Levi Gordon, DVM

Biography

I received my Animal Science degree from the University of Vermont, where I also participated in research on Chagas disease. I then pursued my DVM degree at Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine. I was selected to attend Cornell University for my clinical training. I then worked at a Banfield hospital in addition to a primary care facility as a veterinary extern. I have a true passion for sharing veterinary knowledge as well as a strong interest in business management. I am also the proud owner of a handsome dachshund named Cody.

Questions Answered by Levi Gordon, DVM

Pit i just adopted is missing right leg. Is 11. How can i ensure my new furbaby isn't in pain and what can i give him?

If the leg has been amputated in the past and is well healed, there should be no need for concern. Dogs adjust quickly and after the operation has healed there should be no pain or need for concern. Making sure he has level ground and good grips on the floor is important but hopefully he adjusts well and you enjoy your new adopted Dog!

How do you know if your cat wants you to shut up?

This is a great question with no great answer. Perhaps if they move away and escape noise that is an indicator. There are some anti anxiety medications you can ask for from your local veterinarian if you think this could help.

My Maltese shih-tzu is experiencing some irritation around the anal area. She's been scooting a little and doing some licking but nothing excessive. However, there are some small scabs where it looks like she's rubbed it raw. She recently had a change in diet, but she doesn't seem very uncomfortable or distressed whenever she has a bowel movement. She's never had any gland problems before but I'm thinking that's the culprit. Any advice? I recently moved to a new state and vet funds are scarce.

Cleaning the area thoroughly to prevent infection is vital. Also, if you don't have a lot of veterinary funds you can either ask if a hospital will do just an anal gland expression without a visitation fee. Or you could go to a grooming salon and ask them if that is cheaper. Most likely these signs are due to full anal glands.

Removed at tic but now my pug has a bump about the size of a pea!! Should I be concerned

After removing ticks there will usually be a scab and some inflammation/redness at the site. I would not be concerned and should go away within a few days to a week or so. You can apply some triple antibiotic ointment to ensure it doesn't get infected. Hope Diesel does well !

can i take my 2 month old pit puppy to the park ?

Hi, I would recommend keeping Wolverine confined to just your house and yard for now. Until all the vaccinations are complete, there is a risk he could either get sick or infected since his immune system is weaker compared to adults. I would recommend rabies, Lyme, Lepto, and bordetella vaccines. Bordetella is important if he will be around many other dogs such as boarding or the dog park.