Answer: The vaccine needs to be given twice, 2-3 weeks apart and then again 1-2 times a year, before greatest risk of exposure (snakes are most active early spring and late fall in California.) The vaccine helps the immune system to fight off and remove the toxin, thereby reducing symptoms. It does not mean that anti-venom is not necessary, only less likely and less amount. It also does not mean that after a bite, a vet visit isn't needed, as the vaccine does not prevent infection (which is more common than envenomation after a bite.) So far, the listed reactions are quite low. We have had no reactions in dogs vaccinated so far at our practice. Aversion classes are still offered and I heartily recomend those as well.

Answer: All dogs have about the same pregancy length (average of 61-65 days). Stages of labor are simplar to that of a shepherd. Smaller dogs tend to have fewer and therefore proportionally larger puppies than largr ones. This does increase the risk for difficulties in labor. using ultrasound or radiographs (x-rays) the doctor can tell you the number of puppies and the liklihood of being to big to fit. For a good write up on pregnancy and labor in dogs, I recommend www.petplace.com.

Answer: No I have not.

Answer: Cuase be a vccination reaction, an abscess 9pocket of pus) or a hematoma 9large bruise under the skin) from the fall. If it doesn't not resolve quickly, it's best to see the orginal doctor to determine the cause.

Answer: Foaming at the mouth can be from rabies (the vaccine is really good though and if your dog is currrent, it's very unlikely to be rabies), but can be from other causes including nausea, foreign bodies in the mouth, dental disease, and oral lesions such as from coustic chemicals. Best thing is to have your dog examined to determine the cause.

Answer: There could be many causes, ranging for a vaginal infection, a uterine infection, a bladder infection, or incontinence. Your veterinarian is best judge to determine the cause. The doctor may want to perform a vaginal exam and obtain an urine sample.

Answer: There could be so many causes, it's too many to list. You need to take your dog to the veterinarian. The doctor will take a detailed history to determine whether he is vomiting or coughing up phelgm. This will also help determine the possible causes. After listening to his heart and lungs and feeling his belly, the doctor may recommend X-Rays (radiographs) and other tests. Good luck.

Answer: See your doctor. She sounds painful, and pain can cause panting and no appetite. Dogs can also get bone and joint infections. Please have her seen soon.

Answer: It depends on the age and species. Young pets could potentially have some cartilage changes that could lead to future problems. In cats, one study (which was not later replicated) found high does could cause blindness in cats. It can cause vomiting or diarrhea. No medication is without possible side effects. I have used it in many patients, including small exotic animals and cats with no major side effects. I do not use it in young animals. If you have a cat and you don't like baytril, you might consider zenoquin, orbax, or dicural which have similar activites. Because baytril is a "big gun" antibiotic and pricey, i prefer to use it whenever possible based on culture an sensitivity reports.

Answer: Possibly could be from an obstruction (foreign object). Many other possible causes. If a barium series of x-rays has not been performed, that might be a good choice (this is when a metal liquid is given orally and x-rays are taken over several hours). If your doctor is out of ideas, it's time to consult a specialist. If a veterinary teaching hospital or a multi-specialty practice is in your area go there. At such a facility, she can get the supportive care needed (like a feeding tube) while the cause is identified. A facility like that, besides seeing and recognizing the less common problems, have all of the tools necessary to diagnosis rare or difficult conditions.

Answer: Depends on what you mean by frequently. If he/she is having accidents in the house when housetraining was good before, the volume each time is small, and may or may not be in position (squat or leg-lift) longer than normal or blood-this is not normal and means an exam is needed. Puppies don't have as good bladder control as adult dogs, and generally need to urinate every 3-4 hours during the day. If a male dog or dominant female, while on a walk marking may occur, although 4 months is pretty young for that. If you are concerned, you should have a urine test performed.

Answer: There are many causes of lumps. Unless they are caused by infection, removal is the best option. Some bumps are nothing to worry about, but some can be very bad. Your doctor may want to evaluate the lumps before removal by sticking in a small needle and removing some cells. This sometimes can tell us what the cause is and what is the best way to treat them.

