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Skin and ear problem

Species: dog | Category: general | Submitted: 29-Jan-07 | viewed 5877 times

Audra asks about Dylan (dog - labrador cross, M) (age 3 years, 5 months):

Dylan has had a problem with a rash, which is mainly on his stomach and an ear infection since October. He has had three lots of antibiotics and one course of canaural for his ear, which cleared it up. His last course of antibiotics finished on 3rd Jan, but 3 1/2 weeks later the rash and ear infection is back. His food hasn't changed and he hasn't been walked anywhere different. His food is gluten free and his bedding is changed twice a week. Please help!

Samantha says: Poor Dylan! Some dogs are very prone to skin problems and since the ear canal is lined with skin they often get ear infections too. With all skin problems do make sure that you have good flea control; whether you see any or not. In many cases when dogs have sensitive skin it can be a very frustrating problem and difficult to resolve and prevent from recurring. Go back to your vet who will be able to discuss with you what the options are for any further investigation or treatment which would be suitable for Dylan.

Legs

Category: general | Submitted: 29-Jan-07 | viewed 5082 times

Mandy asks about denzel (dog - labrador, M) (age 0 years, 7 months):

He is only 6 months old and he is having trouble getting up when he is lying down. He is sleeping more over the past few days and that is not what a puppy should be like. I don't know if I am walking him too much or for too long. I am worried. I have some medication for him from a pet store that is supposed to help joints and things like that, but I am still worried.

Samantha says: I think you have good reason to feel concerned about Denzel. He does not sound like a well young dog at all. He needs to be seen by a vet who will be able to help him. Please get him seen soon!

dog cough

Species: dog | Category: medical-surgical | Submitted: 29-Jan-07 | viewed 4687 times

Kirsty asks about pepsi (dog - border collie, F) (age 10 years, 4 months):

My dog is 10 years old. For about 2 or 3 months she has had a persistent cough, it seems like she is trying to cough something up but she is still eating and drinking normally. I took her to the vet about a month ago and he mentioned lung worm and gave her some tablets; these seem to have had no effect and she seems to be worse. I have also noticed some blood when she has coughed.

Samantha says: You need to take her back to your vet. If treatment does not work your vet does need to know about it so that he or she can try to help Pepsi get better.

Gums problem

Category: general | Submitted: 29-Jan-07 | viewed 4096 times

Emma asks:

My dog has really black gums! What could this be? At the moment she is on just dry food only. Could this be the thing that started it?

Samantha says: It is most likely that your dog has black pigmented gums which are normal for her. Some breeds, for example the Chow, normally have black pigmentation here. Occasionally however it can be a sign that there is something wrong such as an oral tumour, so do get your pet's gums checked by your vet. It is unlikely to be anything to do with her food.

Problems with getting up and down stairs

Species: dog | Category: medical-surgical | Submitted: 29-Jan-07 | viewed 5016 times

Andrea asks about LUKE (dog - BORDER TERRIER, M) (age 6 years, 6 months):

Hi, My 6 year old Border Terrier had problems last night and this morning getting up and down stairs; it seems to be his back legs. He is not off his food and is still quite playful. Last night I dropped a glass of water and he was sleeping. It made him jump straight up and move away; do you think he could have just pulled a muscle? Any advice would be welcomed, he has never had any problems like this before. Thank you Andrea

Samantha says: It could be just a pulled muscle but I would also be thinking about the possibility of a slipped disc in his back which could potentially be more serious. If his back legs are moving normally when he is moving about (other than on stairs) then you could try a day or two of strict rest (lead walk only for the toilet) and see if he improves. If you notice any other abnormalities in his gait at other times or he appears to be getting worse rather than better see your vet. If he goes off his hind legs completely you should see your vet urgently.

severe diarrhoea for past 8 hours

Species: dog | Category: general | Submitted: 29-Jan-07 | viewed 5665 times

Peter asks about maicha (dog - Beauceron, F) (age 7 years, 5 months):

Diarrhoea and vomiting started in the middle of last night. Sickness has stopped but diarrhoea continuing. Treatment please?

Samantha says: If your dog seems otherwise well (active, interested, no sign of abdominal pain such as a hunched stance etc) and the vomiting has stopped you could try fasting him/her for 24 hours (but do supply plenty of water) then feeding a bland diet such as chicken and rice in 3 to 4 small meals throughout the day for the next few days until the diarrhoea stops. If the diarrhoea does not stop in the next couple of days or you are in any doubt about your dog's condition do see your vet.

