Ask The Vet: Animal Care

Dr. Harvey Goho Goho of Total Care Veterinary Hospital in High Point is taking your questions about animal health care issues. Total Care Veterinary Hospital is at 633 Greensboro Road. The phone number is 336-841-8877.

Submit your question to Dr. Goho by sending us an e-mail with your questions. Be sure to put "Ask The Vet" in the Subject Line, then check back later for the answer!

Be sure to check out previously asked questions to Dr. Goho below.

1-03-2009
Hairloss On Ears
HI,
I HAVE A 4-5 YEAR OLD MALE YORKIE THAT I GOT FROM A LADY WHO "RAN" A KENNEL. WHEN I GOT HIM HE WAS BEING KEPT OUTSIDE IN RUNS WITH BOXERS AND OTHER LARGER DOGS. HE HADN'T HAD A BATH IN WHAT SHE SAID HAD BEEN MONTHS BUT BY THE LOOKS I DON'T THINK THAT HE EVER HAD ONE. HE ONLY WEIGHED 2.9 LBS AND ONLY HAS 4 OR 5 TEETH LEFT. MY QUESTION IS THAT HE HAS NO HAIR ON HIS EARS.THE LADY SAID THAT WE NEEDED TO PUT IODINE ON THEM BUT WHEN I ASKED MY VET SHE WAS CLUELESS??? WHAT COULD CAUSE HIS HAIRLESS EARS? WHAT CAN I DO FOR HIM?? HE HAS GAINED ALMOST A POUND...WHICH IS A TON FOR HIM. HE SEEMS HAPPY NOW BUT HIS HAIR JUST WONT GROW??
PLEASE HELP
KRISTI

RE: Hairloss On Ears
There are several possible causes for the hairloss (alopecia) of the ears. This may be a result of canine pattern baldness that we sometimes see in yorkies and other breeds such as dachshunds, in which case there is no danger to him but likewise no good treatment for the condition either. Since this is a yorkie, I would have your veterinarian get a hair sample from around the area and check it for a fungal infection (ringworm) since they seem to be more predisposed to contracting this. This may be why the "breeder" suggested applying iodine. However, I would not just guess at the diagnosis and do that because the iodine itself can be irritating to the skin. Other causes may be mange mite infection or hormonal abnormalities..The problem is not going to be from bad nutrition but the poor conditions that he was kept in makes things worse. I'm glad he is in your care. Continue to feed him a good quality diet to strengthen his body and have your veterinarian check him for mites or fungal infection just to make sure you don't need to institute additional treatment.
Dr. Harvey Goho

12-29-2008
Sleepless Puppy With Questionable Poop
I have a new puppy, she is 5 weeks old. She just wants to sleep all day and keep us up at night. During the night and day she just lays around. When I take her out to poop it is slimy, I have gave her some worm med. What can I do to get her to sleep at night? Does it sound like she has worms? She is a german shepherd/black lab mix. I think she weights about 10 lbs. I don't want her to be sick or give anything to my other puppy's Can you help.
Thanks,
Debbie

RE:Sleepless Puppy With Questionable Poop
If your puppy had not been dewormed several times beforehand, there is a fair chance that she has some type of worm or parasite because they can get worms from their mother in the uterus or when they first nurse. While there are some broad spectrum dewormers on the market, it would be best to have your veterinarian check a fecal specimen first to see what type (if any) parasite she may have and then use the appropriate mediciner. It would be prudent to thoroughly clean up after your puppy's bowel movements to avoid the potential of giving any parasites (worms, coccidia,giardia) to your other dog. While there are viruses that a dog can have that will cause diarrhea, the signs you describe do not fit them well.
In order to curb the night time activity it is important to give her stimulating activities during the day. Interact with her, play with her and allow her to have a lot of exercise ( though at this age it is normal for her to sleep a lot during the day. Think of newborn infants and you have the idea). It is important to provide an area where she feels comfortable at night. That may be a section of a room, a crate, etc... that is not used as a punishment but where she can feel secure and comfortable. Make sure she has had adequate water and food and has been allowed outside to use the bathroom. Then, if all the details have been addressed, allow her to settle in for the night and try to ignore some of the whining. She is getting adjusted to life without her littermates and if you respond to each time she cries, you can actually worsen the activity.
Dr. Harvey Goho

12-08-2008
6 Year Old Loosing Teeth
My pet miniature schnauzer is six years old, and for the last couple of months he's been losing his teeth.
I found one just today, a big one from the back of his mouth.
Please can you tell me what's going on with him.
Thank-you,
Linda

RE:6 Year Old Loosing Teeth
While several diseases can cause loss of teeth in a mature dog, the single most common reason by far is periodontal disease. This usually begins as gingivitis ( inflammation of the gingiva) and proceeds to periodontitis ( inflammation of the deeper tissues) resulting in the loss of tooth support and loss of structures that hold the tooth. Periodontal disease starts with plaque and bacterial buildup around the edges of the gingive ( gums) and leads to secondary inflammation which starts permanently destroying the periodontal ligament and even the alveolus ( bony socket of the teeth).
The damage caused by this is far greater than just the loss of teeth. The bacterial and inflammatory process that constitutes periodontal disease can cause inflammation and damage of the kidney, heart valve and other internal organs. It always causes discomfort or pain for a patient even if they don't show it in obvious ways. A dog's drive to eat and survive is great, so they will continue to eat in many instances, but the periodontal disease may be causing chronic low grade infection, fever and inflammation.
These conditions can be addressed with antibiotics, dental cleanings, and often times extractions of severely effected teeth. The extractions are often necessary to prevent further bone loss and infection. I strongly recommend you take your dog to your veterinarian for an evaluation and treatment immediately. It will make him a much happier, healthier pet and you may extend his life.
Dr. Harvey Goho

12-03-2008
Missing Doses Of Thyroid Meds
Is there any serious effects if a senior cat misses several doses of thyroid med?

RE: Missing Doses Of Thyroid Meds
There are two general abnormalities that can occur with the thyroid: Hypothyroidism (low thyroid) which requires supplemental doses of thyroid hormone, and Hyperthyroidism (high thyroid) which requires medicine to lower the thyroid level. In the geriatric cat, hyperthyroidism is by far the most common. If that is true in your cat's case, then missing a few doses of the medicine (tapazole) will not cause any long term side effects, but will allow the thyroid level to spike until medicine in restarted. However, if missing a dosage is not an isolated and very infrequent occurrence, then the effects can be quite harmful and even fatal. If the medicine is not given regularly and consistently, the thyroid level will tend to remain above normal and the accelerated metabolism will cause weight loss, poor hair coat, high blood pressure and even cardiomyopathy (a type of heart disease). If an owner cannot give the tapazole on a consistent basis, I strongly recommend looking into radioactive iodine treatment which is an excellent treatment and cure for most hypothyroid cats.

