AsthmaQ: Hello my dog has been diagnosed with asthma but has not been given any treatment plan. yhe only treatment consists of a rush visit to the vet's office where he gets a cortisone shot and short- term dose of temeril. he is a 6 lb. yorkie. is there a maintenance medication? also, it is quite frightening when his wheezing worsens. are there rescue treatments we could administer ourselves? i myself am a severe asthmatic and physician as well. i am familiar with albuterol, theophylline, etc. but i have no experience with canines. i would appreciate any information. A: Sounds like he needs chronic meds like aminophylline or theophylline at dose of 5 mg per pound twice daily. also some of these dogs need low dose cortisone therapy during flareups so good to have supply of that around
Specific medication requestedQ: My vet has prescribed megestral acetate 20mg for my cat's skin condition. the vet said it is simply a reoccurring condition that my cat will probably have forever. within a couple of times giving my cat a half of pill (every other day), he stops scratching the fur off and stops drawing blood all over his body. in other words, he returns to the normally happy and moody cat that he is, however, i cannot find it on any of the on-line vet 'stores.' can you help supply me with this medication??? A: I would seek services of another vet. this is a highly dangerous drug in my opinioon as not currently recommended or used by any experts that i know of for any conditions due to cancer risk, diabetes, etc
Feline acne - chinQ: My 10 year old (15+ lbs.) cat rusty developed a bumpy rash on his chin 3 weeks ago. the vet diagnosed feline acne and advised me not to use plasitic feeding dishes. i have always used ceramic and wash them after every meal. she provided a topical cream to be applied twice daily. i did and the rash became redder and finally became open sores. upon return to the vet rusty was given a shot of "antibiotic" and liquid cefafroxil (5 day supply) with instructions that 3ccs be administered daily. the vet also advised that rusty needs to be brought back in 5 days and i should expect this to be very hard to clear up and ongoing reoccurrences in future. treatment so far has cost $240 and i can expect each additional vist to the vet to cost from $50 to $110. i can't afford this treatment. please advise other options for obtaining appropriate medication for rusty. thanks! A: You could try topical 2.5 percent benzoal peroxide cream over the counter or perhaps even natural aloe vera gel or vitamin e applied to area. most of time these cases of feline acne bother the owner more than the cat and the more aggressive you get, sometimes gets worse.
Shop for: vitamin
TapewormQ: What are the symptoms of tapeworm A: You will generally notice what appears to be grains of rice being passed out of the animals rectum. these are segments containing egg sacs. you may notice those segments moving. the rest of the tapeworm is secured in the animals intestine and absorbs nutrients from the pet's food supply passing around it.
Growing puppy, bordering med/lg weightQ: My lab puppy is now 16 weeks old and 40 pounds, and i would like to start her on topical flea medicine. first, which medication do you recommend? also, i'm not sure whether to buy a three month supply for medium or large dogs, since she's medium right now, but will probably be large for her next two doses. please advise, and many thanks! A: I usually recommend frontline plus. you need the medium for now and when the pets weight exceeds 45 lbs you will need the large. the smallest package is a 3 pack.
Shop for: frontline plus, frontline
Cat is fiv positive and always getting mouth infectionQ: I have a cat i adopted that is fiv positive. jimmy is always getting a mouth infection. the vet has me give him zithromax but it is $45.00 for a 2 week supply. is there anything natural i can give him or something that will assist in taking it away forever. i have had his teeth cleaned twice in the last 4 months to clean out the infection. thank you A: I would have consult with homeopathic vet who can work with you long term on building up his immune system over time. many do phone consultations www.theavh.org. not a quick fix but takes time and patience.
Shop for: homeo