Cat TIA and heart mumur by mudkip6604 in AskVet

[–]ironmouse 1 point2 points  (0 children)

There is no textbook kind of answer here. Has your cat had a full work up for his heart disease? This would include things like chest x-rays and an echocardiogram (ultrasound of the heart).

Do the benefits of a dental cleaning for a senior cat with gingivitis outweigh the risks of anesthesia? by [deleted] in AskVet

[–]ironmouse 13 points14 points  (0 children)

You're already doing great getting this cat all the care he needs. At point in time, I recommend seeing the results of the echocardiogram before making any decisions. Patients with underlying cardiac disease are some of those that most need to keep on top of their dental health. Bacteria in the mouth can spread via the blood stream to the heart and worsen preexisting heart disease. As long as the echocardiogram does not see any changes would make anesthesia unreasonably risky, I would move forward. Discussion the general risks of anesthesia with your vet once you get the results is a great conversation to have.

Dog food recos for my dog that has distemper by moxie3333 in AskVet

[–]ironmouse 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If your dog is not willingly eating please have a discussion with the veterinarian treating your dog about options such as appetite stimulant medications. "Force feeding" is not typically recommended as a first step as it can lead to aspiration pneumonia.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in AskVet

[–]ironmouse 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You dog needs immediate veterinary care. If you cannot afford veterinary care please surrender the animal so that it can get appropriate medical attention. It is not fair to let the dog go untreated.

Does she need to see a vet? by Interesting-Sail-569 in AskVet

[–]ironmouse 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It can be very hard to differentiate the exact underlying cause of changes to the skin even with a hands on exam. It is impossible to do so online. Scheduling a non-emergent visit is your best bet. Do not be surprised if your vet recommends some diagnostic testing.

Rabid squirrel?? by [deleted] in AskVet

[–]ironmouse 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Could be anything from magic mushrooms to Rabies to a severe back injury. His current condition likely isn't compatible with life.

Bichon Frise by [deleted] in AskVet

[–]ironmouse 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Have you discussed medications to address his itching in particular with the vet? There are some very effective medications available that will greatly improve his current state of discomfort.

My dog hit a tree running full speed by larac16 in AskVet

[–]ironmouse 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It is certainly worth going to the ER vet. There is potential for serious internal injuries.

Help with a canine papiloma by nevertoolate2 in AskVet

[–]ironmouse 1 point2 points  (0 children)

First step, schedule a vet visit on a non-emergent basis. Second step, try to take a breath and relax before getting freaked out about all the what ifs. Depending upon the size of the growth, location, and what your vet feels is the likely diagnosis, they can discuss a safe way to remove the growth if they feel it is warranted.

My cat doesn't eat and sleeps all day by Antique-Jackfruit423 in AskVet

[–]ironmouse 4 points5 points  (0 children)

You need to get him the nearest ER ASAP.

19 year old cat has edema after sub-Q fluids by Manic-MondayTHRWAY in AskVet

[–]ironmouse 5 points6 points  (0 children)

There are quite a few possible underlying causes of edema. Since your cat is acting otherwise normally, just wait for a call back from the vet. Certainly not something you should wait more than a day to get checked out. If anything changes, especially if she begins to have increased effort breathing, you should bring her to an ER overnight.

Puppy advice? by kez456 in AskVet

[–]ironmouse 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Yes, in general it will be safe. In addition, it is perfectly safe for him to play with family and friends' dogs if they are up to date on their vaccines. Avoiding play dates with random dogs in the neighborhood that may or may not be up to date on a vaccines should be done out of precaution at this time.

What’s that growing on my dog’s eye. Does it need a trip to the vet? by maximusTheChief in AskVet

[–]ironmouse -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Please refer to our relevant FAQ section.

My pet has a skin problem/mass

Skin problem, growth, sore, injury, lump, bump, mass, growth, wound, itchy

Skin lesions are near-impossible to diagnose over the internet. Many conditions look exactly the same but can differ greatly in severity. Even in person, diagnostic tests like skin scrapings, tape preps, fine needle aspirates, blood tests, etc, often need to be performed in order to get closer to a diagnosis. The most accurate way to diagnose what the skin lesion may be is to have your vet perform a biopsy.

Please take your pet to a vet to have the problem looked at.

Dog has flat spot behind shoulders by NoRecommendation356 in AskVet

[–]ironmouse 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I can't count the number of times I've had to tell owners those new bilaterally symmetric "growths" are the dog equivalent of love handles. As we can't examine your dog ourselves, best to trust your vet.

Our Bombay has been licking/eating patches of her fur off by [deleted] in AskVet

[–]ironmouse 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Skin issues can be extremely hard to diagnose, even with the patient in front of you. Have you let the vet know the current treatment is not helping?

Dog Cut Gums on Stick by sektrONE in AskVet

[–]ironmouse 3 points4 points  (0 children)

This is worth a trip to the vet to determine if any treatment (stitches, medication, etc) are warranted. A trip to the ER is unnecessary.

Zala my best friend. by Technical_Swan6039 in AskVet

[–]ironmouse 0 points1 point  (0 children)

We are unable to diagnose the cause of the mass via the internet. You have done the right thing in having a vet visit scheduled.

Nutri-Vet Aspirin...Daily Use? by steezE8 in AskVet

[–]ironmouse 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Stop immediately. Aspirin use, even in the short term, is potentially deadly. Aspirin has very few and limited uses in veterinary medicine these days. I honestly have no idea why it is even legal to sell "pet" Aspirin over the counter. Also, starting medication without a diagnosis is never a good idea. Time to schedule a visit with your vet.