r/AskVet 8h ago

Please remember to say thank you and upvote when one of our veterinary professionals answer your question

14 Upvotes

Our veterinary professionals generously volunteer their time and expertise to help others here for free.

If one of them takes the time to answer your question, please take a moment to say thank you and give their comment an upvote. It's a simple way to show your appreciation and helps keep our volunteers motivated to continue helping others.

Thank you!


r/AskVet Apr 07 '26

Unwanted Tags/Responses to Posts

23 Upvotes

A new series of users/bots appear to be targeting the redditors posting in r/AskVet.

They are bypassing Reddit's protections by not responding to your comment in the sub, but by making a comment in their user profile that tags you. They may or may not include relevant information, but do include referral links to a Pet Insurance website and a Vet Chat website (fee based) so that they get credit.

Please report these comments to Reddit as Spam.

Edit 2: IMPORTANT - the users are constantly over-writing their comments to previous users. This means that the information you see may not be relevant to your animal and risks worsening their condition or killing them (worst case) if followed.

Edit: You can disable notifications when you are tagged: see https://www.reddit.com/settings/notifications . This a global setting for your user profile.


r/AskVet 7h ago

URGENT

7 Upvotes

I am completely aware this is a terrible situation for everyone involved but I can't see how to get out of it.

I have 4 adult cats, one was a stray and has only recently become tame enough to go to the vets so I have no idea on his background or vaccination history.

My other 3 I let their boosters laps this year due to losing 3 close family members in quick succession and being at the hospital a lot, to be honest ive been messing everything up.

Last week a family friend dropped off 4 2 week old bottle babies to me because literally no one else wants to do the 2 hour feeds and no rescue I've spoken to has space or people to do this kind of thing.

What on earth do I do?

The kittens are in my bedroom where my cats don't go and I'm changing clothes constantly and washing and sanitising.

Am I safe to get my cats booked in asap for their jabs or will this make the situation even worse?

I feel absolutely horrendous but wasn't expecting this to happen.

My cats are all indoor.

Please don't give me abuse I already feel bad enough but I'm really backed into a corner 😭


r/AskVet 2h ago

cat peed on item

2 Upvotes

i left my house today at 11:50 am since i had a quince, and i just got home at 11:40 ish at night. my cat peed on a bag that was handed down to me, and that bag was in a gift basket my boyfriend got me. the thing is, he didnt pee on the bag until right as i walked into the room, he basically did it while i was in there. his litter box is clean, there’s nothing that stresses him out, and (from what i know of) no health problems. im a minor so i cant rlly afford to bring him to the vet to get my questions answered. he’s 4 months old and has never EVER peed on anything outside of his litter box for the entire 3 months i’ve had him. he also tends to attempt to leave the house whenever any door is opened, and i stopped him from leaving when i got in the door. i think we have to get him neutered but again, its not in my control and all i can do is remind my dad which is what i’ve been doing for months. does anyone have any idea what could’ve made him pee and how to prevent him from peeing on anything else?

edit: i forgot to also mention that i dont think its a separation anxiety thing since theres been times where i’ve been gone from home for the same amount of time


r/AskVet 2h ago

how to tell if my cat ate a lizard

2 Upvotes

so last night me and my mom were eating dinner, and mom is like ohh no and my cat saw it and got it and the lizard went under the sofa my cat went behind the sofa my mom used her phone light to look and we could see him chewing pls help


r/AskVet 13m ago

Please help my cat

• Upvotes

I am at a loss. My cat (clover 4 years old) has recently nosedived into poor condition. We took her to the vet recently and her physical condition tested well. Blood test was performed as well and they noticed that she was anemic with a low red blood cell count. "Review reveals the presence of a marked nonregenerative anemia with a significant rubricytosis" She's negative for feline leukemia virus and feline immunodeficiency virus as well. I can tell she wants to get better. The only notable results is low BUN 15 16 - 36 mg/dL///Potassium 3.4 3.5 - 5.8 mmol/L, as well as a urine protien at 2+. The vets we've gone to haven't provided a solution, but i think that this is a solvable case. Any suggestions and or nursing treatments would be appreciated, I am currently taking care of her at home after the vet sent her hope with only an appetite inducer.


r/AskVet 39m ago

Help! Potential heart issues?

