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Jasmine | 6 years ago
Has Anyone Ever Used The Assisi Loop For Their Dog With IVDD? Does It Work?

Has anyone ever used the Assisi Loop for their dog with IVDD? Does it work?

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    I haven’t used it, nor had clients who have. But I’ve seen them at the trade shows. I don’t think there is any hard evidence or studies to support their use. But I also don’t think they do any harm. If you use it and like it will you let me know.?

    1. Jasmine Post author

      Sure, still doing my research on it but I’ll let you know if I buy it.

  2. Jasmine Post author

    Sure, still doing my research on it but I’ll let you know if I buy it.

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Debbie Molnar | 6 years ago
I Recently Adopted A 9 Year Old Cat. He Is Very Affectionate And Loves To Be Pet …

I recently adopted a 9 year old cat. He is very affectionate and loves to be pet but he won’t allow me to pick him up or hold him. I haven’t forced the issue, but someday he’s going to need a nail trim or medicine. How do I get him comfortable with being picked up and handled? The rescue paperwork notes the prior owner couldn’t pick him up either. He’s been to the vet and physically he is fine.

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    I think a few things help. One and foremost, all good things happen in your presence. For example. Feeding happens near you. And should always be associated with you talking and being present. Next if you can touch him I would scruff and start to pet him to the point he relaxes so he is sort of forced to accept you. Now this is not a perfect plan. If he cannot be touched you should cage him and not allow him to hide and avoid you. My point is every cat is different and every persons expectation is different. If you want him to love you you have to prove to him that you are kind and loving and trustworthy. It means he doesn’t decide to avoid you. You decide to help him through his fears. Does this make sense?

    1. Debbie Molnar Post author

      Thank you for the response. He’s fine with everything but being picked up and held. I can pet him all over, rub his tummy, and play with his feet just don’t try and pick him up. He’ll sit on my lap for hours at a time and purr, it’s just when he feels 2 hands on him you can feel him tense up. I’ll give your suggestions a try.

  2. Laura

    Give it time. Lots of time. Mine wasn’t okay with it at first, either – it took him 6 months before I could pick him up, and another 2 years before he’d let me do nail trims without wrapping him in an afghan and pulling his legs out of the holes.

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Jasmine | 6 years ago
My Dog Is 15 Years Old And Was Diagnosed With Ivdd. He Keeps Trying To Walk Around …

My dog is 15 years old and was diagnosed with ivdd. He keeps trying to walk around but continues fall. I have him in a play pen right now. Should I continue to let him walk around? I feel like he’s going to end up hurting himself more.

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    I suppose I would ask why do you think he is walking? I’d be bored? Felling better? Stressed? What do you think? In my experience they start walking when the pain dissipates so I am all for walking and maintaining muscle mass. But, it doesn’t displace the need for physical therapy to regain lost nerve function and muscle mass. Ie you still want to encourage them to use the weak legs and not just the sting and functional legs. As long as it is safe (no stairs or access to danger) and they are not causing abrasions on the feet they can’t use normally, AND you can keep doing your pt then I am ok with it.

    1. Jasmine Post author

      Hi Dr. Magnifico, thank you so much for replying. Half of me thinks he is doing it because he’s bored but the other half of me says that he does it because he’s in pain. Because right before he wants to start walking he cries a lot and then I stand him up so he can walk and he stops crying and only whimpers a little as he walks.

      ok, so I will continue to let him walk around under supervision .

      Thank you!

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Jasmine | 6 years ago
Hi, I Have A 15 Year Old Chihuahua Named Peanut. He Was Diagnosed With IVDD On Sunday. …

Hi, I have a 15 year old chihuahua named Peanut. He was diagnosed with IVDD on Sunday. He is able to stand for 30 seconds on his own and can walk a few steps before falling over. His right front leg and right back leg are the main limbs that knuckle over and give out when he stands. He can’t get himself to an upright standing position. He is currently on Gabapentin and galliprant. When the pain killers don’t have him knocked out he is crying and whimpering. He looks like he is pain and can’t get in a comfortable position . He is eating and drinking water. He is able to use pee and defecate on his own but most of the time does it while he’s laying down in his pen.

I feel so bad for him I’m honestly just crying all the time because it hurts to see him in pain and I feel helpless. I try and let him stand and walk for a few
Minutes a day with my support but should I be letting him walk? Or should I be trying to make him rest more? Also he doesn’t let me switch the side he lays on. He only lays on his right side . I know Dr. Krista said we need to switch the aside they lay on but he looks like he’s in more pain when I try to switch him to the left.

Any advice , thoughts, or feelings? I really just needed to not feel so alone in this.

