Marlin to the vet; Update #10

[4 Dog Mother]

Will be praying for that Marlin Darlin'! Hope it isn't Cushings.

[lizbud]

Prayers for Marlin from us too. All paws crossed for a good outcome.

[Freedom]

First, the most important news: Marlin is FINE.

The lump: is either a benign tumor, or a reactive fibroplasia. Either way, I just have to watch it in case it decides to grow rapidly, otherwise we can ignore it. A reactive fibroplasia may be caused by a vaccine, or by a wound healing. As he hasn't had any vaccines since August, maybe he got a wound that is healing.

Blood work is perfect. Vet suggested 3 possibilities:
1. We've been trying to keep Marlin at 16 pounds, slightly underweight, to help his hips last as long as possible. Being a chow hound, maybe we just can't do that with Marlin and will have to let him be at 17 to 18 pounds.
2. I've been feeding grain free for 2 years this month. Perhaps that, along with keeping his weight low, it too much, and I need to add some oatmeal or rice to help him feel full longer.
3. He likes the food, and has learned that whining and fussing gets me to give him MORE. In other words, he is playing me!

The urine sample is borderline for a UTI, so he is now on antibacterial meds for 10 days for that.

So about $400 to learn my chow hound is playing me!

I am quite relieved, but also a bit mystified with all he's been doing. So I'm going to feed him more, get through the meds, and see if things calm down around here.

[pomtzu]

Great news Sandie - I am so relieved! You know I have a soft spot for Marlin Darlin.

Now Marlin - my man - don't overdo in the chow line. Just because Mum said she was going to feed you more, doesn't mean that you have to simonize your bowl every time. We sure don't want you turning into a little oinker!

[Freedom]

LOL he was 22 pounds when he arrived here; took me almost 2 years to get him down to the 18 pound mark. Then with his hips, we went a bit lower.

Oops, guess who is whining and fussing? MARLIN is hungry again! Silly boy.

[K9karen]

Whew! I couldn't be happier! Thank God it's not Cushings! I mean, too bad it's a UTI, but that's easily treatable.

I think this weather is taking a toll on Mz Logan. She's also a whiner, and when I sit with my coffee and paper in the morning, she'll bark..rather..SHOUT for another dog cookie. She lost 3 pounds on our last visit, but, altho the cookies are low calorie, she's looking a bit heavy to me. *Slaps Self on Wrist*. My Bad. Talk about being played. Her H2o consumption seems to have ebbed.

So, it looks like both our chow hounds will be OK. Woo! Woo!

[Freedom]

OK, Ms. Logan, are you and Marlin in cahoots?

Hmm, I wonder if the weather is playing a part in this. Or more specifically, the fact that I can't get the dogs out and exercised the way I do in better weather. Maybe that is somehow tinkering with the way their bodies are working.

I do have a whole house humidifier but I know the house is on the lower side this of normal (45 to 65) this past 2 or 3 weeks.