Sour Crop

Species: bird | Category: medical-surgical | Submitted: 29-Jan-07 | viewed 5329 times

David asks about Kentucky (bird - Black Nera Chicken, F) (age 1 years, 9 months):

Two weeks ago I took my 2 year old chicken (hen) to the vet with a very enlarged crop. The vet surgically removed a huge mass of old food (mostly grass, corn and liquid). The crop is now becoming enlarged again. I've managed to partially empty it by turning her upside down and massaging her crop to induce vomiting. It had an extremely foul smell (fermenting?). I'm also giving her Avipro to try settle her digestion down. Is there anything else I can try to correct this problem? Someone suggested Nystatin to stop the fermentation? She otherwise appears to be quite happy with good appetite.

Samantha says: This is a difficult condition to treat and surgery such as your hen has already had is the only option I know of. I cannot recommend specific treatment over the internet such as particular antibiotics etc; but I would imagine that the primary problem is not the fermentation of the food but the fact that it is stuck in the crop in the first place. Gentle massage may help but you should see your vet again if the crop is distended once more.

red eye on photo

Category: general | Submitted: 29-Jan-07 | viewed 4417 times

Jade asks:

Hi, I am really worried about by dog, he is a 13 week old puppy and has cherry eye in his left eye. I have been assured by a vet that he is fine but will need an operation at a later date to sort this out. The thing is, I have taken a few photos of my dog and have noticed that his left eye shows up as a red eye on every photo, yet the right eye shows up fine. (It is not the flash or the light or anything) its as if something is showing up on the photo that I can't see with the naked eye. What could this be? Thanks

Samantha says: If you take your puppy back to your vet they will be able to thoroughly examine the eye and check for any problems. Your vet may use an ophthalmoscope and this device will allow your vet to see right through the eye to the retina and optic nerve. Your vet will then be able to reassure you or point out any problems if there are any. Cherry eye is seen when the gland which helps to produce tears is prolapsed from its normal position under the third eyelid: I doubt it is causing the red eye in the photographs. If your vet says the eye is fine I wouldn't worry about the appearance of the eye in the photographs.

Lame horse

Species: equine | Category: general | Submitted: 29-Jan-07 | viewed 5540 times

Jenny asks:

I have a 15 year old thoroughbred. He is sound in walk, canter and gallop but not trot; however on hacks he is fine but as soon as he is going into the school he limps, could it be psychological that he wants to get out of work? There is no heat swelling or tenderness anywhere!

Samantha says: You must assume his problem is genuine and that he is in pain when he shows signs of lameness. He might only show signs of lameness in the school because of the relatively tight turns. Get your vet to check him for you.

Cushings and Diabetes

Species: dog | Category: medical-surgical | Submitted: 29-Jan-07 | viewed 6570 times

Julie asks:

My dog's name is Coco. She is a toy poodle. About 2 years ago she was diagnosed with being a diabetic and having cushings disease. She is 12 years old and costs us 100 pounds a month for her treatment; but she's worth it. Can you tell me how long a dog can live for with these diseases? Her weight has gone right up since she was diagnosed with these, is that normal? At the moment she is doing very well and is happy.

Samantha says: I am pleased to hear that Coco is doing well at the moment. When these diseases are treated effectively animals can live for several years and have a good quality of life. It is difficult to comment on her weight without being able to see her and weigh her, so speak to your vet if you are concerned about this.

lumps

Species: cat | Category: other | Submitted: 28-Jan-07 | viewed 4190 times

Tina asks about toffee (cat - persian looking, F) (age 1 years, 10 months):

I have over the last few weeks noticed a golf ball size lump just below her neck, there are also a few smaller ones very close. Today I noticed another at the back of her front leg; any ideas what this could be? Apart from the lumps she is normal; eating normally etc. Also if you touch the lumps she's not bothered so I guess she has no pain from them.

Samantha says: I am a little concerned in case these lumps are her lymph nodes. It is difficult to say from your description but I think you must get these lumps properly checked by a vet; very soon.

fear period

Species: dog | Category: behaviour | Submitted: 28-Jan-07 | viewed 6750 times

Nicola asks:

My 9 month old staffy had a frightening experience on her lead about a month ago. Since then she gets very stressed whenever I get the lead out. She's completely changed and it doesn't seem to be improving. Please help me!

