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Viewing 50 posts - 101 through 150 (of 623 total)
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  • in reply to: Chronic diarrhea #77911 Report Abuse Edit Post Visibility
    Anonymous
    Member

    It sounds like the emergency vet expected the problem to clear up within a few days, it didn’t. Call her and leave a message for her to call you back when she has a minute. Did they rule out an obstruction? Do an x-ray? More testing may be indicated now.
    Best of luck.

    in reply to: Chronic diarrhea #77908 Report Abuse Edit Post Visibility
    Anonymous
    Member

    Another thought, if the symptoms are as severe as you describe. If it were my dog, I might be inclined to cancel the “holistic vet” appointment for tomorrow and go back to the emergency vet today, maybe they can refer you to a specialist…to be seen sooner than later.

    in reply to: Chronic diarrhea #77906 Report Abuse Edit Post Visibility
    Anonymous
    Member

    If it was my dog I would make an appointment with a Internal Medicine Specialist (traditional not homeopathic) ASAP.
    In the meantime I would stop all supplements and keep the diet as simple as possible.
    http://skeptvet.com/Blog/category/nutrition/
    I would consider a veterinarian recommended prescription food until the dogs are stable (could take a few months), then evaluate my options.

    What did the emergency vet advise you? What was the diagnosis?
    PS: I would call the emergency vet and have him call you back when he has a minute and ask him these questions.

    Anonymous
    Member

    Pet owners and veterinarians have reported the following illnesses in dogs that have eaten bone treats:
    •Gastrointestinal obstruction (blockage in the digestive tract)
    •Choking
    •Cuts and wounds in the mouth or on the tonsils
    •Vomiting
    •Diarrhea
    •Bleeding from the rectum, and
    •Death. Approximately eight dogs reportedly died after eating a bone treat.
    Above is an excerpt from: “No Bones About It: Reasons Not to Give Your Dog Bones”
    http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm208365.htm?s_cid=w_c_PetHealth_cont_001#1

    in reply to: New to home made as toppings #77884 Report Abuse Edit Post Visibility
    Anonymous
    Member

    You might find some helpful tips here:
    http://www.homeovet.net/dynamic/php/downloads/dog-c8470f2c75dbe4b683205c3919ee2310/dog_diet_complete.pdf

    PS: Be careful with the table scraps, some of the additives such as msg (probably in the gravy) and the spices, onions, garlic etc are not good for dogs, in fact, some ingredients may be toxic.

    Anonymous
    Member

    A word to the wise. Forget about it.
    Example: /forums/topic/rectal-issues/
    I stopped serving my dogs raw bones (or any bones) after 2 trips to the emergency vet due to them.
    Not worth the risk, in my opinion.

    in reply to: best multivitamin? #77824 Report Abuse Edit Post Visibility
    Anonymous
    Member

    GNC has a dog multivitamin I use for my dogs, every other day. I think their diet is pretty good, but I add it just in case. It makes me feel better 🙂

    in reply to: Shih Tzu with Possible Colitis #77743 Report Abuse Edit Post Visibility
    Anonymous
    Member
    in reply to: Shih Tzu with Possible Colitis #77741 Report Abuse Edit Post Visibility
    Anonymous
    Member

    Did the vet do an x-ray to rule out an obstruction? If it was my dog I would go along with the blood work and other tests, a multitude of things can be ruled out.
    Otherwise, I would keep the diet simple, if it is stress related it will resolve on it’s own.
    Maybe a quality dry food, with a tablespoon of canned or cooked chicken breast (chopped up) as a topper…maybe add a splash of water.
    I like Nutrisca Salmon and Chickpea for dry and wet, Newman Organics has Grain Free Beef & Liver (no grains) canned that seems to be easy to digest.
    Wysong is worth looking into. What does your vet recommend?
    Good luck

    PS: I have used prescription foods when recommended by a vet and noticed no adverse effects, it just seemed bland and boring to my dogs, from what I could tell 🙂
    Also, at age 6 (7 is considered a senior) a blood panel would not be a bad idea.

