Liz DeWandeler, DVM

Biography

Dr. DeWandeler has been in the field of veterinary medicine for almost 20 years - first as a veterinary technician, then as a veterinarian. She has practiced emergency and critical care, small animal preventive care, and now owns a Fear-Free house call practice specializing in providing low stress veterinary care for dogs and cats. She is passionate about the human- animal bond and providing a positive veterinary experience for all her clients and patients. In her free time, Dr. D loves hiking, geocaching with her 4 year old son, reading, and sipping microbrews on the deck with her husband. She adores her rescued Golden Retriever named Brody and two shelter cats named Goose and Jack.

Questions Answered by Liz DeWandeler, DVM

10y/o white red nosed pitbull rare breed from Ireland. Only had her for 3 months. Her hair is falling out, she has a bad smell to her even after bath. She never barks, very well mannered. She is now drinking alot, not eating much, not active, and just noticed a brown fluid dripping from her vagina. Don't know her history. Life expectancy is 10-12yrs. Is my dog getting ready to die? The smell is affecting me. I can taste it and smell it in my skin. Can you help me save my dog. She is Precious.

Poor Precious! It sounds like there may be a couple possible problems happening at the same time. Smelly skin and hair loss can be caused by skin infections with yeast or bacteria, allergies, or parasites like fleas. The brown discharge from her vulva could be related to having a heat (if she is not spayed), a vaginal infection, or even a more serious infection of the uterus. Since she is also not eating and is lethargic, I highly recommend that you have Precious examined by your veterinarian to have these issues addressed. They will examine her, and may perform some tests like blood work and skin tests to see what is going on and to be able to provide an appropriate treatment. Hope this helps.

My dog is in a lot of pain she either broke or dislocated her hip or butt bone she won't put any pressure on it at all and won't hardly move or eat or drink I need to help her what should I do

Poor Bella! This is a situation where you should absolutely have your pet seen by a veterinarian. They can do a physical exam to determine where and why she is painful, also blood work and x-rays could also be done. At the very least, it sounds like she needs a pain medication, which your vet can provide. Hope this helps, and best wishes.

Hi both mia and stella havent been eating i switched over to grain free cause stella was deathly ill. But they aren't eating it. Yes ok.. i gave in like a bad pawrent and fed them some table food.. ugh i havent done it lately cause that makes it worse . Stella (cat) 10 mon old stands by her bowl and does the movement as if she were using litter box and walks away. I am like r u telling me ur food tastes/smells like shit? Hahaha

I am sorry to hear that Stella was so sick! The posture you are describing (squatting outside the litter box) could indicate that Stella is having an issue with either peeing or pooping, or there could be a behavioral issue. As far as not eating the food goes, sometimes cats will act picky when they know that they will get something special if they hold out for a while. If they are otherwise acting fine (drinking, not vomiting or lethargic), try putting the food down for meal times, then picking up whatever is left after 15 minutes. You can also talk with your vet about the strange behavior and get their advice. Best wishes!

Hi my daughters grandparents have a chubby lil dog we went over and missy leans her head to her right side, looks dazed and confused her eyes look glossy i think she had a stroke. I told my daughter to stay away from her cause if she gets too overwhelmed she may snap at her. Idk if that could happen or not shes a 8yr old dog im concerned. What do u think could of happened and could she be saved or should we talk to them about other options. They dont properly care for her. idkwhat2do

Poor Missy! A head tilt can mean a few things - serious ear infection, vestibular disease (this affects balance and coordination), or brain/nerve problems. It would be best for Missy to be seen by a veterinarian to determine what is going on and if there is treatment available. It is a good idea to have young children leave Missy alone while she isn't feeling well, since dogs that don't feel well may be more likely to bite.

chico has a tiny white dot on his nose at first it looked and felt like it was like a tiny bump but now the bump is gone and its just a white dot its been there for a couple of weeks any idea's on what it could be? Or is it nothing to worry about.

Hmmm... hard to tell from this picture, but it could be scar tissue from the previous bump resolving. I would keep an eye on it. If it grows into another bump, becomes itchy, irritated or like a sore, then have your vet check it out.