[anonymous]

Those lab values are not concerning (imo). I agree with above post. Ask your vet as to how to proceed.
I am sure he would return your call if you leave a message for him to call you back when he has a minute. That is one of the the benefits of sticking with the same vet/veterinary clinic.

[anonymous]

I have owned several small breeds over the years, my little poodle mix (9 pounds) does well on Nutrisca kibble 1/4 cup 2 times a day with a small scoop (tablespoon +) of cooked chopped chicken/turkey or scrambled egg or tuna, broiled chicken liver….maybe a bite for a snack once or twice a day also. I add a splash of water or homemade chicken broth (no onions) to meals. Long walks as tolerated.
Some dogs are naturally lean, metabolisms differ. No free feeding (leaving food down) pick up food if not eaten after 10 minutes and store in fridg, offer at the next meal time. It’s okay if they skip a meal here and there.
Weigh once a week, stand on scale and note your weight, then pick up the dog, note weight and subtract your weight. Then you can adjust the amount of food accordingly. Plus, don’t be afraid to ask your vet as to what he recommends.

[anonymous]

Yes, but, you may find that your vet will have you sign a waiver, in other words, you did not purchase the meds from his veterinary clinic therefore he is not responsible blah, blah, blah.
It’s a standard form.

[anonymous]

Check out this site, you may find some helpful information http://skeptvet.com/Blog/category/nutrition/

[anonymous]

Kidney damage cannot be reversed. Daily sub q fluids will act like dialysis, prescription food will help. Listen to your vet, there are no miracle cures, most supplements are scams.
Ask your vet if pain meds and anti-nausea meds would help keep her comfortable?

[anonymous]

By IV treatments I assume you mean sub q fluids. I went through this with a dog that had kidney damage due to Lyme disease that was not diagnosed in time.
Anyway, I gave her sub q fluids once a day, and it helped as it is similar to dialysis.
Kidney damage can’t be reversed. She lasted a couple of years this way, some good days, some bad days. Prescription food helped, but most supplements are a scam in my opinion.
Listen to your vet, beware of homeopathic vets, there are no miracle cures. Pain meds prescribed by the vet were helpful.
Some science based information here: http://skeptvet.com/Blog/category/herbs-and-supplements/

[anonymous]

I didn’t see any mention of “chewing and licking”. Often a vet will recommend a cone if this is an issue. The pet stores have soft ones that may be more tolerable. As far as the wound/abrasion/hot spot being covered vs uncovered, I would go by the treating veterinarians orders, often the client is sent home with a treatment plan/instructions regarding wound care.
Ps: @ CockalierMom Glad your dog responded to treatment and is well
@ Sharon S Hope your dog heals well and is comfortable
Peace out

[anonymous]

Your vet was speaking specifically to the treatment of your dog, an animal that he examined.
That does not mean that advice would work for the OP’s dog.

Ps: When you cover up an open wound sometimes you encourage bacteria and infection to flourish.
So, it depends on the location of the wound and other factors determined by the vet that is treating the dog as to what would be best.
Just my opinion, not to be taken in lieu of medical advice provided by a veterinary professional.

[anonymous]

Oh, I would definitely carry him outside to go to the bathroom. It may be uncomfortable for him to squat, he will need extra time as he may try to avoid having a bowel movement due to the discomfort involved.

[anonymous]

I would leave the wound uncovered, open to the air, unless the vet advises differently.

[anonymous]

Give him time, it’s going to be uncomfortable for a while. Let him rest. If you don’t see improvement in 72 hours give the vet a call, maybe a pain med prescribed by the vet would help? It may take 10 days to 2 weeks for him to be back to normal.

PS: If he is eating (has an appetite) that means it may be discomfort as opposed to pain.
Usually when an animal is in pain they won’t eat.