    • This reply was modified 9 years, 9 months ago by Anonymous.
    Anonymous
    Member

    I like Nutrisca Salmon and Chickpea, Wysong has some foods you may like also.

    in reply to: Help with food #77727 Report Abuse Edit Post Visibility
    Anonymous
    Member

    If the symptoms are related to environmental allergies, changing the food will have no effect. Environmental allergies tend to wax and wane, so you will think you see improvement, where there is none. The symptoms always come back and tend to get worse with age.
    See the posts in this thread, you may find some helpful tips. I don’t necessarily agree with all of the opinions expressed. Hope this helps.

    Anonymous
    Member

    http://www.allergydogcentral.com/2011/06/30/dog-allergy-testing-and-allergy-shots/

    Intradermal Skin Tests
    “An intradermal skin test involves the injection of a small amount of antigen into your dog’s skin. This procedure is most often performed by a veterinary dermatologist or pet allergy specialist. Here’s how the process works”.

    “First, your dog will be administered a mild sedative, and a 4”x8” area on their side (near the armpit) will be shaved – so it is easy to see the skin. Next, the Dr. will inject small doses of a wide variety of common, regional antigens into their skin”.

    The above test is what I’m talking about, I never did the blood test. The specialist told me that IDT is the most accurate for identifying environmental allergies (which is often the problem).
    It does not test for food allergies/intolerances.

    Anonymous
    Member

    What kind of test showed these results? Just curious, because certain tests (saliva) are not always accurate and tend to show intolerances to just about everything listed from what I have heard.
    Have you consulted a dermatologist and had IDT (intradermal skin testing) to rule out environmental allergies?
    PS: If you use the search engine here you may find some helpful tips /forums/search/allergies/
    I don’t necessarily agree with all the opinions expressed.

    in reply to: Canned vs Dry #77695 Report Abuse Edit Post Visibility
    Anonymous
    Member

    Did you check out Wysong?

    in reply to: Canned vs Dry #77684 Report Abuse Edit Post Visibility
    Anonymous
    Member

    I use Nutrisca Salmon and Chickpea canned food as a topper, but I don’t think I would use just canned food….some people do. It just looks too greasy to me. I have used Newman Organics too, available at the supermarket or Chewy.com, among other places.

    I find that different foods (kibble, canned, fresh, homemade, or a combination) agree with different dogs….trial and error to find out what will work best for an individual dog.

    in reply to: Canned vs Dry #77680 Report Abuse Edit Post Visibility
    Anonymous
    Member

    If you soak dry food overnight in water in the fridg (2-3 day batch) it is okay as a base, then add a spoonful of chopped cooked chicken breast, lean meat or chicken liver.
    Occasional canned food as a topper instead. Maybe a little dry kibble as a treat now and then.
    It’s all good.
    My senior does well on Wysong Senior. My other dogs (one with allergies) does best on Nutrisca Salmon and Chickpea.

    Don’t free feed…..see General Guidelines for tips : http://www.homeovet.net/dynamic/php/downloads/dog-c8470f2c75dbe4b683205c3919ee2310/dog_diet_complete.pdf
    Hope this helps.
    Oh, and brush their teeth once a day, see Youtube for how to videos.

    This has been what works for me.

    in reply to: Lump on dog's nose. #77660 Report Abuse Edit Post Visibility
    Anonymous
    Member

    I suppose, I could have used a different word than gobbledygook. Peace

    in reply to: Lump on dog's nose. #77659 Report Abuse Edit Post Visibility
    Anonymous
    Member

    A concern is, that many folks pursue these alternative therapies instead of getting veterinary care. Some people won’t bother getting the animal properly diagnosed.
    And some of these natural remedies have interactions with real medicine….

    There are all these products advertised all over the internet that claim to cure just about anything, unfortunately some people believe it.

