5-Month Old Energy Level

[SonnyRott]

Good for you for being proactive! I would INSIST on getting the x-rays and other tests you want done. Don't cave in....this is YOUR dog and her health depends on you.

Here's hoping for a clean bill of health!

[lbraxton]

Bad news, I got home from work yesterday and my girl was struggling to get up. She can get up on her front legs but her hind legs are another issue. She'll push herself up on her front legs and drag her body a little until she gets enough strength or heart to put all that weight on her hind legs. She is in pain. She can barely get up. Once she's up, she'll run around, not like she normally does but she'll try to play. I got up this morning and she moaned in pain while she was trying to get up. It takes her about 3 mins to get up and again, she drags herself out the crate and then pushes herself up. Every chance she gets, she'll flop on the floor. I tried to get an earlier appointment but couldn't. I drop her off tomorrow morning @ 7am and I cannot wait. I didn't think it would be this difficult. It kills me to see her in pain. I think the only thing that gets me through this is seeing her chasing her shadow throughout the house. This lets me know that she's still able to enjoy herself a little. Any advice?

[flyballmom]

OMG how scary! Do NOT let her run around (or try) and play. Keep her restricted to a crate or leash at all times, even when out for potty. Whatever's going on could be made worse be too much activity. And...if it were me I'd likely be looking for a vet that could see us NOW. Please let us know what the vet finds

[lbraxton]

Originally Posted by flyballmom

OMG how scary! Do NOT let her run around (or try) and play. Keep her restricted to a crate or leash at all times, even when out for potty. Whatever's going on could be made worse be too much activity. And...if it were me I'd likely be looking for a vet that could see us NOW. Please let us know what the vet finds

I told my hubby that after our contract is up w/this vet, I'm going to purchase AKC insurance and change my vet. This is all new to me so I'm still learning the do's and dont's of owning a dog. It is really scary and I had no idea that it would be this difficult. I need to call home and tell son to put Zoey back in crate. Originally, I told him to leave her in there but he didn't listen and said he just wanted her to stretch. Before long, she was running around. I will definitely keep you all posted. I am still at work and it's really hard to concentrate on anything.

Thanks!

[lbraxton]

Zoey Update - Zoey went to the vet, she weighs 57 lbs, she's getting huge. The vet said it wasn't anything serious. We got x-rays and her right hip bone does not fit in the joint properly. He said because she's still growing, it will more than likely correct itself and in the meantime he gave her joint flex, it's supposed to help w/the pain - we'll see. I was relieved. Also, her bloodwork showed that her red blood cells were low and that contributes to her level of energy. We have vitamins for her and hopefully this will work. I will be sure to keep a close eye on her and they did not restrict her from any activities.

We'll see! For now, I'm happy but if she's still having difficulty getting up next week, it's off to another vet.

Trina

[Miabella]

Trina, that sounds very serious, I don't know what your vet is talking about! That is hip dysplasia, and they definitely don't just grow out of it! And it sounds like she is anemic? Did they tell you WHY?

Who is your vet? I think you need another opinion on both counts!!!

[Dugganmom]

i agree about the hip thing, if the bone does not fit into the joint properly then it is hip dysplasia, i was told duggan will have problems as he gets older unless we opt to do the surgery. i would get a second opinion if i were you. I did when duggan was diagnoised.

[Ayoka]

I'm no expert but I would be very concerned abut low red blood cell counts...anemia would be a HUGE red flag to me. Anemia can be caused by many things...but it is definitely a sign that her body is not working properly and I'm not sure about wether vitamins will help....certainly an anemic Human would get more than just vitamins....

Are you going for follow up blood tests to see if the vitamins help?

[lbraxton]

Banfield and I'm not happy w/them at all. I'm going to call them now and yes she is anemic and I didn't know that there was a reason because I was never given a reason as to why I am anemic other than I am. Should there be a reason, if so, I need to check w/my doctor. I'll contact them now.

Stay posted.

[Ayoka]

Originally Posted by lbraxton

Banfield and I'm not happy w/them at all. I'm going to call them now and yes she is anemic and I didn't know that there was a reason because I was never given a reason as to why I am anemic other than I am. Should there be a reason, if so, I need to check w/my doctor. I'll contact them now.

Stay posted.

Check this site out for a long lost of potential causes of anemia...

http://www.vetinfo.com/dencyclopedia/deanemia.html

[Miabella]

Banfield, like the clinic at Petsmart? Don't waste your money there, that's like the McDonald's of vet clinics.

I don't know where you live in DC, but Dr. Giles at Union Vet Clinic next to Union Station is very good. Also, Friendship Hospital for Animals in NW. If you are willing to drive to MD or VA, I can give you some references there as well.

[lbraxton]

Originally Posted by Ayoka

I'm no expert but I would be very concerned abut low red blood cell counts...anemia would be a HUGE red flag to me. Anemia can be caused by many things...but it is definitely a sign that her body is not working properly and I'm not sure about wether vitamins will help....certainly an anemic Human would get more than just vitamins....

Are you going for follow up blood tests to see if the vitamins help?

I am concerned about the hip problem and her being anemic but being an anemic, I only take iron (just like her). There was no underlying reason and it is something that just happens. I'm talking to the vet hospital now it is hip disyplasia. I'm pissed and very sad. The idiots didn't tell my husband when he picked her up and because I don't know alot about it (thanks to you guys for the help) I assumed it would be corrected.

FUDGE! I'm so sad and feel like crying. I was told that she would suffer w/this forever and the pills would help. Any suggestions?

[lbraxton]

Originally Posted by Miabella

Banfield, like the clinic at Petsmart? Don't waste your money there, that's like the McDonald's of vet clinics.

I don't know where you live in DC, but Dr. Giles at Union Vet Clinic next to Union Station is very good. Also, Friendship Hospital for Animals in NW. If you are willing to drive to MD or VA, I can give you some references there as well.

Please refer me to someone and do I contact the breeder? If so, what will happen? Her hip is certified so what next?

[Ayoka]

Originally Posted by lbraxton

FUDGE! I'm so sad and feel like crying. I was told that she would suffer w/this forever and the pills would help. Any suggestions?

If it's iron deficiency, then the pills should help (I thought you meant like a multivitamin, not an iron pill) but I would GO TO ANOTHER VET and have her blood levels checked after she's been on the iron to make sure the first vet correctly diagnosed the iron defficiency anemia...heck I'd go to the other vet sooner to get a second opinion on the anemia AND the HD.

I would also contact the breeder...a good breeder would be very concerned...

[Miabella]

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news! {{{Trina}}}

The two vet clinics I listed above are very good for general practice.
http://www.unionvetclinic.com/
http://www.friendshiphospital.com/

SouthPaws Veterinary Referal Center is the top place in the area for orthopedics (and oncology), in my opinion. http://www.southpaws.com/