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  2. Sarah

    Good morning-
    I’m so sorry you are going trough this. Dr. Magnifico has a lot of videos regarding ivdd posted, and you might find them useful. Another thing to maybe try as far as getting him on his opposite side- when he has his pain killers in his system and is sleeping for close to it, perhaps gently maneuver him to the another side and see if that works any better. If he is not giving up, please don’t give up either. Best of luck to you both!!!!

    1. Jasmine Post author

      Thank you so much for the advice! I’m going to continue to fight with him as long as he can. He still looks like he’s trying his hardest!

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Mya | 6 years ago
Hi There! My Cat Ciel Is Three Years Old And On Halloween I Had To Take …

Hi there! My cat Ciel is three years old and on Halloween I had to take him to an emergency vet to have him unblocked. They flushed his bladder and gave me Prazosin and Gabapentin for him. He was doing good until this past Saturday when I saw he was straining. He is peeing a little but still struggling, I can’t afford another bill and I really can’t lose my baby. He’s the whole reason I’m here and I need him, is there anyway to help him? I’m taking him to the vet later today.

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    I agree that he needs to go to the vet ASAP. I would ask about a diet change, fluid intake and an exercise plan to help reduce the chances of this happening again. You can also ask about a PU surgery. Once a cat blocks I assume yst they will continue to do so. So I prepare my clients for this and we start budgeting and planing for it. Let me know what happens very best of luck.

  2. Sarah

    Rx food really helped us when we had a cat years ago who had to have surgery to remove a blockage. Have you seen your regular vet since the emergency vet visit? I would schedule an appointment for sure and start talking about a future plan for you. Best of luck!!

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Michaela Leftwich | 6 years ago
My Lab Puppy Has Terrible Dry Skin Since It Has Gotten Colder. She Frequently Visits Are …

My lab puppy has terrible dry skin since it has gotten colder. She frequently visits are shallow pond but it’s only knee deep. It has gotten worse now that it has gotten a lot colder. What can we do to help it?!

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    As with all pet related questions I always have to request that any pet medical problem be addressed first with a trip to the vet to make sure it isn’t something health related. Things like allergies, nutritional deficiencies and even congenital diseases that manifest as Looking like dry skin are things to be treated by your vet. After this I talk about diet, environment and supplements. Things to do now are adding moisture to the house with a humidifier. Brushing daily to keep hair and skin healthy helps and I like welactin an omega three fatty acid added to the food. Ask your vet about your pets preventative recommendations too. I hope this helps. Let us know what happens.

      1. Krista Magnifico

        Did they give you any options to treat it? Or a follow up plan? If not call and ask for one or seek a second opinion.

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Lauren Hall | 6 years ago
I Work Front Desk At A Vet And A Client Brought In A Stray. No Chip …

I work front desk at a vet and a client brought in a stray. No chip and shelters wouldn’t take her. She was going to be released outside since no one would home her and it’s so cold in VA.. so I took her in. I got her shots and tested for FIV, FeLuk, etc to know if she’s safe around my 10 yr neutered male cat. Then the vet said she seems to be pregnant but the ultrasound was inconclusive. But she definitely matches the description of “pinking” and has no hair around her nipples. But I have no idea how far along she is! Last week we didn’t see kittens on ultrasound but now they think she looks pregnant for sure. How do I know? Vet doesn’t want to stress her with more imaging. Also, what do I do when she goes into labor?? Will my male cat be okay around her? They’ve been ok the few times I’ve let them interact but will she change personality when she has kittens? Is she’s likely nicer now than she’ll be after just since she’s “nesting”? Is the stress too much to introduce her to my cat? She’s scratching through the door to get to the rest of the house so I’d like not to keep her cooped up 24/7. Also, when do I know labor is starting? Will she pick a place? How can I make that not be the bed or couch? Or can I cover them? And she eats like she’s STARVING! She looks so tiny to be pregnant.. I read you feed them all they want at a certain point; when is that? How much should I give her each stage? I have Hills ultimate care adult. I went ahead and got some Iams kitten food but when do I start mixing it in? I’m even more lost not knowing how far along she is. I’ve had her 1 week so at least that far along but I could use as much help as possible. Especially regarding labor. I know she’ll most likely do it all on her own but I see so much of what can go wrong working at a vet and I’d like to be prepared. I’ve attached pictures of her. Please help me help her.

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  1. Sarah

    Good morning-
    She’s a cutie!! Seeing as you work at a vet’s office, I would ask my colleagues there. I’m sure your vets and the techs and other staff members are very happy that you have opened up your home to this kitty and would be happy to share their knowledge. I would start to introduce the two cats more often- the more comfortable they are together or around each other, the less stressful things will be all around. I would also keep an eye on where this new cat likes to settle down most often and put either a box with a blanket or some other nice nesting bed for her and hopefully she will use it. As far as knowing for sure about pregnancy- again I would talk to the vet. I am guessing another ultrasound and then maybe you can even count babies to see how many you might expect to have. Best of luck!????????