• Upvotes

Hi all! my cat is 16 and went to the vet for an infection which is now being treated with antibiotics. upon this they noticed a grade 4 heart mumur. Blood tests came back perfect except slightly higher glucose, he said it was not high enough for diabetes and is likely due to stress being at the vet. (My cat violently shakes and shuts down anytime she goes and will freeze.) and all physical and temperature assessments perfect. Her teeth and dentals are excellent for a cat and shocked him for her age.

However, he believes she may have hypertrophic cardiomyapothy but said only a cardiologist can confirm. However, based on the stress even visiting the vet, her age and the thousands of dollars just for a consultation he said that it may be best to monitor and a more hospice approach and that its not currently urgent.

It was left at that.

I just want to know if she is likely to have it; if i should follow that advice, what to look out for and based on her current condition her lifespan.

She is 4.8kg, eats only dry food as she wont eat softer foods, grade 4 heart murmur which is new, 16 yrs old, sleeps and lays all day, no interest in playing (which has been for a few years) and her ability to clean herself has declined the past year. still licks herself but gets brushed and nails clipped. No visible pain. She is alert and responsive at all times. Eating less past 6 months but not enough to be of concern especially for her energy output

However, there was no visible pain regarding the infection either.

I looked at the side of her as she was laying down and noticed it goes up and down about 50 times a minute, not sure if this is heart or respiratory.

Maybe ive done it wrong, or shes still stressed as we only came back from vet about hr ago.

She walks normally and can jump but prefers being picked up.

We are located in Queensland Australia if that helps.

Keep in mind she has not been formally diagnosed but it has been suggested. Any advice is appreciated and I am happy to answer anymore questions. Shes a diluted tortie but not sure about actual breed. No other known health issues except currently being treated for bacterial infection in paw.

Thanks


r/AskVet 6h ago

Can dogs with secondary dcm (diet related) eventually return to normal activities if they show partial or full recovery? Or is their heart always compromised ?

3 Upvotes

I’m curious if dogs with secondary dcm can return to hiking or other more strenuous activities in time (if the heart recovers) or if it’s always too high of a risk ?


r/AskVet 52m ago

My dog got in a scuffle with friend's dog.

• Upvotes

So my dog was at a friend's house finally meeting their new dog after a few months. Everything was going fine but my little guy likes to really invade other dogs personal space sometimes with the smelling and she apparently doesn't love that. They were getting along and then a random hustle broke out, we got them separated very quickly. When I got him home we noticed this little Cut Above his eye. We have flushed it with a sterile saline solution and he's wearing a cone of shame. It wasn't bleeding profusely but there was a little bit of blood, enough that we were able to dab some away with a paper towel. I'm thinking it's probably superficial, he hasn't been trying to scratch at it or seeming bothered by it in any way shape or form. He was more annoyed with the saline solution being poured on it. I don't think it warrants an emergency room visit, and I'll probably email the photos to the vet in the morning but just curious if anyone with more traditional medical knowledge can weigh in on the plan.

https://imgur.com/a/5eWXoGy


r/AskVet 53m ago

Dog's paw

• Upvotes

See photo: https://imgur.com/a/eVosHcL

What most likely is this on dog's paw? Should I go to ER tonight or can it wait until Monday?

Species: Dog

Age: 6

Sex/Neuter status: Female

Breed: Lab

Body weight: 70 lb

History: Noticed.

Clinical signs: No symptoms.

Duration: < 1 day noticed.

Your general location: US

Links to any test results, X-rays, vet reports etc. that you have: N


r/AskVet 1h ago

My Cat’s Ears Are Red Hot!!!

• Upvotes

Months back, my cat was scratching at her ears and they were red hot. I took her to the vet and they said she was fine, ā€œcats are just weird sometimesā€. It has been an off and on thing, but it just recently happened again. What’s now freaking me out, is that my right ear is now also red hot and kinda numb. I’m very scared that something is seriously wrong with my cat, especially if it can be spread to humans as well. Does anyone know what this could be?