11-14-2008
Pet Food
Hey I have two chihauha rat terriers...they are 3 years old. We have always fed them Beneful until here real recent we switched to Bil Jac because we heard it was good for them, good to eat, and good for their skin and hair. Well, they were exactly right when they told us the dogs would love it because they eat it immediately once it is put before them whereas before they would just nibble and the Beneful. I have had once vet tell us that it is really high in sodium. What is your opinion about Bil Jac? Or do you have a particular food you suggest?
Thanks!:)

RE: Pet Food
Sorry for the delay in getting this information to you. I have called Bil-Jac 3 times and have yet to be able to speak to their nutritionist about their food.
There isn't any one food that is the best for a specific pet but there are some brands that are preferable and others that I wouldn't remotely consider for my own dog. Below are some general thoughts that need to be considered when choosing a food. Don't be surprised if it is confusing, because manufacturers of dog food make a lot of unsubstantiated claims as to what makes their food "the greatest" and most of them do not have published data to back the claims up.
Product Name: May imply an ingredient and its percentage. If the product name states beef; more than 70% of the total product is beef. If it states Beef dinner (platter, entree, etc...; more than 10% but less than 70% is beef. If it states "with beef"; more than 3% but less than 10% is beef. Beef flavor means less than 3% is beef.
Guaranteed Analysis: This doesn't tell you a lot about the food. They must list minimum protein, minimum fat, maximum fiber and maximum moisture. They are not required to list anything else. These listings do not tell you anything about the quality, digestibility, and accessibility of the ingredients and in fact, two products with the same guaranteed analysis may contain nutrient levels that vary by more than 100%.
Ingredient List: Ingredients must be arranged in decreasing order by weight, not dry matter basis. That means that if an ingredient is of a high moisture content and is listed higher up, it may still provide less nutrients than an ingredient listed lower that has a lower moisture content.
Statement of Nutritional Adequacy: If a complete and balanced claim is made on a product label, the label must indicate which method of authentication was performed. This will be listed as one of two AAFCO methods. (AAFCO is Association of American Feed Control Officials- the regulatory group for dog foods.)
**** Inferior Method: Statement: Brand X formulated for dogs to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO profiles for XXX life stages. This method is merely a calculation and not verified by feeding trials.
**** Superior Method: Animal feeding tests using AAFCO procedures substantiate that Brand x provides complete and balanced nutrition for xxx life stages.

Criteria for your food consideration:

1. The bag should contain the phrase "Complete and Balanced"

2. The "complete and balanced" claim should be substantiated using the AAFCO Feeding Trial Method, not the calculation method.

3. The label should contain a toll free number for you to contact them. In general, a good pet food company wants you to have access to them.

4. The product should have a minimum digestibility of 80% if it is a popular diet and at least 86% if it is a premium diet. You should call to find out digestibility.

5. If you are feeding a dry product, it should contain a preservative. Preservatives are added to pet (and people) food to prevent the fat from rapidly becoming rancid. Rancidity can result in decreased fat soluble vitamins and can cause a disease called pansteatitis. Whether a diet contains a "natural preservative" such as vit e or tocopherols or "synthetic preservatives" such as bha,bht, etc...or a combination of the above, dry pet foods should contain a preservative. Preservatives are antioxidants.

6. Reputation of company

7. Cost: For the most part, you get what you pay for. In general, as the quality of the ingredients used to make a pet food increases, so does the cost to the manufacturer, who passes these costs on to you. The cheap product is usually not a good nutritional deal.

8. Animals require nutrients, not ingredients: It is a common perception that certain ingredients are superior to others. In fact, one marketing strategy is to advertise that a product does not contain ingredients, such as "no corn" etc... Remember, the quality and quantity of nutrients available is what is important, not the ingredient that provided these nutrients. ie... a protein consumed must be broken down into amino acids and the body cannot distinguish between amino acids coming from grains or animal protein.

9. How is the pet doing while consuming the product. (bowel movements, skin and hair coat, activity, etc...)

I hope this helps you navigate the wide array of foods being marketed.
A special thanks to Dr. Sherry Sanderson BS, DVM, PhD, American College of Veterinary internal medicine, and Diplomat of the American college of veterinary nutritionists. University of Georgia.

Dr. Harvey Goho

11-13-2008
Polyps In Ears
Dear Dr. Goho
I have a cat that was feral, not sure how old she is, but she has been having problems on and off for the last several years with polyps in her ears. I have had some of them removed but they come back. Sometimes they don’t seem to bother her but right now in one of the ears there is a polyp that is currently aggravating her. When it scabs over it seems to bother her because the scab gets so big. If I try to clean the scab out, the polyp starts to bleed. Also in that ear there is some type of grayish black type of discharge, comes out as a soft solid on occasion.
Seen couple different vets on this and each give me a different type of liquid medication to put in her ears, almost all of the products contain some type of sulfur ingredient.
Do I just keeping putting this medication in her ears or should I try and keep the polyps removed?
Thanks,
Cathy Brown

RE: Polyps In Ears
If the problem your cat is having has been diagnosed as aural (ear) polyps then it is likely to continue to return without more aggressive surgery. Many of these polyps extend into the middle ear or the naso-pharyngeal region. If the surgery you have been having has been by applying traction to the polyps and pulling the tissue out, it is likely to have allowed some tissue to remain and thus the recurrence. This type of technique is usually found to have at least a 50% relapse rate. The other type of surgery may involve removing tissue by way of the mouth or by performing an ear surgery called a bullae osteotomy where the surgeon goes into the deeper tissues to remove the "stalk". If financial or other constraints prevent you from having this type of procedure done, then the traction method may be repeated but I would want to have a culture and sensitivity run to determine what type of bacteria or yeast may be complicating the matter.
Dr. Harvey Goho

11-14-2008
Excessive Vomiting
I have a shihpoo that is 11 months old. She throws up at least once a day or every other day. It is foamy yellow. She eats very little, but otherwise is a happy, playful puppy. Is this something I should get checked by my vet? Could it be serious?
Thank you!

RE: Excessive Vomiting
I would definitely have her checked out as soon as possible, not necessarily because it is a serious problem but because a few causes could be serious. Any dog (or cat) that is vomiting daily or every other day is not normal. What you describe is liquid and bile and denotes this as true vomiting. It can have many causes including congenital problems (from birth), foreign object, delayed gastric emptying, etc... Having a pet vomit this often can result in esophagitis from the acid. In many instances the treatment or control can be simple.
Dr. Harvey Goho

10-25-2008
Dog Snorting At Night
I have a 9yr old Mini Dachshund that has started acting like he has a cold. He snorts a lot mainly during the night or after he gets up. What could be the cause? I have had some people tell me he could be developing a heart condition. Do you have any advise?

RE: Dog Snorting At Night
Snorting may have many different causes but a heart condition is not one of the first things I would worry about. It may be as sinple as allergans or irritants in the environment but can have other inciting causes as well such as:
- a foreign material such as plant material or grass within the nasal passages ( From vomiting/regurgitation)
- a polyp (benign mass) arising withing the nasal or sinus passages
- infected tooth root tips that cause inflammation in the nasal cavity
- bacterial or fungal infection
- nasal or pharyngeal tumor or cancer
I would definitely have your veterinarian perform a thorough examination. Some tests that may be indicated are cultures/ radiographs/ scoping of the area.
Dr. Harvey Goho

10-21-2008
Charge For Consultation?
Dr. Goho, Before I ask my question, I would like to know if you charge for the consultation. If so, do you accept V.P.I. pet insurance? Thanks!
Best Regards... A fan in High Point

RE: Charge For Consultation?
The WXII pet site has been provided to answer questions of a general nature as a service to the community and therefore there is no charge. If a consultation/exam is performed at one of our hospitals (Total Care Veterinary Hospital or Skeet Club Veterinary Hospital) we do work with VPI pet insurance as do most area hospitals. Dr. Harvey Goho

10-09-2008
Breeding Puppies
I have 2 puppies one male and one female. When they get older can I breed them. They have the same dad but different mothers, but the mothers are sisters. I don't want them to have any problems or there puppies to have problems. Please help.
Thanks, Debann

