October was Awareness and Pet Wellness month.
Every month should be Awareness and Pet Wellness month.
A life of a pet is ever changing. Continually being aware and educated about your pet’s behavior and health is very important.
October was the month I went for my annual vet examination.
As I age, my annual visit seems to take longer especially
when tests are needed which also requires multiple visits and several one on one (phone calls) conversations with the vet.
My multiple lumps on my left/right lateral chest, ventral chest and pectoral area were my mom’s biggest concern. Test were done and simply lipomas. My family continues to monitor these lumps as every year it gets bigger.
This year’s vet visit, 2 health issues where brought
to my mom’s attention.
First, my weight … I’m FAT.
For a Senior Dog it is not safe to carry extra weight.
My vet asked me to be on a diet.
What does it mean? … less tasty food and treats.
I tried to convince my mom that my weight gain was due to the fullness of my Golden Fur. She did not buy it …
so I’ve been eating less and moving more.
It’s been four weeks and Guess What? I’ve lost Golden Amazing 5 lbs!
My heavy panting has been an issue too so
continually maintaining a good weight is a MUST.
Secondly, the vet took several photos (x-rays) of my body.
The vet informed my mom that my liver is a bit enlarged.
Several test were done and results were good.
My mom is a bit uncertain on what do. Vet suggested to do more tests.
She is hesitant as I don’t exhibit any symptoms that are alarming.
What entails taking more test? Will it help or provide us a solution?
My mom does not want to regret and make a wrong decision. Lately, she’s been doing lots of reading and research. She’s observing me on a daily basis and will be in contact with the vet in about 2 months.
I’ve advised my mom not to over think and not to worry. Any information or advise you may have will be greatly appreciated.
For now, we continue to
LIVE the Golden RULE:
“Living Precious
Golden Moments”
Lots of Golden Woofs
My first question when my vet suggests we do any tests is: How will the results of the test change treatment options?
All too often, the answer to that question is that the test results will not change treatment one bit. In that case, I forgo the testing as unnecessary. For tests that would change the treatment, I talk to my vet about what the test could reveal and the different treatment options, as well as asking if doing the treatment without the test is an option.
If the test might reveal something that must be treated, but treatment without doing the test is potentially dangerous, I will do the test. Otherwise, I will normally wait. Too many vets are all too ready to do every test out there to find out what is wrong. Nothing wrong with that except when the tests are unnecessary.
I agree with K-Koira. We have gone through a LOT of health issues with Toby and did some of the tests necessary to diagnose what was going on. But when it came to a $1500 endoscopy to see if he had cancer, we drew the line. It might or might not prove anything (it turns out there is no cancer) and the expense was a bit much. And he's 12 years old. We also stopped all the heavy meds as he reacted badly to some. At one point, Toby got so bad we were even discussing euthanasia. Fortunately, our instincts were good and he's doing quite well on a maintenance dosage of thyroid meds and prednisone for the Addison's disease.
So, Sugar, hang in there! We all love you!!
Sounds like you got some good advice from your commenters. Sugar, you are doing great and you have a wonderful and caring mom.
Woos ~ Phantom, Thunder, Ciara, and Lightning
Sugar, I think losing 5 golden pounds is awesome! I'm sure since your mom sounds like the attentive type that she's already giving you food for older dogs that are supposed to help with that 'as you get older' weight gain. Moving more is good, too, though! Here's hoping that the liver issue isn't major. Live each precious golden moment to its fullest! Have a great weekend, Sugar!
Lindy has been losing weight, too, Sugar, because she will soon be a Senior Dog.
She is on special food from the veterinary clinic, and for snacks she has vegetables. Fortunately, she loves vegetables. She very rarely has carrots, because they contain so much sugar. So do beets, but red food on golden dogs is a bad idea!
I hope you continue to be healthy.
Kay, Alberta, Canada
An Unfittie’s Guide to Adventurous Travel
I think that ALL doctors/DAWGtors are the same they only think about the TEXT BOOK PERFECT thingys.. and not about the Quality/JOY a life should have.. I would rather have fewer days and have THOSE DAYS… be Fun and Full of the stuffs that I love.. To heck with being THIN… I want to ENJOY my DAYS.
Sugar, the vet wants to do tests on me to prove her theory that I have Cushings Disease because that's what my bloodwork indicates. When my beans asked what would happen if the tests prove I have Cushings the vet said nothing since the treatment for it would make me sicker and I'm not sick now. Your mommy knows you best and will be able to tell what tests and subsequent treatment if any would be best so we know she'll make the right decision.
Whenever our vet wants to do tests, we ask "and then what?" If there isn't a good reply then we skip the tests. Like when Mango had his first seizure, they said "brain scan for a tumor" followed by "not much can be done to treat a brain tumor." So why bother? Better to live a good life.
An enlarged liver is worrisome. The issue with dogs is how stoic they can be and how symptoms can creep up over time. Good idea to keep a journal of eating and exercise and general mood so that you can spot any subtle changes.
