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Dr.Magnifico/Pawbly forum
My sister has a 3.5 year old husky mix that has has started experiencing skin issues over the last few months. She’s tried cytopoint injections and more frequent bathing but is now looking into starting him on probiotics because she read it could be a gut issue. Recently, his ear became inflamed and there was some yeast but Zymox has seemed to really improve it, which is what lead her to think this could be a gut thing. He otherwise is a very happy and comfortable and playful dog but does have several instances a day where he is itching behind his ears or licking his paws.
Are there any recommendations of food or probiotics that you recommend?
He is currently on the Purina ProPlan Sensitive Skin and Stomach food. He has regular stools twice/day, no changes in appetite and no other symptoms other than this itchiness. He is up to date on vet visits and vaccines.
Picture uploaded of his cuteness!!
Hello, I have a question regarding a split nail, not sure how it happened. Just saw a small trail of bloody footprints when we got back in from a very short walk no blood outside just indoors. I check my dogs paw and I see that the nail is broken. It broken two pieces. The bottom piece is intact, but the quick is exposed, and the top is still attached, but barely… I saw the video on YouTube explaining how the top broken piece can be removed, but had a few follow up questions. If I’m not able to get the numbing agent from the vet, what else would work? lidocaine, ice? And after the piece is pulled out, what over-the-counter and anabiotic ointment can I use? Can I use Silver Honey ointment for her aftercare or do I have to take my dog to the vet after I pull the nail out for the antibiotics?
Hello,
This is usually painful bc the broken nai is irritating the sensitive quick underneath it. So removing the nail often alleviates the discomfort. But removing the nail is also painful which is why I use an analgesic or numbing agent. I use lidocaine gel. I also use a sterile blade or nail trimmers. I also use a medical antibiotic cleaner and oral antibiotic as I have seen a dog get tetanus after this.
My dog has a patch on the tip of her ear that looks like a build up of something. It is dry and hard. I started picking at it and the hair started coming part. What is this and how do I help?
She also has other spots on her body that are just dry and thinning hair. Is there anything I can do to help with hair loss/thinning? Anything topical? We were told she may have an allergy to chicken so she is on a sensitive diet.
I suspect that this is related to allergies and therefore the answer lies in helping the body from the inside out versus trying to get topical products work for the outside in.
Please talk to your vet about the many options we have for treating atopy in dogs.
You may also need an oral antibiotic or medication for over abundant yeast.
I have a small dog treat bakery side hustle and would like to include small cakes, donuts and muffins in my treat line. Cake like recipes call for baking powder, baking soda or both. Is there any amount that is safe? Where would I find solid information on the use of these items in cakes for dogs?
I’ve tried using eggs for leavening but things like donuts are still brick like – and yes I taste each item I make!
Thanks!
Hello. This is a question for a veterinary nutritionist. Maybe the folks at balanceit.com might be helpful?
Thank you!
My dog Nick is going through heart worm treatment and I have a few questions…
he is 12 days post 1st injection as of today. He is on Prednisone once daily, and has Gabapentin 300mg which I give as needed.
he seems to shiver quite a bit – is he cold or feeling uncomfortable? I understand that the worms are dying and disintegrating. Is that painful for him? Does it cause pressure in his lungs? That is where this process takes place – is that correct?
I keep him a small room with me and in a crate when unsupervised. If I am in the kitchen he is leashed and laying on the floor. Only goes upstairs at night. I am giving him enrichment toys however he did eat (literally) half of one and had to go to vet to vomit the toy-my fault, I know he eats things. He is on a short leash for potty breaks. The heart worm society recommends having the dog sit at each stage for going outside, this little man will do anything for a treat and this works great for him. Does this seem like a good approach?
Thoughts or suggestions are appreciated.
Thank you!
I have been in the rescue world for many years and have gone through heartworm treatment with more dogs than I can count at this juncture sadly. I am not familiar with having them sit when outside? I just checked the American Heartworm Society’s website to see if maybe there was an update I wasn’t familiar with but couldn’t find anything. I have always kept my foster confined to a crate or small area (sounds like what you describe in your kitchen). Outside time is for potty purposes only and on a 6′ lead. Yes, enrichment is important and depending on the dog’s personality we do use meds as needed to keep them calm. It’s a long process for them and us and the day they can come off restrictions is cause for celebration! I would relay the shivering/shaking that you describe to your vet so they can determine how to best proceed or if this would be of concern to them. Good luck! And start planning the “pawty” for when life can resume as normal!
Thanks so much for your ireply! I think the video is on the heart worm society page where the vet talks about taking the dog out for potty breaks and asking the dog to sit at the door, sit when they get outside, let them do their thing, have them sit again, sit before they come in etc. as a way to keep the heart rate down. That was my interpretation of the video. This is my first time going through this and I just want to be sure I am doing the best I can for my boy.
Oh, you can sure we are planning a ‘pawty’. I’m gonna tell my vet to hold the phone away from her ear when she gives me the good news, or if I am in the clinic there WILL be a happy dance/!
