Welcome to our “Ask Dr. Paola” sequence, the place each Monday we convey knowledgeable recommendation straight from Dr. Paola Cuevas (MVZ) to assist our readers higher perceive their canine’s well being and well-being.
Whether or not you’re a brand new pet mum or dad or a seasoned canine lover, Dr. Paola is right here to supply solutions to your most urgent questions. From diet suggestions and preventive care to troubleshooting widespread behavioral points, Dr. Paola is able to provide insights that may hold your furry pal blissful and wholesome. Keep tuned for knowledgeable steerage on a variety of subjects that matter most to you and your canine, so you may make knowledgeable choices and supply the very best care in your canine companion. Have a question? Send it in here! 
Assist! My Canine Retains Getting UTI’s!
“My mastiff-lab, Honey, retains getting UTIs. We took him to a vet, and so they gave us a canine antibiotic to take each 12 hours (Amoxicillin 500mg) that he took for 30 days. Lower than every week after he completed the 30 days, his signs got here again. Perplexed! $179 vet invoice that mainly did nothing.“ – Shirley
Hey Shirley.
Recurrent urinary tract infections in a canine like Honey are irritating, and when indicators return shortly after a full course of antibiotics, it often means the underlying trigger has not but been recognized, somewhat than the remedy being ineffective. In massive breed canine, particularly males, repeated infections are unusual and sometimes linked to one thing that enables micro organism to persist, reminiscent of bladder stones, prostate illness, anatomical abnormalities, endocrine circumstances, or an infection with micro organism which can be immune to the chosen antibiotic. Treating with no urine tradition is a bit like selecting a key with out understanding which lock you’re opening; generally it suits, generally the micro organism survive, and the an infection returns.
The subsequent step that really modifications the end result is a sterile urine pattern collected by cystocentesis, a easy and well-tolerated process during which a sterile needle is used to acquire urine immediately from the bladder by way of the belly wall, for urinalysis and tradition with sensitivity testing. This method prevents contamination and permits the laboratory to establish the precise micro organism, choose the antibiotic that may remove it, and decide the suitable remedy size. Many recurrent instances additionally profit from imaging, reminiscent of radiographs or ultrasound, to search for stones or prostate enlargement. If Honey is displaying frequent urination, straining, blood within the urine, discomfort, fever, or diminished urge for food, immediate reevaluation is vital, since urinary infections in males ought to at all times be taken severely
Good luck!
Dr. Paola
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Assist! My Canine Over Licks His Paws!
“My senior canine appears to overlick his paws. Generally it looks like it might be out of boredom as a result of after I redirect him, he stops, however I additionally learn that it may need one thing to do with doable yeast overgrowth. I don’t know. Please present any info you possibly can. Thanks a lot.“ – Wendy & Purdy Boy
Expensive Wendy,
Extreme paw licking in senior canine can have multiple trigger, and it typically helps to consider it like an individual biting their nails; generally it’s a behavior or stress, and different occasions there may be an underlying irritation that makes the conduct onerous to disregard. Whereas boredom or nervousness can contribute, particularly if he stops when redirected, the most typical medical causes embody environmental allergic reactions, contact irritation from grass or surfaces, arthritis discomfort, or secondary infections with micro organism or yeast. Yeast overgrowth sometimes causes redness, a brownish saliva stain on the fur, a musty odor, or thickened pores and skin between the toes, nevertheless it often develops as a consequence of underlying irritation somewhat than as the first downside.
As a result of Purdy Boy is a senior, it’s particularly vital to rule out medical causes earlier than assuming that is behavioral. A veterinary examination can consider the paws for indicators of allergic irritation or an infection, reminiscent of redness, swelling, odor, or pores and skin modifications, and likewise assess the joints for ache or stiffness that may be driving the licking. Within the meantime, mild administration helps, common walks and psychological enrichment cut back boredom, wiping paws after out of doors time removes allergens and moisture, and redirecting him to a relaxed exercise when licking begins prevents the behavior from turning into self-reinforcing. If the licking turns into persistent, causes redness, swelling, odor, or hair loss, it’s best addressed promptly, since continual licking can flip delicate irritation right into a cycle that’s a lot more durable to interrupt.
Variety regards,
Dr. Paola
This text is part of our weekly Ask Dr. Paola sequence
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