Ask A Pet Pro

I have an eleven year old Samoyed that has been diagnosed with prostate cancer. The only medicine given to him from the vet was peroxicam 10mg. I spoke with this vet yesterday by phone and his diagnoses is edenocarcinoma and prostate disease. Is there anything else I can do for my dog???? I don’t want to lose him!!!

My 4 y.o. Eskimo Spitz has heartworms. She has had the 1st of 3 injections and is scheduled for the next one in 2 days. I have heard that treatment with walnut hull and woodworm can effectively kill heartworms without having to keep my dog calm and with much less risk. Is this true? Also would you advise that I try this natural treatment even though she has started the chemical treatment from her vet 1 month ago?

Thank You

Our 2 1/2 yr. old boxed has been diagnosed w/megaesaphagus. Is there a homeopathic remedy or help?

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Hi, my dog was recently hit by a car and has been lame on the back side since the impact. Today the vet said that her back is broken and wanted to put the dog down. However, she is able to pull herself around, go to the bathroom and adapt without the use of her hind legs. I am looking for any alternatives available – dog cart/wheelchair, advice from other experienced pet owners or vets – is there any way to not put her down and let her live with a broken back? PLEASE help -thank you

Hi There: I’ve read the two questions posted on the blog about hyperthyroidism, & their responses, & neither answers my question.

My cat is 16 yrs old, & has had hyperthyroidism for not quite a yr now. We have tried methimazole (first treatment), & the one similar to it (don’t have the bottle in front of me – carbimazole?), which we are doing right now. Neither of these meds have been successful in controling her condition, & both have resulted in horribly sore, scabby, & bleeding ears. She is quite miserable.

Radiocat is not an option for her – at age 16, & having never been out of the house, I’m certain she’d starve herself to death during the waiting period. The closest place to us who can do it is about 1.5 hrs away. If she were 6, maybe, but not at age 16. We won’t consider it – we know her too well, & she would not be able to handle it.

So, I am asking about surgery. Our vet, who is excellent but young, has never done the surgery on a cat before (watched one during vet school, & has done it on dogs). He’s concerned about the close quarters in there, & the possibility of nerve damage. He tried looking for info on whether the surgery has ever been done w/ lasers or not, & couldn’t find anything regarding that. Everyone pushes the Radiocat, & not surgery as much.

Could this surgery be done w/ lasers? Where could my vet find info about it, if it has been done, & by whom? We’re tentatively looking at a surgery date of next Fri, no matter which type of surgery he does. Our poor kitty is quite healthy otherwise, has been all her life, but this is really making her feel awful. Because she’s otherwise healthy, I’m not so worried about the risk of anesthesia, etc, but just making this as easy on her as possible.

Any ideas would be appreciated!

I wrote you earlier about my cat being diagnosed with cancer. You were very kind and helpful and prompt in your responses, but unfortunately, I lost my cat due to the cancer. I was wondering if you could give me the address of some facility that does research on cancer for cats, so I could tell my family and friends if they wish to donate some money to this worthy cause in memory of Mittens.

Thanks Again

Linda V

My wife and I are having a baby and are concerned that our beloved cat may get jealous and become a safety issue. This is based on her previous behavior around guests at our house. She meows then hisses to get attention from visitors. We are looking for a non-medication way of treating this issue if possible.

Thank You

I have 9 year old chihauhua with an enlarged heart that coughs/gags on Lasix & Enacard but but no improvement. Is there any other medication or treatment that will improve his condition?

I have a cat that is about 10 – 12 yrs old. She is in the early stages of kidney failure and has trouble with constipation. She currently takes a 5mg cisipride compound twice a day and 10cc of lactulose a day. She sometimes eats K-D cat food but some days she doesn’t. I try to give her as much canned food as possible and milk to drink. She is still having constipation problems. Any suggestions?

Thanks in advance.

Hi, I have a 9 year old cat who is currently on methimazole for hyperthyroidism. I am concerned about side effects he is experiencing. His dosage is still being adjusted. His last blood work indicated high creatin levels. Tonight I am taking him for more blood work and they will take a urine sample. This puts him under a lot of stress as well and he is a very unhappy kitty. I am looking for alternatives that are not so hard on him.

Any suggestions?