real questions, real answers
Pet health answers.
Real questions from pet parents, answered by a licensed veterinarian or by the PawsRx team. Every reply says which. Got your own? Ask a vet.
- Dog diarrhea and vomiting
- Dog itching, skin and fleas
- Dog anxiety and behavior
- Lumps, bumps and growths on a dog
- Dog eye infections and eye problems
- Dog cough and heart failure
- Cat health questions
- Bearded dragon and gecko health
- Rabbit health questions
- Bird and exotic pet health questions
Hi, I have a dachshund who started whining when I lifted his back end off the furniture. He is still eating, drinking,…
Sorry to hear about your dachshund. It definitely sounds like there is pain going on based on the signs. I would get to a vet as soon as possible. A slipped disc is an emergent situation.
Answered by Dylan Wilson, DVM · KY license 293504
Over the past few days I’ve noticed my bird growing some bald patches, I didn’t think much of it because she’s molting…
Sorry to hear you are concerned. That is definitely a dermatitis. It's fairly inflamed and could be yeast or bacterial. I would clean the area well with a gentle soap and find a vet to give some topical treatment.
Answered by Dylan Wilson, DVM · KY license 293504
Hello, I’m looking for advice regarding my aquatic turtle. Its eyes appear irritated and red, and it keeps them…
Sorry to hear about your turtle. He needs an urgent examination. That's a significant amount of eye swelling. If it's an infection or severe vitamin A deficiency, you will need prescription meds with oral or injectable treatment.
Answered by Dylan Wilson, DVM · KY license 293504
Indoor cat with a dry hacking cough for months, like a hairball that never comes up
Sorry to hear about your cat. Unfortunately, there is a long list of respiratory conditions a cat can have. The best method would be a vet assessment with radiographs and bloodwork. You can go to the vet and ask about a medical management approach, but you have to have the expectation a diagnosis isn't known. Cats are our infamous medication takers and there are lots of oral compounded treatments available. Inhaler treatment can be nearly impossible with some cats and other ways to administer asthma treatment is available as injections or orally.
Answered by Dylan Wilson, DVM · KY license 293504
Painted turtle with soft patches on its shell: possible shell rot, worth a vet visit?
Sorry to hear about your turtle. What is their basking set up? Do you know what temperature the water and basking area stays around? If this is shell rot, he needs to see a veterinarian for antibiotics as soon as possible. Opportunistic bacteria and fungus can latch on to a damaged shell or a shell that doesn't dry enough over several days. There could also be something in the tank that damaged the shell. I would try and create a small container to keep fresh clean distilled water to let them stay in to recover. The main tank may need the water parameters checked to make sure its not chemical burn related injury.
Answered by Dylan Wilson, DVM · KY license 293504
Cat with short episodes of disorientation that are over before she reaches the vet
Sorry to hear about your cat. Neurological episodes are hard to distinguish from a cardiac/stroke event. I would focus on the eyes and any disoriented movement. If the vet is not noticing any physical exam abnoramilities it's likely neurological. Advanced diagnostics such as bloodwork, spinal taps, and CT scans would be warranted to further assess. If you ever see the cat comatose or obtunded, take them to an emergency vet. If the pupil abnormalities persist that should also be a sign to take them to the vet.
Answered by Dylan Wilson, DVM · KY license 293504
New sugar glider gagging, wheezing and jerking in short episodes
I would definitely recommend a vet visit if you are observing open mouth breathing and wheezing. Moving is very stressful to a sugar glider, especially if they are by themselves and will show underlying conditions worsen.
Answered by Dylan Wilson, DVM · KY license 293504
Neutered cat with existing stomach problems suddenly pooping outside the litter box
Sorry to hear about your poopy situation. Older cats using outside the litterbox is normally pain related. Arthritis is pretty common, so I would try to have a vet visit soon to address potential musculoskeletal pain. If he doesn't urinate or has vomiting with the outside the litter box use, take him to a vet as soon as possible.
