A Sick Dog

what is the best way to put 2 sick dogs to sleep forever? Mobile,AL?

They have not been cared for properly-shots kept up.. ect. The lady is old,poor(she does not have enough food for herself nor heat this winter) mentally ill( maybe she hasn’t been diagnosed bc she refuses to see a doctor, but i am almost 96% positive she is schizophrenic) She cannot afford to feed the dogs and they go hungry often for days or weeks at a time. i am in college and poor myself sharing a one bedroom with other roomies. I called a few vets in the are but i cannot afford to help, 80$ was the least amount told to me for them both-the chow(65lbs) and weenie dog(30lbs).just guessing at the weight. the weenie dog has some kind of skin condition and is losing its hair and the chow’s teeth are rotted out (he cannot shew food)and walks with a terrible limp. I thought of helping her by taking the dogs out to the country to a friends and shooting them, but i don’t think i can do it(call me a sissy girl whatever) so if you know of any place in the area to help these poor suffering animals please respond. i will ignore any garbage from you ppl tellin me i am wrong to think of killing the animals, you haven’t seen them, they are in bad condition and its very sad and when you are poor, your poor and a vet is not an option unfortunatly, especially during the holidays.
i have called the SPCA for 7 weeks now,they always say they are too full and will not accept any animals. Payment plan is a little much..don’t forget i am a college student i have enough "payment plans" for everything already.
She doesn’t "neglect" them. She has had them for years but just does not have the means now to take care of them or herself really. when alll you have is 15$ and you buy cigarettes, cereal,milk and dogfood, and thats all you have til, the next kind person comes along to offer assistance. She is not a bad person, she just isn’t all "there" in her head and she can’t help that,but she does love her animals. sometimes though, love is not enough. you need money.

Here are phone numbers of seven of your local animal wellfare organizations:
http://www.petfinder.com/awo/index.cgi?location=Mobile%2C+AL&keyword=

Surely one of them will be able to help.
Thank you for being the advocate for these dogs.

Can kennel cough get spread to another dog by a person?

Ok i just got a Great Dane, Germen Sheperd and she has just been diagnosed with Kennel Cough from our vet. (We have her on antibiotics though)
but my bf just got a 2 month old puppy, and i wont let my pup go around his bc i dont want his puppy getting sick! but i was wondering if his dog could get it from me, since im around my sick dog all day?
PLEASE HELP!
i really don’t want his tiny puppy to get it!!
especially bc of me!!

Oh YES! Kennel Cough is known as an airborne virus and can be spread by shoes and clothing, even on your skin. You have already exposed the pup to it and so has your BF if he has been to your place and then went home to his pup.

The thing is, the pup MAY not get it if the mother’s immunity is still high in the pup or if the pup had it’s first shots. There is an incubation period for the virus to show symptoms so you are not out of the woods yet. You’ll have to just wait and see. No sense putting a pup on anti-biotics if he is not going to catch the virus.

Dog behavior when close to death?

My 8 year old West Highland Terrier was diagnosed with cirrhosis of the liver back in April and was given 6 months to live. So far he’s responded well to his meds and with routine fluid draining, has lived a life similar to how he was before his symptoms came up. We’ve been hopeful for some small amount of regeneration so that he might make it to ten years old.

Recently, however, he’s become very needy and "cuddly" in the evenings, wanting to be held and wanting his people close to him, acting uncomfortable without us close by.

Is this a reaction to his discomfort, some kind of acknowledgment of his sickness, or is this a behavior that dogs go through as they come closer to death? At this point all I want is for him to have the best possible life he can with whatever time is left, and a behavioral change indicates to me that something is different and possibly wrong. He has regular vet visits, so I’ll of course consult his doctor, but has anyone with a sick dog seen this behavior?

I’ve not experience this before. Whatever it is just, as I know you will because you sound like a very responsible owner, give him what he wants.You won’t regret the extra time you spend with him when heaven forbid his this to leave this world comes. You have my sympathy. Your dog is lucky to have such a good owner.

How to tell someone that their Dad is dying?

