My poor dog. The most intimate details of his life posted here on Yelp.
We were out at the SSBB's family spread near Flora which is slightly west of BFE. The dog had been under the weather for a day or two but it got much, much worse out in the sticks. Let's just say that things became, shall we say, "explosive" even after zero food. After a quick phone call to Laurelhurst Vet it was confirmed Clavey needed to go to a vet, STAT.
I loaded him into the car and off we went to Enterprise, about 35 miles away. As soon as I got cell service, I pulled over and started googling vets. The first one I got through to was out of town. Red Barn answered and Dr. Zwanziger took the time to stay on the phone with and guide me, turn by turn, to his office located (surprise!) next to a red barn.
Since it was a Saturday I felt lucky that anyone was willing to see my dog - it's not like he's a regular patient. Dr. K (for Karl, I think Zwanziger doesn't really roll of some people's tongue) greeted me, opened up the clinic (he and his wife live in the adorable house next door) and got to work on C-Dog. He could tell from his gums that Clavey was slightly dehydrated but his temp was fine. By this point I was really starting to worry about my pooch. He'd become lethargic (those of you that know and love him know that he's quite the runner) and he's also 11, so....you know.
Dr. K started with a blood panel and pancreatic function test, after numerous questions about possible things Clavey could've eaten (did you know dogs can get steelhead poisoning? Me neither). I watch "Grey's Anatomy" y'all, pancreas trouble is no bueno. While those were going he pushed IV fluids in this weird way where they inflate air pockets under the skin and put a lot of fluid in fast. That way the animal doesn't have to sit around all day getting fluid.
The vet and I chatted as he was working. He went to WSU so we bonded over our respective magnificent football teams. Despite his Cougar allegiance, he was nice to Clavey, who is a Husky.
There was a cat in the back room meowing quite loudly, so I asked what its deal was. Dr. K said that he spays and neuters feral cats pro bono before they are sent to the ASPCA. Awesome, right? Check this: his wife saw the cat, decided that she wanted it and boom! Feral cat gets nice comfy home with his own personal vet.
After all the tests were done, Clavey was diagnosed with a moderate case of pancreatitis, probably something he ate. Our best guess of what he got into was something on the ground at Lindo Michoacan. Apparently the dog doesn't have the same tolerance to hot sauce as the cat. He was given a shot for pain and I was given two types of pills as well as a probiotic supplement and special food to treat him at home.
All you pet owners know that vet care isn't cheap and emergency vet care REALLY isn't cheap. After close to an hour and a half there I had steeled myself for a $600+ bill, especially with all the meds and tests. I calmly asked if they took cards (they do, all of them, except Discover) as he handed me the paperwork. Only $200! Are you kidding me?!
Dr. K, I think you should change your name to Dr. Doolittle. I have never been so impressed with a vet's "bedside" manner - calming and soothing to a very sick dog and a very worried owner. read more