Answered by Dylan Wilson, DVM · KY license 293504
Betta fish with a small white growth by the gill and one cloudy eye
Sorry to hear about your betta fish. Try to set up a hospital tank where water can be changed easily. There are products that protect their slime coat and I recommend getting one. I would try to find a veterinarian that could prescribe antibiotics. The fin is likely a fungal infection, while the eye is bacterial. Regardless, they will need prescription drugs.
Answered by Dylan Wilson, DVM · KY license 293504
Pisé sin querer a mi cachorra de 2 meses y parece estar bien: ¿necesita urgencias?
Sorry to hear about your puppy. I would look for a loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, or increased yelping. If you notice any of those signs, you should take them to an emergency vet.
Answered by Dylan Wilson, DVM · KY license 293504
Leopard gecko with mouth rot that won't eat mealworms: what to feed while it heals
Sorry to hear about your leopard gecko. There are gel mix or paste products you should be able to find in most pet stores that can be a replacement or supplement nutrition while he heals. You can syringe feed if necessary if he hasn't eaten for several days.
Answered by Dylan Wilson, DVM · KY license 293504
Marks on a dog's tongue, with whining and skipping his lickable treat
Sorry to hear you're worried. Do you have a picture of his tongue or can describe the marks in more detail? What are you seeing that you think he's uncomfortable?
Answered by Dylan Wilson, DVM · KY license 293504
Perro que vuelve a vomitar la comida, dos semanas después de los antibióticos
Sorry to hear you're concerned. I would see your veterinarian that gave you the antibiotics as soon as you can.
Answered by Dylan Wilson, DVM · KY license 293504
Softball grazed a dog's eye and he is acting normal: does he need urgent care?
Sorry to hear you're concerned. He doesn't seem to be painful based on the picture. If you notice him pawing at the eye or rubbing his head on things, it may be a little damaged. If there is swelling of the eye or around the eye, you should take him to a vet.
Answered by Dylan Wilson, DVM · KY license 293504
Rabbit not seen drinking water for a day while eating wet greens: is that normal?
Sorry to hear you're concerned. Did you have a temperature drop where you live? A lot of leafy greens with added water is a good way to keep up hydration. I noticed with my own rabbits their water intake drops with the cold. I would look at their stool and see if you notice a lot less or very dry pieces. If you notice that, he will need help with water intake.
Answered by Dylan Wilson, DVM · KY license 293504
Dog with a cough who needs vaccines, and no money for a vet
Sorry I can’t help with this post. Good luck, but you could look around your area for community clinics they may have lower prices. Humane society’s also sometimes hold clinics that are at reduced prices.
Answered by Dylan Wilson, DVM · KY license 293504
10-week-old kitten has not eaten in 48 hours after foamy vomiting, but is still drinking
Sorry to hear about your kitten. I would take your kitten to a veterinarian as soon as yoh could. It likely needs supportive care with fluids and calories. The 3 day mark without food for an adult cat is very concerning. A young kitten with 3 days without food would be even more concerning.
Answered by Dylan Wilson, DVM · KY license 293504
Dark brown vaginal discharge, once, a week or so after a dog's heat cycle ended
Sorry to see you're concerned. Are you actively trying to breed her? Does she have access to other intact dogs? I am concerned with the time frame after her last heat cycle. I would think it's not a bad idea to get her an appointment to make sure a pyometra is not developing.
Answered by Dylan Wilson, DVM · KY license 293504
African fat-tailed gecko eating less for a month and dropping her food: what to check
Sorry to hear you're concerned and I may have answered another post that was yours. If this is not brumation, I would look for decreased water intake and significant lethargy. Bowel movements should not be very firm and dry. What material is used as her bedding for her enclosure? Does she have a vitamin D3-calcium supplement?
Answered by Dylan Wilson, DVM · KY license 293504
Dog with blood-blister-like growths on her belly, one torn and bleeding
I would get them to an appointment whenever they can. There are a number of different size and shapes of growths that have me concerned.
