Ann Dion, DVM

Biography

My name is Dr. Ann Dion and I am a veterinarian. I have a Bachelor of Science degree in biochemistry and received my Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from the Ontario Veterinary College in Canada. I began my career as a veterinarian working in general practice but quickly moved into emergency medicine, working at several emergency hospitals and referral centres at the same time! Life has recently brought me to Australia where I have learned a lot about a whole new range of venoms and toxins. I work with small domestic animals as well as some pocket pets and wild-life, and I particularly enjoy complex internal medicine cases. I love learning new things, so when I am not enjoying the Australian country-side and beaches, I am studying for memberships in emergency and critical care. I look forward to being able to help you with your little critters!

Questions Answered by Ann Dion, DVM

Hello I just saw these hard things at the both side of the dog as shown in the attach photo Kindly tell me is this normal bones or its kindey problem or some other fatal life threatening disease? Rest dog is active and eating and playing well I am getting worried alot now These hard hard thing on both side

Hello and welcome to PetCoach. Those are most likely the ends of his rib-cage. They would NOT be his kidneys. A physical exam with a vet could tell you for sure, as by the images it can be difficult. Best of luck with Danny!

Kitty is sleeping a lot since 2 days and not so active even when she is awake

Hello and welcome to PetCoach. Sleeping and decreased energy can be signs of a cat feeling unwell. This can be caused by weakness, fever, kidney disease, and other causes. It is a very vague sign that could be many many things. I recommend that you have Kitty seen by your vet, and they might want to do some bloodwork. Thank you and I hope Kitty feels better soon!

Hi! My two month old puppy has a loose poop. She had a solid poop once in a while but most of the time loose,soft and colored yellow. She drinks a lot, eats and act normal. I just dewormed her last week and vaccinated yesterday.

Hello and welcome to PetCoach. Loose stools can be a sign of various different conditions. These include parasites/worms, other infectious agents (coccidia, giardia) poor food quality, viruses, bacteria from eating garbage or raw meat, food intolerance/allergy (less likely in such a young puppy), or underlying organ diseases such as liver disease, etc. Since Europe is happy, healthy and eating, the most likely cause is either that you are feeding raw meat, or even more likely, a worm that wasn't covered by your dewormer. I recommend you have a fecal sample taken to your vet to check it for eggs and other things like coccidia and giardia. Treatments for these are different so getting an answer is important. Best of luck with Europe!

My Cat has been infected with botulism , signs started showing 3days ago . He started losing ability to raise his head and within 24 hours he’s no longer able to walk or stand properly and then breathing became difficult and dehydrated so we had to apply serum intake .. even with the antibiotics, he didn’t seem to do better , not even close .. now he lost ability to all his functions and started vomiting.. this morning his temperature dropped to 32 degrees and then with the lamp it got back to 3

Hello and welcome to PetCoach. I am very sorry this has happened to Gargour! With what you are describing I am very worried that he is in shock, and may have an infection on top of the botulism, or may not be able to breathe well. He could require help breathing as the muscles of the chest wall fail. It can take a very long time for the botulism to be out of the system, and there are many complicating factors with the disease as well. Unfortunately it sounds like Gargour might be suffering at this point, so I recommend you take him back to the vet for further treatment. I hope he feels better soon!

My cat is acting kinda slow for a day now. Eating, drinking normal. Urine normal pale yellow. Third eyelid NOT raised. Walks with tail up. No sneezing or watery eyes. Pressed him everywhere no pain. Plays a little. Left him and 9 siblings in enclosed patio for a day and overnight with food and water while I cleaned my house. Acting slow after that. Siblings all normal though. Kinda sits and stares for a few seconds at stuff. He's usually kinda hyper, running and jumping which is why I'm worried

Hello and welcome to PetCoach. Acting slow or 'off' is a sign of an animal not feeling well in general. This can happen due to many different causes including fevers, pain, stress, dehydration, and many other causes. If he is just a little bit off and still eating, you can try waiting a day or two, because if this is just a small virus it will pass. If he stops eating, is vomiting, seems sore, or isn't improving, or becoming more dull, then I would get him to a vet right away. Also, if there is ANY possibility he got into any rat-bait I would get him seen immediately. Best of luck with Half And Half, I hope he feels better soon!