Good News & Bad News

[jimnconnie]

I took Bailey in 2 days ago for his annual Heartworm Blood Package, which tests for heartworm, and includes a pretty extensive blood panel, & a urinalysis. The vet's office called this afternoon, and said that the heartworm test was negative, and that the blood panel results were all within the normal ranges, or very close. That was the good news, the bad news was that Bailey has a UTI. This came as a complete surprise, as he had shown no symptoms at all before the exam. But this morning when I let Bailey & Sophie out of their crates, Bailey raced for the door to get outside. Normally, Sophie is the first one out the door, while Bailey leisurely stretches and waits for me to clean the overnight gunk out of his eyes before I can coax him outside. Also I had to hand feed him a few pieces of kibble this morning before he would eat all of his breakfast, and then he wanted me to hold him. I told my DW that he was acting kind of odd, and maybe he wasn't feeling well. Little did I know then that there really was something wrong with him. I think they caught this problem in the early stages, the Urinalysis report says his urine was "yellow & cloudy". He's on antibiotic (Clavamox) for 10 days, and then back to the vet for another urinalysis. He had some UTI's a few years ago, and they usually cleared right up with medication. Hopefully this episode will turn out that way too!

Jim

[rallycairn]

Poor boy, he is under the weather, but I'm sure you caught it early and he'll be back to his usual self soon!

[Malcolm's Dad]

Poor Bailey. His mommy and daddy will take good care of him. Hope he's back to normal real soon.

[little feet zip]

Get well soon Bailey. Glad everything else is ok.

Rich

[tlwtheq]

I really hate it when a health problem sneaks up on you like that.

Glad you got it before it could get worse.

Take care,

Tara, Mom of 3 healthy Cairn Terroriers (we think.)

[beccadiane374]

Glad it was caught in time...hope Bailey is feeling better soon!

[Hawkeye]

Get well soon Bailey.

[jimnconnie]

I really hate it when a health problem sneaks up on you like that.

Glad you got it before it could get worse.

I guesss we were just fortunate that Bailey's tests were scheduled for that day, or the UTI could have been further developed by the time we found out about it. But I did know that something was wrong with him, even before the tests. It's really amazing how we become so attuned to these dogs feelings & actions that we can tell when something isn't right. How come my DW has to tell me when she doesn't feel well, when we've been married 37 yrs.???

Jim

[jimnconnie]

I guess I could change this topic to "Good News & Good News" now. Yesterday, I took Bailey see the Veterinary Ophthomologist to examine his eyes for Occular Melanosis. He was tested a year ago, and was found to be in the very, very early stages of O.M. Yesterday, the same doctor said that his eyes were basically normal. The irises are changing color, but he said that this is common in Cairns, and that annual re-checks are all that are needed for now. Today we went to our regular vet for a follow-up urinalysis to check on the U.T.I that was discovered 11 days ago. Apparently the antibiotics did the trick, because there are no more signs of infection. I love good news!!!

Jim

[sanford]

That's wonderful. Thanks for sharing this good news!

[tlwtheq]

Apparently the antibiotics did the trick, because there are no more signs of infection. I love good news!!!

Jim

That is good news. So glad Bailey is happy and healthy!

[2crazycairns]

We're SO very glad to hear that everything has turned out so well for Bailey. You're right about being so 'in tune' with them.... I worry when Gus doesn't eat his kibble even once let alone a full day.

If I can ask Jim, at what point do you start doing annual lab tests like these? Gus just turned a year old and we've had him to the vet several times and this was never mentioned. Just the typical shots and AB's to guard off infection when he tore his claws off.

Glad you're better Bailey! Gus says 'woof!'

Rita and Gus

[jimnconnie]

If I can ask Jim, at what point do you start doing annual lab tests like these? Gus just turned a year old and we've had him to the vet several times and this was never mentioned. Just the typical shots and AB's to guard off infection when he tore his claws off.

Rita and Gus

When Bailey was about 2 1/2 yrs. old we learned that he had liver-shunt & bladder stones. He underwent surgery for both conditions & recovered well, with no ill-effects since. Since that time, when he is due for his annual heartworm test, I have the vet do what they call a "Heartworm Wellness Package". In addition to checking for heartworms, they also do a complete blood panel, and a urine analysis. The results give the vet a good indication of possible health problems. The cost is considerably more than the basic heartworm test (approx. $75 vs. $25), but it's only once a year and it gives me some peace of mind, so now I have both dogs tested this way. I'm probably over-protective because of what we went through with Bailey early on.

Jim

[2crazycairns]

Thanks for the response Jim. I was able to ask our vet just this morning his feelings on the matter and he said that we really don't have many of the mosquitoes in this area that cause this so he doesn't do the heartworm vaccines or tests on a frequent basis. He takes it case by case depending on the region the dog came from, other dogs they're in contact with, and how much their owners travel and to what parts of the states. It was nice to get his feedback and even better to hear that as his own years have progressed along with his experience, he's been questioning more and more just want chemicals and how many we need in our system- dogs and humans alike.

Your input and info was greatly appreciated.