Silvia De Cecco, DVM, MRCVS

Biography

After graduation from Padova University in Italy, I moved to the UK to further my training in small animal veterinary medicine. I worked in a private referral practice as an intern and I completed a Junior Clinical Training Scholarship in small animal studies at the University of Cambridge. My passion for diagnostic imaging and internal medicine began there, consulting alongside many specialists within the University hospital. I am currently studying towards a Certificate in Diagnostic Imaging and I am working in several first opinion practices around Cambridge area. Being part of the PetCoach team is a great opportunity to share my knowledge and help pet owners anytime, anywhere!!

Questions Answered by Silvia De Cecco, DVM, MRCVS

My french bulldog has a rash on he's balls

This is very likely to be a scrotal dermatitis. It could be cause by a contact allergy or irritation or by a infective agent (bacteria, fungal). I strongly recommend to avoid any licking, chewing or scratching of the area (Gizmo would probably need a buster collar) otherwise the inflammation wan't disappear. You could bath the area with some diluted hibiscrub once a day for 3 days but if the problem persist a check up with the vet and prescription meds might be needed. Please post again on the forum if you would like to discuss it further. I hope my answer was helpful.

My German Shepard’s right side of his face keeps randomly swelling up usually once a month for the last 4 months. We have taken him in several times and all they do is give him antibiotics and steroid shots and it goes away for a couple weeks then usually comes back.

Poor Mattis. If it responds to antibiotics and steroids could be a large variety of disease. There might be an ongoing infection, an abscess or might be an allergic reaction. I suggest to proceed with further test to reach a final diagnosis (fine needle aspirate of the swelling, blood test, X-ray of the affected area). I would also thoroughly check his teeth (rood abscess can cause facial swelling). Please post again on the forum if you would like to discuss it further. I hope my answer was helpful.

My cat had white eye discharge. I wiped it away. Later on, my cat's eye lining was red and he was squinting. I left it overnight. Now, it is still red and squinting, but he has got yellow eye discharge.

Poor Henry. He might have developed a bacterial conjunctivitis but at this stage I cannot rule out a corneal ulceration/trauma and a third eyelid foreign body. I strongly suggest to Have Henry checked by your local veterinarian ASAP. The vet will check his eye and prescribe the correct treatment (most of the time some eyedrops are enough to clear problem). Please post again on the forum if you would like to discuss it further. I hope my answer was helpful.

My two month old puppy started making short snort noises two days ago. It happens especially when she is tired, and it stopps when she is fully up and playing. She also started snoring while sleeping. She is energetic, eats and drinks fine. She shows no signs of difficulty breathing. Should I take her to the vet immediately? She is scheduled to go in in a week anyway, but is it okay to wait?

If the problem gets worse or she starts having trouble breathing, I recommend to seek immediate vet attention. If Pudding seems fine, not having trouble breathing, eating drinking fine, playing as usual, active you could strictly monitor her and wait for the vet appointment next week. Please post again on the forum if you would like to discuss it further. I hope my answer was helpful.

I Love in Greenville SC and was wondering how much it cost to have my dog euthanized. I have had him 12 years. He won’t drink water or eat any food for 3 days. He just lyes on his bed and refuses to move. He is breathing very fast and I don’t want him to suffer and it is now the weekend. I don’t have much money for this service. Any suggestions would be extremely helpful.

I am very sorry to hear this about Cody. Prices can vary between states and I might give you the wrong quote. I recommend to directly contact your local vet clinic and ask for a quote. Cost may vary depending on the type of cremation you chose and where you would like to have Cody put to sleep (at home or at the practice). I hope my answer was helpful.