RE: Breeding Puppies
I'm afraid that to breed your two puppies would invite problems. The bloodlines on both the parents' side are much too close genetically and breeding these two together would GREATLY increase the chances of physical or mental defects. You should find another mate for each of them that come not only from different parents, but also from entirely different "lines".
Dr. Goho

10-19-2008
RE RE: Breeding Puppies
I forgot to tell you the puppies were not born at the same time. The male is 6mths old and the female is 7weeks old. Will these still make a differents when she gets old enough to breed? I am the one who ask about breeding the 2 puppies with the same dad's and different mothers. I was told that it was unusual to have white chiuahiuahi with blue eyes. Both of mine have blue eyes. They are very loving and sweet. They are my babies and I wouldn't want them to have puppies with something wrong with them.
Thanks, Debann

RE RE RE: Breeding Puppies
Even if the puppies were born at different times, you do not want to breed them because they are too closely related genetically. If you were to breed them to each other they would have a MUCH higher likelihood of having problems. If you wish to breed them at all, do so with a mate that comes from a completely different genetic line. Dr. Harvey Goho

9-24-2008
Dog Gets Sick In Morning
I have a 2 year old cocker spaniel, for the past two Sundays she will throw up, then gag on a thick white foam. It's happened right when we get up. She's been in my bed the whole night so it's not like she's eaten anything that could have made her sick. She also chews on her paws a lot. What can we do?
Best regards, Paige

RE: Dog Gets Sick In Morning
From the description, it is hard to tell if this is true vomiting or if it is a respiratory hacking that often results in a whitish foam being expelled. From what you have said, it does not mean that the problem is very serious, but it warrants an examination. I'm afraid, to just treat symptomatically could just cover-up the signs without treating the underlying problem.
Dr. Goho

9-17-2008
Yorkshire Terrier With Allergies
I have a three year old Yorkshire Terrier who has allergies and often snorts inward as if he cannot get his breath. Is this sneezing and should I be concerned about how much mucus may be in his throat? There have been times that he seems to try to vomit but nothing ever comes up. Sometimes that snorting and vomiting goes on so long I feel it may be an emergency. How concerned should I be about these reactions?
Thank You DebDeb

RE: Yorkshire Terrier With Allergies
The problem you describe sounds like what is called "reverse sneezing". Any type of irritation to the nasopharyngeal region can ellicit this reaction which is a normal response for a dog.Many people feel it is associated with allergies or other airborne irritants and in most cases no treatment is required. In some instances we will prescribe an antihistamine and that usually helps to control the severity. It may seem dangerous when you first see it but rarely poses any danger to your dog. In RARE instances it could be from a mass/tumor or other more serious problem in the nasal passages which would require skull radiographs and/or rhinoscopy to diagnose, but again, that is quite rare. My own dog will occasionally do it too.
Dr. Goho

9-17-2008
Pregnant Cat
My cat is pregnant and I don't know how to tell if she is ready to have her kittens yet. She is hugh and they are kicking like crazy but I don't know how long she has been pregnant,she got ouut awhile ago. Also should I get an enclosed container to put her in when I leave in case she has them?

RE: Pregnant Cat
Cats have a gestation period (how long they are pregnant) of 63-65 days. Most cats will seek a secluded place prior to giving birth and begin "nesting". Nursing may or may not occur until all of the kittens are born. Usually the kittens are delivered with ease. I would advise that you provide a quiet, secluded area for her to have the kittens. This may be a low box with towels or a corner of a room with towels or blankets.You should look in on her periodically but not disturb her during this time. It is important to provide her with a high quality food during her pregnancy and as long as she is nursing.
Dr. Goho

9-01-2008
Injured Boxer Advice
I have a boxer..unfortunately he was chained,,,he got loose and got in a fight.I could not afford a vet..he is doing better,,but he has a pocket hanging from his rib cage between his front two legs...it looks like loose skin....but I am afraid it is some type of fluid,,,his leg was injured badly,,,he still limps...his appetite is well and his water intake is good, he urinates and defecates normally....any suggestions???? sincerely.

joey lee sawyers

RE: Injured Boxer Advice
The "pocket" you are noticing between the front legs is likely either sterile fluid from inflammation that gravity has carried downward or from infection that has migrated downward. In the first case, the body will eventuallly absorb it and it will resolve. In the second case, it requires antibiotics and in some instances surgically opening it to allow fluid/pus to drain. In either case, your dog should be examined and treated by a veterinarian. Cantact the animal shelter or Humane Society and explain your situation; they may have some discretionary funds that can be used to help your dog receive the treatment he needs. The leg injuries may be due to torn tissue such as muscling or tendons/ligaments or may involve bone and joints, either of which should have medical attention. In the meantime, you should use warm, moist compresses over the inflamed areas for 10 minutes three times a day to help the inflammation go down.
Dr. Goho

8-14-2008
Housebreaking With Disposable Diapers
I have a 2 year old male Silky, with two other female Yorkies in our home. Max refuses to to be housebroken, he marks everywhere. My question is will baby disposable or cloth diapers on him for half the day while with the family cause a urinary tract infection if changed frequently as you would a child?
Thank You, Maria

RE: Housebreaking With Disposable Diapers
Maria, If he urinates while using the pads, then no, it will not predispose him to urinary tract infections. If, however, the pads cause him to not urinate as much and he retains urine in the bladder for a longer than normal time period, he may be more likely to have an infection if any bacteria gain access to the urine. The "big" picture here is, of course, stopping this behavior from occurring. Using the pads without concurrent behavioral/house training will only further the problem. If he is actually marking, then neutering him is of utmost importance. If it is not marking and more of a lack of house training, I would recommend a urinalysis by your veterinarian to rule out medical issues. If none are found, you will need to retrain him in house training. Repetition, persistence and consistency in taking him outside on a set schedule is important. Reward him for proper elimination outside. Do not allow him access to sections of the house where he seems to be marking Reprimand him for accidents only if you catch him in the act of urinating in the house. (and the reprimands should not be harsh). The "Ask Amy" section on WXII has addressed house training dogs and would provide some good tips on the housetraining process.
Dr. Goho

8-14-2008
Chihuahua Shaking
I have a chihuahua that is 11 years old. She weighs less that 5 pounds. Yesterday she had a spell where she started shaking, her legs drew up and she couldn't straighten them and her feet curled under and it seemed like her teeth were clenched. I mixed up some sugar water and took a dropper and forced her to drink some of the mixture and she seemed to come out of it and acted fine. Is this due to her blood sugar dropping or is this normal behavior? Is there something that we need to do?

