Ask Dr. Dobson: Yorkie/Chihuahua Mix w/ Swollen Eye, Diarrhea

My 1 yr. old yorkie/chihuahua mix woke up with a swollen eye and has thrown up some yellow bile this morning.  She seems very down and we are concerned. She had a small amount of diarrhea.

Hello

It is our recommendation, to you, that your pet be examined by a licensed veterinarian, especially if the problems persist.  Her symptoms can indicate different illnesses, or can all be related to the same cause, similar to an allergic reaction.

Please call us as soon as possible to schedule an appointment.

Thank you
RiverWoods Pet Hospital
801.224.2233

Ask Dr. Dobson: Cat Vaccinations

Hello!

I was just wondering what your prices are for cat vaccinations, we just got a kitten and are wanting to keep her healthy, but we are college students without much money.  Please let me know!

Thank you.

Hello

Congratulations on your new kitten!! New pets are new expenses and we are here to help.  An exam will be required for your kitten and depending on how old your kitten is, will depend on what vaccines need to be given.  The initial exam is $40.00.  Vaccines are priced as follows, scheduled accordingly.

6-8 weeks  FVRCP   $22.00

9-12 weeks FVRCP  $22.00
FELV     $22.00

12-15 weeks FVRCP $22.00
FELV:  $22.00
Rabies:  $16.50

To try to keep costs down for pet owners, we offer vaccine clinics on Wed. and Sat. that you can come to for booster vaccines after the first exam.  Please let us know if we can help you with any other information.

Thank you, and hope to see you soon at Riverwoods Pet Hospital.

Ask Dr. Dobson: Chinese Water Dragon w/ Broken Leg

I have a Chinese Water Dragon and I’m pretty sure he broke his left front leg.  It looks like he has two elbows or something.  What can I do to help him?

Hello

If you feel like your pets leg is broken, it needs to be seen by a licensed veterinarian.  At the time of the physical exam, we can give you an estimate for tests that need to be done to determine what is wrong.

Please call for an appointment as soon as possible.

Thank you
RiverWoods Pet Hospital Staff

Ask Dr. Dobson: Cat Euthanasia

I have a seven year old cat who keeps getting anal gland infections, I have been unemployed since January and I can’t afford the cost of surgery, or to get his glands expected and given antibiotic every couple of months.  I don’t think I can deal with the cat anymore and I am considering putting him to sleep.  I wanted to know how much you change for euthanasia and disposal.  Or if you know of anyone who could place a cat with a health problem.

Thanks.

Hello

It is recommend you bring your cat in for an exam.  At that time, our doctor will be able to determine if this is something he/she feels if euthanasia is the best option for your pet.   If we have not seen your pet, a physical exam must be performed before euthanasia is considered.  An exam is $40.00 and the cost of the disposal fee will vary.  We understand that cost is an issue for most families, however, we feel this is something you should discuss in person with our veterinarian.

Also, you may consider checking Best Friends Animal Shelter located in Kanab, Utah.  They are a no kill animal shelter and do their best to provide a safe comfortable environment until it is placed in a loving home where they will receive the best care possible.

Thank you
RiverWoods Pet Hospital

Ask Dr. Dobson: Bearded Dragons

We just got a second bearded dragon and I’m just kinda concerned about our first beardie… She or he didn’t eat a lot and now her poo is kinda runny. I’m just worried if this could be because we just brought home another beardie or if it could be something else…

Hello

Our recommendation to you is to bring both of your bearded dragons in for a wellness exam. At this time, our doctor can determine if they have shared something or it is coincidental to you bringing your other lizard home. Please call to schedule an appointment at your convenience.

Thank you

RiverWoods Pet Hospital
801-224-2233

Ask Dr. Dobson: Tri-Heart Plus Perscription

Hello, I brought my two puppies in on January 8th 2011 (Ruger and Trio) for their shots and we also purchased Tri-Heart Medium 6 month prescription.  We were hoping to refill this online since it is more cost effective but it says that a prescription is required.  If we enter in your contact information do you have a perspiration from our visit in January on file that you could fax to VetRXDirect?

