Brody's yearly exam ....

[brodysmom]

Went to the vet this morning for Brody's yearly exam. They drew blood for a heartworm test and I also had a full blood panel drawn (CBC, electrolytes, full chemistry). They drew 2ml out of the jugular vein in his neck. He has a pea sized bruise this afternoon. I had titers for parvo/distemper and rabies done last year so I didn't do them again this year.

The Dr. checked him head to toe and commented on his nice clean teeth. Also his shiny coat and healthy skin. He said you always tend to see dandruff on the black dogs. Also asked how I got his nails so short and I told him I use a grinder. He said he looked the picture of health.

His knees are rock solid at 0/0 on patellas. I'm thrilled with that.

He got his usual medical exemption for rabies so I am in compliance with local and state ordinances. He's licensed with the city.

I also had his eyes checked for glaucoma since he only has sight in the right eye. The tonometry showed his pressures at 14 and 15 which is normal. Glaucoma pressures start in the mid 20's so he's good there.

The vet called this afternoon with his lab results (sending me a paper copy in the mail). ALL labs came back normal. He said he'd rarely seen such perfect labs. YAY. Also a negative heartworm test and negative stool for parasites.

All good news today. So happy.

[Kristi]

Yay Brody! Does this mean he is 4 already? Leah just had her yearly check (she is 16 months old) and passed w/ flying colors. She also HAD to get a rabies shot. She never has had one before so I hope she handles it okay. Fortunately since she was over a year, the vet gave the 3 year shot. No stupid 1 year (which really is a 3 year!) shot for Leah!

[brodysmom]

He's 3 1/2. (Birthday is in September). I do bloodwork and heartworm every spring. I was thrilled with his knees. Awww what a relief. Gosh, seems like all I hear about is luxating patellas recently! So common!

Glad Leah checked out! YAY! What did she weigh? Has she gotten any bigger? I'm SO GLAD she got the 3 year vaccine. Hurray.

Brody weighed 5 pounds 3 ounces.

[Kristi]

Leah is 4 lbs 4 oz BUT she's a little chunky. I have found they show better with a little meat on their bones...she isn't fat but she's not...svelte either LOL. I would guess her 'true weight' is around 4 lbs? It's hard to say really, with the long coats. You can only just feel her ribs, but when she is wet she still has a waist. So who knows, I am not stressing over it LOL. I am sure some people could easily have her weighing 3 1/2 - 3 3/4 lbs and feel good about it but in her case bigger is better She is very sturdy and healthy despite her small size and will definitely be bred sometime this year. The stud is low 4 lbs as well, so, I won't be getting any girls out of the breeding I doubt, but maybe I will be surprised (they probably will all be too small).

Anyway, I agree - there is SO much talk of luxating patellas. I really don't believe true injuries happen I think there is some disposition to it. There are dogs like Brody that most likely will have great knees into their teens. So IMO there is no excuse for a dog becoming unsound at any relatively young age b'c it somehow 'hurt' itself. Our dogs shouldn't be that fragile.

[Sarah]

fab news guys!! I must be the only one who never goes to the vet unless there is a problem. Leilani is going in for her teeth to be pulled soon so she will have her thorough check up but i generally have them done at a year and be done with it lol I really dont like going to the vet lol

Kristi i agree about the soundness.. although they are small they are structurally built very well..

[Kristi]

So even though I asked that it was the 3yr shot, the vet gave a 1 yr..ugh...I am so mad. She said "oh we just do the 1 year here"... when I called, "unless you specifically ask for the 3 year"...UH I DID! SO MAD. Well, she WON'T be getting another for another 3 years...fucking ridiculous.

[brodysmom]

Seriously Kristi?! OMG! I would be mad too! It is the same exact product, just labeled differently. That is maddening. Wow, just 4 pounds. What a little cutie she is.

Sarah I go to the vet once a year for a heartworm test and then have them pull blood at the same time for bloodwork. I think that vets balk at limited vaccine protocols because they think they will never see the dog again. I get a yearly exam done just for peace of mind and to keep his records updated in case I would need them for an emergency or whatever. Sometimes if you don't have a track record at your vet and they haven't seen the dog for awhile they will not be as readily available when you need them.

[Sarah]

oh mines not like that at all they will see anyone even if you are out of area...

the emergency vets arent at my vet and wheni called to say lotus wasin labour they were shit