Answered by Dylan Wilson, DVM · KY license 293504
African fat-tailed gecko suddenly eating far fewer insects with nothing changed
Sorry to hear you're concerned. This is likely just brumation. This is the time of year many reptiles will slow down on activity and feeding. Just maintain good clean water and keep providing insects.
Answered by Dylan Wilson, DVM · KY license 293504
Kitten drank a teaspoon of marinara sauce with onion and garlic: what to watch for
Sorry to hear you're concerned. I am sure he was not exposed to a significant amount. I would look for signs of vomiting, diarrhea, and or lethargy. If you notice any of those, please take them to a vet for evaluation.
Answered by Dylan Wilson, DVM · KY license 293504
What breed is my dog? Sold as a purebred American pit bull terrier
I would say it's an American staffordshire terrier mix. The american kennel club doesn't recognize the american pit bull terrier breed as there is so many different traits. Most of the bully type breeds have floppy ears. He looks to be on the smaller size as well.
Answered by Dylan Wilson, DVM · KY license 293504
Bearded dragon regurgitated dubia roaches and has eaten less for three weeks
Sorry to hear about your bearded dragon. What uvb light set up do you have for their enclosure and how warm does the enclosure get? This is normally when brumation can begin with our bearded dragons, so they will slow down on eating. I would keep doing warm baths and leaving plenty of water out.
Answered by Dylan Wilson, DVM · KY license 293504
Soft pink bumps along a puppy's spay incision two months after surgery: how urgent?
Sorry to hear you're concerned. Seromas normally appear and resolve within 3 weeks after surgery. This could be suture reactions or seromas that are continually getting messed with. I would see if they're hot to the touch and if you notice one has a foul smell. Infection is a possibility and needs to be watched for. If she has a loss of appetite or lethargy, she needs to be seen by a veterinarian immediately.
Answered by Dylan Wilson, DVM · KY license 293504
Guinea pig with flaky skin, crusts and hair loss around the ears: mites or fungus?
Sorry about your situation. I am concerned more of an active ear infection. My recommendation would be a veterinarian evaluation. The revolution dosing for a guinea pig would be very risky due to the formulation and I would not recommend. You could do a bath with guinea pig specific shampoo or dawn then frequent enclosure cleaning. The miconazole cream is likewise risky if there is ingestion of the cream. I would look for an exotic veterinarian as soon as possible with the lethargy you mentioned early.
Answered by Dylan Wilson, DVM · KY license 293504
Cat's upper eyelid suddenly swollen but the eye itself looks clear
There is inflammation in that right eyelid. It could be trauma, cellulitis, or a foreign body causing the swelling. A vet visit would be needed for eyedrops to help with the situation was the vet determines the cause.
Answered by Dylan Wilson, DVM · KY license 293504
Bearded dragon passed a long white, woven-looking strand with its stool
Sorry to hear about your bearded dragon. I would take a picture if it happens again. What does his normal diet consist of?
Answered by Dylan Wilson, DVM · KY license 293504
Guinea pig scratching and lying down more: mange, a fungal infection or irritation?
Sorry to hear about your guinea pig. It sounds like a veterinarian evaluation as soon as possible would be good. I would do a deep clean of where he stays with a 5% vinegar solution. What is his current diet?
Answered by Dylan Wilson, DVM · KY license 293504
Dog with watery diarrhea for a day but acting normal: emergency vet or regular appointment?
Sorry to hear his bathroom troubles. I would say he needs a regular appointment. I would just let him have plenty of clean water. If the bowel movements turn to a black color or there is excessive vomiting, he needs to see a veterinarian as soon as possible.
Answered by Dylan Wilson, DVM · KY license 293504
Newly adopted dog barks and lunges at one dog on walks: is it aggression?
