jrm88

If eosinophils(type of wbc which indicates increase from parasitic load) are increased it could indicate a reaction to a parasite (also can go up with allergic or hypersensitivity reactions) . Keep in mind this can indicate a reaction to any parasite, not any specific type. An increase in this would not routinely indicate a heartworm infection if there has been otherwise fairly consistant prevention being given. If there were other symptoms than it may be more believable.

Different clinics have different overheads to pay. Some may make most of their money off quantity of procedures performed, others may make it through quality service to a smaller volume, some may charge more for medication. In the end, vets are a business. If you choose to have pets, you need to understand this and plan for how to pay in the event a large amount is needed, or you need to accept euthanasia may be the more realistic outcome. Pets are a luxury, not a right, more people need to remember that when moaning about vet costs. No one is forced to own a pet.

That is good to know. Next time I have my 12 yo toy poodle's teeth cleaned I will mention this to the vet. I just wanted to clarify that the gas your dog receives is still a general anaesthetic (most likely isoflurane) . It is a different method of delivery. Inhalation vs. intravenous. Inhalation anaesthetic is safer in that it is expelled very quickly (via the lungs) whereas intravenous anaesthetic needs to be metabolized which takes time. Induction with an inhalation agent is usually more stressful on an animal as they can taste/smell the anaesthetic and often fight it (obviously different for different animals). But it is good that animals do recover so quickly from this method.

Havent really posted much in here, but need motivation in the winter months..! I own a 2.5yr old silver standard poodle (Leo) and we are doing agility training at croydon.. Things we have been working hard on (and being a little successful!) are not babysitting and me just trusting Leo knows what to do (which he does!) I would love to do a trial this year sometime, hopefully that will happen :)

Wow your all very lucky. I'd say 50-60% of our patients decide to lick/fuss at their stitches. If you have seen an animal eviscerate itself (which I have seen twice), cause a gaping wound which needs to be sutured again or cause a bad infection, you would understand our concern and why we may push for the elizabethan collars for certain pets. I do not believe every dog requires an elizabethan collar though. Also please remember, the general public (not as dog savvy as your average dol'er) do not understand the consequences if their dog "just licks a little at night".

There are some idiots at Knox dog park. Encouraging dogs to "work out any problems for themselves". I dont go into the enclosed area as I've found people tend to care even less! I'm very wary when I go down there with who my boys play with as unfortunately some ppl say "let them work it out" without realizing how quickly the situation could escalate.

Congrats!!! :) Am sure I will see you around :)

Wrap him in a towel and use your legs to restrain him :) Towel can be used to immobilise his head a bit!

I think a lot of people get in, then realise they actually have to do more training at home to progress and so don't end up turning up. I am loving training there :)

Glad you enjoyed your visit :) And the lil poodle always loves meeting new doggies/ppl ! Hope to see you nxt weekend! :)

As its been said before. Different vets have different overheads and companies that they use. Someone here may b quoting prices for a large vet in syd (very exp to run!) or a small one vet clinic in a low demographic area (much cheaper)) Vets are a business, they need to profit to continue to run. Pets are not a right, they are a luxury that comes with additional expense and owners need to have a backup plan. Whether its a savings account, cc for emergencies, borrowing off family, vet that will allow accounts etc

Just wanted to add...Barkley is spectacular to watch! :) he is fantastic.

Just to make sure... His stomach isn't "bruised" looking is it?? If the skin is just red, yep could be allergic reaction. Just wanting to make sure he isn't bleeding under the skin which could be an emergency :) hope his skin is just red n Im being paranoid! :)

I had to stop going to berwick.. Grounds were waaaaay too muddy for my std poodle (HAD to bath him after every class) and he got incredibly bored as much of the class was too repetitive. I'm at croydon dog club now and it's well worth the 35/40 min drive :) we never do repetitive work and it's much more suited to my poodle (incredibly positive reward based) Berwick is good for some ppl and not so good for others. Goodluck :)

Most dogs will not lay still for a shoulder X-ray so sedation is normally required. Cheapest is not always the best option. Experience, knowledge n best medicine should considered along with cost :)