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.
Note : Dog question from Ask A Vet. Click here for answer (answer available FREE for 24 hours after posting afterwhich you will need to pay $3.95 to view the answer). See other pet questions.
Dog chasing wild turkeys
Our Setter (6yo male neutered) chases birds, ground hogs, squirrels, etc. We now have wild turkeys visit on our lawn. The Setter just looks at them. We want him to chase the turkeys away but he is not interested. I think he is afraid. He will chase wild geese. What’s wrong with him?
Note : Dog question from Ask A Vet. Click here for answer (answer available FREE for 24 hours after posting afterwhich you will need to pay $3.95 to view the answer). See other pet questions.
Lethargic dog who is throwing up
My dog (Golden Retriever cross 1.5 yo male neutered) is drinking a lot of water, not eating and then throwing up later? My dog is normally very active, but lethargic today and doesn’t seem to want to do very much except lie around.
Note : Dog question from Ask A Vet. Click here for answer (answer available FREE for 24 hours after posting afterwhich you will need to pay $3.95 to view the answer). See other pet questions.
Dog and kennel cough
My dog (2yo male Boxer neutered) was boarded in a kennel for 2 days and has now developed a cough - sort of like a hacking dry cough like he has something stuck in his throat. He had the kennel cough vaccine - I thought he’d be protected from it? Is this life threatening and should I take him into a vet? He seems to be otherwise in good health ie eating, sleeping, running around.
Note : Dog health question from Ask A Vet. Click here for answer (answer available FREE for 24 hours after posting afterwhich you will need to pay $3.95 to view the answer). See other pet questions.
Chances of cat surviving with pulmonary embolism
Jefferson my roomate’s cat (10yo Domestic Shorthair male neutered) is in the vet right now. He was diagnosed with a blood clot in his lung yesterday and was put on blood thinners. This morning he is in a comma. What are his chances of surviving?
Note : Cat health question from Ask A Vet. Click here for answer (answer available FREE for 24 hours after posting afterwhich you will need to pay $3.95 to view the answer). See other pet questions.