Blastomycosis
Q: I just found out that my dog, which is only 1 1/2 years old, has blastomycosis in the lungs. the veterinarian diagnosed it by just listening to the lungs and heart and the fact that my dog has been on a strict regiment of heartgard since he was old enough to take it. my dog has been experiencing a cough/gag followed by alot of sticky, thick looking saliva. along with the cough my dog takes constant short gasps of air while resting and when he performs what slight amount of activity he can, due to his lethargic state. he is not interested in food like he used to be but he does eat. now that i have explained the symptoms i have a few questions for you, and i do keep in mind that any advice or opinion given is not a substitute for a professional opinion. my questions: [1]> do the symptoms i have explained line up with the criteria for having blastomycosis? [2]> can a veterinarian correctly diagnose blastomycosis without any sort of blood test, x-ray, etc.? [3]> do the symptoms i have explained lead to the conclusion of end/advanced stages of blastomycosis? [4]> given the explained symptoms what prognosis would you give to a client of yours? [5]> what options, as to the treatment of blastomycosis, do i have? [6]> should i have pushed more for tests despite discouragement by the vet? [7]> would it be a good idea to get a second opinion? lastly, [8]> do veterinarian schools take these kind of cases, providing free or very little cost for treatment, in order to further educate the schools students? i know this is a lot of questions with a lot of hard to answer questions given that you have not personally examined my dog. all i ask for is your professional opinion using the given facts and symptoms listed. i want to thank you in advance for any help you can provide me with. thank you.
A: Blastomycosis is one of many possibilities for these symptoms. the fact that you have so many questions suggests to me that getting a second opinion is a good idea. veterinary colleges tend to be less expensive than some private practices. you may want to ask for a referral to a specialist in veterinary internal medicine.
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Which product is safest?
Q: Which heartworm medication seems to have the least side effects. i have in the past used heartgard, and interceptor. thank you ;^)
A: Either one is fine. most dogs tolorate either usually
Shop for: heartgard, interceptor
6 months protection
Q: What is the name of the heartgard/flea pill for 6 months? thank you.
A: We know of no pill that will give your pet 6 months protection in a single dose. the product sentinel with a once a month dose will protect against heartworm, hookworms, roundworms, whipworms, and control fleas.
Shop for: heartgard, sentinel
Heartworm meds
Q: Our 10 1/2 year old buster has been on heatguard which we always received at through his vet. i do not remember ever needing to provide a stool sample so how does the vet determine whether buster is negative? also, if we decide to order the heartguard through petmeds do need to provide a prescription? thanks!
A: Heartworm infection is determined by a blood test. for pets on year round heartworm prevention where there has been no lapse in medication, annual testing may not be necessary. this is up to your veterinarian. heartgard does require a prescription to be dispensed.
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Dog flu
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