"Melinda Shore" wrote in message
...
In article . net,
Eric Vey wrote:
To Mention or not to mention. That is the question. I have it under
control. The vet will ask me what I am feeding him, and nod his head in
approval when I say what it is . . .
Should I say why?

I would - it's part of the dog's medical context. I haven't
yet run into a vet that will recommend a bunch of tests for
something that's under control, and you probably want to
check the poop for parasites if that hasn't been done,
anyway. But ultimately the vet can't force you to do
anything you don't want to do or think is a genuinely bad
idea. I tend to think it's in the best interest of the dog
for the vet to have the whole story.

That is what I would do.

I've had vets suggest tests primarily to determine just how concerned *I* am
about the issue. If I were concerned enough, they'd be willing to do them.
Basically, they were saying "this is available for a conclusive answer (we
hope)".

I've never had a vet object to my refusal of proposed tests if the dog was
stable - especially if the problem was in the past and is now seemingly
under control.

I probably wouldn't object to doing the worm tests - but I'm guessing
nothing will be found. You can always postpone them until you see some
indication of a change. It doesn't take an office appointment to drop off a
stool sample later.

Probably what I would do is bring it up as a part of the dog's history and
indicate what you have done and that you are satisfied that it's now under
control.
--
~~Judy
When life gives you lemons, ask for tequila and salt.

My dog has arthritis in her elbow as a result of an injury. Her vet
recommended Adequan injections ($500+ initially; $90/mo thereafter)
which we are holding off on. As an alternative he recommended
CosaminDS capsules available at Costco for about $65 for 230 capsules.
Each capsule has 500 mg glucosamine and 400 mg chondroitin. Vet said
it was the only glucosamine product that is laboratory tested. Dog
weighs 80 lbs and takes 4 capsules/day (vet set the dosage). She is
doing much better--only slight limp where before she would not put
weight on arthritis leg. YMMV

On Thu, 30 Sep 2004 02:00:05 GMT, Eric Vey wrote:

. I am giving him about 1/2 to 1/3 of a human dose based on
his weight -- 250mg per day.
Wal-mart has a great deal on Glucosomine capsules, BTW. 100 250mg
capsules for $7.50.

Tablets stink for this.

My dog has arthritis in her elbow as a result of an injury. Her vet
recommended Adequan injections ($500+ initially; $90/mo thereafter)
which we are holding off on. As an alternative he recommended
CosaminDS capsules available at Costco for about $65 for 230 capsules.
Each capsule has 500 mg glucosamine and 400 mg chondroitin. Vet said
it was the only glucosamine product that is laboratory tested. Dog
weighs 80 lbs and takes 4 capsules/day (vet set the dosage). She is
doing much better--only slight limp where before she would not put
weight on arthritis leg. YMMV

On Thu, 30 Sep 2004 02:00:05 GMT, Eric Vey wrote:

. I am giving him about 1/2 to 1/3 of a human dose based on
his weight -- 250mg per day.
Wal-mart has a great deal on Glucosomine capsules, BTW. 100 250mg
capsules for $7.50.

Tablets stink for this.