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Cat issues! help!
Q: I have two indoor cats, b.c. (male, 1yr) and diesel (female, approx. 7 mo.). bc used to be an outdoor cat and he had fleas and an open surface wound just below the ear from scratching when we got him. i assumed he was scatching at fleas, but now, as they are below both ears and my other cat is doing the same thing- they are litterally attacking their ears, i beleive they may have ear mites. what treatment would you recommend? recently, when left in the bathroom all day accidently, bc pooed on the floor and it was a bit bloody and wormy, something i had never noticed on account of the litter. i think he got them a couple of mo. ago when he got out. we tried hartz dewormer pills on both cats, on two different occasions, and it didn't work on either cat on either occasion. again, what treatment would you recommend? my third and final question... fleas!!! i plan on getting frontline b/c it actually works,however, the apts we live in are 80yrs old and even before we got cats there were fleas via cracks in the floor boards, etc. what can i do in addition to the frontline and mgnmt's occasional exterminator visits (do those high frequency sound thingies work)? thank you very much for the advice and store! this is a god send, esp. for financially challenged college students &our poor li'l kitty meows!
A: Try mitaclear from 1800petmeds for ear mites. also for worming try nemex also given at two doses 3 weeks apart. also for flea control in house check out fleabusters who can find on line. natural and best environmental flea control
Shop for: frontline, ear mites, nemex
Why are puppies born with worms?
Q: Why are puppies born with worms?
A: Larvae, the immature form of worms such as hookworm and roundworm can migrate through the mother’s uterus and into the developing fetus. therefore puppies can become infected with these worms while they are still in the mother’s uterus.
Muscle spasms and lameness
Q: My mini dachshund is 5 years old. she recently had severe muscle spasms in her back left leg. after several spasms she began having problems walking. she is very stiff in the morning & after napping. she doesn't seem to be in constant pain, but if my other dog bumps into her she howls & cries. she is normally very active & happy, but now is lethargic. she can't even step down a 2 inch ledge, i have to pick her up. vet diagnosed pulled muscle & gave pain pills/muscle relaxers, which helped a little but she is still not acting normal. what else could be causing her problems? i know dachshunds have issues with their backs-could she have a disc problem? thank you.
A: Sounds like a disc problem to me which actually is not always seen on routine x rays but you should have complete spinal x rays done. if continues may need mri for accurate diagnosis. some need low dose prednisone to help. you also may want to check out altvetmed.com for alternative ways of treatment including chiropractic and acupuncture
Shop for: prednisone
Heartworm in a golden retriever
Q: My 12 year old golden retriever, "sunshine," has been diagnosed with heartworm disease. the recommended treatment (injections, rest for one month each time, etc) seems very harsh as my dog is outwardly extremely healthy. i realize that she is quite old for a golden retriever and most likely only has about two more years with a good quality of life. thus, my inclination is to not give her the more drastic treatments that may impair the quality of what life she has left. we keep her at a healthy weight, she runs a great deal, has little or no arthritis and is a happy, (seemingly) healthy member of the family. what is your opinion? is it possible that preventatvie medicines such as heartworm pills would keep the disease at the same level it is now? our veterinarian seemed to only recommend the most involved of treatment. it is not the cost that is stopping me from nor treatment. also, as a physician's daughter, i do use and believe in modern medicine. however, i just believe that dogs (and humans) are often treated late in life with prodecures and medications to cure diseases and they would be better off just living their last days or years on their own. any information would be helpful. thank you in advance.
A: A tough decision to make as you are right about wondering about side effects of treatment in older dogs. some vet cardiologists have no problem putting such pets on monthly heartworm pills if decide not to treat to cut down on heartworm larvae and baby heartworms, but of course does nothing for existatn adults but at least stops reproduction
Getting cat to take pills
Q: How do you do this?
A: It's difficult. i know because i have had to do it. we currently have on order a gadget that will aid in the administration of pills to cats. until that time, i have found the best procedure is to hold the pill between thumb and forefinger, and then opening the cat's mouth with the other available fingers, try to pop in towards the back of the mouth using the side of the face as an entry point. good luck!
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