[anonymous]

With seniors I will feed 3-4 small meals per day instead of 1 or 2, and I add a tasty topper, maybe a bite of scrambled egg or chopped broiled chicken liver, chopped cooked lean meat or chicken….you get the idea. If he is not drinking enough water, add a splash to meals.
The only supplement I use for dogs is fish oil (1 capsule a day) not sure if it actually does anything.

[anonymous]

Yes, I like chewy, I am on the autoship plan, if you order the required amount you get free shipping. Their prices are good so I often find other things I need there and you can adjust your order accordingly.

[anonymous]

My allergy dog does well on Nutrisca salmon and chickpea as a base. Check chewy.com.

[anonymous]

What is his diagnosis? That is what you need to know, what testing has he had? What is the condition that is being treated? Ask your vet for clarification.

[anonymous]

Thank you for trying to help him, I know it’s not an easy task. He may be shy to begin with, my mature poodle mix ignored my terrier for 6 months, I brought him in after the loss of another dog that she was bonded with. Now they are buddies.

[anonymous]

If you are really desperate just to see him eat something, I have never seen a dog refuse a bite of supermarket rotisserie chicken. I only suggest it as something tasty might jump start his appetite. I wouldn’t make a habit of it though, those chickens are loaded with salt/msg and such. No bones, of course. They love the greasy skin too.

[anonymous]

Another thing, I would not free feed (leave food down). Offer him 3 small meals a day at the same times, pick up after 10-20 minutes and store in the fridg offer at the next mealtime.

See what your vet recommends, but I wouldn’t panic if he skips meals or is only eating a little bit as long as he is drinking water. Dogs can become depressed, give him some time to adjust. He has been through a lot.

If he is not eating or drinking anything X 72 hours, I would take him to the vet, he may need sub q fluids to prevent dehydration.

[anonymous]

How long have you had him? He may be grieving his former owner and home, maybe there were other dogs there that he bonded with. It is very hard for some dogs, especially a senior.
The first month will be the worst. Just be extra nice to him but give him his space, hopefully he’ll come around.

You can presoak the kibble in water overnight in the fridg and then add a little plain homemade chicken broth (no onions) or mix with a soft topper. If you don’t see him drinking water, add a little to his food, senior small breeds are vulnerable to get bladder stones, struvite and urinary tract infections if they don’t drink enough water. Take him out frequently to urinate.

Keep his diet simple, maybe a limited ingredient food, I like Nutrisca. I wouldn’t add vegetables for now, they can cause loose stools in some dogs. I wouldn’t add any supplements unless advised to do so by a veterinarian that has examined him.

[anonymous]

See my posts above under screen name “anonymously”
It may not be about the food, in extreme cases the vet can remove the anal glands, it is a simple operation and solves the problem.

Do you mean hot spots all over the body? Or just localized near the rectum……see what your vet recommends.

PS: I have never fed pumpkin to a dog.

[anonymous]

“It’s also very possible the Nexguard is causing dry skin and itching….”

Well, ask the vet, get a diagnosis and then evaluate your treatment options. You can’t assume anything.

[anonymous]

It sounds like a nice gentle shampoo that might work well in conjunction with treatment prescribed by a veterinarian that has examined the dog and diagnosed the dog’s condition.
However, I am not impressed with the ingredients: https://www.zymox.com/zymox-shampoo-itchy-inflamed-skin

I prefer Malaseb and Veterinary Formula Antiseptic & Antifungal Shampoo, both available at chewy.com for my dog that is stable (4 years) and has environmental allergies.
We go to the dermatologist once a year.
PS: Frequent bathing is just a small part of her treatment plan. Alone it didn’t do much to help her condition. She eats a variety of things now but does best on Nutrisca Salmon and Chickpea.

[anonymous]

Regarding dinovite: /forums/topic/dinovite-reaction/

[anonymous]

Food allergies are rare. Food sensitivities usually result in GI disturbances such as vomiting and diarrhea. Environmental allergies usually result in pruritus (itching).

Have you tried the search engine here, this subject comes up at least once a week.

