Heartworm in a golden retrieverQ: 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
PillsQ: I have to give my cat pills for thyroid and i have been mixing it with water and squriting it dawn her throat .is this alright or does it delute it to much A: It's o.k. as long as she gets all the tablet in the mixture you are making. the dose on the thyroid is quite specific.
Loose bowels a lotQ: Dear vet, my dog buddy a black lab gets a upset stomach and loose bowels very often. i can hear his stomach making growling noises. his vet has given him some pills that stop the condition almost immediately but after a few days it seems to come back. i don't know what to do about this it worries me he is 7 years old. thanks, dodie A: I recommend further diagnostics to determine the cause of the problem. lab tests and x-rays along with a parasite check may be helpful. you might need to ask for a referral to a specialist in veterinary internal medicine.
Lab earQ: Doc, i have fought with numerous vets about the yeast infections my lab gets from swimming all the time. i have a vet that gives me an atiboitic in pill form, but insists that i come in for an exam before he prescribes them to me. they charge me an arm and a leg for all of this....can you tell me what these pills usually are. i want to start ordering them online. they clear up my labs ears in less than a week and he's usually good for the rest of the summer. thanks, your old pal in arizona, shorty A: If you will call our order department and speak with one of our representative, they will be able to aid you.
PillsQ: Frontlineplus doesn't work on my pets; 3 indoor cats, and one indoor/outdoor dog...i see fleas/scratching well before the mo. is out. my vet only provides frontline/frontlineplus. then i heard about a flea/tick cat med., given in pill form, used monthly, that not only kills fleas and ticks, but also provides some protection from fungal(i.e. (cat) ringworm) skin infections; esp. for the sphynx breed. if this is true, where can i get it? thanks, marilyn axt A: There is no tablet form for cats. i would suggest a thorough cleaning and vacuuming of your pets area. it seems more of a reinfestation problem. you can get some suggestions on our website under "education" & "flea control". it is not unusual to see live fleas on your pets. the frontline plus only works when the fleas walk through the fur, they are then poisoned and will die. if you want to get rid of all the adult fleas you could use "capstar" tablets for a couple of days to kill all adult fleas within hours.
Shop for: frontline, tick, ringworm
Pills&catsQ: How do u give a cat a pill? A: We have a gadget called pet piller.
HelpQ: I can't get my cat to take pills or medicene and he needs worming. is there anything else you can recommend? A: We sell an inexpensive gadget called a pet piller. works great for cats.