    PS: I use supplements on myself and pets in moderation and in conjunction with medical care. Less and less lately, as I can’t afford them and am skeptical as to how much it really helps.
    “To each his own”

    in reply to: Lump on dog's nose. #77657 Report Abuse Edit Post Visibility
    Anonymous
    Member

    There are a bunch of reasons people why don’t go to the vet right away (or at all). Just to name a few:

    1) Fear and mistrust of medical people, especially veterinarians.
    2) Financial concerns
    3) Denial that the condition could be serious, supported by well meaning friends “Oh, it’s probably nothing”. “It will go away”.
    4) Trust issues, pet owner may think all vets and veterinary clinics are out to “rip them off”.
    5) Decide to try home remedies, supplements, and over the counter gobbledygook.
    6) Look into homeopathic care (see #5)
    7) Decide the dog food is to blame, try new diet.

    PS: Recent SkeptVet blog http://skeptvet.com/Blog/2015/08/veterinary-medicine-is-a-business-and-that-includes-alternative-medicine/

    Sorry, I couldn’t help myself 🙂

    in reply to: Lump on dog's nose. #77655 Report Abuse Edit Post Visibility
    Anonymous
    Member

    Actually the first post about the lump was on 8/6.
    Unfortunately, we missed it.
    /forums/topic/lump-on-my-dogs-nose/

    Funny, I avoid going to the drs for myself, but not when it comes to my pets.

    Anonymous
    Member

    Environmental allergies? You may want to consult a dermatologist.

    via the search engine here: /forums/topic/lab-with-food-allergies-any-help-is-appreciated/

    /forums/search/allergies/

    I don’t necessarily agree with all of the opinions expressed.

    in reply to: Dogs got sick on probiotic #77647 Report Abuse Edit Post Visibility
    Anonymous
    Member

    Some info here written by a veterinarian that you may find helpful http://skeptvet.com/Blog/?s=probiotics

    in reply to: Lump on dog's nose. #77640 Report Abuse Edit Post Visibility
    Anonymous
    Member

    Tuesday? Don’t they have a 24/7 veterinary clinic near you? The sooner you get this diagnosed the better….didn’t you say the dog was drooling?
    All vets diagnose the same way, x-rays, blood tests, lab work and examination. One of the good things about going to the emergency place is that you are in and out of there in an hour with a diagnosis and treatment plan in place.
    Hope all is well.

    in reply to: Adult Food vs Senior Food #77633 Report Abuse Edit Post Visibility
    Anonymous
    Member

    I don’t read the bags that closely, who knows how accurate they are.
    And all dogs are different. My senior small breed does well on Wysong Senior softened in water overnight in the fridge with a liitle cooked chicken or lean meat or scrambled egg.
    He also does well on Nutrisca Salmon and Chickpea.
    Supplements as indicated.

    in reply to: Lump on dog's nose. #77620 Report Abuse Edit Post Visibility
    Anonymous
    Member

    Be prepared, they are going to need to do some testing, at least x-rays and labwork (this is an assumption based on the symptoms you have described).
    Maybe it’s benign, but if it’s something serious…..it’s best to catch these things in the early stages so that you’ll have treatment options.
    Good luck

    in reply to: Chronic diarrhea #77592 Report Abuse Edit Post Visibility
    Anonymous
    Member

    Have you consulted an Internal Medicine Specialist? If you haven’t, I would.
    Food and supplements are not medication or treatment.
    PS: In my experience, less is better when you are dealing with a dog with a sensitive stomach.
    No supplements. No OTC gobbledygook. Keep it simple.

    in reply to: White Boxer with skin issues #77562 Report Abuse Edit Post Visibility
    Anonymous
    Member

    Everything We Eat Cures Cancer! (or Causes it?)

    Regarding the skin issues, have you consulted a dermatologist?

    My dog with allergies does best on Nutrisca salmon and chickpea (no grains, no potato). But since receiving care by a specialist/dermatologist she can tolerate a variety of foods as her allergies are environmental. She had IDT (Intra Dermal Testing) and has responded well to ASIT (Allergen Specific Immunotherapy)
    Some info here: http://www.mspca.org/vet-services/angell-boston/dermatology/allergy-testing.html

    PS: I sometimes bathe her twice a week (approved by the specialist) with Malaseb or Antifungal dog shampoo by GNC I like the lavender smell.

