This Week's Q&A's: (through Wednesday, April 17th, 2002) Ask the Vet - This Week's Top Ten By Dr. Kelly Brodnik 1) Pros/Cons of Being a Veterinarian Question: I am thinking of becoming a vet. What are the advantages and disadvantages of being a vet? K.N., no address Answer: I, obviously, feel there are way more advantages than disadvantages to becoming a vet or I wouldn't have chosen the field myself. I feel that there are too many advantages to list but the most all-encompassing benefit is job satisfaction. I guess the biggest disadvantage would be the pay (including benefits, etc). 2) Spay or Breed? Question: Before we got our Boston Terrier, we decided to have her spayed. But now I have people saying I should breed her ATLEAST once. What is your advice? D.B., Loudon, Tennessee Answer: Spay, spay and did I say, SPAY? These people that are telling you to breed her are not the people who will be doing all of the work and paying the bills. Breeding dogs, especially the female, takes alot of time, effort, and veterinary bills. You wait until she is 2 years of age (and endure atleast 4 heat cycles and keeping her inside, etc) until you can breed her. You need to have her checked for fertility and congenital defects or hereditary problems such as hip, elbow, or shoulder dysplasia, eye disorders, heart conditions, thyroid problems, and rule out the presence of canine brucellosis. Then, you must find a male that is studded out and work out an arrangement for breeding. Then, you must wait for her to come into heat, and verify this with your veterinarian with vaginal smears or blood testing for hormones. Once she is bred (assuming she becomes pregnant the first time), then you must have her ultrasounded or xrayed to determine if and how many pups there are. Once she is ready to deliver, then you must be present in case she has difficulty and may need a ceasarian section (about $1000). Then you must have your veterinarian give her an injection of oxytocin to remove any afterbirth and examine her to be sure she is lactating enough to feed the pups. Then, you must pay to have all of the pups examined and for their first set of vaccinations, not to mention feeding them all. If mom refuses to feed one or all of them, you will be up every 2 hours at night to be sure they are fed. Still want to breed? Oh, and mom needs to be current on all of her vaccinations, free of heartworms and other parasites, prior to breeding her. 3) Green Iguana Not as Green Question: My iguana is not as green as when we got him, how do I get his color back? Sean, no address Answer: Your male iguana will change to a lighter color with age and this is normal. Be sure you are providing the proper husbandry for your iguana such as temperature, humidity, and diet. 4) Circling Dog Question: My dog is 18 yrs old and goes around in circles in the same direction for hours until she falls to the floor. I pick her up and she starts again. The vet says she has dementia, I feel so bad for her. How can I help her? R.L., Deltona, Florida. Answer: First, do you think this is a quality life for her? Second, my I suggest a second opinion? Many things would need to be ruled out in order for dementia to be an accurate assessment such as brain tumors, inner ear problems, etc. If the true cause of her problem cannot be treated then you must consider her quality of life and her happiness in making the decision about your next step. 5) Lumpy Guinea Pig Question: My guinea pig has a lump on her underside back by her bottom of her belly. It is the size of a golf ball. I took her to the vet and I am not satisfied. Can you tell me what this might be on her lower part of her belly near her vagina area? J.F., Independence, MO Answer: Without being able to see it, touch it, feel it or biopsy it, I can give you possible causes: hernia, tumor, cyst, granuloma, infected mammary gland, or hyperplastic benign tissue. I suggest you have it biopsied plus or minus removal and send samples to a histopathologist to find out EXACTLT what it is. 6) Corgie with Coccidia Question: I've just purchased a female Corgi 2 days ago. Her stools are blood-streaked and I feel she should be drinking more water. The stool sample showed "coccidia" and I am still concerned with her health. Have you heard of this parasite? P.P., Bayville, New Jersey. Answer: Yes, and it is not that uncommon in puppies. It is a protozoan that they can get from their mothers and it is ubiquitous in some soils around the country. Antibiotics should help clear the infection, which can often result in blood-streaked stools. Have your vet rule out Giardia, another common protozoal infection as well as other parasites (worms) and bacteria. Stress can also cause blood-streaked stools and she has only been in her brand new enviroment and away from her other family for just 2 days which can be very stressful. 7) Diabetic Cat with Urinary Problem Question: 18 yr old diabetic cat on PZI Vet is not responding to antibiotics for suspected bladder infection/blood in urine. Cat eating well but continues to spot. Tried two diff. antibiotics and no success. Cat is also hyperthyroid and on meds that are working. Seeking guidance and help for other options to try to preclude infection from worsening. Thank you. P.B., Clearwater, Florida. Answer: You need to do some testing on your cat's urine. A culture and sensitivity test will tell you what type of bacteria you are dealing with and what antibiotics it will respond to if it is an infection. You must also have a urinalysis examined to determine the pH and the presence of stones, crystals or abnoormal cells. You may also want to have an xray taken of the cat's abdomen to get a look for stones or abnormally shaped kidneys, etc. Good luck. 8) Determining Tumor Type with Ultrasound Question: Can you determine what type of a tumor a dog has in the spleen by doing an ultrasound? J.F., Colorado. Answer: Yes, as long as you are doing a biopsy that is guided by the ultrasound. Spleens can be safely removed in many dogs and you may also determine the tumor type after it has been removed and samples sent to the lab. 9) Big Bellied Orphan Kittens Question: I have been a foster mom to four kittens which I found. They are now 3 weeks old and two seem to always have a big belly, any suggestions? N.G., Mcallen, Texas Answer: You need to have a stool sample checked by your vet on all four kittens and have them tested for feline leukemia virus. Your vet should examine them and also watch for other signs of infections such as feline infectious peritonitis in which the abdomen may enlarge and be fluid filled. Good luck and good job saving the kittens. 10) Lab with Tumor Question: My lab has a softball sized tumor on her belly at the end of her ribs. I cannot afford to have it removed. What can I do? Are there local places that can help me? Maybe a teaching hospital? I need help, Thanks, S.K., Verona, New Jersey. Answer: You need to call around to vets in your area and ask if any will accept payments. Most will take credit cards, which you can pay off as little as you like every month. Teaching hospitals may help, but it is not the norm. You may also ask the vet hospitals that you call if they know of any charitable type organizations in your area that provide services based on a sliding scale. 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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