    1. Lauren Hall Post author

      Thank you. I have been asking but I feel bad when they have busy days with surgery and so many clients. But I’ll keep asking. The only thing they did give an answer on already that you mentioned is ultrasound; said they don’t want to do another or even X-ray when she’s further along. They want to avoid stressing her out. Though in my opinion she doesn’t seem to mind. She’s very dog-like. Would rather get out of the house or she starts being destructive. They said I could board her there for thanksgiving since I’m leaving town and don’t know if she’ll be ready for labor. They’re helping me out like that but pinning down a vet or even a tech for a slew of questions is harder than you’d think. I appreciate your help! Have a good day!

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venus | 6 years ago
About How Much Is It To Treat An Abscess On A Cat?

about how much is it to treat an abscess on a cat?

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  1. Sarah

    Good morning-
    It all depends on the circumstances. Your vet will be able to tell after they examine your cat and then you can go from there. Best of luck – hope everything is ok.

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Lois | 6 years ago
What Does This Look Like On Side Of My Cat’s Face And Around Eye??

My 11yr old cat Snowball…has the issue on side of face…Can anyone tell what this is??And yes been to VET..did skin scraping..found nothing…

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  1. Lois Post author

    My cat has the skin issue on side of his nose n eye

  2. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,

    I’m sorry but we need a better description to help provide some direction. Please provide a photo. Your vets notes and all treatment options tried so far. Also is your cat indoor or out? Vaccinated? Any preventatives used? Etc

    1. Lois Post author

      I provided 2 photos of my cat with his issue…And hes totally indoors..Hes had all the vaccinations that The VET would give..I have told the VET ever since I had him from a kitten..to give him every vaccination that he could to prevent any disease etc..Yes hes up to date..The VET put him on Famciclovir..I think it was compounded..But this was like months ago..n that area was REALLY bad..n the VET told me he didn’t want to keep giving him stuff…to do a wait OUT period n NOT stress him out by bringing him to the VET as often as I was doing…Like two times aweek..at one point..said i may be STRESSING him out n NOT giving him a chance to heal with the medication…That was 6 or more months ago..n YES his area on side if face n eye is ALOT better than it was..but never could find out what it was
      ..Vet did bloodwork..a scraping..n nothing showed up..n shined a light to see if it was ringworm…n that was negative…

    3. Lois Post author

      Could someone in the staff area PLEASE explain to me how the posting pics n asking questions is applied on here..Ive posted question n pics but im beginning to wonder if im doing it right on here..Cause that’s been couple days ago…n I need to know if its seen or not…I just joined couple days ago..so maybe im not doing it right.or something..HELP

    4. Lois Post author

      I provided information..why am I not getting a response
      ..

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Puffy | 6 years ago
Have A 16 Year Old Cat That Has Been Very Sick With So Much Mucus Coming Out …

Have a 16 year old cat that has been very sick with so much mucus coming out of his nose. Been sick for for a while now. Gave him 10 days of amoxicilin from vet. He’s having a really hard time breathing from all the mucus so we have Ben doing everything possible to keep him alive cause he is a fighter. He stops breathing a lot cause h’s so clogged it’s heart breaking. We give him warm steam and humidifier along with taking him outside to get more oxegen. He stays up most of the time cause when he puts his head down it blocks his airways. I have been pulling the discharge out with a small eyedropper when the bogies show. Really hoping he can beat the illness and get better soon but vets are taking all our money with doing much. We are on limited income. I think he needs a nasal flush maybe but can’t do it myself cause of lack of knowledge and medical equipment. Please contact me at 619 453 1747 if you have any ideas. Some days he looks like he won’t make it but then other days his eyes look so clear and beautiful. We have been giving him syringes of water and blended food to help him k==p the weight on cause he stopped eating a few days ago from lack of smell. He never did drink much water but maybe cause there was some underling issue. I have a Web cam and could show you or talk to someone if they care to reach out. He is a huge part of the family for many years and I know he wants to live longer but unless he gets better soon we will be at a great losss. He has a vet appointment today but I don’t think they will offer many answers besides sending him to more specialist we can’t afford. He has been sneezing fluid for about a month. He is the sweets cat ever and would do anything to keep him around.