2 months ago my dad was diagnosed with Lung cancer, and we went to london to seek medical treatment. untill now, all we got is that his condition is so serious, and he’ll die because of the cancer.

everyone in my family knew about the condition, just my 27 yeard old sister (his Daughter). the problem is that she’s diabetic, and if she got depressed, she will have a poisonous substance in her blood, and she’ll need to stay in the hospital to take 3 bags of some kind of iv, or a drip.. im not sure what is it.. to clear her blood.

she’s so emotional, she could cry for an hour if she just saw a sick dog.

when we first left to london, she thought he was going to treat some kind of back pain, not cancer. now i dont know what to do.

I feel for you, I really do, and I’m so sorry about your dad. I lost my dad to lung cancer. Not sure I understand the part about your sister’s diabetes. I’m diabetic, but your sister must have some other illness as well, that causes the poison substances to go in her blood. All I can suggest is to have a word with her doctor and ask their advice about what to do after you have told your sister about your dad. There’s no easy way to give anyone bad news, but it’s best the doctor knows the situation in advance and will hopefully help you to tell your sister. My dad was being treated for a virus, went into hospital for further tests and when my brother brought him home, my brother called me out the back. He said : "It’s like this, our dad has cancer, he’s dying". Tact was never one of his stronger points. I lost my dad 3 weeks later. It must be so hard for you, trying to come to terms with losing your dad and being worried about your sister at the same time. I wish I could give you some magic words. I can guarantee that everyone who answers your question, sincerely, will be thinking about you and wishing you all the luck in the world. Take care……EVIL TROLL IS REPORTED

Have Dog With Oral Cancer, Bringing In New Dog To Home Help Needed Please~?

Hi,
I write this in tears. We have a 13 yr old golden/chow female the love of our lives. She has recently been diagnosed with oral cancer only has according to vet 2 mos to live She is doing ok does not play etc like she use to no doubt being on meds etc. We have done all we can, she is not in pain and is still our loving dog and we will do the best for her when the time comes. She use to be the pack leader several years ago with our male rott. He has since passed away so she has been the only dog in our home for the past 10 yrs or so.
Our vet suggested we get another dog to help with our heartache etc..and that it may be good for our girl also.
Our dog likes only one dog,,,the little dog next door who is a maltese. When our dog walks at the park she is on a leash and acts aggressive towards other dogs. She has never been in a dog fight.
We recently rescued a few days ago, long story, but anyway an 11 month old golden/boxer female, who is also spayed. She is staying with my uncle at this time has been there for a few days and is very well behaved, the lady that had her before said this dog was very well behaved only got rid of her due to the fact that her husband brought home a 9 mo old jack terrier fixed male that was always attacking this golden/boxer mix female that we now have.
So with my sick dog who will always COME FIRST till her time is up, how would we introduce the two females? The other female 11 month old is very friendly with people, dogs and very submissive "so far" but we know our dog well after 13 yrs.
I don’t want to stress my girl out in her final days,,,and don’t want to destroy the new dogs attitude re: other dogs either.
We have always been the pack leaders in the family and will continue to do so.
When I told my vet what type of dog he said our dog should be fine with the new one as when she is at the vet <which she hates> she is NOT aggressive with any of the other dogs. But of course this is different as this dog is coming into our home.
Our dog now and the other dog will always be kept apart while sleeping etc,,,as we do not believe in letting them roam when we are not home or asleep.
Any help appreciated, reason I ask is my uncle does not want to keep the dog much longer, and I don’t want to have to take the new one to the pound or to another owner as she is a very well behaved dog.
Help please.
Thank You,
Please pray for my dog and for us, this is very hard to deal with.
Hi so farall great answers. I know I have added more stress to the situation and believe me I am feeling it and so is my dog. We have taken her to an oncologist earlier this year spent over 2400.00 for shots etc,,was told she would have at least 18-24 mos to live. We have spoken to our vet who we have had for 28yrs and he agrees to keep her comfortable being if we did spend the 7000K more, which he tried with his own dog, it gave his dog only illness with treatment and his dog did not live any longer
As for my uncle I fully agree,,I wish he would be willing to keep the dog longer, even tho I know it is not easy for the new rescue dog, to be in pound 2 mos ago dropped off here, and then at my uncles. She seems very docile and loving but I know this a strain on her also. Just very stressed over all of it, which I know is not good for us "humans" nor for the dogs. We were told 10/2/08 that her cancer was gone. Now to hear this is a fast moving one and only so many months left :’(