    Check the search engine here /forums/search/allergies/
    I don’t agree with all of the opinions expressed. Hope this helps.
    More info here: http://www.allergydogcentral.com/category/symptoms/

    in reply to: Rectal issues #77558 Report Abuse Edit Post Visibility
    Anonymous
    Member

    Take her for walks, only if she’s up to it, exercise will stimulate the system and aid in elimination (get things moving).
    The last time I took my peke to the vet, he got so revved up, he had a bm as soon as we got out of the car and had arrived at the vets office.

    in reply to: Rectal issues #77555 Report Abuse Edit Post Visibility
    Anonymous
    Member

    Yes, scrambled egg (made with a splash of water not milk) is an excellent topper…whatever she will eat. Good to have at least a bite of something in her tummy. My small breeds love buttered toast in the morning, they won’t leave me alone till I give them a bite 🙂
    Yes, it will pass, sometimes it slowly dissolves, dissipates, breaks up…it will move through the colon/bowel next. As long as she is getting adequate hydration it will move.
    You are welcome. Glad I could help.

    PS: Keep an eye on her intake/output, is she voiding (peeing), and at least a bowel movement a day…even a small one. Maybe a day and 1/2 for bm if she’s not eating.

    in reply to: Rectal issues #77544 Report Abuse Edit Post Visibility
    Anonymous
    Member

    PS: If she’s not eating or drinking fluids X 24 hours, call and speak to the vet (not the vet tech) and ask if SubQ fluids are indicated? It not only hydrates but relieves nausea, just takes a minute to do at the vet’s office.

    in reply to: Rectal issues #77543 Report Abuse Edit Post Visibility
    Anonymous
    Member

    Hi, Jan.
    I think it took a few days, the ground up bone material tends to harden and get clogged up (sludge like) in their colon and stomach, as long as there isn’t a total blockage it should gradually be eliminated. I think it took a few days, at least 3…she was back to herself in about a week.

    Some dogs, especially the little ones just can’t digest the bone material well.
    I was only giving my dog a bone or two a week and they were small ones. The stuff stays in their gut and accumulates till it causes pain and discomfort. It happened one time before but it passed so I thought it was a fluke….when it happened again a few days I took her to the emergency vet for an x-ray right away.
    Always rule out an obstruction first when you see stomach pain and vomiting,
    Anyway, it must be like having sand in your stomach, you won’t see it in the feces, it’s granular. I would give her soft, easy to digest food and add water or plain chicken broth.
    And don’t be afraid to give her pain meds as the veterinarian prescribed…..if he didn’t I would call the vet and go pick them up. I’m assuming your dog is still uncomfortable.
    If she’s not better in a week (she will be) they might want to take another x-ray to see if the sludge has moved…..but hopefully it won’t come to that.

    Relieving the pain might perk up her appetite. I mentioned what medication she got (tramadol and Pepcid), and the diet that agrees with her the best in a previous post. I like Nutrisca Salmon and Chickpea, and Wysong. I’m leery of all kibble but I have had good luck with these two.

    Anonymous
    Member

    Have you read all the posts here? Has the dog been to a dermatologist? That would be my next move.

    “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”.

    in reply to: Rectal issues #77516 Report Abuse Edit Post Visibility
    Anonymous
    Member

    Same thing happened to my poodle mix, I would give her a frozen beef marrow bone and she would work on it for at least an hour and consume a bit of the ground up bone.
    Well, I took her to the emergency vet after she acted like she was in pain and vomited….x-ray showed calcified bone material in the colon and stomach (it turns into cement). Luckily she did well with pain meds (tramadol) and Pepcid for a few days and the material passed. She did not need surgery.

    The raw thing doesn’t work for all dogs. Click on my avatar or use the search engine to get more info.
    She does well on Nutrisca Salmon and Chickpea with a bit of cooked chopped up chicken breast and a splash of water added.