Sorry to hear you're concerned. It could be a multitude of reasons. Many dogs get something called barrier aggression where they're only aggressive when on a leash or behind a fence. Others become territorial of an area they've decided is theirs. They could also be in a protective mode over you. Positive reinforcement is the best way to get behavioral changes and exposure to situations with corrected behavior. I can't tell you the solution without seeing the situation playing out, so finding dog training may be beneficial.
Answered by Dylan Wilson, DVM · KY license 293504
16-year-old Yorkshire Terrier with heart disease, recurrent pulmonary edema and kidney dysfunction
I see you provided the rest of the information. Rule of thumb for emergency azotemia is that halfing the highest creatinine value is considered a successful management for the aoztemia. Kidney damage is not reversible due to having a set number of nephrons that take damage with kidney injury events. I suspect at a physiological level that the diuretic efficiency has decreased as there are less nephrons for the medication to work on. You have to increase dosages to achieve a therapeutic level (level where the drug actually works). The only other medical management help I can think is to add a thiazide diuretic or sodium sparing diuretic to work at another level of the nephron. Those additions would require frequent bloodwork to make sure electrolyte abnoramilities won't develop. Unfortunately, his kidneys may be unable to keep up with a balanced fluid state due to his progression and he will keep having fluid backup into his lungs.
Answered by Dylan Wilson, DVM · KY license 293504
Senior Yorkie with mitral valve disease: pulmonary edema keeps recurring and kidney values worsen on diuretics
Sorry to hear about your Yorkie. I think the post may have cut off as I get information up to "His appetite and general behavior improved, and he became interested in his surroundings again." What is his current medication regiment aside from the torasemide? What was his medical management and dosages for the 1.5 years the condition was stable? Unfortunately, diuretic treatment, especially in his case with high dose emergency situations, can lead to kidney deterioration. I see omega 3 fatty acids as a supplement for chronic kidney prevention. Likewise, there are prescription renal diets as well. I need a more detailed medical management history to see if the pulmonary edema is from an unfortunate loss of drug efficiency with progression of his condition and what all modalities have been tried.
Answered by Dylan Wilson, DVM · KY license 293504
Young duck smaller than her siblings, with thin, wavy feathers and poor wing feathers
Sorry to hear about your duck. I am not seeing the photos or video unfortunately. Do you know the specific bird food bag she is eating? Do you know if this duck has gotten any vaccinations?
Answered by Dylan Wilson, DVM · KY license 293504
Cat misted with insect repellent by mistake: what to watch for after washing it off
The next time you have a situation like this I recommend calling the ASPCA animal poison control help line. They have very knowledgeable people that can help with these situations. The cat should be fine if that was a picaridin spray and you quickly diluted the product after the fact.
Answered by Dylan Wilson, DVM · KY license 293504
Puppy diagnosed with short ulna syndrome at five months: questions about the recommended surgery
Sorry to hear about your dog. Earlier the intervention equals better the outcome. Not correcting the growth plate will result in more deformity as the limb keeps growing. Not correcting could lead to joint instability and degenerative joint disease or cartilage issues later in life. Surgery itself also has post-op recovery and infection risks. There is a lot of ifs, but unfortunately at the end of the day, the dog will either have to have surgery and recover for better mobility in life or medically manage for mobility issues as they progress throughout their life.
Answered by Dylan Wilson, DVM · KY license 293504
Rabbit sold as 30 days old has not peed or pooped 6 or 7 hours after coming home
I responded to the other post. I hope your rabbit enjoys their new home.
Answered by Dylan Wilson, DVM · KY license 293504
New rabbit has not peed or pooped in its first 8 hours home but is eating and curious
Sorry to hear about your rabbit. It could be from the stress of moving and new environment. If they continue to not eat or drink they should be evaluated by a veterinarian.