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    It sounds like a nasal flush might be helpful. It also sounds like it is time to try to get a diagnosis to make sure this is just infection and not something more insidious like cancer. Has your cat been tested for FELV or Fiv? Have they checked or talked about a polyp? Can you call around and ask for help from any of the rescues or shelters? Or even for payment plans or billing? For cases like this I try a few antibiotics (usually clavamox, doxy and then azithromycin), and then talk about looking for a polyp. After that I think these guys are either chronic rhinitis or I worry about herpes or cancer. That is my typical work up if people can not afford advanced imaging or cultures and biopsy. Ask your vwt about all of these. Also we are now trying diluted Cerenia nasal drops too. Maybe ask about them? Please keep me posted and very best of luck.

    1. Puffy Post author

      Not any test done cause mom is on ssi limited income and I’m disabled without income either. Will try more antibiotics if u think it might help. Has bad teeth but not sure extent. Was thinking it could be infection of teeth possibly cause he can’t eat dry food very easy. Haven’t tested for much anything really. I don’t think it’s fiv case when I open his mouth his lung’s seem strong and good with no sounds. I sit by him all day and pull boogies out with eye small dropper hoping it helps. Hydrating helps the mucus come out more I think.. will ask around for assistence like you recomend. He might have herpes. Had a lot of fluid come of eyes out when he was more stuffed up. Will discuss polup. Will defiantly look into ceria drops. I feel once the mucus is gone he would breath much better . When I pet him and he purrs sometimes he breeds through his mouth and get way more oxegen to his brain. Love goes a long way with this cat. Weird how just petting him would open his lungs for such a long time. When he stops breathing from weekends I’ll open his mouth at times, don’t want him to go brain dead before he gets help. I been literally with him for 3 days 24h a day to monitor his breathing and help him any way I can. Petting him goes a long way . Thank you so much for the valuable feedback, it is greatly apprecieted. Found your site from a polyp removal video on YouTube and it seemed like you had a lot of compassion to help people with low funds. Very cool of you to help people like that. Your service to the world is immeasurable!!!

    2. Puffy Post author

      Took kitty to vet. Got the cerenia you mentioned. Helped a lot last night but waiting for 24hr to use it again. Hes all dry now with dark green booties. Very thick.. vet said he might have a tumor in his nasal area because his one nostril is larger than the other with slight unevenness. Hes doing mostly mouth breathing today with many sneezes. Gave him a baby saline solution today with minimal effect. Also tryed steam from tea pot. When he falls asleep he stops breathing from being blocked many times through night. Also got more antibiotics . Vets said it’s not fungal. She recomended if he does not get better think about euthinisation. He was a lot better yesterday and showing so much love. Was back in my room all yesterday instead of bathroom but a lot of snorkels. .limited on funds and she said it would be a big workup and more tests before s nasel flush could be considered because at this point she would not put him under anesthesia. Is there a way I could check at home for the back of throat polyp? Not expecting miricals but it is really hard for me to give up on the little guy. Didnt think he would make it this long but I dont know how long sickness takes to run its course. I wish I could try a nasel flush but is cost prohibitive considering all the workup tests required. He slept by me all night for the first time in a week. Syringes with water seem to help the dryness but right now its ultra dry. Can I give him the carina drops before 24 hours is up?
      Best regards

    3. Puffy Post author

      Cerenia works well but it weres off. At night he gets stopped up bad. Can I use Cerenia more than once every 24h? I’m sure the answer in no but its hard to sleep knowing hes not getting oxygen at time..

    4. Puffy Post author

      I wish I could try the nasel flush but cant afford it with all the added tests beforehand. Do nasel flushes always make cats nose blead and how harmful is it for there nose to blead with tubes that are used?

  2. Puffy Post author

    Puffy doing a bit better. When he was barely breathing a few days I noticed him biting the carpet cause he was suffering g so bad. Thought it might be his teeth cause symptoms are almost the same from some research. Cat is much healthier now due to diligent care. nose removing mucus with warm rag when showing discharge. Hes on cerenia, baby saline nasel drops and new antibiotics. We still feed with syringe and hes finally gaining weight. We have been slowing adding more food to his diet. He now drinks more and eats more on his own but he has a hard time breathing while eating and drinking so its limited. We been trying to discontinue humidifier slowly but I feel it helps him breath and loosens mucus. Hes very tired and less social these days but better than he was a few days ago. My main goal is to help him breath better soon. Could be one of three things. Either tumor behind nose cause nostrils are uneven but better a little now. Infected tooth, or possibly nasel polyp. Hes very skinny to the bone from not eating before but food syringes seem to help a lot so far. Mucus is much thicker and stronger making it harder to come out of his nose. Might try a animal safe decongestant I seen another vet use today along with lavender oil in humidifier. How do u feel about vicks?