Answer: Bacitracin can cause kideny problems if ingested in high doses. Zinc can cause toxicity as well. Neither causes low platlets except if provoking an auto-immune reaction. The petroleum jelly can cause loose bowels. I would advise not using topical medications unless you place a collar to keep her from licking. Once the low platelet issue is resolved, there is as urgery which can remove the fold and eliminate the problem. The loe platlets need to be addressed. If they are quite low, and there is no obvious sign of bleeding, I recommend for my patients to have an ultrasound, bone marrow apirate (with checking for an antibody to platelets, and a blood tests called Coombs' and ANA to check for auto-immune disease and tests for tick-carried diseases which can cause platelet desruction. Low platelets (if less than 50,000) can result in spontaneous bleeding and aggressive measures will be needed for your dog. I have no ide of what's causing the brown staining.

Answer: Sneezing can be from many factors, including infection (viral, fungal, or bacterial), allergies, irritants (such as A/C, fans, dust, chemical odors), or foreign objects such as foxtails (a common weed in California). I generally get concerned if the sneezing is severe/unrelenting, or if the discharge is not clear, but bloody, yellow, or green colored. If this is the case, generally an examination is performed. To evaluate the nose, sedation and/or anesthesia is required. Common evaluation includes X-Rays, cytolgy and/or culture (looknig at a microscopic level), using an otoscope cone (we usually use these to look down ears), and even rhinscopy or CT scans if needed. If both dogs are affected, infection or an irritant is most likely.

Answer: Vomiting up worms and/or diarrhea can happen if there is a large worm load. If these symptoms are severe or last more than 24 hours, an exam if advised, as sometimes the worms are so numerous that they can cause an intestinal blockage. You might try some bland food, either from your veterinarian or home-cooked boiled skinless chicken breast, low fat cottage cheese, and boiled white rice. Your puppy will need to be dewormed 3 more times, about 2 weeks apart to follow recommended CDC guidlines. Make sure everyone washes their hands well to prevent transmission of the larvae to themselves. And because your yard might be contaiminated, no going barefoot for a few weeks and make sure to have any other dogs in the yard protected (heartworm prevention can do this .)

Answer: First of all is the discharge from her vagina or her anus. Fishy-smelling discharge can be from two scent glands near the anus called anal glands. If the discharge is from her vagina, it could be from around the folds of the vulva and be due to a congenital folding or small vulva. Surgery can correct this. If the discharge is deep within the vagina, this could be from a vaginal infection called vaginitis, or even a urinary tract infection. Your doctor should be able to determine the cause through complete examination including rectal exam, vaginal exam and possibly microscopic evaluation of a swab from the vaginal wall, and urine sample. I advise an examination.

Answer: A long heat can certainly happen. She also could be going through a "false" pregnancy, which is not uncommon in dogs. The medication might be a diuretic called furosemide. Some doctors give this to decrease milk production. It can cause an increase in thirst and urination. I generally don't medicate for flase pregancy, just keep the dog from stimulating the mammary glands and it usually runs its course. As for the vomiting, shaking, diarrhea, and urinating...could this be from the medication, or perhaps a seizure? I advise discussing these symptoms and concerns with your veterinarian. If you can't get them satisfactorily explained, then you might consider a second opinion, perhaps with a reproductive specialists. FYI, spaying your dog will prevent this problem again.

Answer: Blood from the vulva can be from the reproductive tract or the urinary tract. If she is spayed, then it's most likely from the urinary tract. It can be from an infection, crystals, or a urinary bladder stone. A urine sample taken directly from the bladder can determine if it's the source of the blood and often the cause. Bleeding from the reproductive tract can be from a vaginitis, or if a portion of the ovary was inadvertently left behind, a heat cycle or uterus infection. Your veterinarian should be able to identify the source fairly easily. Statistically, a urinary tract infection is the most likely cause.

