Dry skinQ: I have a border collie, austrailian shepard mix. his skin is very dry and flakes. he doesn't like to take pills is there anything i can give him to stop him from scratching? i have used a dry skin shampoo with aloe in it but he still scratches. A: Purchase the brite coat xs capsules. puncture a capsule with a pin and mix the liquid in with his food.
Medicine for liver reading off the chartsQ: Do you have a suggestion for liver reading off the charts? my vet prescribed zenotil which cannot be cut up or crushed and my cat won't take it. i live alone and don't have anyone to help me hold the cat while i try to open her mouth. she is also taking hyperthyroid pills but these are no problem as they can be crushed and put in her food. do you know of another pill whilch would help her liver? she has lost weight and is hiding under the bed, as she is afraid i will try to force her. her latest thyroid reading was normal. do you have a suggestion for another medication, one that can be cut up and will it interfere with her tapazol (methmazole 5 mg) ? A: We carry a dosing device called a pet piller that is specifically designed for your needs.
Heartworm medsQ: My almost 3 yrs old part lab and part austrillian shepperd has heartworms. my problem is that i can not afford the $400 treatment. i understand that there is a shot that he can be given each month. my question is, can i give him the shot that he needs in order to keep down my cost, or do i have to find time each month to take him to the vet? thank you A: No treatment exists other than what your vet offers. only other option would be to put your pet on once monthly heartworm pills to prevent further reproduction of the adult heartworms he has
Muscle spasms and lamenessQ: 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
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One a day pillsQ: I have been giving my dogs one a day pills (nemacide) since 1980. i am having a hard time finding them. do you know where i can purchase them? if not, what is the best possible monthly to give them? i have irish setters over 50 lbs. i do frontline for fleas and ticks and have never had a problem with any types of worms. i would perfer the one a day if they are still around. any help would be appreciated. thank you, dorothy kumpula A: Nemacide has been discontinued. you need to begin using a monthly heartworm preventative such as interceptor. however, interceptor needs to be started within 30 days of the last nemacide dose, otherwise a new heartworm test needs to be done.
Shop for: interceptor, tick, frontline
