Shamas is doing very well today. The second ver was much better, as I had thought they'd be. They triaged me over phone, and got me in by 4pm.
The first vet had said that he'd need the split part removed under aenesthaetic because it was split to the bone and was very painful. He indicated that it could even cause infected or bruised bone tissue and was an emergency case. I'd need pain meds, and Shamas would need to be operated on to remove the split section of nail. It needed to be done right away because he was in pain. (this vet also has a reputation in my area for trying to get as much money out of people as possible, but he's cheap and conveniently located for emergencies) His invoices always include three or four things DECLINED, making me feel bad. Yesterday it was Metacam...yup, I came home reading an invoice that said I refused pain meds for a dog in pain. I didn't, It was mentioned that he needed them and then then the conversation went straight onto the antibiotics he wanted to put him on for the removal of the claw(I couldn't figure out why he'd need antibiotics, and THAT took a couple of minutes to explain)The whole time I'm getting flustered, Hubby annoyed, and Shamas more upset. then he grabs Shamas' leg to clip the claw, which he doesn't like. He hides beside dad to get away from the vet and now he's cornered. Vet grabs his leg again, not letting go this time and "growl......"
Wee decided on the way home that if indeed shamas DID need this operation, he was going to a vet that was not so forward. He didn't have any warning, and his tail tucked the minute the vet walked in the room.
At 4, we arrived at Firth, but we were waiting for the records from the morning to transfer over. The thing I like about Firth is they have a second waiting lounge....so when Shamas went over threshold at the arrival of a large, fearful dog, we were quickly ushered behind the closed glass doors, where we had an impromptu training session. I brought him out to see the puppy in mother's arm's when the waiting room was quiet again. At that point he was back below threshold and only wagging his tail. Calm, but letting out the occasional cry after a long look into the waiting room.
The appointment went very well- his nail hair was trimmed right back to the wick, to reveal that his nail is not as badly damaged as we thought....so it was filed, and we're to watch it, and put a sock on at night to avoid snagging. She didn't want to bandage it in our current wet weather, as that could cause an infection rather than prevent one. We're to watch it until it grows out.
The lump on his shoulder is still "wait and watch" 1cm, movable, not concerning
The lump under his belly is unconcerning- a hernia of the type puppies get, now evident because of his looser muscles
The changes in skin tones on his belly- just black spots. Maybe he's got some Shephard in him? Would also accoult for his black spots on his tongue
His weight is perfect at 69lbs
After the appointment, there was a small, hyper dog in the waiting room and Shamas went over threshold again. I quickly shut our door and the staff moved the other dog to the lounge this time. Shamas behaved well while I paid and I bought him a rawhide stick
I called the first vet this morning, updated his status, and had them put a note on his file to take it slow with him in the future. I won't always be able to get to Firth(transportation issues), and I don't want Shamas to fear Dr Rupee(he's within walking distance) permanently. so I'll only have him do routine things for a while.
