Sadie played outside quite a bit yesterday. So when DH took her to the post office for a much loved "CARRIDE", she actually slept most of the short trip.
Then inside we noticed her limping. Well, we checked her out and she didn't have anything outwardly wrong. So we decided to let it go and if she was still limping in the morning, I would call and make an appointment with our vet.
Still limping this morning. SIGH
So got her into the vet, even though we had JUST been there 2 weeks ago for her shots and yearly exam. The vet was nice and did a VERY in-depth exam of her legs. But nothing is really wrong with the front legs. She has a slight growth of a cyst between her toes, but it wasn't anything big enough to cause limping or pain. Plus she wouldn't limp in the office. After looking her over, the doctor said that she probably just pulled up wrong or did something similar to when you twist your ankle a little and it is strained for a few days.
So I got a 4-pack of doggy pain pills if Sadie is still limping tomorrow. And she got her nails trimmed. Otherwise, she is fine. And I am $84 poorer. SIGH.
Ahh yes... that sounds familiar.
Ringo jumped off a desk several years ago and pulled a muscle or something in his leg. After 2 days of it not appearing to get better we took him to a vet who said "Nothing was wrong." Uhm, obviously something is wrong. So we were told after a week if it was still the same take him to such and such specialty vet, they can do an x-ray. So we went there, x-ray showed nothing. Vet said he pulled a muscle and it would take time, here's your bill.
Months later he was STILL limping. Turns out, he'd learned that he got attention from us when he lifted his paw up and looked pitiful- so he'd do it all the time. We have since learned that if it doesn't hurt enough to prevent him from running into the kitchen for food it can't be that bad.
Harley has arthritis in his shoulder as a result of being shot in that leg. The BB's were removed, but there is scar tissue and the vet thinks it might get inflamed when he's too active. He might have to have surgery eventually to clear out even more scar tissue in the hopes it prevents his shoulder from getting worse.
Pets.... the people that say they aren't as expensive either don't care or luck out and get pets that never have problems!
DH bitches every time I tell him how much the bill is. No, he doesn't NOT want her to go, but it is damn expensive.
I think that is why the vet figured it was just a strain or a twist. Sadie walks and RUNS fine. But especially after she has been laying awhile she limps a bit.
Actually the vet said that one of her dogs gets twisted up while retrieving balls and will pull muscles occasionally.
Oh, and added bonus points. Sadie has a small cyst between her toes. The doctor would like to remove it. ($100 procedure basically, plus need to get mutt-luks to keep Sadie from licking it.) And she tore a back toenail a while back, hence the major nail trimming for the rest of the toes today. Basically tore it to the quick and it is exposed. SIGH.
Awww, poor girl. It's a lot to deal with but at least it's all minor stuff, right?
I know it adds up, I've looked at some different pet insurance plans but I'm not sure they're worth it.
They won't cover the cats (too old) but I might still get it for the dogs.
Luckily, my vet is really awesome. She's cheaper than most and is compassionate.
*Sigh* the joys of pet parenthood, right?
I'm impressed that you got out of the vet for under $100. It always seems to cost us $150 to $500 every time we go.
Glad your baby is OK!
I have a new rule - which someone on this board suggested to me - wait three days before taking your pet to the vet. Chances are after three days, if the problem persists, there is something wrong but more than likely, there is nothing wrong.
I'm glad to hear Sadie is well. I agree with CFS - our vet bills cost at least $100 per visit. Sigh - the price of being a caring pet owner.
Scorp- My coworker lives near Meyerland and said that just a vet office visit down there or just inside the loop is $40-$60!
She was amazed that my vet (in Kingwood) charges $18 for the office visit. Neither of those prices include any procedure, medication, injection etc.
I guess that's one benefit of the 'burbs, but it probably depends on where you go. Your area is nicer than where I am, so I'd expect them to charge more too. Of course, my parents live in a poorer area than D and I and the vet charged about twice as much.
It really is a crap shoot I think.
So sorry to be late posting here Gingersing.. I don't get to post as often as I use to.
Anyway, I am so sorry Sadie had a boo-boo paw.
And I know the $$ can add up, when dealing with the Vet.
But keep telling yourself and your hubby its cheaper then diapers, lol
I hope Sadie's paw gets well soon
OT. I had a bit of a scare myself with Boots this morning.
He kept scratching at his right ear all morning long and his tag on his collar kept me awake with his scratching.
So I took a Q-tip and wet it down and used my body weight on Boots to hold him down and I got a big mess of black goo out.
But of course he was not happy with me. And he was still scratching and keeping me awake at 6AM.
So I just took his collar off and tried to go back to sleep.
I woke up again at 10:30
And I grabbed a wet wipe that I keep in the house for our behinds, lol
And was able to grab Boots again and this time I wiped out his ear with the wet wipe.
Boy did he howl.
BUT, he seemed to not to scratch anymore.
I figured if he continued, I would take him to the vet Monday.
I will keep you posted.
