when the little boogers backs are hurting until they start shivering or whining. Yesterday was a slow day for Zuzu, she wanted to rest and she didn't move around much. and I thought: "Can she walk, can she stand?" so I got her up. Otherwise she was friendly and her eyes were bright and she seemed hydrated. What's a mom to do when they can't talk?
Follow your gut. My gut told me that this time was worse than last time for Roscoe. My gut told me that I should have pressed on Monday for an earlier appointment and a referral to a specialist - Just in case. John's gut told him to stay home on Tuesday with Roscoe, though he had been seen the night before and given steroids and prescribed crate rest. Had he not stayed home, we wouldn't have known that Roscoe was worse by 9 am. Our instincts told us to bypass the vet and go straight to the specialist and fight if necessary to be seen without a referral. We didn't know when we called the Surgeon that Roscoe would be paralyzed by the time we made it there.
Don't hesitate to call the vet or go in, it just may preserve your dog's ability to walk.
Follow your instinct and pay attention to what your baby's eyes and body language is telling you.
That is so true Krista. I remember when Cajsa had gotten into rat poison (but we didn't know it at the time) and she was having bloody stools. The first vet just ignored it and told me to take her home and come back in a few days if it wasn't any better. I was mad as everything as well as worried about her so I took her home and settled her in her bed then went to work to get some info about other vets in the area. I called and explained the situation to two or three before I was able to get her an appointment for that same day. It was a good thing I did too. She needed an IV for fluids and all kinds of stuff. She spent the night in the vet hospital. Thankfully we found out what was wrong, but if I hadn't pushed to get her to a competant vet when *HER* vet wouldn't do anything for her, then she wouldn't be with us now. Follow your gut is right, if it tells you it's serious then act on it. Our babies are worth it!
That is definately the hardest part about caring for our kids. They can't tell us when they hurt - and I know we all panic when we are unsure as to what might be wrong. Just follow your instincts - better to be safe and visit the vet -
Well, that is so true. I have never taken a doggie to the vet that didn't need to be seen. !!!! Just wanted to know if there are any specific signs I can use to assess this. (I know the paw trick)
Leslie,
You should check out Maryanne's website http://www.tealdachs.com/back.html
there is loads of info about back problems and how to recognize pain. Also you might want to join dodgerslist if you are not already a member :thumb:
http://www.dodgerslist.com/
go down to where it says "Join Dodgerslist"
Jen & the Crew
How is Zuzu doing? I hope she is feeling better, if not please see your vet ASAP. Here is the Group list ...
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Dodgerslist/