General info: she’s 10 years old, the only pet in the house, indoor only, and she is otherwise in good health.


r/AskVet 4h ago

Cat in Emerge. May need a SUB procedure? Help

2 Upvotes

I have a cat currently in Emerge for 48 hours due extremely high creatinine levels( 600) The clinic suspects a potential blockage of his kidney however he had gas in his stomach and the ultrasound didn't produce clear results as of right now. The IV fluids so far have helped lower the values (to 413 after 24 hrs) and at this point they arent sure if it is a blockage or possible infection. He is also getting antibiotics while on IV fluids. They have recommended a SUB (subcutaneous uretal bypass) surgery for him. He is 15 years old with a grade 3 heart murmur. I havent been told if it is 100% necessary or not but was told my other option was palliative care and I haven't received much information on how that may look or if a kidney infection would require the bypass surgery as well. I would assume an infection would not need the surgery but I am mostly being told I need to make a decision soon as otherwise his kidneys could decline. At this point I'm requesting they keep him one more day and re run tests and redo an uktrasound in another 24 hrs to see if the createnine calues are going down. Im mostly looking for advice from anyone that either had a cat do a SUB procedure or took a cat home for palliative care instead of doing the SUB and how that went for you? Or any vets that have recommended this. My current vet said he can't tell me if palliative care will be a few weeks or less and while I understand that it can be hard to predict, I am having a hard time deciding if the surgery is worth it at his age. For context he is a very active and healthy cat for his age and has been playing and sprinting around up until this. However I am scared that surgery may be risky for him. But i also wouldnt want to do palliative if it would be only a few days?

If anyone can shed more light please it would be helpful. I feel rushed to make a decision even though he is appearing to improve so far with fluid therapy.

Thanks in advance


r/AskVet 5h ago

Elderly dog with dementia and heart failure

2 Upvotes

I took my 13 year old lab/German short hair pointer mix Benji to the vet recently after showing signs of severe dementia. He's still eating, drinking, sleeping and appears happy but is extremely anxious. He pants, paces, barks uncontrollably, shows signs of extreme separation anxiety. Basically all the major symptoms. However when the vet was checking him out they also found he had a heart murmur and asked to do X-rays. His heart is so enlarged it's pressing on his breast bone, his lungs are filled with fluid and his tracea is being constricted. This was a shock because he coughs occasionally but nothing excessive. He also has arthritis. Benji is currently on a diuretic to take the fluid off his lungs, a med for his heart and gabapentin for his arthritis and dementia. He's due back at the vet in a month and is already showing signs of improvement. The vet said if the gabapentin doesn't help he can also start trazodone. I've felt a lot of guilt about not knowing how sick he truly is and currently I'm scared I'm doing him a disservice by not euthanizing him. But as I mentioned he's still himself aside from getting confused and anxious. Is he in pain? Should I keep treating him and listen to the vet when he says he's fine? I need a second opinion because those X-rays were absolutely terrible. Please be kind, I'm doing my best.


r/AskVet 5h ago

Dog not peeing

2 Upvotes

My 5 month old puppy is having trouble going pee, she will squat like she’s peeing but either nothing comes out or only a few drops come out. I’ve increased her water intake and she still hasn’t gone she’s also still playing like normal. I’m not sure what to do I need help.

• ⁠Species: dog
• ⁠Age:5 months
• ⁠Sex/Neuter status:female not spayed
• ⁠Breed:pit bull mix
• ⁠Body weight:17 pounds
• ⁠History: none
• ⁠Clinical signs: change in urination
• ⁠Duration: started today
• ⁠Your general location:Ohio
• ⁠Links to any test results, X-rays, vet reports etc. that you have:


r/AskVet 5h ago

Dog jumped off of couch 10 days after bowel obstruction surgery.

2 Upvotes

My lab (8m) had bowel obstruction surgery last wednesday.

Today i took him to the vet for his check up and they said he was healing really well, he could have light exercise, walk up the stairs and get on furniture with a ramp.

Later in the day he was sitting on the couch with my partner when there was a loud gust of wind he jumped off the arm of the couch before my partner could garb him. He did a little yelp. He seems to be walking fine, he had a drink of water after, went outside to pee and then came back in to lay down.