Answered by Dylan Wilson, DVM · KY license 293504
Trazodone not helping much for a pet that has to travel on board muzzled
Sorry she is giving you concern for a flight. Trazadone is tricky to medicate. It needs to be given at least 2 hours before the exciting or stressful event. It also regularly needs to be given the night before or morning of the event as well. If trazadone isn't enough, go to your vet and there are several other medications that can be added to be a good anti-anxiety regiment.
Answered by Dylan Wilson, DVM · KY license 293504
Small Yorkie scratching his ears, legs and rear, licking his paws, with red spots and hair loss
Sorry to hear Einstein is very itchy. I'd give a bath with an oatmeal based dog shampoo and see if there may be some relief. If he continues scratching and licking to where you notice bleeding or increased hair loss, I'd take him to the vet for some prescription med help.
Answered by Dylan Wilson, DVM · KY license 293504
Dog brought up a deer hoof he swallowed, and two days later is off his food and low on energy
Sorry to hear he isn't feeling well. If he has further signs of loss of appetite, vomiting, and diarrhea he should be evaluated by a veterinarian as soon as possible. If you notice his abdomen appears enlarged, retching with no vomit, or he has an increased respiratory rate at rest with lethargy, please take him to an emergency veterinarian.
Answered by Dylan Wilson, DVM · KY license 293504
Young rabbit limping on a back leg after a fall: emergency tonight or wait for an exotic vet?
I replied to the other post about Pumpkin. Sorry the timeframe to reply is past what you were concerned about. He doesn't seem to be showing direct signs of emergency management so a vet visit as soon as you're able to should be fine. If he shows any signs of loss of appetite and decreased defecation, then he needs to go to your closest emergency vet.
Answered by Dylan Wilson, DVM · KY license 293504
Older dog vomited foam three times, now quiet and holding a prayer position
Sorry to hear Charlie isn't feeling well. I would get him seen by a veterinarian immediately. If you are observing noticeable behavior changes and signs of abdominal pain he is likely pretty ill. If he's a small breed with some extra weight on him I would be pretty concerned with pancreatitis and getting him evaluated by a vet.
Answered by Dylan Wilson, DVM · KY license 293504
Young sugar glider slower and less active two weeks after coming home: adjustment or illness?
Sorry to hear you're concerned for your sugar glider. It's hard to say from the post if she is showing signs of illness. Is she housed by herself and what has her diet been since you've gotten her? Is she housed somewhere that gets a lot of natural light from a window? I would look for any signs of loss of appetite.
Answered by Dylan Wilson, DVM · KY license 293504
Hamster balding in one spot after a brief episode that looked like a seizure
Sorry to hear your hamster has you concerned. Could you provide more information? What is his normal diet, bedding used in his enclosure, and where the hair loss is.
Answered by Dylan Wilson, DVM · KY license 293504
Cat crying more than usual, preferring soft food and pooping outside the litter box
Sorry to hear about your cat's situation. I'd agree extra vocalizing and going outside the litter box is likely a pain indicator. I'd try to bring him to the vet to see about his teeth or potentially his joints.
Answered by Dylan Wilson, DVM · KY license 293504
Senior cat straining to pee and poop, with drops of blood: does she need a vet today?
Sorry to hear about your cat. I would get her to the vet as soon as possible. I'm concerned over the constipation and blood. She may become severely constipated and that can be an emergency. It's a good idea to get ahead of why she's straining to defecate.
Answered by Dylan Wilson, DVM · KY license 293504
Dalmatian puppy threw up after his first carrot but is playful and eating normally
Good to know. Hope he doesn't give you more scares like that.
Answered by Dylan Wilson, DVM · KY license 293504
Chihuahua con diarrea después de comer pechuga de pollo: ¿se le puede dar Pepto-Bismol?
Sorry to hear about your Chihuahua. This sounds like an upset stomach from not having her normal diet. Try to feed her normal canned food, but only feed 1/2 or a 1/3 her normal amount for a few days. If she has a loss of appetite or vomits try to get her seen by a vet.
