Answers to Your Pet Healthcare Questions at VetAsk.com
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| Constipated and off food rabbit |
| Category: general | Submitted: 11-Feb-07 | viewed 6522 times |
Laura asks: |
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We have a rabbit who has not eaten for a week without being forced!
Was scared by several visits from a fox.
He has weed but not passed motion.
Sits awkwardly, and lies stretched out.
Grinds teeth a lot.
Will not keep anything in his mouth, just cuts the food with his teeth and seems to spit it out.
Will not take any food or drink by choice.
Been to the vets and have been advised his bowls are compacted.
Have you any thoughts from the symptoms given?
He seems bright and lively when we try to catch him! But then just flops and stretches out given the opportunity.
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 Samantha says: If his bowels are compacted he will probably feel quite uncomfortable. If you feel that your rabbit is not improving it would be a good idea to give your vet a call and let them know.
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| Rabbit problem |
| Category: general | Submitted: 11-Feb-07 | viewed 6737 times |
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Kate asks: |
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My house rabbit has not been eating or passing faeces for the last 2 days; he just keeps lying down, is shaking and drooling what could this be?
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Samantha says: It could be a sign of many things and it is impossible to give you a very accurate idea of what it might be without seeing your rabbit. However these signs need to be taken very seriously and your rabbit should be seen by a vet.
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| Passing Blood |
| Species: dog | Category: medical-surgical | Submitted: 11-Feb-07 | viewed 8227 times |
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Jacqui asks about Roxie (dog - not known, N) : |
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Roxie has become very loose on her bowel movement and is now passing blood. As far as we know she has eaten nothing whilst we have been walking her and her diet has not changed. She is now not interested in her food but is still taking on water?
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Samantha says: She might have an infectious cause of diarrhoea and will need to be seen by the vet. You should feed her a bland diet when she does want to eat again (such as chicken/rice) until she is better when you can slowly re-introduce her normal food. Practice good hygiene with her at the moment since some infectious causes of diarrhoea may be passed on to humans.
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| Fits or spasms |
| Species: dog | Category: medical-surgical | Submitted: 11-Feb-07 | viewed 7276 times |
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Paul asks: |
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We have a miniature yorkie aged 2 years she has had all her injections from a puppy. However this morning she was laid asleep and suddenly her whole body started to shake, then her legs started to shake as well. I picked her up and held her until (what looked like a fit) was over then twenty minutes later she is running round like nothing had happened.
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Samantha says: It does sound as if she may have had a fit. Try to remember any events surrounding the episode and immediately afterwards. Let your vet know what happened and see if they feel that she should be examined. If she does have more fits keeping a "fit diary" may help to allow the vet to make a diagnosis and will give you an indication of the frequency, severity and duration of the fits. If any treatment is required for these fits you will be able to see from your diary if there is any reduction in their frequency or severity etc and therefore judge the efficacy of any such treatment.
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| Loss of weight, patchy fur |
| Species: cat | Category: general | Submitted: 11-Feb-07 | viewed 6746 times |
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Fraser asks about Haggis (cat - long haired tabby, M) (age 4 years, 7 months): |
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My cat has lost weight and has patches on his back where the fur seems to have gone exposing its skin. There is a small bump, perhaps a bite, on one of these patches. He cleans this area a lot. Doesn't appear unhappy. No loss of appetite. Please advise
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Samantha says: Sometimes cats can get allergies which may cause skin problems but I would be more concerned about your cat due to the loss of weight as well. When cats seem to clean a particular area frequently it often means that they are in discomfort so it would definitely be worth getting your cat checked by the vet.
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| Front leg gone lame after walk in snow |
| Species: dog | Category: general | Submitted: 11-Feb-07 | viewed 5493 times |
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Peter asks: |
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Still limping after 2 days, should I bandage to give extra support or not ?
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Samantha says: Check your dog's feet and legs including the pads, claws and between the pads for obvious signs of injury. It is best not to try to bandage a dog's leg yourself unless you are very experienced with such procedures. A bandage applied too tightly can cause terrible problems by cutting off the circulation to the leg; a bandage which is too loose will do no good anyway. The best thing to do would be to make sure your dog gets strict rest (just going out on the lead for toilet purposes) and if there does not seem to be any improvement get your dog to the vet. If your dog is not putting any weight on the leg at all you must get to a vet quickly in case it is a fracture.
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| Cat with eye problem |
| Species: cat | Category: medical-surgical | Submitted: 11-Feb-07 | viewed 6661 times |
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Zara asks: |
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My cat has a layer of skin covering the corner of both eyes. Some times it covers up half of her eyes. Is this a sign of anything?
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Samantha says: The layer of skin you refer to is probably the third eyelid which all cats have; it is situated in the corner of each eye closest to the nose. It is normal for it to be visible at the corners but when cats are unwell it often remains covering the eye more than usual when the eyes should be fully open.