Hope this helps:

By Klaus Loft, DVM
Angell Dermatology Service

Anyone who suffers debilitating environmental allergies tied to changing seasons, pet dander or household dust mites knows first-hand the misery of a scratchy throat, itchy eyes or painful rashes.

Not everyone knows, however, that our pets can experience similar allergic reactions — and other very bothersome dermatological issues. But our pets need not suffer in silence. Modern veterinary science has evolved such that advanced, comprehensive treatments are now available to treat a range of skin conditions.

Top pet dermatological issues

Our four-legged friends suffer from some of the same skin issues as we do — and several that we do not. The most common conditions we see at Angell include:

•Parasites, such as mites, fleas and mange (scabies)
•Infectious diseases, such as Staphylococcal pyoderma (“Staph”) skin infections, yeast and fungal infections and skin fold infections
•Systemic diseases, such as autoimmune diseases
•Skin cancer, such as Squamous cell carcinoma, cutaneous lymphoma, Mast cell tumors
•Allergies, such as flea allergy dermatitis, adverse food reactions, environmental allergies, etc.

All of these conditions can become serious and, if untreated, dramatically reduce quality of life. But the tremendous strides made in veterinary innovation, however, is very good news for our pets. Specifically, the testing and treatments for allergies now rivals human healthcare in its sophistication, quality of care and long-term health outcomes.

Unlike humans, dogs and cats cannot tell us about their dermatological health issues. So we as pet owners must look for the signs. The most common indicators that a pet is suffering from some kind of allergy involve frequent episodes of ear infections, red raised or open sores on the skin, constant licking or biting of paws or groin — sometimes causing wounds that will not go away.

Allergies present a particular challenge because there can be hundreds (even thousands) of potential allergens that impact pet health, from foods to pollen from grasses, weeds, trees, dust mites and more. Today’s specialty veterinary hospitals have access to the very latest diagnostic tests to get to the bottom of what’s ailing our pet. Among these tests is the Intra Dermal Test (IDT).

IDT is generally considered the gold standard of testing for identifying allergens that cause pets to suffer from chronic skin and/or ear diseases. IDT involves injections of a series of concentrated allergens into the skin to determine which of them generate allergic reactions in a given animal. The use of fluorescein — a chemical that illuminates the inflammation caused by the injected allergens in order to visualize the strength of individual reactions — is key to accurately diagnosing pet allergies, and is just one of the many ways veterinarians use new technologies to improve care and diagnostics.

The results of IDT (as well as a review of the pet’s medical history) can then inform comprehensive immunotherapy treatments to relieve suffering. Veterinary dermatologists rely on IDT to build customized treatment plans for patients called Allergen Specific Immuno Therapy or “ASIT” for short.

ASIT involves a series of injections specifically created for the allergic animal’s skin. These injections, of diluted allergens, are designed to make a pet less sensitive to their allergens over time. In most cases these injections must be continued for life to reduce symptoms, but they are highly effective. Seventy to 90 percent of pets experience a reduction in symptoms as a result of ASIT treatment. These treatments can be delivered even more easily via droplets under the tongue, perfect for pet owners who are squeamish about giving injections to their pet.

This treatment is very new to the North American field of medicine (both human and veterinary) and underscores just how far innovation in veterinary medicine has come.

When it’s time to see the vet

Many pet owners are understandably concerned about taking their animals to the veterinarian because the cost (to say nothing of the fear some animals experience when going do the doctor) may outweigh any perceived reduction in suffering. To help pet owners know when it’s time to bring Fido to the doctor I’ve compiled my “Top Ten” list of dermatological symptoms that should never be ignored:

•Intense itching of the skin (head shaking, running the face into the carpet, furniture, etc.)
•Biting at the skin that creates red, raw crusting areas of the skin
•Multiple ear infections (head shaking, odor from ears, scratching at the ears with hind legs)
•Paw licking or chewing and frequent infections of the skin in the webbed skin of the paws
•Staining of the fur of the paws and nails on multiple feet
•Reoccurring skin infections in the groin, under the shoulders, perianal areas (on or under the tail)
•Greasy scaling skin and/or fur with odorous skin
•Hair loss, or thinning of the fur
•Dark pigmentation of the skin that is chronically infected
•Sudden depigmentation of skin

Allergies and other dermatological issues can be as frustrating for pet owners and their veterinarians as they can be for pets. I encourage any pet owner whose animal is experiencing any of these symptoms to consult with their veterinarian.

