My 4-year-old terrier, Holly, suddenly lost the use of her hind legs. She initially took small steps and by evening was faltering but could still walk. The vet diagnosed a dislocated hip but an X-ray the next day showed no dislocation, prolapsed disc, swelling on her spine, or infection. We live in rural Ireland and have no access to MRI for animals. The vet administered steroids and advised waiting. Holly has had diarrhea from the steroids and has a small appetite but is eager to move and eat from our hands. She has small flexing in her toes and tail but no weight can be applied. What could be causing this and what further steps can be taken?

February 11th, 2023

My 11-year-old dog had a splenectomy due to a tumor and now has inoperable tumors in his stomach and fluid in his lungs. He was vomiting and not eating, so the vet put him on prednisone, which stopped the vomiting and got him eating again, but now he has watery diarrhea and is weak. How long can he live like this, and how do I know when it's time to say goodbye?

April 26th, 2024

My son's dog, Melo, a 5-year-old Australian Shepherd weighing 32 pounds, suddenly doesn't want to stand or walk this morning. He was fine yesterday and acted normal. My son heard Melo moan twice during the night. There is no apparent wound. What could be wrong with Melo, and what should we do?

February 1st, 2024

My dog had intestinal surgery after eating a garden hose. He started eating again, but his protein levels are very low, and the vet wants to do a transfusion. What is the outcome of this, and what should I do to help him recover?

July 21st, 2023

I fed my dog, Gracey, two of the new chicken select strips from McDonald's, which contain onion powder and garlic powder in the breading. She vomited after eating them but then ate the vomit. What should I do?

April 12th, 2024