Della has a tooth that needs to come out, a broken canine. I've known it since we first adopted her but it wasn't causing any problems. However, at her last routine visit the vet noticed that it was infected so it is time to get it removed. However, she also noticed that Della had developed a heart murmur that she didn't previously have. It was recommended that she be seen by a cardiologist prior to having the general anesthesia that would be required for the dental work. That was back in July, I believe, and I made the appointment right away. That appointment finally happened today.
I wasn't unduly worried about this, but several of Della's pups have developed cardiac problems, one of them quite severe. Della has always been healthy as a horse so I had always blamed the pups' absentee and unknown father for the defective cardiac genes. Now I wasn't so certain.
They took the dog in first to perform the exam. I was called in about 40 minutes later to meet with the specialist. The first words out of her mouth (and I really appreciated that), were something to the effect of "all good news." As the only veterinary cardiologist in town she had seen several of Della's offspring and was quick to assure me that Della did not suffer from the same type of problem and probably wasn't the genetic source of it either. (Thereby supporting my no-good, deadbeat daddy theory.)
She said that one of the valves in Della's heart had a slight leak, it wasn't closing fully, something that she described as being age-related. At 6-7 years of age, and being a giant breed, Della is approaching the time that age-related things can be expected to happen. But she said that she looked great, seemed very fit and healthy, and didn't recommend any activity restriction, medication, or anything other than possibly re-checking her in another six months to a year. Basically she was cleared to proceed with the anesthesia for the dental extraction and that's what we will do.
They said that she was very good throughout the process and I never doubted that. As long as everyone was paying attention to her, she's going to be good. It was a different sort of outing for us, and much more costly than a walk in the park, but I think she actually enjoyed it.
Della climbed in bed between us this morning when I wouldn't get up when she wanted.
Once she decides it's time we were up, nobody sleeps.
On the drive to the vet's office this afternoon.
Waiting outside.
After the exam and test, waiting for the vet to come in to talk to us.
On the drive back home.
p.s. Della weighed in at 114 pounds today.
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