Questions possibly pregnant Rott

[targonrotts]

glad to hear she's home!
regarding pain meds...i've been working at a vets office for about 14 years now.it used to be the way we thought that if pets were not on any pain meds, they won't move around and cause more damage to themselves...now, we are going for our AAHA creditation, and more and more the thoughts of today's vets is treat the pain.there is no need for pet to be in pain for the sake of not moving around.in fact, you can witness a puppy after an ear crop not on pain meds, thrashing its head to try to avoid the pain.
as for pain meds for only a few days, not a worry.long term users should do a chemscreen to make sure healthy and then monitor.
the dosage of rimadyl you received is for a 75-90lbs dog after soft tissue surgery.
not bad.
more and more of the new vets are into pain management of their patients.
i personally use rimadyl on my old dogs when needed and in the injured young ones when needed.never had a problem...the one that never took pain meds ended up with a stomach ulcer-go figure!
yes, there are natural remedies, etc. just make sure they are safe to use on dogs.
as per vets comment of what a shame not to breed her-that remark i hear from vets that are happy to see a well mannered/tempered dog.many are used to seeing our breed in not such a good light, that a well behaved and healthy one is always welcomed...plus we get tired of seeing so many guard dogs or ill mannered pets reproducing...and then those pups return as new clients!so they kind of feel is a loss when a nice one is spayed...hey, that was a compliment!
she will be back to herself in no time.yes, those restraining device tend to make them feel down...just keep it on when you can't watch her.
yes, a vet should be someone you are 100% comfortable with, where you can share your worries and be open and honest with each other...same for the staff.
good luck!

[BostonRott]

Originally Posted by targonrotts

we get tired of seeing so many guard dogs or ill mannered pets reproducing...and then those pups return as new clients!so they kind of feel is a loss when a nice one is spayed...hey, that was a compliment!

Compliment or not, it's irresponsible and ignorant. Are you saying that your vet encourages certain breeds with "nice temperaments" to consider a litter? Are they versed in that breed's standard? The required health exams for that breed? Knowing how to research that dog's past? The health of the littermates? Health of the parents?

I'm sorry, I have a lot of respect for vets, spent 4 years working at a vet's office and while they're excellent at what they do, they do NOT know everything about animals, husbandry, etc. Many of my local "pet vets" are clueless about repro practices. Please leave this to the ethical experienced breeders and the repro specialists.

[targonrotts]

no need to get so defensive!
no, in fact, we rather most people not breed their dogs.we always try to talk many out of it and tell them it really is hard work, hard to find good homes,and you make no money.
yes, we do talk to them about ofa, and hereditary conditions.we also talk to them about pet stores and why not get one from there.but unfortunately people still do what they do.we try to educate...all we can do.
i meant to tell her, take it as a compliment that they are telling you she's a good dog...remeber, the person that told her that was the receptionist.
yes, alot of vets say weird things and some encourage breeding poor quality animals, i've heard some good ones myself.yes, breedings should be left up to those that know what they are doing, but we are in america and people still will do whatever,unfortunatelly.
education is key here.
also, breeders need to be willing to educate, discuss and explain to all inquiring about your breed...no matter how ignorant or uneducated the person is and how tired you might be of dealing with it.answer questions politely, explain things.don't chastise or offer no hope or knowledge.
i once was at a show and as a favor to a friend, i inquired to a yorkie breeder about litters available. i was out of show clothes and my dogs were put up, so i seemed like a regular spectator.this breeder answered me rudely,i couldn't afford one of her dogs,and anyways she was not going to waste her time on selling her dog to a pet home so they can ruin their line...so, what can i say...this person went and bought one in a store..why? this was not the only reply of this sort we got from many breeders of that breed that weekend.
yes, no one knows it all...we all learn everyday...we should all share what we know.

[Laura]

Originally Posted by spidey

I'd just like to point out that spaying and neutering of pets is FAR less common in Europe than in North America

Would you happen to know if they have less occurrences of osteosarcoma.