Hi there,

Firstly I hope that your own dog has a peaceful and pain-free few months. Knowing you are going to lose a much loved pet is never easy to handle as I know from past experience.
I used to foster dogs until a permanent home could be found for them and quite often ending up keeping the older/poorly ones so that they could spend their last few months in a family home as opposed to a lonely kennel.
I found that when introducing new dogs into the household ground rules had to be laid down for all concerned, both the family and the dogs.
The new dog was not to be fussed/cuddled etc for the first few days any more than the resident dog, which is hard I know, especially if it has had a rough time beforehand. Until you are certain that both dogs get on well enough, they must never be left on their own, not even for a moment. I found when first introducing the dogs that placing the new dog in a crate was the best/safest policy, that way the resident dog could sniff/suss out the newcomer but should there be any sign of aggression then both dogs would be safe as they couldn’t get to each other. If there is no hassle between the two then gradually introduce the two in the same room but keep them both on a lead/leash for the first few days. Don’t let the chance of jealousy raise it’s ugly head, if you stroke one dog then stroke the other, treats should be given at the same time, feeding bowls should be at opposite ends of the room for a while and make sure all toys are taken away so that they don’t fight over them – they can be gradually re-introduced at a later stage. Lots of walks together can also help to alleviate any built up tension. Most of all let them know that YOU are the pack leader at all times.
I hope this is of some help to you and yours and I wish you all a happy and peaceful Christmas.

Parvovirus in dogs?

My neighbours dog was diagnosed with parvovirus this morning and has been put down early this afternoon and I was just wondering what everyones opinion was on my two dogs getting it?

My two dogs are just either a little over or a little under a year old (they were born in October last year I have just forgot the date) they havent had any contact with the sick dog in a few month and they owner has not been in major contact with my dogs (he has visited my house) I also live in the middle of Australia and parvo is going around my town like wildfire also my town is high with fleas and ticks (the neighbours dog was riddled with them). They also havent had there shots but are well looked after (fed regularly, washed in flea and tick shampoo well maintained animals)

What do you think there chances are of contracting the virus?
I have spoken to the vet surgery and have been told that if I get my dogs vaccinated that it will take 2 weeks to kick in however if my dogs become sick in that 2 week the shot will be worthless.

Please remember that the neighbours dogs was put down early this afternoon so it is no longer alive and a concern

This is a killer virus, it can be carried into your house on the bottom of your shoes if you have been anywhere near where a infected dog has been. it is spread by feces and body fluids is my understanding. It can remain in the ground for 3yrs or better.I just found this out the hard way, My babies had had their shots and no one had been in my house and they still came down with it. We battled it for 4 days and my babies were miserable. vomiting, diarrhea. nothing worked. We lost all 10 puppies. 11 week old Dobermans. The vet said that dobermans were very susceptible to this virus.
She said that we could have walked across some infected ground and brought it home. We don’t know for sure how but don’t take any chances. The only thing that can kill it is bleach. Bleach everything that may have come in contact with that dog. put a pan of bleach water outside your door and step in it before you go into your house to make sure your not taking it into your pet. I have been bleaching my house, yard, car. anything that they came in contact with so that it can’t hurt another dog. I took my babies to be cremated instead of burying them because their bodies would contaminate the ground. Please get your pet his shots ASAP!!

What can we do for our very sick dog with leukemia?

My daughter has a Heeler/Pit which is only 2 years old and he was diagnosed with Leukemia earlier this year so I went out and bought her a purebread Heeler pup and would’nt you know..the sick dog got better and the vet said he was very healthy and his blood test came back clear. Now all of a sudden he got real sick very fast, won’t eat, looses his bladder and is mucus coming from his nose, after a moment he comes out of it.