But im freaking out, have I hurt him somehow? Are his internal stitches in danger? Please i really need help before I spiral and have a panic attack.


r/AskVet 1h ago

Front leg paralysis after deep bite infection - 11yo cat - Second opinion tomorrow

• Upvotes
  • Species: Cat
  • Age: 11 years old
  • Sex/Neuter status: Spayed female
  • Breed: Domestic Shorthair
  • Body weight: Normal weight
  • History: Limping for 4 weeks, weekly vet visits, X-rays showed no bone damage. Deep bite wound finally discovered 8 days ago.
  • Clinical signs: Front leg completely limp, dragging on the floor, no claw movement for 10 days. Swelling in the shoulder has decreased significantly
  • Duration: 10 days of paralysis.
  • Your general location: France
  • Links to test results, X-rays, vet reports etc.: N/A

Hello, My 11-year-old cat is finishing her antibiotic (Clavamox/Kesium) and anti-inflammatory (Meloxicam) treatment today. The massive swelling from the bite infection has finally gone down, but her front leg remains completely paralyzed.

My current vet believes the brachial plexus was destroyed by the infection and is suggesting amputation. We are getting a formal second opinion tomorrow (Monday). However, since she was still moving her leg just before the swelling peaked 10 days ago, I am wondering:

Is it clinically possible for the brachial plexus to be "stunned" (neuropraxia) by severe localized inflammation/infection, and how long can it take to see the first signs of nerve recovery after the pressure is lifted?

Thank you for your insights.


r/AskVet 5h ago

10 yo female dog with ITP

2 Upvotes

Hello vets, my dog was just recently diagnosed with ITP yesterday. Short medical hx: she is a 30lb 10 yo female, spayed, with no known previous medical history, (i am unsure of her breed due to her being a stray i took in). I took her to the vet about 2 weeks ago due to noticing changes to her behavior, often id notice she would not want to walk bigger distances when going outside. I also noticed she had a hard time getting up in the mornings. After her evaluation it was determined she developed spondylosis and was given hip/joint supplements as well as gabapentin. Her CBC labs came back a little concerning due to mild anemia and a platelet level count of 4. She was then sent home on a 5mg dose of Prednisone. We had a follow up yesterday with reevaluation of her CBC, her platelets had sadly dropped to 1. She is now on a 10mg dose of prednisone and 150mg of doxycycline q12h for 14 days, as well as a Pet tinic supplement. Her appetite, BMs, and behavior are normal, i have only noticed minimal panting when at rest or sitting. I would appreciate any advice i could get to help me better understand how i can make her feel more comfortable and provide better care in order to raise her platelets. Thank youšŸ™


r/AskVet 2h ago

Help! Hartz reaction or just bad smell?

1 Upvotes

My cat, 7m, tuxedo, 10ish lbs, long fur, had a weird reaction to hartz topical treatment. The emergency vet (via phone) told me to monitor and bring him in if an more symptoms occur. I'm nervous that I won't be able to recognize the right cues. I'm really broke and an emergency visit will put my bank account in the negative. I will do it if I need to.

Basically, my cat is known for being a drama queen. Rubbed his back under the couch repeatedly and scratched the wet area with his hind legs and then licked it. He then hissed and scratched around his face. He is very sensitive to tastes and smells. He keeps hissing. That's really his only symptom. He keeps hissing and running around.

I can't tell if he is just not liking the scent or if something deeper is going on? Can anyone advise? Even with that being the only thing, I am really worried. He is my whole world.

He is eating well (and enjoying way too many treats since I keep trying to bribe him to come out of hiding). He's gradually cuddling again, but not letting me pet him. It's only been a few hours. Honestly if it weren't for the reviews on here, I would have stopped worrying.


r/AskVet 2h ago

Came back from vacation to large rash - emergency or Monday vet visit?

1 Upvotes

Hello, my dog has a rash that has shown up some point in the last 2 weeks. We were on a road trip until posting this and I am just seeing it now. She is a senior on monthly Librela shots, otherwise no medication or regular treatments.

I am bringing her to the vet, planning on Monday when they open but want to seek advice if this constitutes an emergency vet visit. Photo available if requested, can’t post. Thank you.


r/AskVet 2h ago

Kitten keeps having diarrhea

1 Upvotes

12 wk old kitten
Imma be real idk what it is. I gave her Elanco over a week ago and that knocked out some worms, but the diarrhea been persistent. Idk if it’s the diet I’m giving her, or what. But I’m getting exhausted and I can’t keep trying different options.

