The vet doesn't help much. Not very informative/helpful IMO. It's weird.
Anyway, Fido is "OK". He got his needed shots, nothing showed up on the blood test. Didn't do a full bloodwork this time (we used to do full profiles every year to "be safe"...check organ functions, etc. but time is ticking away now, and it probably won't be that long so why bother in a dog's case?) So whatever they checked for is negative, and the fecal was negative.
She (this is at least the 3rd doc at this location) indicated that when he becomes incontinent that that's when quality of life is usually at the decision point. She said we were doing well...that he didn't have any sores from not moving around enough ("Bed sores").
Gave me zero feedback on the fatty tumors (that they wanted 1200 ish dollars to remove years ago...after "monitoring" them when they were smaller and less expensive to remove. (It's on his chest in the center so it doesn't get in the way now. It's even kind of a "fall cushion" now. ?lol?)
IDK if the hind legs issue is due to DM, or due to tumor in spine, or ear infection (he did have 1 vestibular attack ...scared the crap out of me...no problems since though).
He has one other tumor in his right hind leg with muscle that doesn't seem to bother him much. That's the one I almost had removed but....it's his left leg that is the lamest due to ?DM?.
He walks real stiffly, but walks by himself still. Plays "find the treats". Asks to get up. I encourage him to walk short distances a few times a day if he doesn't ask. He's on aspirin for any pain ($95.00 for expensive meds, or a few bucks for aspirin. You do the math. His intestines are working. If I though he'd live another 5 years or whatever, I might try for the expensive meds, but in this case aspirin seems more practical...with food.)
He lost about 6 pounds in the last year. He did have some fat on him though. And the weight loss probably helps moving around so I'm not too worried about it unless it continues to be a problem. I'm feeding him some extra protein for breakfast (an egg a day...forgot to mention that to the vet.
)There's other stuff, but mostly he's been in real happy shape. Doesn't seem to be in much if any pain. The ?arthritis? is probably bothering him a bit, but the aspirin helps. Dogs don't show pain much unless it's bad. Overall he's alert and interested in all stuff going on. When it's warmer I'll take him out more for some "yard watching". He's older, so he sleeps a lot. I wonder if that isn't also either a bit of depression that he can't go out and run, but what can I do?
I've had dogs before...and good vets. And other friends have dogs that get better care. So I'm not sure...but I don't think my impression is wrong or that "it's my imagination"...I'm just doing the best I can with this and having limited funds. Maybe telling them that "no, fatty tumor surgery is too expensive" or "aspirin will do" is not impressing them either.
Poor Fido. He's been through a lot. But also had great fun. I wish everyone was a millionaire and could do multi-thousands of $$$ care for their pets. But, as much as I love the guy, he's a dog. And I don't anthropomorphize that fact. The insurance they offered wouldn't cover his condition(s), so why bother?
Overall, he's "OK" given the age and medical conditions. He's secure and reasonably comfortable and well treated and loved.
Last edited:
not worried... I put it on the amex card.
