Jana
,@dawgblogger
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Hi Diedra
I believe what you’re referring to is a standard pre-anesthesia blood test …? Those are certainly a good thing to do. There is no age restriction for blood tests. In fact, it is good to do a blood panel regularly, for screening purposes as well as establishing baseline values.
http://www.petmd.com/blogs/fullyvetted/2012/july/do_not_opt_out_of_pre-anesthetic_lab_work-26535
As for the ideal age for spay itself, that is a somewhat controversial issue, as there are pros and cons to both doing it early and waiting. I suggest you do your research on the subject as well as discuss ideal timing with your veterinarian.
Hi Beth,
there is a number of conditions that can cause hair loss. Little patches would make me think infection but you say your vet ruled that out? (both bacterial and fungal?) Gland/hormonal disorders can also cause hair loss but typically not in this type of pattern.
http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=2+2111&aid=421
Age by itself is not a disease, but with age things might not be working as well as they used to. There still should be a discernible cause, though, IMO.
Is this issue in any way seasonal?
Makes me think of Jasmine, though. Twice she developed a bald patch in different areas, which didn’t seem to have any reason for it. For lack of any better explanation, her vet put her on Melatonin and the fur grew right back.
Hi Diedra.
Many veterinarians recommend them as one of the safe chews.
Some important points I feel are important about it
– make sure the chew had been made in US/by a reputable manufacturer, because there is a possibility of contamination
– always supervise your dog when they chew on one of these
– be very careful if your dog has a tendency to swallow large chunks of things
– remove the chew when a small piece is left that could be swallowed whole
I don’t consider it an ideal chew but following the above rules. I give one to our guys from time to time too. The hide is not digestible and large chunks pose a risk of choking or obstruction.
Hi Ashley,
nobody is answering this one, frankly, I don’t know how you could train the ear into the right position either. I feel that with time it will settle where it belongs. I wouldn’t see this as a major problem to really worry about. Is the ear resisting being gently folder over into the right position? If so that would worry my. Otherwise I wouldn’t worry. You could probably gently fold it over when petting her.
Hi Anna.
Blind dogs are able to use other sense to make their way around. This includes the sense of touch (their paw pads are actually very sensitive and "read" the terrain for them, as well as their whiskers), their sense of smell and even their hearing.
What you can do is to "map out" the place for him using different textures, smells and sounds. For example, if you had different texture flooring in each room, he’ll know by that which room is which. It might also help to "line" the walls and doors with different textured strip, which would indicate obstacles or dangers, similarly to the rumble strips on some roads.
According to Dr. Coren, they can use the sounds of a clock, for example, to also know where they are, as well as different smells, such as different potpourri.
Of course, you do want to block stairs where he might fall down, though with some practice, a texture change would make this possible for him too.
To further assist him from bumping into things, you could consider something like the Halo Vest
http://www.globalanimal.org/2012/11/13/dog-cone-alternative-halo-vest-guides-blind-pets/85350/
Hi Carrie,
not eating and drinking is a concern enough in itself. Just lying around and sleeping would be a concern enough in itself also.
Dogs LOVE to eat. When a dog doesn’t eat, there is a serious problem.
All I can advise you here is to visit your vet as soon as possible. How long has this gone on? Did you check for dehydration? Are the gums good a pink? Or are they pale or dark? Any vomiting or diarrhea?
In any case, please do call your veterinarian right away.
You mean apart from seeing a vet, getting it diagnosed and treated? Because you absolutely need to do that. Urinalysis, and I’d do culture as well.
Apart from that, cranberry extract indeed IS helpful, as it contains a substance that helps prevent bacteria from attaching to bladder walls.
Plenty of liquids and particularly plenty of opportunities to potty is important. It’s important the bladder gets emptied frequently.
Urinalysis yesterday; seems issue has resolved. Specific gravity not as high as she typically has but 1.038. Rest is clean. So it looks like it was just UTI after all. Best disguised UTI I could imagine.
Our vet says it indicates possible infection, so we’re going on from that. Yes, it was an early morning sample, but she goes outside at night also; recently she started the habit of going to poop around 3AM so she pees then as well.
Her symptoms are very ambiguous, I had the urinalysis done really on a feeling.