    Brush the teeth every evening if you are worried about the teeth, check youtube for how to videos, it really does make a difference. Pekes have lousy teeth 🙁
    Good info here: http://skeptvet.com/Blog/category/nutrition/

    in reply to: Rectal issues #77508 Report Abuse Edit Post Visibility
    Anonymous
    Member

    Allergies? Pruritus? Obstruction?
    She’s young, I would go for the additional testing and get to the bottom of this.
    Good luck.

    PS: I meant to say, if it doesn’t resolve in the near future, it could be a minor irritation, inflammation of the colon or something….

    • This reply was modified 9 years, 10 months ago by Anonymous.
    in reply to: Rectal issues #77474 Report Abuse Edit Post Visibility
    Anonymous
    Member

    How old is she? I have a senior peke that has some issues in that department. In his case, it’s not the food. How often is she having bowel movements? Is she constipated?

    PS: With my dog, he is old and his anal sphincter doesn’t work that well, anymore.
    He does best on Wysong senior kibble soaked in water overnight, sometimes a spoonful of chicken, more water.
    But, he often needs help to have a bowel movement. I have a medical background so I deal with it.
    Talk to your vet as how to proceed.
    Consider seeing an Internal Medicine Specialist, if you have to. You don’t want to end up in prolapsed rectum territory.
    Have environmental allergies been ruled out? X-rays to rule out an obstruction?

    Anonymous
    Member

    The shelters and food pantries in my area do not accept donated food items that have gone beyond the expiration date on the packaging. Period.

    They throw them out, I know, a lot of people put old stuff in the bins.

    • This reply was modified 9 years, 10 months ago by Anonymous.
    in reply to: itching #77465 Report Abuse Edit Post Visibility
    Anonymous
    Member

    Via the search engine here: /forums/topic/help-with-food-3/

    My dog with allergies does best on Nutrisca salmon and chickpea (no grains, no potato). But since receiving care by a specialist/dermatologist she can tolerate a variety of foods as her allergies are environmental. She had IDT (Intra Dermal Testing) and has responded well to ASIT (Allergen Specific Immunotherapy)
    Some info here: http://www.mspca.org/vet-services/angell-boston/dermatology/allergy-testing.html

    PS: I sometimes bathe her twice a week (approved by the specialist) with Malaseb or Antifungal dog shampoo by GNC I like the lavender smell.

    Check the search engine here /forums/search/allergies/
    I don’t agree with all of the opinions expressed. Hope this helps.
    More info here: http://www.allergydogcentral.com/category/symptoms/

    Anonymous
    Member

    Well, I have offered to purchase food at my local supermarket (1 day beyond the expiration date). It was a dog food item.
    The manager told me: “No way Jose”. He disposed of the canned items in the trash right in front of me. He told me he could not even give them away, per Board of Health laws.

    What people do behind the scenes is another story. I guess it’s a question for the FDA.
    And it might depend on the wording, “best if used by” “use by” “expiration date”

    PS: Food pantries for humans will not accept expired items, that is a fact.

    Anonymous
    Member

    Yes, talk to the store managers, one chain store in my area marks the dog food down when it is approaching the expiration date.
    However, if it doesn’t sell right away, they donate it to a local shelter as a tax write-off. Stores cannot sell or donate food (including dog food) if it is beyond the expiration date (even though it is probably fine for a few months more).
    So, maybe you could negotiate an arrangement. Offer to deliver the food to the shelter…or something.

    Otherwise they have to throw it away/discard it.

    in reply to: how to meet both needs #77444 Report Abuse Edit Post Visibility
    Anonymous
    Member

    /forums/topic/more-anal-gland-issues/
    via the search engine, hope this helps

    in reply to: Lump on dog's nose. #77441 Report Abuse Edit Post Visibility
    Anonymous
    Member

    The OP first posted about the lump 2 and 1/2 weeks ago….and now indicates it is worse and the dog is drooling. So, in my opinion the dog should be examined right away.
    But then, my experience in healthcare is with humans not animals…..
    Anything that causes discomfort and potentially obstructs the nasal cavity could be serious.

