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VSI Pet Care Products reminds that in an emergency, you should always contact your veterinarian, which is why we include a convenient space to write the vet's phone number on our products. Check out these questions and answers to increase your pet knowledge. Thanks!
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| Q: I am a herbalist first of all. I do, however, take my animals to vets and do listen to their advice. I try to work with holistic vets, but we have just moved to Summerville, SC, and I found a really nice traditional vet. I took my dog to hi and he thought she might have a urinary tract infection, so she was put on an antibiotic. When his assistant called to see how she was doing, I said my dog, Butterball, still displayed strange behavior. After I spoke to his assistant, she called me back and said she believed my dog has Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome. I have no knowledge of this disorder. Can you help me? I understand Anipyl is the treatment of choice. But from what I have read, the side effects can be as annoying and upsetting to both the animal and owner as the disorder. My question is, do you know what causes this? My dog had what is called a stroke in humans and a circulatory problem in dogs right before our move. The vet wanted us to put her to sleep but she seemed after treating her with some herbs, love and rest, to get better. Now, however, she is confused, can't remember things, etc. Can the so-called stroke be contributing to this behavior? Is CDS curable? She is 14 years old. My other dog, a Border Collie, just died a natural death surrounded by love and peace and he went with no pain. I want very much for her to do the same. With this disorder, is that possible? I realize these are several questions, however, I do want to know basically how to research this ad gain knowledge for myself, especially if you do not have the time to educate me in this area. I would appreciate any help you can give in a reply. I have been a certified herbalist for 15 years. I hope to resolve this issue soon.
A: Without a more detailed history, it's difficult to diagnose CDS. However, from what information we do have, it appears the dog has been urinating, house soiling, etc. The stroke may or may not have contributed to behavioral changes. CDS is a complex disease that is caused by physical and chemical changes that affect the brain. Symptoms are complex and variable. Br4eiefly, they may include one or all of the following: barks for no reason, confusion, messes in the house, seems disoriented, doesn't recognize the owner, is not affectionate like it once was, etc. Treating with Anipyl can have side effects but in my experience, I have seen few side effects and have seen improvement in most cases. Anipyl is not a cure but a treatment that ca improve the last years of your pet's life. I have no problem with a herbalist approach. However, I would be classified as a traditional. So I have very limited knowledge of this area.
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Q: My dog recently caught and killed a large bullfrog in my backyard. I caught him outside shaking it, so I commanded him to DROP. He did, but then ran around the yard shaking his head from side to side and rubbing his nose on the ground. When I finally caught up with him, he was foaming at the mouth. I took him inside and gave him water and bathed. He seemed okay after that. Should I have taken him to the emergency vet? Are frogs poisonous to dogs?
Thanks.
Stephanie Benoit Lead Project Engineer USM, Inc.
A: I am almost certain that what your dog attacked was a large toad, which emits a very bitter tasting liquid. Bullfrogs do not have this defense mechanism. This liquid can be poisonous to small dogs, but medium and large dogs usually just suffer the bitterness and probably a burning sensation to their mouth. Small dogs should be taken to an emergency vet, but larger dogs can be treated just as you did. Frogs are generally not toxic but toads are. |
| Q: We have a young dog that is about 6-months-old now. He is constantly thirsty, almost to excess. Is this a problem I should ask our vet about or am I just worrying for nothing? If not, then what else should I look for or is there something I should be considering?
A: Some puppies seem to drink somewhat excessively for no reason. There are, however, serious diseases such as diabetes (rare in a dog of this age), kidney (also rare) or other metabolic disease. There is also a psychogenic condition that causes excessive water intake. Urinalysis would be a good place to start diagnostics. I would definitely check with your veterinarian. |
| Q: My friend has a toy poodle that has a patch of missing hair between his shoulder blades. The rest of his hair is about 2 inches long and this patch is only fuzz. The patch is about the size of the bottom of a coffee mug but irregular in shape. Teddy (the dog) has shown neither signs of discomfort nor lack of energy nor appetite. My friend cannot afford to take her pet to the vet at this time. Any suggestions?
PS: It REALLY is for my friend. LOL. I have a Maltese, year old pup in "perfect" shape at the moment.
A: This is probably not a serious problem, but could indicate a bacterial, fungal or parasitic infection. A diagnosis needs to be made in order to treat it. Was there any trauma to the area? (i.e. burns, abrasions, etc.) If unable to go to a veterinarian at this time, just be sure the dog is on a good diet. You probably can wait a while to have it diagnosed unless it appears to be spreading rapidly. |
Q: My question is about my pet rabbits.. I have several rabbit hutches outside. My dad built them and I have a sleeping box in each one. The thing is they go the bathroom in their boxes and they will sleep in them also. I don't understand b/c other people have told us that their rabbits don't do that, that they only use the boxes only as sleeping boxes. I get tired of cleaning then out so often, especially if it is so cold outside. Do you know why they might be doing that? I mean, I know you can litter box train them, but if other people don't have this problem, what could be wrong? I would greatly
appreciate a reply! Thank you!