There’s a book that may give you some help, because it has references to caring for unhealthy pets and how to alter their diet to improve the condition of failing organs, etc…

Caring for Your Aging Dog
by Janice Borzendowski

and I would also suggest these two resources:

The Dog Owner’s Home Veterinary Handbook by James M. Giffin

the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association
www.ahvma.org

Not much, but you might find something through those sources to help.

I personally feel that a lot of Leukemia and cancer in general in pets comes from their diet. The preservatives, colorings and poor quality of protein in pet food (literally waste swept up off the slaughterhouse floor in many instances) leads to all sorts of diseases. The first book I mentioned talks alot about where and what is good pet food…

my pug is lethargic and has an ear infection? What else could cause lethargy in a pug?

I just got a pug from a woman looking to pass him on quickly. It seemed like it was because she was leaving town, but the dog seems rather sick now. I took him to the vet because he was very lethargic. He was diagnosed with an ear infection. Does that cause lethargy? What else might it be?

Hi Ellen, thank the lord he landed on your door-step! At least now he’ll be loved and cared for! An ear infection can floor a puppy for months – they just can’t deal with it bless em but he will get better in time – just keep him out of water and don’t let his ears get damp or wet when he has a bath ( vaseline is brilliant when its wiped around the ears – -stops water getting in ) Also remember that an ear infection can make a puppy feel like sh*t and all they want to do is lay down and sleep till it goes – bless em they don’t realise it takes time and plenty of money on anti-biotics too!!! Stick with him mate – another few weeks and you’ll see an improvement! Good on ya for not giving up.

My dog is sick…anything else I can do?

We have a 10 month old female Cocker Spaniel and she’s been throwing up the past week. It hasn’t been food shes thrown up, its just green mucusy slime…She seems to be acting fine for 75% of the time, but then the other 25% of the time she just mopes around and you can tell she isn’t feeling well. We took her to the vet on Friday and they said she had a fever and they diagnosed it as a respitory infection. They prescribed pills and this liquid to give her. She has lost weight because she hasn’t been eating. We are getting really worried about her, but the vet seems to think that its nothing serious. Is there anything we can do to help her get better faster? Has this happened to anybody else’s pets?

There are many reasons that any of this could happen. I would suggest getting a second opinion, or maybe talk to a breeder about the breed. I used to work in a vet clinic (at one point I was taking care of over 60 canines and 30 monkeys!). When a dog got really sick, we would give the animal subcutaneous injections of saline or lactated ringers to replace the fluids they may have loss. Alternatively we would give them Gatorade or Pedialyte. To get them to eat, try mixing a wet food with dry (assuming you feed dry food). You can also try heating the food up, this gets the dog’s nose involved and can make the food taste better.

I have a cocker spaniel. He is now 14 years old, partially deaf and partially blind. He has had ear problems and we have had to put him on steroids. I checked with a vet and a breeder to know what to expect, here is a list of known problems:

Slipping stifles (Patellar Luxation)
The patella (kneecap) is a small bone which guards the knee joint. The patella sits in a grove in the femur, and is held in place by a combination of ligaments and muscles. This bone can slip out of position due to injury, poor alingment, weak ligaments, or insufficient grove in the femur. Generally the dog will limp, carry the leg off the ground, or hop when running. If the problem is severe it can necessitate surgery.

Ears
Cocker Spaniels can have difficulties with their ears. This is primarily due to the shape of their ear flap and the fact that they are relatively low to the ground. Cocker’s ears must be cleaned and maintained.

Deafness
American cocker spaniels (and especially English cocker spaniels) have been reported with cases of congenital deafness. Most instances of congenital deafness are caused 3-4 weeks after birth due to the degeneration of blood supply to the inner ear or cochlea. This type of deafness is associated with white pigmentation (i.e. white hair, blue eyes) and is permanent. Congenital deafness may affect one or both ears. A puppy that fails to wake up during a loud noise is likely to have bilateral deafness. The brain stem auditory evoked response (BAER) test is used to diagnose deafness in dogs. Bilaterally deaf dogs are difficult to train and may develop behavioral problems as they are easily startled. Most often these dogs are discarded at animal shelters.

