This Week's Q&A's: (through Wednesday, March 27, 2002) Ask the Vet - This Week's Top Ten By Dr. Kelly Brodnik 1) Albon and Strongid Question: I was wondering what is Albon and Strongid used to treat? no name, no address Answer: These medications are used to treat some parasitic infections in the digestive tract for the most part. 2) Hypothyrodism in a Cat Question: What do you think if my cat has hypothyroidism and is still losing weight? Thyroid was so low it was off the chart but still the cat is losing weight. My vet is stumped! C.A., Trophy Club, Texas. Answer: My first thought would be to look farther for a problem in the cat. Some animals become euthyroid "sick" meaning the lab tests appear to show that the animal is hypothyroid in the face of another disease process slowing down metabolism. More testing is required. 3) Shaving Husky Question: Should I shave my Siberian Husky in the summer months, it can get very hot where I live. I have heard conflicting opinions. Any advice would be appreciated. J.D., Wilmington, North Carolina. Answer: I have shaved dogs in the summer time of my own when I lived in Las Vegas, Nevada and found it made them much more comfortable. Your groomer needs to beware not to cut the fur too short to allow sunburn in and nothing replaces good old shade and cool water available at all times of the day. You don't have to shave the dog as the fur will act as some type of insulation from the heat, but honestly I saw an improvement in my own dog. Beware, also, that the fur may grow back differently such as in color, thickness, etc. 4) Bacterial Infection in Cat Question: My cat has recently had a bacterial intestinal infection and did a full course of Baytril antibiotics. Now, she seems to have an allergy her ears are pink and blotchy and seem to itch. Is this a side affect of the Baytril? P.N., Seattle, Washington. Answer: It could be. You need to have your vet take a look at her and get a good history. It depends alot on which way the antibiotics were given (oral vs. injectable, etc) and if the cat has had Baytril before. It could also be unrelated to a dietary change, etc. 5) Eye Discharge Question: What does it mean when my dog's eyes are red and there is a discharge? G.S., Laurel, Maryland. Answer: These symptoms could suggest that your dog is suffering from some type of eye infection (bacterial or viral) or that your dog has allergies. Your vet needs to be consulted regarding your dog's eye problem so get in today. 6) Scratching Hamster Question: How do you treat a blackbear hamster if he scratches and could it be his bedding or mites? How can you tell the difference? Could he have allergies? Kerber, no address given. Answer: It could be his bedding, mites, fungal infection (such as ringworm), fleas, other allergies, internal parasites, etc. You need to get him in to your vet and get some testing done to find out what is causing this little guy to suffer. 7) Nose Color Change in Dog Question: My dog's nose has gradually changed from black to brown. Could this be a dietary problem? He is 2 yr old and very healthy. Thank you. J.R., Mara, Canada. Answer: Not necessarily. My concern would be with a color change that there may be a problem with the mucous membrane itself. Your vet should be consulted for an initial visual examination of the nose. Some forms of immune mediated diseases can start off with a color change to the nose, as well as some metabollic diseases such as hypothyroidism can result in pigment changes. 8) Hamster with Film on Eye Question: My hamster has a white film over her eye. What is it and how do I take care of it? It seems to have decreased over a few days but I am worried? Eric, Sterling Heights, MI Answer: A white film over the eye can signify a big problem with the eye such as a response to a traumatic injury, a severe infection, or even the loss of vision in that eye due to glaucoma, etc. You need to take this little gal in and have her examined and treated immediately. Chances are the eye could be very painful. 9) Arthritis in Dog Question: My dog suffers from arthritis and was prescribed Meticam, after a year and had problems with blood in the stools. This does not occur when medicine is stopped. She is 15 yrs old and a Collie cross. Is there anything else I can give her? M.W., Masterick, Aberdeen Answer: You should ask your veterinarian about Rimadyl. It is an antiiflammatory used specifically to treat pain in dogs. Also, ask your vet about a supplement to the diet called Cosequin which will help your dog with the building blocks to replace worn cartilage and lessen pain. 10) Coccidia in Puppy Question: My puppy has Coccidia. How do I treat the yard, kennel, general house, to prevent re-infestation? I use chlorox wips indoors and wash toys in hot water cycle in washing machine. Is this effective and what do I do for the yard????? Thank you, Worried Pet Mother, Florida. Answer: General clean up of stool and dilution with water would be best. Treating the puppy and ridding it of the parasite is best-thus reducing the number of parasites dropped in the stool. Possibly moving the area that the dog can be active in in the yard to another area may be a good idea until treatment is complete. What you are doing in the house should be adequate. 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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