Maya’s Buddy

Dear Maya’s Buddy:  You may want to give some thought to trying some complimentary medicine for Buddy.  Clearly when a seven-year-old Lab slows down and shows signs of tenderness or weakness in the hind area, that is abnormal. Typically, dogs of that breed and age are able to run and jump and retrieve ducks during a hunting trip.

I would suggest Tui-na, also known as “with hands” or manual therapy for starters.  This is a manual therapy used in Chinese medicine based on the principles of yin-yang, the five elements, and a meridian view of the body.  The goal is to encourage free flow of qi by manipulating the joints, viscera, and soft tissue.  I have watched my associate, Dr. Crocker, work on several dogs and cats, and almost immediately, they begin to release tension and become more balanced and comfortable.  It is remarkable to see the pets respond to the manual pushing, rolling, kneading, rubbing, and grasping of areas of the body, often followed up with use of acupuncture and cold laser.

Just a few short years ago, I was a skeptic of these practices in small animal medicine, preferring to script out synthetic pharmaceuticals right and left in order to prevent whatever ailment a pet presented with.  But over the last few years, as I’ve learned more and opened up my heart and mind to complimentary medicine, i.e the use of integrating both Western and Eastern practices in my hospital, I have been astounded at the incredible response by virtually all the pets when they are given this approach.  I hope you will consider having Buddy assessed for this type of therapy.  You have nothing to lose, and Buddy will probably feel much better and be much healthier and happier!

Dr. F

I wondered how often I should give my dog a bath.  Lately I have bathed her every three to four days because I love the way she looks and smells when I’m done.  But her coat has gotten greasy and she even has some red spots now, which she never had before, so I’m afraid maybe the shampoo is actually hurting, not helping. What do you recommend?

Bert, Sonoma

Dear Bert:

You have probably been over-bathing your dog.  Sometimes too much of a seemingly good thing can lead to problems.  Bathing a dog too frequently can strip the natural oils off the skin, and the result is that the oil glands can actually respond to the constantly “oil free” skin by going into hyperdrive and making increased amounts of oil to compensate.  The result is a condition called seborrhea oleosa, which roughly means skin that smells like it is smeared with rancid margarine!

Skin with a layer of rotting oil on it is a perfect environment for staph bacteria to grow and flourish, so the red spots you are seeing represent small colonies of bacterial growth that cause itchiness and discomfort.  I suggest you see your veterinarian to get a good soap-free shampoo that won’t strip the oils off your dog’s skin. Use this shampoo no more than once a month while the skin is treated with an antibiotic to clear up the infection.

Remember those teenage years when so many of us had faces covered with pimples that looked like the lunar landing?  We don’t want to cause that miserable situation for our pets, do we?  Using a monthly flea treatment faithfully, bathing at reasonable intervals with a product that will not completely strip all the natural oils off the skin, and a good course of antibiotics will undoubtedly improve your pet’s situation and may even get him a date to the prom after all.

Dr. F

Dear Dr. Forsythe:

How often do I need to feed my Ball Python?  She is about 3 feet long now and it is really hit or miss with her.  Anything you can suggest to help?

V.V., Sonoma

Dear V.V.:  I feed my son’s Ball Python, Lenny, a medium to large sized live rat about once a month.  He has a hearty appetite and loves it; eating is never a problem for him.  However, appetite in snakes can depend on whether or not you feed fresh or frozen mice/rats, activity level of the snake, size of the snake, health of the snake, and husbandry.  For instance, if the snake is not in a warm enough enclosure, their appetite will decrease.  Similarly, if your snake gets mouth rot or any infection, he won’t want to eat.  Conversely, if you keep the enclosure an appropriate warm temperature and have a healthy, robust snake, they generally want to eat every two to four weeks.  I hope this helps!!

Dr. F.

