Achilles and Stella's vet visit

[Mr Kleb]

Our seniors Achilles and Stella recently had their semi-annual vet check-in. We guess that Achilles is 11 years old and we know that Stella is coming up on 13. I'm pleased (and relieved!) to share good news.

At the weigh-in, Stella was at 31.6lbs and Achilles at 51.4, both right about the average of their usual weight range. Dr. Vallee came into the exam room and we decided that Achilles should go first - he's very much the easygoing boy. I didn't need hold his leash or otherwise restrain him. All is good - good clear heartbeat and breathing, ears fine, range of joint flexion very good. A slight blemish is that he was dealt a bad hand so to speak concerning how his teeth look. Though they can use a cleaning his teeth and gums are structurally in good condition.

I was a bit concerned about Stella. Some of you may remember the mouth miseries she endured this year - having eight teeth removed and several additional procedures to get gum tissue to heal over upper canine fistula. If you like, go here, here, here, and here for details. Dr. Vallee declared her mouth to be in great shape, no concerns there. Her range of joint motion is excellent for a twelve year old. I was concerned about a lump I had found behind her right shoulder. He palpated it, thought it most likely a lipoma, which seniors can be prone to. He took two aspirates; a quick visual of the smears suggested a lipoma. He ran cultures and called me after hours to confirm the lipoma diagnosis. Y'all who have seniors may agree that lipomas are not immediately alarming, more something to monitor. So I'll monitor it for any change in size, shape, feel, any other characteristic.

A small concern is that his ascultic (stethoscope) exam detected a faint heart murmur, indicative of of cardiac valvular disorder. The audible volume of the murmur is 1 on a scale of 1 to 6, 1 being barely detectable. It is most likely a mitrial valve imperfection, which is the most common kind. We discussed causes, effects, the almost certain slow progression of the condition. I've done some research and learned that this condition is found in older, smaller, and mixed breed dogs. There is no cure. No treatment is indicated or recommended now; like the lipoma it's a condition to monitor. For now we will monitor the progression; the vet and I have a reminder to do a follow-up in about six months.

We did no bloodwork; that will come early in the new year. We are blessed with sound, healthy pups. A very good gift for the holidays and good start to the new year.

[barry581]

Glad the seniors are doing so well!!!!!!

[Maxx&Emma]

Yay for good vet reports on Stella and Achilles!

[Scoutpout]

good news for your pups, especially after all Stella has been thru this year!

[Tanya]

always great to have a good vet visit with the older pup!

[Blackboy98]

Very good report I would say. A great gift indeed for the holidays.

[labsnewfy]

Good news for your senior babies.

[POPTOP]

With all that's going on with other pups on the board, this news is excellent. Certainly do know what it's like with seniors, every lump, every little misstep. With a good checkup all you can do is monitor and keep loving them and spoiling them.

So glad to hear the saga of Stella's tooth is over and she has healed.

[outrag]

There's nothing quite like walking out of the Vet's office relieved after worrying about so many things a senior might have wrong with them. It's nice to be able to relax and enjoy the moments you have with them.

Bob

[capra]

Great news! My Cilek - who is 11 years old - has two lipomas on her sides. No need to worry. As I now lipomas removed only when they restrict the movement of the dog, like if they are on the joints and they are big.