Mango Momma
Hi Sugar, We do hope all is okay and there is nothing serious.
Diets suck but it has to be done.
Licks Bobby
Hey Sweet Sugar!
Wow, weight loss is a real hard one. Tell your mom that you will trade fewer treats for more scritches instead. I'd skip the expensive and stressful tests until you have some symptoms that something is hurting or feeling sick. Whatever you decide will be right for you. Keep us posted and I'm sending you some loving vibes.
Grr and Woof,
Sarge, COP
Pet care is important and sometimes a vet can be a pet's best friend. It is hard to know though how many tests to run because things get expensive very quickly. Congratulations to you on your 5 lb. weight loss, but it looks like you still may have more to go. We noticed Abby got more energetic when she lost her excess weight. Wishing you good health and we're sure you mom will make the right decisions for you. Enjoy all the golden moments you can!
Hey there Sugar! We were told we had to lose some weight too and momma had to promise the doc we wouldn't have any more peanut butter! Can you imagine?!? We are thinking about you here – hopefully you won't need those silly tests and tell your momma you are fine!
Congratulations on your weight loss, Sugar! That is awesome!
We've had some scary news about Sam just recently, and we understand your Mom's concern. There's been a lot of talking at our house (and quite a few tears!). We are sending you hugs, dear Sugar, and will keep you in our prayers that you stay healthy and well!
Sam
Oh my gosh!! We are going throught the SAME THING!!! Joey has been throwing up his food and I took him in for tests and his liver enzymes are highg and then we had an ultrasound and he has a fold in his duodenum!!!! Now 1000.00 later what am I supposed to do??? I have a medication for his liver thats suppose to help with his counts but its getting hard to keep food down him. Also Kealani is overweight and its hard to get those pounds off!!! I totally am right there with you!!!! Hang in there Sugar!!!!!
Sugar, first, WAY TO GO dropping the lbs. That's not easy for anyone. I'm happy to read you have a vet who is thorough and knows you. I'm thankful you have a mom who's completely in tune with your life patterns. This will be helpful. We'll be keeping you in our thoughts and sending lots of golden healing your way.
Hello Miss Sugar ♥
Congratulations on loosing the 5 Lbs. Wow! That is a LOT; you basically lost a whole Aida ;o)
My Bro Ray needs to loose about that amount but it is very hard because he is like a piranha around food :o)))
You can tell your Mommy that the monitor approach is always good if there are no alarming symptoms.
Also there are natural supplements for maintaining the liver's health like Milk Thistle.
Smooches,
Neeko ♥
O hai! I glad u health is okay. I have lots of furs, too. 🙂
You lost five pounds? That's great, I know how it feels to be on a diet. It's NO fun. I have arthritis so I can't be carrying extra weight too.
Sugar,
We are sendin' boxer puppy prayers to you my furiend.
Woofs and Licks,
Maggie Mae and Max
PeeS Good fur you losing 5 lbs and YES Max is why we have been so busy lately 😉 Thanks for stoppin' by today to welcome him!
Hi Sugar! We forgot to include in our email that we got the beautiful water bottle!!
Licks,
Ruthie
Congrats on loosing five whole pounds, Sugar! We hope your Mom continues to do her reading and research-and talking to perhaps several Vets…just to make sure.
We love that question provided in the first comment: "How will additional tests change your treatment options" Sounds like an important question to ask to us!
Being overweight is not a good thing for anyone-human or pet, so we hope you continue your efforts!
Good luck and please keep us informed!
Babes your always be Sugar to me.. ah, so what, have to let out the collar a bit.. CUT DOWN ON COOKIES and more walkies matey… Age is a gracefull thing.. you have grace… keep well dear Sugar and hugs and hugs to mom………
Lots of luvs Freya Rose Blossom X PUP……….
No worries about your weight, Sugar. Yes, less treats BUT more walks, right?! Your mom is doing the right thing by searching the web and our bloggie friends are sure to help. You both are very luck to have each other and I know everything will turn out just fine!
Miley and Maggie
Congratulations on losing 5 pounds Sugar. That is excellent. We known your mom takes great care of you!
the 2 brown dawgs
Eating less and moving about more is the way to go.
Sounds like you are doing very well and I'm sure it will help you stay healthy.
Love and licks, Winnie
Exercise and weight loss are a good start to insure you live a long and happy life. We Golden Retrievers have a high instance of nasty things that can afflict us in our senior years. Your Mum is doing all the right things. However, she needs to eliminate all the temptations in your life: bunny poop and Punkin cookies. Just send me all your extra Punkin cookies – you can keep the bunny poop, as long as you don't eat it!!
Roooooos & Golden kisses from Easton
I can so understand your mom taking extra care with you. She will worry about you no matter what the rest of us say. That's what moms do.
Our Little Bit is highly allergic to many things and has to have two shots every 30 days. She also has bad joints and has lots of trouble getting up sometimes. There is medication for that, but it's not good for her liver. So we worry about her like your mom worries about you.
Have a woof woof day Sugar. My best to you mom. 🙂