Tests for older dogs

I had to go to the vet yesterday with Biscuit he has congunctivites! so I also took Checke for a drive so she was not home alone. The vet asked if she was ok and I said she is doing some strange things like howling on her bed like someone had died and this is from a dog who you never hear from. The vet looked up to see when she is due for her next vac and that is end Feb so asked me to make and appointment for a long consult so she can test her as she is now heading to being an old dog (she is just about the vet was saying when they have a race career they are prone to problems about now and whats to have a look at her kidneys and liver and do checks for cancer and artherisis! she has had a broken toe at one stage and she limps every now and then. She has also lost 3kgs since last year and I am getting alittle worried about her.

Checke is my husbands frist dog and he loves her to peices and I am not sure how he will cope if she has any problems.

Anybody had these tests done on there dogs?

No I am sure it is all routine I would not stress too much until it is all done. I just think your vet wants to make sure Checke is around for along time yet. Preventative medicine is better than cure! Don't worry too much.

That what I am hoping.

try not to worry until there is something to worry about you'll do your head in..

As they get older things do wear down i am sure the vet is just being carefull.
It is better to get anything under control early!

Yes I agree if she is in need of some medication it is best now before she is in to much pain ect. I am happy to do that what ever is needed for her. It is just hard I know how attatched hubby is to her and she is not the same dog as she was 4 years ago and I know alot has to do with her age ect but it still dosen't make it any easier. I will book her in earlier if I see to much more of a change but as it is now she will go at the end of feb for the tests. I am sure it is just her slowing down and getting old like all of us and we visit the doc if we need to so no different for our fur kids.

Our vets here offer routine checks for older dogs..so try not to worry too much...

we can take our dog to an old dog clinic every 6 months for free, they write down any changes and an problems so they can tell you weather or not to make a consultation with the vet or not

Really?? That is awesome, I wish we had something like that here..

Yeah me to... would be great. Don't look for things that are not there your mind is playing games on you... she is and will be fine I am sure. She looked pretty good on the couch with the kitten to me.

Ok I took Checke and Biscuit to the chiropractor today and had a chat to him about Checke and the kidney and liver tests the vet wants to do and he said that I would be wasting my money because she is in perfect health she has a nice shine to her coat and she is soft to touch her hair is not brittle (which would be different if she had liver or kidney problems) and even thought she has lost a little weight she still has a nice cover. She did how ever have her hips out by about an inch and her neck was out so that might account for her losing some weight. Biscuit as usual has his back out and his front shoulder which he must of run into something again!!!!!! Heat pack and linoment and he will be fine.

love those chiros... havent used them for the dog but always used them for my horses

Yes he is fantastic. I am not sure if you will know him but he has people fly there dogs down from carins ect just to see him. His name is Robert Humperies and I am lucky enough to have him 15mins away from me. It is hard to get an appointment so I always make one each month just incase...hehehehe

Thats great!! My vet is a greyhound vet so he tries all that manipulation treatment etc before drugs and expense their blood is worth bottling.

Glad to hear Checke is OK!

Thanks guys. I did feel much better after talking to him and I really respect and trust him.

That is the main thing and it sounds like she is going to be fine.

Do the humane thing and put her to sleep. I know it's very difficult to do, but her quality of life at this point isn't close to what you KNOW it should be. Don't be selfish. Do the right thing. I am sorry for your loss.

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Cremation Jewelry

Oh wow ..that is a bit harsh...

If my dog was clearly happy and pain controlled not sure if the first thing I would do is have him PTS if he was clearly distressed and pain unable to be controlled then that is a different thing all together

I agree Liz.