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RicardoFernandez, DVM

Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

Biography

Dr. Ricardo Fernandez developed his love for animals at an early age. He graduated from Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine in 2013. Following graduation, he completed a small animal medicine and surgery internship at VCA Veterinary Care and Referral Center in Albuquerque, NM, obtaining a broad knowledge base in all veterinary fields including surgery, internal medicine, emergency and critical care. Dr. Fernandez’s passion for oncology was awakened and his journey to become a veterinary medical oncologist began. He completed an oncology internship at the Veterinary Specialty Hospital in San Diego. To further his skills as a clinician scientist, he accepted a position to run the oncology clinical trials at the University of Wisconsin Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital. He was fortunate to be offered the opportunity to stay there to complete his residency training to fulfill his dream of becoming a veterinary medical oncologist. His interests include medical oncology, radiation oncology, internal medicine, critical care and pain management. He strives to offer his patients compassionate care employing the most advanced medical knowledge.

Questions Answered by Ricardo Fernandez, DVM
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I’ve noticed that one of my cats dew claws is much thicker than his other claws. It is also yellow in color. He walks just fine without any pain. We also regularly trim our cats nails since they are indoors. About every other week. I’ve read online that thicker claws can be common for older cats, but he is only three. Should I be worried about this?

Thanks for using PetCoach! It is difficult to know what to do without being able to evaluate him more closely. However, this is not likely a concern of any kind unless you notice any smell or discharge associated with it as in that case it may be an infection. Have a good day!

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My 12 (aprox) yr. old cat, Pheonix, just had a fairly bad seizure. He fell down and his paws were locked up and He urinated. Lasted about 45 seconds. He went to the Vet 08-14. Leukemia, rabies, distemper shots. He seems fine now but my question is how will this affect his future. Oh, he is an out side cat. Thanx for your time! Curtis

Thanks for using PetCoach! Seizures can occur due to many reasons that go from a toxicity, metabolic diseases, inflammatory diseases and even tumors. I highly recommend that you have him evaluated by a veterinarian as soon as possible for further assessment and treatment. Diagnostics that will be recommended will include bloodwork and advanced imaging such as an MRI. They would also be able to start him on anti-seizure medications to try to avoid the onset of more seizures. Good luck and have a good day! Hoping for a speedy recovery!

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Our puppy(20weeks, male, maltipoo) will bark at whatever on the TV. We tried to mute the TV, but he was still barking. He even sometimes barks at the black TV when it is turned off. What can we do to improve his behavior? It is frustrating that we can not use TV normally as before. Thanks!

Thanks for using PetCoach! This will likely go away on its own. However, you can improve this quicker by discouraging this behavior as much as possible and staying consistent. When he lets you watch tv ok, praise him and give him treats so he understands that this is the desired behavior. He will learn with time. Have a good day!

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I was wondering if it's okay to let my new potbellied pig around my pet rabbits. I'm trying to get them used to each other (my rabbits are a bonded pair) and Panini wants to play with them but rabbits don't play like pigs and I don't want her to accidentally hurt them. And can she get them sick? Like can she give them any parasites or illnesses because she used their liter box today and I cleaned it out right after.

Thanks for using PetCoach! It would be unlikely that she can get them sick though it is always possible. I think it is fine especially if they are all doing well and have been dewormed and everything. I bet they are all adorable! Have a good day!

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Hello, My 5month old female Frug has had redness on her face since I adopted her 4 months ago. I thought that if I gave her a bath every other day than the redness would go away. Unfortunately, her redness has turned into edema and and is starting to spread to other body parts.Her name is Moana and she acts like a normal healthy puppy, but she has this skin condition that I just can’t seem to help her with. What should I do ? What meds will help her? What shampoo should I be using? Thank you!

Thanks for using PetCoach! This is possibly due to allergies. It really comes down to figuring out what is causing her allergies so that they can be treated or the specific allergen avoided. A secondary infection is likely and also needs to be addressed. There are many things that can cause allergies though in most cases they can be broken down into 3 big categories: flea, food and environmental allergies. Allergies are usually worked up in a stepwise fashion starting with flea allergies as this is the easiest and cheapest to take care of. If not on a flea preventative, then it would be a good idea to get started on one. If already on one then it would be a good idea to change to something else (there are many new products out in the market). If not improved in 1-3 months then it is time to move on and check for food allergies by switching to a novel diet (new protein and new carbohydrate). If that does not seem to be the issue then you are left out having to check for environmental allergies which require blood and/or skin tests. Allergies can be very frustrating to deal with at first but so rewarding at the end when we are able to treat them effectively!

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