Re: Chihuahua Shaking
Your chihuahua's behavior is not normal, even for a small breed dog that is known to sometimes have low blood sugars (usually as puppies). If the blood sugar level was indeed low, your treatment was appropriate and could have helped. However, low sugar (glucose) should not occur in normal situations and prompt evaluation by your veterinarian is in order. This episode could also have been a seizure and the recovery a spontaneous one. I would arrange an examination as soon as possible and make sure you describe the symptoms thoroughly to your veterinarian as that is quite helpful. Occasionally, problems with the liver or cerebrovascular insults can result in similar signs. Please have an examination performed and make notes of any similar activity (when, length of signs, severity, any possible predisposing causes)
Dr. Goho

7-28-2008
Respiratory Infection
Can a dog get sick from being around a cat that has a upper respiratory infection?
Kindest Regards, Misty

RE: Respiratory Infection
No. The viral respiratory infections that infect cats are species specific and are not contagious to dogs. They are, however, contagious to other cats through contact and airborne through sneezing and coughing.
Dr. Goho

6-21-2008, 8:07
Dog's Underarms
My dog's underarms are really red and the fur has came off under there. Can this be due to allergies? What can I put on him so it doesn't get infected?
Kindest Regards,
Misty

RE: Dog's Underarms
There can be several causes of the redness and hairloss under the legs that you describe. Allergies are probably the number one cause and often result in a secondary bacterial infection. Other causes may be mange mites or chafing from a harness. it is important to keep all harnesses off until it heals and to keep it dry. Allergies often respond to the use of certain antihistamines, anti-inflammatory and creams, but they may make it worse if it is caused by mites. I would have your veterinarian check this and prescribe the appropriate medication.
Dr. Goho

6-16-2008
Advantage vs. Advantix
Advantage, made by Bayer, is sold in the USA. Advantix is also sold by Bayer, but the label says it is illegal to sell this product, as labeled, in the USA. The difference I see is that Advantix is written in kg vs. lb. The active ingredient is the same. Is it the kg vs. lbs that makes it illegal for Advantix to be sold in the USA as labeled?
Erin

RE: Advantage vs. Advantix
Wow! What a great question and very observant of you. It is not illegal because it is listed in kilograms and not pounds. It is illegal because this is an example of a diverted drug which has not been controlled or certified by the EPA and was imported and distributed illegally. The EPA (environmental protection agency) is responsible for all pesticides used in the United States and they perform rigorous studies and quality control to assure the pesticides are what they say they are, are manufactured correctly, perform correctly, and are safe. The Advantix you refer to is at best illegally sold and with no oversight in its manufacturing, and at worst, a counterfeit product that may not even be the correct strength or could be contaminated. These diverted products are most often encountered in mail order firms or internet pharmacies and occasionally in some store retail sources. Make sure you purchase products such as these from a reputable source and I would report this product to Bayer and the source from which you purchased it. In the later case, I would demand that they either reimburse you or send you a legal EPA product so as not to endanger your pet. In either case I would not deal with the firm that sold this to you in the future.
Dr. Goho>br/>

5-31-2008
5 Month Old Deaf Puppy
Hi, I have a 5 month old mixed breed puppy whom I believe is deaf, is there any special things I need to do for this very friendly loving animal besides trying to train him using hand signals?
Thank You.

RE: 5 Month Old Deaf Puppy
For a suspected deaf pet, the first thing is to confirm the deafness to make sure it is simply not just a behavioral issue. Your veterinarian should be able to help with this matter and to make sure other neurological problems don't exist that need to be treated. If it is found to be truly deaf, the training will be more difficult but can be achieved with patience. Consistent and slow approaches to training are imperative. Do not throw too much at him at one time. Hand signals will be the mainstay but you need to use other techniques as well. The use of a Gentle Leader or Haltie harness could be of significant benefit. When combined with visual cues it allows you to make gentle corrections from a distance with the provided longer lead.. Start with the basics first (No, Sit, Stay). Remember to reward him when he shows control while maintaining eye contact. It will be the bedrock upon which you will continue the training.
Dr. Goho

5-31-2008
Ticks
Recently, we removed a tick from our dog. Weve been using the frontline Plus on her and this is the first tick we’ve seen on her in a year.
What can we do to ensure she wont get ticks again.
What is the best way to remove ticks and what is a good topical medicine to use after the removal of the tick

RE: Ticks
There is no product that can be 100% in preventing ticks from your pet, but Frontline Topspot is one of the more effective agents to use. Another product that is effective is the topical Advantix but I feel that water and bathing will decrease its effectiveness because it relies on hair to hair contact to distribute the active ingredient. Frontline Topspot gets into the oily glands of the pet and while bathing may temporarily decrease its effectiveness, it returns quickly (within days). I would continue to use it but if you have any further concerns you may consider also using Preventic collar. It has been around awhile but is still a good product. It contains Amitraz which helps repel and kill ticks that make contact with your dog. In cases where dogs are in a highly infested area I have had clients use it as well as Topspot. While ticks can be removed by hand (gently pulling at the skin level) I advise using tweezers to grasp the tick at the skin level and gently but firmly pulling up. Because of the substances a tick injects into the pet's skin in order to obtain a blood meal, a small swelling or granuloma often forms in the skin. To a certain degree this is unavoidable but I recommend applying a small amount of triple antibiotic ointment to it twice a day for 5 days to prevent any superficial infection. Remember, ticks can carry certain diseases (Lymes, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, and Ehrlichiosis) so remove the ticks as soon as they are noted. Most of these rickettsial diseases will not have time to transmit to your dog if the ticks are removed within 12-24 hours of attaching themselves.
Dr. Goho

4-10-2008
Should I Get My Pug Fixed?
I'm thinking about getting my male Pug fixed.I was wondering I have heard that after they are fixed they gain weight. Is this true? Also is there a certain age that he should be before I get him fixed? I currently have 2 other dogs living in the house one which is a male and the other a female. We constantly have trouble with the two males marking their territory. Will having him fixed help with that?

RE: Should I Get My Pug Fixed?
There is still some question as to whether hormonal changes result in metabolism changes and a result being weight gain. In my experience, I have seen some weight gain in neutered males but this is definitely controllable with moderation in the food intake and keeping your dog active. You must remember that most males (and females) have their neutering/spaying done at a time when they are going to change in weight and size anyway due to age/maturity, and I think many people blame the surgery when in fact it is the dog's lifestyle/calorie intake. Many intact dogs become overweight too at this age. The traditional time for neutering/spaying is around 6 months of age or older though there are some significant reasons not to wait too long. In males, you don't want them to develop bad vices like urine marking which can become ingrained if allowed to continue too long. Older males tend to develop prostate enlargement due testosterone influence if not neutered. For females, it is important to have them spayed before they enter into heat cycles since once they have one or two heat cylcles, they are much more likely to develop mammary tumors/cancer. The neutering of your two male dogs would likely halp decrease or even eliminate the urine marking if they are young dogs.
Dr. Goho

11-21-2007
Allergies
Dr. Goho,
How can you tell if your pet has allergies?
I have 2 puppies one male and one female. When they get older can I breed them. They have the same dad but different mothers, but the mothers are sisters. I don't want them to have any problems or there puppies to have problems. Please help. Thanks, Debann

RE: ALLERGIES
Just as in humans, the signs and symptoms of allergies from airborne particles varies from patient to patient. Some of the classical signs in dogs and humans may be sneezing and inflamed watery eyes and coughing.
However, it is just as common if not more so to see recurrent ear infections, itchiness of skin, and hair loss. This is because dogs have a large number of histamine receptors in their skin that release cellular products that cause inflammation. If these symptoms are not controlled, secondary problems may occur such as thickening of the skin, pigmentation and even bacterial infections. While some allergens such as molds and house dust and house dust mites may effect a dog year round, the typical presentation of airborne allergies is that they occur seasonally (such as grasses. pollens, etc...)
While a complete cure of allergic conditions is hard to achieve, improvement in the condition and control is usually possible.
Dr. Goho

3-07-2008
Cronic Kidney Disease
My beloved 9-year old cat died this week. He was diagnosed with chronic kidney disease in March 2006 & put on a prescription kidney diet food. In April 2006, he was put on 1/4 gram phenobarbital for seizures.He had been doing well.In January of 2008 I saw a roundworm emerging from him. Two doses of liquid Strongid-T(anthelban)a week apart were prescribed by his vet. He received the Strongid-T on January 23 and 30 of 2008. On Feb.26, my cat was not eating very much and seemed lethargic, and I took him to his vet. BUN was 130; creatinine 12.9. He was given intravenous fluids.He was better for a few days, then he completely stopped eating and drinking. On March 4, he died. Due to the closeness of the 2 doses of the Strongid-T medication to his death (when previously he had been doing well), I have wondered if the roundworm Rx was in any way responsible or related to my cat's death. Could another Rx for the roundworms have been given and/or should my cat have had an anti-inflammatory given with the Strongid-T to help his kidneys handle the stress of an anti-worm Rx? Or did his chronic kidney disease just suddenly worsen? Thanks for any insight you can give me. I greatly miss my companion.

