Hattie's Yearly MOT

[Charlie]

I took Hattie to the vet this morning for her annual vaccinations and MOT. Her weight is steady and spot on, teeth really good. Her fatty lumps have increased in size but still normal. Unfortunately her eyes have got worse, the cloudiness is far more obvious now, but I guess she's a year older so it's to be expected She is still coughing, my vet felt all round her throat, couldn't feel anything. She said as some dogs get older sometimes the larynx becomes slacker hence the coughing with ocassional phelgm being present which can cause the hacking. If her breathing becomes different, lack of appetite etc. or she deteriorates in any way she wants to see her for x-rays etc. Her tripping up has worried me for sometime, I have mentioned it to various vets but no real explanation, so I mentioned it again as she is tripping up sometimes up to 12 times on and off lead daily, ocassionally she really has to recover herself. The vet manipulated her joints, stretched her legs out, felt her shoulders, felt her toes, pads etc. nothing. I watched Hattie, no lip licking, no anxiety in her face or body language, she didn't show that she was in any discomfort, no yelping absolutely nothing. She said she is approaching 12 years old so she might be getting a little 'creeky'. We agreed that at the moment putting her through a battery of tests was uneccessary. I obviously will keep a close eye on her. I did forget to ask if maybe I should reduce the length of her walks, anyone have any thoughts?

The vet was extremely happy with her overall health, weight and condition, saying she was in excellent shape for an older lady.

That is the first time I have ever left the vets office for an annual checkup with tears in my eyes and with a sinking feeling in my tummy . I have never thought of Hattie as old but she is and I have to face that. She still runs around with her doggie friends and Charlie, plays like a pup, we still enjoy our lovely walks for 1 1/2 hours every day come rain or shine, she loves to do some training and learn new things. She still does her PAT work for 2 hours a week and attends Hospital events.

Anyway, sorry to waffle, I really wanted to just log this for my own benefit. Thank you xxx

 

[Emily_Babbelhund]

That is the first time I have ever left the vets office for an annual checkup with tears in my eyes and with a sinking feeling in my tummy .

Despite your very understandable sadness, it does sound like she is doing very well and herself not bothered in the least by ageing changes. Still loving life and playing with her friends.

About the walking, my take when Brogan was Hattie's age was to let him tell me. That meant we still did quite long walks, but sometimes we had to have a little rest in the middle, and he did get slower. For the most part, however, I sincerely believe that his long walks were what kept him going well past the normal lifespan for a Rottweiler.

 

[Selina27]

It sounds as though she is doing really well for her age, still enjoying an active and varied life that many younger dogs would envy I'm sure.

But...

That is the first time I have ever left the vets office for an annual checkup with tears in my eyes and with a sinking feeling in my tummy

 

[FayRose]

Ah, quite understand how you feel, horrid to see them get older isn't it, seems to happen too soon for our beloved little pups.

Anyway, just wanted to say that we had similar thing with BJ as he aged. His larynx became slack like that and sometimes he appeared to get his food stuck in his throat, causing spluttering and sometimes he'd throw up a bit. We found putting his dish on a low table so he didn''t have to bend down very far to eat helped.
He also, like your little Hattie, started to totter and go a bit wonky on is feet sometimes, just old age bless'em.

Long may Hattie continue to enjoy her buddies, even if she is slowing down and tottering a bit x

 

[edzbird]

Hattie is doing very well under you care. I understand what you say about being sad, thinking of Hattie as old, but she's not old, as long as she is enjoying her walks, her PAT visits, playing with Charlie, she is not old. And all this activity helps keep her young.

 

[MellowYellow]

Ah, dear Hattie... Try not to worry Helen, easily said I know, but it's all part of growing older. Big hugs to you and Hattie both. x

 

[HAH]

Huge hugs to you Helen; I know this is ahead of us, but can only empathise for now - it must be bittersweet to know she's doing so well but age marches on. Long may her fun and activity continue, I'm sure it will for a long time yet x

 

[Joy]

It is a sad time when we realise our lovely dogs are getting old, but it sounds as though the vet thinks she is in very good health for her age. If she's happy walking then I'd carry on and only start to go shorter distances when she gets stiff or shows reluctance.

 

[Plum's mum]

Dear, lovely Hattie.
I understand your sadness because she is so precious to you. I well up every now and then thinking of Plum not being around and she’s only 2! They are just so, so special and your adoration for Hattie shines through in every post.

 

[Heidrun]

I’m in the same boat Helen. Alice will be 12 in a couple of months and Caddie is just a year younger. The years have gone way too quickly!!

 

[Cath]

Hattie is doing so well. Try not to think of what the future will bring, just enjoy each day with lovely Hattie

 

[Jennifer]

It sounds like Hattie passed her MOT with flying colours Helen and she is such an angel letting the vet manipulate her and everything. Remember age is just a number. Ok maybe Hattie has the odd senior moment with her legs but she is still full of beans and enjoying herself which is all that matters. Keep doing what your doing. You and Hattie have such a special relationship she will let you know when she's ready for a change and don't worry you will know but I don't think things will be changing for a good while yet.

 

[Atemas]

Totally understand your feelings @ Charlie as I share the same for Sky. I would be guided by Hattie regarding walks . Sky has done 2 three mile walks this week - her choice, she has also refused two evening strolls where she does her sniffing - such extremes but that’s the way it is. So some days she has loads of exercise, other days nothing.

I get quite emotional about Sky some days but I have noticed DH does too so we are a right pair.

 

[Charlie]

Thanks everyone you have really helped me put things into perspective. I was having an emotional day. Hattie still has sooooo much energy and isn't slowing down at all and we go on beautiful long walks every day, in fact she puts a lot of younger dogs to shame I will just continue as we are, and as you say, be guided by her which is what I was going to do. I am extremely lucky to have her and I enjoy every waking moment with her. xx

 

[kateincornwall]

Such good news Helen, that your lovely girl is doing so well , enjoy every single day , try not to think of her age, but of her love of life which still shines through xxx

 

[snowbunny]

Ok maybe Hattie has the odd senior moment

Don't we all?

It sounds like she's doing really well. It's perfectly natural you worry more for her with each passing year, but that just proves what a special thing you have together.

 

[Cath]

Don't we all?

 

[Naya]

I think Hattie is amazing and I would very much be guided by her in terms of lenthg of walks x

 

[Jacqui-S]

Beautiful girl. She is doing good and has a mum who cares. Try not to worry xx

 

[Stacia]

Getting old is sad, but she may well go on until 17 x