Cushings disease/shakingQ: My vet just told us that our eight year chow could have a form of cushings disease. she was tested for everything, xrays, blood, etc and she has tremors, not all the time, usually in the mornings. we thought she was just cold as we had her shaved. the doc. told us she needed to lose weight. he did a test on friday and now he says she has a form of cushings and that the medicine will be $17.00 dollars a day. first of all, we can't afford that and secondly how serious is this for my dog. can she die from this disease? what is the cause? it just started about 2 weeks ago. thanks for your information. A: First i would make sure your dog truly has cushings disease which is an overactive adrenal gland. many times under stress or because of other stress induced disorders, dogs can have false positive test results for this disease. i always like to combine blood tests with ultrasound of adrenal glands looking at their size in making diagnosis as well. most dogs with cushings have big increased thirst/urination and /or appetite as well as sometimes pot bellied appearance. if your dog has none of these i would question diagnosis. if truly cushings then should have treatment due to secondary infections, hypertension and diabetes which can occur if untreated
PregnantQ: How will i know if my dog is pregnant.she was just in heat, about 3 weeks ago. a dog got in my backyard so i don't know if anything happened between then. A: Your veterinarian will be able to tell with an exam.
Running awayQ: We have property & when we go to the property he tends to run off chasing other wild animals. what can we get to keep him within our 5 acre area. what can we do without leashing him all of the time. we like him to have freedom but not to run off. any suggestions? A: Have you considered constructing a dog run area that is fenced off?
Multiple catsQ: I would like to know if since i have three cats, if i use frontline flea drops on the back of their necks and they lick eachother, is this toxic? i have had a problem with fleas for a few weeks and have used powder, carpet powder and spray, but nothing is working. these cats do not go outside, however, we have two dogs that have brought the fleas into our home. we have treated the dogs with frontline, but i am leary of using it on the cats. any suggestions? A: Applying the frontline between their shoulder blades and controlling them during the rapid drying process should prevent any problems. i use it on my three cats and have yet to notice any untoward reaction.
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Sick 4 pound dogQ: I have a dog that is 4 pounds we went to the vet because he started throwing up and did so 7 times they ran 2 test gave him fluids and metronidazoleand sent us home an arm and a leg later they dont know whats wroung with him and he is still throwing up i am making him drink 3cc an hour of pedilite what else can we do or what A: Should have x ray to rule out obstruction. take him back to vet. if x ray already done and no obstructions can try a liquid dose of cimitidine(generic tagamet) at 10 mg twice to three times daily. if continues have bloodwork and stool recheck as well