Week 4 - May 08, Weekly Ask a Vet Q&A
- Question: I am getting ready to order more flea control, I have always used Advantage, I was reading about Advantage multi, that seems like a better product since it controls more than just fleas. What do you recommend?
Jena, Oregon
- Answer : Hi Jenna,
Advantage Multi (also called Advocate) is a new multi-purpose product that combines imidacloprid – the same active ingredient as is found in Advantage with moxidectin, so it kills fleas, as well as prevents heartworm, hookworm and roundworm in dogs and cats, plus whipworm in dogs, and controls lice and ear mites in cats, and mange and lice in dogs with a monthly application. Both products are very easy to use, can be applied after bathing and are safe for use on dogs and cats. Both are very fast acting against fleas. Imidacloprid crystals fall from the pets coat into areas where they often rest or on their bedding where it will kill the developing flea larva as well as the adult fleas on the pet.
By using Advantage Multi (Advocate) you will no longer need to give separate heartwormer meds. There is one common worm that the Advantage Multi does not cover though – and that is the flea tapeworm, so if you were to use this product you should also give a separate tapewormer such as the Virbac tapewormer or Droncit to your dogs and cats every 3 months.
Regards
Dr Mark BVsc
VetShopOnline
- Question: I have a small (18 lbs) Yorkie mixed breed female dog. She has long wavy course hair. She also has long heavy ears. Gabby gets ear infections frequently & developes yeast infections with them. She has a very strong odor when she gets these infections & requires anitbiodics frequently. She also has additional black pigmentation around her bottom & in her ears with this. I take her for treament when she gets sick, but would like to know if there is anything I can do at home to treat her or prevent her from getting these infections.
Arlene, Farmington
- Answer: Hi Arlene,
Yes, there are a few things you can do at home to minimize the chance of the infection coming back. You should clip the hair around the ear canal and on the under side of the ear to allow air to circulate around and keep the ear dry. You should consider using an ear cleaner such as the Professional Groomer Ear Cleaner. These products do more than just clean the ear. They help dissolve the wax and clean the ear but as they are also mildly anti bacterial they reduce the number of bacteria in the ear and also dry the ear. You should not use the ear cleaner when your girl has an infection – she will need antibiotics to clear that up, but once clear you should use the ear cleaner 2 to 3 times a week and every time after she has a bath or goes for a swim. Using an ear cleaner like this reduces the chances of an ear infection developing dramatically!
Regards
Dr Mark BVsc
VetShopOnline
- Question: Hi, my cat get concepation I just ordered some medication from your site but I am worried about what could be causing this, she is over weight could it be due to her weight?
Mary, San Franisco
- Answer: Hi Mary,
Constipation can be quite common in cats and there are many different causes. However being overweight does increase the chance of cats becoming constipated.The causes of constipation can be:
nerve problems – paralysis to nerves of colon, spinal cord injury, megacolon
pelvic problems – fractures, growths causing obstruction
hormonal/metabolic diseases - in particular hypothyroidism
medications – antihistamines, diuretics, some antibiotics
pain – anal gland infection
dietary – bone, hair, diets low in fiber, fur balls
dehydration - kidney disease, fussy drinkers
behavioural - dirty litter tray, intimidation by other cats
Cats that are overweight and out of shape may have weaker abdominal muscles and so not empty their bowel completely.Sever constipation can be life threatening and should be treated by your vet, however a few things to try at home are:
Try increasing exercise by playing more and encouraging walking more.
Ensure clean litter trays.
Encourage drinking. It has been shown that cats prefer a ‘pooling’ effect. That is, with a large surface area and water filled right to the brim. Most cats don’t like drinking from narrow containers with the water level low.
Increase the fiber in the diet. Try adding bran or mashed cooked pumpkin to the food.
Use a laxative such as the Cat Lover Cat Laxative and Hairball Remover when required.
Groom your cat regularly to remove loose hair.
Regards
Dr Mark BVsc
VetShopOnline
- Question : My rottie has developed a wart looking knot on the inside of his lower lip. It is greyish white in color and kind of crusty. Next day saw a tiny little white dot like growth on the left side in the inside corner of his "grin" also in mouth. He does not seem to complain. Wonder if it is a wart and what I can do? We live a great distance from real town and and anything recommendations would be greatly appreciated. Thank You
Dahlia, Nevada
- Answer : Hi Dahlia,
The mouth and lips are a common area for growths such as warts or tumors to develop. Dogs can develop a condition called canine viral papillomas. A virus causes the growth of small round skin tumors. Typically they are whitish/pinkish and have a rough cauliflower like appearance. Usually they are seen in young dogs around the mouth or eyes. The tumors are not cancerous and usually go away by themselves over a number of months however in some cases, especially if they are in large numbers, treatment may be required to remove them. The virus can spread to other dogs however it does not affect humans at all. A word of caution though, it is very difficult to tell whether a growth is benign or malignant just by looking at it. Often what appears to be one of these warts can be a far more serious tumor, so I urge you to have your fellow checked by a veterinarian when you can.
Regards
Dr Mark BVsc
VetShopOnline
- Question :
Comment: My dog is not eating. I took him to the vet and he has liver problems and possible cancer. What can I do or give him in the mean time?
Marina, NYC
- Answer : Hi Marina,
I’m sorry to hear that your dog has such a serious problem. Let’s hope that it is something that can be managed. The liver is a very complex organ and one of the most important functions is to detoxify harmful toxins that build up in the bloodstream. In dogs with liver conditions, a very important part of managing the condition is by modifying the diet to minimize the amounts of toxins the liver has to process and provide maximum nutrition so that damaged liver cells can repair themselves.