Answered by Dylan Wilson, DVM · KY license 293504
Raised bumps on a dog's eyelid, with redness on the inside of the lid
Recommend having a veterinarian look at the growth as soon as you can. Eyes can turn into a lot of treatment before you know it. Quick burning, freezing, or surgery can resolve eyelid bumps. If it grows more it can cause her to scratch at the eye or the growth itself cause damage to the cornea.
Answered by Dylan Wilson, DVM · KY license 293504
Terranova de 5 años con displasia de cadera: dolor al levantarse y cojera
I believe google translate did a good job. Sorry to hear your dog is dealing with hip dysplasia. Unfortunately, the large breeds have a propensity for orthopedic issues. Regardless of the timeline, a confirmed coxofemoral dysplasia from 2023 means we have progression of the disease. Dysplasia is a chronic condition that will lead to joint luxation, and or degenerative joint disease in the affected joints. An orthopedic evaluation would be a good idea due to the progression of his condition. 5 years old is a good candidate for potential surgery, but effectiveness will come to progression of the disease and recovery. An expectation is that a hip surgery for a large dog will require strict crate confinement for at least 6 weeks and leashed walks to use the bathroom. The best for at home management is to have them at a body condition score of 4-5/9. Motion is lotion is another common saying for physical therapy. Light exercises or full range of motion PT exercises daily will also help long term. There are many joint supplements but one that has Glucosamine Hydrochloride, Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), or Sodium Chondroitin Sulfate is ideal. Meloxicam is an appropriate medication for pain relief and low risk of side effects. If there is further decline in motion or increased pain other prescription meds can be added by your vet. Look for evidence if your dog's back legs seem to be losing muscle mass. If they are losing muscle tone there needs to be a discussion for surgery or increased PT to maintain the mobility of the back end.
Answered by Dylan Wilson, DVM · KY license 293504
Cockatiel brought up food overnight but seems normal: regurgitation or vomiting?
Sorry to hear Marvin is worrying you. He's very cute. It's hard to say if it is vomit or regurgitation without seeing the behavior right before the episode. I hope it was just the one episode. If he continues I would definitely get him to a vet to assess what could be causing nausea or GI inflammation. I would just look for decreased food and water intake, ruffled feathers, shying behavior, and listlessness.
Answered by Dylan Wilson, DVM · KY license 293504
After a bad reaction to oral flea pills, is a topical flea treatment an option for a small dog?
Phew, that is good to know. What was the medication he has been receiving?
Answered by Dylan Wilson, DVM · KY license 293504
Flea treatment for a 5 lb Maltipoo with possible seizures: pills, topical or nothing?
Sorry, I am either not understanding due to the medication you listed being incorrect or of a product that is not a licensed and approved veterinary medication. Fipronil should never be administered orally! It is a topical formulation that must be applied to the skin on the back between the shoulder blades so a dog can not reach the medication. Ingestion can lead to central nervous system effects. Please do not let your dog ingest fipronil. I recommend finding a veterinarian clinic that can provide several prescribed safe medication options for flea prevention.
Answered by Dylan Wilson, DVM · KY license 293504
Dog's eye red, held shut and full of pus for two days, and getting worse
Sorry to see you're concerned for her eye. I would take her to a veterinarian as soon as possible. The picture is showing obvious conjunctivitis and tear staining. She will need prescription medications to bring that swelling and pain down. An examination would also be beneficial to make sure there isn't a foreign body causing the swelling as well. It can get worse if she is pawing and scratching at the eye as well.
Answered by Dylan Wilson, DVM · KY license 293504
Found a lump on a dog's testicle a week before his neuter appointment
Sorry to see your dog has a growth. I would just make your veterinarian aware of the growth before his neuter. Many testicular growths are cured with neutering. Body wide diagnostics can be performed at you and your veterinarian's discretion if there is concern for a malignant growth.