A: Rabbits can be litter-box trained, but generally need to be constantly placed in the litter box, even every few minutes, when first acquired. If you have room, you might try putting two boxes in each hutch, one for litter and one for sleeping. Also, adult male rabbits will deposit strong-smelling stools in various places in the hutch to mark their territory.
You should also check out a site mentioned by another rabbit lover who recently wrote to use about the House Rabbit Society. Their Web site is www.rabbit.org can help! Thanks for your letter and good luck. |
| Q: Our dog (cross between beagle and husky) and 12 years old recently was taken to Vet who thought he had a slipped disk in his back. He had been acting like his paw or back hurt. The Vet gave him a Cortisone shot and some medication. Seemingly within a day we noticed his "breath" was unusually bad smelling. Any ideas why?
A: It is unlikely there is a connection between the medication and the dog's break. Make sure there are no oral or dental problems and discuss this with your veterinarian.
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Q: I have a 1 year old Sheltie. He is digging at himself in the middle of his back and on his rear end (still on his back) right above his tail. I thought maybe it was very dry skin because a few weeks back I gave him several baths with a flea shampoo. I thought this may have dried his skin, and in turn make him bite and scratch his fur off. He has made it
bleed. Any information you can give me will be very helpful!!
A: He may have an allergy to the shampoo or other things, resulting in dermatitis. He needs to be seen by a veterinarian to diagnose the cause and have it treated. |
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Q: Your products are impressive. Which one(s) are the most popular? I have a cat. Which kit would be best for my cat?
A: Our most popular products are the Pet Kit™ and Bird Kit™, though we provide many horse owners with Vet Kit™ products.
One of our staff members has four cats (!!!!) and he keeps at least two Pet Kits™ on hand. They are good for minor injuries--like when the two Tom cats are in bad "moods"--or after a serious accident, such as when the little female was hit by a car. They are even useful when a human visitor doesn't heed a warning and gets scratched!
Seriously, these are good kits. You can buy kits that cost a little less, but these have real "stuff" like metal scissors instead of plastic ones. They also have some wonderful additions such as our Care Cards, which give you instructions and tips on caring for an injured pet.
If I can be of more help, please feel free to e-mail, or e-mail or purchasing department: vsipurch@aol.com or you can simply call them at 1-800-831-7245.
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| Q: I recently purchased a pregnant mare. The vet did an ultrasound and gave me a due date anywhere from February to April. I have been around pregnant mares before and know a lot of the signs. My question is what would you recommend for a first time do it yourself "horsewife" As in "midwife? Are there any instructional video's?
A: Yes, there are several books available on mare care and foaling. "The complete Book of Horse Care", author Tim Hawcroft, has an excellent chapter on foaling and caring for your mare during pregnancy. It can be checked out at your local library. The Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders Association has a three-tape video series covering mare care, foaling and even raising the orphan foal. However the book is easier to grab for quick reference.
First off, inform your vet of the coming event. He is your best source of information and advice. This late in the pregnancy it would be important to find out what vaccinations, if any, this mare received before you purchased her. She will need a tetanus shot 30 days prior to foaling to immunize the foal. Mares receive a Pneumabort K shot in the 5th, 7th, and 9th month of pregnancy to guard against abortion due to exposure to the Rhino virus. I also worm 30 days prior, using an Ivermectin product labeled safe for pregnant mares. I assume at this time you have already increased her protein intake to encourage milk production. This is achieved either by feeding Alfalfa hay or a protein rich sweet feed.
When your mare shows signs of foaling, bagging up, waxing, prepare her stall with whole straw. It is cleaner than sawdust or shavings which can migrate into the umbilical when it breaks. VSI Pet Care Products offers a foaling kit which I use and highly recommend. It contains everything you will need to midwife the foal. Don't be surprised if you spend hours watching and waiting only to have her drop the colt when you go to the house for coffee. Mares can hold off labor for some time if they feel uncomfortable with the audience. Assuming it is a normal delivery, your work begins after mother cleans her baby. If you are planning on imprinting your foal, do so in the first hour if possible, but not until mom has her time. After that, you will be busy with dipping iodine on the stump, enemas, and lots of loving.
If the delivery is unremarkable, wait until a decent hour to call your vet. I like to have them come out and give an exam. They often can spot a problem before it becomes serious. If you are breeding your mare back on the foal heat, some vets infuse the mare at this time. Your foal need not have any shots until two months of age.
Good Luck and enjoy this exciting time. If you have further need for answers, breeders are more than happy to share their time and thoughts. We like to see safe and happy foalings. |
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