Question by Katie Kei: Dog w/swollen eyes and loss of appetite?
I have a 9 yr old black lab/husky mix. She does have arthritis, but today her eyes (just under her eyes) are swollen and red and she’s not eating anything, not even pieces of hot dog. She is drinking some water, but she’s moving slower than normal and kind of looking around like she might be lost. Any ideas of what might be wrong?

Best answer:

Answer by sarah
At the very least, it sounds like an allergic reaction. I would call your vet before you see worse symptoms.
With your vet’s approval, you can try Benadryl 1 mg/ lb. Benadryl is pretty safe as far as drugs go, but no one but your vet upon seeing your dog can tell you if you’ve got more serious problems on your hands.
Carnassial Tooth absesses may also cause swelling under the eyes and/or chin, as well as loss of appitite. It is basically, a puss pocket between the tooth and the gum (below the gumline) of the carnassial tooth – the largest tooth in your dog’s mouth. An infection like this could also cause a fever, which could be some of the signs your seeing behaviourally. She would need antibiotics, a dental and some extractions. Again, these are all “coulds” and “mights”.

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Question by Tealeavesremix: Will hearing return if older dog experiences hearing loss with mometamax?
Hi everyone,

I have a 12-13 year old miniature schnauzer named Max with an ear infection. The vet prescribed Mometamax to try for 7 days however today on the 5th day we’ve realized Max can’t hear us! I tried snapping near his ears, clapping, and yelling but I received no response. We’re devastated and we can tell Max himself is troubled by the change. I researched online and many people said there is a warning for the medication that it can cause deafness in geriatric dogs but my vet did not tell us that! If I had known I wouldn’t have chanced it. So I’m discontinuing the use of this drug early and plan to call the vet tomorrow. I researched around about other owners with older dogs and found cases of prolonged use lead to permanent hearing. Other people said their dogs hearing returned between a few weeks to 3 months. There was one article from AllExperts.com where the online vet said:

“Fortunately, with the withdrawl of the antibiotic, the situation can reverse. Stop the medication and ask your vet to give a shot of dexamethasone, a very potent steroid that will reduce inflammation in the cochlea. In most cases, the hearing will return in 2 weeks.”

I’m just trying to get more information from other people who have used Mometamax on their pets and if the hearing returned or if it’s possible Max has become permanently deaf. I’m hoping he won’t be permanently deaf because aside from the ear infection and selected arthritis he is doing good and is young in spirit. Also, if anyone knows of a natural, hollistic way to cure his ear infection I’m interested!

I guess the lesson is to not always opt for quick fixes from the vet and to give natural remedies a try and to read and research about medication before giving it to my beloved furry family member.

I would really appreciate the feedback.
Thanks in advance!

Referenced websites:
http://en.allexperts.com/q/Ask-Veterinarian-700/2010/5/Deaf-Chow-using-Mometamax.htm
http://en.allexperts.com/q/Ask-Veterinarian-700/f/mometamax.htm

Best answer:

Answer by schnzrlady
I’ve seen the warnings on the ear meds but have not had actual experience with it causing deafness.

I can answer your question about other ways to treat ear infections. For a mild infection I have had luck using an ear cleaner with Tea Tree Oil in it. You can find it here: http://www.petco.com/product/111100/NaturVet-Ear-Wash-with-Tea-Tree-Oil-for-Pets.aspx?CoreCat=LN_Shopping_DogSupplies_EarCare

For more sever infections you might consider this: http://doglinks.co.nz/health/Ear_treatment.htm
I have not used this treatment but I have cyber friends who swear by it. I suggest checking with your vet before using this. My understanding is that you would not want to use it if your dog has a ruptured ear drum.

Since I am not a vet, I ALWAYS discuss alternative methods of treatment with my vet before using them. I suggest that you do the same. Take your research with you. I have found that if you are well informed a good vet will listen to your input

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Question by Misae: Is loss of appetite in dogs associated with hip dysplasia?
My boy dog has been diagnosed with hip dysplasia about a month back. He has lost a dramatic amount of weight since then. He refuses to eat regular dry dog food. He was eating table food; we’ve given him eggs, chicken broth with rice, & on occasion sardines. Recently though Ive had to force him to eat.
He also has discharge coming out of both eyes and I feel he may have gotten that from our neighbors dog and may give it to our other 4. He is currently on medication & our local vet has given us eye drops that are very diffcult to put in his eyes. What could be wrong with him and what types of food can I give that he wont refuse and will help him gain weight?

Best answer:

Answer by Aduial
Hip dyspepsia involves the bones and joints in the hips. It has nothing to do with appetite and weight loss. It sounds as though he is sick and you need to get him to the vet.

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