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Hello,
I asked you a question a few days ago regarding my mini schnauzer, who is male and 4 yrs old. He started out with some vomiting and diarrhea, and is now better but still lethargic. He's had diarrhea problems on and off the past few months. Yesterday I found out that 2 cats in my building have also been having vomiting and lethargy problems. There is some chipping paint in the hallway, and these factors made me suspect lead poisoning. I am trying to find a lead test for dogs in my area. But in the meantime, I'd like to prepare in case it is lead. Would I have to move? Is there anything I can do to make my dog better or to expose him less? I am afraid that I'd have to find a way to break my lease... Any other advice or comments would be great. Thanks
I would be hard pressed to say that your dog and two cats in the same building are eating peeling paint from a wall. First of all, cats do not eat stuff like that unless they are already sick with something like leukemia.
Dogs do not generally go around and eat peeling paint off of walls either.
A more likely source of lead poisoning for animals would be if they were drinking out of a lead bowl somewhere.
Another culprit for vomiting and lethargy would be pets getting into anti-freeze from the garage or a car leaking it where it is parked. If that was the case, they would be in kidney failure within 48 hours and dead by now.
Cats won't eat tainted meat with poisons in it but dogs will. Vomiting and lethargy can be from so many things it's impossible to list them. Your dog could be that way from eating something new, like a piece of meat from the table, or from eating a part of the rug or cat stool outside etc.
If your dog or the cats are still experiencing ongoing vomiting and lethargy they need to be seen by a vet to rule out the causes.
In any case, you probably don't have to move because it is highly unlikely that your dog (who is on a leash while outside, yes?) is getting into any kind of lead paint.
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| Comment | Thanks! I talked to two different vet offices today and they were very vague and unhelpful. Both suggested he go in for a consultation... Your answer was much clearer and helps me rule out some unlikely causes for his stomach ache. Thank you for your help. | ||
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Answers by Expert:
Jana Connell RVT, CVT
Expertise
PLEASE READ BEFORE SUBMITTING TO ME: I am NOT a vet and do NOT diagnose diseases. That is only for a licensed Veterinarian to do. I will give you suggestions and steer you toward calling your vet for help. You can call the vet's office and talk to the technician there or the vet at times. Don't be afraid to call them! If you have a serious issue with your pet please post it to one of the veterinarians in here- I will tell you the same thing in my answer. IF your pet is injured or in an emergency situation, CALL YOUR VET- Do not wait and post in here. Just call the vet's office and get them in to see the vet right away. Critical treatment time is lost if you seek answers here when you should have your precious pet at the vets!! Don't sit at home waiting for an answer when your pet is critically ill or injured!! I can answer most questions about small animal and wildlife care as well as small animal nutrition. I can also answer questions about all phases of dental care for small animals. I DO NOT answer questions about birds (unless it is wildlife or songbirds) or HAMSTERS/GERBILS/CHINS/GUINEA PIGS/REPTILES/FROGS/RABBITS/PET BIRDS OF ANY KIND so please submit these questions to the appropriate sections. I, as well as other experts in here, do NOT do homework questions- that is for YOU to do! Please respect these rules for all of us. Thanks!
Experience
I have over 35 years experience in the field of veterinary medicine. I specialized in small animals and did wildlife rehab for over 25 years, mostly raptors, squirrels and opossums. I am a Small Animal Nutritional Consultant with 6 certificates from Hills Pet Foods, CNM and Purina.
I also specialized in Small Animal Dentistry which is a field I truly love.
Organizations
Audubon,World Wildlife Federation, American Society of Veterinary Dental Technicians.
Education/Credentials
Licensed with California and Oregon, RVT and CVT.
Certified Veterinary Dental Technician
Have over 500 logged hours of Continuing Education Credits(that means I keep up to date!).
Awards and Honors
Nominated for Expert of the Month for the last 5 years.
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