Dear “Peep”: Do you try and imitate EVERYTHING cool and daring you have ever seen on YouTube?  I shutter at the fact that a video of a bulldog skateboarding compelled you to simply plop your bulldog down onto a skateboard and give it a swift “push.”  That poor rolly-polly rowdy. I’m wondering if Winston sustained any appreciable damage “rolling” off the skateboard the first few “times” you tried this with him.

Actually, your question has prompted me to ponder your thought process when it comes to selecting hobbies choose for your pet.  Immediately I wondered why you hadn’t considered ribbon dancing, a high-wire act, or simply shooting him out of a cannon?  Sorry for the sarcasm, but I am still “shell-shocked” at the notion that seeing a dog do something online translates into forcing them into trying it for real.  Haven’t you heard that little exclaimer “do not try this at home?”

In all likelihood, the surfing bulldog probably jumped up on his owner’s skateboard or surfboard one day of his own volition and showed gumption and desire, not to mention talent.  This is a far cry from an over-excited parent pushing their tiny child into private skating lessons at the age of three so they will have another Peggy Flemming or Dorothy Hamill 10 years later.  I’m afraid that by trying this stunt with your big juicy (and most likely very uncoordinated) Bulldog, you were putting his health and safety in the back seat and driving very quickly.

Bulldogs tend to be very scared of skateboards — as a breed, they dislike the sound the wheels make on cement (with exceptions of course).  They also have a very easy time rupturing their anterior cruciate ligaments in their knees if they step or fall wrong.  If I were you, I’d stop trying to use Winston in your “life imitates art” efforts and let him do what he does best: walk around and let people oogle over his wrinkles.  And I’m sure nobody wants to see him in a skating dress, just in case you have that idea in your head now. Thanks for putting up with my harsh but well intended response. - Dr. F

Dear Dr. Forsythe: Every year when I take my dog and cat in for their annual checkup, my vet tries to test the stool sample for parasites.  I always tell him “no” because neither my cat nor my dog have diarrhea or any other problems. Isn’t that OK to do? - Chiva, Santa Rosa

Dear Chiva: Actually no, Chiva.  I really have to tell you that I think it is a very good idea to have an annual fecal check done on every pet in the house. Indoor or outdoor, pets can acquire parasites of different types, and many animals are subclinical “carriers” that don’t appear to be sick at all.  In one study, about 12 percent or the “healthy” pets that were checked actually came back positive for an endoparasite.  Since some of these little critters can infect other animals or even people, it is well worth the relatively small investment to leave the stool sample, get the dewormer, and have the peace of mind knowing your pet is really and truly “healthy” on the inside as you “suspect”. Thanks for a good question, I’m sure many people have wondered about the same thing.

Dr. F

- Benny, Novato

Dear Benny: It sounds like you and your wife are living a true nightmare right now, and I want to tell you how sorry I am that you are under so much stress regarding Samantha and the impact she is having on your home.

It is not uncommon for a person to pass away and leave behind a pet with whom they had a very special and tight bond. In this case, where there were no plans set in place for a transfer of the pet to another person, and the previously existing human animal bond was unique and singular, it places the heirs in a tough spot. The stakes are high, and it’s an emotionally charged time following the loss of a loved one.

It sounds like your wife has taken it upon herself the burden of trying to adopt and bond with Samantha in order to get some closure or comfort over the loss of her sister.  While on one hand this is a generous and benevolent act, your wife is really putting herself, and her relationship with you, in jeopardy.  Not only has she been hurt physically, but the stress of trying to force Samantha into accepting her as the new owner has undoubtedly been mentally agitating and downright depressing.

In my opinion, it is time for you to step in and take care of business.  I suggest you involve the following professionals to help counsel your wife and you to find a quick solution to what sounds like an intolerable situation.

1) A good therapist can help your wife deal with the grief and angst and possible guilt she may be feeling surrounding the loss of her sister; getting these feeling out may help her free herself from the need to keep Samantha.