RE: Chronic Kidney Disease
I am very sorry for the loss of your cat. Chronic kidney disease is a terrible disease of all too many cats, and while we can help alleviate the signs and symptoms for a while, it is always progressive. It sounds as if you and your veterinarian have been very attentive and have taken the proper actions. Strongid T (pyrantel pamoate) is one of the safest dewormers known. It is poorly absorbed by the intestines and therefore does not concentrate in the kidneys or require kidney excretion. It is not known to pose any risk to kidney function and would certainly be my first choice in treating a cat with worms with concurrent kidney disease. Your cat's kidney disease was fortunately controlled (compensated) for a long while, in no small part to you and your veterinarians care. Unfortunately, they reach a point where the scales tip (decompensate) as more kidney cells cease to function and they can no longer survive the higher levels of toxins (BUN/Creatinine). The dewormer would not have contributed to this and you should take solace in knowing you treated him appropriately.
Dr. Goho

2/-21-2008
Cat Fell From Tree
I have a 15 lb. cat that fell from a tree about a month ago and hurt his back leg. I took him to the vet, he did x-rays and said nothing was wrong. He said he was just sore. It has now been over a month, he still limps around and runs sideways and he has trouble jumping. Do you have any suggestions as to what could be wrong? At the same visit, he gave my cat Revolution for ear mites. My cat has since lost his hair at the spot where the Revolution was administered and has scratched himself under the neck until the hair is gone. Could that be from the ear mite medication? He is now an indoor cat, will I ever get him to go back outside?

RE: Cat Fell From Tree
You have reason to be concerned if the lameness is persisting. Bruises or soreness in a cat is similar to that in humans and should have resolved by now if that is all it was. If the Radiographs did not show a fracture, my next concern would be ligament (such as the cruciate), tendon or spinal injury. It is very important to have him examined as soon as possible since earlier intervention can prevent further damage. Don't be surprised if your veterinarian performs part of the examination under sedation to relax the muscles for palpation. The hair loss you describe may be from scratching at the ear mites but Revolution is known to have about a 1% incidence of causing temporary hairloss where applied. If this is the case the hair should regrow without any long term problems.
Dr. Goho

2-13-2008
Puppy Possibly Pregnant?
Hello! I have a one year old Alaskan Huskie. Her name is Yvette. She is starting to form nipples on her.. Does that mean that she may be pregnate... She even started a period.. She is only a baby..What do I need to look for.... Please help me
Candace Goodson

RE: Puppy Possibly Pregnant?
It is not unusual for a dog to come into heat at one year of age. In fact, the average age for them to have their first heat (estrus cycle) is at 10-12 months. Outwardly, this manifests itself as having bloody discharge that may proceed to a more clear discharge. Also, they may attract the attention of male dogs. Nipple or breast enlargement does not mean that a dog is pregnant. As they go through estrus, their ovaries release hormones that will effect breast tissue whether they are pregnant or not and can give all the outward signs you would expect in a pregnant dog, and may last for 50-60 days. If your dog has not had any access to male dogs, these changes are called false pregnancy and will eventually go away. However, every time she goes through a heat cycle (usually every 6-8 months) the signs will return. The surest way to prevent these signs and symptoms is to have her spayed which will eliminate the hormonal influences from the ovaries. If your dog has been exposed to a male dog and may have been bred, you should have your veterinarian evaluate her 3-4 weeks later to check for pregnancy since you will need to know how to care for her if she is pregnant.
Dr. Goho

1-25-2008
Bathroom Problem
My three dogs are walked 2x a day, spend time in a fenced back yard, and mostly inside. Why would they still soil in the house, in the same spot, and about 2-3x a week?
Thanks! Snics mom

Re: Bathroom Problem
Dogs are very habit oriented and also very olfactory in nature. It is quite common to have dogs go to the same spot to eliminate,as the odor that they detect tends to attract them to that spot over and over again (even if you can't detect the scent). It is important to keep your dogs from having access to this troublesome spot while you essentially retrain them to go outside. Be consistent with when you take them outside. Try to take them to the same spot outside as the odor will help them to know that is where they should go. Praise them when they go outside. You may scold them if they inappropriately go inside but only if you catch them in the act, not afterwards. Do not let them have acces to the soiling spot in the house at all while this training is going on. If it is one particular dog, have him or her examined by your veterinarian to make sure they do not have a medical problem that would prompt them to go inside
Dr. Goho

1-20-2008
Spitting Up
My dog used to spit up a lot, then I had her checked for heartworms....she was positive.. had her treated and as long as she eats only dog food without artifical colorings or dyes then she is fine and doesn’t spit up. i also don’t feed her any people food except maybe a cracker here and there.
hope this helps. Tracy

1-20-2008
Growth On Head
hi, i have a jack russell, approx. 6 years old, female. a couple of days ago i noticed a lump the size of a marble on the top of her head on the left side. the next day i noticed another one on her left shoulder. they dont seem to hurt her unless you touch them. what could these be??? could they be lymph nodes that are swollen? thankyou for any help you can give.
tracy

Re: Growth On Head
It is impossible to narrow the possibilities much based on the description with one important exception; you don't have to worry about these being lymph nodes. The locations you describe preclude that. On a dog this age a list of potential lumps might consist of cysts, tumors, infection, etc... The first two usually are not painful to the touch unless they have become infected. I would recommend having them checked out as soon as possible so you won't have to worry and to find out if it is likely more will occur. Usually a simple examination can determine the cause,though in some instances a needle aspirate and cytology may be needed to identify the cause and determine the appropriate treatment which can range from no treatment to surgical excision.
Dr. Goho

1-08-2008
Probiotics
Dr. Goho,
I was reading about the 2007 veterinary breakthroughs, and was very interested in the Probiotics for Gastrointestinal Health. I have a 6 year old lab with loose stools, and would like to know more about Probiotics. Also, is this something I can buy over the counter, or do you have to get this from a vet? Can you explain more about how this works.
Thanks,
Tom

RE: Probiotics
The idea of probiotics is actually not new, but recently several veterinary specific products have been marketed. The normal intestinal tract contains bacteria which benefit proper digestion in the pet (and people)and is "balanced". That is to say, various types of bacteria exist in harmony to assist in handling the food products that pass through. In certain illnesses, that balanced bacterial family can become imbalanced with some overgrowth of one type of bacteria and diminishing of others. When this occurs digestion is thrown off which may result in gas production, diarrhea, occasional vomiting and even sepsis.
The idea behind probiotics is to supplement the intestines with a balanced "good" bacterial mixture to re-establish a balanced flora again.
That is the idea. However, most controlled studies show that even if you give live bacterial cultures to your pet, the bacteria do not make it past the harsh environment of the stomach. Years ago,live yogurt cultures were used and none were found to survive.
However, some newer products are designed to be microencapsulated to protect the good bacteria past the stomach and then release in the small intestine where they should be helpful. These products theoretically can be helpful but I have not seen any good controlled studies to bear this out, though some less thorough reports have indicated they showed some benefit.
They are all considered very safe except in the case if your pet's intestinal tract is severely compromised ( having parvovirus, hemorrhagic gastroenteritis, or other breakdown of the intestinal lining) in which case there is a chance the probiotics could cause a septicemia (bacteria in the bloodstream).
Most of the probiotics are not a prescription medication and one of the newer ones designed with the encapsulation technology is Fortiflora by Purina.