Answer: It's impossible to say what could be going on except that you need to communicate more with your veterinarian. There could be a great many causes of these symptoms. If you aren't satisfied with the explanation than ask the following questions: 1) do you have a daignosis of what is causing the problem. If so, do you have a plan on how to find out. 2) Do you have a treatment plan (what drugs, hospitalization, costs, etc.) 3) Do have a prognosis (will he make it doc) 4) Do you feel capable of answering questions 1 to 3. If not, is there a qualified board-certified specialist that you can refer me to who can find these answers and increase the odds of my dog getting better. You must be the advocate for your pet. Hopefully, your dog will quickly get better, but you need to make sure that you and your doctor have the same level of expectations and communicate effectively. Some doctors (such as myself) want pet parents to be 100 percent involved in every aspect of treatment. Others just expect for you to give whatever medications and approve whatever is needed to get your dog better. With some pet parents, one approach is better. It seems like you need more information.

Answer: Take your puppy to the vet immediately. Do not pass go or collect 200 dollars. Vomiting and bloody diarrhea in a puppy are considered caused by parvovirus until proven otherwise. This very contagious disease that affects the intestinal tract and bone marrow can quickly be fatal if prompt aggressive treatment is not started. It may not be parvo, but other illnesses that can cause these symptoms can be quite severe too. Go...now.

Answer: Please read the article on our website about upper respiratory infections in cats and other articles on the Q and A. If the problem is from a herpes virus, then l-lysine can help. The dose is 250 mg daily (you can divide the doses). There are viral testing available for many upper respiratory viruses. Other things that help are maintaining good nutrition and checking for other underlying diseases. Acupuncture has been reputed to be of aid as well (although this is not my area of expertise.) Be cautious using human supplements and herbs, as cats process things diffrently. If you are interested in pursueing non-traditional treatment options, there are many veterinarians that are certified in herbalism, homeopathy, and acupuncture. I would not advise seeing anyone who "dabbles", but check for certification in those areas. Go to www.viim.org which is the veterinary institute of integrative medicine and has links to groups which can assist you in finding a doctor in your area.

Answer: Yo uwill need to have the surgeon who performed the spay re-evaluate her. Most likely, it is an allergic reactionto the suture under the skin. Most suture used under the skin is dissolvable and it will subside as the suture dissolves. The most swollen area is typically the area that has a big knot. Other causes could include infection, so prompt examination is advised.

Answer: The symptoms you are describing could be due to inflammation in the airways of the lungs. This is called asthma. The disease is similar to that in people. It can be caused by allergies and irritants, and worsened or triggered by infection. Symptoms include a dry hacking cough (some people think it sounds like the kitty is trying to throw up a hairball). It can quickly escalate into severe respiratory distress and be fatal if not treated quickly and aggressively. Diagnosis is made by radiograph (X-Ray). Acute treatment is with anti-inflamatory steroids and medications to dilate the airways. Sometimes oxygen is needed. The cause or trigger needs to be identified as well. Blood tests for viruses, samples from the airways, and allergy testing are common tests performed to try to identify the cause. Once the acute phase is over, with treatemnt or avoidance of the cause, many catss to very well with few or no recurrences. Unfortunately, this means another vet visit and soon. NOTE: depending on where you live, cats can contract and spread infectious diseases to people, such as the plague. If you are not comfortable with the diagnosis and treatment thus far, please seek consultation with an internal medicine specialist. There could be other causes as well, but she needs prompt treatment.

Answer: It cold be brain or spinal trauma. If your vet can't seem to figure out the cause, you might seek consolation with a neurologist (they are in some referral hospitals and most teaching hospitals. A MRI might be necessary. I wold not delay, as if not promptly treated, the symptoms can worsen quickly like human brain trauma victims.

Answer: The symptoms you are describing are more along inflammation in the bladder than a behavioral problem. This could be from infection, urinary crystals, or a bladder stone. This young, sometimes a congenital problem could be the cause. Best thing I'd recommend is to check a urine sample.

Answer: You have several options. The easiest and least risky option is to use an approved and tested 3 year vaccine. Several vaccine manufacturers offer these vaccines now, and they have been tested by challenge testing (exposing a vaccinated dog to the disease 3 years later.) We use a Fort Dodge vaccine like this in our practice. The second option is to do a blood test called a titer tests which checks for antibodies to the disease in the dog's blood. If adequate antibodies are present, then it is LIKELY (but not guarnteed) that they are immune to that disease. Titer testing is more expensive, but of better benefit than vaccinating needlessly. Unfortunately, because vaccinating is cheaper and easier, most people (and doctors) opt for vaccination. Even with adequate titer at the time of testing, no absoute guarentee can be made because the titer levels can vary lab to lab and there ar eno set standards of protection. Also a titer is a snapshot in time, and we have no way of knowing when the titer may drop (it could be in less than the 1 year time in which we routinely re-test.) The last option would be to just assume good immunity and limited expsoure will be protection enough. It's the cheapest option, but there are certainly more risks (although it's stil pretty low.) No matter what, your dog will still require annual to every 6 month exams.