Dermatology – Common Issues

[anonymous]

http://skeptvet.com/Blog/category/nutrition/
/forums/search/bones+obstruction/

Hope this helps.

[anonymous]

It’s not about finding the right food. Move more, eat less, that is how people and animals can lose weight.
Do you have health insurance for your dog? I ask because I think from the information you have provided that your dog might benefit from aquatic therapy (swimming). If your vet prescribes it for weight loss it may be covered.
One minute of swimming is equal to four minutes of running.

Dogs get bored, you have to find an activity that they are passionate about. Try different things.

Consider consulting an Veterinary Internal Medicine Specialist.

PS: Has the vet ruled out medical causes for the weight gain/slow metabolism? Senior workup? I would start there.

• This reply was modified 8 years, 7 months ago by anonymous.

[anonymous]

No one can diagnose your dog or prescribe treatment over the internet, nor should they try.
If it was my dog I would attempt to collect a urine sample (empty clean prescription pill bottle will do) and head to the vet (asap) to see what is going on. Get a feces sample too.
If you have been feeding raw, anything is possible.
http://skeptvet.com/Blog/?s=homemade
http://skeptvet.com/Blog/category/nutrition/

[anonymous]

Has she had a senior workup, labs, etc. If so, and she has not responded to treatment, I would consider getting additional testing done to get a correct diagnosis so that you can then evaluate the treatment options presented
The other option would be to make an appointment with a Veterinary Internal Medicine Specialist. That’s what I would do, considering that the band aid solutions are not working.

[anonymous]

I suspect that urinating in the house has nothing to do with the dog’s diet. As a senior he is vulnerable to all sorts of things, such as UTIs, struvite (urinalysis will rule out), bladder stones (ultrasound will rule out).
So, I think a call/visit to the vet is in order. I wouldn’t change his food from what a veterinarian that has examined him has recommended. Pancreatitis is a serious condition.

PS: I would see if you can collect a urine sample to take to the vet. A empty prescription pill bottle (clean) will do. You only need a small amount.

[anonymous]

Take her swimming, Aquatic Therapy. One minute of swimming = four minutes of running.
My dog is thriving since I’ve been taking him to the lake at least 3 X a week.
My veterinary clinic offers a heated pool and underwater treadmill, if it was within my budget I would try that.

No free feeding, 2 meals per day (measured amounts) I tend not to use senior dog food and add a little cooked lean meat to kibble……. it depends on the individual dog as to what food would be best, trial and error.

[anonymous]

My dog with environmental allergies and a sensitive stomach does well on Nutrisca Salmon and Chickpea https://www.chewy.com/nutrisca-grain-free-salmon-chickpea/dp/35033
See the reviews

BTW: Food allergies are rare, food sensitivities usually tend to show up as stomach issues such as diarrhea and vomiting, environmental allergies usually manifest as “itching”
Hopefully it’s a mild case, seasonal….if that’s what it is. Try bathing with a mild shampoo such as Malaseb, see the vet if it gets worse.

[anonymous]

“I respect everyone’s opinions and wish I had not have jumped in before. I realize the skeptvet is very passionate about helping pets”.

No! The more opinions the better. After losing a dog to hemangiosarcoma I started listening to the homeopathic vets (on-line), but after one of them advised no antibiotics (ever),no pain meds, no aggressive heartworm treatment for a positive dog, no vaccines, even rabies as required by law. I decided against it. As I believe some of their methods are putting pets and people at risk.
Many of the of the horrid conditions such as cancer have a strong genetic component. Diet and good care help, but can only do so much.

