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Cat eating easter grass and vomiting

My cat (4yo male neutered Domestic short hair) got into some easter grass today (the green stuff that goes in easter baskets) and has been throwing it up in chunks all day. I’m very concerned about him because of the amount that he has thrown up. Also, some of the bile has been tinted red. Is this a normal reaction? Should I take him to the vet, or is it ok since he is throwing it up?

Note : Cat 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.

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Cleaning dog teeth without anesthesia

I’ve had my vet of 15 years clean my dog’s (15yo male neutered Terrier mix) teeth every two yeasrs or so. Now that he’s 15 plus I’ve grown concerned over affects of general anesthesia.

I’ve talked with someone who does cleaning without anesthesia, and has a large practice for some years.

My vet says that doing it this way, all of the debris and blood is swallowed. Not good.

I am trying to get a trusted third opinion.

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.

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Cat with FeLV and FIV

My cat (7yo Tonkinese male neutered) tested negative at 1 yr of age for leukemia and aids and has been vaccinated every year. this year he became violently sick was tested and told test was positive for both. if vaccinated every year is it even possible for the positive on feline leukemia or somewhere did the vet make a mistake? the aids I can understand.

Note : Cat 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.

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Dog with bags under eyes

Felix (7yo male neutered ChiHuaHua mix) has semi-soft bags under both of his eyes. He’s had them on an off for a little while but they have been consistent for the past couple of months. It does not appear to come from his teeth/gums and putting pressure on them does not irritate him much - its only slightly uncomfortable - he does not show any other signs of discomfort or unhappiness. Can you tell me what this may be? Thanks for your 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.

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Dog stumbling on front legs

Help. I have an appointment with a specialist hospital next week and I’m hoping you may be able to give me an insight as to what could be happening with my dog (9yo German Shepherd male neutered). Just so that I have an idea of what I need to look out for and discuss with them.

Spender had disc surgery for a ruptured disc (T13) that was compressing the spinal cord 6 months ago. He was knuckling his hind leg paws and hips almost sat on his hocks. All was well and he made a full recovery. Hind leg neurological function returned although there is a spongy effect in the hind legs when he walks. A couple of months after surgery, he had a very sensitive back which is now normal.

4 months after surgery, he started dropping on the front end, right front leg, as though his right paw had fallen into a hole. This happened occasionally but he corrected himself very quickly and didn’t appear to be in pain.

Anyhow, while this was happening occasionally, he developed a front left leg limp which appeared to come on during exercise ( Exercise consists of a 45 min walk with the occasional trot twice a day, we keep him quiet). We rested him for 4/5 hours although he up and about in the house. After 5 hours the limp had gone and by the time I got him to the vet, he was walking normally.

This has happened 4 times; a front left leg limp comes on normally during or after exercise and disappears within about 12 hours. On one occasion, I saw him doing it when he turned; he yelped and held left front leg up. So we rested him and when he got up to walk, the limp was in the RIGHT leg. ????? I took a video of this to show my vet because I thought I was seeing things. Again it resolved with 24 hours rest.

When this was going on, these little stumbles (right leg) still appeared now and then. So far it has always happened on grass and on carpet but not so far on hard ground such as concrete or tar.

Last weekend, the stumbles are becoming more frequent. But they appear to be now in LEFT front leg. On a side view when I watched him, I saw like a jolt in the pastern joint on the left leg. But on closer inspection he appeared to be putting the paw down correctly. At the moment he is stumbling more frequently and we are going to see a specialist. It looks as though the front leg is collapsing slightly when he puts weight on it. It’s hard to explain, but no dragging of paws and there doesn’t appear to be any knuckling that I can see. I’m beginning to question my own sight. Apart from that, he’s fine. Appetite normal, urine and stool output normal. Temperature normal and blood count normal.

I’ve spoken to my vet regarding his disc injury 6 months ago and if this may be a secondary affect. He says no, as T13 affects back end movement. So we could be looking at something new here. It’s really strange. Have you ever come across anything that vaguely resembles something like this? Is it possible that the limps and the stumbles are related? Would the disc injury (T13) have any relation at all? My vet is completely baffled.

I’d be really grateful for your thoughts

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.

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