Answer: Bleeding can occur up to 6 weeks after delivery (even 8-12 weeks can still be normal). It should gradually be getting less and less every day. If the discharge is a lot or if it has a foul odor, pus-looking, or green and she feels okay, nothing needs to be done. You should also check her gum color. They should be a nice healthy pink color. If they look pale (compare to other adult dogs) then she could be anemic. If any of these changes are evident she needs to be seen.

Answer: Drontal Plus (which has Fenbendazole) is okay for these worms as long as the dosage is high enough. The adult worms are fairly easy to kill (the larvae can be more difficult. This worm can certainly cause neurological problems, including seizures, incoordination, falling, and dizziness. Sometimes the damage is permanent. Of greater concern is how the infection was diagnosed. If it was by fecal sample, then your dog is shedding eggs and therefore infectious to other dogs and people. This disease is catching to people and can have devestating symptoms, especially in children and immune compromised adults. You need to make sure all raccoon feces is out of the yard (wear latex gloves and mask)and do not keep any pet foods or store food and secure your trash well in the yard to reduce the raccoons in the environment.

Answer: Many different things could cause this, ranging from Rabies, a neurological problem with the swallowing muscles or esophagus, to an obstruction, or even bronchitis. An examination and X-Rays would likely be able to determine or at least rule out a lot of possible causes.

Answer: Read our article on Umbilical Hernias. If the hernia is very small, I would only advise monitoring it. If the hernia is large or is the contents can be gently massaged with your finger back into the abdomen, this could be a problem. If the hernia is large or reducible, your friend should no longer breed the pug and should have her spayed along with a hernia repair, as these hernias can be passed on to the offspring.

Answer: When "in season" (January until August depending on the geographical area you live in), cats generally go in and out of heat every 2 to 3 weeks until pregnant. Once the kittens are weaning (about 5 or so weeks) she'll start going into heat again (and get pregnant again.) My advise...get her spayed ASAP or you will have to adopt out more kittens.

Answer: I could be a suture reaction. Depending on the type of suture material used, a kitten's body can react to the presence of foreign material and try to remove it. The bump lasts until the suture is gone. If the suture is not dissolvable, the bump can be permanent. Most shelters use a "catgut" (no it's not made from cats) type suture which dissolves quickly. I would not be too concerned unless 1) the bump gets bigger 2) kitty licks at it excessively 3) it bursts 4) any redness or discharge. These can signify infection. Suture reactions are as common in pets as they are in people.

Answer: Please read the article on our website "your kitty has a cold." I generally don't worry as long as the eyes are fine (no thick dischage, redness, or squinting a lot) and kitty is eating and drinking well. If these aren't fine, take her in immediately. Isolate her from other cats. If the symptoms are being caused by a herpes virus (not contagious to people), lysine can help. It is an amino acid which blocks the virus replication. It can't really harm, so I use it will all of my sneezing kitties. For an 8-week old kitten, 125 mg 1-2 times daily is okay. If using a human product, make sure it is USP approved. Most veterinarians have a formulation prepared specifically for cats in mind.