Thanks for your help,

Helyn

Hello Helyn

Yes, we do have that on file. A prescription is required for this medication.  You will request the refill and they will fax us the request for authorization.  At that time, our doctor will authorize the prescription, or decline as she sees necessary.  Our fax number is 801.802.0306

Thank you
RiverWoods Pet Hospital.

Ask Dr. Dobson: Snake Mites

Will you guys help me treat my snake to get rid of mites I got some stuff that is suppose to help from the pet store but it isn’t helping.  She still has them and more keeps showing up.

Hello

We are familiar with snakes and treatment of mites. We do require an exam before dispensing medications.  At the time of the examination, our doctor will discuss treatment options and husbandry.

If left untreated,  your snake can become very sick.Please call to schedule an appointment as soon as possible at (801)224-2233.

RiverWoods Pet Hospital.

Ask Dr. Dobson: Rat Mammary Tumor

Hello,

I came here from a link on the Rat Fan Club page because my 2 year old female rat has a mammary tumor, and I was wondering if you removed them, and how much that may cost. I realize a visit and exam would be necessary for you to determine the final cost, but I just took her in today to the Wasatch Exotic Pet Care today, and they quoted $300 dollars for removal of the tumor, which is way outside of my budget. I was also wondering: if removal isn’t an option, because of cost, are there drugs or hormones that could stop the growth of the tumor or shrink it? As it is, it isn’t affecting her mobility, but she’s starting to get a little thin, which worries me about how much longer I can let her go without surgery.

Thank you,
-Danica

Hello Danica,

Thank you for your inquiry. Yes, this is a procedure our doctor performs on a regular basis. An exam would be necessary for us to determine the cost of the tumor removal.  $250-$300 is about average for this type of surgery, but depending upon the location and size of the tumor cost will vary.

There are oral medications that can be given to help with the inflammation and help your pet be more comfortable.  Again, in order for us to prescribe these medications, your rat will need to be seen by our veterinarian.

The weight loss of your rat is concerning. It is our recommendations that you bring her in for an exam.  At the time of the exam, our doctor can better recommend treatment options.

Please call to make an appointment at your convenience at 801-224-2233.

Thank you

RiverWoods Pet Hospital Staff

 

Ask Dr. Dobson: Sun Conure Toenails

Hello Dr. Dobson,

I’ve been noticing lately that my Sun Conure has one toenail on each foot that is curling under at an abnormal angle, even though they have been recently trimmed.  It doesn’t seem to be an issue for her now, but I’m concerned that as they grow longer it will affect her perching and walking. Is there a way to fix this before it gets worse? Please let me know soon!

Thank you!

Hello

As nails become over grown, it is recommended regular nail trims are done to prevent any complications for your bird. On average, nail trims are recommended every three to four months.

If you are concerned about the abnormal angle, we would recommended bringing in your bird so that can better understand your concern. Without seeing the nails, its difficult to tell you if it is normal or abnormal nail growth.

Please keep a close watch and call to schedule an appointment at your convenience.

Thank you

RiverWoods Pet Hospital Staff

Ask Dr. Dobson: Dandruff in a Black Cat

I have a very healthy indoor black cat that has had dandruff all his life since we adopted him 2 years ago. He does not itch or scratch, grooms himself normally but it is getting embarrassing when guests ask what his problem is!

Hello

That is a great question! Things to be considered are the age of your cat, environment (indoor/outdoor), the diet being offered, and how often he is being brushed in assistance to his self-grooming.  Other things to question are the condition of his teeth and body weight, does he seem to have a hard time grooming himself?

There are several things that can cause a poor coat quality in your pet. We would recommend you schedule your cat in for an exam with our doctor because of the extended amount of time your cat has had dandruff.  There can be underlying disease processes in your cat that you may not be aware of without discussing this with a veterinarian.

Please call to schedule your appointment at (801)224-2233 at your convenience.

Thank you

RiverWoods Pet Hospital Staff

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