About 2 months ago my 11-Year-Old English chocolate Lab started developing a cough. It started off mild at first with a couple coughing fits here and there. I got her to the vet as soon as I could get an appointment. She was ruled out for kennel cough because she’s up to date on shots, she never is boarded and she never goes to dog parks. They started a round of antibiotics, and cough suppressants. It didn’t seem to work so we went back. They did a lot of tests which of course was a lot of money. She’s diabetic so congestive heart failure was a concern but through testing and an X-ray they said they don’t believe it has to do with her heart & there didn’t seem to be fluid around her lungs either.. She was then put on steroids because they thought it might be inflammation. It didn’t seem to help any & her cough has only gotten progressively worse. We went back again and now they put her on a different round of antibiotics & another script that I have to fill at a human pharmacy for Codeine I believe. She has coughing fits almost every 20 to 30 minutes and sometimes with rubbing of her neck it helps calm them down. Her coughing spasms generally produce a lot of phlegmy spit up. I’ve spent more money than I have to try to get her help but we haven’t been able to get any answers. I was told it could possibly be Laryngeal Paralysis but the only way to truly confirm was to take her to a specialist and spend a lot more money to put my 11-year-old senior diabetic dog under sedation for an invasive procedure to diagnose. I’m not even sure what the fix for that would be if there is one and I’m sure it’s thousands more $$$ for a girl who may not make it through all that. It’s heartbreaking watching her struggle., I don’t really know what to think or do, just at a devastating loss watching my poor girl suffer. Within the last week, my once always hungry Labrador who never turned down any type of food down has stopped eating her normal food and treats that she used to love. She now only accepts wet food and soft meaty treats. I’m not really sure where to go. I don’t think the ER is the best answer here and again I’ve spent way more money than I even have to try to find an answer. Just trying to find any guidance/advice/assistance/suggestions and/or answers that I possibly can. Thank you in advance.
Hello,
I’m sorry that you are having so much difficulty finding the cause to this.
There is no way around the fact that some patients come to us with more difficult conditions than others. When we struggle for the answer the best way to get to the bottom of the problem is to get a second opinion and a new set of eyes. I don’t think there is anyway around seeing a new vet and probably spending more money to rerun some of the tests.
The other option is to see if your vet can send the X-rays to a radiologist for review and ask for a vet consult via the lab work provider they use. For cases like this I can lean on a specialist to help me with the difficult cases I see. I use ANTECH and Idexx for my lab services and they both offer online consults for vets. They also both offer radiologists to review my X-rays The phone consult is free and the radiologist review is often about $150. It might help.
Otherwise you are stuck with just trying additional medication to see if they help.
X-rays also have limitations and a CT scab might be needed to see the area of the throat or chest causing the issue. I’m sorry I wish I could help more.
Dou, my female mixed-breed dog, was spayed a while ago. She weighs around 38 kg, which is too heavy for her, making it hard for her to walk because her joints struggle to support her weight. She’s been on joint supplements (as attached below) for a year, and that’s helped her move better. Recently, though, she’s been vomiting a lot, especially after eating or drinking, and the vomit is yellow. She’s also lost her appetite. I took her to a local vet and followed their treatment, but she’s not getting better. I’d like some online advice to help her feel better.
I just had my 3 year old Goldens eyes checked by an opthalmologist. She has GA in her right eye. I tried researching GA but PRA keeps coming up. What kind of care do I need to do for my dog?
Hello vets
I hope I can get some help please.
Looking for funding options or a vet that works with people on financial aid (location Ontario toronto). My dog dewclaw came off exposing the inside. I am doing my best to keep it clean from infection. Do I need to take him to see a vet?
I attached a photo also I got some Betadine but want to ensure the proper use. I was told to dilute as it’s strong it’s 10% advice would be great
My dog is not bleeding, no signs of serious discomfort. Able to run and walk still. Keeping an eye for infection
Happend on January 30th I live in Toronto west end
Any advice for the mean time would be super appreciated. I have been using dog bandage, gauze, cleaning with mild soap and water. I used peroxide the day it broke then after a walk because dirt got in the wound. I have now discontinued using it. I used ointment photo attached below. But I needed somthing to prevent infection. So I got Betadine and was told to dilute my dog is about 20 pounds. I also let it air out in between bangade changed he wear cone so can’t lick the wound. Theb 1 hour in morning morning before bed I let air out.
Hello,
I typically don’t see these appointments ending up as an emergency issue. I have had one dog who needed intensive care for tetanus after a nail was trimmed too short and the nail bed was bleeding. This is however very rare.
In almost all cases these heal with minimal veterinary treatment but it is important to not let the pet lick the area and keep it clean and dry.
I cannot tell you whether it needs veterinary attention. I always have to err on the side of caution and recommend a veterinary visit.
Best of luck.
Krista.
Is Skout’s Honor Probiotic Lavender Dog Deodorizer or any commercial dog deodorizing spray safe for dog with skin allergies?
I can’t answer this. Only medications that are approved by the fda have guidelines for safe use.
Hello,
This is a common reason why I see dogs. The difficulty is that every dog is different and there isn’t a blanket recommendation for these cases.
The best place to start is with your vet. And a good foundation for preventatives. From there we talk about diet, complicating conditions and a good baseline diagnostics plan. If these don’t yield anything we try medications to see if we get a positive response to treatment.
In all it can be a slow and gradual process of ruling in or out options.
I wish I could help more. But it has to be personalized.
Best of luck.
Krista