Answer: Wow, this sounds like he is not happy at all. The symptoms you are describing COULD be due to a toxicity, such as a stimulent (caffine, dark chocolate, amphetamines, cocaine, and certain poisons.) It also sounds like you don't have a very good relationship with your veterinarian. My opinion (which is jsut that, an opinion) is that a veterinarian who can't spend the time to see and explain the diagnosis and treatment, especially in such a complex case, is doing both pet owner and pet patient a diservice. You should discuss this problem with the veterianrian and find another if you are not satisfied. In regards to your dog, if the problem is still going on when you read this, I would advise a second opinion. This would be with a board certified specialist in emergency and critical care, as they would be best qualified and trained to deal with this problem. You can check with a local referral hospital or veterinary college to find one. Vomiting and diarrhea of the activated charcoal (black stuff) can happen, but of more concern is his continued symptoms. The charcoal is to reduce absorption of more of the toxin. It's difficult to determine the best treatment for you dog wthout seeing him, but for patients that I see with similar problems I generally advise: 1) blood tests to check for possible organ damage-such as from toadstools 2) sedative to reduce the symptoms 3) anti-drooling and nausea medications 4) Intravenous fluids to help flush the toxin (if that's what it is) out of his system 5) continued charocoal for several treatments. 6) If the causes can be identified administer antidote or treat accordingly. There would be little point to induce vomiting or a stomach pump after a few hours of expsoure. If vomit is availabe, toxin screenings can be performed. I hope her gets better soon.

Answer: There are two common causes of this. One is a very small amount of bleeding into the scrotum can cause the swelling. It resolves with time. Cold compresses may reduce pain if he'll allow it. Irritation from licking is another common cause. If he is licking it, you'll need to place a collar to prevent it and it will go away. Infection is a possiblity, but rare. I always advise that if there is any swelling, discahrge, redness, or any other abnormality, I want to see it. You should have your dog's surgeon evaluate the area just to make sure it's nothing serious.

Answer: A small amount is okay. Just remember that a puppy has specific dietary needs and too much of one thing means less of another. Also, some dogs can get accustomed to "human food" and not eat dog food. Dogs can be fed a human food diet, but if you are planning on doing this, consultation with a nutritionist (www.petdiets.com) is advised. Remember that a home-cooked diet and feeding scraps are not the same thing. I recommend if using dog food the 90/10 rule, 90percent good quality puppy/adult food and 10percent or less of snacks ore treats of anything else on a calorie basis.

Answer: There are many causes of increased thirst and urination (see the article on water in's and outs on our website.). It could be in response to the infection (as dogs feel the need to flush the bladder when it's irritated.) Other causes could include diabetes mellitus (there would be sugar found in the urine), kidney disease, and Cushing's disease (again on our website). If you are concerned, let your doctor know. Kidney disease can be determined based on a comprehensive blood and urine test. Same with diabetes. A comprehensive test may be suggestivwe of Cushing's disease, but a special test is performed to determine this problem. There are also other, less common causes as well. With the symptoms you are describing, and her breed, diabetes and Cushing's disease are quite common.

Answer: We have a write up about umbilical hernias on our web site. An umbilical hernia is located in the middle of the abdomen, towards the end of the rib cage. Some hernias protrude, others can come and go. These are more worrisome. The best way to tell if your puppy has a hernia, is to have the puppy evaluated by the veterinarian. He or she would be able to identify the cause and also determine if it is a cause of concern.

Answer: It can certianly occur. Female cats can have a litter from many different fathers. More orange cats are male than female. I female orange cat is actually quite likely to have orange offspring (especially if the kittens are boys.) If the father was also orange, it increases the odds more so.

Answer: Call your doctor, immediately. If two dogs are sick, this means an infection is likely (although toxins, bad food, or both ingesting some foreign material can also be a cause.) If your older dog is not vaccinated, parvovirus could be a cause. In any event, diarrhea in a young puppy is taken seriously. If the puppy has an infection, he may not have the same reserve and a less mature immune system, making him sicker and prone to dehydration, especially with this heat wave affecting the nation.

Answer: Neutering will help to abate this problem, but not always eliminate it. Mounting is caused by two causes, sexual and behavioral. Neutering will eliminate the testosterone that causes a large portion of sex drive (libido). In rare cases, neutered males still express an interest in females or mounting due to libido. They of course, cannot breed. Mounting is also a form of dominance. Sometimes even female dogs will mount males. To reduce this behavior, really good, praise based training is crucial, to releive any underlying anxiety that can cause dominant behavior to occur. To stop this problem I would first neuter him and instill a professional training program. Most likely this will help the problem.