[anonymous]

“It can also be confusing with all of the info available to us now. This is just my opinion, and I am no expert, but the skepvet is to the extreme opposite of holistic health. It is important to research all information, but some of the critical advice of the skeptvet is harsh and frightening. Again this is just my opinion”.

Holistic, homeopathic……what does that mean? Funny how these homeopathic vets tend to charge more for a consult than traditional vets do.

I trust my traditional vet. I communicate my concerns regarding treatment options if I have concerns and often we are able to come up with a plan we are both comfortable with. I don’t consider Dr Google research. If you have a medical background you may be able to weed through some of the inaccurate information, but most people can’t.
I have found the SkeptVet site to be extremely helpful. Just my opinion.
PS: Nothing is being sold at the above mentioned site, no supplements, no books, no t-shirts, no membership fees.
Just science-based veterinary medicine.

[anonymous]

This is not a DIY project. Discuss with your veterinarian how much monitoring, testing, x-rays and how often performed are necessary, take into consideration the dog’s age and ability to tolerate aggressive treatment, financial concerns. See what the vet recommends.

Below is an excerpt from: http://www.vcahospitals.com/main/pet-health-information/article/animal-health/urate-bladder-stones-in-dogs/5841 (click on link for full article)

“How can I prevent my dog from developing urate bladder stones in the future”?

Dogs that have experienced urate bladder stones will often be fed a therapeutic diet for life. Dogs with liver disease will need to be treated appropriately prior to addressing urate bladder stone management. Diets lower in protein and therefore lower in purines, one of the building blocks of urate crystals, and promote slightly alkaline urine are recommended. Canned or wet diets are often preferred to help encourage water consumption. Dilute urine (urine specific gravity less than 1.020) helps decrease urate stone formation. In certain cases, medications such as allopurinol may be required. In addition, careful routine monitoring of the urine to detect any signs of bacterial infection is also recommended. Bladder x-rays and urinalysis will be performed one month after treatment and then every three to six months for life. Many dogs will need to have bladder ultrasound to detect early urate stones that are small and may not be visible on x-rays.

Dogs displaying any clinical signs of urinary tract infections such as frequent urination, urinating in unusual places, painful urination or the presence of blood in the urine should be evaluated immediately.

This client information sheet is based on material written by: Ernest Ward, DVM

[anonymous]

My dog had struvite and calcium oxalate stones. It started when he was 11, he had surgery 1 time. He passed away recently at age 16 (due to an unrelated condition)

I would go by what the veterinarian that is treating your dog advises. Prescription food and all.

[anonymous]

http://skeptvet.com/Blog/category/nutrition/

/forums/search/struvite/ (per the search engine here)

Come back if you have more questions.
PS: There are prescription medications that may help (as your vet has prescribed). The medications though necessary could be causing a slight increase in liver enzymes, ask your vet to clarify.

[anonymous]

I would listen to the veterinarian that examined the dog and comply with the recommended treatment.

http://skeptvet.com/Blog/category/nutrition/

[anonymous]

Even if he is better tomorrow make sure the prescribing vet knows what happened.
I would still bring him in to be examined, he may have something else going on that’s not related to the medication.
If the dog has severe thunderstorm phobia, there are other medications (other than Xanax) they could try, he doesn’t have to suffer.

[anonymous]

“Xanax may have a paradoxical effect in some dogs, and cause excitement or exacerbate aggressive behaviors. Long term treatment carries a risk of physical dependence. Withdrawal symptoms include sensitivity to light, vomiting and shaking. Dogs are kept on Xanax for very short periods of time at the lowest possible dosage, to avoid physical dependency”.