2) A consultation with an animal behaviorist will shed some light on the challenges of “re-homing” a senior pet. If the decision you and your wife make is to move forward with the transition, you will need support and education on how to do it in the safest manner possible.

3) Consult with your veterinarian. If Samantha is truly a medley of expensive and complex medical problems with a poor long-term prognosis and a guarantee of huge expenses, your family veterinarian can give you a realistic assessment on what you can expect in terms of quality of life issues for her and “quality of checkbook” issues for you and your wife.  Nobody wants to have to make decisions about keeping a pet or letting it go based on money, but in many situations, people’s budgets do indeed have to be factored in to what options are on the table for a pet’s future.

I realize that you are smack dab in the middle of a complicated and potentially volatile situation because of the special circumstances surrounding Samantha. It’s very difficult to be living next to a “powder keg” and hoping nothing ignites –so I think the idea of getting some outside help and advice would pay big dividends in containing this situation. I for one do not like the idea of having to sleep “with one eye open,” like you are describing your current life. I wish you the very best and hope that you and your wife will find resolution soon. - Dr.F

Several weeks ago our Golden Retriever “Rusty” got into some antifreeze that had spilled in my sister’s garage. The vet ran several tests and kept Rusty there in the hospital.  They even gave alcohol to him intravenously to combat the lethal affects of the toxin.

The next morning we got a call from the vet’s office that Rusty had complications overnight and was on a ventilator! Apparently while he was getting his treatments, he vomited and aspirated and had severe breathing problems and was in critical condition. Just the day before it seemed like the treatment Rusty needed was going to be rather routine.

After getting that terrible news, I went down to see him and I couldn’t believe that was the same dog I had taken in the day before.  He was hooked up to a machine and looked half dead.  Two different doctors told me he had a 50/50 chance of pulling through. In a daze, I  OK’d more treatments in order for him to have any chance of survival.

A few hours later a different doctor (who I had never met before) called with the news that my Rusty had died.  She was very serious on the phone, to the point, and didn’t even tell me she was sorry.  She also let me know that I owed over $2,000 for the treatments.

I later met with the first doctor who had admitted Rusty.  That primary doctor tried to explain that this was a complication of the treatment that needed to be done, and that there was no way to foresee that he might gag and breath in his vomit and develop serious breathing issues and die from complications. Again, I was presented with the bill, paid it, and was escorted quietly to the exit.

Dr. Forsythe, as the past few weeks have gone by I have been mulling the whole experience over in my head constantly.  I’m just not sure whether one of the vets  could have done something wrong that ultimately caused Rusty’s death. Everything seemed to go downhill so quickly, and I realize there are no guarantees in life, but it just seemed so cold to me that none of the doctors ever showed any emotion to me or even offered and condolences after he died in their hospital.  Now that the shock has worn off, I’m thinking of lodging a complaint or getting an attorney — and I’m not sure at all that I should have paid the bill they gave me.

Could you please let me know what you think about this situation?  Am I wasting my time?  Do you think something is fishy here?

Diane S.

Dear Diane: First I want to tell you how very sorry I am for your loss.  It sounds absolutely horrible to take your beautiful Golden into the vet in a timely fashion and think that the treatments are virtually guaranteed to remedy the problem, only to have disaster strike.  And then to be treated coldly is a bitter pill to swallow

I will say that Antifreeze poisoning is a serious and potentially lethal toxicosis. Very soon after exposure, the ethylene glycol molecules start to create crystals that plug up and cause irrevocable damage to the pet’s kidneys.  The standard treatment is administration of IV Vodka — I know this sounds crazy, but that is the antidote for the toxin. And it needs to be done in a timely fashion before kidney damage happens. Unfortunately, this alcohol infused directly into the pet’s vein causes drunkenness and so must be monitored VERY carefully. It sounds like Rusty had some vomiting and then probably aspirated (choked) on his vomit and developed a severe lung problem (perhaps even collapsed lungs).  This is when a “routine” emergency turned into a “life-threatening” complication.

