Ask a Vet

Pet ownership isn’t always easy — but we’re here to help. Noticed a behavior change in your animal recently? Not sure if you need to bring them in for a visit, or just wait it out? Send us your questions.

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Q. I love my dog, but when he licks me, his breath is horrible! What can I do about it?

Periodontal Disease is one of the most common reasons for our pets to have bad breath. Periodontal disease is the infection of the gums and bones around the teeth. The infection starts with bacteria growing in a soft film of … Continue reading →

Q. Hi,I have a nearly 6 month old papillon. He’s up to date on all his shots and his last appointment was at the beginning of this month. He has allergies so he’ll be a little itchy and sneezy at times, but still very playful and active. I recently changed his food from purina exclusive kibble to evo turkey and chicken canned formula. His activity level hasn’t really changed that much since the switch. But I noticed he’s been coughing and sniffling and he’s spit up a liitle bit of clear liquid and yellowish clear liquid that looks a little foamy in parts. It hasn’t been a full week yet since his food has been switched. I don’t know if that is causing a problem or if it’s normal or if it’s allergy related. I wanted to see if it was something serious since I’m not scheduled to take him back to the vet for another 2 weeks since he’s got a neutering appt then. Thanks.

Thanks for your question. In general, food allergies, or hypersensitivities, will not show up as nasal congestion and coughing. The hallmark signs of food reactions are ear infections, skin infections, and sometimes diarrhea. The coughing and sneezing that you notice … Continue reading →

Q. I have used Frontline Plus on my Brittany Spaniel for about 8 years. It does not seem to be working anymore. She is really allergic to flea bites. Do you recommend Comfortis, and is it safe?

Hello and thank you for your question about Frontline. Yes, unfortunately some of the older topical flea products do not work near as well as they used to for dogs and cats. Some experts think that this is do to … Continue reading →

Q. We noticed that our Catahoula puppy has a red sort of blister near his tail on his hind leg. We thought it was a bug bite or maybe even a blister so we just left it alone….we have been watching it over the past week and it seems to be getting bigger. It’s about the size of a pea now. Do you have any idea of what this may be? And should we bring him in to have this looked at more?

Thank you for your interest in our website and congrats on your puppy – if it is a new addition to your family! Blisters or abnormalities on the skin that you described could be several conditions so, yes, I do … Continue reading →

Q. My 12 year old female Lab Retreiver started having very severe seizures about 36 hrs ago. I went to my vet and she was prescribed Valium and Tramadol. I was told this was to break the seizure cycle. While the severity of the seizures lessened greatly the frequency of seizures did not. I’m concerned that if she continues to seize it will effect her brain. My vet seems reluctant to give any anti-seizure meds until the cycle of seizures is broken. That seems backwards to me. Any advice would be greatly appreciated..

I am very sorry to hear about your labrador, watching a pet having a seizure is a difficult experience for anyone. Valium (diazepam) is commonly used (intravenously, orally or even rectally) to try to stop an active seizure but is … Continue reading →

Q. I was walking my dog on a trail around a lake and she was off leash. Apparently she was bitten by something. Difficulity breathing uncontrolable sneezing and her eye seems to want to stay shut. Two hours ago I gave her liquid Benadryl but she is still have difficulties. What should I do?

I agree that it sounds like your pet is having an allergic reaction, possibly to an insect bite or sting; however it is also possible that your dog sniffed up a foreign body (such as a seed, blade of grass, … Continue reading →

Q. I am one of Dr. Borderiouxs’ clients at Pebble Creek. My friend has a rescue cat from her neighborhood in Tampa Heights that was diagnosed as FIV positive when she took her in 2 years ago. The cat is around 3 years old now and has lost appetite, energy and weight and developed jaundice. She has taken the cat to her vet and bloodwork was done and the cat was diagnosed with liver failure due to FIV “kicking in” was the phrase the vet used. The cat has always been plagued with skin irritations (little scabs like an allergy and missing fur in some spots since she was young, however has no scab now). The cat is primarily an indoor only cat. My friends vet said that she could try an appetite stimulant to generate appetite and if that did not work that she could bring her in for a vitamin B shot but did not recommend anything else. My friend is syringe feeding her cat right now several times daily and her cat is accepting the food but not eating on her own. Do you have any additional recommendations? My friends vet did say that a liver biopsy could be performed to make a further determination, however she is hesitant due to the initial diagnoses of liver failure and the cats weakened state. Please let me know your thoughts.

Liver disease is certainly a serious condition. Supportive care such as IV fluids or fluids under the skin to help re-hydrate sick kitties, anti-nausea medications, anti-oxidants to slow down liver cell damage can all be of benefit. Making sure that … Continue reading →

Q. My Love Bird has stopped eating as much, been losing weight, throwing up, and has been kind of had a drooping head and body overall, also has a bald spot that looks irritated. Our love birds have their water changed 3 times a day, their food changed twice a day and clean cages as well as those anti mite things on their cages. We don’t know what to do as we fear one of our love birds is getting worse and worse, could you help?

Small birds, such as lovebirds, need to be examined by an experienced avian veterinarian at the first sign of disease. There are many illnesses that could cause the signs that you describe. Please call us to set up a convenient … Continue reading →

Q. Do you do ear cropping?

Thank you for your question about ear cropping. Ear cropping is the surgical amputation of a large portion of the ear flap, or pinna. This surgery is painful and has risks including infection, blood loss, and complications from anesthesia. The … Continue reading →

Q. I have an 8 year old female miniature Chihuahua. Recently she’s been having strange little episodes where she becomes visibly dizzy and her footing is unstable. Her eyes seem to be swimming and she reacts somewhat slowly to sudden movements. What could this be?

Thank you for your question. Dizziness (or vertigo) is usually related to problems in the brain’s balance system, also known as the vestibular system. There are many things that can affect the vestibular system including ear infections, trauma, systemic elevations … Continue reading →