Most bleach contains 6% sodium hypochlorite. This chemical can cause burns to the oral cavity, esophagus, and stomach. The damage to the esophagus can cause an esophageal stricture--this can be very serious. If the bleach proceeded into the lungs than aspiration pneumonia will likely occur. Treatment is aimed at supportive care and gastrointestinal protectants. Seek … Read more

A constipated dog and a dog suffering from diarrhea often exhibit similar symptoms. Owners often get these two conditions confused. With constipation the stool becomes dry, firm, and larger than normal. This makes it difficult or impossible for the dog to pass the stool normally. Your dog may strain to defecate while producing nothing, vocalize … Read more

There are many diseases that can affect very young dogs. This could be an infectious disease like parvo virus, intestinal parasites, traumatic injury, or be a congenital problem. Puppies of this age do not have a fully developed immune system and are very fragile. This dog needs to be examined by a veterinarian as soon … Read more

This cat needs to be examined by a veterinarian. When blood flow is compromised tissue starts dying due to lack of oxygen--it will turn purple then black signally tissue death. Your cat will not be using the foot if this is the cause of the color change. Bruising can turn the skin darker colors as … Read more

Feline distemper is caused by a parvovirus and causes a disease called panleukopenia.  This causes a severe decrease in all the white blood cell lines.  It is contagious between cats but is not zoonotic (transmissible between animals and people).  This is a preventable disease so cats should be vaccinated.  Here is a link to more information regarding this disease: … Read more

It is unlikely glue will remove the cactus thorn. Try to use tweezers if you can see or feel the edge of the cactus needle. It often helps soaking the foot in warm water or Epsom Salt. Seek veterinary medical attention if you are unable to remove the cactus needle on your own. If it … Read more

Yes you can give guinea pigs the occasional apple. This should not comprise a large amount of the diet as they are hind gut fermentors---their gastrointestinal tract is not structured to digest the sugars found in fruits. The diet should mainly consist of timothy hay and a pelleted guinea pig diet. Supplement with fresh green … Read more

It is always a difficult decision to euthanize a pet. The decision should be based on the dog's quality of life. Think of 5 things your dog enjoys doing--when she can no longer do these things it is time to euthanize. This may include going upstairs etc. Fecal incontinence and trauma secondary to the weak … Read more

Allergies and anxiety related behavior issues are the two most common reasons why dogs chew on their feet. Allergies need to be ruled out before behavior therapy is initiated. Allergy treatment is about control not cure. Treatment may involve frequent bathing, allergy diet, anti-histamines, omega-3 fatty acids, treating secondary infections, allergy injections, steroids, and immune … Read more

All male guinea pigs have nipples. They are located along the abdomen in two lines equally spaced from midline or the center of the body. They should not be on the skin covering the thigh muscles. A pair will be located fairly far back along the abdomen. Seek veterinary medical attention if you are concerned … Read more

Clear urine is usually indicative of a very dilute urine. Several disease can produce a very dilute urine--common problems are kidney disease, diabetes, hyperthyroidism. Pus secondary to infection can also change the color of the urine but his usually makes the urine wheat or straw colored. This cat needs to be examined by a veterinarian … Read more

Hypersalivation can be due to nausea, trauma to the oral cavity, taste reaction, toxicity, and heat dissipation. Seek veterinary medical attention if further signs develop or the excessive drooling lasts longer than several hours.

Rabbits are very active animals. If your rabbit is unable to move I would be very concerned about traumatic injury, severe weakness, severe hypoglycemia, or severe pain likely arising from the gastrointestinal tract. Seek veterinary medical attention as soon as possible. Why won't my rabbit move?

• There could literally be hundreds of reasons why your … Read more

It is possible your cat is pregnant if she was in heat around 60 days ago. Gestation (pregnancy) lasts 59-70 days. Mammary development does occur in the time before birth. Nipples can become swollen during heat--this is likely if your cat is experiencing other signs of heat.

Anorexia is a common, vague sign seen with many different illnesses. The problem could be related primarily to the gastrointestinal tract and the resulting nausea is causing your dog not to eat. It is possible the nausea/anorexia are related to disease elsewhere. Common problems are dietary indiscretion, infectious diseases, toxicity, metabolic diseases--pancreatitis, kidney problems, liver … Read more

The mainstay of a guinea pig's diet should be timothy hay and a high quality pelleted diet. Fruits should ideally not be fed to a guinea pig--they are high in sugar and do not promote healthy intestinal bacterial flora. Good vegetables to feed are bell peppers, collard greens, mustard greens, parsley, kale, and broccoli leaves. … Read more

Yes, Benadryl is used in guinea pigs to help with itching. The dose is based on weight--consult with your veterinarian to determine an appropriate dose. Guinea pigs should be weight on a gram scale. Benadryl does not treat the underlying cause of the itching so it will likely return until the reason for the itching … Read more

A kitten should receive its mother's milk or be fed kitten milk replacer until 6-8 weeks of age. Kittens should be weaned at 6-8 weeks of age but can be weaned as early as 4 weeks of age. Cats older than 8 weeks should not be fed milk as this often leads to gastrointestinal upset. … Read more

Hamsters are weaned fairly early at 19-21 days of age. At this point they are able to survive with no care from their mother. Before this point they derive nutrients and hydration from the mother. The hamster will not survive beyond 1-2 days without food and water. You will need to step in if the … Read more

Yes, all guinea pigs--both male and female--have nipples. To determine the sex of a guinea pig you will have to examine the uro-genital area. The testicles are relatively large compared to body size. If you continue to have problems ask your veterinarian to determine the sex of your guinea pig.