Each month Bark Bytes will be selecting questions submitted by our readers and publishing both the questions and answers for all of you to read. We hope that this will help all Bark Bytes readers with questions and situations that may arise as a result of sharing our lives with dogs.
 

To post a Question

Dennis, of Fords, NJ, writes:  Our Bichon has a white film over her eyes for quite some time now.  Her eyesight is fading fast. She is 8 years old, bumps into things, and can't see straight down in front of her.  About how much is the surgery to correct that, and is it worth it?
Jenny responds:  Your Bichon having the telltale white film over her eyes is indicative of an opthalmological problem.  It could be any one of several problems, that can only be diagnosed by a veterinarian or a veterinarian opthalmologist. The cost of corrective surgery can vary from region to region, and is dependent on what the exact problem is.  As to its worth, that is a decision you and your family must make.  A blind dog can still function very well within a home environment.  However, if blindness can be avoided treatment must be rendered as soon as possible.

Jennifer, of Akron, OH, inquires:  We have a 6 year old Border Collie/Springer Spaniel.  She had a pancreatic tumor removed over a year ago and has been under vet care since.  She is hypersecreting insulin as a result of the tumor and it is causing her almost daily attacks of hypoglycemia.  We have been treating her with prednisone to help her blood sugar and have her on an aggressive diet with lots of long acting and short acting sugars.  We are looking for any information or ideas to help get her sugar raised to a better functional level.  Do you have any ideas?
Jenny writes back:  From your description it sounds that you are following your vet's advice and keeping a close eye on your dog's daily condition.  This may be a question that you will want to ask your vet, as he knows what would work with the medication (the dosage, how often, etc.)  There are many specialized feeding programs available and it is best in this case to work with your veterinarian and keep him in the loop as to what you are doing for your dog.

Kim, of Accokeek, MD, asks:  Can a dog get pregnant if they are not in heat? When a male dog mounts a female dog, how can you tell whether or not the male actually mated with the female?
Jenny writes back:  No, a female dog cannot get pregnant if she is not in heat.  However, there is such a thing as a  "silent heat".  This occurs when the female has no visible signs of being in heat, but the dog can be receptive to the male.
     There is also a condition known as "split heat".  This condition results in two heat cycles occurring within two to twelve weeks of each other.  The first heat has all the classic symptoms with vulvar swelling, the vaginal bleeding and the male dog showing great interest.  But due to hormonal imbalance, no egg follicles are produced by the female, and she goes out of heat.  The second heat occurs from two to twelve weeks later, and this heat usually produces egg follicles and the female's hormonal system returns to normal. At this time, the female can become pregnant.
     Most breeders will tell you that if you observe what is called a "tie" occurs, than you can safely say that a mating has been successful.  You can also take your dog to the veterinarian about two weeks after, and have an ultrasound exam performed to see if there are any puppies.

Jeannette, of Tradadie, New Brunswick, CAN, writes:I need information about surgery for anal glands, because my miniature Schnauzer has problems with his glands even after emptying it (the next day still full).
Jenny responds:  You do not state if you have had your dog examined by a veterinarian.  You may wish to consult with a vet before simply asking for the removal of your dog's anal glands.  There may be a simpler solution, such as changing the dog's diet rather than opting for surgery.

Cindy, of Concord, CA:  My Bishon Frise is 14.5 years old.  He sleeps most of the time, but his appetite is still good.  Although he's completely blind and almost deaf he is still a happy little guy.  He has gradually started drinking more water than he used to, and he's urinating now about every 1.5 hours.  He doesn't have the "hold it" power that he used to have either.  I'm wondering if this is a sign of a health problem or if it is just normal old age changes.
Jenny writes back:  It is really difficult to say whether or not your dog is having a health problem without actually seeing him.  The best advice is when you are in doubt, take your pet to his veterinarian for a checkup.

Paloma writes: My tiny pup, who is about six months old, was fixed.  Since she came back home, like two days ago, she has been constipated.  What can we do, home cure wise?
Jenny responds:  It is very common after surgery for a dog to experience constipation.  To eleviate this problem, try some softer food, moisten the dry kibble with a combination of water and chicken fats (the cooked skin, or oil skimmed off of boiled chicken broth).  Observe your dog closely, as you do not want to have your dog's digestive system bouncing from constipation to diarrhea.