Tape worms or similarQ: My cat has what i assume is a tapeworm problem. they are extremely tiny, rice looking worms that crawl from her anal area and get on everything. i have tried store bought wormer but it only helps temporarily. she is an indoor cat and never goes outside. she does not have fleas so i am wondering if you can tell me what other things can cause these and keep them coming back. could litter be a problem? i want a medicine that will rid them for good, but i also want to know how to prevent them in her environment. thanks kevin A: Meds you have used have simply notbeen effective. they did come from prior flea infestation but meds you have used have not worked as many over countermeds dont. i would get prescription for feline droncit which i find works bestor you could try 1800petmeds tapeworm meds
Shop for: 1800petmeds, droncit
TresadermQ: I have a 3 year old chiachua (sp) who was quite abused and had actually chewed her ears and paws to raw and bleeding. now after 2 years she still requires tresaderm about 2/4 times a month. ususally she begins with head flapping and i know to get out the tresaderm. cultures were all negative and no mites or fleas. if she continues to require this medication, is there some risk to her health? i do use the dermal soothe spray but usually if the head flapping has not stopped by day 2/3 i have to start giving her the tresaderm. is there another non prescription drug i can get for her? she is my first dog (at 55) and my best friend. ds A: You need to see vet who will address underlying cause of ear problems such as food allergies or inhalent allergies or thyroid issues or it will keep coming back. see vet dermatologist if necessary. also dont like to use tresaderm like this long term due to resistant bacteria developing and systemic absorption of cortisone in the medicine over time. also check out website www.itsfortheanimals.com which has ointment known as blue ear ointment which you can buy ingredients in health food store and might work better long term
Generic versus name brand medicinesQ: I noticed for the first time that there is a generic item listed below the heartgard plus item. what is the difference, if any, between the two? thank you! A: Chemically, these products are the same. the difference is in the shape of the tablet.
Shop for: heartgard, heartgard plus
Hyperactive with strangers/urinates as a resultQ: My 19 y.o son and his brother, 21 live in an apartment. the 19 y.o. bought a beauthful beagle pup at 8 wees of age from a reputable breeder. he's had excellent care shots, etc. the dog is just over 6 months and neutered 2 weeks ago. the dog appears hyperactive to me though my son says he is better without strangers. he has to put him in the crate to settle him as the dog can't settle himself, nor can my son settle him by consoling him. in the midst of this nervous energy, he urinates on the carpet. this often happens immediately following an outside trip (all of which must be on a lead due living in an apartment). now, after having had snow, my son says he won't defacate outside at all. i have two questions: i have a fenced yard, if i kept the dog for a week or two and worked intensly on potty training with him, would he likely revert to old ways once returned to my son's apartment? when is it appropriate to put a dog on medication for calming them down? thank you. A: He may or may not revert to old ways in your son's apartment. you could consider a medicine like amitryptylline or clomicalm to help with this behavior
Aging/copingQ: We have a 13 year old doberman, recently diagnosed with degenerating discs in his back. according to our vet, he is otherwise in great shape. our vet has him on deramaxx and glucosamine supplements and it seems to be working. it's me that is having such trouble coping, not only with the little limps and the occasional lameness lasting only seconds, but with the changes he's going through as he ages. also, i'm not sure i can trust the deramaxx to keep working. he has been on it about 5 weeks. i love that dog like my child and i am constantly worrying. please recommend some reading, or something to help me deal. thank you so much. A: A great case for holistic vet medicine which can offer nice relief in many cases.consider consulting with vet chiropractor or acupuncturist www.altvetmed.com or vet homeopath www.theavh.org for different approach
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Demonic mangeQ: My dog has demonic mange..at least that is what the vet said..anyways, i wanted a second opinion.. he said it will never go away..is that true??..also we have him on prednisone, and clemastine..will he have to stay on this pills the rest of his life??..ive read and read about it..and what i came up with that it is caught off of the mother..and humans can't get it..or other animals..is this right??...but the prednisone can be dangerous..for being a steroid...thanks david A: Prednisone is a big nono with dogs with demodectic mange as it suppresses their immune system. the problem can be cured in many caseswith a medicine like daily ivermectin(if not a colllie or collie crossor sheltiewhich you cant usethisdrug) or at least controlled in other cases. rare cases are resistant to treatment. not congageous.|get off the pred
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Cat limping from old abcess injuryQ: Hi, my male neutered 12 yr old cat had a very deep abcess in his shoulder about 3 years ago. since then, he as developed a limp on that side and it seems to be getting progressivley worse. vet prescribed cosequin, (not the kind specificaly prescribed for cats)but i cain't see where that is helping? is there something else i should try? also, he smacks his lips a lot and seems to begin to gag sometimes latley as if he is nauseated. could this be from the cosequin or do i need to just give him more hairball medicine? A: Could be from cosequin or other digestive disorder. hairballs are overdiagnosed as causes of this. should have blood work and thyroid to make sure everything is ok. could ask your vet about low dose metacam, which has been used successfully to treat painful arthritic cats
Outdoor treatmentQ: I have an outdoor dog , who when he was indoor the program pills kept fleas off of him, but now he gets bit by mosquitos. he also spends a lot of his time in the pond, so what is the best medicine to keep him from getting eaten by fleas, ticks, and mosquitos? A: K9 advantix protects against fleas, tick and mosquitoes
Shop for: tick, advantix, k9, k9 advantix
Excess billrubinQ: Is an excess of billrubin a fatal problem, or is there medicine that can correct this. if he has a liver problem would there be any other signs? he is a very active chihuahua A: It is not usually a fatal problem but if excess bilirubin is found in urine i would work him up further for liver issues. some dogs have no signs with liver disease while others have signs of vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, increased thirst or urination etc. i would just get it checked out. strange color could be nothing more than ingredients from his food processed by his kidneys like food colorings, etc. but you want to be sure.
Nailbed infectionQ: I have a 7 year old male beagle who has developed a problem with his nails cracking at the base and bleeding heavily while still attached to the nailbed. his nails have started getting thicker and are no longer smooth to the touch. they are also extremely brittle and almost seem to explode when i trim them and crumble into small pieces. he has had three nails crack and bleed in the last five weeks. they eventually fall off but cause him much pain in the meantime. he has been on antibiotics for infection but i suspect there is something more to this problem. what do you think this could be and what is the prognosis for treatment? A: Many of these kinds of problems in dogs are enigmas in conventional medicine but make sure vet rules out any underyling autoimmune diseases, fungal diseases of nail beds and thyroid problems. if all normal i actually would consult homeopathic vet, who in my opinion can more effectively treat these kind of odd things in my opinion www.theavh.org
Shop for: homeo