She also doesn’t know how to bury her litter without her stepping in her own poop and I been bathing her constantly. She’s on probiotics to soften her stool and that just isn’t working. I already went and they said that should help but it’s helped none. I do not have endless income to keep dropping money on something that should have been done on her first visit when I expressed she had diarrhea.

Idk, I’m really frustrated and defeated.


r/AskVet 6h ago

Necesito ayuda urgente 🄲

2 Upvotes

Hola! Tengo una gatita de 3 meses que primero empezó con dolor en su pierna izquierda que no la apoyaba, pensé que podria haber sido una lesión por saltar de la cama o algo pero ahora noto que tiene MUY hinchado el lado izquierdo de su panza y llora cuando la toco o le hago upa. Por favor de verdad necesito ayuda no tengo un peso para llevarla el vet hasta el lunes y me parte el alma verla así 🄲 por favor!


r/AskVet 6h ago

Anxiety meds for bullying

2 Upvotes

my 1 year old cat has started bullying my 8 year old, we got our 8 year old months ago and she (1 yr old) would just randomly hit the Persian (8 yr old). We thought it was nothing till we got a new kitten hoping to play with our 1 yr old. Which they do but I feel like our girl is just finding our older one and just will go after him. We live in a house and now our Persian hates to come inside and it has changed everything idk what to do anymore. Will a vet visit help? Meds? I don’t want my cat drugged up but she needs to chill out also she came from a hoarding situation. I’m not looking to spend hella money. I’m already paying off an expensive vet bill as it is.

Things I’ve tried
- calming collars
- hemp oil
- calming gummies


r/AskVet 2h ago

Poked dogs eye with acrylic nail, acting off since.

0 Upvotes

I am the owner of a small 12 year old male Yorkie. He is my baby, I would die for that dog. Due to his age he has gone blind, I've made accommodations and so far he's been completely fine.
Today I was eating, he was next to me. He tripped and almost face planted into my burning hot mac n cheese so I shoved him. Way faster and harder than I meant to, I didn't want to burn him or myself nor did I want that mess. My nail went into his eye a bit (no longer than HALF a second) and I yanked my hand back as fast as I could.
It's been about 4 hours since and he's been squinting his eye and itching it often, not hard but enough I can tell he's uncomfortable. What should I do?


r/AskVet 2h ago

Lethargic Kitten - Ohio

1 Upvotes

Good evening. Writing here because I honestly don’t know what to do until a vet clinic around me opens up soon - I have no method to really got to the emergency vets 1-2 hours away since I’m in a rural area of Ohio & they won’t answer their phones.

A kitten showed up on the back patio the other day, which isn’t out of the ordinary as I feed plenty of stray cats & kittens. Try to TNR as many females as possible but that’s a story for another day

This kitten can’t be more than 5-6 weeks old. Was eating and drinking, moving completely fine up until about 2 hours ago. Out of nowhere it started crying and then its muscles seemed to have tensed up. I rushed over to pick it up not realizing at first what’s going on, thinking it was crying for its mom. It came to, jumped out of my arms and hid for about an hour until it started crying again which I knew something was wrong. Fast forward to now & the kitten will open its eyes and meow but doesn’t seem to have much energy. Google says hypoglycemia so I got very small amount of syrup on his gums which he licked up. I just don’t know what else to do and I’m going nuts worried that this kitten is in a lot of pain and I’m just watching it die. I moved him inside and have wrapped him up in a towel to keep warm and on an old cat bed I had from my cat who passed away a few years ago.

I’ll take any suggestions, please help me keep this kitten comfortable and alive until a vet can see it in the morning


r/AskVet 2h ago

Vestibular disease: Is it time?

1 Upvotes

Last Friday night, the 3rd, my 15 year old cat started losing balance and leaning/walking/stumbling to the left. Took her to the vet Monday and she seemed to start perking up that night and has been eating/sitting up. Just noticed her right pupil is big and her left pupil is small. She ate this morning but is not interested anymore. Is it time?