PancreatitisQ: Dear dr., my 8 yr old vizsla suffered an attack of "pancreatitis" on mem day weekend. she was hospitalized and fasted, given iv, antibiotics and carafate. we gradually weaned her from hamburger/rice to dry dog food and she started to suffer again. her lab chemistry reports were all normal including lipase. amylase was 1538 and our vet suggested hamburger/rice and gradually wean to hills id this time. we are doing that but she seems so "depressed". could she be this way due to pain? how long does it take for the pancreas to heal so there is no more pain? should she be taking any other med or supplement to help the pancreas heal? A: Tough to say as each case of pancreatitis is different. despite sometimes even diet therapy some dogs can have relapses. usually most recover in a matter of days to a week. however i would make sure diagnosis is correct by having abdominal ultrasound done as many vets over diagnose this condition based on blood tests. also consider prozyme supplementation from 1800petmeds which can help long term as well as making home made diet as described in book dr. pitcairns guide to natural health for dogs and cats by richard pitcairn, dvm
Shop for: prozyme, 1800petmeds
Hypo-thyroidQ: Hi - i have a 13 year old red dobe - she has been on solixine .06 for quite some time now, for a thyroid condition, which if memory serves me correctly, is for a condition called "hypo-thryoid". she was recently tested again and the dosage is appropriate (60lbs). my question is, i am looking for an alternative place to purchase her medicine. the local vet seems to be making a fortune off us! (monthly dosage = $30). it seems high to me, any suggestions? -jamie A: We have both soloxine and the generic equivalent levothyroxine in our pharmacy. please call for our price. also be aware that if you choose to go with the generic, it will probably be necessary to re-titrate your dog after a short adjustment period to be assured of proper blood levels.
TapewormsQ: Would tapeworms cause my dog anus to be red and look inflamed? also he has been eating grass more than ever seen before. i have not changed his food,should i? A: Grass eating can be due to upset stomach or just a habit in some dogs. tapes can cause anal irritation. if you see any segments then you should worm wwith good wormer like droncit Shop for: droncit
Anal leakageQ: My cat is 2 and fixed, but lately when he sits down, he leaves, there is a clear wet spot from his butt. and it really smells! he doesn't act sick and eats well. is this normal A: He might have impacted or infected anal glands. i would have vet evaluate and possibly express the glands if needed.
Skin disorderQ: We have four dogs, only two are having skin problems. biteing, scratching and itches. large areas will become hairless and raw. been to vet's, no sign of mites, have spent a fortune already but nothing seems to work. can you help? A: Could try various antihistamines like benadryl at dose of 1/2 to 1 mg per pound twice daily. sometimes these dont help. then left with cortisone or newer drug known as atopica which is expensive alternative. best for long term control is allergy testing with blood test so that allergy vaccine can be made
Shop for: antihistamine
Cushings diseaseQ: I recently was told by my vet that my mini dachshund may have cushings disease. i will have the test to determine for sure this is the case, but i want to know what my options are for treating the disease and also what complications could occur if untreated. A: You should have multiple diagnostic tests including considering both blood tests and ultrasound to look at adrenals. acth stim test or low dose dex suppression blood tests are ones to consider but some dogs have false positive test results which is why you want to also have ultrasound. options for treatment include drugs known as lysodren, ketaconazole and anipryl all of which have pros and cons. if untreated some dogs develop secondary infections from excess blood cortisol as well as being more prone to diabetes, and blood clots to organs due to hypertensive state which can lead to organ problems as well
Revolution and wormsQ: Do i need to use a wormer with revolution to prevent round worms and hook worms? i know that revolution prevents heartworms but what about the other types of worms? A: Revolution will kill and control worms in cats, but is not effective in dogs. if you suspect worms in dogs you will need to purchase a specific wormer.
Shop for: revolution