Answer: Not over the counter strength. Zantac, can be given quite safely to dogs, but the human-sized tablets are too big, even if cut. A liquid form is available by prescription, but can be costly. If your dog is having problems with vomiting, he needs to be examined so appropriate tests can be performed to determine the cause. "Sour" stomachs are rare in dogs (except schnauzers) and a cause needs to be determined in order to start appropriate treatment.

Answer: There could be many causes of limping, from something in her foot, to a neck problem. An examination is recommended. If you are looking for a veterinarian, the best resource is neighbors in your area. If this is not possible, check with your states veterinary medical association. Also, you can contact a local referral hospital or veterinary school and see who they recommend.

Answer: That question is really quite broad. There are many antibiotics used in dogs. The selection of antibiotics is best made via a culture and sensitivity test. This identifies the bacteria responsible and identifies the antibiotics that can kill it. The selection will be based on possible side effects, cost, and ease of use. Reactions to antibiotics can occur with any of them, although some, such as sulfa drugs are more notorious than others. It's important to finish the course of antibiotics as directed to reduce risk of creating antibiotic resistance. Antibiotics should NEVER be given without direct prescription by a veterinarian.

Answer: Swelling and discoloration of the scrotum can occur after a neuter can be from many causes. Bruising is the most common, and generally goes away over a few days. Infection can be another cause. If the problem is severe, evaluation by the surgeon is advised.

Answer: It could be as simple as a reverse sneeze, which while alarming, generally causes no harm (it's caused by the soft palate touching the area of throat called the epiglottis.) But with breeds like Pekingese, Pugs, Bulldogs, Boston Terriers, and others, there can be genetically caused abnormalities that collectively we call brachycephalic syndrome. These include narrow nostrils, a long soft palate, and everted sacs in the voice box. These changes cause increased breathing sounds, and if the tissues become inflammed (especially when hot or with exertion) the cascade of events can end up causing so much swelling breathing becomes impossible. With these breeds I recommend evaluation by a veterinarian. If he/she feels that thie could be an issue, x-rays, laryngoscopy, and/or CT scan maybe advised. Surgery is corrective for this disorder. Laser surgery is the perfered method performed by a soft tissue surgical specialist.

Answer: Advantage is better for young kittens and is safer than flea shampoo. Very young kittens need to be stimulated by their mothers and sometimes we have to do that if mom isn't around. That means every few hours, gently wiping the anus and genitals with a cotton ball wet with luke warm water. Generally by 5 weeks this is not needed. If urinary issues continue, examination is advised.

Answer: I recommend against breeding this closely, as it dramitically increases risk of genetic diseases by inbreeding. If there is no familial or almost no familial histry of genetic disease, then you might be okay. It is a very personal decision to make.

Answer: During the first heat, blood spotting is generally light to non-visible. It generally lasts about 7 days or so.

Answer: Stage I of labor generally lasts 6-12 hours but can last as long as 24. The contractions are generally not visible. Signs can be a drop of body temperature, not eating, shivering, panting, vomiting, chewing, scratching the floor, or pacing. Digging and nesting are common. A veterinary visit is not necessary and may prolong the process. If you feel there is a problem, call your veterinarian who can assist.

Answer: I really don't know. We don't crop ears at our practice. We refer to a veterinarian in Irvine who specializes in ear cropping if our clients feel it's important. Please e-mail directly if you would like his name.

Answer: It generally takes 3-6 months for testosterone levels to drop to minimal levels after neutering; but the levels drop quickly within the first month then slower afterwards. In regards for sperm, some can remain in the vas deferens (tube going from testicle to penis) after neutering, and neutered males can obtain an erection, technically allowing mating after neutering for up to even a few weeks in very rare cases. If a dog still is exhibiting behaviors consistant with an unneutered dog more than a month or so after neutering, I perform hormonal assays to determine whether their might be a retained testicle or testicular tissue. In older dogs and certain breeds, sometimes the adrenal glands can produce testosterone causing intact male behaviors (but not capable of breeding.)

