Lakeland Medical Concerns & Advice

If your pet is having any of the following, an exam is needed imminently! DO not wait, call for an exam!

• Lethargy
• Lack of appetite
• Weakness
• Collapse
• Blood (vomit or diarrhea)

If the vomiting/diarrhea is mild and your pet is still alert and active, you can try the following until medical attention can be sought.  At any point, the above criteria apply, seek medical care immediately.

1. Withhold all food for 24 hours.
2. When vomiting has stopped for 8 hours, give small portions of water at frequent intervals. Start by giving ice chips or very small amounts of water, offered every 2 hours. You may gradually increase the amount you give, as long as there is no vomiting.
3. When no vomiting has occurred for 24 hours, begin to offer small frequent (4 to 6 times daily) portions of a bland diet, such as Prescription i/d or cooked hamburger and rice (see recipe). Be cautious, it is better to underfeed than overfeed.
4. If vomiting remains under control for two days on this diet, then begin adding your pet's normal food over the next two to three days.

1. No food should be given for 24 to 48 hours. Do not restrict water unless vomiting is present.
2. After the withholding period, feed only Prescription i/d or hamburger and rice (see recipe) 4 to 6 times daily. Begin with 1/3 the amount you would normally feed your pet each day.
3. Over the next several days, gradually increase the amount of food to normal levels.
4. Do not return to your pet's normal diet until the stool is formed for 2 days.

CARBOHYDRATE (COOKED)/PROTEIN RATIO: 3 parts/1 part

CARBOHYDRATE: Cooked white rice or boiled potatoes

PROTEIN: Low fat cottage cheese, boiled skinned chicken or boiled hamburger (pour off fat)

AMOUNT: Feed approximately 1/2 cup of this mixture per 10 lbs. of body weight per day. Divide this amount into small, frequent feedings. This would be the maximum amount to feed for the first day. Gradually increase to 1 cup per 10 lbs. over the next 2 to 3 days.

If your pet is straining to urinate, unable to pass urine, or urinating blood, a medical exam is needed ASAP.

If your pet is having frequent urination or urinary accidents but is otherwise feeling ok, contact your vet for an appointment. Make sure plenty of fresh water is available and monitor that your pet is able to pass urine. Call for an appointment as soon as possible.

Keep the wounds clean and free of debris. Keep your pet out of hot and humid conditions and avoid swimming. Do not cover the wounds as this will keep the wounds wet and promote further infection. Call for an appointment as soon as possible.

If your pet is lethargic or crying in severe pain, seek medical attention immediately. If your pet is limping and seeking an examination is not an option, cage rest is the best treatment available. Confine your pet to a kennel or small room. Walk on a leash for bathroom breaks only. Avoid stairs. No running, jumping, or off leash activity should be allowed. DO NOT give any over the counter medications (Aspirin, Tylenol, etc) that was not specifically prescribed by a veterinarian for your pet. Schedule and examination as soon as possible.

An exam is needed. If dirty, clean the wound with mild soap and water. You can apply a topical antibiotic ointment. Lightly wrap the wound with clean or sterile gauze and tape. DO NOT pull the wrap tight as this can compromise circulation. Seek medical care ASAP.

An exam is needed. Clean the wounds and leave open to drain unless actively bleeding (see above). Apply a topical antibiotic ointment and call for an exam ASAP.

DO NOT cut off the quills. They are not filled with air and it will only make removal harder. If you cannot remove the quills by applying gentle pressure against the skin and pulling straight out the same direction the quills are facing (use a needle nose pliers or similar), then an examination and sedation by a veterinarian is needed.

Call Animal Poison Control for instructions on the best course of treatment. If directed by Poison Control, contact your veterinarian for an exam and treatment. Please have all of the information available including your pet’s approximate weight and all information about the drug/toxin that was ingested

• ASPCA Animal Poison Control - 888-426-4435
• Pet Poison Helpline - 855-764-7661

A single, isolated, short-lived seizure may not be an immediate emergency. However, an examination should be scheduled as soon as feasible. If seizures or protracted, severe or cluster together (multiples in a day), then an examination is needed ASAP.

If your pet collapses or is struggling to breathe - seek medical care immediately! For facial swelling and hives, and examination is recommended as you veterinarian can provide medications for quicker relief. If your pet seems stable and immediate care is not an option, monitor and prevent self-trauma from itching/rubbing at the face. Call for an examination ASAP if your pet collapses, seems lethargic, has trouble breathing, or swelling and hives do not subside within a few hours.