While it is hard to assess negligence in a case like this, the profound element you have shared with me is the fact that nobody seemed to take the time and show you the kindness and caring necessary to help you cope with the magnitude of this complication and the subsequent loss.

I wasn’t there, so it’s impossible for me to really weigh in on this situation, but in my own experience and knowing how my colleagues in the profession treat such emergencies, I presume that the correct treatments were done and that Rusty had a negative reaction and a complication after getting the alcohol.  There are times when situations like this CAN happen through no actual fault, however I think a query into the details of what happened with Rusty is more than called for here.  It would be well within your rights to speak to the veterinarian on duty as well as the owner of the veterinary hospital about specific details that led to Rusty’s complication.  Was there a doctor or nurse supervising Rusty when he received the IV treatments?  After he vomited, what was done to prevent aspiration?  You should ask proper questions and have your curiosity about the case satisfied.  You are, after all, Rusty’s advocate.  If you had the feeling that you were being shuffled between veterinarians and did not receive a personal touch, I believe that you need to follow up more thoroughly until you feel there is closure.

I validate that veterinary hospitals can become very busy places, and I understand that especially in large metropolitan areas, staffs can be large and the number of doctors can be vast and less personal than in a small community such as Sonoma.  However, I live by the mantra that “nobody cares how much you know until they know how much you care”.  As you grieve, you are in search of answers, so I suggest you make a concerted effort to get them, so you can put this sad experience behind you.  Rusty would be glad you did.

My deep condolences, and please accept a nice big hug from me in your thoughts.

Love, Dr. F

Peppermint’s Parents

Dear Parents: In my opinion, I think it probably would have been in Peppermint’s best interest to have been spayed AND get a soft palate resection at the same time, around six months of age.  It is usually no mystery or spectacular act of diagnostic brilliance to determine when a big, plump raspy-breathing English Bulldog has an elongated soft palate that needs to be clipped. Many of them do!

However, in Peppermint’s case, the decision to take care of her palate was not done then, so you are faced with dealing with it now.

Unfortunately the English Bulldog is a conglomeration of genetic defects all rolled up into a magnificently popular and wildly delightful companion dog (and one of my favorite pets).  This adorable and affable dog is now the fifth most popular breed in the US.  But the flat face, concave profile, huge, flat forehead, wide set bulbous eyes, and heavy-set wrinkles over the face have created an abundance of redundant pharyngeal tissue on the inside that has led to severe breathing trouble for an overwhelming number of these dogs. The long and flabby roof of their mouth hangs over their trachea, making the simple act of inhaling a complicated task. Many of those who suffer from  “upper airway respiratory syndrome” benefit greatly from surgical correction, so I do recommend it to my patients for whom it will help.

At my hospital, I perform this surgery with a Co2 laser which makes the operation quicker, bloodless, less painful, and with a quick recovery.  It is rather astonishing to watch a big chunky bulldog wake up after getting a soft palate resection.  They often have a surprised look on their face as they breathe in air for the first time without a big floppy piece of extra fatty tissue blocking their airway, and it takes them a few minutes to adapt to breathing softly, smoothly and quietly for the first time in their adult lives  A certain peace and calm begins to overtake them. This new found tranquility suits the bulldog well.

It sounds like your precious Peppermint is ready to benefit from the procedure.  I would suggest you look into having it done soon rather than have her continue to struggle breathing and develop further swelling and inflammation in her throat. When proper precautions are taken, it is not a high risk surgery.  In my opinion, the benefits to the pet are tremendous and far outweigh the risk. Good luck with your precious girl.  I’m sure you will all be breathing a sigh of relief very soon.

