Unusual furQ: My dog has recently grown a odd white fur on his left side and it has a black ring around it. i was wondering what it was because my friend said it might be scabies. A: I doubt it is scabies which causes intense itching in dogs. likely some sort of innocent hair follicle change, but you should take to vet to examine
BiospotQ: I've recently heard of severe spasmodic reactions and even deaths in cats who had been given biospot topical treatments. both my vet's office and the head of a local rescue told me of these problems. they think that using biospot on large dogs seems to be safe, but highly recommended that i avoid using it on my cats altogether. have you heard of more such problems with biospot? where can i find this kind of information? i appreciate whatever help you can provide. A: Unfortunately, these types of reactions can occur with the use of any topical flea and tick product. i usually rfecommend frontline plus because of my experience and the lack of adverse reactions.
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EpilepsyQ: Our 5 yr. old, sunny, was diagnosed with epilepsy when he was 1 yr. old. he took phenobarb for a couple of yrs. but the seizures were still coming frequently and some were quite severe. we were living in california at that time. we left there and moved to alabama almost 2 yrs. ago. just before the move, our vet there added potassium bromide to his treatment. he is doing much better now! it has been just over a year since his last seizure! our vet has said we can cut back on the medication some, and we have. i just wonder how much should we keep cutting back? is it possible he has outgrown the epilepsy? also, do you think the change in climate made a difference? he is a pure bred siberian husky- is epilepsy common in this breed? thank you for your help! he is such a loving dog and we want to keep him healthy and with us as long as possible! we also have his dad (10 yrs old) and he doesn't have epilepsy. neither does his mother, or any of the other pups. A: Epilepsy is very common in this breed and we often dont pinpoint why certain dogs develop this disorder. i would suspect that he will need to be on this medicine rest of his life which is fine as long as his blood levels and chemistries are checked periodically. if you want to try cutting down dose, needs to be done gradually under care of your vet in your area, but if things all well i would probably elect to keep things as they are
Ringworm treatment addition?Q: I know the common thought now is that the once hopeful treatment, program, does not cure ringworm. however, if you are not depending on program to do the job by itself, might it sometimes assist somewhat with a good ringworm topical treatment plan and house disinfecting? i heard that ringworm has a hard time reproducing without the chiton layer which program eliminates. also, could it help some pets ie., cats or dogs, young or old, more than others? (i have a four month old kitten.) A: It is controversial topic and i have heard opinions of many dermatologists on this one. probably cant hurt and might be useful in young kittens particularly those in cattery situation where ringworm is more prevalent. however by itself does not do job. but as you state can be part of more comprehensive ringworm control program which includes topical therapy, clipping, oral antifungals, etc
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Barf dietQ: Is the biologically available raw diet able to give my dog all the nutients that he/she needs? A: No. i suggest you consult your veterinarian for a diet that would be best for your dog.
Eye discharge or cat coldQ: I have approximately 9 week old kittens with eye discharge or cat colds. please advise medication. A: Need vet visit for diagnosis. see article on education part of this website for supportive eye care until vet visit