12-04-2007
Eating Poop
what are your suggestions to help schnauzers from eating poop .................they are brother and sister we adopted them when they were 4 yrs old ........they are fulltime inside dogs with us as with the previous family.........needless to say their breath is always awful.

RE: Eating Poop
First make sure they are on good, high quality diet so that we don't have to worry about nutritional deficiencies. If there is any question as to their health, diet, etc... be sure to consult with your veterinarian. There are a few, rare illnesses that can predispose dogs to eat feces or even inanimate objects (pica). However, most dogs that have the problem you describe are younger dogs that simply have developed a bad habit.
Make sure feces are cleaned up and disposed of in a timely fashion. Don't allow access. Provide a few favorite toys that they can be entertained with at home when they are alone. There is also a product called Forbid that is specifically marketed for this problem and with which we have had success. It is a powder that is fed to both dogs, in their food, that imparts an unpalatable taste to the feces when eaten. It usually has to be done for several days in order for the dogs to get the idea. During that time you must allow the dogs to have access to the feces so they "learn their lesson". I hope this helps.
Dr. Goho

12-04-2007
Doggie Backpack
I have a 6 month old,60 lb. rottie/chow mix who does not walk well on a leash. Is he too young for a doggy backpack? He is fine when its just me and him but whenever other dogs are around he thinks he does not have to listen.Will a backpack help?

RE: Doggie Backpack
This would be a great question for Amy Clear ( on the Ask Amy section). However, I will comment on a few matters. Technically she is not too young to begin with a back pack but not for the purposes of training to walk on a leash. I have found the backpacks are a great way to allow dogs to participate in an owners outdoor activities and seems to give them a sense of purpose. If and when you do introduce a pack, it is important you follow a few guidelines:
Get a good, comfortable fitting pack( recognizing that she will grow)
Get her used to it by allowing it be empty for a while. When some light weight is added to it make sure it is balanced.
There are no hard and fast rules obout maximum weight allowed but most people feel it should not be more then about 15% of their body weight.
A backpack is not to be used in lieu of proper leash training. A practical training aid is the use of a Halti or Gentle leader so that training is more effective.
Dr. Goho

11-21-2008
repeat the test in three months to see if she has fought off the virus (because by that time she will have if she is going to) or you may want to consider running a different type of test ( an IFA test) now. This type of test is very accurate and if it also comes up positive, it means that your kitten has the virus in the bone marrow and will not likely be able to fight it off. You should talk to your veterinarian about this test if you are interested in a potential answer sooner than the 3 month recheck.
If your kitten was indeed exposed early in its life and is still positve, the odds are that it will be persistently viremic (it will remain a FELV positive) cat. If that is the case what can you do? The most important thing is to provide a great environment in terms of good quality food and no exposure to other cats that could give her an infection of any type.
There is no definitive data that medications can stave off the problems with FELV but there is some indication that human alpha interferon and some other immunostimulants could have some benefit. Because of the way most FELV infections work (lowering the body's ability to fight off infection), it is imperative that if and when your cat shows any signs of illness, you contact your veterinarian immediately for early intervention.
Dr. Goho

11-21-2007
New Baby
I am 31 weeks pregnant and have 2 dogs. Both pit mixes and have never shown any aggression toward me or anyone that they are familiar with or trust. They are both great and have done well with children about 2 and older. However, they are both very clingy at times. Other than bringing a blanket home from the hospital with the baby's scent on it, how can I prepare them for the arrival?

RE: New Baby
It is important that their routine be kept as normal as possible, now and when the baby arrives. Naturally, having a baby will entail many changes around the house but maintaining some semblance of normalcy is important. Before the baby arrives, allow the dogs to be around the room and furnishings that will be used by the child. Allow them to sniff the surroundings even if you've just rearranged the room or painted. Make it a comfortable place for the dogs and with little stress and help them associate the area with positive experiences. This is also a good time to work with them to reduce separation anxiety. We can send some information to you regarding this if you contact our office.
It is important that you work with both dogs now to train them to relax on cue. Attention should not be paid to them upon their demand; only when they are relaxed or settled. Right now your dogs are your "babies" and they probably receive alot of attention. Often, when a child arrives, parents ignore the dogs and show attention to them only when the baby is asleep or gone. This sends the wrong message to the dogs. Sort of "when the baby is gone, this is good, and when the baby is present, this is bad". This is exactly opposite of what we want to achieve. You want the dogs to associate the baby with positive things, be that attention, rewards, etc.... While you are retraining the dogs in this manner, obviously you should keep some separation/control over them when around the baby for safety sake.
For further helpful suggestions or help with training you may wish to contact an experienced trainer such as Amy Clear (Ask Amy section on this site) Best of luck and congratulations in your expanding family. Having a healthy companionship between children and dogs is a wonderful thing.
Dr. Goho

11-21-2007
Sleeping Changes
Wendy is 10 years old. She is an aussie/shep mix. Her bed is in the floor beside my bed. Just recently, she has started sleeping with her head under my bed while her body is on her bed. When I look under the bed, she is just smiling and happy. Why would she do this?

RE: Sleeping Changes
My own dog, a border collie mix, does the same thing sometimes when resting. She puts most of her body under a bed and all we see is a wagging tail. It is likely a harmless habit that may be soothing for our dogs or even fun. Make sure that the behavior did not start with some traumatic occurrence such as a loud noise, lightning, or unexpected event in the household (disruptive guests, etc...) that would suggest it is from anxiety or fear. If nothing like that has occurred I would let her enjoy her new found resting spot.
Dr. Goho

11-21-2007
Cat Scratching
How do you stop cats from scratching and destroying carpet? My male and female indoor cats(both fixed) are seem to love scratching the carpet rather than the numerous scratching post I have provided for them throughout the house. I've tried water guns, scent deterent and "no". The water gun and telling them "no" works but only when I witness the event. Cats are smart-they just wait until they know I'm gone or somewhere else in the house to do it. Do you have any suggestions? I refuse to have them declawed, as I feel this is cruel.

RE: Cat Scratching
Scratching is a normal cat behavior. It is a method to condition claws, mark territory and sometimes to stretch. If this activity occurs excessively with indoor cats, it can be annoying and destructive. Usually these scratching problems occur on vertical surfaces and not the flooring.
Altering this behavior is not only by dissuading the bad behavior but also redirecting the natural tendency to scratch to an appropriate site. As you have discovered, deterrence must be implemented not only when you are around but also when you are not. Try altering the surface where they scratch to a less pleasant surface such as a sheet of plastic, long sheets of aluminum foil or double sided sticky tape. I've had success with using those slightly sticky mats that are used to hold carpet runners down on slippery floors. In any case, you must provide an appropriate alternative site for scratching. Try to place a post in the area where the problem scratching is occuring and make it of a similar consistency as that of the carpet. Some cats prefer the post to be the underside of a piece of carpeting. It may not look as pretty, but they seem to like the texture.Using play toys at the post or some cat nip will often entice the cats to begin to interact with the desired scratching post.
Dr. Goho>br/>

11-21-2007
Black Wart
My dog has a black wart on the top of her head. Her Vet gave us a cortizone cream to apply because he thought it might be a ring worm or a wart. It didn't affect it. Can you apply Compound W to the area to remove the wart?