Dr. F

Dear Aghast: Thanks for your comments.  I remember the first time I took one of my little bulldog puppies to a dog show with absolutely no clue as to how things worked, what it would be like or how serious everybody would be.  I entered Mrs. Butterworth’s smallest puppy into an AKC show in Lafayette, Indiana. The little boy won First Prize!  Then, he went on to win something called “best in opposite sex.”  After several blue ribbons, we found ourselves in the “non sporting group” competing against several different breeds of dogs that looked very different.

Well, “Bigelow” (Tea Bag) didn’t win the best in group award, so we left the ring and went on to toodle around the show and snoop in and out of the many rows of activities.  And I have to say that I too found it to be a startling and eye opening event which left me perplexed, stupefied, and just plain flabbergasted!

I saw people parked in Winnebagos with literally dozens of dogs in cages all crammed into tiny spaces, each dog with a different name and pedigree, and each dog looking absolutely — yes I’ll say it – miserable. Now, I know I may be projecting, and there are people who will be a little irritated with me for my obvious slant on the dogs show participants, but I did feel that it was a tough life for them compared to “pets” that live on the couch, never have to be crammed into a wire cage, and don’t have to be confined to long hours in crowded conditions.

I have come to appreciate the benefits and beauty of the standards that breeders of the AKC strive to achieve, and the different pure bred dogs are truly magnificent in their own right.  However, seeing the conditions of the dogs that spend a considerable amount of time on the road going from dog show to dog show is not something I would want to put my dog through.  Although there are many who would argue that top winning show dogs absolutely love the limelight and flourish in their show lifestyle, the behind-the-scenes reality is enough to make me hesitate from delving into that again with a dog I truly love and am bonded with.

In other words, while I think it is unfortunate for us to ‘judge’ others who are passionate in their hobby of showing dogs, your experience totally resonates with me, and I was happy to place Bigelow into a family as a “pet” who would be loved for his personality and flaws and not for his physique — even with his two blue ribbons.

Dr. F

Sarah and Dad

Dear Sarah and Dad: There is no single, perfect answer that works in for a situation like this.  There are several factors that need to be taken into consideration. Most notably what is “JimBob” like in terms of health and personality?  Is he a grumpy old curmudgeon with severe arthritis and painful ears who gets crabby and snippy around other pets and people and children? Does he behave more like Felix or Oscar from “The Odd Couple?”

If he is a sweet older boy that is tolerant and well natured, he may appreciate the company of a calm and loving little puppy in his life.  However, if he is a nippy old crusty thing who seems cantankerous and easily agitated, a puppy may simply press all the wrong buttons and make him crazy enough to bite and attack.  This scenario is sure to bring misery and madness to your household, so unless you know you are bringing a well natured puppy into a setting where a loving and nurturing paterfamilias will be providing ample tutelage, I vote NOT to subject JimBob to the indignation of a new puppy. I’m afraid it would be just too humiliating for him, like in “The Sound of Music” when Maria sat on the pine-cone at dinner and later had the captain blow his whistle at her.  I doubt very much that JimBob will feel like a new puppy is one of his “favorite things”.  Hope I’ve helped settle the discussion.

Dr. F

Chris, Sonoma

Dear Chris: Respiratory disease is common in the rat.  Often they can suffer from Mycoplasma pulmonis, a serious infection that can be fatal if left untreated.  In addition, rats can succumb to cilia-associated respiratory bacillus (CAR), so I would suggest that you have Dennis examined as soon as possible.  With pocket pets, having a “wait and see” attitude can result in an  “I wish I’d called the vet” outcome.  I understand that we are living in tough economic times, but even small pets like rats and hamsters are precious companions.  They provide so much fun and comfort.  Often a course of antibiotics will bring them around to good health again, so I urge you to have him seen and try and avoid a sad outcome.  Good luck!