Autoimmune: Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA)
Cocker spaniels have a predisposition for autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA). In AIHA, the dog’s own immune system attacks its blood cells. In some cases the cause is known such as AIHA secondary to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). In other cases, the cause is unknown but possibly due to bacterial infections, medications or vaccines. Cocker spaniels are particularly affected with the acute form of AIHA. Symptoms include pale complexion (i.e. the gums), fatigue, and sometimes jaundice. A swollen abdomen is also indicative due to an enlarged liver. Diagnosis is made by physical examination and blood tests. Treatment includes the use of steroids as they subdue the immune response. Blood may be transfused if too much hemoglobin is lost. If steroids do not provide adequate results, chemotherapy drugs such as cyclophosphamide or azathioprine are given as well. Most forms of AIHA are treatable but death may occur due to blood loss and related complications. Cocker spaniels with AIHA should not be bred.

Autoimmune: Autoimmune Thyroiditis
Autoimmune thyroiditis also results in hypothyroidism (see below). Studies have concluded American cocker spaniels have a high prevalence for autoimmune thyroiditis. The cockers’ immune system forms antibodies that attack its own T3, T4, and thyroglobulin, a substance necessary for forming thyroid hormones. Symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment are similar to those listed below under hypothyroidism except diagnosis of autoimmune thyroiditis includes the presence of thyroid antibodies in the blood.

Hypothyroidism
The cocker spaniel has a predisposition for hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism results when its body fails to produce sufficient amounts of thyroid hormone. Thyroid hormone increases the metabolism rate and is necessary for normal regulation. Dogs are most commonly affected with secondary hypothyroidism: that is the thyroid gland becomes hindered in some way. In this case, the hindrance is most likely caused by a space-occupying tumor between the ages 4-10 years. Hypothyroidism my also occur via autoimmune destruction of the thyroid gland. Symptoms are related to a slowed metabolism including mental dullness, exercise intolerance, lethargy, weight gain (without increase food consumption), hypothermia, dry skin, and excessive shedding or hair loss. With hair loss, darkening of skin and itching may also occur. Infertility may occur. In severe cases, thickening of the skin results giving the dog’s face a puffy appearance. Lethargy may progress to stupor and coma. Diagnosis is made by blood test. Treatment is provided

Need advice about sick dog. Please Help?

I have a dog who has been dealing with a number of symptoms since Monday night.

He started off vomiting 6 times in 24 hours, then he stopped vomiting and started coughing. He has lost his appetite, and only eats when I tempt him with his favorite treats. I took him to the vet Wednesday but she couldn’t give me a diagnosis. His blood work was normal.

This morning he vomited once so I called the vet again and she has suggested over the phone that he might have kennel cough. He was vaccinated 7 months ago, but he is now on antibiotics just in case. He got his first pill a few hours ago.

Now my dog has very very bad diarrhea (it is totally liquid and is explosive) He is not dehydrated at the moment (I am checking him gums every hour). I am worried that we are on the wrong track with the kennel cough since his symptoms don’t seem to fit that well…
Any one out there have any advice for me? I plan to head back to the vet tomorrow morning, but I am very worried and am wondering if I could be doing anything to help him and get him correctly diagnosed.

The diarrhea can be caused by the antibiotics, as well as only eating treats. Normal blood work is a good sign. Has your dog gotten into something he shouldn’t and eaten it? Clothes? Toys? Maybe he needs an x-ray to see if there is an intestinal blockage because of a swallowed foreign object? Until you can get into the vet, try to keep him drinking water (or even Pedialyte), even using a turkey baster or syringe (depending on the size of your dog), especially since he’s have diarrhea. A bland diet (boiled rice and cooked ground meat) with cottage cheese or yogurt might help once he has fasted for 24-48 hours and seems improved. Good luck!