Pets Corner

[Undercover-Elsa]

Awww they're lovely CitizenB

Here's one I've always loved, by Rudyard Kipling, a real tear jerker:

 

The Power of the Dog

There is sorrow enough in the natural way

From men and women to fill our day;

And when we are certain of sorrow in store,

Why do we always arrange for more?

Brothers and sisters, I bid you beware

Of giving your heart to a dog to tear.

Buy a pup and your money will buy

Love unflinching that cannot lie--

Perfect passion and worship fed

By a kick in the ribs or a pat on the head.

Nevertheless it is hardly fair

To risk your heart to a dog to tear.

When the fourteen years which Nature permits

Are closing in asthma, or tumour or fits,

And the vet's unspoken prescription runs

To lethal chambers or loaded guns,

Then you will find--it's your own affair--

But...you've given your heart to a dog to tear.

When the body that lived at your single will,

With its whimper of welcome, is stilled (how still!)

When the spirit that answered your every mood

Is gone--wherever it goes--for good,

You will discover how much you care,

And will give your heart to a dog to tear.

We've sorrow enough in the natural way,

When it comes to burying Christian clay.

Our loves are not given, but only lent,

At compound interest of cent per cent.

Though it is not always the case, I believe,

That the longer we've kept 'em, the more do we grieve:

For, when debts are payable, right or wrong,

A short-term loan is as bad as a long--

So why in Heaven (before we are there)

Should we give our hearts to a dog to tear?

 

Elsa x

[Undercover-Elsa]

I know! It's just made me cry reading it again!

[Undercover-Elsa]

Yep, we just keep doing it, regardless, because the rewards are so great, despite the unbearable loss at the end.

Rainbow Bridge is more cheerful!

[Undercover-Elsa]

Hi Sunflower,

Sorry to hear about your dog. How old is he?

Trouble is the liver problems will be complicating matters, making it difficult for him to digest fat, so both that and the high BS can cause weight loss in their own right.

I'd definitely get a second opinion on management, even if it's a case of seeing a different vet in the practice, expressing concern that he is still losing weight on that diet, and ask if there is any other treatment or "safe" treats he have in addition to keep his weight stable.

Prescription vet food is very pricey!

Elsa x

[Undercover-Elsa]

That's not very old Sunflower, he's in his prime, bless him.

[Undercover-Elsa]

In the same way as if you have your eyes examined and get a prescription from the optician, you can buy glasses at ANY shop, once the vet has examined an animal and given a prescription, he must, if you request it, give you a written prescription. You can then get it made up where you wish, eg online pet medication suppliers. You don't have to get the medications from your vet (where they are often more expensive). However they may charge for issuing or reissuing paper prescriptions, so it's a case of weighing up the benefits.

[Undercover-Elsa]

Spot On, hightail (pun intended )

Elsa x

[Undercover-Elsa]

Hi Sunflower,

Poor lad. The vet sounds like the old school type. If he'd been a surgeon he'd have had a flurry of starched frilly nurses fluttering round him!

What symptoms was your lad having that took you to the vet?

Just the weight loss? Or was he vomiting/ extra thirsty/loose or pale, greasy motions? In pain? Any yellow in his eyes? Panting a lot?

I agree with the above, you need a definitive proper diagnosis for your money. Ask the question- what liver disease does he actually have? Is he actually diabetic? He's very young to be having these problems all of a sudden.

By the way, if you're on Housing or Council tax benefit you could get free treatment at your nearest PDSA. Check out The Blue Cross too.

Hugs

Elsa x

[Undercover-Elsa]

It's a pleasure Sunflower!

The strange smell...peardrops?

I wish I could see that blood report!!!

Maybe it would help if you thought of your vet as a banker and sent him a SAR for all your dog's data!

Elsa x

[Undercover-Elsa]

Yep, peardrops smell is acetone (ketones) from improper glucose metabolism. The other possibility is uraemia from poor liver or kidney function, which gives a nasty taste/smell in the mouth..due mainly to improper protein metabolism.

This is why you need to be informed by your vet, as the right management is crucial, depending on the blood results.

[Undercover-Elsa]

Hi Sunflower,

Here's a link to the Blue Cross info sheet. They do allow more latitude than the PDSA in who they accept eg Working Tax Credits.

http://www.bluecross.org.uk/web/FILES/Literature/LONDON_ANIMAL_HOSP_WEB.pdf

 

They have hospitals in Victoria, Hammersmith, Merton and Grimsby. I believe if you don't live in those areas they have a vet credit certificate scheme. It's not totally free though, they do expect a donation towards treatment.

Elsa x

 

PS. I've done a couple of sticky threads with general info which covers a lot of these issues:

http://www.consumeractiongroup.co.uk/forum/pets-vets/227345-rescue-welfare-advice-useful.html

 

http://www.consumeractiongroup.co.uk/forum/pets-vets/227294-problems-your-vet-useful.html