Testing for heartworms
Q: My question relates to the amount of time it takes to get a positive or negative result from a heartworm test.i recently had my dog (jack russel terrier mix) tested for heartworms. within 10 minutes after drawing a blood sample, the vet came back with a positive diagnosis for heartworms. how long does it take to get results?
A: Usually run in office and can be told in a few minutes. however i always like to confirm in office positive test with test at outside lab as i have seen many false positives over years.
Ear infection
Q: My dog has had an ear infection in her left ear now for quite some time. she has been to the vet twice for the same ear. the vet has done swabs and has diagnosed 500mg of cephlaxin (one cycle) and 10 mg of prednisone. her ear did get better for a little while, but the infection returned. i was wondering if two cycles might do the trick this time. please let me know. thanks, coy heath
A: Two cycles might help but often vets do not addressunderyling causes which are main reasons problems keep coming back. you should ask about allergy workup including low allergy diet witih diet like purina ha or californai natural lamb and rice diet by natura brand. also if keeps returning consider thyroid testing as well as blood allergy testing for inhalent allergies to molds, grasses, dander, pollens, etc
Shop for: prednisone
Eye scratching and hair loss around eyes
Q: My dog has been rubbing his eyes w/paws. eyes are watery. he is lossing hair around eyes and eye lids. the vet said to give tavist-d. he's still losing hair around eyes. what will help hair grow back and stop his eyes from itching?
A: Could try other anthistamines like benadryl at dose of 1/2 to 1 mg per pound twice daily or chlortrimeton at 4 mg twice daily. if no help see your vet again. also consider product eye clear from 1800petmeds
Shop for: 1800petmeds
My dog has kennel cough
Q: My dog has been taking antibiotics for kennel cough for the past 10 days. he is still coughing, but not really bad. is he still contagious?
A: Probably still is. likely viral for him which has to run its course
Fleas on human
Q: I believe i have contacted fleas from my family dog. are dogs meds safe for human use or what steps should i take to rid myself?
A: See your human dermatologist if you have some kind of skin condition. a simple shower will take care of your fleas
Found a tick on my dog
Q: I just found an engorged tick on my newly acquired springer spaniel. he is on revolution. is that not the drug of choice for preventing fleas, ticks and heartworm? thanks, mary lou o
A: It is supposedly effective, although i prefer frontline or advantix. i still prefer monthly heartworm preventatives as well
Shop for: tick, advantix, revolution
Yellow lab chewing hair off on hind legs
Q: I was wondering why our dog would be chewing at her back legs, and chewing the hair off right down to her skin. we put frontline on her a couple of weeks ago, and now she started chewing her back legs. not sure if there is any link to the two or not. thank you
A: Some dogs can rarely have reaction to frontline in hair follicles causing itching, etc but usually occurs right after application and usually resolves. you probably have other types of allergies such as seasonal inhalent allergies or possibly food allergies. try corticare shampoo from 1800petmeds every few days in addition to oral benadryl at dose of 1/2 to 1mg per pound orally twice daily. if no help, see your vet
Shop for: frontline, 1800petmeds
Neutering and the anethisia
Q: My 10 month old shiba-inu was neutered a month ago. he still doesn't want to play with the other dogs, as he use to enjoy so much prior to the neuter. is this normal? also, since he was neutered, he is constantly chewing on his feet and scratching profusely. he has been allergy tested (atopy) and is now on a hypoallergetic food trial. it's just weird that this started right after being neutered. is it possible that he had a allergic reaction to the anethisia used when he was neutered? thanks,
A: No but there is a new syndrome that university of pa vet school characterized known as male castration syndrome that occurs as result of neutering and can actually look like allergies!!! therapeutic trials with low doses of testosterone is how it is treated and diagnosed
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