suja

Just thought I'd let you know about the Heska E.R.D. test that you had
mentioned, for Khan's possible kidney issue. I had a bunch of questions for
the vet, and talked to her yesterday. She said that they used this
particular test extensively when she was at Cornell, and her opinion is that
unless you do 3 tests over a 9 week period (3 weeks apart), and the results
are consistant over that period, the results are meaningless or difficult to
interpret. She said that she's spoken since with consulting internists, and
they're also of the opinion that the test has limited utility in the
diagnosis of kidney disease, and she's really rather do radiographs to
identify stones and as a baseline for a follow-up with an ultrasound.

I did ask her how they go about measuring blood pressure in dogs (which she
said would be a next step anyway, if his 12 hour water deprivation urine
still had low specific gravity). Shave dog above the wrist joint. Make
sure dog is not putting any weight on the leg. Use a doppler like device to
detect the heart rhythm, instead of a stethescope. The rest of the process
is pretty much like it is in humans. She said that she prefers to use the
front leg in both cats and dogs, although some cats can be "funny" about it,
and do better with tail (which is not her preference).

Suja

furpaw

Both Oppie and Chile have had their blood pressure measured in
the past few weeks, and I got to observe it with Chile. Talk
about a TINY cuff! It was about 1" wide and 4" long. They
measured it three times, and got values of 148, 152 and 160
(high, but not unusual in a vet office. They get concerned when
they are over 180). They only measure systolic, but not
diastolic pressure.

I don't understand why BP isn't routinely measured as part of the
dog's annual physical. It took about five minutes, from shave to
cuff removal. Our vet. ophthalmologist said that a significant
proportion of the eye problems he sees are due to high blood
pressure, and he thinks that that was the reason Oppie lost his
vision in one eye and was showing vascular engorgement in the
other one (and that had decreased a couple of weeks after he
started a BP med.)

We haven't had a urine SG check on Oppie since his LP surgery and
start on BP meds, but his drinking has dropped to a more
reasonable 4-5 cups of water per day. One data point.

FurPaw

--
My family values don't involve depleted uranium.

To reply, unleash the dog.

lynne

I'm going to start requesting BP checks at our annual visits, as
humiliating as the shaving part will be for the cats. My dog won't care,
and neither will I.

--
Lynne

buglady

.......my cat was old and ready to go any time. I think it's harder when you
have to look at a dead pet that looks like she'd been in close contact with
a weed whacker. Not rational, but there it is. Fortunately she lived long
enough to grow her hair back.

buglady
take out the dog before replying

lynne

There's nothing rational about losing a beloved pet...
My cats are young enough that I won't mind subjecting them to the
humiliation of a bad haircut, though the little one may not do well with
the stress of being shaved come to think of it. He's got FHV and stress is
bad bad bad for him.

It's a shame there isn't an easier way to measure bp in dogs and cats.
Maybe I can shave them at home first and that will make it less traumatic.

--
Lynne

buglady

.........I always wished (for cats especially) that they had a smaller
(narrower) shaver and could run a strip up both jugular veins rather than
use that big honking thing they use on dogs. Cats just do not like anyone
messin' with their fur. How about a shaver the size of a dremel tool? <g>

buglady
take out the dog before replying

lynne

You know, they have these tiny little shavers now for ladies faces...
The thing on the right here:

http://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-ES22...rves-Personal-
Groomer/dp/B00066Y0M2

I never saw a need for anything like that (and I hope I never will!), but I
wonder if they could get through cat fur? They are small and they look
quiet. Might be worth buying one just to test, and doG help me, I'll have
it if I ever need it for myself! <gasp>

--
Lynne

mauijnp

like this.......

http://tinyurl.com/4m6yk

lynne

oooh! That's nice, and there are replacement blades available. Good find.

--
Lynne

mauijnp

I actually own this one and I do like it. I use it for small spots, like
cleaning around the eyes, which of course, the poodles need frequently. You
can also do between toes, bottom of the feet and such but I usually just use
a scissors for that part (well, I use a scissors for the majority of the
grooming).