This Week's Q&A's: (through Sunday, March 17th, 2002) Ask the Vet - This Week's Top Ten By Dr. Kelly Brodnik 1) Dog with Broken Leg May be in Pain Question: I have a 14Yr old dog who was kicked by a horse 3 days ago and her front leg was broken and is in a cast. She is losing weight and eating less and refusing treats and vitamins and minerals. She drinks water only and now has diarrhea. What can we do to get her to eat and alleviate this problem. Thank you. G.W., W. Lafayette, IN Answer: She may be experiencing quite a bit of pain. You didn't mention whether or not you or your vet have been giving her anytbing to treat her pain. This would be a good idea as well as talking to your vet about the new signs. 2) Back Problems in Himalayan Question: I have a very large, overweight Himalayan cat who reacts very strangely when I touch his back (close to his tail). He meows, licks the air, and turns his head to the side. It is very sensitive and I was wondering what could be causing this behavior? L.J., Dallas, Texas. Answer: He may be experiencing numbness, pain, tingling, or just likes being touched. It may also be an abdominal problem. Either way, you should take him into your vet to find out what is going on back there. It may even be just behavioral. 3) Dog with Heartworm Disease May Have Many Symptoms Question: One morning my dog could not get around good in the back legs after spending $700.00 a vet found heartworms. Before this, they put him on prednisone and it helped hin. Vet thinks heartworms got in spinal canal. What do you think? He also pants alot? A.R., Pisgah Forest, NC Answer: Heartworms can migrate through many tissues and this is a real possibility. Panting can be from pain or from too many steroids or because the heartworms have damaged the heart and quite possibly the lungs. One more reason why all of you readers out there should get your dogs on heartworm prevention. 4) Clear Drainage From Cat's Nose and Mouth Question: My cat is 2 yrs old and has clear drainage from his mouth and nose. He also seems to be smacking his lips together constantly. What is wrong with him? L.H, Red Oak, Virginia. Answer: It could be that he is hungry, he may have a sore inside his mouth, may have ingested a toxin which could have burned his mouth, may have allergies, or many other problems. This is not normal and should be evaluated by your vet. 5) Lab Puppies with Vaccine Reactions? (Abbreviated) Question: Eight 6-week old Lab puppies in for first shots including leptospirosis and the other vaccinations. Three of the pups became very ill within 24 hours of receiving vaccinations. They all experienced seizures and two of the three are experiencing blindness. We have been raising Labs for almost 14 year and never experienced anything like this. We thought their might be a possibility that they were given a stronger dose of shots or the wrong set of shots. We found info. on leptospirosis and that it can have severe side effecgs and is rarely used anymore. Any info or input you can give us would be greatly appreciated. Mickie, Thornton, PA Answer: Vaccinations are all given at the same dose to a Great Dane and a tea cup Poodle. The are designed to be safe to dose in this manner and have been done so for years. As for the wrong set of vaccines? Only your vet will know what he/she gave, but my guess is that you have run into a line of pups that may have allergic reactions to certain vaccinations. Allergic reactions can also occur with different "brands" of vaccines, not necessarily "all distemper" vaccines, etc because they are all made with a slightly different carrier. 6) Hyperthyroid Cat Has Lumps Question: My cat has hyperthyroidism and is being treated but now has two lumps just uynder the back of his throat near his thyroid. He has been given antibiotics I must add that he also has very bad breath and teeth. I am worried sick that he may have cancer. He is eating and drinking very well, but has become quite a nervous cat. He used to be so loving, he seems to just want to hide away from people. Have you any ideas. K.C., Stevenage, England Answer: Hyperthyroidism is an overproduction of thyroid hormone. The thyroid gland sits just under the neck and this is probably what you are feeling. The submandibular lymph nodes are also very near this same location and they drain any type of infection areas in the head (including the teeth). Your vet needs to differentiate what is going on there. 7) Yearly Vaccinations For Dogs Question: Today my Lab turned 1 yr. She got her 8,12,16, week shots. What do you recommend for shots and a checkup for yearly purposes? Thank you. S.V., Glendale, Arizona. Answer: I recommend a complete physical examination by your vet as well as rabies, DHPP, Corona, Bordetella, Giardia, Lyme (if in your area), a heartworm test, fecal test, and prevention (flea, tick, heartworm, etc whatever is in your area). 8) Cat Needs TLC Needs Vet Check up Question: My cat is almost 3 yrs old and has not been very playful and just lays around. He wants to be cuddled and held. The think is does he have a cold, he is always sneezing? M.M., South St. Paul, Minnesota. Answer: This is not normal behavior and should be checked by your vet. He may have a viral infection or bacterial infection that may require treatment or your cat may be dealing with allergies. Get him in today. 9) PACING DOG WANTS READER TO WRITE OR CALL Question: During the week of Nov 18, 2001 a question about a pacing dog that can't get out of corners was asked. Can you please give me contact information on the owners? My dog is doing the same thing and I cannot find out what is wrong with her. Thank you for your help. C.W., Perryville, MO Answer: I cannot give out confidential information about a writer/reader without their permission in writing. I would love to help so what you need to do is to write back to the "ask the vet" and leave all of the same information AND write that it is ok to give out your email address (or whatever info. you want to go on the internet) I feel that email is the safest. Without your written approval, I cannot reveal any information about you. As for the person who wrote in? I no longer have the information as I destroy all of the personal information because all I use is the initials, city, state and question. 10) Hamster Pulling Out Hair Question: My hamster is pulling out his hairs in the back of his body, what should I do? Danielle, no address given. Answer: The causes of this type of behavior are many (such as ringworm, parasite infestations (internal and external), hormonal problems, allergies, etc. You need to take your hamster in and find out what is causing the problem so appropriate treatment can be rendered. Good luck to all and thanks for the questions! You can always join me on Wednesday from 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM (Eastern) 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM (Pacific) on our website at www.petservice.com for our Ask the Vet Live. We would love to have you join our LIVE CHAT!

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