PatricksMom

I don't know what the weather is like where you are, but my mom had a dog that was allergic to grass, and he would do this as soon as spring came. Benadryl turned out to be the solution, 1mg/pound of body weight, although for regular use I'd see if you can get away with a lower dose. Also, in my experience, it doesn't tend to have the sedative effect on dogs that it does on humans.

In older dogs, yes - but Nola's only 5. That still seems young to me! My 13 year old greyhound has had small (dime and quarter size) fatty cysts since she was around 10. Some dogs are just prone to them, my mom's last dog started getting them at 2-3 years old. Glad it's not something serious. We should get the dogs together some time soon.

I've had some of Patrick's lumps aspirated, but he does have one the vet felt didn't need to be aspirated, it's a fatty lump, completely detached from the underlying tissue. My understanding is that fatty tumors feel very distinctive from things that you need to be concerned.

Do you want me to come to the appointment with you?--Beth eta: I wouldn't mind a chance to see the beautiful Miss Nola anyway.

I looked at the ingredients list after my vet recommended it, and to be honest I thought it was crap. Dental care is important, but so is overall health. My vet suggested I give them as treats instead then, so that's what I've been doing. I'm sure its not as affective as feeding it, but seemed like a good compromise. Anyway, just my two cents.

I'd move it up if possible if it were Patrick, if for no other reason than to save myself the anxiety in the intermittent meanwhile.

Ouch, poor baby, although given the size of the incision it looks really good. I'm sure she's glad to be home.

Poor Paul--can you visit him?

Fantastic news!!!!

In the future, if you ever think your dog might have eaten something sharp, feed white bread--it can't hurt and it might cushion whatever she ate. Glad she's okay.

Hang in there mom, I know how hard it is to wait and worry, but I'm sure they'll be fine

Such good news!!! How's Flashy doing?

Absolutely the worst is the worrying--Patrick has one every year, there has never been a problem, and I'm still a nervous wreck that day. Chances are very, very good Sizzle will be just fine. Your vet should call you (or have someone call you) when they are finished, so you don't worry. They'll need to stay a few hours after that, so they can be monitored as they come out of anesthesia. If there were no extractions and no complicating factors, there shouldn't be any need for medications. I always feed canned dogfood for the first meal (the vet says it's not really necessary, but I think they deserve a little babying.) Do make sure they're running bloodwork before doing the dental--you want to catch any potential problems before using anesthesia. Also, if you're not sure about the anesthesia protocal, ask what it is and people here can give you feedback.

With bloodwork that sounds about right (never needed extractions.)

Xanax and valium are both part of the benzodiazepine class of tranquilizers--they're drugs for humans, but at least some can be given to dogs. Xanax is the brand name (generic is Alprazolam which is probably a lot cheaper from a human pharmacy), Valium is diazepam, and there are a whole lot of others. They mostly differ in how quickly they take effect and wear off, Xanax kicks in very quickly, I'm not sure about Valium.

Praying for you and Pave Maria tomorrow.

I would ask your vet about changing medications--I know with people, if you can break the connection between getting in the car (or for me an airplane) and feeling horribly anxious, eventually the medication won't be necessary anymore. Or even if he always needs it--how often is he going in the car? I know valium can be used in dogs (but I don't know if that's currently recommended), but I'm sure other posters can make some better suggestions.

Prayers for Pave and her mom, and thanks Packmom for helping out. Patty, you and Fred are such great parents for continuing to adopt and care for these precious seniors.

Udder cream works well too, or the neutrogena ultra concentrated hand lotion--use either one at least once a day.

Good for Tucker--sending good thoughts for the next round of testing.

Good thoughts for you and Tucker. Patrick was loosing weight, I couldn't figure out why, turned out his food maker had changed the formula and apparently it's lower calorie now so he needs more. Any chance that's the cause? (I know, a long shot.)

A couple things, the vitamins shouldn't be necessary if he's eating a good food. Fish oil can't hurt, but it's best to get human grade stuff--better and usually cheaper. The dog bed, I found LLBean's dog beds not to be great--granted I bought mine 7 years ago, but I ended up having to buy another insert and stuff it in there too to make it thick enough to be comfortable.

I like udder cream, other folks will chime in with other good suggestions. I apply a generous amount every night, and then cover his feet up with a blanket to prevent licking.

When you take him to the vet, let them fuss over him, give him some treats, etc. It will help him have positive associations with the vet's office, which will make him more comfortable later when he has to have actual procedures.

Patrick has done this since we got him (6.5 years ago)--our vet says its not uncommon in dogs with a thyroid disorder (he's treated.) Not 100% sure if she's right, but he's never had any respiratory problems at all. Given your overall description I personally wouldn't be too worried--maybe something to bring up at the next checkup but not to rush in for. I'm interested in seeing what other people have to say though.