Samantha says: Dogs can develop fears and phobias very easily and it is a shame that this has happened for your dog. You might need to train her to accept her lead again, but you could try borrowing a different lead with a very different look and feel which she might not associate with the bad experience? If that doesn't work try to find out at which point she gets upset. Is it when you walk towards the lead, have the lead in your hand or actually put it on? Find the point where your dog is still happy and give her a food reward. So if she gets upset when you have the lead in your hand but is OK when you walk towards it then give her a reward for being OK as you walk towards the lead a few times but do not touch it. Hopefully by doing this over and over again getting slightly closer to the lead each time you will get to the point when she is happy for you to touch the lead. If at any point she gets upset stop and go back a stage. Only ever give a reward for non-fearful behaviour. Later you will be able to gradually work up to walking closer and closer to her with the lead in your hand rewarding her for good behaviour at each stage and so on until she is completely comfortable with the lead again. Do not punish or console her for being frightened of the lead at any stage however frustrated or sorry for her you feel; simply stop the exercise and ignore her behaviour completely. Do this over a period of several days or weeks; do not try to rush her progress, move at her pace. Do not do anything with the lead outside of training sessions as you may go backwards with her behaviour. Behavioural modification such as this is demanding and time consuming and can also be frustrating. If you feel you are not able to manage on your own contact a local dog behaviourist.

spotty chaped dotted ears

Category: general | Submitted: 28-Jan-07 | viewed 5549 times

Abby asks:

I don't know what it is but my rat seems to have tiny white spots all round his ears, they have a crusty texture almost! He's been to the vets but they don't know what it is. They think it could be a form of ringworm! Can you possibly try and tell me what it is or could be ?

Samantha says: Sadly it is impossible to say what it could be without actually seeing your pet rat and if your vets can't tell you what it could be it is probably something which is not very common.
If it is ringworm as your vet suspects you should remember to wash your hands thoroughly after handling your rat since people can catch ringworm too! Rats with skin conditions should be kept in good conditions and you should use a well balanced diet since dietary problems and stress are thought to make skin problems worse in rats and mice.

Large red blisters appear with dry skin

Species: dog | Category: medical-surgical | Submitted: 28-Jan-07 | viewed 7256 times

Elizabeth asks about Billy (dog - not known, M) (age 2 years, 8 months):

My dog's skin seems to be infected with round red blisters that dry and the skin flakes off. His skin also feels very bumpy below these blisters. Is this a food allergy or some sort of nervous condition? Should I take him to the vets? He does not appear to be unwell.

Samantha says: This type of skin lesion is common among dogs but unfortunately it is difficult to say what might cause it especially without seeing your dog! As you say it may be an allergy; flea allergy is most common and can sometimes be the cause of skin problems even when you have not seen any fleas yourself. Food allergies and atopy (which can be an allergy to dusts and pollens etc) are common too. If your dog has not been treated regularly for fleas you could try this. If you are in doubt it is best to go to your local vet. If your dog seems uncomfortable/itchy with the spots or they look infected definitely take him along to the vet. You should also be aware that dogs can get ringworm (which is a fungal disease) and people can catch this, so wash your hands after handling your pet.

inner eyelid of cat

Species: cat | Category: general | Submitted: 28-Jan-07 | viewed 5941 times

Viv asks about Whitey (cat - Moggie, F) :

Our cat's inner eyelid won't open completely when she opens her eye - about 1/4 of it stays covering the eye. What should we do?

Samantha says: When the third eyelid of a cat's eye is protruding it can be a sign that the cat is unwell. I presume both of the eyes are affected? (If only one eye is affected it may be an eye problem). Cats often get protrusion of the third eyelids when they get diarrhoea, although other problems may also cause it. You could try keeping her in with a litter tray and check to see if her faeces are runny. If she seems otherwise well but she does have mild diarrhoea you could try giving her some bland food for a day or so (such as plain cooked chicken or white fish) to see if this helps. If she seems unwell generally or vomits, goes off her food or becomes lethargic you should see your vet with her.