The above is an excerpt, click on link for full article https://www.vetinfo.com/xanax-dogs-anxiety.html

[anonymous]

I would call the veterinarian that prescribed the medication, if the clinic is closed they should have instructions as to who to contact in case of an emergency or they may refer you to the closest emergency veterinary clinic.
I am assuming a veterinarian that examined your dog ordered it, also, clarify the dose.

Or, call a Pet Poison Hotline and describe the situation, I have heard good things about this one. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) is your best resource for any animal poison-related emergency, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. If you think your pet may have ingested a potentially poisonous substance, call (888) 426-4435. A $65 consultation fee may be applied to your credit card.

I would do one of the above and speak to and or have the dog seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible.
Do not try to feed an animal that is vomiting, offer water.

PS: Animals and humans can have a paradoxical effect from a medication. However, what you describe sounds extreme. If it was my dog I would head to the closest emergency veterinary clinic that is open 24/7 right now.

[anonymous]

Idiopatic seizures are a neurological disorder with no known cause. Often there is a genetic link. Brain tumors though rare can cause seizures but these are more likely with an older dog. X-ray/ultrasound would rule out (if the vet thought necessary).
Anticonvulsants prescribed by a veterinarian that has examined and diagnosed the dog tend to be an effective treatment, along with avoidance of triggers, such as unnecessary vaccines, avoidance of chemicals, and some dietary restrictions. Exercise and keeping the dog in good shape may help too. But, the medication is the #1 tool.

• This reply was modified 8 years, 7 months ago by anonymous.

[anonymous]

Regarding Hemopet and Nutriscan, mentioned frequently here in threads
/forums/search/hemopet/

Update- “Hemopet Sues Pet Food Companies to Claim Ownership of the Idea of Nutrigenomics”
Posted on September 23, 2016 by skeptvet http://skeptvet.com/Blog/

[anonymous]

I would listen to what a veterinarian that has examined the dog advises. You may find this site helpful.
http://skeptvet.com/Blog/category/nutrition/

[anonymous]

My 9 pound dog does well on Nutrisca Salmon and Chickpea, also the chicken dry, the kibble is small. Check Chewy.com for reviews.
I always add a bite of something like cooked chopped chicken breast (no bones) and a splash of water.
You can soak the kibble in water overnight in the fridg before serving, if need be.

[anonymous]

https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=youtube+how+to+give+a+dog+a+pill&view=detail&mid=379AD76A361A2AE69408379AD76A361A2AE69408&FORM=VIRE

Try coating the pill in butter…

[anonymous]

There is a trick to it. Hold the mouth open, pop the pill in and rub the throat till you feel her swallow. Do it as quick as you can. Make sure the pill went down before you let go of her mouth. Then watch her for a few minutes as she may try to cough it up.
Best of luck.

[anonymous]

I’m glad the vet clinic was helpful, get some rest yourself now while you can.

PS: Have you tried putting some homemade chicken broth in the water dish?

[anonymous]

I would call the vet before they leave, see what they advise. Some vets will make home visits for a regular customer.

[anonymous]

If your vet is close by, maybe you could take her in for a pain med injection once a day?
I had a dog back when that I would take in twice a day for a shot of buprenex, toward the end.
I think it helped keep her comfortable.

PS: Bilirubin is a liver enzyme, an elevation might explain the poor appetie/nausea, the cerenia should help.

[anonymous]

Tramadol comes in a liquid form, it’s a human drug and even though new research shows it does not do much for dogs as a pain med, it has sedative qualities, your vet could call it in to your local pharmacy and they give you these small syringes, if you hold the dog’s mouth open and squirt it in then rub the throat till you feel her swallow.
Some dogs do grieve when a pack member leaves, be careful, sometimes they attack a dog that they sense is on the way out, it’s an instinctive thing. My terrier started to do this at the end.
If you can (after a respectable grieving period, of course), bring in another dog if it is within your means. Otherwise, give the survivor lots of attention and long walks and 1:1 attention.

I know what you are going through, no decision feels right.

[Author]

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