Answered by Dylan Wilson, DVM · KY license 293504
Senior dog passing soft stool every few hours, even overnight, after a bland diet and metronidazole
Sorry to hear about your situation. You are describing what I would call tenesmus (constant feeling that you need to pass stool). That is fairly indicative of a large bowel diarrhea. I would get an appointment scheduled with your veterinarian to address the condition. It seems to be a chronic condition due to the timeframe in your post and seems it may require further diagnostics to resolve.
Answered by Dylan Wilson, DVM · KY license 293504
Dog's dry-eye drops cause pain when applied: can one be stopped before the course ends?
Sorry to hear about the medication situation. I would give the medications as prescribed by your veterinarian. Stopping a prescribed medication would not be beneficial. Complications for not addressing an eye infection can lead to cornea ulceration and or perforation of the eye. Eye and skin conditions have some of the highest medication frequencies for owners to adhere to and I understand the frustration.
Answered by Dylan Wilson, DVM · KY license 293504
Scottish Fold that has never been able to jump and is slowing down
Sorry to hear this situation with your cat. Unfortunately, osteochondrodysplasia is a common scottish fold genetic trait that comes with the breed. The folded ears trait comes from a genetic mutation that leads to many skeletal development issues at a young age. It is a lifelong condition that will lead to osteoarthritis of the affected joints. Expectations is lifelong pain management and environment changes to help with mobility. You should be able to work with your veterinarian to manage his condition.
Answered by Dylan Wilson, DVM · KY license 293504
Is 6 mg of melatonin safe for a 15 lb dog before a nail trim?
I advise that melatonin supplementation may not be enough for your dogs relaxation. There is not established evidence for it's efficacy for general anxiety which a nail trim situation would cause. I would try to see a veterinarian that is able to prescribed medications that can address your situation.
Answered by Dylan Wilson, DVM · KY license 293504
Telling a skin infection from a skin irritation on a dog
Did you attach a picture or video? I do not see one on my end. I can help further with a picture of a skin condition.
Answered by Dylan Wilson, DVM · KY license 293504
Cockatiel with dark droppings and shivering after a change of diet
I would get this cockatiel evaluated by a veterinarian as soon as possible. The stool description and shaking has me concerned of potential dehydration and or neurological symptoms.
Answered by Dylan Wilson, DVM · KY license 293504
Rabbit with a swollen cheek near the eye: how urgent is it?
I would highly recommend getting this rabbit evaluated by a veterinarian as soon as possible as I'm concerned about an active infection.
Answered by Dylan Wilson, DVM · KY license 293504
Puppy's behaviour getting harder to manage as she grows up with an older dog
Sorry to see you're dealing with a difficult situation. Do you know if she turned out to be bred? Unfortunately, this type of situation requires a lot of details of the dogs environment and potentially video evidence of described behaviors. I see this is for another owner's dog, so this may be difficult to assess. Positive reinforcement is the mainstay for correcting behaviors and consulting veterinarians and behaviorists is never a bad idea.
Answered by Dylan Wilson, DVM · KY license 293504
Trazodone for dog aggression: what if it seems to make things worse?
Sorry to hear about this situation with Bhodi. A thing about trazadone is the timing of dosage before stressful events or situations. It is regularly recommended to give 1-2 hours before an event. That can be frequently difficult to predict so the efficacy of trazadone can very widely. Likewise, dogs will know they are affected by the medication and can react with more aggression if they're uncomfortable with how they feel. Tricyclic antidepressants, GABA agonists, and phenothiazines are other drug classes veterinarians will reach for. I'd reach out to your vet again for further recommendations.
Answered by Dylan Wilson, DVM · KY license 293504
Veterinarians on PawsRx are independent professionals, not PawsRx employees. Each is solely responsible for their own advice and clinical decisions. PawsRx does not review, endorse, recommend, or guarantee anything a vet or any other user posts, and does not practice veterinary medicine. Answers here were written without examining the animal, so they are general information rather than a diagnosis, and they are not intended to establish a veterinarian-client-patient relationship. In an emergency, contact an emergency clinic.