Dear Dr. Forsythe: Please let your readers know about that injection you gave my cat last week. Ziggy is really hard to give medications to and after the abscess repair, I was worried about having to get those liquid antibiotics down his throat for ten days. That long acting antibiotic is like a dream come true!! Thanks again from both me and the cat. – Ziggy’s mom
Dear Ziggy’s mom: You’re more than welcome. You are referring to Convenia. This is the long-acting broad-spectrum cephalosporin antibiotic that takes the place of sending home a bottle of liquid for cats in many cases. In cats, it is used frequently for skin infections and abscesses, and I’m glad it helped preserve and maintain your happy relationship with Ziggy. So many people dread the miserable “grab and gag” with their cat, we have been relieved and happy to provide this injection for patients who just have a little hesitation in cooperating with their parents – CATS!! – Dr. F.
Dear Dr. Forsythe: I’m concerned about my husband’s apparent lack of concern about feeding our dog snacks that could be dangerous for her. He often gives her bites of cookie, little tastes of candy or even chocolate. She is a Golden who eats anything and it never seems to bother her and since my husband is Italian, he thinks food is the greatest way to show love. I tell him some of these things are toxic and he should stop. We agree to read what you have to say. – Love to eat in Sonoma
Dear Foodies: “People” foods can be very dangerous for dogs. Chocolate, for instance, is quite toxic for dogs, depending on the amount ingested. Small amounts can lead to gastritis and vomiting, but larger amounts can lead to tremors, seizure and death. I think that your husband should understand that while your beautiful golden loves to eat this human food, he is gambling with her life by regularly feeding her all these potentially irritating items. Golden retrievers are also one of the breeds who tend to pack on the weight when they over-snack.
Last week I had a very small dog patient come in who had eaten a small dark chocolate bar. We calculated it to have been a potentially lethal amount and this required us to induce vomiting, give activated charcoal through a stomach tube, and give fluids and other treatments to save her life. Although this little patient had been poisoned on her own, imagine how badly your husband would feel if he knowingly caused your dog to become sick or die. I urge you to have a serious discussion with your husband and tell him to stop feeding her the cookies, candy, chocolate or other human foods. He can show his love by making wonderful dinners for YOU and spending time walking the dog or brushing her daily. There are so many wonderful ways to show love—and fortunately, pets do not need chocolate to feel the “amore.” – Dr. Forsythe
Dear Dr. Forsythe: What do you suggest I get for my cat this Christmas? She has just about everything. I don’t know what else to get her? – M.R., Sonoma
Dear. M.R. 1. A professional dental cleaning from your veterinarian. (Majority of pets needs this, and it will extend her life and improve her health) 2. A microchip placed if
She doesn’t already have one. 3. A donation made in her name to Pet’s Lifeline,
Susan G Komen for the Cure or AIDSresearch.org. 4. A great stuffed cat toy filled with catnip. – Dr. F
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