RE: Black Warts
I have not personally used Compound W on a pet. Theoretically, it might be effective if the "wart" is a papilloma. However, if the growth is sebaceous hyperplasia or adenoma it will not work. It would be best if your veterinarian can make a firm diagnosis. Compound W has salicylic acid and it is important that no dog in the household can lick it off as it may cause ulceration of the tongue. If the growth is not too large, your veterinarian may be able to freeze it off (without the use of anesthesia). With all of the above types of growths, your dog is predisposed to having others so monitor the skin.
Dr. Goho

11-21-2007
Pet Food
With all the different kinds of pet foods on the market, what do I look for to make sure I get the best food for my pets?

RE: Pet Food
That is a tougher question than you may think. We as veterinarians are sometimes overwhelmed by the choices pet owners have. To a certain extent you get what you pay for, but that is not always the case. I certainly stay away from the generic/cheapest foods since they seldom have undergone proper feeding trials and the reason they are so cheap is because the ingredients are poorer (and thusly cheaper) quality. When you buy a higher end food, hopefully the ingredient quality is higher and more consistent.
Make sure that any food you consider has undergone AAFCO food trials. The nutritional statement should read that it is adequate based on feeding trials, and not just laboratory testing. This is no guarantee of the best food, but should get you in the field of good food for your pet.
Dr. Goho

11-21-2007
Constipation
My pet seems to be constipated. He is pooping, but not like usual. He is not going as much and is not depositing as much as usual, (more on the line of rabbit droppings), only 2 or 3 droppings, not as many as a rabbit leaves. Is there anything I can give him without carrying him to the vet. He doesn't seem to be in any pain and he isn't scrubbing the floor like when his anal glands need cleaning.

P.S. About a week ago he was feed some Hoop cheese, could that be my problem? If so about how long will this last.

RE: Constipation
Any time a food substance is given to a pet that is not a normal part of their diet it can cause some bowel problems. However, a one time treat of cheese would be unlikely to cause any persistent problems like the one you are describing. Mild constipation can sometimes be rectified by offering some canned pumpkin in with their food. It is high in fiber and acts similar to the way bran flakes does with people. IF this is going to help though, it should do so within one or two days.
It is advisable to have your veterinarian examine your dog first however since the same signs you are describing can be caused by foreign object obstruction, severe constipation requiring quck intervention, intussusception ( a telescoping of the intestines) and tumors. Also, many pets will strain to have a bowel movement not because of constipation but because of colon inflammation and even diarrhea. It causes enough irritation that the urge to have a bowel movement is present without much bowel movement.
Dr. Goho

11-21-2007
House Breaking
Dr. Goho,
I have a CockAPoo named Belle. I have had her since she was about eight weeks old and she is now almost three years old. I have tried everything to house break her but to no success. She will do good for a couple of days but then she will start wetting my carpet. I tried putting her in a crate at night and while I work. She whines and whimpers all night so I get no sleep. She also acts very scared and skittish when I let her out. After a couple of weeks of that, she got to where she wouldn't come to me anymore so I quit putting her in there. I have had several dogs and never had a problem breaking. Please help me. If I can't find a way to deal with her, I'm going to have to get rid of her. I don't want to do that because she was a gift from my daughter.
Thank you for your assistance, Im4given

RE: House Breaking
The information given to you under the "Ask Amy" forum is excellent information and I concur with her recommendations. If it is behavioral, persistence and consistency is key to having success with Ms. Clear's advice in light of the duration of the problem. I advise having a full physical examination performed as soon as possible since some medical conditons can result in difficulty in housebreaking ( ie pelvic bladder, ectopic ureter, spinal or peripheral nerve issues, megacolon, inflammatory bowel disease, etc...) Your veterinarian will check the neurological function of the gastrointestinal and urogenital system. A urinalysis will likely be performed and in some instances, imaging such as x-rays or ultrasound may be helpful to assess if everything is okay internally with the colon, bladder, etc... Treatment varies depending on the underlying medical condition. If medical problems are ruled out, then implementation of the techniques given to you in the "Ask Amy" forum should be implemented with diligence.
Dr Goho

11-21-2007
Pregnancy
Hello, my dog has been pregnant for about 68 days now. How do I know when she is ready to have her puppies? What signs will she show when shes getting ready to have them?

RE: Pregancy
If she is indeed pregnant for 68 days, you need to get her to your veterinarian as soon as possible. The normal gestation (pregnancy) for dogs is 63-65 days. If it is longer than this, she may have some medical issues that need addressing for both her and the puppies sake. Your veterinarian can determine if she is pregnant or if she is undergoing pseudopregnancy (false pregnancy) which is where her body's hormones act like she is pregnant but without the fetus. Try to pinpoint the exact date she mated so your veterinarian can determine the length of gestation.
If she is, or gets pregnant, there usually are some changes you might notice prior to her having puppies. Some dogs show nesting behavior, restlessness and a desire to be away from the hustle and bustle of household activity. It is not uncommon for dogs to have a decreased appetite within one day of whelping. Also, milk may be able to be expressed from her nipples just before giving birth though this is not a reliable indicator. Many breeders will also monitor rectal temperatures for several days prior (in the morning and evening) to get a normal temperature since the normal body temperature tends to drop about 1-2 degrees 12-24 hours prior to whelping.
A general rule of thumb is once they begin to have a puppy, the normal interval between pups is 15-30 minutes. If the length of time exceeds 1 1/2 -2 hours, medical attention should be sought. Likewise, if she seems to "give up" with labor and puppies remain, she may need medical or surgical attention.
Dr. Goho

11-21-2007
Arthritis
I have a 15 year old male spaniel/mix that weighs about 38 pounds. He is suffering from arthritis and is having trouble walking at times. I know that aspirin is okay for a dog, but I don't know how much is okay to give him. Can you advise me on the dose, and how often I can give him aspirin? Other than the pain, he appears to be really healthy. Thank You

RE: Arthritis
Before we discuss the appropriate dosage of aspirin for your dog, it is important to make sure the difficulty in walking is indeed arthritis. There are several other causes of apparent stiffness and difficulty rising that may be present. Some of these causes may be spinal/disc problems, soft tissue problems, neuropathies (nerve), myopathies (muscle), and even internal organ/metabolic issues. If your veterinarian has confirmed arthritis or degenerative joint disease and has run tests to make sure the liver and kidneys can safely handle NSAIDS ( non steroidal antiinflammatory drugs) such as aspirin, a dog your size might be tried on 1/4 to 1/2 tablet of a 325mg regular strength buffered aspirin once a day with food as a trial. However, as with any NSAID, aspirin may cause upset stomach or gastric ulcers and must be used judiciously. At your dogs age, it is especially important to have his kidney and liver function assessed prior to using NSAIDs. There are other NSAID's that have come out over the past several years for dogs that are generally more effective and designed to be easier on the stomach than aspirin. You can contact your veterinarian for more information on these products. Also, I would encourage you to contact your veterinarian about a series of prescription injections called Adequan that we have had success with in treating degenerative joint disease. On the non prescription level, the use of certain glucosamine HCl/ Chondroitin sulfate products is thought to be effective in slowing arthritis. However, because these are not regulated by the FDA, many do not contain what the labels state they contain and you should have your veterinarian give you some brand names that are more likely to be effective. Finally, if your dog is overweight, try to lose those extra pounds, as it always helps in arthritic conditions.
Dr. Goho

viewer comment on Arthritis
Dr. Goho is right about making sure you are treating arthritis and not something else. I had been treating my dog with Chondroitin/Glucosamine for a few years when her arthritis appeared to have gotten worse. I added a low dose aspirin a day and thought I was helping her. Little did I know that her problem was much more serious than arthritis. In my dogs case, I do not think the outcome would have been any different, but I wish I had taken her to the vet before I added the aspirin to her daily diet.