    I hope all is well and we get an update….

    in reply to: Lump on dog's nose. #77429 Report Abuse Edit Post Visibility
    Anonymous
    Member

    This is why when I have anything serious going on, I ask for the vet to call me back when he has a minute……unless the vet tech can schedule me for an appointment to see the vet that day.

    Maybe the OP did not present the situation as urgent and focused on “allergies” so the vet tech thought it could wait.

    If I feel I am not able to communicate my needs effectively, I just put the phone down and go to the emergency vet.

    PS: I don’t think vet techs get the proper training in how to deal with clients that are in distress. Not all of them know how to identify a situation that needs immediate attention, they work hard and are very busy, but….

    in reply to: Hill Prescription Alternative #77420 Report Abuse Edit Post Visibility
    Anonymous
    Member

    Canine Nutrigenomics by Dr. Jean Dodds: Science as Windowdressing

    A review written by a veterinarian on the above mentioned book.

    Anonymous
    Member

    I have used prescription foods over the years when recommended by a veterinarian.
    I have never noted any adverse effects, however, the food seems boring and my dogs were never enthusiastic about it.

    in reply to: Vomiting #77410 Report Abuse Edit Post Visibility
    Anonymous
    Member

    http://www.wysong.net/veterinarian/
    Wysong has a prescription food that your vet may approve of. Make sure she is getting adequate fluids, maybe add a little to her meals.
    I would continue to work with your veterinarian, however, I may be inclined to consult an Internal Medicine Specialist if I didn’t see improvement and stabilization soon.
    PS: I’m assuming she’s had x-rays to rule out an obstruction of some sort.

    If she continues to vomit and is unable to keep anything down this weekend, your vet may instruct you to go to the emergency vet for subq fluids to avoid dehydration. Plus, they usually do good diagnostic work in those places.

    • This reply was modified 9 years, 10 months ago by Anonymous.
    in reply to: Lump on dog's nose. #77408 Report Abuse Edit Post Visibility
    Anonymous
    Member

    On second thought, what makes you think she has allergies? Are you sure, her symptoms could be all related to the abnormal growth that might be irritating her nasal cavity….

    in reply to: Lump on dog's nose. #77407 Report Abuse Edit Post Visibility
    Anonymous
    Member

    I don’t want to scare you, but:
    http://smallanimal.vethospital.ufl.edu/clinical-services/oncology/types-of-cancer-and-treatment/nasal-tumors-dogs/ excerpt below, click on link for full article

    “Transient improvement in clinical signs is often noted with symptomatic treatments such as antibiotics, antihistamines and steroids, which often delays diagnosis”.

    in reply to: Lump on dog's nose. #77406 Report Abuse Edit Post Visibility
    Anonymous
    Member

    The lump might be benign or not……either way and especially due to the location it will probably have to be removed.

    Another option, if it’s bothering her and it sounds like it is from what you describe, is to go to the walk in emergency vet, it may cost a few bucks but they will examine, diagnosis and refer you to a specialist if they can’t treat it there.

    I wouldn’t wait too long or ignore it. Maybe the vet can fit you in sooner? Most vets leave time slots open once or twice a day for emergencies. Otherwise, maybe he could refer you directly to a specialist. You have 2 issues here, an abnormal growth and allergies.

    Anonymous
    Member

    How about a scrambled egg, (made with water not milk) cooked in a little vegetable oil added to the kibble…….real food is always better than canned as a topper.

    PS: Cooked chicken breast or lean meat chopped up, I shop in the reduced price section of my market, have not had any problems yet. Usually I freeze first.

    Anonymous
    Member

    Broil him some chicken liver, chop it up and add a spoonful to his meals, it’s an organ meat, high in fat and calories…..so maybe not everyday. But they love it as a treat once or twice a week.

Viewing 50 posts - 101 through 150 (of 623 total)