Dr. F

Dear Dr. Forsythe:  I have seen your column in the paper and thought that perhaps you could answer a question about rabbits (if you know).  I have a French Angora and she is not eating very well.  Yesterday, I noticed that her teeth are DARK brown, the front teeth hang way down and face away from each other like long fingernails that are overgrown. I have no idea how she is able to chew with them like that.  Could that be her problem?  Does she need to have them pulled?  Are they infected?  Nobody ever told me my rabbit needed dental care when I got her last year. I guess you should sign us: Long in the Tooth, Lucas Valley

Dear Long in the Tooth:  Thanks so much for contacting me.  One very big cause for digestive problems in the rabbit is overgrown teeth/malocclusion (often secondary to infection with Pasteurella).  Your bunny needs to be checked out by your veterinarian and the teeth need to be “floated” or trimmed down so that they don’t impede her ability to chew.  If there is any infection or abscess in the mouth, that can be treated with antibiotics.  Depending on the condition of the rest of the mouth, other teeth may need to be extracted, along with any tooth spurs that may be present.

When I hear a person say “nobody told me…” about the requirements of caring for a certain breed of animal or type of pet, I hear the blame game.  This compels me to remind people to once again remember that getting a pet should be preceded by doing extensive research and completing due diligence: make sure you know what you’re getting into.  As a pet “collector” myself, I am a little overwhelmed at times with the number of animals I have to feed, care for and medicate… dogs, cats, a parrot, a snake.  Please remember that no matter what type of pet you decide to get, regular veterinary care should be part of your plan (and budget) to make sure the pet stays healthy and happy. Regular checkups for your Angora should prevent those long gnarly buckteeth from presenting again.  Good luck.

Dr. Forsythe

Jim in San Jose

Dear Jim: I’m sorry to tell you what you don’t want to hear, but in my opinion, it sounds like your veterinarian is telling you exactly what you need to know.  When an elderly dog presents with evidence of a large splenic mass, the potential for an impending rupture is great.  A simple fall or running quickly across the yard can cause the outer “capsule” of the delicate spleen to tear, leading to a fatal bleed-out.  Two common causes of enlarged spleens are hemangiosarcoma, a cancer that is both invasive and tends to metastasize, and hemangioma, its benign counterpart.  Most veterinarians determine via x-ray and/or ultrasound that a pet’s spleen is likely to be tumor filled. If this is the case with your pet, a splenectomy is probably the only chance “Lucifer” will have for surviving very long.

Fortunately, dogs can live quite well without their spleen.  The spleen acts as a filter of blood and also makes blood cells but when it is removed, the bone marrow can take over these functions quite well.  If “Lucifer” has the blood condition called  Von Willebrands disease (a type of hemophilia  very common in  Dobermans), surgery may be slightly more risky, but with proper surgical precautions a splenectomy seems like a the only route to take, in my opinion.  That is, if you are interested in getting a cure or long term survival for your pet.  Keep in mind that my advice is based on my opinion, limited by the brief information you’ve shared with me in your letter  and my absolute conviction that you are dreadfully wrong in suggesting that veterinarians “sometimes suggest the most expensive treatments” to make a profit when all we really want is to help your pet survive what is likely a terrible life-threatening disease.

Believe me, if there were a magic pill, or “medicine” to cure splenic tumors without surgery, veterinarians would be dispensing it very happily.  Too many of us have lost our own beloved pets to cancer to keep the simple cures to ourselves and save the expensive suggestions for our “unwitting clients”. To even make that accusation is quite honestly pretty rotten!  I know I myself didn’t devote all my blood sweat and tears, years of education and sacrifice and take out student loans to practice in a profession for any reason other than the joy and satisfaction of helping pets and their owners every day.

While I empathize with you that the cost of surgery for your Doberman may be quite costly, try to keep in mind that your veterinarian is not the one who gave your pet this tumor  — he or she is trying to save your pet’s life and keep you and Lucifer together. Seems like a pretty simple, honorable goal to me.  And now I’ll step off the soapbox, before I slip off and have to go to see my own doctor.

Dr. F