Dog with heart and hip problem
My dog (6yo Rottweiler/Shepherd mix male neutered) has a hip problem and what my vet thinks is a torn ligament. He doesn't seem to be in pain but I took him for x-rays and while he was under for the x-rays, the doctor noticed an irregular heartbeat. So she took an X-ray of his chest as well. She said he might have an enlarged heart or cardiomyopthy. So the next step was an EKG. The results came back with some gaps in the heartbeat and the doctor has now recommended an ultrasound. She says that we need to worry about the heart problem before we even worry about doing surgery to help his hip and knee. I want some kind of second opinion on what I should do. I guess my question is, is it true that we should get the heart problem looked at before we worry about his hip problems? He is the happiest dog ever and doesn't seem to be in pain. I have researched the heart problems in dogs and he doesn't have the symptoms that they suggest come along with heart problems like loss of appetite and heavy breathing or panting when there is no physical activity. But if there is no guarantee for hip surgery when he has a heart problem, then I guess I don't want to take the chance. I am very confused and very broke from the cost of everything. I need help. |
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Cat moving house and not adjusting well
My cat and I moved into a new home. He now has three canine friends who he has spent time with before. One of the dogs was eating the felines stool, so I purchased the Purrforma self cleaning litter box. He would only urinate in it and chose to defecate on my side of the bed after 6 days. He attempted to defecate another time, I got him and placed him in the litter box, however that only worked once, and choose the bed again. Since then I purchased a new non automated litter box and returned him to his feline pine cat litter - that was two days ago and he has not eliminated anything sine. I have been leaving the bedroom door closed so he is not tempted. I'm just waiting for him to use it. any thoughts?
Should I lock him in a confined area until he uses it?
I need some advise or he might end up getting kicked out, and he is a special need cat as he has three fused lumbar (congenital defect.)
He is also doing an excessive amount of licking to the point where he has two balding patches. He just had an allergy shot 4 weeks ago. Should I inquire about behavioral modification type drugs?
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