PatricksMom

Certainly take her in for a checkup and see what the vet thinks. That said, if it is arthritis that's not the end of the world. You will figure out the right pain medication, maybe some other treatments (I'm a big believer in glucosamine as well, some people like accupunture, there's physical therapy...) and she can live a perfectly good life.

I wonder if it could be pain related--panting can be a sign of pain? Just guessing though, talking to your vet is the right way to go.

I haven't had to make the decision, but I do know enough not to judge others who have. I'm sure it's a difficult decision, and the right answer is different for every family and every dog. I know the people posting here who have decided one way or the other did their absolute best for their dogs, and it is insensitve to come here, never having faced this difficult decision, and criticize people you don't even know or tell them how they should have thought about the decision. I don't know what I'd do if I had to face that choice, but watching Darcy's struggle with cancer, her recovery, and her joyful life has made me rethink my general idea that I probably wouldn't amputate in the case of cancer. She's a dog who lives life to the fullest and I don't doubt is very happy post-amputation.

Yep, they can bruise, although in my experience the bruise tends to look redder than a human bruise, but that might vary dog to dog.

I'm so sorry, my thoughts will be with you and Coby this afternoon. Godspeed Coby, your mom loves you very, very much.

I use a piece of gauze wrapped around my finger.

Make sure your vet checks the content of vaccines. My mother has an extremely severe allergy to eggs, and she can't have many vaccines because they're cultured on eggs and would kill her. I'm not a raw feeder, so can't give you specifics, but have you thought about doing that--that way you would know exactly what is in his food.

I'm so glad you got a treatable diagnosis, I will continue to think of you and Sierra while you sort out how to best handle it.

If your vet says its fine, I would do both at once. I always throw a dental in a little early if Patrick needs to be out for something else, I hate to put him under more than absolutely necessary.

$400ish with bloodwork, an IV line, and all medications, done by a vet, but no extractions.

Monthly preventative/annual checks here, never needed more than that.

Can you borrow a "no bite collar"? That would actually block access to the wound, and they are padded on the inside so it should be okay over the stitches.

Good to hear it's an easily solveable problem, hopefully Rita will be back to her usual self soon.

I can't name drugs, my my experience has been that the animal is given a sedative shot, and then remained with me until they fall into a very deep sleep (and usually longer, for me this is when I say goodby and often that takes me a while.) Then the second injection is given which actually euthanizes the animal. For small animals, this is best done directly in the heart, so once I've said had enough time, that injection is given in the back room (largely because it is upsetting to the parents--the animal at that point isn't feeling anything.) Maybe I've been lucky, but I've been present for the euthanasia of several dogs, and several guinea pigs, and it's always been a very peaceful experience. None of the animals have appeared frightened or in pain. I'm so sorry that your experience was upsetting--the decision to let them go is hard enough. I would ask your vet what they did, and why and go from there.

Glad he came through just fine. I always feed canned dog food the night of a dental--vet says it isn't medically necessary, but I figure Patrick deserves something special.

Sanding drum, a fairly fine one here. Good for nails, and doesn't hurt too much if you slip and get your finger tips.

Glad to hear she's feeling better

Doesn't soloxine make such a difference? I'm so glad that we're able to treat thyroid conditions so easily and safely.

Once you clear up what's going on, I've found adding some rice to Patrick's dinner a couple times a week has prevented the need for the vet to express them.

Patrick did this, resulting in 17 stitches. If at all possible, I'd take her to the evet and see what they thing.

Have you tried a medical glue? That cleared up Patrick's happy tail by giving it a chance to heal--granted, his wasn't as bad as your pup's but it might be worth a try.

Godspeed little one.

I'm so sorry you had to make such a hard choice. But I know you did what was right for Dempsey, letting him die peacefully, with dignity and cradled by your love.

Godspeed Dee--I know you will be causing trouble up there and making everyone smile. I'm so sorry, how unfair that you two only had each other such a short time. I know nothing I say will heal your pain, but I'm crying along with you.

Sounds like good news, hopefully the antibiotics will do the job.