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| Listless, not eating, short sharp breaths |
| Category: general | Submitted: 11-Feb-07 | viewed 4796 times |
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Alan asks: |
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Suki has not eaten for a few days now and seems very listless with breathing coming in short sharp breaths. She also seems a bit unsteady on her back legs, but this may be due to her not eating. Unfortunately, due to working hours I will not be able to get her to a vet until next week. Could please give me any advice?
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Samantha says: She sounds really unwell and should see a vet. Try to find a friend or neighbour to take Suki or find a practice near to you which is open when you are not at work. I know it is difficult with work but Suki really does sound as if she needs to be seen by a vet.
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| Losing fur under belly |
| Species: cat | Category: medical-surgical | Submitted: 11-Feb-07 | viewed 6850 times |
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Dave asks about Boobooz (cat - not known, F) (age 15 years, 11 months): |
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Hi, my cat looked like it had either had its body caught up in something or had a wound. I noticed in the last few days the area under her belly had lost fur and the skin looks all weepy, the nipples look sore. She also has a lump about 5cm in diameter in the area. She is eating, walking etc and appears in no pain.
Thank you.
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Samantha says: A lump in this area might be a mammary tumour and it is definitely worth getting checked by your vet. If the skin around the area seems traumatised it could be due to injury as you suggest but could also be due to an allergy. It sounds very uncomfortable for your cat and possibly infected, so again, get it checked by your local vet.
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| Cat watery eyes and nose discoloured |
| Species: cat | Category: medical-surgical | Submitted: 10-Feb-07 | viewed 5332 times |
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Andrea asks: |
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Since moving house 5 months ago, Kitty has had very occasional short-term clear watery eye discharge, which I put down to an irritant in the house. She had it again last night, and today the front part of her nose is a slightly different colour - paler. Its normally black. I've had a bad cold, can she catch any germs from me? Its as if she has faintly scratched off the black surface, but it isn't scratched, just a bit paler. She hasn't been outside much since we moved because of the weather and because we are on a main road. We used to live in the country and I want to find somewhere else to live where she can go outside and exercise.
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Samantha says: Cats can get conjunctivitis due to irritation caused by some sort of allergen in the house just like we can. If it goes on for too long or becomes uncomfortable for the cat she may need treatment for it. The discoloration on her nose may be just a straightforward change in pigmentation however it would probably be best to get it checked at the vets to make sure.
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| Swollen glands, sick and weight loss. |
| Species: dog | Category: medical-surgical | Submitted: 10-Feb-07 | viewed 7337 times |
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Helen asks about Kaisha (dog - Boxer, F) (age 6 years, 10 months): |
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My dog has had gastroenteritis two weeks ago which was treated by our local vet and she appeared to be over it. She has however not regained the weight she lost and has started coughing and eating grass from the garden to make herself sick. The sick is mainly bile with grass in it. She has got very large swollen glands in one side of her neck and tonight her glands in her groin have also swollen. I cannot get hold of my vet. Could it be something similar to Quinsy?
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Samantha says: As far as I understand Quinsy in humans involves an abscess around the tonsils. From what you describe this seems to be affecting her submandibular glands and lymph nodes in her groin. Feel gently in front of her shoulders at the bottom of her neck and behind her knees on the back legs to find out if other lymph nodes are swollen. She may have a systemic infection or sometimes cancer can cause the lymph nodes to swell like this. She does need to get to a vet. If your vet is not available there is usually an emergency service you can use if you become very worried; otherwise take her along on Monday morning.
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| second opinion |
| Species: cat | Category: medical-surgical | Submitted: 10-Feb-07 | viewed 6682 times |
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Annie asks about Caleb (cat - domestic shorthair, M) (age 11 years, 2 months): |
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My 11-year old cat has recently been diagnosed with incurable gastric problems and hyperthyroidism. He has been given only a few months left to live. I should like a second opinion. Are there such people as consultants who specialize in gastric problems? If so, can I arrange to see one without involving my vet as I do not want him to think that I do not trust him? I live in the West Country.
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Samantha says: I am so sorry to hear about your cat. Yes, it is possible to see a vet who has a special interest in this type of case. However, these vets work on a referral basis so you will need to involve your vet. We vets are not offended by this type of request - we do understand that your cat is very important to you and that you wish to pursue every possible course of action for him. The referral vet will report back to your own vet following the consultation so that all those involved can help your cat as far as possible. Speak to your vet about this - they will not feel offended! They will know the experts who practice closest to where you live; usually at a referral practice or university. They will be able to help you arrange the referral to a specialist and will often be involved in any aftercare which is needed following the visit.
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| Worming |
| Species: dog | Category: parasites | Submitted: 10-Feb-07 | viewed 6946 times |
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Magner asks: |
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The Panacur paste insert for dogs over 6 months says to give 2 syringe graduations per Kg as a single dose. It says to do this 3 times a year. Is it reasonable to follow this if the vet has suggested worming the dog?