Infection in cat

Species: cat | Category: general | Submitted: 28-Jan-07 | viewed 6321 times

Sarah asks:

Meatball came to me a few months ago as a stray and she is now living with me permanently with my two puppies. So far she has seemed to be very healthy and clean. However, recently she has been in heat and she has a lot of discharge from her vagina. Her back legs are constantly wet and it is very foul smelling. She has vomited a few times and the membranes in her eyes seem to be more closed over than usual. She is also miaowing continuously. What do you think this could be? Im worried that it may be infectious and harmful to my other pets. Thanks Sarah

Samantha says: You should definitely take Meatball to your local vet as soon as you can: it sounds as if she may have an infection and she certainly should be examined so that appropriate treatment may be given. As far as your puppies are concerned you should not be too worried at present provided they are both well; but do take precautions to prevent the spread of infection. When handling and feeding your pets you should always take care of any sick animals after you have handled the healthy ones and you should always wash your hands following any contact with sick pets. Make sure your pups do not lick at the discharge from Meatball's vagina- some dogs would!

diarrhoea

Species: dog | Category: general | Submitted: 28-Jan-07 | viewed 5728 times

Shaun asks about bob (dog - lab, M) (age 0 years, 4 months):

My chocolate lab has had bad diarrhoea (like water) for about a week, he has been to the vet and she said his booster can cause it, but I think it is lasting a bit too long. He is eating and drinking OK but just can't keep it in, I got some diarrhoea tablets on Friday but they don't seem to be working. Can I try anything else? Thanks Shaun Daysley

Samantha says: Apart from the medication you say you have been given for him it would be helpful if you did not let him have any food at all for 12 to 24 hours (make sure he has access to plenty of water) then give him something very bland such as chicken and rice or white fish and pasta for a few days until the diarrhoea clears up. Give him several small meals during the day as you would for a puppy rather than just one or two large meals. If your dog still does not seem to get better after a couple of days, or he becomes lethargic, depressed or otherwise unwell take him back to your vet.

Cat's legs uncontrollably shaking

Species: cat | Category: general | Submitted: 27-Jan-07 | viewed 4557 times

Rachel asks about Felix (cat - domestic shorthair, M) (age 2 years, 7 months):

My cat's legs keep twitching out of control and I'm getting worried; should I be?

Samantha says: This does sound unusual and it would be worth you taking your cat for a check up.

Aggression

Species: dog | Category: behaviour | Submitted: 27-Jan-07 | viewed 6565 times

Suzanne asks about sola (dog - siberian husky, M) (age 0 years, 4 months):

I have an 18 month old female husky who can be quite aggressive to other dogs especially if they are submissive towards her, she stands over them and dares them to move and when they do she does a lot of growling and snarling much to the other dog owners disgust. But with our other male husky she is fine, though they would play fight 24/7 if given the chance. Any ideas to help the problem, thanks, she also has hepatic micro-vascular dysplasia!

Samantha says: It sounds as if she is displaying fairly normal dominant dog behaviour. Her posturing and growling over submissive dogs is her way of saying "I know and you know that I am the stronger dog and this is my way of showing it". This is very difficult for you to handle because other dog owners do not like it!
A helpful thing you can do is to establish yourself as the most dominant member of the family (together with all other human members of the household). Your dogs should eat after they have seen you complete your meal and should not be allowed to beg for tit-bits. They should sleep downstairs- never on your bed or sofa. They should wait for you to go out through a doorway first rather than barge through it in front. All of these things will help you and other family members establish yourselves as dominant in the family heirachy and the dogs as less so. This will hopefully make them look more to you and your responses to other dogs rather than handling the interaction in their own way.
You should take your dog to an obedience class if possible and learn to do simple commands such as "sit" and "stay" reliably. In this way you will hopefully have more control over your dog when she is out and about. She may also get used to other dogs in the class and learn not to pay so much attention to them.
This is a difficult problem and if these suggestions do not help you should enlist the help of your local behaviourist. If your dog does unfortunately get involved in a fight it is not wise to attempt to separate the dogs since you might get bitten yourself! If the problem is too bad you could always keep her on a long lead so that you have control at all times.

SKIN PROBLEM

Species: dog | Category: general | Submitted: 27-Jan-07 | viewed 6127 times

Peter asks:

Scabs under stomach area.

Samantha says: This could be a sign of many different problems; if your dog is itchy it may be a sign of an allergy. As always with skin problems make sure your dog is regularly treated for fleas. If you take your dog along to the vet they will be able to examine your dog and give appropriate treatment.


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