Viokase powder & tabletsQ: I have a female akita that will need to take this for the rest of her life and was wondering if the powder & pills are the same or if one is better than the other. the vet said that the pills may not work as well as the powder. do you know? there is quite a price difference between the two items. A: Chemically the powder and the pills are the same. however, the concentration is different. you would need more tablets for an equivalent dose of the powder. also, i understand there are manufacturing and/or supply issues with viokase. you may have to use a product called pancrezyme instead. this is generically equivalent to viokase-v.
Shop for: pancrezyme
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.
Head tremors and clawing earsQ: My black tabby cat was treated last spring for an ear problem which the vet prescribed tresaderm cause she was shaking her head and clawing her ears and now it has returned. the treatment was very long in duration but she finally responded. i would like to purchase more tresaderm. could you answer me as soon as possible. she gets so upset when a vet has to see her. i have to use a mobile vet as i am disabled and can't transport her to an office. A: We do have tresaderm and can supply it with the approval of a veterinarian. we can call for the approval with your permission.
Substitute for rimadylQ: My spayed female dog, 10 years old,has lately been yelping prior to going out to urinate. i recently took her to her vet and brought a urine sample. urine was screened and came back negative. this yelping does occur mostly when she first wakes. vet examined her and concluded she may have arthritis. vet recommended rimadyl,75mg,twice a day for 14 days and to go back if no adverse to meds and will prescribe month supply. i would like to know if there is something else that can be given that would not have the risk of liver complications? would a asprin daily do the trick? A: You could try low doses of aspirin at 5 mg per pound once to twice daily with food(not tylenol) stop if any digestive side effects. you also could try glucosamine product like super joint enhancer from 1800petmeds as well as extra antoxidant nutrients like vitamin e at 400iu daily and vitamin c in form of ester c at 1000 mg twice daily
Shop for: vitamin, joint enhancer, 1800petmeds
Question about heartgard medicineQ: My dog weighs 16 lbs. can i buy a 45/50 lb box of heartgard and break the pill in half and thus have a years supply at the price of a 6 month supply? also... if my dog is on heartgard year round, do i have to have them re-examined every year? A: To ensure that the pet gets the full, required dose, it is recommended that you do not split the tablet in half. if your pet is on heartworm medication year round you may not need a heartworm test every year. it is up to your veterinarian but many veterinarians test every 2 years for pets on year round prevention.
Shop for: heartgard
Tear ductsQ: Dr. doctor, my vet said that my shih-tzu (6 years old) has inactive tear ducts. she prescribed cyclosporin op dp2% 3xs daily for 2 weeks. this has been an on going problem for 3 years. i took my pet to an eye specialist approx. 1 1/2 years ago after my vet, at that time, recommenended it. the specialtist prescribed neopolydex and artificial tears ointment. i have spent a mini fortune for these presciptions and visits, which a friend told me i could get tear drops from a pet store and it will work just as good. i want to do what is best for my pet, but as i mentioned, i am spending alot on prescriptions and office visits. thanks for your help. pat A: We can supply the neo poly dex oint and the lubricant eye ointment for you with savings guaranteed at the time of the order. in most probability, the lubricant may be all you need.
How to re-introduce older cat to use litter boxQ: My 9 year-old cat is both inside and outside. as a kitten he would use the litter box but he much prefers the great outdoors. in his older years i feel he will live longer if we can keep him inside more, but he refuses the litter box and will wait patiently at the door until we let him out. is it fair to him to try to keep him inside now? is there a particular litter now that would entice him to use the litter box? thank you! A: You could try another litter box and a litter known as everclean which you can get at most pet supply outlet stores. if that not help then i dont see problem in letting him go outside