Protein levels have to be at optimal levels. Too high a level increases the amount of ammonia that the liver needs to breakdown while too little will not provide the protein required by the body and liver cells. Protein should be high quality and have the correct ratio of the different amino acids. This usually means protein derived from animal sources rather than from plant sources such as found in soya beans used in the manufacture of cheaper brands of dog food.
Fats and carbohydrates need to be carefully controlled to supply an easily available source of energy. Vitamins and minerals especially the water soluble vitamins – the B group vitamins and zinc need to supplemented in dogs with liver disease. Increased fiber in the diet helps with the removal of toxins from the digestive tract.
You should talk to your vet about commercial diets available for dogs with liver disease or an online search may find a homemade diet that will address these issues. If your dog is not eating well a high energy, vitamin and mineral supplement such as Nutrigel may help.
Regards
Dr Mark BVsc
VetShopOnline
- Question : My yellow lab is 11 years old & has had a lick granuloma problem 3 times lately (very seriously) in the past 5 years. I've bandaged her (she rips them off), I have a cone for her when I'm not home, but it seems to not get better. I put antibiotics on it ... everything I can thing of. I don't like coning her anymore at her age, because she has enough problems just doing everyday things and going down stairs. She is walked daily and gets lots of love and attention. WHAT CAN I DO? I will admit though, there is a lot of tension in our house lately.............is that it?
Karen, Roseto
- Answer : Hi Karen,
Lick granuloma’s can be very, very difficult to treat. Often anxiety or boredom contribute to the development of this problem, so definitely increased tension in the home can have a lot to do with it. In less refractory cases bandaging may help, or application of bittering agents or applying the cone ( Elizabethan collar) may help. In other cases antibiotics, corticosteroid and antibiotic topical creams, injections of corticosteroids work. Some cases require surgery. Unfortunately one treatment will not work every time and often the condition does return. Treating any underlying allergies will help and a supplement with Omega3 and 6 fatty acids helps with this. You may need to consult a specialist veterinary dermatologist. Sorry that I don’t have any magic bullet!
Regards
Dr Mark, BVsc
VetShopOnline
- Question : Can Propan tablets be given to my dog if I also use Frontline and just what is Propan ingredient wise?
Beverly, Planterville
- Answer : Hi Beverly,
I think you mean Proban right? Yes Proban can be given with Frontline. It is usually given to dogs to help control fleas and ticks. The active ingredient is Cythioate which belongs to the organophosphate family of chemicals. Care should be taken not to give Proban with any other organophosphate. These may be found in many flea and tick rinses, shampoo and collars. You should not use Proban in greyhounds or animals that are sick, pregnant, lactating, recovering from surgery or illness.
Regards
Dr Mark BVsc
VetShopOnline
- Question : My daughter has just gotten 2 rats one was returned to the store, and treated for CAR bacillus with antibiodics, quarentined and returned to her. . Now the second one seems sick with the same illness. Can I get baytril cefa drops from you for the rats as the store will no longer treat or give medication for the rats?
Brenda, Lawndale
- Answer : Hi Brenda,
At this stage we don’t supply prescription medication such as Baytril. Other sites do however you will still need a prescription from your vet as the supply of these medications without a prescription is illegal. It may be best to take your sick rat to visit your local vet.
Regards
Dr Mark BVsc
VetShopOnline
- Question : i have a pekenese. she drag her rear on the ground at times. why?
Kevin, Missouri
- Answer : Hi Kevin,
(One of the most Frequently Asked Question, the answer will be duplicated) Scooting is usually caused by either impacted anal glands or tapeworms. Anal glands are two small glands about the size of an almond, located on each side of a dogs anus. Anal glands help dogs to mark their territory. They usually empty themselves when a dog defecates. Sometimes they can become blocked and unable to empty by themselves. When this happens your dog feels a constant unpleasant and uncomfortabe pressure, so drags their rear across the ground to try and relieve this feeling. Your veterinarian can empty or "express" the glands. Sometimes the glands can become infected and require antibiotic treatment. Adding fiber to a dogs diet can help stimulate the glands to empty when a dog defecates. A small dog like yours can be given half of a level table spoon of bran each day mixed through the food.
Regards
Dr Mark BVsc
VetShopOnline
- Question : Hi I have recently gotten a puppy. I am presently looking at flea and tick control.I am also looking at HeartGard. My questions are? Does frontline plus control ear mites? I have seen some articles saying yes and some no? My other question is someone told me it was ok to go up on size by one when doing frontline plus is this true?
Ronald, Alabama (Winner May 08 - Week 4 Question of the Week)
- Answer : Hi Ronald,
Frontline Plus is not registered for ear mites and I’ve treated many animals with ear mites that had been treated with Frontline Plus so I’d say no, it does not. Revolution is registered for ear mites in cats so will probably also treat ear mites in dogs. It is easy to use, controls some ticks as well as fleas. The main advantage of Revolution is that it also treats heartworm as well, so eliminates the need to use a separate heartworm preparation like the Heartgard each month. Frontline Plus is very safe and in most cases it is fine to apply the larger size however you need to use a bit of common sense. If your dog is 22lbs there is no problem giving the 23 to 44 lbs size but you wouldn’t do this if your pup was only 4 lbs!
Regards
Dr Mark BVsc
VetShopOnline