Bill Arnold's Daily Straydog Log

MONDAY FEBRUARY 9 2004

Erin's update on Rudy: So far all the doctors are stumped

     All three tick disease tests have come back negative. I told Dr. Bronstad (of the Animal Diagnostic Clinic in Dallas) about Rudy's firm-looking stools, and the doctor is now stumped. "Could it be cancer?" I asked. Rudy's white blood cell count is good, the doctor said. Usually with cancer we see symptoms of sickness: lethargy, vomiting and diarrhea. Could it be that we aren't feeding Rudy enough for his exercise level? Let's see, what did Rudy weigh? The doctor found Rudy's chart and said that Rudy was at now at 46 pounds. This is seven or eight pounds more than he weighed two weeks ago. During this time we began feeding Rudy a third daily meal, and for the last few days (since seeing Dr. Bronstad) we have been giving Rudy a fourth meal. (So, let's weigh him again ASAP!)

     The doctor explained to me the amount of calories Rudy should be getting per day for a 60-pound dog. We'll calculate this and see if this matches what we are feeding Rudy at this time.

     "What about the 'funny-looking' stomach on the sonogram, and the lines showing on the colon or bowels on the sonogram?" I asked. This is subjective, the doctor said. Nothing definitive.

     We do have a consultation appointment this coming week with Dr. Aiken at Smith Ridge Clinic in New York, whom my mother, Pat Arnold, used to consult quite often. We normally talk to Dr. Aiken about every six to eight weeks and bring up many general questions. We've used her knowledge and insight for several of our dogs and recently with diabetic Julie, and our cancer patients, Anthony and Angel. It won't hurt to send her the blood work and sonogram and have her look them over too.

     Rudy just turned one year old. He may have hit a growing spurt or something, and just needs more calories! We don't know why he's different from his two brothers, who are fine with their intake of the calories they receive in their two meals a day, but we hope this is all it is!

Male pug (named Jimbo) goes in to be neutered; female pug (Jimbo's mother) has a bad cough

     Tina dropped them off at Morton Small Animal Clinic at 10:00 this morning. They should be ready this afternoon.

Jordan and Baby Girl go to the clinic for their second sarcoptic mange dip

     These two Labs, who were abandoned at the entrance to our driveway two weeks ago, are getting more and more healthy every day, and they are very happy dogs.

Puppies Holly and Grace are learning to dig

     They haven't dug out of their tiny puppy kennel yet, but they're getting closer every day.

Old man Toby (at least 11 years old) has fun playing with Puppy Dog Macy in the park

     These two have been playing together in the park during Macy's outing for the past few days. Toby's arthritis is so bad in his hips that he can hardly walk after tussling around with Macy, but he sure is enjoying playing with the young dog.