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Samantha says: Yes, this sounds reasonable so long as it is for general worming. If your vet has recommended a particular product for a condition your dog has it would be wise to follow their advice. I would recommend that dogs are wormed every three months and you could consider more frequent worming if you have young children in your house.
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| Polyneuroradiculopathy |
| Species: dog | Category: medical-surgical | Submitted: 10-Feb-07 | viewed 7647 times |
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Emlyn asks: |
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I am trying to find out anything on the cause and or treatment of Polyneuroradiculopathy as I have an Irish Wolfhound with the disease. Any help would be very much appreciated
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Samantha says: Polyneuroradiculopathy is a disease I am unfamiliar with and when I searched for it in the veterinary journals available to me I could find no mention of it either. As far as I am aware Polyneuroradiculopathy is a disease which humans get and is due to an acute inflammatory reaction and demyelination of nerves. I wonder if you mean chronic degenerative radiculomyelopathy? This is a disease which tends to affect large breed dogs. This disease causes the dog to gradually lose control of its hind limbs with the result that it becomes more and more difficult to walk. This is caused by nerve degeneration and will eventually lead to inability to walk and incontinence. As far as I am aware nobody knows why this happens although there may be some genetic factor involved. You can help your dog by keeping its weight down as far as possible and if your dog is suitable you could consider the use of a canine cart to help with mobility. Medical treatment may help a little but will not be able to halt the progression of the disease. If I had a dog with this disease I would also consider alternative therapies such as acupuncture which might help a little? I hope this is the disease you mean if not get back to me!
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| Hamster ill |
| Species: hamster | Category: medical-surgical | Submitted: 10-Feb-07 | viewed 6847 times |
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kb asks: |
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My hamster has not been eating and has what looks like blood on her tail. All she does is sleep. Can we help her?
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Samantha says: This could be wet-tail which is a very serious condition in hamsters. If left untreated she may die. She needs to be kept warm and taken to your vet urgently.
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| Shaking |
| Species: dog | Category: general | Submitted: 10-Feb-07 | viewed 5007 times |
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Roy asks: |
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My Beagle has had a litter and since she has lost her appetite and tends to shake a lot. She did lose her coat after the birth a year ago but it has grown back but she still shakes and her appetite is low but still weighs 45 pounds she does not seem herself and have tried everything to improve her appetite.
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Samantha says: Sorry to hear about your beagle. I understand from your question that she had her last litter of pups a year ago? If she has only recently given birth she should be taken to the vet immediately in case she has eclampsia. If this started a year ago then it is difficult to know what it is. There are some disorders which can cause trembling/ shaking in dogs but you would need to go and see your vet for this condition to be investigated. At home you can try to keep her from becoming excited since this can make trembling worse but I would advise a trip to the vet as she does not seem to be well in herself.
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| Upset stomach |
| Species: cat | Category: general | Submitted: 10-Feb-07 | viewed 6267 times |
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Sindy asks about willow (cat - not known, F) (age 1 years, 7 months): |
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My cat Willow has been sick for the past 2 days. She brings up just clear fluid and the last time it was pink with traces of blood. I thought she might have a hairball at first and she's fine in herself. Should I seek medical attention?
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Samantha says: Yes, you should seek attention for her. The vomiting with traces of blood is a sign which should be taken seriously and it probably is not just a hair-ball. I hope she gets better soon.
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| Tortoise urine is white |
| Species: other | Category: medical-surgical | Submitted: 10-Feb-07 | viewed 5684 times |
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Deborah asks: |
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Tortoise urine is white is this normal?
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Samantha says: Yes, this is due to the excretion of urates it is a white/ off white colour.
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| Hip problem |
| Species: dog | Category: other | Submitted: 10-Feb-07 | viewed 5941 times |
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Naomi asks: |
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My mum's 10 year old american cocker spaniel yesterday suddenly lost control of his hips. His back legs seem to have a mind of their own and his back half is swaying. He had prostate trouble 2 years ago and last year had a suspected stroke so he's had a rough couple of years. Any suggestions please?
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Samantha says: These signs of wobbly back legs may mean that he has some sort of spinal problem. Often a "slipped disc" can cause these types of signs. There are other things which may cause these types of signs too. It would be best to take your mum's dog to the vet. Until you get there try to keep your dog quiet and resting if possible.
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| Sore eye and inflamed gums |
| Species: cat | Category: medical-surgical | Submitted: 10-Feb-07 | viewed 6392 times |
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John asks: |
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Caffery's has got a watery eye although he does not rub it and red line along his gums. He is eating well and is lively and playful. What has caused this?
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Samantha says: The watery eye could be a sign of conjunctivitis or other ocular problem. The red line around his gums could be due to gingivitis which is an inflammation of the gums which if left will probably become progressively worse; possibly leading to him losing his teeth. It would be best to get him to the vet to check if these conditions require treatment.
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feeding 22-Oct-07
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