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Got a question? Send it on in to docrick@petalk.com !
 

Q: Re: Heartgard/Medrol (May 26, 2000)
Hi, my 15 year old dog has been on Medrol for his allergies for the past 2 weeks. it is now time for his heartgard plus pill. can he > take this while on Medrol??? my dr is out of town and not available to answer this hope you can help. thanks jgadd

A: I only just received your question about Heartgard [I hope it's Heartgard +?] and its compatibility with Medrol.  I see no reason for your dog to stop taking the heartworm medicine and much risk if you fail to do so!
Thank you for writing.
Dr. Rick

Q: Subj:  Re: colds in guinea pigs
Hello, my name is Lea and I just bought a Guinea Pig yesterday. When My daughter picked one that caught her fancy I looked him over and decided He looked healthy(amature that I am - I still tried). I have yet to hear him wheek, purrr or grunt and this morning there is a small amount of mattering in the corners of his eyes. He seems to be eating and drinking ok - though I have nothing to compare with. I am so concerned for the little guy (they claim he's about 2 months)  I called the store where we bought him and all they could say is, unless there is a change in hair color He is perfectly healthy. Needless to say I am finding their diagnosis hard to believe. I truly hope I am overreacting, but in the last 24 hours that we have had him, we have all bonded. We only want him to be healthy.
Thank you for any insight you may shed,
Lea

A: I see a lot of guinea pigs in my practice, Lea... and the three things that come to mind are dehydration, vitamin C deficiency and catching human colds.  If they are off their food and water even for a short time their eyes get less tears and tend to irritated and form  a discharge. Be sure he gets enough vitamins, especially Vit C which, like his owners, he cannot make for himself. Most other animals can. He sounds OK to me and may just be taking a few days to get acclimatized. Find a good local veterinarian where you live and make friends with him or her.
Good luck.
Dr. Rick

Q: Subj:  Re: Sunburn cream for kitten
Dear sir,
I have a sixteen week old kitten. She is pure white except for a tabby tail & a couple of tortie spots in front of her ears. I've been told to get sun tan lotion to put on her ears to stop her getting skin cancer. I've looked to see if i can find any but to no avail. Can you recomend any thing i can use, or where to get some. I saw your website in a daily paper, the mail i think, so i thought i'd give you a try. I look forward to hearing from you, many thanks.
Christine

A: You are right to be concerned, Christine...
... White cat ears are very sensitive to UV light and it doesn't take much sunshine to start a few sores on the edge of the ears, the first signs of skin cancer! You can use any kind of sun blocker used for people and keep your cat OUT of the sunshine.
Good luck,
Dr. Rick