11-21-2007
Miniature Schnauzer
Hi, I have been considering getting a Miniature Schnauzer. Is this a good dog to have around children? I was afraid they might be too nervous.
Any suggestions? Thanks

RE: Miniature Schnauzer
You are showing good judgement in researching dog breeds before selecting one. If more people would be as diligent, there would be far fewer dogs relinquished to animal shelters due to "not fitting in with the family". Several questions to be answered in choosing a pet are what type of house or yard do you have? Will your work schedule allow you to exercise and interact with your pet? Feeding requirements? ( large dogs require much more food), Health issues for each breed? Age of children and family members?
Miniature schnauzers are generally a healthy breed but some do tend to have more issues with high triglycerrides and cholesterol levels and suffer a higher rate of pancreatitis.
They are a very active and intelligent dog and will require daily exercise/walks and constructive play time to channel that energy. Most of the schnauzers we see are good family dogs but as with all breeds, obedience training is advised and proper rearing of them as puppies goes a long way in preventing biting, pulling and destructive behavior. This is especially important if your children are small as this breed is more energetic than many others and pehaps not as tolerant to the type of play little children may impose.
If these attributes and requirements are suitable to your situation, you should then look at the prospective puppies parents. They should be well socialized, friendly and easily approached. This is because there is some genetic influence on temperament as well as how they are raised.
If you have a veterinarian, I encourage you to present the traits you desire in a dog and ask them to give several suggestions that may be suitable.
Dr. Goho

11-21-2007
Neutering
What are the advantages and needs of neutering a male dog that is not going to procreate? My male stays with me at all times inside or on a lead. Is it necessary to still have him neutered?
Thank you.

RE: Neutering
First of all, let me congratulate you on the control and monitoring of your dog's activity. By not allowing him to have access to breed, you have eliminated the number one reason for neutering a male dog: to prevent overpopulation. This benefit of neutering alone is of immense value and if performed on more pets, would greatly reduce pet euthanasias and pet suffering.
In your case, other benefits may apply as follow (behaviorally and medically):
Decreasing mounting or urinary marking behavior
Decreasing or eliminating prostate and testicular disease
Possibly decreasing roaming
In a few select cases, lessening aggressive tendencies. The medical risks for a male that is not neutered are less serious than that of an intact female but as you can see, do exist. As long as he is kept from mating behavior, it really becomes a matter of weighing the health/behavior benefits in each situation.

11-21-2007
Frontline
I have been using Frontline Plus for several years on my dogs. This has worked beautifully until this year. Has Frontline been out so long that the fleas are getting immune to it? Is there another product that will work?

RE: FRONTLINE
There has been no reported flea resistance to Frontline Topspot according to Merial, the manufacturer of this product. The veterinary community generally feels it is a safe and effective treatment and control for fleas and it has of course some other favorable attributes such as controlling ticks and being relatively resistant to the effects of water. Many insecticides that have started out without resistance from insects however, have eventually lost some of their effectiveness due to adaptation by the targeted insect.
Many instances of perceived failure on the part of good flea products can be traced back to constant reintroduction of fleas into an environment by other animals. Remember, 95% of flea stages are present in the environment rather than on the pet. Another cause of failure is improper application ( by not using it every 30 days for at least 3-4 months, and often longer to break the life cycle.)
If you decide you wish to try another product for flea control, there are several to choose from:
Advantix (fleas and ticks) This is probably the most similar to Frontline
Program (an oral product that "sterilizes" the fleas eggs but does not kill the adult fleas)
Advantage multi (fleas, intestinal parasites and heartworms)
Sentinel (fleas and heartworms)
Revolution( fleas, intestinal worms and heartworms)
Your veterinarian should be able to advise the flea and tick control that is most appropriate for your situation.
Dr. Goho

11-21-2007
Over-vaccination
I have been hearing about pets being over-vaccinated, and the harm it can potentially cause. What vaccines are necessary for your pets well being, and which ones can they do without.

RE: OVER-VACCINATIONS
Over the past several decades, vaccinations for most domesticated animals have been a mainstay at preventing numerous illnesses. Their effectiveness has been nothing short of amazing and in some cases has reduced the incidence of diseases to the point that it is now rare to see them in veterinary practice. The result: healthier and longer lives for our pets and in the case of rabies, a safer world for us.
However, as with anything, there can be too much of a good thing and vaccinations are no exception. Over the past ten years, a considerable focus has been placed on studying risk vs. benefit of vaccinations. This began in earnest with the study of Feline Leukemia vaccination and the suspicion that a rare type of cancer (fibrosarcoma) may be associated with the above mentioned vaccine site. Numerous studies have consistently supported this suspicion and as a result, Feline Leukemia vaccine is now advised only for cats that have some level of potential exposure ( outside cats or cats in household with numerous cats,etc). It is still a wonderful vaccine that saves many lives, but needs to be used wisely and only where exposure to the leukemia virus is a possibility.
Most other vaccines are very safe, but studies show that in many (but not all) cases, the immunity that they provide lasts longer and protects the pet well past what the vaccine manufacturer has previously recommended. As a result, many veterinarians have altered the number of vaccines given as well as the frequency in which they are given. It is important to discuss these matters with your veterinarian and to assess the risk posed by certain infectious agents. Only then can the proper protocol be determined. "One size does not fit all".
An example of a typical protocol for an adult, single, inside cat is: (based upon Veterinary Schools recommendations and the American Association of Feline Practioner guidelines)
Rabies: every three years
FVRCP: every three years
No feline leukemia, FIP, FIV, Chlamydia etc...
An example of a typical protocol for an adult dog is: (based upon recommendations by Veterinary Schools and Vaccine Task Force)
Rabies: every three years
DHPP: every three years
BBV: every year
No leptospirosis, corona, lymes, etc...
Again, this is typical but may be varied based upon individual susceptibility. For further information on this fascinating (but sometimes complicated) topic you may look at http://www.aafponline.org/ and http://www.aahanet.org/About_aaha/About_Guidelines_Canine06.html
Dr. Goho

11-21-2007
Allergies
Dr. Goho,
Can you tell me some signs of allergies?

RE: ALLERGIES
Just as in humans, the signs and symptoms of allergies from airborne particles varies from patient to patient. Some of the classical signs in dogs and humans may be sneezing and inflamed watery eyes and coughing.
However, it is just as common if not moreso to see recurrent ear infections, itchiness of skin, and hair loss. This is because dogs have a large number of histamine receptors in their skin that release cellular products that cause inflammation. If these symptoms are not controlled, secondary problems may occur such as thickening of the skin, pigmentation and even bacterial infections. While some allergans such as molds and house dust and house dust mites may effect a dog year round, the typical presentation of airborne allergies is that they occur seasonally (such as grasses. pollens, etc...)
While a complete cure of allergic conditions is hard to achieve, improvement in the conditon and control is usually possible.
Dr. Goho