then finding a veterinarian in your area that carries the food. Some distributors will drop ship food to your home. If your cat is super picky, you can go to www.BalanceIt.com and search for home made diets.
Best of luck...
Dr. Bernadine CruzView Thread
Thanks for your Reply!
AMERICAN VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION
Reply: 1 year old Lab with Joint problemsAnother thought that may help to finance the medical fees...ask your...
Another thought that may help to finance the medical fees...ask your veterinarian about third party payment companies such as Care Credit or Chase credit.
Dr. Bernadine CruzView Thread
Thanks for your Reply!
