Pirate had her vet exam today with Dr. Rick. I specifically asked for him as he's the vet I trust most. There are four vets at the clinic now and I like them all, but Rick is my favorite.
The visit didn't start off terribly well as Pirate peed all over the scale in the lobby!The receptionist just laughed and said "bet that's what she's here about, isn't it!?" Then she peed on Rick's foot when he lifted her tail, but it can't be the first time that's happened to him!
The results of the urinalysis and blood work are very good. Her kidneys are concentrating properly. She doesn't have an infection, crystals or diabetes. Her blood work numbers are those of a younger dog. No sign of any problems with her major organs.
So it's safe to start medicating her! Rick agrees with me that she is past the point where Cosequin or other supplements are going to help her. In addition to the stiff hips, she has some spinal athritis which isn't uncommon and may be adding to her control issues. Anti-inflammatories will help with her back, her hips and her overall comfort level. She's starting on Metacam tonight.
She's also starting DES right away. Pirate's leakage is more severe than Sleet's and may be harder to get under control. We don't know how long it's been going on. It would have been easier to treat when it first occured. Sleet takes one pill once a week. Pirate is starting on one pill a day for a week and then weaned down, assuming it works. If it does and she starts to leak again after say 3 days without it, she'll get a pill every two days--one day before the leaking reoccurs, minimally once a week. If it doesn't work, there is another medication we can try or a combination of the two pills.
Most importantly, to me anyway as she has already wiggled into my heart, Rick agrees that Pirate is not ready to be euthanized; that she has options and can still have a good quality of life.
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