stoutfellow (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
stoutfellow) wrote2006-07-08 01:47 pm
stoutfellow) wrote2006-07-08 01:47 pm
Entry tags:
A Trip to the Vet
Today I took Murphy over to the vet for his shots. Normally, the dog - whichever one I'm taking - and I walk to the vet; it's a mile or two, but that hasn't been a problem in the past. Today, though, a combination of factors, both short-term and long-term, made things a bit different. Details are under the cut.
Today is rather hot. I'd made the appointment for mid-morning, to avoid the worst of it, but it was still up there - high 80's F, I'd guess. To make matters worse, Murphy's upper quarters are solid black. (His belly and parts of his legs are tan and white.) Now add the weakness of his hindquarters; on a surface that isn't quite level, he tends to fall down quite a bit, and even without that he tires more easily than I'd realized. The net effect was that, when we made it to the vet's waiting room, poor Murphy was very hot and tired; he just flopped down and panted. Even when two beagles came over to investigate, he didn't react much.
Given Murphy's age, and given that he needs to have his teeth done soon, I agreed to have a full panel of bloodwork done, and let the aide take him into the inner sanctum of the building. Ten or fifteen minutes later, the aide came back to apologize for the wait. His temperature was elevated, and he was struggling against their attempts to draw blood (and clip his toenails). She told me that they wanted to just give him a chance to rest and cool off, and that this was likely to take a while; she suggested that I go home, and they would call me when they'd finished the tests. If need be, she continued, they would bring him to my house themselves. Seeing the effect the walk had had on him, I agreed that this would probably be wiser than subjecting him to a second trip.
I just got the call; he's cooled down and been given his shots, and the aide will bring him by my house after she gets off work, about 5:00.
They're good people, at Hawthorne Animal Hospital; I really appreciate their services. The next time I take Murphy in, I'm going to have to mooch a ride off someone. I hate doing that, but it seems he's not capable of that walk any more. Poor fella.
Today is rather hot. I'd made the appointment for mid-morning, to avoid the worst of it, but it was still up there - high 80's F, I'd guess. To make matters worse, Murphy's upper quarters are solid black. (His belly and parts of his legs are tan and white.) Now add the weakness of his hindquarters; on a surface that isn't quite level, he tends to fall down quite a bit, and even without that he tires more easily than I'd realized. The net effect was that, when we made it to the vet's waiting room, poor Murphy was very hot and tired; he just flopped down and panted. Even when two beagles came over to investigate, he didn't react much.
Given Murphy's age, and given that he needs to have his teeth done soon, I agreed to have a full panel of bloodwork done, and let the aide take him into the inner sanctum of the building. Ten or fifteen minutes later, the aide came back to apologize for the wait. His temperature was elevated, and he was struggling against their attempts to draw blood (and clip his toenails). She told me that they wanted to just give him a chance to rest and cool off, and that this was likely to take a while; she suggested that I go home, and they would call me when they'd finished the tests. If need be, she continued, they would bring him to my house themselves. Seeing the effect the walk had had on him, I agreed that this would probably be wiser than subjecting him to a second trip.
I just got the call; he's cooled down and been given his shots, and the aide will bring him by my house after she gets off work, about 5:00.
They're good people, at Hawthorne Animal Hospital; I really appreciate their services. The next time I take Murphy in, I'm going to have to mooch a ride off someone. I hate doing that, but it seems he's not capable of that walk any more. Poor fella.
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Poor Murphy indeed. You'll have to pamper him extra to make up for the ordeal of the day.
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As for your vet's office, how wonderful that they will drive him home! Good people, for sure.
I'm sending calming, soothing waves from here for both of you. I know how sad it is to contemplate the fact that he may not be up for that kind of exercise anymore.
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Don't beat yourself up over it. He seems to be doing okay and it's always easy to see things in hindsight. You'll make sure something's figured out for next time.
I'm glad he's doing better!
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Sending good cooling and restful thoughts Murphy's way.
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He's home now, and seems in good spirits; he ate his dinner with his usual gusto (and came sniffing around Ben's as well, also as usual).
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I have a good old guy getting older too--he is at my feet right now--so I know how you feel.
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Would putting something like a small gate all around to raise the sides of the wagon help obviate the jumping possibility?