Update on Katie

Thought I'd better post an update after Katie's vet appointment this morning. I was SO glad we went. Here's the vet info:

Sierra Veterinary Services
1607 N. Date
Truth or Consequences, New Mexico, 87901
(575) 894-6773

We saw Dr. Cristina Danks, DVM

She might have been the best vet I've ever taken a pet to.  She did a thorough exam of Katie's hips and legs, and the seroma on her right rear leg; she answered all my question about giving her Glucosamine, which food is best, can I give her baby aspirin (No, bad for dogs).  She was so patient and thorough, and explained everything.  Here's the deal:

Katie's issue is her LEFT rear leg, not the right one with the seroma (which is back to normal size today).  She agreed that the seroma was caused by the red ant nest, that sounded reasonable, and also that nothing should be done now.  She said Katie is having considerable pain in her left hip due to arthritis, and that's why she won't or can't jump.  I had no idea it was on that side.  Good to know.

She said to keep giving her the Glusomaine we've been using and put her back on the Royal Canine for Chihuahuas.  I have switched her food twice in the last month or so, trying to find something she likes more and Katie has gained weight.  Dr. Danks said she's done research on the different dog foods, what they contain, and if it's a "complete" food.  She's read the studies on how the dog's bodies "use" the food.  Apparently some of the good manufacturers do very complete studies and Royal Canin is one that has all the studies. She said its the one she recommends, although they don't sell it in their waiting room "store."

And here's the "poop scoop."  On Royal Canin, Katie eats much less and poops once a day.  On Kibbles and Bits, she eats more and poops 3 times a day.  Next I tried Sojos Turkey Complete Dog Food (freeze dried, raw) and she's been eating MUCH more and pooping 4 or 5 times a day.  (I feed the recommended amount for a dog her size.) The vet said she's not getting enough from those foods if she's pooping that much, yet she's still gaining weight that she doesn't need. 

Then she prescribed an an anti-inflammatory, Carprofen caplets.  She said Katie would be feeling much better in 2 to 4 days, and would again be jumping, and I'd be able to liift her up into the overhead bed again without hurting her.

She took some blood and ran a Chem 10 Panel to make sure Katie's organs would be able to handle the anti-inflammatory, and it came out really well.  We have a 60 day supply, and she put 5 refills on the Rx, which I'll be able to order on-line.  She said Katie will take them for the rest of her life.

When they took Katie back to draw the blood, I was SO RELIEVED and so happy we went in this morning.  And very grateful to have found such a good, caring vet here in Elephant Butte.  (Thanks Annie!  Annie recommended Sierra Vet Services.)

When they brought her out, Katie was full of beans, so happy to be done.  AND they trimmed her nails, too, free of charge!

This post is again longer than I planned, but I like to document things on the blog, it's so easy to use the search feature when I want to go back and find something.  Hopefully no more Canine Issues!

We've moved to another campground for six days and plan to return to Elephant Butte for another 14-day stay.

I was so sure Katie would need lots of medical care for her leg, and maybe lots of $$$, but we were lucky. It'll be nice to have Katie back to normal again.  She's such a good girl!   :)