Answer: Pregnancy is about 56-69 days, with the average length 65 days. Labor is divided into stages. Stage I is when the cervix dilates and the uterus starts to contract. During this time, cats tend to be restless, meow, groom more, pace, pant, and even vomit. Some clear mucus might be evident. Nesting, seeking isolation, or increased aggression to strangers may also occur. Nesting can start 12-48 hours before labor. It lasts from 2-24 hours. Rectal temperature is unreliable in cats. Milk letdown typically starts 24-48 hours before labor as well. Stage II is the actual delivery of kittens. Stage III is delivery of the placenta. This stage shows major contractions. The whole litter is delivered typically between 2-6 hours but can take as long as 12 hours. The kittens come out within minutes up to an hour apart, and breeching is common. Cats eat the placenta (but don't have to) and chew the umbilical cords. If the cat gets stressed, she can halt the process for days. from Feldman and Nelson's "Canine and Feline Endocrinology and Reproduction" 2004 Elsevier Science

Answer: The diarrhea sounds like colitis, due to an inflammation in the colon. Acute causes (sudden onset) include diet changes, eating inappropriate things, viral or bacterial infections, and stress. Chronic (long term) colitis has many causes and can sometimes require many tests. Simple conservative therapy helps acute colitis (lasting only a few days), like 24 hours no food, bland diets, and medicine. If the problem persists for more than a couple of weeks, it is a chronic condition and testing like fecal parasite checks, blood tests, pancreatic tests, special diets to restrict certain proteins, radiographs, ultrasound, colonoscopy, and even surgical exploratory surgery maybe required. Bowel obstruction can occur from severe diarrhea, but symptoms are usually quite severe. If the problem persists, further testing is needed.She likely is not having a bowel movement because she had not eaten.

Answer: Cats hate change even more than people do. Anxiety with moving is common. A few suggestions are: 1) increase affection 2) keep him up in evening hours 3) examination by a veterinarian to check for possible medical causes 4) phermone (scent) therapy 5) anti-anxiety medications or supplements-ask your doctor for specifics

Answer: Vomiting every once in awhile is considered while not "normal", is acceptable. Once in awhile is typically no more than once or twice in a given month (I personally think that this is too much). I vomiting is chronic (occurs more than 1-2 times in a month), profuse (multiple episodes of vomiting in a day), or your pet is acting sick, then you should see a veterinarian to evaluate the cause. Sometimes pets cough and spit up white foam. This is generally from bronchitis and has many causes. If your pet is coughing so much as to bring up foam, then they should see the veterinarian.

Answer: A lot depends on the environment your are in. Unless you've had a dog with Parvo before, the backyard is fine. I don't advise unvaccinated puppies in the front yard at all, and definately no parks. With the parvo virus, the virus can live in the environment for a very long time (for many weeks). That means that the dog who had it, and the poop or other bodily fluid the virus was found in could be long gone, but infection is still possible. After the first set of vaccines (at 8 weeks-no earlier), I think it's okay to mix with other healthy vaccinated dogs, who don't visit the parks or grooming/shelters themselves. After the second set, I think group puppy classes are okay, as long as current vaccines are required. More puppies are euthanized for behavioral problems than die of parvo, so early training is crucial. As far as the front yard, and walks, the answer is you can do it, but depending on the number of dogs that go by and if you know that they are current on their vaccines.

Answer: If the cord is open and bleeding, you should see a veterinarian for him. If the cord is well-tied off and the kitten is doing well and there is only a slight bulge, the kitten should do okay and just monitor over time. A hernia is an opening in the muscle wall and will generally reduce in time as the muscle matures and the umbilical remanent falls off. Sometimes, the hernia is so large it doesn't close and fat can get trapped in the defect. If big enough, bowel and drop into the hernia and if it twists this is a medical emergency. Large hernias need to be closed as soon as possible. If in doubt, get him checked out. We advocate an examination the day after birth, to check for congenital problems or trauma from the birthing process.

Answer: Aggression is a very serious issue...because of worries over friends and family, and lawsuits if she bites someone you don't know well. Your doctor may want to refer to a veterinary behaviorist (like a psychiatrist for dogs). If you live in California, you can try UC Davis, or their satelitte clinic in the San Diego area. If your dog cannot be cured, and lawsuit is possible, unfortunately euthanasia may be the only alternative. Most veterinary schools have behaviorists on staff. A trainer, while helpful, is not a behaviorist, and for extreme aggression a different tack maybe necessary.