Saturday, December 8, 2012

What do I do when the cat comes home?

Q. I know that most people hate the fact that cats get declawed. This is drilled into my head. I got it.

But I had to get it done. I tried finding advice online on what to do when the cat comes home afterwards but all I can find is "DON'T DO IT" "IT'S LIKE HAVING YOUR FINGERNAILS CUT OUT". I want to make him comfortable when he comes home, so any advice?

A. Just had both of mine done this year.

Remove the litter and clean the box well.

Refill with shredded newspapers, litter will stick in the paws and cause infection or pain.

Check the paws daily for puss, blood, scabbing, etc and talk to vet about any.

Try to block any areas your cat likes to jump up to or jump down from. They should not do any jumping for a few days. They are stubborn and will try even if in pain, don't let them. Block with books or do what you have to do.

If you have a cat carrier, to me it's cruel but you can keep them in there most of the time like a hospital bed, this keeps them out of many items.

Try to keep them laying down somewhere, I actually tended to mine. Brought them hand fulls of food to the bed, etc so they could just lay there. I'm a sucker for a hurt animal...both of mine are saved strays.

Soaking the paws in warm Epsom salts after the first day 1 to 2 times per day will keep infection down and speed up the healing.

The first 3 days are the most important time. Watch them closely. If by 4th day they are walking normal they are doing fine. If by 4th day or any day you see a limp or a favoring of a single paw, really check the paw for puss, something stuck in between, knot on stitches that might have moved, etc.


Where can I get free vet advice online?
Q. I just have a few questions about my 5 year old pregnant guinea pig, ( it's the first time she has ever been pregnant and it was a accident) so I need free info online!

A. http://www.televets.com/

Remember, most FREE online vets can take 1-5 days or so to answer a question. So, if it is important, please call a local vet instead.


How bad is kennel cough? Should I go to an emergency vet tonight?
Q. My vet told me my dog had a bad cough from being intubated. He was put on vanectyl p for it but he's not better. I just got the idea from here that it could be kennel cough. My vet might have just assumed it was from the tube. Is kennel cough really bad? Can he wait until morning? Or should I go now?

A. You can't take a chance that its kennel cough. It could be, it could be more serious, it could be less serious. You should get a proper diagnosis.

if it is kennel cough, He would be started on antibiotics immediately.

Kennel cough can be a mix of two actions..

coughing like he's choking and wretching as if he's trying to vomit but nothing comes out.

Sometimes kennel cough can go away on its own (wait and see is HIGHLY NOT recommended tho) sometimes it can cause issues if left untreated. And its extremely uncomfortable. They can give you something to make him more comfortable.

I'd at least call the E.R. and ask for advice. Explain to them what your vet said, and what your dog's symptoms are.

If you choose to go, let them know you are coming as they will need to keep your dog away from other dogs, and clean out a special room that they will sterilize later as it is infections from dog to dog.

They'll tell you what to do from there.

God in heaven don't take that "Skip the vet" advice.

kennel cough is NOT like the flu. Its more like Bronchitis, and some strands of kennel cough are bacterial and need antibiotics!!

Kennel cough will NOT kill your dog.

There is a Dog flu and a strand of "doggy Strep" that can be deadly... these are often mistaken for kennel cough, and they are generally rare. Not saying they can't happen, which is why you should always get a vet diagnosis, not an online 'could be' diagnosis.

There are no kennel cough related deaths, especially if they are treated. Those who have died, usually die from a pre-existing condition aggrivated by kennel cough.

Kennel cough symptoms does NOT include vomiting. Only Coughing and dry heaves. Rarely if ever does it produce anything.

Also,

its not an expensive treatment.

I paid $80 when my dog got kennel cough. That was the emergency vet fee, exam and the medications.

just go to a vet, make sure its kennel cough, get the antibiotic, follow their instructions, don't over play him cause he'll get into coughing fits, and things should be fine.

Also do NOT give dogs human medications no matter how innocent it may seem. Never EVER give medications based on what someone says on the internet. Always wait for vet's advice.

robitussin MD will mask the issue. Most kennel cough strands are bacterial. Robitussin is NOT an antibiotic.

Also, human medications are based on a calculated human weight and human immunity systems. While some human meds are usable... you have to be given the proper "Dog" dosage as to not harm your pet or over dose them.

For example. People think dogs with arthritis will do ok with aspirin to ease their pain. So they go to the store and by some Aspirin.

Aspirin can be toxic to dogs. Even children's aspirin needs to be regulated by a vet before giving them a dose.

Again... KENNEL COUGH IS NOT THE FLU.

its like a bacterial form similar to bronchitis. dog illnesses likened to a human flu or cold, are upper respriatory infections.


Where can I find low cost or free Vet service for my cats?
Q. Having financial problems right now and cannot afford a vet. I love my two 'babies' and don't want to give them up, they have been with me a long time. They need attention right now, please does anyone know of a free clinic or a place that offers low cost? I am in the Western New York area. Thank you so much.

A. Although it is not the same as seeing a vet in person you can get good free online veterinary advice at http://www.askavetquestion.com

They also have a list of resources for organizations that can help people who have financial difficulties and need help with their vet care:

http://askavetquestion.com/blog/need-help-paying-for-veterinary-bills/





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